MSC Magnifica – the fourth Panamax cruise ship in the MSC Cruises Musica class – successfully completed her sea trials on Sunday,  January 17, returning to the Forme Joubert, Saint-Nazaire, France dock after 72-hours on the open seas.

Despite inclement weather and 50-knot winds on Saturday, MSC Magnifica performed to the satisfaction of the MSC Cruises’ team. The trials involved a team of about 300 performing more than 60 separate tests involving everything from speed and manageability to acoustics and vibrations.

Following the sea trials, MSC Magnifica will participate in a flag-changing ceremony on February 25, in Saint-Nazaire and be christened on March 6 in Hamburg, Germany. The christening celebration includes an evening of entertainment and celebration both onboard and ashore through a live broadcast shown on two giant screens.

Renowned Italian singer Eros Ramazzotti, adult contemporary/soft rock/pop artist, performs on stage during the christening while MSC Cruises’ traditional godmother, Italian screen legend Sophia Loren, participates in the ribbon cutting. Ramazzotti is one of the most popular Italian singers and songwriters selling more than 40 million records in his 25-year career.

MSC Magnifica combines the intimacy of her three Musica Class sister vessels—MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, and MSC Poesia—with the state-of-the-art facilities and comfort of the company’s larger flagships, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia.

A magrodome or retractable roof covers the pool area making it possible to enjoy one of the four pools onboard throughout the year regardless of the weather. The Il Bar del Sole area on the top deck boasts its own whirlpools and solarium.

The ship’s 17 bars and lounges, four restaurants, and a large new buffet area will serve Italian and international cuisine; an à la carte restaurant L’Oasi will provide fine dining in an exotic Moroccan atmosphere. Entertainment features on board include a high-tech 4D cinema, mini-bowling alley and a billiard table in the L’Olimpiade sports bar. 

Relaxation opportunities await guests in the MSC Aurea Spa wellness center for massages, facials, and other specialty spa treatments in a resort-standard setting. 

The new addition to the MSC Cruises’ fleet will sail the Eastern Mediterranean beginning March 20, for 7-night itineraries departing Venice, Italy and calling at Bari, Italy; Katakolon (Olympia) Greece; Izmir, Turkey; Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.