MSC Cruises has taken delivery of MSC Virtuosa, the latest highly-innovative, environmentally-conscious ship to join its fleet.
A small and private flag ceremony was held at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France, where MSC Virtuosa received her official flag and blessings for good fortune.
The ceremony was attended by the company’s executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, his wife Alexa Aponte-Vago and their children as well as representatives from MSC Cruises new builds team along with executives and workers from the shipyard.
Mr Vago said: “My family and I could not miss this opportunity to welcome in person the newest member to our fleet. The delivery of MSC Virtuosa at such a challenging time for our industry symbolises how as a family company we continue to look at the longer term and build our future.
“In doing so we remain committed to building each time some of the most innovative ships in the world when it comes to their environmental performance featuring nothing but the most advanced available technology at sea.”
He added: “Just as importantly, with each new ship we continue to push boundaries and innovate our product offering with new and unique experiences for our guests. On MSC Virtuosa, this includes the world’s first humanoid bartender at sea that will be the star of a futuristic, immersive experience using cutting-edge technologies.
“Our exceptional dining offering has been further enhanced with two new restaurant concepts that showcase popular international cuisines to take guests on a gastronomic journey of discovery. This is of course in addition to the richness of experience that already sets us apart such as the now iconic promenade with a stunning 91.8 metre long LED sky dome that is the social heart of the ship and more.”
The MSC Virtuosa hand-over ceremony at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire Image: Ivan Sarfatti
Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said: “With the construction of MSC Virtuosa, we have reached a level of finish and performance that will give future MSC Virtuosa guests the best that cruising has to offer. The 16th ship that the Chantiers de l’Atlantique has built for MSC Cruises is therefore an example that will be difficult to overtake.”
MSC Virtuosa features some of the most advanced technology currently available, and has received 11 Golden Pearls from Bureau Veritas for her range of innovative aspects including environmental protection and health and safety.
MSC plans to introduce MSC Virtuosa for the summer season from 16 April, with four cruises in the Mediterranean of 3-,-4- and 10-nights before the ship moves to her new homeport of Kiel, where she will commence her Northern Europe itineraries from 8 May.