The inauguration of the new MSC Cruises flagship will take place in Dubai

MSC Cruises in association with the Dubai Tourism and Commercial Marketing Department (Dubai Tourism), DP World and Emirates Airline, announced today that the opening ceremony of the line's flagship, the MSC Virtuosa, will take place in Dubai on 27 November, in Mina Rashid (Port Rashid). The event reflects the growing importance of Dubai as a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world and the important contribution of cruise ships 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 United States. United Arab Emirates. Her appointment will be celebrated with an impressive array of entertainment and live shows awaiting guests, especially guests from around the world and from the Gulf region, one of MSC Cruises' key markets where the company is a brand leader. In due course, more details of the entertainment event schedule will be revealed.

The appointment ceremony will be carried out with all the public health and safety protocols established by the government of Dubai, as well as with the support of the MSC Cruises health and safety protocol, which allowed the ships of the line to restart their operations. in this region. The occasion will also be part of the celebrations surrounding the United Arab Emirates' Golden Jubilee and will take place when Dubai welcomes Expo 2020.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Dubai has set a firm course to become a global tourist destination and the main gateway for regional cruise ships. The opening ceremony and maiden voyage of the MSC Virtuosa from Dubai confirms the trust that the city has earned as a great partner for the cruise industry. We have leveraged our city's world-class tourism and transportation infrastructure, including Emirates' investment in a dedicated remote check-in facility at Port Rashid, to provide cruise operators and guests with the best possible experiences, with seamless connections between the sea, the air and the exciting Dubai Itineraries during your stay.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “We are incredibly proud and honored to celebrate the naming ceremony of our prized flagship and masterpiece the MSC Virtuosa in one of the world's most coveted travel destinations - Dubai. This event is all the more important due to the fact that it is part of the programming of glorious events and activities that take place for the "Year of the 50" and coincides with the first World's Fair in the region, as well as truly celebrating Dubai as one of the destinations preferred by travelers from all over the world. I am very happy that the cruise ship has played and will continue to play an important role in this achievement. I also want to thank the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing Department,

The UAE's Golden Jubilee program will see a series of activities held across the country, celebrating the country's formation in 1971 and its rise from a small commercial port to an iconic global destination. The celebration of the MSC Virtuosa naming ceremony recognizes Dubai's position as an international center for tourism, commerce and technology, and highlights its achievement in setting the highest international standards in various sectors over the past 50 years. . With a world-class infrastructure that includes excellent port facilities and cruise terminals, Dubai can handle some of the largest cruise ships in the world,

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Department of Marketing and Commercial Tourism (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 United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, to make the city the most visited destination in the world. Dubai's collaboration with an internationally renowned cruise line such as MSC Cruises is testament to the global appeal of the Dubai cruise industry and its position as a multifaceted tourism destination. This historic event will help maintain the momentum of tourism and further strengthen the destination's proposition, as we continue to open up to the world in a safe way. "

“Over the past 5 decades, Dubai has built a legacy of excellence in various spheres with the transformation of the city into a highly successful international city driven largely by the unique style of collaboration between the government and the private sectors. As we look forward to marking this momentous tourism event in this historic year for Dubai, we remain grateful to our valued network of partners such as Emirates and DP World for their continued support, which has helped Dubai drive the recovery of global tourism, including the return of the cruises to the region. "

For his part, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “The quadripartite partnership further consolidates collaboration, takes MSC Cruises operations in Dubai to a new level and highlights the emirate's ability to serve the expected growth in cruise tourism, given the optimistic forecasts of an expected end to the COVID-19 pandemic looming in the distance ”.

In addition, 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 brilliance of EXPO 2020 and highlights Dubai's position as the best destination. of cruise ships ”.

Following the inauguration, MSC Virtuosa will set sail for her first Gulf voyage on November 28 with guests 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 shipments in Abu Dhabi and Doha.

The MSC Virtuosa was delivered in February and is one of MSC Cruises' most innovative and environmentally advanced ships and part of the Meraviglia-class generation of ships, featuring an iconic 112-meter-long ride with an impressive LED dome. in the heart of the ship.

The 19-deck ship will offer guests of all ages the best in dining, entertainment, bars and lounges, boutique shops, spa and fitness centers, a water park and clubs for toddlers and teens.

Additionally, the new MSC Starship Club, featuring the world's first humanoid robotic bartender in a futuristic bar will be a huge draw for guests.

MSC Cruises resumed operations in August 2020, following the approval by regulatory bodies across Europe of an industry-first sanitation and hygiene protocol designed to protect the well-being of passengers, crew and communities that visit MSC Cruises ships. Recently, on May 20, the company was also the first to restart operations in the United Kingdom, where MSC Virtuosa currently operates local cruises in the British Isles.

To date, thousands of guests have enjoyed safe and responsible cruise vacations, including the company's protected shore excursions. Likewise, this summer the company will have the restart of up to 10 ships as a result of this protocol, developed in 2020 with the contribution of international health experts, including the "Blue Ribbon COVID-19 Expert Group" of MSC Cruises, and in close cooperation with national and regional health, transport and safety authorities across Europe.