Guests on MSC Cruises’ newest and most innovative cruise liner experience the splendor of the Middle East and Mediterranean in comfort
MSC Cruises officially launched the MSC World Europa cruise ship on November 13 in a naming ceremony held at the brand-new Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha, Qatar. This cruise liner is the first in MSC’s new World Class series and the most environmentally advanced, innovative ship in the fleet.
MSC World Europa Cruise Liner Naming Ceremony
The traditional maritime ceremony for the MSC World Europa took place in the presence of Master of the Vessel Marco Massa and distinguished guests from around the world. The cruise ship’s godmother was her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hama Al Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of the Qatar Foundation.
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, at the naming ceremony for the MSC World Europa cruise ship.
Hosted by producer, comedian and entrepreneur Hamad Al Amari, event guests enjoyed experiences from local artists, a drone show and a cutting-edge video mapping projection on the cruise liner’s hull. International songwriter/singer Matteo Bocelli did a grand finale performance. The night culminated with a spectacular fireworks display against the stunning Doha skyline and a gala dinner in the MSC World Europa’s elegant restaurants.
More About This Luxury Cruise Ship
The 22-deck MSC World Europa is 154 feet wide and 205,700 gross register tons. Featuring more than 430,000 square feet of public space and 2,626 staterooms, the cruise ship is best described as an ultramodern metropolis at sea, offering a veritable world of experiences. The breathtaking Promenade, which balcony staterooms overlook, features a dramatic architectural centerpiece, a sculpture named the Venom Drop @The Spiral.
Dining Options on MSC World Europa Cruise Liner
The MSC World Europa cruise liner counts 33 different restaurants, bars and lounges, each with its own distinct ambiance and style. The 13 dining venues include six specialty restaurants. The Chef’s Garden Kitchen of Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt offers a menu that focuses on natural ingredients and a farm-to-ocean ethos. There are seven brand-new bars on the MSC World Europa.
Chef’s Garden Kitchen
Cruise Ship Entertainment
The Panorama Lounge, located at the stern of the ship, provides immersive performances. In the 1,153-seat World Theatre, guests enjoy original production shows. The Luna Park Arena provides interactive family fun, such as game shows, film screenings, children’s activities and themed parties, plus roller-disco and bumper cars.
Guests can enjoy inspiring entertainment from morning to night. There are five new full-scale productions in the World Theatre, new concert-style shows in the Luna Park Arena and four themed experiences in the Panorama Lounge. And there are a surprise, pop-up live exhibits throughout the cruise liner.
The Cruise Liner’s Pool Areas
The Aurora Borealis Aquapark, the fleet’s largest waterpark, includes a kid’s pool and waterslides. La Plage features the cruise liner’s 37,000-square-foot, terraced main pool deck, while the Botanic Garden Pool has a retractable roof, tropical bar and lounge area. The adults-only Zen Pool, located at aft of Deck 18, has two pools, a solarium and a shaded lounge area.
MSC Yacht Club
The MSC Yacht Club on the MSC World Europa cruise ship is the cruise line’s most luxurious and largest yet. The two-level private pool deck has a whirlpool as well as a pool. There are dedicated massage rooms in the ship’s MSC Aqua Spa. Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club enjoy their own restaurant and other areas, including the Top Sail Lounge.
New to the World Europa’s MSC Yacht Club are two 1,600-square-foot Owner’s Suites with a double bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom with a full-size imperial tub, a whirlpool, and separate dining and living areas. There are Duplex Suites available as well.
The MSC World Europa cruise ship arrives in Doha, Qatar. (Photo credit: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)
The Cruise Ship’s Itineraries
The World Europa cruise ship is spending her inaugural season in the Middle East, offering seven-night cruises to Dubai; Abu Dhabi; Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; Dammam, Saudi Arabia; and Doha, Qatar. After departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, the MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean for seven-night cruises calling at the Italian ports of Naples, Genoa and Messina; Marseille, France; Valletta, Malta; and Barcelona, Spain.
MSC’s First LNG-Powered Cruise Ship
The MSC World Europa is MSC’s first cruise ship powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). One of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale LNG is set to play a key role in the decarbonization of international shipping.
LNG virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions like sulfur oxides and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 85 percent. It also plays a key role in climate change mitigation as it reduces CO2 emissions by 25 percent. And it is paving the way for the update of sustainable non-fossil fuels, including green hydrogen.
The MSC World Europa’s commitment to the latest environmental technology also includes selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity and advanced wastewater treatment systems. An underwater radiated noise management system reduces the potential noise and vibration impact on marine mammals.
The MSC World Europa’s Panorama Lounge
More MSC Cruises Info
MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line brand and one of the two brands in the Cruise Division of MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The modern fleet includes 20 cruise ships and continues to grow, with three more ships by 2025. And there are more options for additional cruise liners. MSC is the fastest-growing global cruise line brand, with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and Asia.
A Great Cruise Line Option for Groups
With diverse entertainment and 33 restaurants, lounges and bars, immersive experiences, and enticing itineraries in the Middle East and Mediterranean, the MSC World Europa cruise liner is definitely one to consider when booking your next cruise group.
By Cindy Bertram
Photos courtesy of MSC Cruises
Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise industry expertise in marketing, content creation, sales and training as well as social media. Her MBA from Loyola University Chicago complements her high creative edge and liberal arts BA. She can be reached at cindy@ptmgroups.com.
