MSC Ready to Name New MSC Virtuosa in Dubai

MSC Cruises today will host the naming ceremony of MSC Virtuosa when Hollywood superstar Sophia Loren officially names the ship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a press release.

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, the company said, in a statement. 

A long-standing maritime tradition, the official Naming Ceremony of the ship will take place in the presence of the Master of the Vessel, Captain Francesco Veniero and local dignitaries.

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.”

Hosted by well-known UAE TV personality Omar Butti as Master of Ceremonies, Hollywood icon Sophia Loren will take to the stage to officially name her 17th MSC Cruises’ ship by cutting the ribbon that breaks the bottle on the ship’s hull.

Event guests will be also treated to a performance by internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Rag'n'Bone Man, who will perform his best-known hit songs.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “It is a proud moment for us to host the MSC Virtuosa naming ceremony at Mina Rashid that has consistently reaffirmed its status as a leading destination, regionally and globally. The port’s state-of-the-art facilities, passenger handling capacity and strategic location have helped us win several significant accolades, the recent being The Middle East's Leading Cruise Port Award at The World Travel Awards 2021, received for the 14th consecutive year. To ensure that the port continues to be an integral contributor to the UAE’s economy and a significant economic pillar of Dubai, we are working to enhance its capabilities. Our sole aim is to reinforce its status as a preferred recreational facility that represents Dubai’s rich cultural heritage. Through our efforts, we will strive to ensure that the Emirate continues to gain recognition globally as a world-class cruise destination. We are also expecting a total of 126 ship calls and over 500,000 cruise visitors for the upcoming 2021/22 cruise season. This will further bolster Dubai’s tourism figures and drive our progress.”

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, commented: “Dubai continues to chart a course forward as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations and the cruise capital of the Middle East, as we continually strive to realise the goal inspired by our visionary leadership to make Dubai the most preferred, visited and revisited destination. Hosting the naming ceremony for MSC Cruises’ newest flagship vessel, MSC Virtuosa in Dubai is a testament to the popularity of the city as the cruise gateway to the region. Dubai’s reputation as a cruise hub continues to grow in stature and iconic moments and milestone events such as these reflect the crucial contribution of cruising to the city’s tourism industry. With Dubai continuing to welcome international tourists, this event will build on the momentum generated by the recent launch of the new cruise season, further fuelling growth during this landmark year for Dubai featuring Expo 2020 and celebrations surrounding the UAE Golden Jubilee, and beyond.”

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.

Photo: From left: Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC; Hoor Al Khaja- Acting AVP, international operations, Dept Economy and Tourism Dubai; Gianni Onorato; CEO, MSC.

 

Disney Cruise Line’s Float Debuts at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Disney Cruise Line’s ship float – named the Magic Meets the Sea – has debuted in New York City as part of the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 25.

The float was inspired by the Disney Wish, which sets sail in summer 2022.

The Magic Meets the Sea’s participation in the parade was accompanied by a special performance by actor and singer-songwriter Jordan Fisher.

The float featured 15 Disney characters that represent the stories and experiences on the Disney Wish – including Captain Minnie Mouse who adorns the ship’s bow, Princess Tiana who's part of an interactive adventure aboard the ship, Aladdin and Jasmine whose story has been reimagined into a stage show onboard, and Cinderella whose bronze statue will stand in the Grand Hall.

The Magic Meets the Sea featured design elements including a Mickey Mouse-inspired colour palette, towering red funnels and a filigree motif along the hull.

Norwegian Deployment Moves: More Destinations and Two More Ships

Norwegian Bliss arriving in Southampton Photo credit Spacejunkie2

Two additional cruise ships resumed service for the Norwegian Cruise Line in November. After first welcoming guests back in July, the brand now has nine vessels back in revenue service.

While more capacity is added, Norwegian is also returning to more homeports and destinations – including the Middle East.

Norwegian Escape
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 4,200
Built: 2015
Homeport: Port Canaveral (United States)
Itinerary: Eastern and Western Caribbean
First Cruise: November 13

The Norwegian Escape welcomed guests back on November 13, becoming Norwegian’s eighth vessel to resume commercial operations. After a 20-month operational pause, the vessel also marked the company’s return to Port Canaveral.

The ship is now offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean from the Florida port. The voyages feature visits to major ports in the region, including Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas.

The Norwegian Escape originally entered service in 2015 as the first vessel of the company’s Breakaway-Plus series.

Before resuming service, the vessel spends time in a European shipyard, undergoing maintenance and mandatory work.

Norwegian Joy
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 4,200
Built: 2017
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
First Cruise: November 20

After the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Cruise Line saw the return of its ninth ship on Nov. 20 as the Norwegian Joy welcomed guests back in Miami, kicking off a series of Caribbean cruises.

For its comeback program, the vessel is sailing seven-night voyages calling at Roatán, Bay Islands; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize – the brand's private resort destination in Belize.

The week-long itinerary is available through April 23, 2022.

Built-in 2017, the Norwegian Joy is one of the biggest ships in Norwegian’s fleet. As the second Breakaway-Plus vessel, it has unique features, including a two-level go-kart track, an open-air laser tag course, simulator rides and two multi-story waterslides.

The Joy underwent a major refurbishment in 2019 before debuting in the U.S. market.

Four Ships Moving Around

As the winter season approaches, four of Norwegian’s ships are launching new deployments – including the Norwegian Jade, which is now sailing in the Middle East after a summer in Europe.
Here are the details:

Ship: Norwegian Jade
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,400
Built: 2006
New Homeport: Dubai (UAE)
New Itinerary: the Middle East and Africa

The first ship to resume service for Norwegian, the Norwegian Jade recently concluded its first post-pandemic season in the Mediterranean. The vessel is now offering a winter program in the Indian Ocean, with itineraries visiting the Middle East and Africa.

Ship: Norwegian Gem
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,400
Built: 2007
New Homeport: New York City (United States)
New Itinerary: Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda and East Coast

After embarking on a series of cruises sailing from Miami, the Norwegian Gem recently started a New York-based program. Sailing from Manhattan, the vessel is now offering voyages to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda.

Ship: Norwegian Breakaway
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 4,000
Built: 2013
New Homeport: New Orleans (United States)
New Itinerary: Caribbean
In November, the Norwegian Breakaway marked Norwegian’s return to New Orleans. Initially sailing from New York City, the ship resumed service in September.

Ship: Norwegian Encore
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 4,200
Built: 2019
New Homeport: Miami (United States)
New Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas

After a summer season in Alaska, the Norwegian Encore launched service from Miami on Nov. 21. The 2019-built ship is now offering week-long Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Norwegian’s Pearl of Miami Cruise Terminal.

MSC Cruises Reveals Details of Bellissima’s Red Sea Season Starting in November 2021

MSC Cruises has confirmed the details of an updated sailing itinerary for MSC Bellissima’s winter season from her homeport of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia beginning on Nov. 6. According to a press release, the ship will offer seven-night cruises calling at the Saudi Arabian ports of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and Yanbu, then on to Aqaba in Jordan before returning to Jeddah.

MSC said that the port of Safaga in Egypt has been cancelled as many countries from where guests for the Red Sea cruises originate have the country currently listed as a high-risk destination due to the pandemic and for their return home they would have to undergo a period of quarantine.

The Bellissima will now spend an overnight stay in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia so guests can visit AlUla, one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and home to Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests will also be able to visit a secluded island, partake in coral reef snorkelling or a desert excursion.

MSC said that KAEC has been added to the ship’s itinerary to include a sightseeing tour of the holy city of Medina or a day on the beach.

As the Bellissima does not leave the Jeddah port until late on Saturday evenings, guests can check-in and embark on the ship and then go ashore in the afternoon to make the most of their day in Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city. According to MSC, A City Of Culture & History tour offers a "journey through centuries of culture and traditions" including a visit to the old town of Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Medina sightseeing tours offer a glimpse into the site of Islamic pilgrimage. 

The ship will remain in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia overnight to allow guests the opportunity to visit Hegra, AlUla ancient town and the Elephant Rock. The UNESCO World Heritage site Hegra is an ancient city hidden in the sands of the desert. A guided tour will allow guests to discover some of its monuments, of which there are more than 100 at the site.

AlUla is situated in a desert setting in the Hijaz mountains and where pilgrims, travellers and permanent settlers have gathered over the centuries. Surrounded by an ancient oasis, the town boasts a citadel dating back to the 10th century, 900 brick houses, 400 shops and a maze of alleyways and squares.

Elephant Rock is two monolithic rocks, the "trunk" and the "body", which stand out against the desert backdrop and have been shaped over the centuries by the weather into the shape of an elephant.

MSC said that Yanbu is "known as the diving capital of Saudi Arabia” and snorkelling will be available at Iona Coral Reef to see various fish, the marine flora and the sunken wreck of the British ship Iona. A secluded spot on Baridi Island is also available, as well as a desert camp under the stars.

A "highlight" of the voyage, according to MSC, is a visit to the Wonders of Petra – the ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site in the middle of the Jordanian desert, rediscovered in 1812. 

Azamara’s Fleet Comes Under V.Ships Leisure’s Ship Management

Azamara’s four-ship luxury fleet is now under the ship management of V.Ships Leisure, which has assumed all technical oversight, crewing and port operations, according to Per Bjornsen, CEO, V.Ships Leisure.

After private equity firm, Sycamore Partners’ acquisition of Azamara from the Royal Caribbean Group earlier this year, the Azamara Onward entered V.Ships’ management following the ship’s acquisition, while the company brought the Quest into management on October 23, the Pursuit on October 28 and the Journey on October 31.

Detailed Way

“We’ve been through the plan in the most detailed way to ensure there is no change to the guest experience. That has been the core,” said Bjornsen, noting that while it is rare to decouple brands from a major cruise group, V.Ships has done it several times.

Taking over four sister ships, the crew will stay the same, but be managed by V.Ships, while other new systems have been put in place.

“We are moving toward more data-driven management for planned maintenance, for example,” Bjornsen told Cruise Industry News. “The data is being migrated to our platform, ShipSure, which is the digital platform in the centre of everything we do. There has been detailed planning with Azamara, Royal Caribbean Group and our team to make this smooth.”

“There has been thorough planning of crewing, the procurement hand over and customization of the safety management system – making sure there are no gaps compared to the service which was provided previously. However, we see this as a greenfield opportunity to do things smarter.”

Four Ships

“When you have the opportunity to have four sister ships, it’s quite interesting what you can do, comparing the fleet, how you operate and sharing best practices. There is a tremendous amount of data and if you use it cleverly you can move towards predictive maintenance,” Bjornsen explained.

Moving to V.Ships, Azamara has access to a global network of offices, purchasing power and redundancy of resources.

“It’s important that we share the same culture,” Bjornsen said of Azamara’s and Sycamore’s relationship with V.Ships. “Safety is the number one priority and we are going into this with a long-term horizon working together as partners.”