MSC Fantasia: The launch of an icon - Press Releases

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NAPLES, 18 December 2008 - Naples played host to a very special christening ceremony for MSC Cruises's breathtaking new flagship, MSC Fantasia - the most beautiful ship in the world.

A spectacular launch event has been devised for the occasion, featuring internationally acclaimed artists with Neapolitan origins - Renzo Arbore and the Orchestra Italiana, Lucio Dalla and Pino Daniele - who performed in a specially created high-tech arena.

And in what is now a tradition for MSC Cruises, the ribbon was cut by Sophia Loren, a true legend, an Oscar-winning actress and ambassador for Naples and Italy around the world.

MSC Fantasia also has the makings of a legend. Taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa and longer than the Eiffel Tower, she was designed by one of the world's leading names in naval architecture, De Jorio Design International. She combines traditional Italian elegance with ground-breaking technological features, all dedicated to superior guest comfort and unprecedented environmental protection. MSC Fantasia marks the beginning of a new era in cruising, where the ship becomes a destination in itself.

"I am immensely proud that the christening of this exceptional vessel is taking place in the extraordinary city of Naples," said Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises. "MSC Fantasia is not only a beautiful ship, but also a triumph of environmentally-friendly design and technological innovation, where every step taken on board holds the promise of exciting new experiences. Naples is famous for its vibrancy, creativity and professionalism, qualities that have greatly contributed to MSC Cruises's success over the years, and which are amply reflected in tonight's event. I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been involved in making this fantasy a reality."

The official christening ceremony has been preceded by a suitably glamorous evening of entertainment, staged in an innovative, purpose-built structure that held over 2,500 people. Performed on a set inspired by coral - a perfect symbol for MSC Cruises's love of the sea and respect for the environment - the show created a kaleidoscope of changing emotions. An exclusive and energetic dance displayed by AEROS complemented the exuberant blend of diverse musical and singing styles.

And for an extra surge of adrenalin, at 2:00pm on the day of the event, Formula One driver Jarno Trulli officially opened one of MSC Fantasia's unique attractions, a thrilling high-tech Formula One Simulator.

JARNO TRULLI was born in Pescara (Italy) in 1974. Having won everything there was to win in the world of karting and the German F3 Championship, he entered Formula One in 1997, and currently races with the Toyota team.

AEROS was set up in 1997, when Antonio Gnecchi decided to create an innovative fusion of gymnastics and dance. The artists are champions from the Romanian Artistic Gymnastic Federation, one of the oldest and most prestigious gymnastic schools in the world.

PINO DANIELE: a blend of the classic Neapolitan tradition with Anglo-American rock, blues, jazz and soul, his music has enjoyed widespread acclaim on the Italian and international scene since the 1970s.

LUCIO DALLA is one of Italy's most important singer-songwriters, his work successfully cutting across various genres and periods of Italian music in an artistic career spanning almost 50 years.

RENZO ARBORE, the most eclectic and charismatic personality in Italian music - not to mention radio and television entertainment - performs together with the exciting, powerful sound of the Orchestra Italiana.

The lucky guests at the event included clients, travel agents, tour operators, authorities and personalities from around the world.

But there was also a show for the entire city: a firework display set to music.

Long after the fireworks are over, the magic of MSC Fantasia will live on for all those present, and for the generations of guests who will enjoy the adventure of sailing on her, travelling the world in distinctive Italian style.



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