MSC Cruises Reveals Details of New Cirque de Soleil Shows on New Ship, MSC Grandiosa

(10 a.m. EST) -- MSC Cruises has revealed details of two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows making their debut on MSC Grandiosa following the ship's launch in Hamburg on November 9.

The two original shows -- "Cosmos – Journey to the Unbelievable" and "Exentricks – Expect the Unexpected" -- will be performed in Grandiosa's The Carousel Lounge -- a 270-degree purpose-built space -- and for the first time will feature audience participation.

Two other ships in the Meraviglia class -- MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima -- also feature original Cirque at Sea shows; these will be the fifth and sixth original productions for the line.

Andrea Gangale, Senior Vice President Product Development & Guest Experience, MSC Cruises said: "When we set out to work with Cirque du Soleil, our objective with this exclusive partnership was to take our onboard entertainment to yet another level and to deliver to our guests even more best in class entertainment.

"As the delivery of the third MSC Cruises ship featuring Cirque du Soleil at Sea approaches, each new show that we launch is ever more unique and original, giving our guests a breathtaking and memorable entertainment experience."

"Cosmos - Journey to the Unbelievable" is about a brave cosmonaut as he undertakes a quest for self-discovery, travelling through the stars and childhood memories. It features a new acrobatic performance, Ginger Rope, which sees three artists use a unique acrobatic apparatus developed specifically for the show.

"Exentricks - Expect the Unexpected" is inspired by the essence of the circus and interactive audience participation is a key part of the show.

MSC Grandiosa is the third ship in the line’s Meraviglia-class, but is classified "Meraviglia-plus" and is 16m longer and carries 6,297 passengers.

It will homeport in Genoa and sail Western Mediterranean itineraries.