Just days after officially launching the new MSC Seashore, MSC Cruises has christened another new ship. Godmother and Hollywood icon Sophia Loren named MSC Virtuosa on Nov. 27 in Dubai, where it will be based until March 2022.
“We are thrilled to host this time-honored maritime tradition ceremony in the United Arab Emirates during its Golden Jubilee year and, with it, to mark our longstanding and long-term commitment to this region,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC. “This is also why this winter, MSC Virtuosa, a new and one of the most technologically and environmentally advanced ships in our fleet, will homeport in the country as part of our deployment in the Gulf region. Cruising is an integral part of the UAE’s dynamic tourism industry and, thanks to our uniquely global distribution network, we will continue to promote the country and the Middle East all around the world as an attractive vacation option to support the further growth of the tourism industry locally.”
Virtuosa is the line’s second Meraviglia Plus-class ship, carrying up to 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew. The 19-deck-tall ship showcases 10 restaurants, 21 bars and lounges and five swimming pools, as well as a signature 367-foot promenade crowned by an LED sky dome. Exclusive to Virtuosa is also MSC Starship Club, starring humanoid robotic bartender Rob.
The ship will first depart for Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, and Doha, Qatar, marking the significance of the region to the cruise industry.
“Hosting the naming ceremony for MSC Cruises’ newest flagship vessel, MSC Virtuosa, in Dubai is a testament to the popularity of the city as the cruise gateway to the region,” said his Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai’s department of economy and tourism. “Dubai’s reputation as a cruise hub continues to grow in stature, and iconic moments and milestone events such as these reflect the crucial contribution of cruising to the city’s tourism industry.”
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