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MSC christens Grandiosa
MSC Cruises has christened its newest ship, MSC Grandiosa, in Hamburg.
More than 5,000 locals watched the ceremony from the banks of the river Elbe in a series of purpose-built structures – called MSC Village.
The ship is MSC’s most sustainable, designed to ensure cleaner air emissions and improved overall environmental performance both at sea and ashore.
On board attractions include two Cirque du Soleil at Sea performances, exclusive to MSC Cruises guests; a 93-metre-long Mediterranean Promenade lined with international shops and restaurants; dedicated children’s areas designed in partnership with Chicco and LEGO and the world’s first virtual digital cruise assistant – ZOE – in every cabin.
The ship’s Godmother is Sophia Loren. This is the 15th ship she has christened.
MSC Grandiosa’s series of christening celebrations span 27 days, eight countries and 11 ports and will engage over 14,000 travel agents around the world.
The ship is embarking on a grand tour, visiting Southampton, UK, Lisbon, Portugal, Barcelona, Spain, Marseille France and Genoa, Italy, before commencing seven-night cruises on November 23.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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