By
Alex Smith |
New design details have been unveiled for MSC World Europa, the first ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class, in a video released by MSC Cruises.
“Quite unlike anything else at sea today, MSC World Europa and the entire MSC World Class redefines the cruise experience in so many ways: from the future-proof onboard technologies that this completely new platform introduces for the first time, all the way to its ground-breaking marine and interior design features,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman for MSC Cruises.
The ship will be divided into distinct districts, each offering their own experiences. These will range from an adult-only zen district to a promenade with entertainment shops and bars, as well as a separate family district with up to 10 new childrens’ facilities.
Leisure options will include a selection of new single-brand shops and the choice of six pools and 14 whirlpools. Also featured onboard will be a family sundeck, an aquapark with integrated virtual reality technology and new performance venues.
The ship will also feature 13 dining venues, including six speciality restaurants. This will include two new venues – the Chef’s Garden Kitchen focussing on microgreens and La Pescaderia, a seafood grill with alfresco seating. Several of MSC Cruises’ signature venues will be available, including Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar and Hola! Tacos & Cantina. In addition, guests will be able to visit three buffet restaurants, one of which will be open 24 hours a day. Several new concepts for snacks and bars will also make their debut, with further details to be revealed soon.
MSC World Europa will offer 19 different categories of accommodation, with 65 per cent of cabins to have balconies. Seven new cabin types will be introduced, including balcony suites and cabins that overlook the promenade; duplex MSC Yacht Club suites with balconies, private hot tubs and an open living/dining area; Aurea Suites with balconies and private hot tubs; and Infinite Ocean view cabins with a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when opened.
The ship has been designed with a new platform, a 90-degree plumb bow. A Y-shaped aft will open onto the 104-metre-long Europa Promenade, offering views across the ocean. The promenade will be half-open to the sky and half-covered by an LED screen, which will feature tailor-made displays throughout the day. The Spiral will be a dry, stainless-steel slide spanning 11 decks, descending from the top of the ship to the promenade.
MSC World Europa will be the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet. Selective catalytic reduction systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatments systems and an underwater radiated noise management system will also be installed onboard the ship.
“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,” said Vago. “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.”
The ship is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. She is scheduled to enter service in December 2022 with an inaugural season in the Gulf, starting with a four-night sailing from Doha in Qatar to her new homeport of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. She will then offer seven-night cruises from the city to Abu Dhabi, with calls to Dammam, Saudi Arabia and Doha.