When Naples played host to the christening of MSC Cruises Fantasia in December 2008, the first of the Fantasy-class ships was the largest ship ever built for a European cruise line
The spectacular launch event featured internationally acclaimed artists with Neapolitan origins - Renzo Arbore and the Orchestra Italiana, Lucio Dalla and Pino Daniele - who performed in a specially created high-tech arena.
And in what is now a tradition for MSC Cruises, the ribbon was cut by screen goddess Sophia Loren.
Fantasia, which is taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa and longer than the Eiffel Tower, combines traditional Italian elegance with ground-breaking technological features, all dedicated to superior guest comfort and unprecedented environmental protection.
Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC, said: "MSC Fantasia is not only a beautiful ship, but also a triumph of environmentally-friendly design and technological innovation, where every step taken on board holds the promise of exciting new experiences. Naples is famous for its vibrancy, creativity and professionalism, qualities that have greatly contributed to MSC Crociere's success over the years, and which are amply reflected in tonight’s event. I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been involved in making this fantasy a reality."
The official christening ceremony was preceded by a suitably glamorous evening of entertainment, staged in an innovative, purpose-built structure that held over 2,500 people. Performed on a set inspired by coral - a perfect symbol for MSC Crociere's love of the sea and respect for the environment - the show created a kaleidoscope of changing emotions.
And for an extra surge of adrenalin, at 2:00pm on the day of the event, Formula One driver Jarno Trulli officially opened one of MSC Fantasia's unique attractions, a thrilling high-tech Formula One Simulator.
MSC had received Fantasia at a hand-over ceremony at the STX France shipyard in St Nazaire, France, a week earlier.
At the tender age of four, the godmother at the flag ceremony was Asia Aponte, granddaughter of MSC Cruises owner Gianluigi Aponte.
The official handover saw the lowering of the French flag and the flag of STX France, and the raising of the MSC Cruises flag, along with the flags of Italy and Panama.
At the ceremony, Mr Vago said: "This ship will capture the imagination of every single guest who comes onboard, as she is a destination in herself and so beautifully designed. She features the stunning MSC Yacht Club, which introduces a new concept in luxury sailing, and our signature MSC Aurea Spa, for the ultimate in well-being."
Fantasia, based in Genoa sailing the Mediterranean year-round, is the largest ship in the fleet with a total passenger capacity of 3,959, introduces a new class of cruising with MSC Yacht Club, a luxury area with 24-hour butler and concierge service.
She is the sixth new build for MSC Cruises from STX France. Her sister ship MSC Splendida joined the fleet in July 2009, and will be followed by three further ships - MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa - by 2012, giving MSC Cruises the fastest-growing and most modern fleet in the world.
