The Magnifica, latest luxury cruise liner to join the MSC cruise company fleet, will be officially launched in Hamburg on the 6 th March 2010. Italian cinema icon Sophia Loren is to do the honours and the event will be celebrated with a mega party, where international stars and singers, including Eros Ramazzotti, will entertain guests.

Meanwhile, the Magnifica completed its trial run with flying colours in January and will have its Flag ceremony on the 25 th February 2010 at the French port of Saint-Nazaire.

The maiden voyage on the 20 th March 2010 will take in Bari (Italy), Katakolon/ Olimpia (Greece), Izimir (Turkey), Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Venice for a total of 7 nights.

For information: Tel. (0039)081/7942262  www.msccrociere.it