Last Wednesday another step was taken in the development of MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, two of the largest cruise liners to be built for a European ship owner.
The positioning of the keel for MSC Splendida was celebrated at the Aker Yards in St Nazaire, France. This new class of ship, a giant of the seas will be 133,500 grt and delivered in June 2009.
Following in the steps of shipbuilding tradition, two gold coins were welded to the keel. These were given by the ship owner and by the yard. This timeless and ancient tradition goes back to Roman times and consolidates the relationship between ship owner and ship builder.
The coins given by MSC Cruises have been minted in collaboration with the city of Sorrento. One side of the coin is embossed with an image of the port of Sorrento, the emblem of the city. The other side will feature the MSC Cruises logo. Sorrento is the headquarters of the technical department of MSC Cruises and the birthplace of the owner. There are three coins made of gold, the first will be placed in the keel, one will be kept as a memento by the Mayor of Sorrento and the third will remain at the MSC Cruises technical department office also in Sorrento.
The coin donated by Aker Yards France, was minted in Naples, where MSC Cruises has its headquarters, in the year 1847 and is embossed with the effigy of the King of the two Sicilies - Ferdinando II, the pioneer of industrialisation in Italy. He worked to create the first railway in 1839 which connected Naples to Portici. Even on that occasion the project was carried out by a French and Italian collaboration.
Godmothers for this ceremony were Carla Gotta of MSC Cruises and Elise Bodin of Aker Yards France. Ms Gotta has been part of the MSC team since 1968 and today is Port Operation Manager for MSC Crociere in Genoa. Ms Bodin is responsible for the steel works at the shipyard.
“This ceremony represents yet another significant step as we continue the expansion strategy that we began in 2000 when we placed the order for MSC Lirica. We are the only company in the world with a single brand that has been successfully opening offices around the world in 31 countries – declared Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO MSC Crociere – MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida will herald a new concept for cruise ships. Both ships introduce a new philosophy with regards to public areas starting with an exclusive VIP area. Furnished with the most prestigious materials and avant-garde technology to safeguard the environment.”
“Just like her sister ship MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida will have luxurious interiors, the best quality materials and spacious cabins – added Jacques Hardelay, managing director Aker Yards France – We are proud and delighted to be part of the expansion of the MSC Cruises fleet as we further consolidate our long standing relationship and look to more interesting projects in the future.”
Following on from the coin ceremony for MSC Splendida, the visit of three mock up cabins of MSC Fantasia has taken place. MSC Poesia and MSC Fantasia will be the newest additions to the fleet for 2008 respectively in April and December.
Hamilton Travel Co. Ltd. of 4, St Publius Street, Floriana, telephone: 2124-1242 are the exclusive General Sales Agents for MSC Cruises in the Maltese Islands.