Madrid, December 5, 2018. MSC Cruises today announced the launch of two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, designed exclusively for passengers of the cruise line's new flagship, MSC Bellissima, which will enter service in March 2019. These two impressive shows will be called SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination and VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour.
The collaboration between MSC Cruises and Cirque du Soleil, which began in 2013, has revolutionized entertainment at sea. A total of eight original Cirque du Soleil at Sea, exclusively available on MSC Cruises' Meraviglia-class ships. The first Meraviglia class was launched in 2017, and the last will be inaugurated in autumn 2020. MSC Meraviglia was the first ship to debut the Cirque du Soleil at Sea with the June 2017 premiere of two shows: VIAGGIO and SONOR. Work is already underway for MSC Grandiosa, which will begin sailing in November of next year, and MSC Virtuosa, whose inaugural season is scheduled for October 2020.
Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented: “The collaboration with Cirque du Soleil is very special. With the creation of Cirque du Soleil at Sea, we sought to offer our passengers the best live entertainment on board a ship, and above all, something they can't see anywhere else in the world. As a family-owned company, all our partnerships are based on the same values and share the same mission: they are true collaborations, from start to finish. With Cirque du Soleil at Sea, we wanted to give our entertainment offering an even more innovative touch. We began with the custom design and construction of a state-of-the-art lounge, a unique space at sea, and then moved on to the creative process of the shows. We were involved in every stage of this process: from the initial idea to the final performance.”
Yasmine Khalil, Executive Producer of Cirque du Soleil and President of 45 DEGREES, stated: “We are thrilled to be setting sail on our second MSC Cruises ship and that the Cirque du Soleil at Sea adventure is off to a great start. We couldn't have asked for a better partnership. Here, thanks to the Carousel Lounge, the specially built space for these shows, our artists can unleash their creativity and continue to push the boundaries of entertainment at sea. VIAGGIO and SONOR were our first two shows on MSC Meraviglia. Now, Cirque du Soleil continues to reinvent itself and presents two new shows exclusively for MSC Bellissima that will offer audiences an intimate and immersive experience, promising a completely new voyage for MSC Cruises passengers. We look forward to sharing more details about these two new shows very soon.”
TWO UNPRECEDENTED AND VERY DIFFERENT SHOWS THAT WILL SURPRISE AND FASCINATE THE PASSENGERS OF MSC BELLISSIMA
Pierfrancesco Vago added: “It’s incredible that we’re going to create eight original shows together, two for each of the four Meraviglia-class cruise ships. Every element of each show is unique: from the original concept, the storyline, the characters, the costumes and makeup, to the music, the staging, and the sound effects. This is unprecedented in the cruise industry. Passengers can experience spectacular, original, and truly incredible Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, exclusively on board our Meraviglia-class ships.”
SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination – takes us on the epic journey of a young sailor brimming with imagination. In his incredible adventure, he braves the elements, plunges into turbulent waters, and discovers the mysterious island of his dreams, inhabited by fantastical, colorful creatures. We all carry our own imaginary island within us, so what are you waiting for? SYMA awaits you. Immersive video visuals, original set design, bioluminescent lighting, and acrobatics make SYMA an unforgettable spectacle.
VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour – puts a futuristic spin on a traditional medieval tale. It tells the unusual love story, fraught with difficulties, between a violet-skinned princess and a charming blind hero. Their romance is thwarted by a villain who, driven by rage, kidnaps the princess. With the help of his friends, the brave young hero devises a plan to rescue his beloved. Be captivated by the acrobatic feats, laser show, and exceptional set design of this futuristic medieval fairy tale.
A STATE-OF-THE-ART ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
The Carousel Lounge welcomes over 400 passengers each evening. Designed exclusively for leisure, this lounge takes into account the specific needs of the Cirque du Soleil at Sea. This space offers MSC Cruises passengers immersive and intimate shows where the audience forges a direct connection with the performers. With an investment of €20 million each, the lounge features state-of-the-art technology and specialized technical equipment, providing passengers with captivating and unforgettable experiences. The fully rotating stage is located at the center of the lounge, and seating surrounds it completely to maximize the audience's viewing experience.
The central stage also rotates, so audience members can view the action from different angles at each performance. Another key element of this impressive stage design is its 40-meter-long LED screen, which is used in every show to create an immersive experience. Cirque du Soleil is renowned for its aerial acts, so a special space has been created for the artists to perform their breathtaking acrobatics. The shows on board MSC Bellissima will feature exciting new special effects.
Located at the stern of the ship on Deck 7, the Carousel Lounge offers breathtaking ocean views. Passengers can enjoy these views and pre- show while dining or sipping cocktails before the performance begins.
FINAL PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY
The cast of the new shows is made up of artists who, after training at the Cirque du Soleil studio in Montreal, Canada, will depart for the MSC Bellissima, where the final preparations are underway. The selection of artists has been meticulous to ensure that each one possesses exceptional performance skills and meets the specific needs of both shows. All the artists have received training to meet the high standards expected of any member of Cirque du Soleil.
RESERVATION INFORMATION
Passengers can pre-book their Cirque du Soleil at Sea and enjoy special pricing, or purchase them on board the cruise ship if tickets are still available. Passengers can also reserve a three-course meal served before the show (€35). A true treat for the palate. Alternatively, they can enjoy a special cocktail (€15) and the entertainment offered for half an hour before the Cirque du Soleil at Sea.
