Launching a poem in style

MSC Poesia, the new cruise liner of MSC Cruises, will be christened by Italian icon Sophia Loren to the sounds of another Italian legend, Andrea Bocelli, on April 5, in Dover.

The inauguration ceremony, the first launch of an MSC Cruises ship outside Italy, will be held before the liner sets sail on its 13-night voyage from Dover to Venice, visiting Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and finally Italy, arriving in Venice where it will be positioned for the summer.

Apart from a performance by Andrea Bocelli, there will be live acts by multi-award winning singer/songwriter KT Tunstall, and jazz supremo, Peter Grant, accompanied by the Ronnie Scott band.

Throughout the evening US artist Brian Olsen will provide entertainment with his unique style of dramatic performance art, which encompasses all of the senses. His paintings of famous musicians, actors and politicians are choreographed in an extraordinary auditory and visual performance. Festivities will continue late into the night, with BBC Radio One DJ, Fearne Cotton, controlling the other decks on the ship, to ensure celebrity revellers and guests can enjoy the splendour of the MSC Poesia and its warm Mediterranean hospitality.

At 89,600 tonnes and 1,275 cabins with double occupancy for 2,550 passengers, MSC Poesia has a wonderful blend of cutting-edge technology, elegant surroundings, exciting entertainment venues and tantalising dining opportunities.

Hamilton Travel of 4, St Publius Street, Floriana is the exclusive Malta general sales agents for MSC Cruises.