As of 01APR, MSC Cruises has opened sales for MSC Euribia, the line’s second LNG-powered vessel, due to launch in early JUN 2023 once construction is complete at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France. The ship will spend its inaugural season sailing in Northern Europe from the German port of Kiel.
MSC Euribia will offer seven-night itineraries sailing to the Norwegian Fjords with weekly departures from Kiel, featuring calls including Copenhagen, Denmark; Hellesylt, Norway for the Geirangerfjord; Alesund and Flam, also in Norway; and others.
According to the cruise line, all Voyagers Club members booked aboard MSC Euribia will benefit from their usual 5 per cent discount plus a further 5 per cent booking discount and enjoy double Voyagers Club points. In addition, Silver, Gold and Diamond members also benefit from a USD $50 per person on onboard credit.
Hull Design Winner Revealed
New Silhouette, Hull Art
MSC Euribia will strike a different silhouette than its sister ships in the Meraviglia-Plus class, with exclusive artwork designed to highlight MSC Cruises’ commitment to the sea.
The line held an international design competition through Talent House to create a unique work of art for the ship’s hull inspired by the sea and its marine ecosystem.
According to MSC, designs from 59 countries were submitted and the winner, German artist Alex Flaemig, was revealed on 01APR. Flaemig's artwork will grace the ship’s exterior permanently, and highlights MSC's ongoing commitment to the environment and its pledge to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050. The five finalists from the competition will have their designs displayed on board the ship in a new gallery.
“The contest to design the hull for our latest LNG ship was launched to help us communicate our unwavering commitment to the environment as this ship sails the world. Mr. Flaemig’s design perfectly captured this message of passion and dedication to preserving the marine environment and its complex ecosystem and delivers a strong call to action to everyone who sees this ship to save the seas,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group.
The winner Alex Flaemig commented, “In order to make people even more aware of this unique underwater world with its precious life, I have graphically placed a small section of this ecosystem on the hull of the MSC Euribia. What was important to me was not only the representation of the underwater world, but also a message about how it should be preserved.”
Flaemig's #SaveTheSea design showcases the marine ecosystem and weaves together the colors of the MSC Cruises and MSC Foundation logos, creating a gradient effect that paints sea fauna and flora across the hull.
The winning artwork was selected by a panel of international judges including sand artist Jben, known for his large-scale sand frescoes that wash away with the tide; architect Martin Francis; and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group.
Environmental Features of MSC Euribia
As the second LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, MSC Euribia marks another step forward in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. LNG technology plays a role toward MSC's climate change mitigation and will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25 per cent on MSC Euribia, compared to standard fuels, while "virtually eliminating" other air emissions.
As bio and synthetic fuels become available, the cruise line says MSC Euribia’s emissions will be further reduced. "LNG is key to the development of low carbon solutions for shipping, as emerging technologies such as fuel cells can be operated with LNG until zero emissions bio-LNG or green hydrogen become available at scale," MSC Said.
The company is actively involved in several projects to develop and make these technologies viable in partnership with regulators, academia, shipyards and industry. This includes a project to study the use of hydrogen fuel in cruise ships in partnership with Fincantieri and SNAM, as well as a pilot project for the development of solid oxide fuel cell technology for cruise ships with Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Bloom Energy.
In addition, MSC Euribia will utilize an "advanced" wastewater treatment system, as well as an underwater radiated noise management system to minimize the effects of vibrations on marine life. Multiple energy efficiency features help reduce and optimize engine use.
MSC Cruises is committed to powering at least three upcoming ships with LNG, representing a total investment exceeding EUR 3 billion.
More About MSC Euribia
MSC Euribia is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to sail the seas.
As a Meraviglia-Plus ship, MSC Euribia will a variety of experiences and amenities, including:
- An enhanced MSC Yacht Club, with private facilities and accommodations including a panoramic lounge, gourmet restaurant, private pool, and sun deck
- MSC for Me – the multi-channel digital experience
- A choice of 10 restaurants and 21 bars, including specialty restaurant options
- A 945-seat theatre and the Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship
- Kids’ facilities including LEGO play areas and a Chicco baby club
- 360-foot-long Mediterranean promenade lined with boutiques bars and restaurants, topped with an LED sky screen with animations throughout the day and night
- Five swimming pools including a pool with retractable roof and a 10,000-square-foot aquapark
- The MSC Aurea Spa with full range of treatments and the MSC Gym by Technogym
For more information on MSC Cruises, visit its web site.
