MSC Cruises will deploy a 2nd ship to China in order to meet growing demand.
From May 2018 MSC Splendida will serve the Chinese market following dry dock refurbishment planned for next year.
The 4,363-passenger ship, built in 2009, will call at popular cruise destinations in Japan, Korea and China. Itinerary details are yet to be revealed.
The move follows opening of an MSC office in Shanghai with new management and operations team. According to the line, at 137,936 GT, MSC Splendida will be one of the biggest, most modern vessels operating in the region.
The ship will join MSC Lirica, operating from China since May. Lirica recently moved its homeport to Tianjin, to serve north China market during winter months.
MSC Splendida will also introduce the MSC Yacht Club concept ‘to China.