Switzerland-based cruise operator MSC Cruises held a naming ceremony for its first LNG-powered cruise vessel, MSC World Europa, in the Qatari capital Doha on Sunday.
Together with partner Qatar Airways, MSC Cruises hosted the ceremony at the brand-new Grand Cruise Terminal, the cruise division of MSC Group said in a statement.
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.
MSC Cruises said the vessel’s season would start on December 20 with a special 4-night sailing from Doha to Dubai, UAE.
Departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa would head to the Mediterranean Sea for summer 2023, it said.
The giant LNG-powered vessel arrived in Qatar from Saint-Nazaire, France.
To remind, Chantiers de l’Atlantique delivered the first LNG-powered cruise vessel it built for MSC Cruises in October.
MSC Cruises claims this 323 meters long vessel is the world’s biggest LNG-powered cruise ship and one of the first to incorporate solid oxide fuel cell technology.
The flagship spans 22 decks, encompasses 215,863 gross tons, offers more than 420,000 square feet of public space, and includes 2,626 cabins.
Besides delivering MSC World Europa, Chantiers de l’Atlantique also held a steel-cutting ceremony for MSC’s second World Class ship in October.
The cruise line revealed the ship will be named MSC World America and be dedicated to the US market when it comes into service in 2025.