MSC World Europa is officially launched
MSC Cruises introduces future of cruising
MSC Cruises marked the Naming Ceremony of its newest flagship, the MSC World Europa, at the revamped Doha Port yesterday in time for Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup.
The event featured a traditional maritime ceremony at Doha Port, which was attended by Qatar Foundation (QF) ViceChairperson and Chief Executive HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman HE Akbar al-Baker, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy SecretaryGeneral HE Hassan al-Thawadi, MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, Master of the Vessel Captain Marco Massa, and several guests.
The MSC World Europa, dubbed as the world’s largest environmentally focused cruise passenger ship, will serve as a floating hotel, providing football fans with a unique hospitality experience.
“The MSC World Europa is our most innovative vessel. She is the world’s best-performing cruise ship in terms of CO2 emissions per guest,” said Vago, adding: “Running on LNG, the cleanest fossil fuel and, of course, Qatar’s most renowned export.”
He stressed that MSC, like Qatar, placed climate change at the forefront of its agenda and reiterated its commitment to reaching net zero carbon from its cruise operations by 2050.
The Naming Ceremony also underlines the overall commitment of MSC, together with Qatar Airways, to boost tourism in Qatar, the region (where MSC Cruises is brand leader), and internationally.
“Over the years, we have proven our commitment to supporting Qatar’s economic diversification, which is guided by Qatar National Vision 2030,” Vago said. “And of course, to further develop Qatar’s global tourism destination profile. Qatar has a wonderful tourism offering to meet a huge variety of interests, and an array of destinations.”
“In 2016, our own MSC Fantasia became the first major cruise ship to call at Doha,” he said. “We have been reliable partners ever since.”
“And today, we renew our commitment to Qatar by homeporting our most modern and innovative ship in Doha,” Vago added.
Speaking at the press briefing yesterday, HE al-Baker noted that Qatar welcomed more than 560,000 cruise visitors and 182 port calls since the launch of cruise tourism in the country.
For the 2021/22 season, he noted, the top nationality of cruise visitors to Qatar are Italians, enjoying 29 calls to Doha Port by two MSC vessels.
“While Qatar Airways is the global aviation gateway to Qatar, the marine industry is very important to tourism and the longterm economic and cultural connections it brings,” HE al-Baker said. “As sustainability is vital to the future growth of aviation, the MSC World Europa illustrates how the marine industry is addressing the challenges of efficiency and emissions reductions.”
“The Naming Ceremony of the MSC World Europa is an important prelude to the FIFA World Cup 2022 and shows the enormous endeavour and collaboration necessary to deliver the best World Cup ever,” he added.
HE al-Baker said that Qatar Airways serves more than 150 destinations around the world, including the major cruise cities, while its network and its people play a key role in connecting MSC Cruise passengers to the most sought-after destinations and the authentic experience in Qatar.
He cited Hamad International Airport (HIA)’s major expansion that will increase its capacity to 58mn passengers and provide an unparalleled travel experience.
Meanwhile, the event witnessed a cutting-edge videomapping projection onto the ship’s hull, a huge drone show, and a fireworks display.
Part of the celebration included performances of local artistes and international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, hosted by comedian, producer and entrepreneur Hamad al-Amari.
Bocelli presented his solo work for the first time in Doha and his new album is set to be released by early 2023 via Capitol Records.