New York City welcomed the MSC Divina as it called at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal for the first time on April 29 and April 30.

To mark the occasion, a plaques and key ceremony was held onboard the vessel.

Captain Pier Paola Scala, Elizabeth Shearin, vice president of  cruise operations for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and Kenneth Winkler, general manager for Ports America (see photo).

While in New York, the company hosted more than 900 travel agents onboard – allowing them to tour and experience the ship first hand. Travel agents also attended a presentation by Rick Sasso, president of MSC Cruises USA, and Ken Muskat, executive vice president of sales, PR, & guest services for MSC Cruises, in which they learned about the future growth of the company and particularly the line’s aggressive plans for expansion in North America.

In addition, MSC featured its completely new booking engine for travel agents, MSC Book, to the agency community. While on board, travel agents were able to participate in hour-long live demo sessions and test out the new system.

MSC Divina overnighted in New York City as part of her transatlantic crossing. She is now headed to the Mediterranean where she will stay for the summer season.