MSC CRUISES INTRODUCES THE FUTURE OF CRUISING WITH OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF MSC WORLD EUROPA IN DOHA, QATAR

• MSC Cruises’ newest flagship to be officially named tonight during traditional maritime ceremony in the presence of distinguished guests, international media and travel agents from around the world
• MSC World Europa represents the future of cruising as the world’s largest environmentally-focused cruise passenger ship, breaking new grounds also in terms of design and guest experience
• The event in Doha forms part of the Cruise Division of MSC Group’s commitment to tourism in the Gulf region

Doha, Qatar – 13 November 2022 – MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise brand, will today host the Naming Ceremony of its newest flagship MSC World Europa at the brand-new Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha, Qatar.

Together with partners Qatar Airways, the celebrations are part of MSC’s overall commitment to Qatar, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the growth of international tourism there as well as the broader Middle East region, where MSC Cruises is brand leader.

MSC World Europa is the most innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. On top of ground-breaking advances in terms of reduction of emissions and energy efficiency, the LNG-powered ship also paves the way towards the uptake of carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels as soon as they are available at scale.

Spanning 22 decks, with 215,863 GT’s, 47 metres wide, 40,000 m2 of public space and 2,626 cabins, MSC World Europa is an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea offering a veritable world of different experiences whilst setting a new standard for the cruise industry.

A long-standing maritime tradition, the official Naming Ceremony of the ship will take place in the presence of the Master of the Vessel, Captain Marco Massa and distinguished guests from around the world.

Hosted by comedian, producer and entrepreneur, Hamad Al Amari, event guests from around the world will be treated to experiences from local artists, a cutting-edge video-mapping projection onto the ship’s hull, huge drone show and a grand finale performance by international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, presenting his solo work for the first time ever in Doha. His new album is due in early 2023 via Capitol Records.

The glamorous night will culminate in a spectacular firework display against the stunning Doha skyline, and a gourmet gala dinner in the ship’s elegant restaurants.

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MSC World Europa is the first in the trailblazing World Class of ships and features 33 restaurants, bars and lounges, each with its own distinct style and ambiance, including 6 specialty restaurants and 7 brand new bar and café concepts, next-level entertainment options across new high-tech venues, 6 swimming pools in distinct parts of the ship, MSC Cruises’ most luxurious MSC Yacht Club yet, MSC Cruises’ largest and most action-packed kids’ area yet and more.

MSC World Europa will spend her inaugural season in the Middle East offering 7-night cruises to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, Dammam, Saudi Arabia and Doha, Qatar.

Her season will commence on 20 December with a special 4-night sailing from Doha, Qatar to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Departing Dubai on 25 March 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean Sea for 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 World Europa will be the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the most environmentally advanced to date. The fuel she runs on, liquefied 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 decarbonisation of international shipping. It virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions like sulphur oxides and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 85%. LNG also plays a key role in climate change mitigation as it reduces CO2 emissions by 25% and is paving the way for the uptake of sustainable non-fossil fuels including green hydrogen.

MSC World Europa is also the world’s first contemporary cruise ship to feature brand new solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship will include a 150-kilowatt SOFC demonstrator that will use LNG to produce electricity and heat on board in a highly efficient way by means of an electrochemical reaction. It will be a testbed to accelerate the development of fuel cell technology for contemporary cruise ships and offers a potential to enable hybrid propulsion solutions in the future.

In addition, MSC World Europa will feature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems to comply with the so-called Baltic standard, the strictest global standard for wastewater disposal to sea, an underwater radiated noise management system to reduce potential noise and vibration impact on marine mammals, as well as a wide range of energy efficient equipment and systems to optimise engine use.