Classical violinist and UNICEF goodwill ambassador Maxim Vengerov is to appear as part of the christening of MSC Cruises’ new ship MSC Divina.
He will join international stars on stage for the evening’s main events in Marseille on May 26 and deliver a speech before releasing hundreds of UNICEF balloons with the help of local children.
Vengerov will join MSC Cruises’ chief executive Pierfrancesco Vago and MSC fleet godmother Sophia Loren for a question and answer session with international media.
It is hoped that he will also perform as part of the naming event, the line said.
The christening ceremony will act as a platform to highlight the MSC Cruises/UNICEF joint ‘Get on Board for Children’ initiative.
This funds the UNICEF-supported ‘Platform of Urban Centres’ project that aims to combat poverty and inequality in 94 favelas across Brazil by improving education opportunities for children.
Passengers on MSC Cruises’ ships have raised more than €1 million for the scheme since 2009.