The towering MSC Splendida, the latest addition to the MSC cruise line fleet, sailed into Grand Harbour on its maiden call this morning, dwarfing the bastions and making full use of the newly extended Crucifix wharf.

The 137,936 ton ship was christened last Sunday by film legend Sophia Loren in a spectacular ceremony in Barcelona.

President George Abela and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi will visit the ship later today.

Splendida and sistership Fantasia are the largest ships ever built by a European ship owner. Each can carry 3,959 passengers, being 333,3m long and 66.8m high.

The ship lives up to her name, with many technological innovations for greater guest comfort and environmental protection.

MSC Splendida is cruising between Barcelona, Genoa, Tunis, Valletta, Messina, Civitavecchia and Marseilles.

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