<p>FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (July 10, 2009) - MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, the newest ships in MSC Cruises' fleet, met July 9 in Mallorca, Spain, as MSC Splendida sailed to her christening in Barcelona on July 12.</p>
<p>This was the first meeting between the two 137,936-gross registered ton sister ships, the largest ever commissioned by a European owner, since late last year when MSC Fantasia sailed from the STX Europe shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, where both were built.</p>
<p>MSC Fantasia, calling in Mallorca during her regular 7-night summer Mediterranean cruise itinerary, welcomed her soon-to-be-christened sibling MSC Splendida to the MSC Cruises family during their joint visit to the Spanish port.</p>
<p>The sister ships sailed from the port together, escorted by two tugboats. MSC Fantasia set a course for Barcelona, where she will call before continuing her cruise to Marseille and Genoa. MSC Splendida will sail to Marseille before embarking on the final leg of her journey from the shipyard to Barcelona for her christening by legendary film star Sophia Loren, who is godmother to both the MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia. Spanish operatic lyric tenor Jose Carreras will also join in the celebration, entertaining guests from throughout the world with his internationally renowned voice.</p>
<p>The MSC Splendida, like her sister MSC Fantasia, epitomizes the elegant style, traditional European service and innovative features that have established MSC Cruises' reputation for excellence. Each ship gives guests their choice of four distinctive restaurants serving outstanding cuisine and a remarkable array of recreational, shopping and entertainment venues featuring the best entertainment at sea to enhance the cruise experience. Both ships also feature the exclusive MSC Yacht Club where guests enjoy the ultimate in luxurious suite accommodations, amenities and service in a private enclave.</p>