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SETTING SAIL

Sophia Loren opens 19-deck MSC Virtuosa cruise ship in Dubai

DUBAI has a new rival, floating in the sparkling seas of the Arabian Gulf.

MSC Virtuosa had its long-awaited naming ceremony last month at its winter home port in Dubai, and The Sun was there for the ribbon-cutting and robot cocktails.

Dubai aims to become a major international cruise hub
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Dubai aims to become a major international cruise hubCredit: Shutterstock
The MSC Virtuosa was officially launched last month
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The MSC Virtuosa was officially launched last month

The cruise ship was set to launch in September 2020, with Med voyages a month later, but the pandemic disrupted plans.

Brits got to enjoy staycation sailings on the 1,087ft-long vessel last summer instead, but MSC Cruises opted to hold off on its usual naming ceremony.
And it was worth waiting for.

Port Rashid was lit up in the operator’s trademark blue as hundreds of guests gathered to witness the Middle East’s largest naming ceremony ever, underlying Dubai’s ambition to become an international cruise hub.

Tallest tower

Glamour was brought by Hollywood legend Sophia Loren, the ship’s fairy godmother, who was cutting her 17th ribbon for the company.

Virtuosa’s winter Arabian Sea sailings will depart Dubai for a host of sun-soaked destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Doha until March 2022.

Bosses hope the Emirates’ global accessibility, weather and attractions — such as the Expo 2020 and the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa — will lure holidaymakers.

Excursions include a jeep safari in Sir Bani Yas Island and desert dune driving and city tours in Abu Dhabi.

The Virtuosa is an impressive landmark in its own right — and there is plenty to do and see on its 19 decks.

A Swarovski-crystal central staircase is one of the first things that strikes the eye as you come on board.

This leads to its long Mediterranean promenade of shops and an LED sky dome that wows guests with light shows.

There are speciality ice cream, sushi, steak and taco restaurants, providing a tasty alternative to the buffet and formal dining areas.

A deck above, at the Starship Club — one of 21 bars on board — I encounter MSC’s hardest-working staff member, Rob The Robot, the first of his kind at sea.

He can make a range of 16 cosmic cocktails, or you can order your own bespoke one from 40 ingredients — plus you get your own souvenir cup.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to try them all . . . 

Beyond the eating — there are ten restaurants to choose from — drinking and listening to Rob’s automated bar banter in eight languages, guests can enjoy the ship’s five swimming pools, including an indoor one, water park and high ropes course.

I had a welcome break from the sun at the ship’s indoor arcade, where you can go bowling, drive an F1 simulator or fight zombies via virtual reality headsets.

The ship caters for young and old. The children’s club has Lego sets, table football and games consoles.

Passengers looking for a more premium experience might appreciate the Yacht Club area, which has its own dining room, panoramic sea views and rooms boasting hot tubs.

Landmarks

There is room for 6,000 passengers on board, which sounds like a lot.

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But there is so much space on the ship and so many things going on, that I never queued for a lift or struggled for a sunbed.

Just don’t forget to look out for the other landmarks as you sail by . . . because there is plenty to keep you occupied on this one.

GO: MSC Virtuosa

GETTING /STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ full-board on MSC Virtuosa sailing out of Dubai is from £899pp including flights from the UK, main dining, tea, coffee, water on board and service charges.

Calls at Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas and Doha in Qatar before overnighting in Dubai.

See .

Sophia Loren cut the ribbon to open the MSC Virtuosa
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Sophia Loren cut the ribbon to open the MSC VirtuosaCredit: Getty - Contributor
Cool off in the pool on one of the MSC Virtuosa's 19 decks
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Cool off in the pool on one of the MSC Virtuosa's 19 decksCredit: MSC Rights
Some rooms on the MSC Virtuosa have hot tubs
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Some rooms on the MSC Virtuosa have hot tubsCredit: MSC Rights
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