Sophia Loren Christens MSC Cruises' New Ship 'Divina'

The exclusive high-profile event also included a gala dinner and entertainment from illustrious performers in the company of international celebrities, selected guests, media, authorities and the top management of MSC Cruises.

At the heart of last night's festivities lay not only the addition of the 12th ship to the MSC Cruises’ ultra-modern fleet, but also the Mediterranean heritage of which the company is so proud. The event was themed ‘Med with Passion’ and MSC Divina herself represents the embodiment of Mediterranean style. Every detail of the on board experience and the christening itself were carefully considered to reflect the colors, the perfumes, the history and the culture of the region, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy its celebrated values of authenticity and warm hospitality.

Continuing MSC Cruises’ tradition of christening its ships in different European ports, the company and the port itself paid tribute to Marseille and its centuries-old customs.



The Captens Aerobatic Display Team and the Brietling Jet Team opened the celebrations with two breathtakingly beautiful and skilful aerial shows.

This was then followed by a performance from La Poulido de Gèmo, a local folk-group which strives to preserve regional traditions through dance, music and traditional costumes. Members of the group, both young and old, are all motivated by a love of Provence and its traditions, and this passion for their region shone through last night.

Immediately after their contribution, there ensued a dynamic eight-minute medley of MSC Divina’s theatrical shows, complete with energetic dance, acrobatics and an impressive 14-person pyramid.

Gerard Depardieu, one of Europe's most accomplished actors and talented leading men, then narrated the evening’s events and the story of MSC Divina in his own lively and entertaining manner.

The christening ceremony was attended by numerous international stars, including celebrated classical performer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Maxim Vengerov. Vengerov is a supporter of the MSC Cruises’ and UNICEF’s Get on Board for Children initiative which funds a project for education equality for disadvantaged children in Brazil and which has raised over one million euros to date. The musician not only took to the stage with local children and released hundreds of UNICEF balloons to mark the occasion, he also delighted guests with a surprise violin solo.

The event’s main artist, critically acclaimed Italian singer, pianist and composer Paolo Conte, then mesmerized the audience with his grainy, resonant voice and his colorful and dreamy compositions, evocative of jazz and blues.

The highlight of the evening was of course the floodlit ceremony and parade of the ship’s officers, when the peerless Sophia Loren - treasured godmother of the MSC Cruises’ fleet - cut the ribbon and named MSC Divina to a crescendo of champagne, confetti and sparkling fountains.

While all this activity unfolded, an equally talented and famous face was cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Lucky guests enjoyed two signature gourmet menus from French favorite Chef Christian Constant. Each traditional delicacy aimed to surprise and delight, and was prepared using the finest ingredients with a fresh new twist, just like MSC Divina herself.

The Marseilles Provence Cruise Club, which on Friday welcomed MSC Divina into Marseilles harbor with an impressive parade, will see her off again today in style as she takes to the seas for her long-awaited first season.

Visit website: www.msccruisesusa.com