MSC Cruises has confirmed the naming ceremony for MSC Virtuosa will take place in Dubai, one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations.
MSC Cruises in partnership with Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), DP World and Emirates Airline, has announced that the naming ceremony for the line’s newest flagship, MSC Virtuosa, will take place in Dubai on 27 November at Mina Rashid (Port Rashid). The event reflects the growing importance of Dubai as a must-visit destination for global travellers and cruising’s important contribution to the city’s tourism industry.
The newest addition to the MSC Cruises fleet derives her name from the Italian word ‘virtuoso’ and refers to the master craftsmen who designed and developed this masterpiece. When she sets sail from Dubai, MSC Virtuosa will be the most technologically and environmentally advanced cruise vessel ever deployed in the UAE.
A glittering naming ceremony
“We are incredibly proud and honoured to hold the naming ceremony for our cherished flagship and masterpiece MSC Virtuosa in one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations – Dubai. This event assumes more significance due to the fact that it is part of the line-up of glorious events and activities taking place for the “Year of the 50th” and coincides with the region’s first World Expo, as well as truly celebrating Dubai as one of the favoured destinations for travellers from all over the world. I am so glad that cruising has played and will continue to play an important part in this achievement. I also want to thank Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, DP World and Emirates Airline for their partnership and support in making this event happen,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.
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Her naming will be celebrated with a stunning array of live entertainment and performances awaiting the specially invited guests from around the world as well as from across the Gulf region – one of MSC Cruises’ key markets where the company is brand leader. Further details of the line-up of entertainment events will be revealed later.
Year of the 50th
The naming ceremony event will take place in compliance with all public health and safety protocols established by the Dubai government, as well as with the support of MSC Cruises’ Health and Safety protocol that allowed the line’s ships to restart its operations in this region. The occasion will also be a part of the celebrations surrounding the Golden Jubilee of the UAE and will be staged as Dubai welcomes the world to Expo 2020.
The UAE’s Golden Jubilee programme will see a host of activities held across the country, celebrating the country’s formation in 1971 and its rise from a small trading port to an iconic global destination. Hosting the MSC Virtuosa naming ceremony recognises Dubai’s position as an international hub for tourism, trade and technology, and highlights its achievement in setting the highest international standards across various sectors over the past 50 years. With world class infrastructure including remarkable port and cruise terminal facilities, Dubai is able to handle some of the world’s biggest cruise ships, further bolstering the city’s position as one of the most viable gateways for both regional and international cruise itineraries.
Following the naming ceremony, MSC Virtuosa will depart for its maiden Gulf voyage on 28 November with guests on board from Dubai as the first of a series 7-night cruises with visits to the ports of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Dammam in Saudi Arabia and Doha with additional embarkations at Abu Dhabi and Doha.
MSC Viruosa, a masterpiece
MSC Virtuosa was delivered in February and is one of MSC Cruises’ most innovative and environmentally-advanced ships and part of the generation of Meraviglia class vessels that are characterised by an iconic 112-metre-long promenade with a stunning LED sky dome as the social heart of the ship.
The 19-deck vessel offer guests of all ages the very best of fine dining restaurants, world-class entertainment, relaxing bars and lounges, boutique shopping, spa and fitness centres, an aquapark and clubs for toddlers to teenagers.
MSC Virtuosa also features the brand-new MSC Starship Club with the world’s first humanoid robotic bartender offering a futuristic immersive bar and entertainment experience.