Madrid, May 9, 2019 – Exactly six months before the inauguration of MSC Grandiosa on November 9 in the port of Hamburg, MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Gulf, has announced new developments regarding the presentation events for this new ship from the Swiss-based company.
MSC Grandiosa is the third ship in the innovative Meraviglia generation and the first in the Meraviglia-Plus class. It will become the fifth new-generation ship launched by MSC Cruises in just two and a half years as part of the company's €13.6 billion investment plan spanning more than 10 years. MSC Grandiosa will be followed by 12 more ships by 2027, including its sister ship, MSC Virtuosa, which will be launched in October 2020.
The Meraviglia-class ships have been designed to meet all the needs of today's cruiser. Their striking design, wide range of amenities, and extensive entertainment options make them ideal for the whole family. Built for year-round sailing, they can call at most major international cruise ports worldwide.
MSC Grandiosa will become the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. It's worth noting that the Meraviglia-Plus class will feature upgraded ships with more cabins, more public spaces, and some new features. Some of the highlights include:
- Designed as a year-round ship, MSC Grandiosa will spend the winter in the Western Mediterranean, with Barcelona as its home port, just like all the new ships the company is launching, such as MSC Bellissima, in service since last March, and MSC Seaview, unveiled in 2018. Winter is a fantastic season to discover destinations like Palermo, Marseille, or Valletta, with fewer tourists and ideal weather for exploring, starting from €349 from Barcelona (with departures every Thursday from November 28, 2019, to March 26, 2020).
- The iconic Mediterranean Promenade will be the heart of the ship. Under a 98.5-meter-long LED canopy, passengers can enjoy a diverse entertainment program, as well as numerous shopping and dining options.
- Specialty restaurants are located in this area. Spanish cuisine will have a strong presence thanks to HOLA! Tapas Bar, the new restaurant from two-Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa, the result of a collaboration between the company and the chef, who is already featured on the MSC Bellissima and MSC Meraviglia ships. MSC Grandiosa also includes the new L'Atelier Bistrot restaurant concept, a French-inspired bar with a lounge area, which also offers a stage, a dance floor, and a terrace.
- MSC Grandiosa takes the onboard shopping experience to a new level, and the indoor promenade will be the star of that experience. Here, in mall-style boutiques, guests will find their favorite brands of clothing, jewelry, technology, and much more, at unbeatable prices.
- The highlights of the entertainment offering will be two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows. These shows are created by the world leader in live entertainment, Cirque du Soleil, as part of its collaboration with MSC Cruises.
- MSC Grandiosa will feature the world's first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE. This AI-powered passenger service will answer travelers' questions from the comfort of their cabins. Another innovative feature that will enhance the connected cruise experience is MSC for Me.
International star Michelle Hunziker, host of the gala
Another detail revealed by MSC Cruises this morning was the selection of television star Michelle Hunziker as the host of the glamorous presentation events for the official naming ceremony of the company's new flagship.
Hunziker, internationally known as a television presenter, actress, and singer, also presided over the christening of the MSC Seaview in Genoa in 2018. Born in Switzerland, raised in Italy, and speaking five languages, Michelle Hunziker embodies the international spirit with a Mediterranean soul, joie de vivre, and a strong sense of family, just like MSC Cruises.
Michelle Hunziker said she was “delighted to be part of the christening ceremony of MSC Grandiosa in Hamburg. Since the christening of MSC Seaview last year, I have felt like part of the MSC family. I am especially pleased that the christening is taking place in Germany. I have met wonderful people here and celebrated many professional successes. For me, Germany symbolizes home, and Hamburg has such a wonderful maritime heritage that it will be an honor to be a part of it, discovering all that this amazing new ship has to offer.”.
More information about the company, its fleet and itineraries can be found at www.msccruceros.es.
