Sophia, Bocelli, Ricky Martin Welcome MSC Seaside To Miami

MIAMI, FL — Screen legend Sophia Loren was wielding an oversize pair of shears at the Port of Miami last week as if she had done it all before. Indeed, the Italian Marilyn Monroe had cut every ribbon to every cruise ship launched by Italy's MSC Cruises and the company's proud new addition to one of Miami's most important industries would be no exception.

"In the name of God — Godmother, cut the ribbon," an MSC Cruises executive prompted the Academy-Award-Winning star of "Arabesque," "Man of LaMancha," and "El Cid."

"Let's go all together to count down from five. Are you ready? Five-four-three-two-one. Go."

With that, the 83-year-old Loren cut the blue ribbon (watch below), unleashing a spray of confetti and streamers over the heads of invited guests and dignitaries, including Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Dolphins Great Dan Marino. It also touched off a dazzling barrage of fireworks that lit up the glistening white ship with every burst.

International superstar Andrea Bocelli and high-energy Latin favorite Ricky Martin (see Patch photo gallery) had just delivered their own star-studded welcome to Miami's newest super cruise liner, which will carry more tourists into the area and provide an economic boost to Miami's second most important economic engine behind only Miami International Airport. Popular TV host Mario Lopez served as master of ceremonies.

"I watched and toured this ship as it was going under construction," the Miami-Dade mayor observed. "I would have bet my house back in June that they would never have it completed by December."

The arrival of the MSC Seaside marks the start of the company's North American expansion and the company's second cruise ship to call the Port of Miami home. The MSC Divina has been in Miami since 2013. The MSC Meraviglia is due to arrive in Miami in winter 2019/2020.

"Our seaport contributes billions of dollars every year to the local economy, over $40 billion actually," Gimenez explained.

Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises Pierfrancesco Vago told Patch that roughly half of the company's existing cruise passengers travel to Miami from Europe.

"Of course now by penetrating the North American market in a more consistent way, of course we will have a larger impact," he said, estimating that each passenger spends about $200 in Miami aside from their time on the ship. "The more deployment, the more impact we will have."

While the family owned company doesn't release the cost of its ships, officials told Patch that the MSC Seaside was part of a $12 billion expansion that will see the launch of 11 new ships between 2017 and 2026. At least two of the vessels will be based in Miami, including the MSC Seaside.

Gimenez said that the Port of Miami continues to break new economic records in terms of both its cruise and cargo businesses. In addition to its cruise business, MSC is one of the largest cargo carriers in the world.

"It directly or indirectly is responsible for over 300,000 jobs here in this area," Gimenez said of the Port of Miami. "That’s how important it is for us to maintain our mark as the cruise capital of the world and we are increasing our cargo capacity. We are increasing our cargo traffic also, and hopefully MSC will also help us on the cargo side."

Inspired by the architecture and lifestyle of Miami, the MSC Seaside boasts two of the longest side-by-size zip lines of any cruise ship in the world, a massive water slide, two LEGO rooms filled with tens of thousands of colorful plastic blocks, an F1 racing simulator, on-board casino, two full-size bowling alleys and an immersive "5D" gaming experience that allows guests to team up with family and friends to vanquish an army of computer-generated werewolves and other bad seeds.

The new ship features multiple shows, a range of international dining options, a chocolate bar replete with a wall of flowing chocolate and a champagne bar. The ship spa features an entire room filled with man-made snow.

There is also a private MSC Yacht Club for guests who want a more exclusive experience as the ship sets sail weekly from Miami to Caribbean destinations.

Michelle Martinez of Aventura and Katy Krieger of Cincinnati both won free cruises during an on-board charity event to benefit the Andrea Bocelli Foundation in the ship's casino. Every $20 donation returned $200 in play money to spend on games of chance.

"I had a $9,100 jackpot, the last spin, very last spin," recalled Krieger, a travel agent who won more play money than any other guest on the MSC Seaside. "This ship is spectacular. It’s bigger and better than any other ship. I’ve been on over 30 cruises."

The Ohioan said she plans to recommend the MSC Seaside to families with children and empty nesters. A number of MSC cruises include free travel for children 11 and under while the ship also has a number of activities geared to children.

Martinez, an independent marketing and sales manager, won her charitable jackpot playing roulette.

Perhaps because she lives in the Miami area, Martinez said she was most impressed with the snow room in the ship's spa.

"They have a room full of real snow. That is very unique. That’s something that I’ve never seen on any other ship," Martinez explained, noting the striking see-through walkways and glass staircases around the vessel. "I really liked that a lot and then just overall the aesthetics, the finishes, the little touches. Just very colorful and very vibrant and very happy."

Watch below as screen legend Sophia Loren cuts the ribbon:

Photo gallery and video by Paul Scicchitano