MSC Cruises Christening Spectacular with the Iconic MSC Seaview Named in a Glittering Ceremony
It was another spectacular day in the history of MSC Cruises on Saturday 9 June 2018 in the historic port of Genoa , Italy . Their new flagship , MSC Seaview had arrived and many events were planned during the day before the glittering christening ceremony that night .
The morning saw the blessing of the ship by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco , the Archbishop of Genoa , followed by media events , ship inspections and cocktails prior to the official christening .
MSC Seaview was christened in true MSC style in the presence of a suite of stars , VIPs , key travel partners and international media as well as top management from MSC Cruises and its parent company MSC Group . Gianluigi Aponte , MSC Group ’ s founder and
28 Issue 25 executive chairman as well as the ship ' s owner , attended together with the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families .
MSC Cruises , Swiss-based world ’ s largest privately-owned cruise line is renowned for hosting the most talked about christening events that celebrate the coming into service of the new ships and this event was no exception with a star-studded ceremony with live entertainment and speeches , fireworks and gala dinner combined with the important maritime traditions that are so important to MSC Cruises as a family company with a long-standing seafaring heritage .
The christening ceremony was hosted by star of Italian TV , Swiss-born Michelle Hunziker who welcomed to the stage ‘ father of Italian blues ’ Zucchero Fornaciari . TV star Lorella Cuccarini hosted a special moment on stage and Italian children ’ s choir Piccolo Coro Dell ' Antoniano performed as the UNICEF ambassadors , to acknowledge the important partnership that seeks to improve the lives of children and their families in developing countries and those affected by crises .
Also present at the ceremony was Ramon Freixa , the Spanish two Michelin-starred chef who has now extended his partnership with MSC Cruises to develop his first restaurant at sea on board MSC Seaview . Pan- Asian chef Roy Yamaguchi attended his second MSC christening along with other stars such as Spanish model and actor Jon Kortajarena , Brazlian presenter and actor Giovanna Ewbank and French television personality Ariane Brodier .
Another highlight was the appearance of the young talent of belcanto , Matteo Bocelli , son of the worldfamous Andrea Bocelli who sang at the christening of MSC Seaside , MSC Seaview ’ s sister ship in Miami last December . Matteo Bocelli sang during the Officers ’ Parade , an important tradition to honour the crew from the ship – a beautiful moment to thank the crew for their service .
Finishing off the traditional proceedings was Godmother Sophia Loren as she cuts the ribbon to launch the bottle of champagne to name the 13th MSC Cruises ship . Madame Loren is part of the MSC Cruises family and each Christening brings a touch of Hollywood glamour and style to the proceedings .
MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago described MSC
Seaview as a game-changing cruise ship . He said “ the vision was to create something truly unique that would enable guests to enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean sea . The ship is designed to enhance the enjoyment of the open water and sunshine , specifically intended to cruise in warmer climates and to create a very special connection between guests and the ocean .”
Most cruise ships are planned and engineered to offer entertainment , dining and other experiences inside the ship whilst MSC Seaview is designed to bring guests to the outside of the ship to the open decks and walkways . Featuring the highest ratio of outdoor spaces of any MSC Cruises ship every element of the ship enables guests to enjoy the outdoors in every aspect of their life on board , from cabins and suites with outdoor spaces such as terraces and balconies , eating and drinking in true Mediterranean style “ al fresco ” through to outdoor fitness and luxury spa cabanas in the open air .
MSC Seaview is the 15th addition to the MSC Cruises fleet and the third ship to come into service just 12 months under the Company ’ s industryunprecedented 10.5 billion investment plan .
MSC Seaview commenced her maiden voyage from Genoa on 10 June offering six embarkation ports in the Western Mediterranean including the popular ports of Genoa , Marseille and Barcelona as well as other much sought after Mediterranean destinations including Naples , Messina in Sicily and Valetta in Malta .
Another huge day and night for MSC Cruisers !