A television star of sorts received a grand welcome on her inaugural visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
MSC Meraviglia, the lead ship of MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-class vessels, arrived at the West Indian Company dock where company executives and cruise tourism stakeholders officially welcomed Captain Alessandro Galotto in a plaque exchange ceremony.
The ship’s construction was featured in the second episode of the Science Channel’s Building Giants television series.
“Cruise ship building is an intricate, precise and fascinating feat of engineering,” said Anthony A. Ottley, WICO president and CEO. “Seeing a ship assembled on television provides a level of awe, and MSC Meraviglia brings big star power. We are delighted to welcome her to our port.”
The $1 billion flagship was built in 2017 in Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazier, France.
Geneva-based MSC has committed to investing $10.2 billion for 11 new ships to increase the line’s market share in the cruise industry.
With one of the most extraordinary fleets in modern cruising, MSC Cruises is making a distinctive name for itself. Prior to booking, guests can choose from four experiences, each with increasing levels of access to amenities: Bella, Fantastica, Auria or — the ultimate — Yacht Club, which includes exclusive butler service and access to members-only areas onboard.
MSC Meraviglia’s 4,787 guests and 1,628 crew are on a 10-day excursion that includes stops in the Dominican Republic, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands before returning to New York City where the ship homeports.
Built: Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, St. Napier, France
Entered service: 2017
Port of Registry: Malta
Class: New Vista Project, Meraviglia class
Cost: $1 billion
Capacity: 5,642 passengers
Crew: 1,600
Weight: 171,598 tons
Length: 1,036 feet
Decks: 15 (passenger)
Speed: 22 knots
Godmother: Sophia Loren
