NAMING CEREMONY OF MSC CRUISES’ NEWEST FLAGSHIP:

Set for Dubai in November

 MSC Cruises in partnership with 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 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, which will be the most technologically and environmentally advanced cruise vessel ever deployed in the UAE. 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 the brand leader. Further details of the line-up of entertainment events will be revealed in due course.
GOLDEN  JUBILEE CELEBRATION
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.
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.
MAIDEN GULF VOYAGE
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 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 will offer its 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.
 
Likely to be a huge draw for all guests will be the brand-new MSC Starship Club featuring the world’s first humanoid robotic bartender offering a futuristic immersive bar and entertainment experience.
 
MSC Cruises resumed its operation in August 2020 following approvals from regulatory bodies throughout Europe for an industry-leading health and safety protocol designed to protect the wellbeing of MSC Cruises’ guests, crew and communities its ships visited. Most recently, on 20 May the line was also the first to restart operations in the UK where MSC Virtuosa is currently performing local cruises in the British Isles.
 
Thousands of guests have to date enjoyed safe and responsible cruise holidays including the Company’s pioneering protected shore excursions. This summer sees the restart of up to ten vessels as a result of this protocol.
 
The protocol was developed in 2020 with input from international health experts – including MSC Cruises’ ‘COVID-19 Blue-Ribbon Expert Group’ - and in close cooperation with relevant national and regional health, transport and safety authorities throughout Europe.
 

 
Dubai will be home port for Virtuosa
MSC Starship Club will feature on new ship
ABOUT MSC VIRTUOSA – MSC CRUISES NEW FLAGSHIP
MSC Virtuosa   is designed to offer a dynamic and dazzling guest experience with innovative features and facilities and she is also one of the most environmentally-advanced ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet. Some of the highlights include:
 
  • An enhanced MSC Yacht Club, with stylish private facilities and accommodation including a panoramic lounge, gourmet restaurant and private pool and sun deck
  • MSC for Me – the multi-channel digital experience to help guests make the most of their holiday experience
  • A choice of 10 restaurants and 21 bars including two brand-new specialty restaurant concepts – HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Indochine
  • The brand-new MSC Starship Club featuring the world’s first humanoid robotic bartender offering a futuristic immersive bar and entertainment experience
  • A 945-seater theatre with live productions and shows every night
  • Extensive kids’ facilities including with LEGO     play areas and a Chicco baby club
  • 112-metre-long Mediterranean promenade lined with boutiques, bars and restaurants topped with a breathtaking LED sky screen with animations throughout the day and night
  • Five swimming pools including an extensive magrodome pool and a 1,000sqm aquapark
  • A dedicated entertainment area with an FI simulator, bowling and XD cinema 
  • The luxurious MSC Aurea Spa with a full range of treatments and the state-of-the-art MSC Gym by Technogym
  • The largest shopping area at sea with 1,168 sqm of retail space with 11 boutiques and 250 different brands
 ​