by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 10:39 AM ET, Fri December 22, 2017
On December 21, 2017, MSC Cruises' newest ship-the MSC Seaside-became its first christened in the United States.
Italian film actress and godmother Sophia Loren named the ship in Miami, Florida amid other exciting celebrity appearances and performances. I was there with international media, special guests, Miami authorities, travel partners and MSC employees to cover it all.
"MSC Seaside has been designed to spearhead the next phase of our growth in North America, a cornerstone of our global strategy," said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman, in a press release.
"She will be one of three MSC Cruises ships to homeport in Miami - MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina, one from each of our newest classes of ship. She marks our ambition to establish a significant presence in North America, after firmly rooting our position as number one cruise brand in Europe and having established a leading presence in other key cruise markets globally."
Loren has served in the capacity of godmother for every MSC ship since 2003. Once again, she cut the ceremonially ribbon-releasing a bottle of champagne, crashing upon the hull for good luck.
Joining her for the evening event was famed tenor Andrea Bocelli, also representing the cruise line's Mediterranean heritage with rousing operatic singing. He treated us to such classical numbers as "Ave Maria," "Amazing Grace" and his signature "Con te partiro" with backing by 30 children from the Voices of Haiti.
In fact, it was newly announced that MSC is partnering with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation in support of the charity's work in impoverished Haiti. Guest donations from onboard the Seaside will go to help fund schools (that also serve as community centers) and projects like the Mobile Clinic. The latter provides health care and clean water, plus lighting and agricultural development.
"MSC Cruises has always supported philanthropic projects and, in line with this tradition, MSC Seaside'snaming today marks a further inauguration: the launch of the partnership between MSC Cruises and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation," said Bocelli, in the release.
"It will therefore be possible to set sail together and to simultaneously begin a compelling adventure of solidarity, of getting to know each other and supporting our important initiatives while on board."
The ship is poised to be a game-changer for not only MSC Cruises but Caribbean itineraries overall. Most remarkable is its connection to the sea itself, complete with abundant glass enclosures and ample outdoor deck space unlike the industry has seen before.
It has been a privilege for me to personally witness this ship in all of its phases-under construction, launched from the shipyard and currently christened. I can't wait to first try and share its al fresco experiences in its now warmer surroundings.
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