• Hollywood Icon Sophia Loren will name her 14th MSC Cruises ship
• MSC Cruises announces new partnership with Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc
• Performances from Nile Rodgers, Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli
 
This evening MSC Cruises, the leading cruise line in Europe will officially welcome the latest addition to the Company’s modern fleet – MSC Bellissima. The Company’s new flagship will be named in a glamourous and traditional maritime Naming Ceremony in the port of Southampton. Present will be host of stars, VIPs, key travel partners and international media as well as top management from MSC Cruises and its parent company MSC Group. Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman as well as the ship owner, will attend together with the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families. MSC Cruises’ Godmother Sophia Loren will officially name her 14th ship, and it is only fitting that the glamourous Hollywood legend who is renowned for her style and elegance, should name this beautiful ship.
MSC Cruises announced today a new partnership with one of the finest chefs in the world, Raymond Blanc, OBE. The two-Michelin-starred chef has had a profound influence on Britain’s culinary landscape and to kick-off the relationship, VIP guests at the Naming Ceremony will enjoy an exquisite menu that chef Blanc has designed for the Yacht Club Gala Dinner. This marks the start of a new collaboration with MSC Cruises and the celebrated chef who 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 on board.”
 
Hosting the evening’s celebrations will be English TV presenter and star of ITV, Holly Willoughby. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy Award-winner Nile Rodgers will perform some of his most danceable hits with his band Chic. Also taking to the stage will be world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli. 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. Guests will also experience a very special performance from Cirque du Soleil at Sea. This will be the first time that the world-leader in live entertainment, Cirque du Soleil, has performed at the launch of a ship.

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