The icon of Italian style, Sophia Loren, played the starring role as the official godmother to MSC Cruises’ latest ship, MSC Orchestra, at its christening in in Civitavecchia on Monday, May 14. At the christening Ms Loren was joined for the first time by another Italian icon, the composer Ennio Morricone, who conducted a concert prior to the christening that was followed by a firework display.
Starting her inaugural cruise on May 16 from Genoa, MSC Orchestra will call into France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. On her return she will be repositioned in the Adriatic to cruise weekly from Venice to Bari, calling into Greece, Turkey and Croatia.
The 89,600 ton MSC Orchestra can accommodate 3,013 guests in 1,275 cabins, the majority of which have balconies. The vast range of stylish onboard facilities include three swimming pools, theatre, cinema, mini golf, tennis, children’s clubs, spa/beauty centre, library, casino, restaurants and bars.
MSC Cruises is one of the few cruise operators to offer Mediterranean itineraries to the UK market on a year-round basis. The first cruise, which sails from Genoa on November 14 (plus sailings on December 6, January 19, February 10 and March 3), visits Olympia, Piraeus, Rhodes, Alexandra, Limassol, Marmaris, Heraklion and Naples, returns to Genoa on November 12. She then departs on November 13 (plus sailings on January 8, February 1 and 21) for Barcelona, Casablanca, Tenerife, Funchal, Malaga and Rome, returning to Genoa on December 6.
Prices start from €699 per person based on twin share and inclusive of return flights from Gatwick, port taxes and transfers. Children (under 18 years) travel free of charge when sharing with two adults, paying only for flights, transfers and port dues.
For further information call 0870 850 4883, or visit www.msccruises.co.uk
Report by Chitra Mogul
