The traditional maritime ritual, where two coins are placed within the ship’s keel as a blessing, was performed by the ship’s godmothers – Monica Somma, MSC retail category manager and Jolette Vincenzi, Fincantieri production manager – at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone on Thursday (24 June).

MSC Seascape, like its sister ship MSC Seashore, is designed to "connect guests with the sea" through the ships "innovative" design features. 

Scheduled to enter service in November 2022, the ship will be able to accommodate 5,877 guests, with 2,270 cabins, 11 dining venues,19 bars and lounges and, six swimming pools.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC, said: "When she joins our fleet, MSC Seascape will generate meaningful economic impact not only for the shipbuilding industry and its entire supply chain but for all the ports and destinations the she reaches, strengthening coastal tourism and supporting the vital economic recovery of local communities."

Each of the ship’s four engines has been fitted with catalytic reduction systems, which MSC says will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions "by up to 90%".