After four days of celebrations in the German port of Hamburg, the MSC Grandiosa, MSC Cruises' new flagship, was officially launched on Saturday. The ship is notable for its innovation and environmental advancements. This is the longest launch to date, encompassing a series of events spanning 27 days. Nearly a month of celebrations will take the MSC Grandiosa to 11 ports in 8 countries, with over 14,000 travel agents from around the world participating.
Thus, MSC Grandiosa now embarks on its inaugural voyage, which will take it to ports in five different countries, including Barcelona, where it will spend the night on November 18. It will also call at Southampton, Lisbon, Marseille, and Genoa, and after this initial crossing, the ship will begin its regular Western Mediterranean itinerary starting on November 23.
All these welcome events will be as extraordinary as the ship itself, which has been designed to go a step further in environmental efficiency, both on land and on board. That's why MSC Grandiosa is equipped with the latest technology available in the industry and sets new standards in sustainability, with even cleaner air emissions.
In addition to these features, passengers will be able to discover new amenities and leisure experiences designed for all types of audiences, such as:
- Two new exclusive shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea.
- A spectacular promenade with a screen on the ceiling of this 93-meter-long gallery, which is also full of shops and restaurants
- An immersive art experience featuring 26 original prints by the French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas, which can be viewed at L'Atelier Bistrot.
- Children's play areas, designed in collaboration with LEGO and Chicco
- The world's first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE, will be available in all cabins.
A night of celebration in Hamburg
Since its arrival in Hamburg on November 6th, the MSC Grandiosa has become the undisputed star of this German port, marking its presence with a unique immersive light show designed exclusively by the artist Michael Batz. These lights bathed the docks in blue; a color that symbolizes both the color of the sea and MSC Cruises' environmental commitment to the oceans. Furthermore, Batz's projections illuminated the silhouette of the MSC Grandiosa against the iconic Elbphilharmonie building, located on the banks of the Elb River.
As the culmination of four days of festivities, the official opening ceremony took place. It was held at various locations on the ship and hosted by Michelle Hunzinker, who presented the gala alongside German actor Jochen Schropp —a favorite among German audiences.
But the festivities weren't confined to the ship: on land, along the banks of the Elbe, we found "MSC Village." This space, built specifically for the occasion, could accommodate 5,000 guests. "MSC Village" invited locals to join the welcome party with live music and food trucks . The German television couple Annemarie and Wayne Carpendale served as masters of ceremonies
One of the most special moments of the evening was when the MSC Grandiosa sailed past the Elbphilharmonie, an instant when a dazzling light show illuminated both ships. During this passage on the Elb, the official inauguration took place with Sophia Loren serving as godmother of one of the company's ships for the fifteenth time. The MSC Grandiosa then returned to port amidst fireworks and a blue lighted gate symbolizing its arrival into the world.
Next, passengers enjoyed a gala menu on board, designed by three-Michelin-starred chef Harald Wohlfahrt. The four-course menu began with either a warm king crab salad with shellfish coulis and imperial caviar or guinea fowl with apple-ginger quenelle , Riesling wine gelée , and brioche. This was followed by a traditional German dish, "Maultasche"—pasta filled with winter truffles and pistou sauce. The main course featured baked turbot in a saffron mussel fumet with vegetables, as well as braised beef tenderloin and cheek with Savoy cabbage, glazed carrots, and aromatic herbs. To conclude this gourmet menu, guests could choose between pistachio parfait with orange sorbet and exotic fruit cocktail or chocolate tart with caramelized pears and vanilla ice cream with mascarpone.
After dinner, guests enjoyed a variety of musical performances in the Galleria Grandiosa. Popular names such as DJ Mouse T.and British singer Emma Lanford filled this spectacular 93-meter-long gallery with rhythm.
Following its maiden voyage, MSC Grandiosa will begin its regular 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries on November 23, with Barcelona as its port of embarkation. From that date, in addition to Barcelona, the ship will call at Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Valletta, and Marseille.
