MSC Fantasia, “the most beautiful ship in the world” was christened in Naples by the legendary Sophia Loren, who still thrills her crowd with her natural beauty and charm at the age of 73.

The christening took place amid a spectacular launch event featuring internationally acclaimed artists with Neopolitan origins – Renzo Arbore and the Orchestra Italiana, Lucio Dalla and Pino Daniele, performed well known Neopolitan songs in a specially created high-tech arena.

The most moving moment of the evening occurred when Fantasia Captain Giuliano Bossi escorted Miss Sophia Loren across the stage in what is now tradition for MSC Crociere to cut the ribbon by this true legend, an Oscar-winning actress and ambassador for Naples and Italy around the world. Lucio Dalla interpreted O Sole Mio, the evocative song which is still very popular around the world while members of the 2,500-strong crowd, an invitation-only throng were running to take pictures of her and the whole place.



MSC Crociere applauds Hamilton Travel

Mr Norman Hamilton, chairman and CEO of Hamilton Travel (Malta) was amongst the distinguished guests invited for the launch of MSC Fantasia.

Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Crociere congratulated Mr Hamilton for his continuous efforts to further strengthen the commercial ties between MSC Crociere and the island of Malta.

Mr Vago informed Mr Hamilton that MSC Crociere had decided to to increase cabin allocation from 40 to 50 cabins, to meet the increasing demand on the MSC Splendida, sister cruise liner of MSC Fantasia, which will be sailing from Valletta Grand Harbour to the Mediterranean between 15 July and 11 November 2009, immediately after its launching in Barcellona.

Mr Hamilton presented Mr Vago and Mr Domenico Pellegrino, managing director of MSC Crociere with a first day cover issued by MaltaPost last month featuring MSC Musica among the cruise liners that regularly visit Valletta Grand Harbour.

Mr Pellegrino said that MSC Crociere were so proud with Malta’s and especially Hamilton Travel’s efforts in the cruise liner business that MSC Crociere have decided to send their new flagship to Malta as from 15 July 2009.



New standards

MSC Fantasia is more than just the largest and most luxurious cruise to be commissioned by a European owner, it sets entirely new standards in maritime interior design. Historic art and architecture, water and the changing shapes of sails provide unique elements in this incredible ship, making every cruise an unforgettable journey.

At 133,500 tons, she is 333 metres long, 38 metres wide and 66.8 metres in height making it nine metres taller than the Eiffel Tower and six times the height of the Tower of Pisa.

MSC Fantasia will has a maximum speed of 23 knots and propulsion of 40 megawatts.

With 18 decks, the ship has 25 lifts, of which two are panoramic. 3,959 passengers and 1,325 crew members will sail on board MSC Fantasia, which hosts 107 suites and 1,637 cabins in total, including 43 for persons with special needs. Eighty per cent of the cabins are situated on the outer part of the ship, ranging from 18 to 65 m2 in size. Fantasia will be cruising the Southern Mediterranean and Canary Islands from homeports in Genoa and Barcelona.

MSC Crociere currently boasts a fleet of 10 cruise liners: MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC Rhapsody, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Opera, MSC Sinfonia that cruise the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean and South America all the year round. These cruise liners shall increase to 12 by the year 2010.

The launching of MSC Fantasia will be followed by the christening of MSC Splendida.

The latter two ships will be the largest cruise liners ever built by European ship owners. In 2010 MSC Magnifica, the fourth cruise liner of the Musica class shall start operating along with the other cruise liners of MSC Crociere. Hamilton Travel are exclusive agents of MSC Crociere.