With the official launch of MSC Meraviglia in sight MSC Cruises has revealed the names and concepts for the two exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows that will be performed on board the line’s new next-generation flagship.
The long-term partnership between MSC Cruises and Cirque du Soleil will set new standards in live entertainment at sea and will see the world’s leader in artistic entertainment create a total of eight original shows that will be exclusively available on MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia generation ships, which will be coming into service between June 4, 2017 and autumn 2020.
Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are committed to creating unique experiences that elevate the guest experience to new heights and, for this, we work with innovative, world-class leaders in their sector. It was thus only natural that, when it comes to entertainment, we would look to partner with Cirque du Soleil.”
Mr Onorato continued: “Today we are delighted to reveal the concepts and inspiration behind the Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows that will soon premiere on our new flagship MSC Meraviglia. By creating two different shows for each of the four Meraviglia and Meraviglia-plus generation ships, we will make available exclusively to our guests something new and exciting with each ship’s launch. Moreover, these shows will be a true first at sea.”
Cirque du Soleil set out to create two very different, contrasting shows, each with a different concept, ambiance, storyline, costumes and make-up. The shows will be performed twice a night for six nights so that guests can take the opportunity to see both shows.
VIAGGIO, the first of the two shows, is the story of a passionate and eccentric artist who hears the call of his Faceless Muse. Mysterious and seductive, she beckons him into the vivid world of his unbridled imagination to complete his masterpiece. With each stroke of his paintbrush, the Painter reveals the details of his grandiose tableau. Electrifying colours fill the space with intriguing motifs and rich textures. Majestic acts transform the theatre into a living canvas. Before our very eyes, a masterpiece comes to life.
With sound at its heart, SONOR, the second show, takes guests on an auditory adventure with dancers, acrobats and characters, all moving to the rhythm. It conjures a world of unique sensations, astonishing sounds, bold music and immersive projections and culminates in a grand finale for the senses.
Each show will offer its own unique cocktail or dinner experience Mr Onorato concluded, “We wanted to elevate the experience even further for our guests and for this we have worked hand in hand with the creative team from Cirque du Soleil to create the first Dinner & Show experience on our fleet.”
The dinner experience will be a gastronomic delight, where every detail from the table settings, the costumes, the music and visual effects through to the menus have been specially designed to complement each pre-show experience.
Starting one hour before the show performance begins, the dining experience will be a treat for the senses with surprise animation from performers, live music, stylish table settings topped off with a table d’hôte three-course menu of eclectic creative dishes.
The dining experience to complement SONOR guests will be invited into a parallel world where culinary creations will not only trick the eye but the senses, whilst VIAGGIO will immerse guests in a universe of colour, testing the imagination of guests from beginning to end.
Alternatively guests will be able enjoy a Cocktail & Show experience that will begin 30 minutes before the performance starts and will include a specially designed signature cocktail and tempting treats.
There will be two performances six nights a week with each performance lasting for 40 minutes. As places in the €20 million Carousel Lounge theatre are limited to 413 seats, Cirque du Soleil at Sea will need to be pre-booked by guests either before the cruise or once on board. Each dinner service will be available for 120 guests, with the remainder enjoying the Cocktail & Show. The Dinner & Show will be charged at €35, the Signature Cocktail & Show for €15.