MSC Cruises, in collaboration with Dubai Tourism’s Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing, DP World, and Emirates Airline, announced today that the christening ceremony for the company’s newest flagship, MSC Virtuosa, will take place in Dubai on November 27 at Mina Rashid (Port Rashid). The event reflects Dubai’s growing importance as a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world and the significant contribution of cruises to the city’s tourism industry.
The latest addition to the MSC Cruises fleet derives its 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 ship ever deployed in the UAE. Its maiden voyage will be celebrated with a stunning array of live entertainment specially prepared for guests from around the world and the Gulf region, one of MSC Cruises’ key markets where the company is a market leader. Full details of the entertainment program will be revealed at a later date.
The inauguration event will be held 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 hygiene protocol, which has allowed the company's ships to resume operations in the region. The occasion will also be part of the UAE's Golden Jubilee celebrations and will coincide with Dubai welcoming the world to Expo 2020.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Dubai has charted a firm course to become a global tourism destination and the leading gateway for regional cruises. The inaugural ceremony and maiden voyage of MSC Virtuosa from Dubai confirms the trust the city has earned as a great partner for the cruise industry. We have leveraged our city’s world-class transport and tourism infrastructure, including Emirates’ investment in a dedicated remote check-in facility in Port Rashid, to provide cruise operators and passengers with the best possible experiences, with seamless sea-to-air connections and exciting Dubai itineraries during their transit.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented: “We are incredibly proud and honored to inaugurate our prized flagship and masterpiece, MSC Virtuosa, in one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations: Dubai. This event takes on added significance as it is part of the program of events and activities taking place for the 50th anniversary and coincides with the region’s first World Expo, further celebrating Dubai as a preferred destination for travelers from around the globe. I would also like to thank the Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing Department, DP World, and Emirates Airline for their collaboration and support in making this event possible.”
The celebration of the inauguration of MSC Virtuosa recognizes Dubai's position as an international hub for tourism, trade and technology, and highlights its achievements in setting the highest international standards in various sectors over the past 50 years.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Marketing and Tourism Commercial Department (Dubai Tourism), said: “We are very proud that Dubai has become the cruise hub of the region, thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the city the most visited destination in the world. Dubai’s partnership with an internationally renowned cruise line like MSC Cruises is a testament to the global appeal of Dubai’s cruise industry and its position as a multifaceted tourist destination.”
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Group and CEO of DP World, said: “This four-party partnership further consolidates our collaboration, takes MSC Cruises’ operations in Dubai to a new level, and highlights the emirate’s ability to accommodate the anticipated growth in cruise tourism, given the optimistic outlook for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on the horizon.” He added: “As the industry prepares for the return of global tourists with health and safety protocols in place, the event planned for November adds to the prestige of EXPO 2020 and underscores Dubai’s position as the premier cruise destination.”
Following the inauguration, MSC Virtuosa will set sail for its maiden Gulf voyage on November 28 with passengers on board from Dubai as the first in a series of 7-night cruises with stops at the ports of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Dammam in Saudi Arabia and Doha with additional embarkations in Abu Dhabi and Doha.
MSC Virtuosa was delivered in February and is one of MSC Cruises' most innovative and environmentally advanced ships. It belongs to the Meraviglia-class generation of ships, characterized by an iconic 112-meter-long promenade with a stunning LED dome at its heart. The 19-deck ship will offer passengers of all ages the very best in dining, entertainment, bars and lounges, boutique shops, a spa and fitness center, a water park, and clubs for toddlers and teens. In addition, the new MSC Starship Club, featuring the world's first humanoid robotic bartender in a futuristic setting, is sure to be a major attraction for passengers.
MSC Cruises resumed operations in August 2020, following regulatory approval across Europe for an industry-leading health and hygiene protocol designed to protect the well-being of passengers, crew, and the communities that visit MSC Cruises ships. To date, thousands of passengers have enjoyed safe and responsible cruise holidays, including the company's protected shore excursions.
