MSC Splendida – the second in MSC Cruises’ luxurious “Fantasia” class of cruise ships – completed her sea trials on Sunday, May 24.

The company’s new flagship left the Forme Joubert dock on May 21 at 3 p.m. and headed out to the Ile d’Yeu and Belle-Ile for a 72-hour sailing in the open sea. This trial made it possible to check numerous aspects of the ship’s performance including comfort–noise and vibrations– maneuverability, hydrodynamics, and propulsion.

Four tugboats were used to secure MSC Splendida’s transfer from the Forme Joubert dock before she navigated the Atlantic Ocean for the first time and returned to the STX Europe shipyard.

Once final trials and the interior fittings are completed, the flagship will be delivered to her owner on July 4 for a flag-changing ceremony. MSC Splendida will leave St. Nazaire shipyard afterward and set out on her pre-christening voyage to Barcelona, Spain.

During her pre-christening journey, MSC Splendida will call at Vigo (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Malaga (Spain), Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands/Spain), Marseille (France), and Barcelona (Spain).

Upon arrival, she will be christened by Sophia Loren – MSC Cruises’ godmother – during a grand celebration on July 12.