While the MSC Grandiosa isn’t a car, this huge cruise ship is a major stroke in the world of transportation, showcasing how sea travel can shape global mobility, tourism, and technology. Its features and design are as impressive as many leading vehicles in other transport sectors, making it a remarkable example in maritime engineering.
Basic Facts and Passenger Experience
Launched in 2019, the MSC Grandiosa is part of the Meraviglia Plus class and stands out for its size, passenger capacity, and modern amenities. This ship can accommodate up to 6,334 passengers across 2,421 cabins and employs around 1,704 crew members to serve guests from around the world. The ship features 19 decks, with 15 dedicated to passengers, and is designed with entertainment, dining, and relaxation in mind, making it akin to a floating city.
Impressive Dimensions and Engineering
MSC Grandiosa has a gross tonnage of 181,541 tons and measures 331.43 meters (1,087.4 feet) in length, with a beam of 43 meters (141 feet). Its height reaches 65 meters (213 feet), and it boasts a maximum speed of over 22 knots (about 25 mph/41 km/h). This incredible size allows for spacious public areas, including large open pools, whirlpools, and even a Himalayan Bridge, a suspension bridge for adventurous guests on the top deck.
Technical Specifications and Innovations
- Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France
- Propulsion: Diesel/electric system featuring powerful Wärtsilä engines and ABB pod drives
- Environmental technology: Advanced Water Treatment, energy-saving systems, LED lighting, and emissions scrubbersscribd
- Stabilized with two fins for smooth sailing
- 32 elevators (including panoramic options)
- Multiple pools, whirlpools, and luxurious spa amenities
- Advanced onboard wireless technology and interactive screens throughout
Powertrain and Engines
The MSC Grandiosa is powered by a state-of-the-art diesel-electric system that ensures efficient and reliable operation for long cruises. The primary engines are manufactured by Wärtsilä, a leading maker of marine propulsion equipment.
- The ship features four diesel engines: two 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 12V46F, each producing 14,400 kW at 600 rpm, and two 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 16V46F, each delivering 19,200 kW at 600 rpm.
- The total installed power is an impressive 67,200 kW (about 90,156 horsepower).
- These large marine engines have considerable cylinder displacement, optimized for sustained cruising and efficiency, though specific displacement figures are not publicly listed for these models.
Propulsion and Transmission System
The MSC Grandiosa uses a modern diesel-electric transmission setup:
- Each engine generates electrical energy that powers two ABB Azipod propeller units, each with a maximum output of 19,200 kW (25,756 horsepower).
- Azipods are steerable and located outside the main hull, offering superb maneuverability and efficiency in varying sea conditions.
- The propellers are five-bladed and electronically controlled for optimal power delivery.rivieramm+1
Fuel System and Environmental Features
- The vessel’s fuel tanks have a maximum capacity of about 4,256 cubic meters, providing extended range between refueling stops.
- Grandiosa is fitted with advanced hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) that reduce sulphur oxide emissions by 97% and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80%.
- The diesel-electric setup is complemented by efficient boilers, heat recovery systems, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to minimize environmental impact.mscpressarea+1
- The fuel system is designed for flexibility and safety, supporting both conventional marine diesel and future upgrades to cleaner alternatives.
By blending high engine output and advanced propulsion technology, the MSC Grandiosa moves thousands of passengers while minimizing its ecological footprint, proving its role as a leader in modern maritime transportation.rivieramm+1
Features That Set It Apart
- Spacious promenade with a digital sky
- Exclusive MSC Yacht Club for luxury travelers
- HOLA! Tapas bar by a Michelin-starred chef
- Contemporary entertainment venues and high-tech conference rooms
- Designed for environmental responsibility and guest comfort
The MSC Grandiosa is a testament to the evolution of transport on water—it’s not simply about getting from point A to point B, but about experiencing luxury, technology, and sustainability in motion.
MSC Grandiosa technical specifications
- Ship name: MSC Grandiosa
- Class: Meraviglia Plus class
- Builder and yard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
- Year delivered / entered service: 2019
- Flag state / registry: Malta (Port of registry: Valletta)
- IMO number: 9803613
- Dimensions and tonnage:
- Length overall: 331.43 m (1,087.4 ft)
- Beam: 43 m (141 ft)
- Air draft: approx. 75.5 m (248 ft)
- Draft (max): approx. 8.75 m
- Gross tonnage (GT): ~181,541
- Net tonnage (NT): ~172,605
- Deadweight (DWT): ~13,610
- Capacity:
- Passenger capacity (maximum): 6,334 guests
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): approx. 4,842
- Crew: approx. 1,700–1,704
- Total cabins: 2,421 (including 60 accessible cabins)
- Decks: 19 total, 15 dedicated to guests
- Elevators: 32 (including panoramic and Yacht Club access)
- Propulsion and performance:
- Service speed: ~18 knots
- Maximum speed: ~22–23 knots
- Propellers/drive: twin propellers driven by electric motors
- Bow thrusters: multiple high‑power units to aid maneuvering
- Stabilizers: 2 retractable fin stabilizers
- Power generation and machinery:
- Main engines: medium‑speed diesel engines (Wärtsilä 46F series configuration), turbocharged
- Total installed power (approx.): >60 MW for hotel and propulsion power generation combined
- Electric propulsion motors: twin units, high‑efficiency, vibration‑damped
- Auxiliary systems: diesel generators, exhaust gas boilers and heat‑recovery systems
- Tank capacities and utilities:
- Fuel capacity: approx. 4,200–4,300 m³ (heavy fuel oil / marine gas oil depending on operating profile)
- Potable water: onboard desalination via reverse osmosis (RO) and evaporators; large buffer storage
- Wastewater: segregated gray and black water collection with advanced treatment prior to discharge (in compliance with international regulations)
- HVAC: centralized chilled‑water systems sized for full tropical operation
- Electrical supply in cabins: 110/220–230 V outlets
- Environmental technology:
- Exhaust gas cleaning systems (closed‑loop scrubbers)
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for NOx reduction
- Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) meeting stringent discharge standards
- Energy monitoring and optimization systems, LED lighting throughout
- Safety and subdivision:
- Watertight compartments: multi‑zone subdivision with numerous watertight sections
- Fire zones: SOLAS‑compliant detection, suppression, and redundancy
- Lifesaving appliances: lifeboats and life rafts sized for full complement with redundancy
- Hotel and public spaces:
- Public areas: approx. 35,000 m² within a total internal surface of roughly 460,000 m²
- Signature venues: Galleria Grandiosa LED‑canopy promenade, Aqua Park, Sportplex, multiple specialty restaurants
- Accommodation types: interior, ocean‑view, balcony, suites, duplex suites, MSC Yacht Club with private areas