MSC Cruises plans to take key title back from Royal Caribbean
A dominant cruise line in Europe, MSC Cruises is relatively new to North America, but determined to quickly establish itself as a cruise line of choice for Americans.
Related: Cruise lines face new passenger fee; MSC Cruises brings new thrill
The Switzerland-based global cruise line is propelling forward with a major initiative to establish a strong U.S. footprint, and Royal Caribbean cruisers are a key target audience.
If that wasn't already clear, this year's launch of MSC World America proved it.
MSC World America is MSC's answer to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. Both megaships sail seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami featuring huge thrills and an emphasis on spaces and experiences for kids and families.
While Royal Caribbean remains a top choice among U.S. cruisers, MSC Cruises is winning over many by offering cruises at a lower price point than most cruises on Icon of the Seas and newer Royal Caribbean ships.
But lower prices aren't the only tactic MSC is using to attract Royal Caribbean cruisers.
As MSC Cruises has made moves to compete directly with the cruise lines best known for offering thrilling vacation experiences, it's fueled a growing war of cruise ship thrill rides.
That war includes an ongoing battle between Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises for one key title when it comes to cruise ship thrills: world's longest dry slide at sea.
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In late 2022, MSC Cruises claimed the world's longest dry slide at sea title from Royal Caribbean as it launched its first World Class ship, MSC World Europa, sister ship to MSC World America.
MSC World Europa's 250-foot Venom Drop slide surpassed the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide featured on most of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships. Royal Caribbean didn't appreciate being one-upped and took the title back by introducing a taller, 259-foot Ultimate Abyss slide on Utopia of the Seas when it launched in 2024.
Now, MSC Cruises wants the title back.
Related: MSC Cruises bets on a new kind of entertainment
The cruise line has revealed that its next World Class ship, MSC World Asia, which launches in the Mediterranean in late 2026, will be the next ship to claim the title of longest dry slide at sea.
MSC World Asia's dry slide, Tree of Life @The Spiral, will surpass all those designed before it at 266.7 feet and spanning 12 decks. Inspired by the trees in Singapore's famous Gardens by the Bay, the slide will also be a striking architectural feature of the ship's World Promenade - an open-air space at the heart of the ship featuring dining venues and entertainment options paired with ocean views.
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The recently launched MSC World America also features a dry slide - the 11-deck-high Jaw Drop - as well as standout thrill ride Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea.
MSC Cruises' innovative cruise ship thrill rides also include Robotron, the first robotic arm ride at sea, featured on MSC Seascape. The ride offers a roller coaster-like experience that flips and spins riders as they soar nearly 175 feet above the sea. MSC will soon bring the unique thrill ride to a new U.S. market as MSC Seascape begins sailing from Galveston, Texas, for the first time in November.
Related: MSC Cruises is coming for Royal Caribbean's title
Like Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises has a robust new ship pipeline, and more thrills are sure to come as the cruise line continues to rapidly grow its fleet. In May, the cruise line signed an order for two more World Class ships to complement the four already delivered or under construction. With the addition of these new ships, the MSC Cruises fleet will expand to 27 ships by 2030.
Those plans include a new ship that will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, beginning in 2027, alongside Royal Caribbean's upcoming Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas.
In addition to expanding its World Class, MSC Cruises is expected to soon reveal plans for a new and even bigger class of ships that will claim the world's largest cruise ship title from Royal Caribbean's Icon Class.
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