MSC Lirica ... will become a perfect floating resort.
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POSTED: 03 DECEMBER 2010
MSC Cruises selects Adu Dhabi as its Arabian Peninsula hub*
The world’s swiftest-growing cruise company, family-owned MSC Cruises, has moved quickly to build on Abu Dhabi’s emerging popularity as a holiday destination by establishing the Arabian centre as an international embarkation hub.
In a deal struck with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the Italian company will deploy one of its leading vessels to the UAE capital on a homeport basis from October 2011, steering cruise tourism to a region which prides itself on rich history, sandy beaches, safaris in the desert, supremely designed giant mosques and countless contemporary additions to the city skylines.
Abu Dhabi’s anticipated elevation from port-of-call to homeport status will strengthen the city’s cruise tourism credentials in the region, with the authority forecasting 2.3 million hotel guests a year by the end of 2012.
It will also bolster the appeal of both region and cruise company in accommodating the ever-expanding worldwide meetings and incentives (MICE) market.
Abu Dhabi’s port, Mina Zayed, will serve as the primary point for the Italian operator’s maiden regional itinerary — scheduled for the 2011-2012 season — using its stylish MSC Lirica.
Entry into the Arabian Gulf will see the 59,000-tonne MSC Lirica, which has a capacity to cater for almost 2200 guests in 784 cabins and suites, offer 19 eight-day/seven-night cruises.
These cruises will cover five contrasting destinations between November 2011 and March 2012, ports of call being Dubai, on the edge of the Arabian Desert, Bahrain, famous for its prehistoric royal tombs, Al Fujairah and its 17th-century fortress, and Muscat in Oman, one of the world’s great ports since ancient Roman times. MSC Lirica will become a perfect floating resort from which to explore this special part of the world.
In mirroring the comments of Pierfrancesco Vago, chief executive officer, MSC Cruises, Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises (Australia and New Zealand), said it was a proud moment for the cruise company to become the first to select Abu Dhabi as a homeport.
“MSC Lirica is a stylish cruise ship which will operate 95 calls and 19 rotations in the region through this new positioning,” she said. “MSC Cruise’s presence will have a significant impact on the tourism industry of Abu Dhabi, and we are just as excited in Australia and New Zealand as everyone is on the other side of the world.”
Mrs Clarke said establishing the Arabian Peninsula as a major port would be a boost to the Australian market, especially among cruise fans seeking shorter holidays closer to home.
“Quick and easy, with great prices,” she summed up.
“Passengers will be able to either book a fly-cruise package for the seven nights or, if they wish, stay in the UAE before or after the cruise. It’s all about choice and catering to the wishes of our clients.
“We can also offer clients a great stopover package at amazing value before passengers fly onwards to Europe.”
Fly-cruise prices for the seven-night Arabian Gulf cruises begin at $2594 per person, twin share, including return economy class air fares with taxes from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
In sealing the deal, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority director general Mubarak Al Muhairi said: “MSC Cruises’ commitment to Abu Dhabi as a homeport will deliver both tactical and strategic outcomes for the emirate.
“Beyond the substantial, broad-based benefits to our domestic tourism sector through incremental gains in hotel guests, longer length of stay and greater spending, this partnership provides Abu Dhabi a firm footing on the international cruise tourism map and reinforces the strategic case for a world-class, purpose-built cruise terminal in the emirate.”.
MSC’s modern fleet of 11 ships cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean and South and West Africa.
Due to MSC Cruises’ partnership with UNICEF in funding a community project — aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education — one of the charity’s Australian ambassadors, famous artist Ken Done, is a special guest of the Sydney MSC Cruises’ Arabian Gulf launch.
Details: MSC Cruises, phone 1300 028502, or visit www.msccruises.com.au.
*Based on media release issued by MSC Cruises.
