MSC Cruises celebrated the naming of their newest flagship, MSC Seashore, on their private island Ocean Cay. The event was the first naming ceremony for a cruise ship to be held at a private ceremony.
MSC Seashore Naming Ceremony
MSC Cruises’ newest flagship has officially been named in a long-awaited private island ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by the ship’s godmother, Hollywood royalty Sophia Loren, who performed her role as godmother of MSC Seashore. The naming ceremony marks the 16th MSC cruise ship that Sophia Loren is a godmother of.
The private island event was attended by travel advisors, the media, VIPs, and MSC Cruises stakeholders.
“Today is a truly special day for us. MSC Seashore is yet another example of us bringing our newest, most innovative ships to the U.S. market. It’s also special because we are naming her at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our breath-taking private island committed to the restoration of marine resources and the ongoing conservation of marine life.”
Rubén Rodríguez, President of MSC Cruises U.S.A.
The celebration took place aboard the ship and on the island, as the vessel remained docked throughout the night. Festivities included a stylish gala dinner and live entertainment from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy Award-winner Nile Rodgers and his band Chic.
MSC Cruises’ Newest And Most Innovative Ship
The ship is not just another Seaside-class ship. MSC Seashore is a 65% redesigned version of her earlier sister ships. The new ship is considerably longer and contains more outdoor space per passenger than any other ship in MSC’s fleet.
As part of MSC Cruises’ environmental initiatives, the ship features a selective catalytic reduction to control the ship’s emissions and anti-fouling paint to reduce sailing resistance. It is also the first ship in the MSC Cruises fleet to feature advanced air sanitation technology, which MSC claims lessen the risk of passengers catching viruses while cruising.
Inauguration of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
MSC Seashore’s naming ceremony also served as the formal inauguration of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The private island opened in December 2019 but was closed shortly thereafter due to the pandemic. Ocean Cay consists of a laboratory and coral nursery in an effort to restore coral reefs and support the conservation of marine life in the Bahamas.
Following the ceremony, MSC SSeashore will return to Miami to sail on her inaugural Caribbean cruise scheduled to depart on November 20, 2021.
With Ocean Cay now officially open, all MSC ships sailing from Miami and Port Canaveral will visit the island at least one each cruise. Stops at Ocean Cay will often include late-night or even overnight stays, ensuring guests have more than enough time to explore everything the island has to offer.
