MSC Cruises’ new ship MSC Bellissima will host 2,500 agents when it is christened in the UK next spring.
The ship will dock in Southampton for three days on March 1-3, with the naming ceremony taking place on March 2.
More than 3,000 guests are expected to visit the ship over the three days, more than 80% of whom will be agents.
Dedicated trade events will take place on board on March 1 and 3.
MSC last christened a ship in the UK with the launch of MSC Poesia in Dover in 2008.
With capacity for 4,500 passengers and weighing 171,600 tons, Bellissima will be the largest ship to be christened in the UK.
Film star Sophia Loren has traditionally been the godmother for all MSC ships but UK managing director Antonio Paradiso said Bellissima’s godmother had yet to be confirmed, adding that the line was looking for UK celebrities to perform at the ceremony.
The ship’s inaugural sailing from Southampton to Genoa will depart on March 4 on a seven-night western Mediterranean itinerary.
Bellissima, which will be a sister ship to MSC Meraviglia which launched last year, will operate seven-night western Mediterranean itineraries next summer before moving to Dubai for winter 2019-20.
Paradiso said MSC’s decision to hold the christening in Southampton showed the line’s commitment to the UK market.
“We carefully select where to hold our christenings and choose locations which are key to our growth. We see an opportunity to grow our UK business massively.
“The UK has gone from strength to strength so the christening is the icing on the cake.”
Bellissima will feature two new shows from Cirque du Soleil, a new French bistro dining concept, and boutiques selling British brands such as handbag designer Radley and luxury biscuit manufacturer Cartwright & Butler.