MSC Cruises is gearing up for the arrival of its stunning new build MSC Magnifica, which successfully completed her sea trials after 72 hours on open water last week. The eleventh ship to join the most modern fleet in the world will make her debut to more than 2,000 guests in Southampton Port for two days and nights, from Friday 26 – Sunday 28 February before cruising to Hamburg, Germany for her official naming ceremony on 6 March 2010.

Guests will be treated to an exclusive event. All meals and beverages on board will be included, as well as a tour of the ship, a fun casino night and the chance to have a 15 minute ‘taster’ massage in the tranquil surroundings of the MSC Aurea SPA.

MSC Cruises are delighted to welcome UNICEF goodwill ambassador Sir Christopher Lee onboard, following its partnership with UNICEF and the ‘Get on board for children’ project, helping children and adolescents in Brazil to receive a quality education. Sir Christopher Lee will make a speech during the press conference held on board.

Offering 22,000 square metres of public areas for her 3,013 guests, and weighing in at 90,000 grt MSC Magnifica combines the intimacy of her three Musica Class sister ships with the state-of-the-art facilities and comfort of the company’s much larger flagships, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia. The Magrodome; a retractable roof – one of the largest of its kind - covers one of the four pools and provides versatility and more choice, perfect for all year-around Mediterranean sailing. Another new entry to this class and situated on the top deck, Il Bar Del Sole boasts its own whirlpools, showers and solarium.

The ship’s 17 bars and lounges, 4 restaurants and a large new buffet area will serve the best of Italian and international cuisine, with the à la carte restaurant L’Oasi offering fine dining in an exotic Moroccan atmosphere.

New entertainment features on board include a high-tech 4D cinema and mini-bowling alley, as well as a vintage area in the sports bar dedicated to billiards.

In keeping with an MSC Cruises tradition, the MSC Aurea SPA will be unveiling two new signature massages which will be exclusive to MSC Magnifica. Covering an area of 1,160 square metres, the luxurious MSC Aurea SPA and wellness centre provides resort-standard spa and relaxation services.

Beautifully fitted in Italian style and design, MSC Magnifica has many features both modern and traditional which cater for all, making her a perfect year-round holiday experience for all sorts of cruisers from kids to couples and from newcomers and seasoned cruise veterans. 

MSC Magnifica will sail to Hamburg for her official naming ceremony, taking place on March 6. It will be a spectacular evening of entertainment and celebration both on board and ashore.