By
Alex Smith |
MSC Cruises is planning four nights of celebration from 6-10 November in Hamburg, Germany, for the christening of its newest cruise ship MSC Grandiosa. The events will feature several international and German celebrities and welcome guests from around the world.
MSC Grandiosa’s arrival on 6 November will be marked by the start of four nights of illuminations designed by light artist Michael Batz. Light installations from 20 locations will illuminate the port with blue, symbolising the colour of the sea. Many small lights with low-energy consumption will be used to illuminate the ship to complete the display.
The christening ceremony will take place onboard MSC Grandiosa, hosted by actress, singer and TV presenter Michelle Hunziker and actor Jochen Schropp. Different celebrations will take place across the ship, allowing guests to explore her facilities.
MSC Cruises’ godmother, Italian actress Sophia Loren, will name the vessel before she passes through an illuminated gateway of blue light to symbolise her entry to the world. The naming ceremony will be accompanied by a fireworks display.
Christening guests will also be invited to a gala dinner, which will take place onboard and include a gourmet menu created by Harald Wohlfart, the only German chef to hold three Michelin stars for 25 consecutive years. Celebrations will conclude on the ship’s 93-metre-long Mediterranean promenade, Galleria Grandiosa, with music from German DJ Mousse T. and vocals from British singer Emma Lanford.
There will also be a purpose-built MSC village on the banks of the River Elbe, which is expected to welcome 5,000 people from 5pm onwards with food trucks and live music on the evening of the christening. Actors Annemarie and Wayne Carpendale will be hosting the events.
MSC Grandiosa will depart Hamburg on 10 November to commence her inaugural cruise to Genoa, Italy, before sailing seven-night itineraries in the Mediterranean calling at the Italian ports of Palermo and Sicily, as well as Barcelona, Spain.