United Shipping Agency, a subsidiary of Dubai Lenders Group Marine Services, facilitated the MSC Bellissima maiden cruise call on November 28, 2019 at Doha Port.

The MSC Bellissima, the sixth largest cruise vessel in the world, having a passenger capacity of over 5,500, docked at Doha Port for the first time, marking the start of the MSC Cruise season 2019-2020 in Qatar.

To commemorate the event, a Crest Exchange Ceremony was held by United Shipping Agency aboard the vessel, with Capt. Mohamed Ali Abdelrahim, Executive Director of Dubai Lenders Group Marine Services, presenting the crest to Mr. Pierfransesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises and the Master of MSC Bellissima, Captain Maresca Giuseppe , in the presence of the  Minister of Transport and Communications, H.E. Mr. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways and Secretary-General of the Qatar National Tourism Council, Captain Abdulla Al-Khanji, CEO of Mwani, Dubai Lenders Group’s executive management, the port and customs authorities as well as National Tourism Council representatives and other dignitaries.

The ship’s deck surface area is equivalent to 63 football pitches and is the first MSC ship to feature the cruise line’s new voice-activated speaking assistant, Zoe. Zoe can speak seven languages and answer over 800 of the most commonly asked questions.

Capt. Mohamed Abdelrahim said: “MSC Bellissima’s first call to Doha demonstrates MSC’s commitment to enhancing its relationship with Qatar, which is deeply cherished and respected. MSC’s commitment extends beyond the cruise season to the homeporting of two of their latest state-of-the-art cruise ships in Qatar to cater for the 2022 world cup accommodation requirements, offering a combined capacity of 4,000 cabins and act as floating hotels during the tournament”.

“United Shipping Agency, the nominated Marine Services Agent of MSC Cruises in Qatar, is privileged to be associated with MSC Cruises, complementing MSC Cruises’ expertise with our commitment to excellence in service delivery and client satisfaction.” he added.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the involved parties, who worked tirelessly, efficiently and successfully to attend to MSC Bellissima’s maiden call at Doha Port” he concluded