MSC Virtuosa. Image courtesy of MSC Cruises.

MSC hosts naming ceremony for MSC Virtuosa

Ship is named in Dubai before departing on Gulf voyage

By Cruise Adviser Last updated Dec 1, 2021

Hollywood star Sophia Loren officially named new ship MSC Virtuosa in a glittering ceremony in the United Arab Emirates before it set sail on its maiden voyage.

The MSC Cruises ship was officially named in Port Rashid, Dubai, in front of royalty, ministers, government officials, media and travel agents.

Sophia Loren officially named her 17th MSC Cruises’ ship by cutting the ribbon that broke the bottle on the ship’s hull. This was followed by a performance from singer Rag’n’Bone Man.

MSC Cruises chose Dubai to host the ceremony in recognition of the line’s “long-term commitment to the region”.

Following the naming ceremony, MSC Virtuosa departed from Dubai on November 28 for its maiden Gulf voyage with visits to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Doha.

MSC Virtuosa is equipped with some of the latest marine technologies, which makes it one of MSC’s most “environmentally advanced ships”.

The ship can carry up to 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew and is set to serve the Arabian Sea until March 2022 from its base in Dubai.

MSC Virtuosa features 10 restaurants, 21 bars and lounges, five swimming pools, a spa and fitness centre, an aquapark, and kids clubs. The ship will offer week-long Arabian Sea itineraries throughout the winter season from its base in Dubai.

Exclusive to MSC Virtuosa is the MSC Starship, which stars the world’s first futuristic humanoid robotic bartender, called Rob.

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.”

He added: “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.”