MSC Cruises has christened its new environmentally-advanced vessel, MSC Grandiosa, in a grand ceremony in Hamburg.

The event was the final part of MSC Cruises’ largest and longest christening event ever, which has involved a series series of celebrations spanning 27 days, eight countries and 11 ports, and has engaged more than 14,000 travel agents from around the world.

On Saturday evening (9 November 2019), guests enjoyed a special light show by artist Michael Gatz as actress Sophia Loren officially named her 15th MSC Cruise ship on the fourth and final night of celebrations in the Blue Port.

A purpose-built ‘MSC Village’ was built for the occasion on the banks of the River Elbe and more than 5,000 locals turned up to enjoy the christening from land with live music and food trucks.

The evening was hosted by actress, TV presenter, model and singer Michelle Hunziker, alongside co-host TV host and actor Jochen Schropp, one of Germany’s favourite entertainers.

Guests were also joined by popular German TV couple Annemarie and Wayne Carpendale, who acted as presenters and hosts during the evening.

Following the light show and fireworks display, guests were treated to a gourmet four-course menu, created by renowned three Michelin-starred German chef Harald Wohlfahrt, at the Gala Dinner on board.

This was followed by dancing in the Galleria Grandiosa – the ship’s iconic 93-metre-long Mediterranean promenade – with performances from German DJ Mousse T. and former British singer Emma Lanford.

MSC Grandiosa has now embarked on a grand tour, visiting Southampton, UK, Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; and Genoa, Italy. 

MSC Grandiosa will then commence her regular seven-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean from 23 November with six embarkation ports, calling at Genoa, Civitavecchia, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Valetta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain, and Marseille, France.

For more information, visit msccruises.co.uk.