MSC Cruises has opened reservations for the first vessel in its new MSC World-Class series, MSC World Europa. The whopping 6,762-passenger, 22-deck behemoth will debut in the Middle East from December 2022.
Designed with a Y-shaped hull and fueled by LNG, MSC World Europa is billed as the cruise company’s “most innovative and environmentally advanced vessel to date.”
MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said the ship marks the “beginning of a new era for cruising” and is “all about the future”.
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“At MSC Cruises we have a strong, clear vision for the future and we combine that with our own timeless style. MSC World Europa embodies this perfectly – bringing together future-proof technologies, globally-inspired urban design and our signature European flair to give our guests a next-level cruise experience.”
“Just as importantly, we want to provide our guests not only with a truly unique and memorable holiday but also a sustainable one, so this is an intrinsic part of our innovation program. This is why MSC World Europa, our first LNG ship and our most environmentally advanced yet, signifies another important step forward for us in terms of our long-term vision for zero emissions.”
The 2,633 cabin MSC World Europa is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
Four of the top highlights aboard the ship noted, include:
- The size of the ship allows for completely distinct districts, each with their own mood and experiences, from a tranquil adults-only zen district to the lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars, to a separate family district that houses as many as ten new kids facilities. Onboard are six pools, 14 whirlpools, a family sundeck, an Aquapark with integrated virtual reality technology, and more.
- MSC World Europa also features next-level dining based around seasonality and curated immersive experiences. There will be a strong focus on artisanal and craft products, particularly in the bars and lounges, as well as new exceptional gourmet dining concepts. There are 13 dining venues, including six speciality restaurants.
3. MSC World Europa will also offer an extensive range of accommodation options, with 19 different categories, 65% of which feature balconies. The ship will see the introduction of seven new and innovative cabin types. These include:
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- Balcony suites and cabins that overlook the promenade
- Luxurious 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.
4. The ship’s groundbreaking design is based on a brand new platform creating a striking futuristic silhouette. The signature 90-degree plumb bow shaped like an arrow will cut through the water with ease. The impressive and never seen before Y-shaped aft opens onto the impressive 104-metre-long Europa Promenade with ocean views. Half-open to the sky and half-covered by an LED-sky screen, the screen will feature tailor-made displays throughout the day.
One of the key features of the re-imagined ship promenade is The Spiral – an architectural centrepiece in the form of a dry slide spanning 11 decks – the longest at sea. The sleek curves of the impressive stainless-steel slide make it a true work of art as well as a fun way to get from the top of the ship to the promenade.
At 333 metres long, 22 decks high and with 40,000 square metres of public space, MSC World Europa is MSC Cruises’ longest ship in the fleet. The increased size means that the ship will offer a variety of novel and engaging experiences to be enjoyed by one and all.
LNG-powered, and shore-to-ship power
MSC World Europa will be the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the most environmentally advanced to date.
Running on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale and is set to play a key role in the transition to the decarbonisation of international shipping. It dramatically reduces local air pollutant emissions such as sulphur oxides by up to 99% and nitrogen oxides by up to 85%. LNG also plays a key role in climate change mitigation as it offers CO2 reductions amounting to 25% and is paving the way to the uptake of sustainable non-fossil fuels hydrogen and ammonia.
In addition, MSC World Europa will feature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems designed in line with the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 227(64), underwater radiated noise management system and a wide range of energy-efficient equipment that help reduce and optimise engine use.
MSC World Europa will come into service in December 2022, spending her inaugural season in the Gulf giving guests the ultimate winter cruise experience. Her season will commence with a special 4-night sailing from Doha, Qatar to her new homeport of Dubai, UAE.
The ship will operate 7-night cruises roundtrip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, on to Sir Bani Yas Island, Dammam, Saudi Arabia and Doha.
Departing Dubai on 25 March 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean. In 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.
MSC Cruises has three World-Class sister-ships on order, for delivery in 2024, 2025 and 2027.