MSC Cruises announced new, extended 2-week itineraries in the Persian Gulf (on MSC Bellissima) for winter 2019-2020 season, with Doha as ship's new homeport. The first cruise is departing on November 28, 2019.
Due to a new partnership with Qatar Airways, passengers will be able to fly from London, Paris, Rome, Vienna, or Milan to Doha as part of a fly-cruise package with Qatar Airways. On arrival in Doha, travelers have a full day to explore the city prior to the sunset departure.
Qatar has become one of world's fastest-growing must-see destinations in the last few years due to immense investment in unique facilities and attractions. Combined with being a center for Arab history and culture, it now attracts around 2 million vacationers per year.
During the exclusive 14-day voyages, guests will be able to explore a variety of destinations, with a total of 9 ports of call, including Dubai (2 overnight stays). Next is shown the "MSC Grand Voyages" itinerary's ports sequence and port times (arrival/departure).
| Date / Time | Port |
|---|---|
| 28 Nov 16:00 | Departing from Doha, Qatar |
| 29 Nov 08:00 - 30 Nov 23:00 | Dubai, Port Rashid, UAE |
| 01 Dec 05:00 - 21:00 | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| 02 Dec 07:00 - 17:00 | Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE |
| 04 Dec 07:00 - 17:00 | Muscat, Oman |
| 05 Dec 08:00 - 18:00 | Khasab, Musandam, Oman |
| 06 Dec 09:00 - 07 Dec 23:00 | Dubai, Port Rashid, UAE |
| 08 Dec 05:00 - 21:00 | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| 09 Dec 07:00 - 17:00 | Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE |
| 11 Dec 08:00 - 18:00 | Mina Salman-Manama, Bahrain |
| 12 Dec 08:00 | Arriving in Doha |
MSC Cruises will deploy two liners in the Persian Gulf from November through March. MSC Lirica will sail on 11-night itineraries as well as on 14-night voyages that call also to India. MSC Bellissima will also offer 7-night Gulf journeys embarking in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi.