‘MSC World Europa and the entire MSC World Class redefines the cruise experience in so many ways: from the future-proof on-board technologies that this completely new platform introduces for the first time, all the way to its ground-breaking marine and interior design features. Put it simply, MSC World Europa marks the beginning of a new era for cruising,’ he said.
‘At MSC Cruises, innovation will and has always been at the heart of our business, driving how with each new class of ships we reimagine the guest experience, the operations as well as every single aspect of the technology that brings it all together.
‘Whether it is the new advanced air filters that will be introduced here or the vessel’s iconic and never seen before Y-shape design, MSC World Europa is all about the future.'
Vago went on to emphasise the importance of sustainable cruising, noting that MSC World Europa is the line’s most environmentally advanced vessel, signifying ‘another important step forward for us in terms of our long-term vision for zero emissions.’
Themed zones on board
The longest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC World Europa is 333 mtr long, 22 decks high and has 40,000 sq mtr of public space containing several ‘districts.’ From an adults-only Zen area to a lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars to a separate family district that houses as many as ten new kids facilities, each segment of the vessel will have its own unique character.
Leisure facilities
Six pools, 14 whirlpools, an aqua park with integrated virtual reality technology, and a family sun deck will feature, plus single-brand shops, full-scale theatre shows and immersive performance venues.
Gastronomy
The ship will comprise 13 dining venues, including six specialty restaurants, and menus will be based around seasonality and curated immersive experiences. There will be an emphasis on artisanal and craft products, particularly in bars and lounges, as well as new gourmet dining concepts.
The Chef’s Garden Kitchen will focus on flavourful microgreens and La Pescaderia is a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. Passengers will also have the opportunity to dine at three restaurant-buffets, with one open 24/7.
Familiar venues appearing on board include 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. Masters of the Sea Pub will be split across two decks and will brew craft beer specially on board for the first time.
Other concepts will include the Elixir - Mixology Bar with 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 juice bar made from fresh ingredients and a gelateria. Further snack and bar selection concepts are still to be announced.
Seven new cabin categories
Nineteen accommodation categories are available, including seven new cabin types: balcony suites and cabins that overlook 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; and Infinite Ocean view cabins with a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open.
Some 65% of cabins have balconies.
Futuristic design features
The ship has a signature 90-degree plumb bow shaped like an arrow and the Y-shaped aft opens onto the 104 mtr-long Europa Promenade with ocean views. It will be half open to the sky and half-covered by an LED-sky screen, showing tailor-made displays throughout the day.
The Spiral is a fully reimagined feature of the promenade: an architectural centrepiece in the form of a dry slide spanning 11 decks, according the the cruise line, it is the longest at sea. The stainless-steel construction provides an entertaining way of moving from the top deck to the promenade.
Inaugural season in the Gulf
The ship is scheduled to spend its inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf, entering service in December 2022 and commencing a four-night itinerary from Doha, Qatar to its homeport of Dubai, UAE.
Seven-night cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and on to Sir Bani Yas Island will follow, where passengers will have the chance to discover exotic wildlife or bask in the sun on beaches that are exclusive for MSC passengers on days when the ship calls.
The ship will stop at Dammam, Saudi Arabia, visiting Al Ahsa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Doha before returning to Dubai with an overnight stay in the city.
Departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean and in summer 2023, the ship will offer seven-night cruises calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta, Malta, Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.
The line’s most advanced ship
Currently under construction at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard, MSC World Europa is the first French-built LNG cruise ship.
It will feature selective catalytic reduction systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems, an underwater radiated noise management system and a wide range of energy efficient equipment that help reduce and optimise engine use.
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