First Look: Inside the brand new MSC Grandiosa

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MSC Cruises christened MSC Grandiosa, its newest, most environmentally advanced flagship, in the city of Hamburg, Germany on 9 November, during the fourth and final night of celebrations in the Blue Port. Marking the cruise line’s largest and longest christening event ever, the launch of MSC Grandiosa‘s was part of a series of celebrations over 27 days, eight countries and 11 ports. MSC Grandiosa features MSC Cruises’ ship-within-a-ship luxury product, the MSC Yacht Club. In addition to creature comforts such as 24-hour butler service, guests are accommodated in either Royal, Deluxe or Interior Suites and have access to the Yacht Club which features the stylish One Pool Deck with its own private pool, whirlpool, sundeck and bar, as well as the Top Sail Lounge offering an all-inclusive gastronomy experience.Other perks of the Yacht Club include a premium internet package (effective May 2020), complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA and unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club areas (including the mini-bar). Guests of all ages and interests will find something exciting waiting, including:

• Two original new shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea exclusive to MSC Cruises guests
• A 93-metre-long Mediterranean Promenade lined with international shops and restaurants
• An immersive art experience featuring etchings from Edgar Degas’ Danse Dessin series
• Dedicated children’s areas designed in partnership with Chicco and LEGO
• The world’s first virtual digital cruise assistant – ZOE – in every stateroom

Since arriving in Hamburg on 6 November, MSC Grandiosa was the subject and star of an immersive lightshow at the German city’s Blue Port. Spectacular light installations by renowned artist Michael Batz bathed the port in shades of blue reminiscent of the sea to symbolise MSC Cruises’ long-standing commitment to the ocean. The festivities didn’t stop there – the purpose-built ‘MSC Village’ on the banks of the River Elbe brought the festivities to shore, welcoming 5,000 locals to experience the christening from land with live music and food trucks. The evening’s main spectacle occurred as MSC Grandiosa passed the Elbphilharmonie just as a special light show illuminated the building and ship. She took centre stage on the River Elbe as Godmother Sophia Loren officially named her 15th MSC Cruises ship, followed by a celebratory firework display. MSC Grandiosa then passed through a spectacular gateway of blue light returning to her dock, symbolising the new ship’s entry to the world.Following the Christening, MSC Grandiosa has embarked on a grand tour, visiting Southampton, UK; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France and Genoa, Italy. Then, the ship will commence her usual seven-night cruises, starting 23 November. Designed to ensure even cleaner air emissions and improved overall environmental performance both at sea and ashore, MSC Grandiosa is equipped with cutting-edge technologies and sets a new standard for sustainability at sea. MSC Grandiosa will begin regular seven-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean from November 23 calling at six embarkation ports: Genoa and Civitavecchia, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Valetta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain; and Marseille, France. All images: MSC Cruises | MSC RightsWant to be in the luxury travel know? Subscribe to our free eNewsletter here to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.

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