European cruise heavyweight MSC Cruises has left an indelible mark on the Sydney travel trade during the first-ever stop in the NSW capital of MSC Orchestra.
The line this week welcomed hundreds of travel agents, former passengers and special guests onboard the vessel as it visited Sydney – one of the final stops in its 33-night Grand Voyage from Dubai to Fremantle.
On the guest list was Consul General of Italy Sergio Martes and Port Authority of NSW chief executive Grant Gillian.
MSC Orchestra saved its best for Sydney, with guests treated to an exclusive performance of one of the ship’s 80 onboard productions prior to a ship tour and dinner in the main restaurant.
Guests were left in awe as the stars from ‘Gotham’ delivered a spellbinding performance featuring classic characters from the series including The Joker, Penguin, Catwoman and Batman, backed by singers, dancers, magicians and acrobats.
The show, one of 80 productions currently playing across the 12 ships in the MSC fleet, closed with cast members waving Australian flags with a rendition of ‘I Still Call Australia Home’.
Prior to showtime, MSC Cruises’ managing director Australia Lynne Clark addressed guests, saying she was so proud to finally welcome the line to Australia.
“Sailing into Sydney Harbour this morning was a dream come true. We cannot explain how extraordinary it was to see her cruise past our iconic Harbour Bridge,” she commented.
Fireworks blasted from the harbour to send off the ship for its next ports of call in Melbourne, Adelaide and finally in Perth.
The vessel will then return to Europe on a special charter for the Anzac Day Centenary.
Lynne Clark is pictured above taking part in the encore of the show and inset, with Batman.
