MSC Bellissima is Officially Christened

MSC Bellissima has officially been named by godmother Sophia Loren during a naming ceremony in Southampton.

MSC Bellissima Naming Ceremony

The naming ceremony was attended by MSC executives, VIPs, press and media, travel agents and other partners in Southampton as MSC’s new Meraviglia-class ship was christened following her delivery earlier in the week.

Holly Willoughby hosted the evening celebrations and was joined by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy Award-winner Nile Rodgers who performed some of his hits with his band Chic.

MSC Bellissima will spend the summer season in the Mediterranean, during winter 2019/20 she will be sailing in the Middle East before moving to China in 2020.

Bocelli Family

Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli also took to the stage. The Bocelli family have a long-standing relationship with MSC Cruises dating back over 10 years when Andrea first performed for the Naming Ceremony of MSC Poesia in Dover, UK.

Cirque du Soleil at Sea

Guests also saw a special performance from Cirque du Soleil at Sea. A special performance from Cirque du Soleil at Sea was also performed during the evening of celebrations.

Raymond Blanc Partnership

MSC Cruises also announced a new partnership with chef Raymond Blanc, OBE. Guests at the naming enjoyed a menu that chef Blanc designed for the Yacht Club Gala Dinner to mark the start of a new collaboration with MSC Cruises. The celebrated chef will go on to devise a dish for the Elegant Dinner menu.

Raymond Blanc commented:

I am truly looking forward to collaborating with MSC Cruises on some exciting projects, including the development of one of my signature dishes for the Elegant Dinner menu. I believe we have a shared passion for the guest experience, and together we will create some truly memorable moments for diners onboard.