Europe’s biggest cruise ship embarks on maiden voyage
Europe’s biggest cruise ship has left on its maiden voyage, departing from its dock in Saint-Nazaire, Brittany.
The MSC Meraviglia, which cost $1 billion, measures 37.5 metres tall and 300 metres long.
The ship holds 5,714 passengers, boasts 19 decks and has been dubbed as the world’s first “smart ship” due to MSC Cruises inclusion of high technology throughout the ship.
It has the world’s biggest LED dome at sea, augmented reality mirror and virtual reality experiences. Daily cruise newsletters have been forgotten on this ship and instead guests book excursions, shows and restaurants on one of the 300 interactive screens on board.
Children on board also have a smart bracelet where parents can track them via an app on their phone.
The shopping precinct also embraces new technology with augmented reality boards which allow guests to try on different clothes without stripping in a changing room.
A highlight of the ship is the Cirque du Soleil show which will be performed for the first time at sea.
The show occurs in the ship’s Carousel Lounge, a custom-designed performance space which includes a 180-degree circular glass wall that is fitted with high-tech equipment.
The ship also includes an aqua park with several swimming pools, an amusement park and a zipline which runs along the length of the ship.
For the adults, there is a 25-metre swimming pool with no children allowed.
The ship has attracted a lot of attention – French President Emmanuel Macron was one of the guests that waved the ship off as it departed on Wednesday.
The ship will sail the Mediterranean until 2019 and then it will sail to Miami to offer Caribbean cruises.
Cabins can be booked via their website.