MSC Cruises has officially named its newest ship, MSC Virtuosa at a gala naming ceremony in Dubai in what was dubbed “one of the biggest cruise ship naming ceremonies in the region” by Gulf News.
According to an article published in Cruise Industry News, MSC Cruises had chosen to host the ceremony in Dubai to honour its long-term commitment to the UAE and the wider Middle East market where it is the brand leader.
The ceremony was held at Port Rashid, and was attended by Godmother Sophia Loren who will christen her 17th MSC Cruises ship and Master of Vessel Captain Francesco Veniero and local dignitaries including Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said, “We are honoured to host this time-honoured 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.
“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 holiday option to support the further growth of the tourism industry locally.”
Guests at the naming ceremony were treated to a performance by internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man, who performed his best-known hit songs.
MSC Virtuosa will depart on Nov. 28 from Dubai for her maiden Gulf voyage with visits to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Doha.
For more information, please visit MSCCruises.com.
Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises.
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