On June 8, in Copenhagen, Denmark, the newest flagship
of MSC Cruises, the MSC Euribia was officially named in an impressive
gala night of celebration.
The 22nd vessel to join the MSC fleet, MSC Euribia
draws her name from the ancient Greek goddess who claimed mastery over the
seas, harnessing the winds, tides and constellations. And at 88 years old, another goddess, renowned
Italian Oscar-winning actress Sophia Loren was named the ships godmother. This
is the 19th time she has received this honor followed by a standing
ovation from the audience after she cut the official ribbon.
The Naming Ceremony is a time-honored maritime tradition marking
a ships entry into service. It is also one of utmost importance to the Aponte
family from Sorrento, Italy. Gianluigi
Aponte, a former ship captain himself is the owner and founder of MSC Cruises.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Copenhagen was chosen as the launch city due to its rich
maritime heritage and dedication to sustainability.? This falls in line with MSCs vision as they placed
into service their most environmentally advanced ship Built for the Future.
Powered by LNG- the worlds cleanest marine fuel available of scale and
representing the worlds most energy-efficient ship design,?MSC Euribia was designed
to achieve the cruise lines commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by
2050.?
As a matter of fact, her impressively-engineered hull
displays the message #SaveTheSea in a design by German graphic artist, Alex
Flaeming. Its mantra serves as a visible call to action for marine environmental
protection.?MSC Euribia is the second ship in the MSC Cruises fleet to be powered
with LNG, along with MSC World Europa which entered service in 2022.
Godmother Sophia Loren. (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
MSC Euribias maiden voyage from her shipyard berth in
Saint-Nazaire, France to Copenhagen represented a net zero greenhouse gas
emission leg, the worlds first. And in line with sustainability
principles, the Naming Ceremony, held in the ships 945-seat Delphi Theater
was, of no surprise, heavily focused on environmental responsibility. The
ceremony was also streamed across the ship so the entire crew could watch as
well.
Danish model and actress, Sarah Grnewald served as Master
of Ceremonies. Throughout the event, guests heard from Pierfrancesco Vago,
Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC group and many other MSC
corporate leaders.?
Amazing stage
performances by a host of incredibly talented dancers were followed by British
singer Tony Hadley who entertained the audience with several songs. World-renowned
French DJ and record producer, Bob Sinclar topped off the night with a set of lively
dance tunes.
The post-naming gala dinner was held in the ships main
dining rooms and featured a four-course gourmet dinner selection along with
international wines and creative cocktails. And of course, the gala continued
late into the night with music, dancing and more celebration.
Inaugural Season Cruises
The modern, classy and elegant MSC Euribia departed from its new
home port of Kiel, Germany on June 9 making this her first full cruise
of the inaugural season. The 6,327-passenger ship (at full capacity) will
feature seven-night Northern Europe itineraries from Kiel and Copenhagen, Denmark
to the stunningly beautiful Norwegian Fjords of Geiranger, ?lesund, and Flaam.
Michele Francioni, Senior Vice President, MSC Cruises stated
that MSC Euribias first voyage will be an incredible feat and represents
years of commitment and determination. It should prove that we have the
capability to operate on a net zero greenhouse gas emissions basis with
existing ship technology.
MSC Euribia naming ceremony. (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
This is just the beginning he added. "We are committed to
this transition and putting in place everything we can do to facilitate it. It
cannot be done without alternative fuels such as bio-LNG, e-LNG, green hydrogen
or green methanol being made widely available at scale to fully realize the
vision of net zero cruising.
MSC Euribia Overview
As MSCs fifth?Meraviglia-class ship, MSC Euribia sports
a variety of 2,419 cabins and suites ranging from interior and ocean view to
balcony and premium accommodations, some with terraces and whirlpools. The
upscale MSC Yacht Club rooms offer lavishly-appointed spacious cabins with 24-hour
personal butler service and a dedicated concierge along with its own pool and
sundeck, elegant lounge and private restaurant.
Guests aboard MSC Euribia have the choice of 10 dining
venues and 21 bars and lounges offering unique dining and libation experiences. Five outdoor bars feature breathtaking sea views.
Water activities abound with five unique pools and one of the
largest and most intricate waterparks at sea. Coral-themed Ocean Cay Aquapark provides
not one, but three twisting water slides for aspiring aquanauts. Sports fans
will enjoy Sportplex with a tennis court, basketball, football and volleyball
games. Kids and teens will love the Youth Center with seven rooms dedicated to
different age groups.
Main Dining Room aboard MSC Euribia. (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
MSC Aurea Spa provides a number of spa and wellness
offerings, including a sauna, steam bath and whirlpool.
Theres certainly no shortage of entertainment onboard.
Delphi Theater has rolled out seven new theatrical shows with three nightly
full-stage performances. Big band fans will love dancing the night away to live
music from one of the largest big bands at sea in the stunning Carousel Lounge.
If youre into gambling, the onboard Casino offers many different types of slot
and table games.
Likely one of the most stunning features of the ship is the Galleria
area with the longest and most spectacular LED Dome at Sea. The indoor
promenade Luxury Plaza, the largest shopping area at sea, is lined with
specialty restaurants and numerous shopping venues.
Having the opportunity to participate in MSC Euribias
Naming Ceremony and learning about her environmental commitment was a privilege,
as the ship leads the way to the future of cruising.
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