<p>A momentous floating out ceremony took place yesterday at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France. MSC Splendida, the newest addition to the MSC Cruises fleet, was accompanied by a fleet of 8 tugboats at 06:45 when she was floated out. The ceremony lasted about 1 hour and resulted in MSC Cruises MSC Splendida docked half a mile away where she will remain until her construction has been finished.</p><p>MSC Splendida and her sister ship MSC Fantasia will be the largest ships ever built by a European ship company. The two ships will begin a new era for MSC Cruises. Both ships will be 133,500 tonnes and able to accommodate 3,274 guests. </p><p>The introduction of MSC Yacht Club will be an exciting feature, a VIP area with 99 elegant suites, dedicated butlers and communal spaces furnished to the highest standards. MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia will also feature the Aurea Spa, four pools, 12 hydro massage pools, jazz bar, 4D interactive cinema and a children and teenagers area of 400 square metres with a pool, waterslide and disco.</p><p>The countdown to MSC Cruises MSC Fantasia launch has begun with the christening due to be held in Naples on 18 December 2008, MSC Splendida will be christened in Barcelona during summer 2009.</p><p>MSC Cruises are showing a commitment to environmental protection with the introduction of these two new ships as both will use an innovative water treatment process and energy efficient technology. </p>