News

Dover Cruise Terminal will be hosting the prestigious launch of MSC Cruises’ most exciting and anticipated ship, the MSC Poesia.

With Italian icon Sophia Loren christening the new cruise ship to the sounds of Andrea Bocelli, KT Tunstall and Fearne Cotton it is set to be a day to remember.

The MSC Poesia, will make her debut in Dover on 5th April 2008, with a VIP star studded event to mark the first ever launch of an MSC Cruises ship outside of Italy .

In line with the company's tradition, the magnificent launch event will be attended by glamorous Hollywood actress, Sophia Loren, godmother to the new ship, who will perform the midnight christening ceremony.

As part of the ‘Musica’ class, the MSC Poesia,  will see her first night in Dover celebrated by live performances from headline acts including the celebrated Andrea Bocelli. Italian opera legend Bocelli, having recently received a standing ovation at the Grammy awards, captures the spirit and lyricism of the new ship.

In addition, multi award winning singer/songwriter KT Tunstall will be on stage in the grand new music hall as will jazz supremo, 20 year old, Peter Grant, accompanied by the renowned Ronnie Scott band.

During the evening, US artist Brian Olsen, will entertain with his unique style of dramatic performance art.

Festivities will go on late into the night, with BBC Radio One DJ, Fearne Cotton, controlling the ships other decks, to ensure celebrity revellers and guests can enjoy the splendour of the MSC Poesia and its warm Mediterranean hospitality.

Claudia Baino, Managing Director at MSC Cruises UK, said: “We are tremendously excited about launching the MSC Poesia in April. This is the first time an MSC Cruises ship has been christened in the UK , demonstrating how committed MSC Cruises are to the British market. The event promises to be spectacular, with the Italian glamour of Sophia Loren and a fantastic line up of global artists providing entertainment throughout the evening.”

At 89,600 tonnes and 1275 cabins with double occupancy for 2550 passengers, MSC Poesia has a wonderful blend of cutting edge technology, elegant surroundings, exciting entertainment venues and tantalising dining opportunities. MSC Poesia will be a sister ship to the popular MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica (launched in 2007 and 2006 respectively). She will become the ninth ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, which has experienced the industry’s largest fleet expansion in the last three years.

After the launch event, she will set sail on her 13 night pre-inaugural voyage from Dover to Venice , visiting Ireland , Portugal , Spain , Croatia , and finally Italy , arriving in Venice where she will be positioned for the summer of 2008.

For booking details visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844 561 1955