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Sophia Loren inaugurates the new cruise ship MSC Virtuosa in Dubai

In Dubai it is 27 degrees and it is past midnight. From the bus towards the port it is too dark to enjoy the view and discover the city a little, but suddenly there is the ship docked. It is bright, immense and just waiting to be able to leave. The new MSC Virtuosa, beautiful, ultra-modern, capable of accommodating 8000 guests and crew, is the flagship of the company, and for the launch the godmother is special: Sophia Loren.

The event is special: the inauguration in Port Rashid not only coincides with World EXPO 2020 in Dubai, but is also part of the celebrations surrounding the UAE’s Golden Jubilee. This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates of which Dubai is part.

Sophia, the most beloved godmother

We meet the godmother at the Yacht Club, sitting on comfortable gray armchairs and with the splendid view of the sea in front of us. Sophia Loren is beautiful in a white suit, with her iconic sunglasses and white high-heeled ankle boots. Unleash an aura of pure energy. And then here is his smile and his “Please, take a seat”.

Let’s talk about his great love, cinema, and his roles. «I have always happened to interpret things that I have always liked at the moment and I have almost always been right – he tells us – Certainly it is difficult to work when you do not feel the character. Then you have to stay away. At least I can’t. You must really feel it with you ». Certainly, for the great actress, the role of godmother is certainly not new. In his partnership with MSC Cruises, he baptized 17 of the 19 ships around the world, but he says: «I don’t travel to travel. Thus I found myself on trips that I liked and that I sometimes repeat ». It is important – he also says to be centered and calm, as he does in his life, alternating the role of the diva with that of the family “Life is beautiful because it gives you so much, especially when you have children who give you so much joy”.

Inside the new Msc Virtuosa

We visit the ship, immense. Equipped with latest maritime technologies available, MSC Virtuosa is one of the largest and most advanced cruise ships in the world even from the point of environmental view, given that the Company aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
MSC Virtuosa is also committed to the environment: in addition to having hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems and shore-to-ship electrical connectivity, it also has an underwater radiated noise management system, with hull and hall design. machines that minimize the acoustic impact, reducing their potential effects on marine fauna.

Once you arrive at the reception, you are greeted by a unique sparkle. The grand spiral staircase leading to the upper floors is the now iconic staircase in Swarovski by Msc (each step costs 7 thousand euros). How many steps are there? I asked to be able to count them all, but they told me there were too many.

The ship matters 19 bridges (but there is no number 17) with the best of international cuisine, 10 restaurants, entertainment, 21 bars and relaxing lounges, as well as the largest shopping area at sea, spa and fitness center, a aquapark and club for children and adolescents.

The prime 112-meter promenade with a splendid LED dome it is the social heart of the ship, with 1,168 square meters of commercial space with 11 boutiques and 250 different brands. The ceiling looks like a starry sky, but the image changes each time and goes from a gorgeous desert image to blue sky. It can also be rented for theme nights: Valentine’s Day, Women’s Day or some private party.

A cocktail with Rob (the humanoid barman)

Continuing to discover the ship, I come across a unique feature: the brand new MSC Starship Club, available exclusively on MSC Virtuosa, that sees protagonist Rob, the humanoid and futuristic barman. There are screens available to customers where they can select their favorite cocktail. You can choose from a list of “space” drinks designed by Rob, or ask for your own cocktail. Then, on another large screen, you see the waiting time. In the meantime, there is a real technological show, with the humanoid barman who prepares the drink, also exchanging some nice jokes in the customer’s language. He is clearly a polyglot.

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