The Port of Abu Dhabi has welcomed the MSC Bellissima for a maiden call ceremony.

Crests were exchanged on Sunday between the ship’s Master, Captain Giuseppe Maresca, and Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, Cruise Terminal Manager, Abu Dhabi Ports.

Speaking onboard at the ceremony Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises said: “Abu Dhabi is a key destination for our cruise itineraries in the Gulf and I’m delighted that throughout the winter season the most modern and one of the most environmentally-advanced ships to serve the region, MSC Bellissima, will call Zayed Port on 17 separate occasions to bring thousands of guests to enjoy the culturally-rich, inspiring and remarkable capital city of the United Arab Emirates.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports Group CEO added: “The maiden call ceremony onboard MSC Bellissima is further recognition of the excellent facilities offered at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, adding value to the city and emirate’s growing tourism industry. Abu Dhabi Ports has built a strong and successful partnership with MSC Cruises. To be selected as part of MSC Bellissima’s first winter season is a great honour, reflecting the quality of support we provide for cruise operators and the excellent experience Abu Dhabi offers to visitors.”

The MSC Bellissima will offer two separate seven-night itineraries from Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), during the winter.

The first will visit Sir Bani Yas Island in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; Muscat and Khasab in Oman; Dubai in the UAE before returning to Abu Dhabi. The second itinerary will take in Sir Bani Yas Island; Bahrain; Doha, Qatar and Dubai.