The largest new cruise ship of 2019, MSC Grandiosa, was christened by Sophia Loren at a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany. MSC Grandiosa is the newest cruise ship from the fastest growing cruise line in the world, MSC Cruises.
MSC Grandiosa will begin regular 7-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean starting November 23 with six embarkation ports calling Genoa, Civitavecchia, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Valetta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain; and Marseille, France.
Highlights of the ship include:
- Two original new shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea exclusive to MSC Cruises guests
- A 305-ft.-long Mediterranean Promenade lined with international shops and restaurants
- An immersive art experience featuring etchings from Edgar Degas’ Danse Dessin series
- Dedicated children’s areas designed in partnership with Chicco and LEGO
- The world’s first virtual digital cruise assistant – ZOE – in every stateroom
Since arriving in Hamburg on November 6, MSC Grandiosa has been the subject and star of an immersive lightshow at the German city’s Blue Port. Spectacular light installations by renowned artist Michael Batz have bathed the port in shades of blue reminiscent of the sea to symbolize MSC Cruises’ long-standing commitment to the ocean. And, MSC Grandiosa’s striking silhouette can be seen shimmering alongside the famous Elbphilharmonie on Hamburg’s Elbe river.
The traditional Christening ceremony took place in different locations across the ship, hosted by talented actress, TV presenter, model and singer, Michelle Hunziker alongside co-host TV host & actor Jochen Schropp, one of Germany’s favorite entertainers.
The festivities didn’t stop there – a purpose-built “MSC Village” on the banks of the River Elbe brought the festivities to shore, welcoming 5,000 locals to experience the christening from land with live music and food trucks. Guests were joined by the popular German TV couple Annemarie & Wayne Carpendale who acted as presenters and hosts.
The evening’s main spectacle occurred as MSC Grandiosa passed the Elbphilharmonie just as a special lightshow illuminated the building and cruise ship. She then took center stage on the River Elbe as Godmother Sophia Loren officially named her 15th MSC Cruises ship, followed by a celebratory firework display.
MSC Grandiosa then passed through a spectacular gateway of blue light returning to her dock, symbolizing the new ship’s entry to the world.
MSC Grandiosa is the cruise line’s first Meraviglia Plus class cruise ship and the largest new ship in 2019 at 181,000 gross tons.
