MSC hosts Virtuosa naming ceremony in Dubai
Will PayneMSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa was officially named by its godmother, Sophia Loren, in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday (27 November).
The vessel 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.
The event at Port Rashid, in partnership with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and DP World, reportedly reflected the "growing importance" of the Emirate as a "must-visit destination for global cruise holidaymakers".
A long-standing maritime tradition, the official naming ceremony took place in the presence of the Master of the Vessel, Captain Francesco Veniero, and local dignitaries.
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, said the line was "honoured" to host the ceremony in the UAE during its golden jubilee year.
"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."
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