Favolosa Set For June 2012

MSC had initially announced plans for two more ships in the 93,000-ton Magnifica class in 2011 and ’12, but this has now given way to just one new vessel, slightly larger than the current Fantasia class, for delivery in two years by the STX Shipyard in St Nazaire.     

Company CEO Pierfrancesco Vago said: “We are immensely proud to announce the signature of a letter of intent for the building of MSC Favolosa. At a time when many companies are cautious about investing, with this announcement MSC Cruises once again signals the record-breaking extent of its ambition.

“The new ship will bring our capacity to 1,400,000 passengers in 2013, confirming both the success of our strategy and our confidence in further growth. This is also a demonstration of our faith in the STX Europe shipyard, which we are delighted to be able to support in these challenging times. We would like to thank all parties involved in making this initiative possible.”

Measuring 1,094ft in length and 125ft in beam, Favolosa will have a total of 1,751 cabins (up from 1,637 on Fantasia and Splendida) and will be able to travel at up to 23.7 knots. Thanks to award-winning architects De Jorio Design International, the new addition will herald a state-of-the-art concept in space management, which will include two additional lifts to improve passenger flow and a total redesign of decks and restaurants to offer guests higher comfort levels and the fleet’s highest space ratio.

The MSC Yacht Club – the “ship within a ship” offering a concierge-class of extra amenity accommodation, service and privacy – will also be enlarged and redesigned, as well as the Aft Lounge, the adults-only area surrounding the Aft Infinity Pool, the casino and disco. Substantial eco-investments will include more efficient evaporators, chillers, a new generation of propulsion motors and an additional bow thruster to improve maneuverability.

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