MSC Cruises is extending its current season in the Arabian Gulf with an additional 12 cruises, which go on sale today.

MSC Bellissima will offer more seven-night cruises calling at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas in the United Arab Emirates and Doha in Qatar (pictured), from 2 April through to 25 June.

MSC Bellissima will finish its planned Red Sea itineraries homeporting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 26 March and then move to the Arabian Gulf, taking over from MSC Virtuosa from 2 April.

MSC Virtuosa has been sailing in the region since November 2021 and, on finishing the winter season, will sail to Europe to homeport in Southampton, UK for the summer season.

In July, MSC Bellissima will move to the Far East.

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said: “The decision to deploy MSC Bellissima for this extended part of the season was taken because this is a highly popular and well appreciated ship with a richness of features, entertainment and dining as well as offering the MSC Yacht Club.

“These cruises are also appealing as they are very accessible to our guests thanks to the great flight connections into Dubai International Airport.

“We are offering a comprehensive fly and cruise programme with Emirates, with flights from 21 international airports, making the whole experience for our guests seamless from end to end.”

Sales for the additional MSC Bellissima cruises opened today.