MSC CRUISES REVEALS NEW, EXCLUSIVE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT SEA SHOWS FOR MSC BELLISSIMA

Geneva, Switzerland – 5th December 2018: MSC Cruises has revealed today details of the two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows that are being created for MSC Bellissima. The breath-taking shows will be called SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination and VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour and will be available on MSC Bellissima, exclusively for the benefit of her guests, following MSC Cruises’ newest flagship coming into service in March 2019.

The long-term partnership between MSC Cruises and Cirque du Soleil first began in 2013 and has since set new standards in live entertainment at sea. A total of eight original shows, that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world will be available exclusively on MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia generation ships coming into service between 2017 and autumn 2020. MSC Meraviglia was the first ship to debut the new Cirque du Soleil at Sea concept with the launch of the two shows VIAGGIO and SONOR June 2017. Work is already underway for MSC Grandiosa, that will also launch next year in November and MSC Virtuosa, that will launch in October 2020.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman commented, “The partnership with Cirque du Soleil is truly special. With the creation of Cirque du Soleil at Sea we wanted to bring our guests the very best in onboard live entertainment and more importantly something that they would not be able to see anywhere else in the world. As a family company, all our strategic partnerships are built on shared values and a shared vision - a true collaboration from beginning to end. With Cirque du Soleil at Sea we wanted to bring yet more innovation to our entertainment offering and this began with the bespoke design and construction of the state-of-the-art entertainment lounge – the only such venue at sea - through to the creative development of the shows, where we are involved every step of the way from early conception right through to final delivery of the shows.”

Yasmine Khalil, Chief Executive Producer, Cirque du Soleil & President, 45 DEGREES stated, “We are thrilled to embark on our second MSC Cruises ship as we pursue Cirque du Soleil’s journey at sea. We could not have wished for a better partnership where thanks to the purposely built theatre, the Carousel Lounge, our teams can unleash their creativity and continue to push the boundaries of entertainment at sea. Joining VIAGGIO and SONOR, our first two shows on MSC Meraviglia, Cirque du Soleil continues to reinvent itself through an intimate theatre experience where two new shows are created exclusively for MSC Bellissima, which promise to take MSC Cruises’ guests on an entirely new journey. We look forward to reveal some of the details of these 2 new shows.”

Mr Vago continued, “It is really quite incredible that we will develop together eight original shows, two for each of the initial four Meraviglia Class ships. Every element of each show is unique from the concept and storyline, the characters, the costumes and make-up through to the music, staging and sound effects. This is unparalleled within the cruise industry and means that guests are able to experience original, truly distinct and spectacular Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows only on board our Meraviglia generation ships.”

SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination takes you on the epic journey of a young sailor, brimming with imagination. On this bold expedition, he braves the elements, plunges into troubled waters and discovers the mysterious island of his dreams, populated by surreal, and colourful creatures. We all carry our own imaginary island inside of us, so what are you waiting for? SYMA awaits. Immersive video images, an original set design, bioluminescent lighting and acrobatic feats make SYMA an unforgettable show.

VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour puts a futuristic twist on a traditional medieval tale. It traces the arduous course of an unconventional courtship between a princess with distinctive violet skin and a charming hero who is blind. Their budding romance is thwarted by a villain who, in a fit of madness, kidnaps the royal. With the help of his friends, the brave young hero formulates a plan to rescue his beloved. Delight in the acrobatic feats, the laser show and the unique set design of this futuristic medieval tale.

The Carousel Lounge is a purpose-built entertainment venue hosting just over 400 guests each night and was specially designed for the needs of the Cirque du Soleil at Sea artists as well as creating an immersive and intimate spectacle for MSC Cruises guests, allowing them to fully connect with the artists. With an investment of €20 million each, the lounge features state-of-the-art technology and high specification technical features to deliver an exceptional and memorable entertainment experience for guests.

The 360° rotating stage is set in the middle of the lounge with seating all around to maximise the viewing experience.

The central stage also rotates, meaning guests can see the action from different angles during every performance. Another important element to the impressive stage layout is a 40-metre-long LED screen, which is integral to each show to create an immersive performance. Cirque du Soleil are renowned for their aerial acts and special rigging has been developed to enable the artists to perform their impressive aerial acrobatics. The shows on board MSC Bellissima will feature additional new and exciting special effects and features.

Positioned at the aft of the ship on deck 7, the Carousel Lounge offers stunning views of the ocean whilst at sea. Guests can enjoy the beautiful views and pre-show entertainment whilst having dinner or sipping a cocktail before the performance starts.

The artists for the new shows have now been cast and after training at Cirque du Soleil Headquarters in Montreal, Canada the team will soon leave to embark on board MSC Bellissima where final preparations will be underway. All the artists have been carefully selected to meet the specific needs of the two shows and have selected for their special performance skills and trained to the high standards required of Cirque du Soleil performers.

Cirque du Soleil at Sea is a pre-booked experience for guests with competitive rates and can be booked in advance, or whilst on board during the cruise for any still available seats. Guests can either book to enjoy a three-course menu of palate-pleasing dishes served before the show (€35). Or sip on a specialty cocktail (€15) and enjoy the pre-show that begins 30 minutes before the start of the Cirque du Soleil at Sea performance.

To find out more about Cirque du Soleil at Sea visit here

For more media information on MSC Cruises visit here

MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and the number one cruise line in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Gulf. A game-changer in the world of cruises, the Company has achieved 800% growth in its first ten years, building a global reputation in the industry and one of the youngest cruise fleets at sea. MSC Cruises is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

The MSC Cruises fleet currently comprises 15 ultra-modern, highly innovative and elegantly designed ships, offering an unparalleled holiday experience with always delicious and authentic food, award-winning entertainment, plenty of relaxation, comfortable accommodation, as well as impeccable service and expertise.

Under its ambitious industry-unprecedented €13.6 billion investment plan, the fleet is set to expand to 29 cruise ships by 2027. To date, MSC Cruises has designed six new large ship classes, all prototypes that push the boundaries of marine architecture and design, and an ultra-luxury class with ground-breaking options for guest comfort.

MSC Cruises feels a deep responsibility towards the physical and human environments in which it operates and its ships are fitted with the latest environmental features and maritime technology. The Company operates with the greatest respect for the world’s oceans and is on an ongoing journey to further develop innovative ways of lowering the environmental impact of its cruise passages, from improving air quality from ship emissions, to advanced wastewater treatment, to comprehensive and coherent waste and garbage management.

MSC Cruises’ holiday experiences are sold across the globe through a distribution network in 70 countries. The Company employs over 23,500 people worldwide, both ashore and on board its ships. MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group which is comprised of leading transport and logistics companies.

Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in live entertainment. Established in Montreal, the Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to over 190 million spectators with productions presented in close to 450 cities in 60 countries. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group currently has over 4,000 employees, including 1,400 artists, from nearly 70 countries.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group creates content for a broad range of audacious projects. On top of producing world-renowned shows, the organization has extended its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, theme parks and special events. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to make a positive impact on people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please go to cdsentertainmentgroup.com.