The new MSC Crociere flagship, Opera, was officially christened by Italian actress Sophia Loren at the port of Genoa in the presence of some of Italy's well-known entertainers.
Norman Hamilton, managing director of Hamilton Travel, exclusive agents in Malta for MSC Crociere, was among the guests at the ceremony. Rita Pavone and Teddy Reno entertained the guests following the gala dinner.
The new liner immediately started running the western Mediterranean cruise with weekly departures from Genoa, Naples and Palermo on its way to Tunis, Palma de Majorca, Barcelona and Marseilles.
MSC Crociere is the largest cruise company with solely Italian capital and belongs to the Mediterranean Shipping Company, the second largest group in the goods sectors with a fleet of more than 250 ships.