MSC Crociere most exciting and anticipated ship to date, MSC Poesia, will make her debut in Dover on 5 April 2008, with a VIP star studded event to mark the first ever launch of an MSC Cruises ship outside of Italy.
In line with MSC Crociere tradition, the magnificent launch event will be attended by glamorous Hollywood actress, Sophia Loren, godmother to the new ship, who will perform the midnight christening ceremony.
As the part of the Musica class, the MSC Poesia, which translates as poetry, will see her first night in Dover celebrated by live performances from headline acts including the celebrated Andrea Bocelli. Italian opera legend Bocelli, having recently received a standing ovation at the Grammy awards, captures the spirit and lyricism of the new ship. In addition, multi award winning singer/songwriter KT Tunstall will be on stage in the grand new music hall as will jazz supremo, 20 year old, Peter Grant, accompanied by the renowned Ronnie Scott band.
Throughout the evening, US artist Brian Olsen, will provide entertainment with his unique style of dramatic performance art, which encompasses all of the senses. His paintings of famous musicians, actors and politicians are choreographed in an extraordinary auditory and visual performance.
Festivities will continue late into the night, with BBC Radio One DJ, Fearne Cotton, controlling the ships other decks, to ensure celebrity revellers and guests can enjoy the splendour of the MSC Poesia and its warm Mediterranean hospitality.
Claudia Baino, managing director at MSC Cruises UK, said: “We are tremendously excited about launching the MSC Poesia in April. This is the first time an MSC Cruises ship has been christened in the UK, demonstrating how committed MSC Cruises are to the British market. The event promises to be spectacular, with the Italian glamour of Sophia Loren and a fantastic line up of global artists providing entertainment throughout the evening.”
At 89,600 tonnes and 1275 cabins with double occupancy for 2550 passengers, MSC Poesia has a wonderful blend of cutting edge technology, elegant surroundings, exciting entertainment venues and tantalising dining opportunities. MSC Poesia will be a sister ship to the popular MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica (launched in 2007 and 2006 respectively). She will become the ninth ship in the MSC Crociere fleet, which has experienced the industry’s largest fleet expansion in the last three years.
After the launch event, she will set sail on her 13 night pre-inaugural voyage from Dover to Venice, visiting Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and finally Italy, arriving in Venice where she will be positioned for the summer of 2008.
Hamilton Travel of 4, St Publius Street, Floriana are the exclusive Malta general sales agents for MSC Cruises.