Sophia Loren, the international legend of the silver screen, christened the newest jewel in the MSC Crociere fleet, MSC Magnifica, in Hamburg, northern Germany. The magnificent heart of the christening ceremony was the floodlit ceremony and parade of the ship’s officers, who accompanied Sophia Loren, the illustrious godmother of the MSC Crociere fleet, who cut the ribbon and named MSC Magnifica to a crescendo of champagne and fireworks displays which lit the sky above the river Elbe. Thousands of spectators watched the ceremony on giant screens around the port of Hamburg. The grand christening ceremony was attended by illustrious stars, including UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Nana Mouskouri, a supporter of the “MSC for UNICEF” in aid of disadvantaged children in Brazil, German icon Sascha Schmits and Italian world famous singer Eros Ramazzotti.
Hundreds of exclusive MSC Crociere agents worldwide and hundreds of journalists, mainly from Germany, were special guests permitting them to explore the latest cruise liner built by the leading Italian cruise liner company. MSC Crociere’s CEO Pierfrancesco Vago welcomed the distinguished guests and summed up the spirit of the occasion. “MSC Magnifica has Venice in her soul and Hamburg is the Venice of Germany. It is the perfect city for her christening. It is also the home of many German guests who so appreciate MSC Crociere’s combination of elegance, comfort, Italian hospitality and fine dining. It’s a celebration we’re proud to share, delighted that our efforts have enabled everyone to join us, whether on board, ashore or online.”
Norman Hamilton, CEO of Hamilton Travel (Malta) attended the christening ceremony and held high level talks with MSC Crociere officials on the future cooperation between MSC Crociere and Malta in the cruise line industry. Dr Domenico Pellegrino, MSC Crociere Managing Director, thanked Mr Hamilton for his continuous efforts to introduce MSC Crociere in Malta and to further strengthen relations between the Italian company and Malta. ‘MSC Crociere have been operating to Malta since 1999 thanks to Mr Hamilton’s professional attitude. Mr Hamilton is a gentleman and a professional operator in the cruise business. He is the best partner and ideal representative that MSC Crociere could have found in Malta.’ stressed Dr. Pellegrino.
The MSC Crociere Managing Director expressed his appreciation of the efforts by Maltese port authorities and the Maltese government in general to ensure the strengthening of commercial relations between Malta and MSC Crociere. MSC Crociere appreciated the Maltese government’s efforts to make necessary structural changes at the Waterfront to make it possible to welcome to Malta MSC Splendida, MSC Crociere’s recent cruise liner launched in July of last year.
MSC Magnifica carries 3,013 passengers and a 1,000-strong crew enjoying the best of modern Italian style as they embark on their chosen voyage. MSC Magnifica bears all the fine dining and entertainment amenities one would expect on a superior luxury liner with a choice of five restaurants, seventeen bars, an internet cafe` and cigar lounge, a 1,200 seat theatre, cinema, casino and disco. MSC Magnifica truly lives up to her Italian name – magnificent.
MSC Crociere is represented exclusively in Malta by Hamilton Travel of 4, St Publius Street, Floriana.