MSC Boasts Its Next Cruise Ship Is “The Future Of Cruising”

MSC is counting down the months until the launch of its new flagship, the MSC World Europa, which it describes as “an ultra-modern urban metropolis at sea.”

Set to launch in the Persian Gulf on December 20, the new ship will be the first of MSC’s ‘World Class’ prototype series. It spans 22 decks and is 155 feet wide, with 2,626 cabins, and boasting more than 430,000 square feet of public space.

Among the highlights is The Promenade, a 340-feet long, seven-deck-high space that opens onto the aft of the ship. The line says this will be the place to be day or night with entertainment and al fresco dining space. 

The ship will offer seven new cabin types not seen on any other MSC Cruises’ ship, and more suites than ever have private whirlpool baths, the company said. It will also be home to the largest MSC Yacht Club, a luxury ship-within-a-ship section.

Here are some key facts about MSC’s ambitious new flagship:

New-Look Accommodations

The MSC World Europa will offer seven new cabin types not seen on any other MSC Cruises’ ship, and the most balcony cabins on any ship in the fleet. More suites than ever will have private whirlpool baths. Another highlight is the new Infinite Ocean view cabins with a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open.

A Next-Level MSC Yacht Club For Premium Cruising

MSC Yacht Club is the luxury ‘ship within a ship’ offered by the Europe-based cruise line. MSC World Europa will feature the largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club yet, offering unparalleled levels of comfort. Highlights include more public space, expanded outdoor areas, and new stylish suites all wrapped up in the futuristic design of the ship.

More Fun For Families

MSC World Europa‘s children’s area will be the largest in the fleet, featuring seven rooms dedicated to different age groups from 0 to 17 years old developed in collaboration with LEGO and Chicco. Entertainment for children and teenagers will be even more varied with original game and talent show formats.  

Thanks to the extended opening hours of the Kids Club and Teens Club, youngsters will also be able to enjoy other attractions of MSC World Europa, including bumper cars, the dry slide, and the virtual room, all accompanied by youth staff.

The Promenade: The Beating Heart Of The Ship

The seven-deck-high outdoor ‘World Promenade’ promises to be one of MSC World Europa’s most impressive spaces. The crowning architectural glory is an unusual one – Venom Drop @ The Spiral – the longest dry slide at sea spanning 11 decks. MSC says it will be the most fun (and quickest) way to get from the top of the ship to the promenade.

The indoor part of the promenade will be the World Galleria, topped with an LED and kinetic dome ceiling. The area will feature bars, restaurants, shops, and boutiques.

A Gastronomic World Journey

MSC World Europa will transport guests on a gastronomic journey around the world with a choice of 33 restaurants, bars, and lounges each with its own distinct style and ambiance. Among the 20 bars and lounges onboard are seven new bar and café concepts including the line’s first onboard microbrewery, a new gin bar, and a new cocktail bar honoring the art of mixology.

Thirteen restaurants will include six specialty venues, including two brand-new concepts for the line. Chef’s Garden Kitchen will serve dishes featuring micro herbs, salads, and garnishes grown and harvested from the onboard hydroponic garden, while La Pescaderia, a new signature Mediterranean fish restaurant, will serve fresh seafood. 

Entertainment For All Ages

A host of different venues on the MSC World Europa will include grand-scale theater productions, immersive performances in the aft lounge, interactive family entertainment in the Luna Park Arena, and authentic Bohemian street theatre around the ship. 

Leisure & Wellness Facilities

With seven swimming pools and 13 whirlpools located in distinct parts of the ship, MSC World Europa has something to suit every cruiser. Highlights include the brand-new Zen Pool area at the aft of the ship. Dedicated to adults only, it will feature two pools, a solarium, and shady lounge area – all on deck 18 for spectacular sea views.

One Of The Most Environmentally-Advanced Ships At Sea

MSC World Europa will be the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the most environmentally advanced to date.  A demonstration fuel cell onboard will also test the efficiency of this technology as a means to produce heat and electricity about 30 percent more efficiently than the LNG engines.

From The Persian Gulf To The Med

MSC World Europa will spend her inaugural season in the Persian Gulf, offering 7-night cruises from Dubai to the nearby modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi, on to a beach day at Sir Bani Yas Island, then to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, visiting Al Ahsa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ship will also call on Doha, the futuristic capital of Qatar, before returning to Dubai with an overnight in the city.

In summer 2023, the MSC World Europa will head to the Med, offering seven-night cruises calling on the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples, and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain, and Marseille in France.

Find out more about MSC Cruises’ newest ship here.