MSC Cruises has agreed a deal to deploy two ships as floating hotels during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The State of Qatar will charter the line’s first LNG-powered ship MSC Europa and existing vessel MSC Poesia during the month-long competition.
World-class vessel MSC Europa is currently under construction in Saint Nazaire, France, and will come into service in 2022 ahead of the global tournament which kicks off on November 21.
Both vessels, which have a combined capacity of 4,000, will be docked at Doha Port.
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, said: “We are delighted that Qatar has selected our ships to ensure that tourists who visit the country during the upcoming Fifa World Cup have high-end accommodation and services available to further enrich their experience.
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“The tournament is one of the high world’s most popular events and this will be another opportunity for holidaymakers from across the globe converging on Doha to experience our ships and enjoy the unique international experience that only MSC Cruises can offer.”
The supreme committee for delivery and legacy’s secretary general, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi said: “We are sure fans from all over the world will be excited at the prospect of staying on board a cruise ship.”
In addition to floating hotels, Qatar’s other accommodation options are hotels, apartments and fan villages.
Yasir Al Jamal, chairman of the supreme committee’s host country operations office and vice chairman of the technical delivery office, said: “We are determined to deliver a range of accommodation options which will suit every taste and budget in 2022.
“It is important we provide sustainable options for the country while ensuring an unmatched fan experience.”