By
Alice Chambers |
MSC Cruises officially named its new ship MSC Seascape at Manhattan Cruise Terminal, New York City on 7 December, which will act as a new homeport for MSC Cruises from April 2023.
The ship arrived in New York ahead of the event on 6 December, following a transatlantic crossing from Italy. The naming ceremony was attended by more than 3,000 guests including VIPs, travel partners and global media, as well as senior executives from the MSC Group.
The ship’s godmother, Sophia Loren, was also present alongside Alexa Aponte-Vago, daughter of MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman Gianluigi Aponte, to cut the ribbon and officially name the ship.
“One of the highlights of the past 20 years has been to officiate the christening of the MSC Cruises fleet, not only because the Aponte’s have become like family to me, but also because MSC has always occupied a special place in my heart,” said Loren. “Let me bless MSC Seascape, her great crew and all her passengers.”
International singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli performed at the event, having previously performed at the naming ceremony of MSC World Europa in Doha, Qatar, last month.
“MSC Seascape is a prime example of what the cruise industry can offer,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the cruise division of MSC Group during the ceremony. “It has something for everyone but great vessels aren’t enough alone to secure our future. We need to remind the world that cruising is essential!
“As an industry, we are also committed to sustainability. At MSC we are leading the way and taking bold actions to decarbonise.”
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a gourmet gala dinner and a performance by international Grammy Award-winner singer and songwriter Ne-Yo.
MSC Seascape will be followed by MSC’s second LNG-powered vessel, MSC Euribia, which is due to launch in June 2023.