This afternoon, the latest addition to the MSC Cruises fleet, the MSC Meraviglia , will be christened in a ceremony attended by Sophia Loren, the iconic film star and godmother of all MSC Cruises ships. With a gross tonnage of 171,598 and a capacity for 5,714 passengers, the MSC Meraviglia is the largest ship ever built by a European cruise line (MSC Cruises) and also the largest of those entering service this year.
MSC Cruises will host the event in Le Havre, which will include performances by leading international artists and an exclusive gala dinner for special guests, dignitaries, key partners in the travel industry, global media, and senior executives from MSC Cruises and its parent company, the MSC Group. Gianluigi Aponte, founder and executive chairman of the MSC Group, and owner of the ship, will attend the event along with the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families.
“We are ambitious for the future. MSC Meraviglia marks the beginning of the second phase of growth for our company,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. “For this reason, everyone at MSC Cruises is extremely proud to be attending the christening of the first of our next-generation ships this afternoon.” “The six new ships we are building, which will enter service between 2017 and 2020, have been specially designed and incorporate innovations in both product and design, as well as cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable holidays at sea for passengers of all ages. MSC Meraviglia is the first to realize this vision, setting a new standard that transforms cruise ships into destinations in themselves.”
MSC Meraviglia is the company's new flagship and the 13th addition to the MSC Cruises fleet. Both the ship and tonight's event have been inspired by the wonders of the world, as "Meraviglia" literally means wonder. The christening ceremony itself will be hosted by one of Europe's most famous comedians, Gad Elmaleh. The audience will also be treated to a performance by renowned artist Patrick Bruel, who will perform a selection of his greatest hits. UNICEF Kids United Goodwill Ambassadors will perform to represent a diverse world, promoting peace and tolerance.
The highlight of the evening will be the parade of the ship's officers and the moment when Sophia Loren cuts the ribbon and christens MSC Meraviglia with the traditional crescendo and fireworks. Ms. Loren has maintained a close relationship with MSC Cruises for over a decade, and as the MSC Cruises fleet grows, she continues to christen each and every new ship, reflecting the company's belief not only in loyalty but also in Loren's unparalleled beauty, talent, and elegant style—the same attributes that distinguish every aspect aboard an MSC Cruises ship.
The event will conclude with a delicious VIP gala dinner prepared by two-Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze. MSC Cruises and Chef Darroze are already exploring a collaboration that will extend beyond this evening.
These are some of the exclusive features that distinguish MSC Cruises' flagship:
- World-class entertainment by Cirque du Soleil.
- The widest range of dining options of any MSC Cruises ship, with 12 restaurants and 20 bars.
- The family deck area includes a new entertainment offering and modern facilities for the whole family.
- MSC for Me, the new digital experience designed to help passengers make the most of their vacation by connecting them with their favorite experiences
- MSC Yacht Club, with new features and luxury accommodations with private facilities and 24-hour butler service.
- The longest LED screen that can be seen at sea, measuring 80 meters long.
- Comfortable and innovative accommodations that adapt to all needs, with 10 different types of cabins to choose from.
MSC Meraviglia will make its maiden voyage from Le Havre to Genoa on June 4, before commencing its summer route from Barcelona on June 9. MSC Meraviglia will have six embarkation ports in the Western Mediterranean, including the popular Genoa, Marseille, and Barcelona, as well as other highly regarded Mediterranean destinations such as Naples, Messina (Sicily), and Valletta (Malta).
