Two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows to launch on board MSC BellissimaTwo new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows to launch on board MSC Bellissima

The shows will be called SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination and VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour and will be available on MSC Bellissima, coming into service in March 2019.

The long-term partnership between MSC Cruises and Cirque du Soleil first began in 2013.

Exclusive shows for Meraviglia generation ships

A total of eight original shows, that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world will be available exclusively on MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia generation ships coming into service between 2017 and autumn 2020.

MSC Meraviglia was the first ship to debut the new Cirque du Soleil at Sea concept with the launch of the two shows VIAGGIO and SONOR last June.

Work is already underway for MSC Grandiosa, that will also launch next year in November and MSC Virtuosa, that will launch in October 2020.

Cirque du Soleil at Sea

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman commented, ‘The partnership with Cirque du Soleil is truly special. With the creation of Cirque du Soleil at Sea we wanted to bring our guests the very best in onboard live entertainment and more importantly something that they would not be able to see anywhere else in the world.

‘With Cirque du Soleil at Sea we wanted to bring yet more innovation to our entertainment offering and this began with the bespoke design and construction of the state-of-the-art entertainment lounge through to the creative development of the shows, where we are involved every step of the way from early conception right through to final delivery of the shows.’

Yasmine Khalil, chief executive producer, Cirque du Soleil & president, 45 DEGREES stated, ‘We are thrilled to embark on our second MSC Cruises ship as we pursue Cirque du Soleil’s journey at sea. Cirque du Soleil continues to reinvent itself through an intimate theatre experience where two new shows created exclusively for MSC Bellissima.’

SYMA - Sail beyond Imagination

This show takes guests on the epic journey of a young sailor, brimming with imagination. On this bold expedition, he braves the elements, plunges into troubled waters and discovers the mysterious island of his dreams, populated by surreal, and colourful creatures. SYMA features immersive video images, an original set design, bioluminescent lighting and acrobatic feats.

VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour

The second show puts a futuristic twist on a traditional medieval tale. It traces the arduous course of an unconventional courtship between a princess with distinctive violet skin and a charming hero who is blind. Their budding romance is thwarted by a villain who, in a fit of madness, kidnaps the royal. With the help of his friends, the brave young hero formulates a plan to rescue his beloved. Acrobatic feats, a laser show and a unique set design are the features of this futuristic medieval tale.

State-of-the-art entertainment venue

The Carousel Lounge is a purpose-built entertainment venue hosting just over 400 guests each night and was specially designed for the needs of the Cirque du Soleil at Sea artists.

With an investment of €20 million each, the lounge features state-of-the-art technology and high specification technical and 360° rotating stage.

Final preparations underway

The artists for the new shows have now been cast and after training at Cirque du Soleil Headquarters in Montreal, Canada the team will soon leave to embark on board MSC Bellissima where final preparations will be underway.