The positioning of the keel for MSC Splendida was celebrated at Aker Yards in France on Wednesday. Splendida is the sister ship to Fantasia, which will debut in fall 2008 (Splendida will be delivered in June 2009). The ships, each weighing in at 133,500 tons, represent a new class of ship for the line. "MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida will herald a new concept for cruise ships," said Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Crociere. "Both ships introduce a new philosophy with regards to public areas, starting with an exclusive VIP area and furnished with the most prestigious materials and avant-garde technology to safeguard the environment." Visit [www.msccruises.com]. (DE)