Cruise News & Reviews

March 25, 2010
Author: Terry Hutson
 

Hamburg celebrates newest jewel in MSC Crociere fleet

MSC Magnifica in all her glory at the grand Christening ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, at the weekend

On Saturday 6 March 2010, in Hamburg, Germany, international legend of the silver screen Sophia Loren christened the newest jewel in the MSC Crociere fleet, MSC MAGNIFICA. The high-profile event included a carnival celebration in the company of international celebrities, selected guests and the top management of MSC Crociere.

At the heart of the celebrations was the eleventh cruise ship in the MSC Crociere fleet. Built along the proven lines of the MSC Musica class, at 293.8m long, displacing 93,330 tons and hosting up to 3,010 guests, MSC Magnifica is a luxurious addition to the fleet offering a sumptuous variety of leisure and entertainment.

Continuing MSC Crociere’s tradition of christening its ships in different international ports, the day’s celebrations paid homage to the centuries- old seafaring traditions of Hamburg and of Venice, MSC Magnifica’s home port. And they did so in fitting style for the time of year, with a recreation of the Venice Carnival, with the celebrations broadcast live on two giant floating screens in the beautiful Landungsbrücken area of the harbour.

The Grand Christening Ceremony was attended by illustrious stars, including the peerless Sophia Loren - illustrious godmother of the MSC Crociere fleet who cut the ribbon and named MSC Magnifica to a crescendo of champagne and fireworks.

MSC Crociere’s CEO, Pierfrancesco Vago, summed up the spirit of the occasion: “MSC Magnifica has Venice in her soul and Hamburg is the Venice of Germany. It’s the perfect city for her christening.”

In the spirit of MSC Crociere, the Grand Christening Ceremony was not only followed in Hamburg but also online, where it can still be enjoyed on MSC TV HERE

A toast to MSC Magnifica. Raising a glass in honour of the new ship were from left to right : the Master of MSC Magnifica Giuliano Bossi, world famous Italian musician Eros Ramazzotti; the ship’s godmother, silver screen legend Sophia Loren, the French Minister of State for Foreign Trade Anne-Marie Idrac and the President of MSC Gianluigi Aponte