| MSC Seashore sets sail 24 Nov 21

THE naming ceremony for MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC Seashore has taken place at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

The cruise line’s newest ship is the first to be named at a private island, with MSC’s godmother, Italian actress Sophia Loren naming her 16th ship of the brand’s 19-strong fleet.

The evening’s festivities took place both on board and on the island, and included a stylish gala dinner and live entertainment from American band Nile Rodgers & Chic.

The event also included a ground-breaking for MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Center, to support its Super Coral Program, which includes a laboratory and coral nursery areas.

The Program seeks to help restore coral reefs in the Bahamas to a healthy state through the propagation of hardy Super Coral species, to increase the reefs’ resilience.

Following the event, Seashore began her inaugural US season, with a seven-night cruise.

Meanwhile, MSC has marked the float-out of the ship set to take over from Seashore as flagship, MSC Seascape.

One of three of the line’s ships currently under construction, Seascape is one of two which will be delivered 2022, and will be the second Seaside EVO class vessel to enter the fleet.

“The float out of MSC Seascape marks yet another significant milestone in the growth of our fleet and the vessel will pay homage to the oceans through yet another host of highly innovative maritime and design features,” said MSC Cruises Executive Chair Pierfrancesco Vago, who is pictured with Miami-Dade County’s Mayor Daniella Lavine-Cava and Commissioner Rebeca Sosa.