Sophia Loren Christens MSC Opera!

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from MSC Cruises and thought it would be
of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


Sophia Loren Christens MSC Opera

New Flagship Joins MSC Cruises Fleet

GENOA, Italy, July 1
With the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle on its bow, MSC
Opera has officially joined the fleet of MSC Cruises. International
superstar Sophia Loren christened the line's new flagship June 26 in
Genoa, Italy.

MSC Opera is the sixth cruise ship of the MSC fleet, joining MSC
Melody, MSC Monterey, MSC Rhapsody, MSC Lirica and MSC Armonia.

As the ship's godmother, Ms. Loren was escorted to the podium by the
ship's captain, Capt. Giuseppe Cocurullo. There, she was joined by
Capt. Gianluigi Aponte, chairman and owner of Mediterranean Shipping
Company, parent company for MSC Cruises, as she cut the ribbon to
officially name the line's new addition.

MSC Opera is the second MSC Cruises' ship for which Ms. Loren is
serving as godmother; she also is godmother of MSC Lirica, which
debuted last year.

"Both Ms. Loren and MSC Opera represent the beauty, elegance and style
that is distinctively Italian and distinctively MSC Cruises," said
Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises USA.

The ship departed Genoa the following day on its inaugural season of
Mediterranean sailings. On Nov. 15, she begins her inaugural
transatlantic crossing, a 17-night voyage to Fort Lauderdale, its
North American homeport, from which it will be sailing Caribbean
itineraries beginning in December.

"With the early December arrival of MSC Opera in Fort Lauderdale and
the return of MSC Lirica a few weeks later, North Americans will have
a wonderful opportunity for a premium cruise experience with a true
Italian signature," Sasso added.

MSC Opera is the second newbuild in the line's fleet, joining its
sistership, the MSC Lirica. They are part of the line's $3 billion new
vessel expansion plan introduced in 2003. Two more Panamax vessels are
on order for delivery, one in 2006 and the other in 2007 and
additional newbuilds are currently under consideration.

The 58,600-ton MSC Opera will host as many as 1,756 guests and has two
restaurants, a grill and pizzeria, two pools, two hydro-massages,
beauty center, Internet cafi with virtual reality terminals, pub and
piano bar, casino and disco, theater and Children's Club.

For further information and brochures, call your travel professional.

On Thu, 01 Jul 2004 13:23:32 -0700, Ray Goldenberg
wrote:

Sophia Loren

Beauty and guts.