The naming ceremony for MSC Cruises’, MSC Virtuosa included guests like Sophia Loren and English singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man.
The MSC Virtuosa Naming Ceremony at Port Of Dubai on November 27, 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for MSC Cruises)
Hosted by well-known UAE TV personality Omar Butti as Master of Ceremonies, Hollywood icon Sophia Loren will took to the stage to officially name her 17th MSC Cruises’ ship by cutting the ribbon that breaks the bottle on the ship’s hull.
MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise brand, hosted the naming ceremony of MSC Virtuosa when Hollywood superstar Sophia Loren officially named the ship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
MSC Virtuosa can carry up to 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew and is set to serve the Arabian Sea until March 2022 from her base in Dubai.
The event at Port Rashid, in partnership with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and DP World, reflects the growing importance of the Emirates as a must-visit destination for global cruisers and reinforces the importance of the cruise industry’s contribution to the further development of tourism in the UAE.
MSC Cruises chose Dubai to host the ceremony in recognition of its long-term commitment to the UAE and the wider Middle East market where it is the brand leader.
Following the naming ceremony, 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.
