Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France, handed over the Poesia to its owner, MSC Cruises, in advance of the ship's midnight naming Saturday in Dover, England.
The third in the Musica-class of ships, the 93,300-ton Poesia will be MSC's first ship launched outside of Italy.
Sophia Loren will name the ship, making the Italian actress a five-time godmother for MSC Cruises. The ceremony will include a performance by opera singer Andrea Bocelli.
The 2,550-passenger ship will depart on its maiden 14-cruise day on Sunday, calling in Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Croatia.
The Poesia is a sister-ship to the Musica and the Orchestra.
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