MSC Cruises’ latest vessel MSC Seascape has been named in New York.
The naming ceremony for Seascape, which will be based in Miami and operate a mix of Caribbean sailings during its maiden season, was attended by more than 3,000 guests including VIPs, agents and media.
Singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli performed at the event, less than a month after singing at MSC World Europa’s naming.
More: MSC Cruises takes delivery of MSC Seascape
Film actress Sophia Loren, who is godmother of the entire fleet, blessed the ship virtually as she was not able to attend the event while Alexa Aponte-Vago, daughter of MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman Gianluigi Aponte, cut the ribbon.
Loren said: “One of the highlights of the past 20 years has been to officiate the christening of MSC Cruises’ fleet, not only because the Apontes have become like family to me, but also because MSC has always occupied a special place in my heart.
“Let me bless the MSC Seascape, her great crew and all her passengers.”
MSC Seascape is the 21st ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. The vessel will be closely followed by the line’s second LNG-powered ship MSC Euribia, slated to come into service in June 2023.
The ship has 2,270 cabins and suites, plus 11 dining venues and 19 bars. There are six onboard swimming pools including an aft infinity pool on the ship.
MSC Cruises will homeport a vessel at Manhattan Cruise Terminal, New York, from April 2023, expanding the number of North American embarkation ports for its passengers to use.