SPECIAL REPORT
MSC launches ‘game-changing’ MSC World Europa. Jeannine Williamson reports from Qatar MSC World Europa
MSC’s ‘glamorous’ ship World Europa is named in Doha
T
rade representatives described MSC Cruises’ flagship vessel MSC World Europa as “sophisticated”
and “glamorous” at its naming ceremony in Qatar. The ship is the line’s largest and its first liquefied natural gas-powered vessel. Eighty-five agents from the UK
and Ireland joined guests from around the world for the event at Doha’s new Grand Cruise Terminal ahead of the Fifa World Cup, during which the 6,762-passenger ship will be used as a floating hotel. The celebration for the line’s
20th vessel included a surprise performance by international singer- songwriter Matteo Bocelli and an aerial display featuring 600 drones. Speaking ahead of the ceremony,
This ship combines
the best of the Seaside- class with the best of the indoor world of the Meraviglia-class ships
MSC Cruises chief executive Gianni Onorato said the line’s most “innovative and exciting ship” to date would attract new-to-cruise clients and cruisers loyal to the brand. MSC World Europa features a
104-metre outdoor promenade; seven new restaurant, bar and cafe venues; and a microbrewery. The line also says the vessel’s ‘ship-within-a-ship’ MSC Yacht Club and the kids’ club are both the largest in its fleet.
“I have been talking to agents
and they have described this ship as sophisticated and glamorous,” he said. UK and Ireland managing director
Antonio Paradiso described the first World-class ship as the “beginning of a new chapter” for the line. “For each prototype of ship, we
usually build four, so MSC World Europa is kicking off a brand-new era. It’s a game changer for MSC as this ship combines the best of the Seaside- class with the best of the indoor world of the Meraviglia-class ships.” MSC World Europa’s maiden
season will be in the Arabian Gulf and in March 2023 it will reposition for a
Line touts vessel’s green credentials
More cruisers want information on ships’ green credentials, according to Antonio Paradiso, MSC’s UK and Ireland managing director. “It’s not the main driver but it’s a trend and we do receive more and
more questions about it from customers,” he said. The line’s senior vice-president of cost optimisation and process
improvement, Michele Francioni, said eco-friendly initiatives were at the forefront of the design of the ship. He also said MSC was looking at the feasibility of incorporating wind
power into future smaller ships. “We believe this ship has the lowest emissions in the world,” he said,
speaking at a media briefing before the naming. “We have calculated that MSC World Europa is able to perform 50%
Matteo Bocelli
14 17 NOVEMBER 2022
better in terms of emissions per miles compared with a ship built only 10 years ago, and 25% better than one built only three years ago, so this is a huge improvement.” Behind-the-scenes environmental tours will be offered to passengers
on the vessel, which produces 100% of the water needed on board from desalinated seawater and recycles 60% of waste.
summer of Mediterranean cruises. Paradiso said being based in Doha
for the World Cup had created a “buzz” around the vessel, with more than 9,000 UK bookings for its inaugural season. “Dubai and Doha are always win-win destinations and with the addition of a new ship it’s a perfect match,” he added. While he would not confirm
whether MSC World Europa might be deployed in Southampton in future, Paradiso said: “We are always open to opportunities. If you had asked me two years ago if I’d thought MSC Virtuosa would come to England, I would have said no, so never say never.”
MSC WORLD EUROPA
IN NUMBERS Cabins: 2,626
Passenger decks: 17 Restaurants, bars and lounges: 33 Pools: 7
Length: 333m Tonnage:
205,700 Crew: 2,138
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURES: MSC Cruises; Ivan Sarfatti
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