The highlight of the evening was the floodlit ceremony and parade of the ship's officers
Sophia Loren, actor Gerard Depardieu and Italian singer, pianist and composer Paolo Conte participated in the christening ceremony for the newest member of the MSC Cruises' fleet, MSC Divina.
MSC Divina, the 12th jewel in the MSC Cruises fleet, was welcomed during gala ceremony in Marseille, France, and was officially christened by Sophia Loren, godmother to the MSC Cruises fleet.
The celebration included aerial artists Captens Aerobatic Display Team and the Brietling Jet Team, local folk group La Poulido de Gemo and a medley of MSC Divina's theatrical shows.
“I am very proud of MSC Divina, the 12th addition to our wonderful fleet and our third Fantasia-class ship,” MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago said.
“I believe she is the most beautiful ship in our fleet and that he innovations and polished features bring this successful class to perfection. Dedicated to Ms. Sophia Loren, MSC Divina’s stylish refinement represents a new benchmark in cruising.”
Gerard Depardieu, one of Europe's most accomplished actors and talented leading men, narrated the events and the story of MSC Divina. Also in attendance were numerous international stars, including classical performer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Maxim Vengerov, a supporter of the joint MSC Cruises and UNICEF Get on Board for Children initiative which funds a project for education equality for disadvantaged children in Brazil that has raised more than $1.3 million to date. Vengerov took to the stage with local children and released hundreds of UNICEF balloons and delighted guests with a violin solo.
The event's featured performer was critically acclaimed Italian singer, pianist and composer Paolo Conte.
The highlight of the evening was the floodlit ceremony and parade of the ship's officers, when Sophia Loren -- godmother of the MSC Cruises' fleet -- cut the ribbon and named MSC Divina to a crescendo of champagne, confetti, and sparkling fountains.
MSC Cruises, the world's fastest growing and fourth largest cruise line, is a privately-held, family-owned, Mediterranean cruise line with a fleet of 11 ships: MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody.
MSC Divina is 1,094 feet long, 124 feet wide, and weighing 139,400 tons, the 3,502-guest (double occupancy; total: 4,345) luxury cruise ship is able to travel up to 23 knots, offering smooth cruising in sumptuous surroundings.
