MSC Preziosa celebrates ten years this month. MSC Cruises took delivery of the 140,000-ton vessel on March 13, 2013, built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire.

The vessel cruised to the Mediterranean before its inaugural voyage after leaving the French facility. Before officially entering service, the ship sailed to Portugal, Spain, France, Morocco and Italy, before being christened in Genoa.

MSC Lirica and MSC Splendida also joined the Preziosa in the ceremony, which was attended by Sophia Loren, who served as godmother to the Preziosa and most of MSC’s newbuilds.

As reported by MSC, the event also featured a high-profile gala dinner with top Italian and international performers, celebrity guests, reporters, authorities, and company executives.

The Western Mediterranean season for MSC Preziosa began after the ceremony.

The vessel operated weeklong cruises during its maiden season, sailing from Genoa through the end of the summer.

Naples, Messina, La Goulette, Barcelona and Marseille were among the ports visited on the itinerary that visited Italy, Tunisia, Spain and France.

For the first time in November, MSC Preziosa crossed the Atlantic before heading to Brazil for the winter season.

As one of the newest and biggest cruise ships ever to sail from Santos, it proved to be a popular destination during the 2013-2014 season. MSC Preziosa, the final ship in the Fantasia Class, features a three-deck theater, three pool decks, five restaurants and a full-service spa.

There are also new features on the 3,500-guest vessel such as the 120-meter-long Vertigo waterslide and the Doremi Castle Aqua Park for children.