Spotlight

Poetry in motion

Attending the christening ceremony of a brand new ship - MSC Poesia - and being the first one to occupy its stately standard cabin is an experience out of the ordinary. By Reema Sisodia

This was truly a visual delight. To be one of the first ones to catch a glimpse of the brand new MSC Poesia cutting through the waters, soon to set sail on her maiden voyage was an image that has been ingrained in mind for posterity. To be one of the special invitees for the christening of the ship was indeed a unique experience.

My experience began at the Port of Dover where MSC Poesia glided in and docked to welcome her guests on board. The beautiful Poesia and the famous white cliffs of Dover in the background would have been a painter's delight but capturing the visual treat through the lens of my camera was something I had to settle for.

It was almost dusk when MSC Cruises was ready to receive its guests on board to experience the ship at its most unblemished stage. And I must admit the experience on board was special and unique. With Sophia Loren as the godmother of the ship who did the honours of cutting the ribbon and breaking the champagne bottle so that it hits the name of the ship, witnessing the unique christening and all the action that followed was interesting. To top it all, I was fortunate to enjoy a spectacular concert of the world famous Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli organised by MSC for its guests. Magical is how I would like to describe the entire concert; his powerful voice coupled with the purple aura of the cruise's exclusive theatre gives one an ocular calm.

A tour of the ship's 16 floors is a journey that one makes into a world of luxury and style.

From the time one steps into the MSC’s world of luxury cruising, one gets to experience the Italian opulence with the unique interior designing that lays emphasis on grandeur and fashion. It is the exclusive use of the famous Italian marble décor that gives the ship that extra special sleek look.

I was informed that the birth of MSC and MSC Cruises was the translation of a dream of one man - Commander Gianluigi Aponte - the owner and founder of MSC. His story is intrinsically linked to his love for the sea. After a successful experience in the cargo business, he decided to broaden his interests and get into tourism. Hence, he put his vision into action and MSC Cruises was born in 1987.

India calling

MSC Cruises is confident of strengthening its foothold in the India market. It is looking towards positive trade support. Achille Staiano, its commercial manager (International Market), seems upbeat about the India market. He insists that it has a stronghold in product customisation especially in the area of catering and is confident of handling incentive, corporate and leisure business with equal ease.

Himanshu Patil, director of Kesari Tours, who was also on board MSC Poesia, feels that this product will definitely work well in the India market. Keeping in view the growing trend among Indian travellers for unique and unseen itineraries and destinations, the MSC Poesia route touches exotic destinations in the European region. Sunila Patil, director of Strawberi Holidays, seconds his thoughts and feels that the FIT market from India today is getting demanding and maturing at a steady pace. "The travellers know what they want and are constantly demanding unique itineraries and experiences. A product such as this should have takers from India," she says.

MSC Poesia has a lot of options for conferencing with its state-of-the-art meeting rooms and other add-on facilities. From her exclusive spa area called the Aurea Spa to her modern gym and exercise zone, she has both style and substance. This is perhaps why they call her poetry in motion.