MSC Cruises has welcomed the MSC Seascape to its fleet as its 21st ship with the line’s newest ship officially named at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City on Wednesday evening.

The location was chosen in recognition of the addition of New York as a new homeport in April 2023 for MSC Cruises to provide more choice of North American embarkation ports and itineraries for the line’s guests from both North America and the rest of the world, the company said.

The event was attended by more than 3,000 guests including VIPs, key travel partners and global media as well as top management from the entire Cruise Division of the company and its parent MSC Group.

One of the highlights of the traditional maritime ceremony was a stunning performance from international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, following his performance last month at the naming ceremony of MSC World Europa in Doha, Qatar.

Godmother of the MSC Cruises fleet and international movie icon Sophia Loren blessed the ship virtually whilst Alexa Aponte-Vago, daughter of MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman Gianluigi Aponte, performed the traditional cutting of the ribbon to officially name the ship.

Loren shared her good luck wishes for the new ship and said: “One of the highlights of the past 20 years has been to officiate the christening of MSC Cruises fleet not only because the Apontes have become like family to me but also because MSC has always occupied a special place in my heart. Let me bless the MSC Seascape, her great crew and all her passengers.”

Following the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a gourmet gala dinner and standout performance by international Grammy Award winner singer and songwriter Ne-Yo.