Trade 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, 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 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.”
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% 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.
Agents’ reaction
Simone Clark, SVP global supply, Iglu:
“It’s big but there are so many small venues, bars and dining rooms. Some of them are sophisticated and have a really cool vibe such as The Gin Project bar, the ship’s own brewery to make beer onboard, and the new Chef’s Garden restaurant with a Scandinavian chef.
“It feels like a resort and there’s lots for children to do.”
Mary McKenna, chief executive, The Travel Suite:
“I’m so impressed with the sustainability side of things. MSC is way ahead of everyone else with their plans to be emission free by 2050. More and more customers are asking about emissions so it is good to be able to tell them.
“MSC keeps pushing boundaries. This ship is fabulous and the Yacht Club is now a six-star experience.”
Rhiannon Kilbride, director of cruise, Cruise Kings:
“It will be very popular with younger couples and families because of the sheer scale of the ship and all there is to do. It will also attract new-to-cruise customers.
“I like the fact there are bars and restaurants both inside and outside so the ship so it will be really good for all weather cruising and the promenade is lovely.”