MSC Cruises Christens The Biggest Ship To Be Built By A European Ship Owner

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MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world's largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, hosted the glamorous, high-profile event in Le Havre, with entertainment from top international performers and an exclusive gala dinner in the company of special guests, authorities, key partners from the travel industry, global media and top management from MSC Cruises and its parent company MSC Group. Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group's founder and executive chairman as well as the ship owner, attended together with the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families.

"We have an ambitious vision for the future and MSC Meraviglia marks the start of the second phase of growth for our Company," said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman. "For this reason, this is an extremely proud moment for all of us at MSC Cruises as we see the first of our next-generation ships being named."

"The new ships that we are building — between 2017 and 2020 alone, we will receive six new ships — are purpose-built, featuring innovation in both product and design, as well as the very latest-cutting edge marine and consumer-facing technology to create unforgettable holiday experiences at sea for guests of all ages. MSC Meraviglia is the first to make this vision come to life, as it sets a new standard for cruise ships as a destination in itself."

MSC Meraviglia is the Company's new flagship and the 13th addition to the MSC Cruises fleet as well as the first new MSC Cruises ship due to come into service under the Company's industry-unprecedented investment plan.

Both the ship herself and Saturday's event have been inspired by the wonders of the world, as Meraviglia literally means wonder. The christening ceremony itself was hosted by one of Europe's most loved comedians, Gad Elmaleh. The audience was also entertained by internationally renowned artist Patrick Bruel who performed a selection of his most loved songs. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Kids United also performed representing a diverse world, promoting peace and tolerance¹.

The crowning moment of the evening was the parade of the ship's officers, when Sophia Loren cut the ribbon and named MSC Meraviglia to a time-honored crescendo of champagne and fireworks. Mrs. Loren has held a close relationship with MSC Cruises for over a decade, when she first became godmother of MSC Lirica, in 2003. As the MSC Cruises fleet continued to grow, she blessed each and every new ship, reflecting MSC Cruises' belief not only in loyalty, but also in Loren's unique beauty, talent and elegant style — the same elements that distinguish every aspect on board an MSC Cruises ship.

In order to conclude on a note of haute cuisine Hélène Darroze, the chef with the 2 Michelin stars created an exceptional menu for the VIP gala dinner as well as an exclusive dish for all guests. The menu takes inspiration from Chef Darroze's passion for combining the flavors of France with those of the UK to create a simple yet elegant gourmet experience for the guests. MSC Cruises and Chef Darroze hope to extend the collaboration beyond the evening of the christening and work is underway to establish a partnership.

MSC Meraviglia is able to call in most of the world's international cruise ports and is set to become one of the hottest destinations at sea. Some of the unique features that set MSC Cruises' newest flagship apart include:

• World-class entertainment from Cirque du Soleil with two exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows created just for MSC Meraviglia with two performances six nights a week, guests can enjoy a unique show & dinner or cocktail & show experience
• Widest range of dining options and bars on any MSC Cruises ship to-date with 12 dining venues and 20 bars
• As a family-owned company, kids' activities and services are at the very core of the guest offering and the dedicated family deck area includes a brand new entertainment offering and cutting-edge facilities for the whole family.
• MSC for Me, the new digital experience designed for guests to get the most out of their vacation, connecting them to the experiences that matter to them
• The MSC Yacht Club with new features and luxurious accommodations spanning three decks, private facilities and butler service round-the-clock
• The longest LED Sky Screen at Sea at 262 feet long encompassing a stunning 315 foot long Mediterranean-style promenade, designed to become the social hub of the ship
• Comfortable and innovative accommodations to meet every need demonstrating the way that MSC Cruises puts the guest at the heart of its designs and ship building and with 10 different types of staterooms to choose from, there really is something for everyone.

To watch highlights from the ceremony visit here  

MSC Meraviglia commenced her maiden voyage from Le Havre to Genoa on June 4 and will begin her summer itinerary from Genoa from June 11.  MSC Meraviglia will offer multiple embarkation ports in the Western Mediterranean including the popular ports of Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona as well as visit other much sought after Mediterranean destinations including Naples, Messina in Sicily and Valetta in Malta. For more information and bookings visit here.

For all supporting media materials please visit here
Supporting materials include:
A complete guide to MSC Meraviglia
100 Facts about MSC Meraviglia
Biographies of the artists and executives
Latest photos

ABOUT MSC CRUISES
MSC Cruises is the number one cruise line in Europe, South America and South Africa, and sails year-round in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Seasonal itineraries cover northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, Cuba and the French Antilles, South America, southern Africa, and Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sir Bani Yas.

In 2014, MSC Cruises launched an investment plan to support the second phase of its growth through the order of two ships of the Meraviglia Class and two others of the Seaside Class (plus an option for a third one) and in February 2016, confirmed the existing options to build a further two now Meraviglia-Plus Class ships with an even greater capacity. In April 2016 this rose to €9 billion (nearly $10 billion) with the announcement of signing of the slot reservation agreement to build a further four ships, each with next-generation LNG propulsion technology. MSC Cruises is the first global cruise line brand to develop an investment plan of this length and magnitude, that between 2017 and 2020 will have already delivered six new cruise ships.

The MSC Cruise experience embodies the elegant side of the Mediterranean to create unique and unforgettable emotions for guests, through discovery of the world's cultures, beauties and tastes. Its fleet comprises 13 modern ships: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa; MSC Divina; MSC Splendida; MSC Fantasia; MSC Magnifica; MSC Poesia; MSC Orchestra; MSC Musica; MSC Sinfonia; MSC Armonia; MSC Opera and MSC Lirica.

MSC Cruises feels a deep responsibility for the environments in which it operates, and was the first company ever to earn the Bureau Veritas "7 Golden Pearls" for superior management and environmental stewardship. In 2009, MSC Cruises began an enduring partnership with UNICEF to support various programmes assisting children worldwide. So far, more than €6.5 million (about $7 million) has been collected in voluntary guest donations. More information at http://www.mscpressarea.com.

1 MSC Cruises supports UNICEF through their joint "Get on Board for Children" initiative and has raised to-date in excess of €6.5 million thanks to the generous contributions of MSC Cruises' guests, impacting the lives of nearly 67,000 children who are malnourished in developing countries.

SOURCE MSC Cruises