Saturday 6 March 2010, in Hamburg, international legend of the silver screen Sophia Loren christened the newest jewel in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Magnifica. The high-profile event included a carnival celebration in the company of international celebrities, selected guests and the top management of MSC Cruises.

At the heart of the celebrations was more than the eleventh ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, the most modern cruise fleet on the seas. Because MSC Magnifica represents something of a revolution in the cruise industry, being dedicated above all to quality and comfort. Built along the proven lines of the MSC Musica class, at 293.8m long, displacing 93,330 tons and hosting up to 3,010 guests, she’s a luxurious ship offering a sumptuous variety of leisure and entertainment. But she’s also much more, bringing the Musica class the superlative quality materials, state-of-the-art facilities and glamorous designer interiors by De Jorio International that distinguish MSC Cruises flagships. With 17 different creatively-themed lounges and bars, including a fully-equipped Sports Bar with stabilised pool table, a theatre, 4D cinema, tenpin bowling, a sumptuous MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre and four pools - one with a magrodome sliding glass roof - MSC Magnifica offers a feast for all the senses in all seasons.

Continuing MSC Cruises tradition of christening its ships in different international ports, the day’s celebrations paid homage to the centuries-old seafaring traditions of Hamburg and Venice, MSC Magnifica’s home port. And they did so in fitting style for the time of year, with a recreation of the Venice Carnival. What’s more, the celebrations included the people of Hamburg, being broadcast live on two giant floating screens in the beautiful Landungsbrücken area of the harbour.

The Grand Christening Ceremony was attended by illustrious stars, including UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Nana Mouskouri, a supporter of the “MSC for UNICEF” initiative, which sees MSC Cruises and its cruise guests funding a project for the disadvantaged children of the “favelas” of Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo.

Sustaining the celebrations, there was an equally illustrious guest in the kitchen, the double Michelin-starred chef Mauro Uliassi, whose dishes now also feature as regular highlights of the outstanding cuisine on board MSC Magnifica.

An all-star cast likewise provided the entertainment, including the world-famous Italian musician Eros Ramazzotti and the platinum-selling German singer Sasha.

But of course the magnificent heart of the evening was the floodlit ceremony and parade of the ship’s officers, when the peerless Sophia Loren - illustrious godmother of the MSC Cruises fleet - cut the ribbon and named MSC Magnifica to a crescendo of champagne and fireworks.

In the spirit of MSC Crociere, the Grand Christening Ceremony was not only followed in Hamburg but also online, where it can still be enjoyed on MSC TV at: www.mscwebtv.com