<p>&lsquo;The most beautiful ship in the world&rsquo; was today handed over to MSC Cruises at a ceremony at STX France shipyard in St Nazaire, France. The ceremony saw the lowering of the French flag and the flag of STX France and the raising of the MSC Cruises flag, along with the flags of Italy and Panama.</p><p>MSC Cruises four year old godmother, Asia Aponte granddaughter of MSC Cruises owner Gianluigi Aponte, was there at the ceremony. MSC Cruises&rsquo; CEO Pierfrancesco Vago, and Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of the shipyard, were also present.</p><p>At the ceremony, Mr Vago said: &ldquo;I am particularly proud to launch this new ship, which is a revolution in the cruising world, due to the technologically advanced systems on board. Not only does MSC Fantasia stand out for her technical innovations, but also for her environmentally-friendly systems and structure.</p><p>&ldquo;This ship will capture the imagination of every single guest who comes onboard, as she is a destination in herself and so beautifully designed. She features the stunning MSC Yacht Club, which introduces a new concept in luxury sailing, and our signature MSC Aurea Spa, for the ultimate in well-being.</p><p>&ldquo;With so much choice of activities and entertainment on board this visually stunning ship, I am sure you will agree MSC Fantasia truly is the most beautiful ship in the world,&rdquo; Mr Vago added.</p><p>MSC Fantasia will be the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, with a total capacity of 3,959 passengers. The ship will also launch the lines new MSC Yacht Club, a new class of cruising, with a luxury area with 24 hour butler service and concierge service. This is the sixth ship STX France has built for MSC Cruises and will be followed by her sister ship MSC Splendida in July 2009. There will be a further three ships - MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa &ndash; by 2012, giving MSC Cruises the fastest-growing and most modern fleet in the world.</p><p>MSC Fantasia will now sail to Italy via Lisbon, Gibraltar, Alicante, Barcelona and Marseilles, to reach Naples, where her christening will take place on December 18. Following her inaugural cruise, MSC Fantasia will be home ported in Genoa sailing the Mediterranean year round.</p>