MSC Grandiosa, the first Meravigla plus class vessel of MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise shipping company, has been floated out at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the cruise line said in a statement.

“She has now been moved to a wet dock, where work on the ship will continue until her delivery in October 2019, the company said. The ship will the first of three Meraviglia plus class units in its fleet and it will also become the fifth ship to enter MSC Cruises’ fleet in just two and a half years. “As part of MSC Cruises’ fleet expansion plan, the Company is due to take delivery of another 12 next-generation cruise ships by 2027,” the company said.

Novelties on MSC Grandiosa include an even larger Mediterranean-style promenade that serves as the social hub of the ship. Amongst other specialty restaurants it will feature a new bar and lounge, L’Atelier Bistrot, offering lounge seating with a stage and a dance floor, impressionist art on display and terrace seating with Parisian Bistrot tables and chairs.

Following MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa will become the second MSC Cruises ship to feature Zoe, the cruise industry’s first digital cruise personal assistant, as a new feature of MSC for Me. This service will provide guests with a simple and stress-free way to receive information that is traditionally provided at the Guest Relations desk.

MSC Grandiosa will be delivered to MSC Cruises on 31 October and will start regular sailings from Genoa, Italy on 16 November 2019. Sales for MSC Grandiosa cruises are already open, the company said.