Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

9 4 E nvironmental performance takes centre stage in several of the biggest cruise newbuilds. Delivered in July 2021, MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC Seashore is the company’s first ‘Evo’ ship, its second newbuild to come into service in 2021 and the third of four in the Seaside class. The ship features advanced innovative environmental technology and has one of the highest ratios of. outdoor space per guest of any ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. Trevor Young, vice president of newbuilding at MSC Cruises, told CFR : “MSC Seashore is an evolution of the Seaside prototype with 65 per cent of the public areas reimagined. We have designed brand new venues, optimised other parts of the ship and worked on different spaces to create new experiences for our guests.” Despite delays to the delivery pipeline due to Covid-19, new ships for Carnival Corporation’s brands arriving this year are reinforcing its eco profile. AIDA Cruises’ LNG-powered AIDAcosma (sister ship for the fuel’s cruise pioneer AIDAnova) entered service in the spring. Highlights of the 20-deck ship include a bouldering wall, a large pool area with waterslides, an indoor playground and a running track, as well as an infinity pool and a sea-view sauna. Meanwhile, Costa Cruises’ Costa Toscana is scheduled to set sail in late 2021. The sister ship of Costa Smeralda, Toscana is also powered by LNG, both while in port and at sea. The 185,010gt ship features premium sports facilities and will be one of the largest cruise ships in the world, measuring 337 metres in length with capacity for over 6,554 passengers. Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess, built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard, will be delivered in spring 2022. The sixth and final Royal-class ship and the third Medallion-class vessel will offer 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies at sea. Speaking to CFR , Mario Siebaldi, senior vice president of guest experience and product development at Princess Cruises, said: “Italian craftsmanship, from ship design to creating unique experiences, is a legacy on every Princess ship. Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria on Discovery Princess reflects this with CRUI SE ORDER BOOK High-tech expedition craft and mega ships dominate the order book, signalling a confident return to business. Michele Witthaus reports Bigger, safer, smarter Silversea’s new Silver Dawn is in the final stages of construction at Fincantieri’s yard