MSC Cruises has officially christened MSC Grandiosa in the city of Hamburg on the fourth and final night of celebrations in the Blue Port.
Since arriving in Hamburg on 6th November, MSC Grandiosa has been the subject and star of an immersive lightshow at the German city’s Blue Port. Spectacular light installations by renowned artist Michael Batz have bathed the port in shades of blue reminiscent of the sea to symbolise MSC Cruises’ long-standing commitment to the ocean, and MSC Grandiosa’s striking silhouette could be seen shimmering alongside the famous Elbphilharmonie on Hamburg’s Elbe river.
The traditional Christening ceremony was hosted by talented actress, TV presenter, model and singer, Michelle Hunziker alongside co-host TV host & actor Jochen Schropp, one of Germany’s favourite entertainers.
A purpose-built “MSC Village” on the banks of the River Elbe brought the festivities to shore, welcoming 5,000 locals to experience the christening from land with live music and food trucks.
The evening’s main spectacle occurred as MSC Grandiosa passed the Elbphilharmonie just as a special lightshow illuminated the building and ship. Grandiosa then took centre stage on the River Elbe as Godmother Sophia Loren officially named her 15th MSC Cruises ship, followed by a celebratory firework display. MSC Grandiosa then passed through a spectacular gateway of blue night returning to her dock, symbolising the new ship’s entry to the world.
Guests onboard enjoyed a gourmet four course menu created by renowned 3 Michelin starred German chef Harald Wohlfahrt at the Gala Dinner. The menu for guests started with Chilled king crab salad with crustacean coulis and imperial caviar or Guinea fowl napoleon with apple-ginger quenelle, Riesling gelée and brioche. Next up was the traditional German dish, “Maultasche” – pasta filled with winter truffles and pistou sauce. The main dish offered a choice between Oven-roasted turbot in a saffron-mussel fumet and vegetable mélange or Duo of veal tenderloin and braised cheek, tender savoy cabbage, glazed carrot and roasted herb jus. Finishing off the gourmet feast, guests could choose a Pistachio parfait with orange granité and exotic fruit cocktail or Chocolate tart with caramelised pears and vanilla-mascarpone ice cream.
After the gala dinner guests danced into the night in the Galleria Grandiosa, the ship’s iconic 93-metre-long Mediterranean promenade, where popular German DJ Mousse T. and British singer Emma Lanford performed.
Following on from the Christening, MSC Grandiosa embarks on a grand tour, visiting Southampton, UK, Lisbon, Portugal, Barcelona, Spain, Marseille France and Genoa, Italy, before commencing her usual 7-night cruises on 23 November. Her regular cruises in the Western Mediterranean include visits to Genoa, Civitavecchia (Italy) Palermo (Sicily), Valetta (Malta), Barcelona (Spain) and Marseille (France).
On board MSC Grandiosa guests of all ages and interests will find something exciting waiting, including:
- Two original new shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea exclusive to MSC Cruises guests
- A 93-metre-long Mediterranean Promenade lined with international shops and restaurants
- An immersive art experience featuring etchings from Edgar Degas’ Danse Dessin series
- Dedicated children’s areas designed in partnership with Chicco and LEGO
- The world’s first virtual digital cruise assistant – ZOE – in every cabin