The ceremony took place quayside with the Musica as backdrop.
Not surprisingly, music was a central theme of the event with performances ranging from opera to a big band sound. Dancers and masked Venetian characters mingled with guests. Star of the show and MSC Cruises 'very own' godmother, Sophia Loren, cut the ribbon accompanied by MSC owner Gianluigi Aponte and the master of the ship.
As the champagne bottle smashed against the side of the ship, strategically placed cannons released a myriad of coloured papered strips into the air which settled on the guests as they re-embarked Musica.
A large number of staff from MSC Cruises' 26 offices worldwide attended the event which finished with a gala dinner on board followed by a fireworks display as the vessel sailed through Canale della Giudecca providing spectacular views of Piazza San Marco, San Giorgio Island and the Venetian skyline.