On Saturday, March 23rd, the newest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Preziosa, was christened in Genoa, Italy during a glittering naming ceremony. As she has for the other ships in the MSC fleet, international screen legend Sophia Loren served as Godmother. The glamorous, high-profile event included a gala dinner prepared by a team of Eataly chefs and entertainment from top Italian and international performers in the company of celebrities, selected guests, media, authorities, and the top management of MSC Cruises. MSC Preziosa is the 12th addition to the MSC fleet and the fourth flagship in the company’s celebrated Fantasia class.
The christening itself was attended by numerous international artists, including Italian singer Gino Paoli who performed a selection of his classic hits, and maestro Ennio Morricone who conducted a 55-piece orchestra. Star ballet dancer Roberto Bolle was on hand as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. MSC Cruises supports UNICEF through their joint “Get on Board for Children” initiative, which has raised over 2 million euros to date for disadvantaged children in Brazil. Bolle was welcomed on stage by the Genoa Russian Ballet College performing a sequence from Swan Lake, directed by Irina Kashkova.
During the show, MSC Preziosa was also the star of a completely original ‘flash mob’ involving the passengers on board MSC Splendida and MSC Opera, departing from Genoa on their regular itineraries that night, as well as guests celebrating the christening of MSC Preziosa–a total of over 10,000 people. Guests from all three ships were invited to join in a simple, fun and moving activity involving light games and sounds.
The highlight of the evening was of course the floodlit ceremony and parade of the ship’s officers, when the peerless Sophia Loren–treasured godmother to the MSC Cruises fleet–cut the ribbon and named MSC Preziosa to a crescendo of champagne and fireworks.
“This evening we will celebrate MSC Preziosa: her sparkling beauty and outstanding features, from the longest single rider body waterslide on the waves, Vertigo, to the first two Eataly restaurants at sea,” said MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago.
Image: MSC Cruises
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