MSC CRUISES INVITES THE CITY OF HAMBURG AND ITS CITIZENS TO A BIG CHRISTENING PARTY ON THE ELBE PROMENADE ON 9 NOVEMBER

Munich and Hamburg, October 14, 2019 - The countdown has begun: In one month the MSC Grandiosa, MSC Cruises’ newest flagship and at the same time one of the most environmentally advanced cruise ships at sea, will be ceremoniously christened in the port of Hamburg. Today, MSC invited all Hamburg residents and the surrounding area to join in the celebrations on the Elbe promenade in Hamburg on 9 November. A specially developed event area with an excellent view of the harbour allows visitors to participate live and directly in the festivities and takes them into a fabulous world of blue light installations and fireworks above a majestic cruise ship.

The MSC Grandiosa is not only the newest flagship of MSC Cruises, but also one of the most environmentally advanced ships at sea. It sets a new benchmark for the future as it is equipped with state-of-the-art environmental technology, including an innovative SCR catalyst (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and a modern waste water treatment plant. The MSC Grandiosa was developed to underline MSC Cruises' commitment to the environment and complies with the strictest environmental standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The christening of MSC Grandiosa in Hamburg will be an unforgettable event: While Hollywood legend Sophia Loren will christen the ship directly on board during a small cruise passage, all guests of the "MSC Village" on the Elbe promenade will have the opportunity to experience the emotional event live. On a stage, the well-known TV stars Annemarie and Wayne Carpendale will present the onboard festivities from 6 p.m., which will be streamed live as a TV show to the Elbe promenade on two large LED screens. Michelle Hunziker, who already led through the christening program of the MSC Seaview in June 2018, will present the show at the same time. She is supported by local hero Jochen Schropp.

All guests are close at hand in the "MSC Village": at the climax of the ceremony, the ship leaves the cruise terminal in Steinwerder in the evening to sail a special route through Hamburg harbour, which was bathed in a special blue light by Michael Batz. In the middle of the Elbe, the MSC Grandiosa awaits a spectacular light show at the height of the Elbphilharmonie. But that's not all - shortly after Sophia Loren ceremoniously christened the ship, a bombastic fireworks display illuminates the sky above the ship and harbour. To crown the event, the MSC Grandiosa passes the "Gateway to the World" - a special light installation as a tribute to the city: the ship travels through an imposing gate of blue light into the night and is symbolically released into the world before returning to Steinwerder.

The incomparable experience on the Elbe promenade will be framed by a varied programme: as a live act, "MAX AND FRIENDS" will ensure the best party atmosphere. The band has been a guarantor for world-class entertainment and fantastic parties for years. Their live energy turns party nights into true happenings. Their program includes current chart breakers as well as the greatest hits from pop, rock & soul. Further highlights of the MSC Village are a DJ, walking acts, a replica of the ship's bow of the MSC Grandiosa, where you can playfully imitate the bottle throw of a christening, a cruise lottery and culinary opportunities to get delicious food and drinks. The event area is open from 16 to 22 o'clock.