Last night saw MSC Seaside named in a ceremony attended by international screen legend and godmother for all MSC Cruises’ ships, Sophia Loren.

The ship is the second to be launched in the past six months by the European cruise line and joins 12 new ‘mega-ships’ that MSC Cruises will bring into service between 2017 and 2026.

Headlining the entertainment for the evening’s ceremonies was multiple GRAMMY and LATIN GRAMMY winner, Ricky Martin. And in charge of the whole evening’s entertainment was actor and popular American TV host Mario Lopez.

MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “MSC Seaside’s naming embodies a pivotal moment for MSC Cruises and the industry overall. She is the first ship of the fifth new prototype that we have developed since we entered this industry only in 2003 and she introduces a wholly-innovative concept that has already set a new standard for the industry to follow. Seaside is designed to bring guests closer to the sea to enjoy cruising in warm weather whilst pushing the boundaries of maritime and guest-centric technology.”

The ship, said Vago, would spearhead the next phase of growth in North America; a cornerstone of our global strategy and will be one of three ships to homeport in Miami (along with MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina).

In addition, the cruise liner marks new partnerships: the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF), where MSC Cruises’ guest donations will support work in Haiti. Every dollar donated by passengers will go directly to the foundation and go towards projects such as establishing schools and clinics. It also announced a partnership with Joe Bastianich, award-winning restaurateur, author and TV personality with thirty successful restaurants worldwide including New York City-based Babbo and Del Posto and Carnevino in Las Vegas. He becomes the newest addition to the line-up of internationally renowned chefs and restaurateurs partnering with MSC Cruises.

MSC Seaside will sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean offering 7-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries starting December 23.