Tagged as the ‘Future of Cruising’, MSC Cruises’ newest ship – MSC World Euopra recently celebrated its naming ceremony at the brand new cruise terminal of Doha, Qatar during a dramatic ceremony.

MSC World Europa stands 22 decks tall, coming in at 215,863 gross tons with 2,626 cabins and over 430,000 square feet of public space. The ship is the most environmentally-advanced ship in the fleet, with multiple systems that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

High-profile individuals from the country, including Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, vice-chairperson and CEO of the Qatar Foundation, Akbar Al-Baker, CEO of the Qatar Airways Group, and Hassan Al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, attended the event, which included a traditional maritime ceremony at the Doha Port.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group said that MSC World Europa is the most innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. He said, “On top of ground-breaking advances in terms of reduction of emissions and energy efficiency, the LNG-powered ship also paves the way towards the uptake of carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels as soon as they are available at scale.”

H E Akbar Al Baker, Chairman, Qatar Tourism & Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways said, “While Qatar Airways is the global aviation gateway to Qatar, the marine industry is very important to tourism and the long term economic and cultural connections it brings. As sustainability is vital to the future growth of aviation, MSC World Europa illustrates how the marine industry is addressing the challenges of efficiency and emissions reductions.”

He further informed that Qatar welcomed over 150,000 visitors in three pre-COVID cruise seasons. “Since launch of cruise tourism, we welcomed over 560,000 visitors and there were 182 port calls by cruise ships. For 2021-2022 season, the top nationality of cruise visitors to Qatar are Italians,” he added.

Vago said: “Just like Qatar, our Group has placed climate change at the forefront of its agenda. We are committed to reaching net zero carbon from our cruise operations by 2050. MSC World Europa is our most innovative vessel. She is the world’s best performing cruise ship in terms of CO2 emissions per guest. Running on LNG, the cleanest fossil fuel and, of course, Qatar’s most renowned export.”

He added: “Over the years, we have proven our commitment to supporting Qatar’s economic diversification, which is guided by Qatar National Vision 2030. And of course, to further developing Qatar’s profile as a global tourism destination. Qatar has a wonderful tourism offering to meet a huge variety of interests, and an array of destinations. In 2016, our own MSC Fantasia became the first major cruise ship to call at Doha. We have been reliable partners ever since.

Hosted by comedian, producer and entrepreneur Hamad Al Amari, event guests from around the world were treated to experiences from local artists, a cutting-edge video-mapping projection onto the ship’s hull, huge drone show and a grand finale performance by international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, presenting his solo work for the first time ever in Doha.

MSC World Europa is the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the most environmentally advanced to date. It virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions like sulphur oxides and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 85%.

Product features of MSC World Europa

The main features on the MSC World Europa deck plans include a 113-yard half-open promenade and an 11-deck dry slide. This slide, known as The Spiral — the longest at sea — starts at the top deck and twists down to The Promenade.

MSC World Europa also features a unique Y-shaped aft and a plumb bow in the shape of an arrow, rather than the traditional bulbous bow. The aft opens up to the main promenade, which is half open to the sky and half-covered by the LED-sky screen, similar in design to those on the Meraviglia class of ships.

Food onboard MSC World Europa

The ship features 13 dining venues, including six speciality restaurants including two new venues: Chef’s Garden Kitchen focusing on flavourful microgreens and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating.

Regulars return including American-style steakhouse Butcher’s Cut and Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar, as well as the newly launched Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina. There are also three buffets onboard.

Masters of the Sea Pub, which will be split across two decks and will brew craft beer especially on board for the first time, will also return. Other concepts will include the Elixir – Mixology Bar with elaborate signature cocktails, a South Asian-style tea room filled with perfumes from the East, an authentic Emporium coffee bar with selections from around the world, a widely stocked Gin Project inspired by a real distillery, a zesty juice bar made from fresh ingredients and a gelateria.

MSC World Europa cabin categories:

Cabin types on the MSC World Europa abound as well, with options that range from roomy interior suites to deluxe suites with promenade or ocean views, premium suites and grand suites. MSC World Europa’s Yacht Club also features interior rooms, a deluxe suite option, two-story duplex suites, royal suites and owner’s suites.

MSC World Europa has 19 different cabin categories — 65 per cent of those with balconies. The ship has also introduced seven new cabin types. These include:

• Balcony suites and cabins overlooking the promenade.
• Duplex MSC Yacht Club suites with large balconies and private hot tub, as well as open living/dining room area.
• Aurea Suites with spacious balcony and private hot tub.
• Infinite Ocean view cabins with a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open.

MSC World Europa Sailings: 

MSC World Europa will spend her inaugural season in the Middle East offering 7-night cruises to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; Dammam, Saudi Arabia; and Doha, Qatar. Her season will commence on December 20 with a special 4-night sailing from Doha to Dubai. On December 20, she will embark on a special 4-night voyage from Doha, Qatar, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to kick off her season.

Departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean Sea for summer 2023. She will offer 7-night cruises calling the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.