MSC World Europa begins first summer season in the Mediterranean

MSC Cruises’ new ship – MSC World Europa – has arrived in Europe to commence her first summer season in the Mediterranean. 

Delivered in October 2022, World Europa is MSC Cruises’ largest vessel and said to be the first vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

“It is with great pride that we welcome MSC World Europa in Europe as she starts her first summer season in the Mediterranean. Since her launch last November in Doha, Qatar, she has become a firm favourite with our Canadian guests. MSC World Europa is a testimony of our unwavering commitment to sustainable cruising, with a range of unprecedented innovations in terms of environmental and marine technologies. MSC World Europa represents a major step forward on our journey towards meeting our target of net-zero emissions by 2050," stated Ian Patterson, country manager, MSC Cruises Canada, in a press release. 

Passengers on board this 6,700-passenger megaship can access more than 30 restaurants and bars, three theatres, seven pools, 13 hot tubs, and colourful waterpark adjacent to largest children’s space of the fleet.

READ MORE: On Location - PAX explores MSC’s new “ultramodern megaship” World Europa in Doha

As PAX's Diane Tierney noted at the ship's naming ceremony in Doha, Qatar last fall, there are also thrills and chills ranging from virtual reality experiences to an 11-storey spiral slide called Venom Drop.

The ship features a layout of districts on its 20 decks named after European capital cities. 

The heartbeat of the ship is the three-deck interior promenade area called the Galleria lined with luxury shops, restaurants, bars and a few entertainment venues, such as a 5D movie theatre and multipurpose Luna Park theatre for special shows.

The Galleria also features an enormous LED dome ceiling with videos such as whales swimming above. A massive two-deck Swarovski crystal chandelier commands attention at every angle.

The chic Zen district is for adults only at the aft and has a relaxing space with two pools, a shady area and bar. You’ll also find a glass walkway with plummeting views to the sea if you dare to look.

La Plage is the main pool area where the action is and has in-pool beds, an enormous two-storey pool deck area for sunbathing and a stage, bars and eateries.

The Botanic Garden pool is a lovely, lush spot with lots of greenery, a retractable roof if it rains, hanging lounge beds and two hot tubs surrounded with rope netting.

The Family district is the largest in the fleet with about 10 children’s facilities including seven age-appropriate clubs, shallow pool and an aquapark with waterslides.

Nearby is a sports zone for bumper cars, roller skating, basketball and more. F1 simulators, a drone academy and arcade are also nearby.

There are also five new theatre productions in the 1,153-seat World Theatre. 

Four themed experiences are featured in the Panorama Lounge with its floor-to-ceiling aft windows and impressive chandeliers.

There’s also pop-up live entertainment such as wandering musicians.

MSC has also upped their entertainment game with more impressive acrobatic acts added to the usual singers and dancers.

Europa’s 2,626 cabins feature an impressive 19 different categories and 65 per cent of cabins have balconies. And there are also seven new cabin types.

For example: there are now balcony cabins that overlook the outdoor promenade and ocean view cabins with a large window that slides down for fresh air to create a balcony experience.

Europa’s private-access MSC Yacht Club is also the largest of the fleet with more than 150 staterooms.

MSC World Europa will be powered by LNG throughout the summer season, with her first bunkering in Marseille scheduled on April 15, 2023.

The ship also has shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment and a system to reduce noise and vibration to minimize impact on marine mammals.

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