Tag Archives: UAE

MSC Adds Lirica to UAE Lineup

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MSC Cruises announced that the MSC Lirica will be in the United Arab Emirates for the 2018-2019 winter season, featuring newly extended cruises of 11 nights and 14 nights.

The MSC Lirica will be making her debut in the UAE in November 2018, offering longer itineraries, two overnight stays in Dubai, as well as cruises to India for the very first time.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, added: “This will be our seventh season in the UAE and we have seen strong demand for our quality product offering from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A strong Fly&Cruise programme means that guests from all around the world are able to enjoy this popular cruise region. Our modern ships and distinctive, quality cruise experience are an appealing way for holidaymakers to explore the rich and diverse experiences that the UAE can offer.

“Introducing India to MSC Cruises’ Winter 18/19 itineraries demonstrates how our significant investment plan is enabling us to expand our global footprint and establish a presence in a high-potential market, one that we expect to grow considerably over the coming years.”

Cruises will call into India from Dubai, with more calls at Abu Dhabi, Muscat and then crossing the Arabian Sea to Mumbai. The voyage also stops in Goa and Mangalore.

There is also an 11-night voyage calling at Sir Bani Yas, a private beach island.

The MSC Lirica will be offering ten cruises starting from either Dubai or Abu Dhabi with fly-cruise packages.

The MSC Splendida will also be based in the UAE for the winter 2018-2019 season offering seven-night cruises with two embarkation ports – Dubai on Saturday and Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

MSC Cruises and Etihad sign feeder flights deal

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MSC Cruises has signed a deal with Etihad Airways to supply flights from across Europe to feed its winter sailings in the Arabian Gulf.

The Italian line will use the UAE carrier for fly-cruise packages from the UK as well as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.

The company is running a series of 16 seven-night cruises on MSC Musica in the region from December 13 featuring Abu Dhabi, Khor al Fakkan, Muscat, Khasab and Dubai.

MSC Cruises has brought more than 100,000 passengers from 115 nationalities to the Emirate between 2011 and 2015.

Abu Dhabi’s overall cruise season last winter attracted a record 200,407 passengers and 94 ship calls.

MSC Cruises chief executive, Gianni Onorato (pictured), said: “Through our partnership and also together with Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority we will work to develop Abu Dhabi as an ideal winter cruise destination to further strengthen our offer in the region.”

Etihad Airways president and chief executive, James Hogan, said: “Abu Dhabi is being developed into a leading international cruise destination, with record passenger numbers and ship calls reported during the recent 2014/15 season.

“Future projections are even stronger, as the new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal opens at the end of this year, and world-class cultural attractions such as Abu Dhabi’s Louvre and Guggenheim museums enhance the local tourism offering.

“Our partnership with MSC Cruises, as well as Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, for ‘fly and cruise’ will expand source markets for cruises in the UAE and regionally, bringing in more travellers from destinations across Europe.”

MSC Cruises returns to the United Arab Emirates

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MSC Cruises returns to the United Arab Emirates

Dubai and Abu Dhabi to host MSC Lirica in 2013/2014

MSC Cruises is delighted to announce that MSC Lirica will return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the 2013/2014 winter season, taking travellers on an unparalleled journey of discovery through the region’s rich traditions, vibrant modernity and dramatic landscapes.

On 5 November 2013, MSC Lirica will set off on a 19-day/18-night grand voyage from Genoa, Italy, arriving in Dubai, UAE, on 22 November 2013 after calls in Civitavecchia, Italy, La Valletta, Malta, Piraeus, Greece, Port Said, Egypt, Safaga, Egypt, Salalah and Muscat, Oman.

From 23 November 2013 until 29 March 2014, MSC Lirica will offer 18 eight-day/seven-night cruises from Dubai, calling in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Khor al Fakkan, UAE, and Muscat and Khasab, Oman, with an overnight stay in Dubai allowing travellers to enjoy the unique nightlife of this glittering oasis of the desert.

“MSC Cruises’ return to the Emirates reaffirms our strong belief in the region’s potential as an innovative and highly desirable destination for cruise travellers,” said MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago. “As part of a broad commitment to encouraging future growth, the UAE government’s recent decision to allow multiple entry visas for cruise ship passengers has dramatically simplified visa procedures, making the region even more attractive to cruise lines and ensuring that many more travellers can discover this truly unique destination with ease.”

During MSC’s Emirates adventures, travellers can enjoy a shore excursion programme designed to reveal the magic and mystery of this enigmatic world of spectacular contrasts.

Enjoy unspoiled beaches and rugged mountains views 

Khor al Fakkan is the perfect gateway from which to discover desert dunes, typical wadis and spectacular oases, as well as the rugged Masafi and Hajar Mountains and the stunning beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can also enjoy trips to the oldest mosque in the UAE, Fossil Rock, famed for fossils dating back some 80 million years and Camel Rock, a spectacular, eponymously shaped outcrop in the middle of the desert.

Explore mystical Muscat 

Travellers in Muscat have a whole host of mystical landmarks to behold, from the Al Alam Palace, flanked by the breath-taking Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, to the captivating Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with its five impressive minarets. Popular sites include the old town’s bustling souk, the Bait Al Zubair archaeological museum and the exclusive Amouage perfumery with its timeless natural fragrances.

Cruise crystalline fjords in a traditional dhow 

A relaxing cruise on a traditional Arabian dhow is the perfect way to discover Khasab – also known as the “Norway of Arabia” thanks to its sinuous coastline – and its fjord-like waters, pretty fishing villages and limestone cliffs. Travellers can enjoy a refreshing dip by historical Telegraph Island and, if they’re lucky, a friendly dolphin may even stop by to say hello.

Discover the wonders of Dubai 

An ultramodern city steeped in tradition and flanking both the coast and the Arabian Desert, Dubai and its eclectic mix of natural and man-made wonders is impossible to define. For the glitz and glamour of modern Dubai, travellers can head to the sumptuous Burj Al Arab Hotel, the only 7-star hotel in the world; the magnificent Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made archipelago of islands in the shape of a palm tree; or one of Dubai’s swanky neighbourhoods. The city’s incredible shopping, amazing skyscrapers, beautiful modern marina, perfect weather and unparalleled nightlife make it a true haven for hedonists.

Behold awe-inspiring architecture and magnificent mosques in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to some awe-inspiring architecture, futuristic skyscrapers and magnificent mosques, including the hauntingly beautiful Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a masterpiece of neo-Islamic architecture and one of the largest mosques in the world. Heritage Village, Emirates Palace, Al Ain archaeological site and Manarat Al Saadyat, a centre recounting the development of the richest city in the world, are all fascinating insights into this modern metropolis. Travellers can also experience the thrill of an unparalleled shopping experience, or of riding the world’s fastest roller coaster at the Ferrari World Theme Park.

Are you tempted by one of these cruises?

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