MSC Cruises has revealed the names and concepts for the two Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows that will be performed onboard the new MSC Meraviglia.

Cirque du Soleil will create eight original shows available on MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-class ships.

“We are committed to creating unique opportunities that elevate the guest experience to new heights and, for this, we work with innovative, world-class leaders in their sector. It was thus only natural that, when it comes to entertainment, we would look to partner with Cirque du Soleil,” said Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises.

“Today we are delighted to reveal the concepts and inspiration behind the Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows that will soon premiere on our new flagship MSC Meraviglia. By creating two different shows for each of the four Meraviglia and Meraviglia-plus generation ships, we will make available exclusively to our guests something new and exciting with each ship’s launch. Moreover, these shows will be a true first at sea,” added Onorato.

“After years of hard work, our team is very excited to unveil the names and visuals of the two first productions of our partnership with MSC; two concepts very different from one another, both showcasing Cirque du Soleil’s ‘savoir-faire’,” explained Yasmine Khalil, President of 45 DEGREES, Cirque du Soleil’s events and special projects company.

Cirque du Soleil set out to create two very different, contrasting shows, each with a different concept, ambiance, storyline, costumes and make-up. There are two performances each night, six nights a week.

According to MSC:

VIAGGIO, the first of two shows, is the story of a passionate and eccentric artist who hears the call of his Faceless Muse. Mysterious and seductive, she beckons him into the vivid world of his unbridled imagination to complete his masterpiece. With each stroke of his paintbrush, the painter reveals the details of his grandiose tableau. Electrifying colors fill the space with intriguing motifs and rich textures. Majestic acts transform the theater into a living canvas. Before our very eyes, a masterpiece comes to life.

With sound at its heart, SONOR, the second show, takes guests on an auditory adventure with dancers, acrobats and characters, all moving to the rhythm. Conjuring a world of unique sensations, astonishing sounds, bold music and immersive projections, SONOR culminates in a grand finale for the senses.

“We wanted to elevate the experience even further for our guests and for this we have worked hand in hand with the creative team from Cirque du Soleil to create the first dinner and show experience on our fleet,” Onorato noted.

The dining experience will start one hour before the show begins and will include what MSC called “surprise animation from performers, live music, stylish table settings topped with a table d’hôte three-course menu of eclectic dishes.”

Cirque du Soleil at Sea has to be pre-booked by guests either before the cruise or once onboard. The theater is limited to 413 seats.

The shows will take place in the Carousel Lounge, which MSC said is being developed at a cost of $22 million per ship and specifically for Cirque du Soleil at Sea.