Your post prompted me to do a little more research. While Aponte was born and raised in Italy, he later became a Swiss citizen and moved his MSC shipping empire (founded in Italy), to Switzerland as well. I learned something new, so thank you!
Just to bring this full circle, the comment that started this was regarding the omission of a 17th floor on MSC ships, not unlike the 13th deck on Eclipse (and many others), the number 17 is apparently bad luck in Italian culture. I think it's safe to say that while MSC my now be a Swiss company, the lack of a 17th deck may take root in the fact the Aponte was originally from Italy.
Anyway, thanks for being a good sport!