The MSC Splendida celebrated its 15th year of service this month. Constructed by MSC Cruises at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the vessel was inaugurated on July 12, 2009, in a ceremony at the port of Barcelona, Spain, graced by MSC Cruises’ fleet godmother, actress Sophia Loren, who named the ship.

Following the inauguration, the MSC Splendida embarked on its maiden season in the Western Mediterranean, offering seven-night itineraries with ports of call in Italy, Malta, Spain, and France, and various embarkation points such as Civitavecchia, Genoa, Messina, Valletta, and Barcelona.

During the winter season of 2009-10, the ship, accommodating up to 3,300 guests, extended its cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Canary Islands with ten- and 11-night voyages.

As MSC Cruises’ second post-panamax vessel and sister ship to the MSC Fantasia (built in 2008), the MSC Splendida introduced the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive area featuring private spaces like a lounge, library, solarium, and pool deck, accessible only to guests in its 90 staterooms.

Originally slated to be named MSC Serenata, the ship’s name was changed during construction in 2007 to better reflect its “beauty and elegance,” inspired by positive feedback on its interior designs from Raphaela Aponte, wife of MSC’s owner Gianluigi Aponte.

After operating primarily in the Mediterranean until 2015, the MSC Splendida expanded its routes to Northern Europe and South America. By late 2024, the ship is set to begin cruises from the Chinese port of Shenzhen, marking a return to Asia.