The Port of A Coruña has welcomed the MSC Virtuosa, one of MSC Cruises' newest ships, at the forefront of environmental technology. The MSC Virtuosa was designed to offer passengers a dynamic and innovative experience. Among the most innovative facilities on the cruise ship, which was launched in November 2021, is the MSC Starship Club, available exclusively on the MSC Virtuosa and featuring Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea.
This inaugural port call, which included the traditional exchange of plaques, was attended by representatives from MSC Cruises and port authorities. Among them were Fernando Pacheco, Managing Director of MSC Cruises in Spain; Stefano Battinelli, Captain of the MSC Virtuosa; and Martín Fernández Prado, President of the Port Authority of A Coruña.
This first stop in the port of A Coruña marks another key milestone in the company's strategy to increase its presence in Spain and, specifically, in Galicia, where MSC Virtuosa has previously made stops this year.
This was stated by Fernando Pacheco, Managing Director of MSC Cruises in Spain, who commented: “We are very pleased that such innovative ships as the MSC Virtuosa are visiting ports like A Coruña, as it provides travelers with the opportunity to discover the area; and it gives us the opportunity to work again with the authorities, companies and travel agencies, suppliers, and local entities in the region. Furthermore, 2022 has been the year in which we have been able to accelerate our growth plan in the Spanish market, based on increasing the number of embarkation and disembarkation ports to bring our product closer to our passengers' homes. This year we have opened Málaga, Alicante, and Santa Cruz with very positive results; and A Coruña is, of course, in the next phase of our strategic plan.”
The president of the Port Authority of A Coruña, Martín Fernández Prado, thanked MSC Cruises for its continued presence in the port and the calls of its new ships in the city. This is the case with the MSC Virtuosa, which, after today's visit, will return next week and make two more calls in October. He also congratulated the cruise line for implementing cutting-edge technologies in the field of sustainability, including emissions reductions and energy efficiency measures.
This 2022 the port of A Coruña will break its record for cruise ship calls, with the arrival of more than 140 ships, which translates into an economic impact of more than 15 million euros in the tourism, commerce and hospitality sectors, in addition to all the port services that are involved in the care of the ship and the passengers.
The MSC Virtuosa's visit to A Coruña has provided a unique opportunity for both locals and numerous tourists to admire the ship in all its splendor, a vessel boasting significant technological and environmental innovations. The MSC Virtuosa arrived at the port of A Coruña after making stops in La Rochelle, France, and Bilbao in recent days. Following this stop, the MSC Virtuosa is heading to Le Havre, France, and Southampton, United Kingdom, which will be its home port for the summer season as it embarks on a series of cruises through Northern Europe.
