By
Rebecca Gibson |
MSC Cruises’ MSC Preziosa made her inaugural call to her new Santos homeport in Brazil on 26 November.
Following a welcome speech from Brazilian artist Xuxa and ribbon-cutting ceremony held by Captain Giuliano Bossi, more than 2,500 guests and MSC executives enjoyed performances by the children's choir of the Xuxa Foundation, Banda Eva and DJs from Energy 97FM. They also attended a gala dinner and a live performance of Pandora, which is inspired by the movie Avatar, in the ship’s theatre.
The 140,000-ton ship was designed by naval architects De Jorio Design International and features Vertigo, the longest single rider body waterslide at sea. Other features include the Doremi Castle Aqua Park Adventures, a 1,600-seat theatre, a 4D cinema and the first two Eataly restaurants at sea. She also has the MSC Aurea Spa, MSC Yacht Club and, similar to her sister ship Divina, the infinity-style Garden Pool and Galaxy Lounge Restaurant and Club.
MSC Preziosa will offer mini-cruises from Santos to the tropical islands of south east Brazil, as well as a series of six, seven and eight-night trips to the north east region of the country. Also operating in Brazil this season are MSC Magnifica from Santos, MSC Orchestra from Rio de Janeiro and MSC Poesia from Buenos Aires, Argentina.