MSC Cruises’ innovative new ship – MSC World Europa – has arrived in Europe to commence her first summer season in the Mediterranean. Delivered in October 2022 by French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, MSC World Europa is MSC Cruises’ largest vessel and the first to be 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. This groundbreaking vessel 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.”
Antonio Paradiso, UK & Ireland MD, MSC Cruises
Next-generation cruise experience
During her inaugural summer season across the Mediterranean, MSC World Europa will treat her passengers to many extraordinary features and impressive spaces. These include the World Promenade, immersive culinary experiences, next-level entertainment options and the largest, most action-packed kids’ area in MSC Cruises’ fleet.
The spectacular World Promenade
The nearly 104-metre-long outdoor World Promenade is one of the ship’s most impressive spaces. Day or night, this is the place to be for entertainment and stunning sea views. It also boasts the thrilling Venom Drop at The Spiral. This striking architectural masterpiece is the longest dry slide at sea with a thrilling 11-deck drop. The World Promenade is connected to the World Galleria, an immersive walkway spanning 2,214 square metres beneath an awe-inspiring LED and kinetic dome ceiling. In addition to these, the World Promenade is a multipurpose space with lots to offer, including shops, restaurants and bars.
Immersive culinary experiences
MSC World Europa will take guests on a gastronomic journey around the world with a choice of 20 bars and lounges, as well as 13 dining venues, each with its own distinct style and ambiance. This includes six specialty restaurants and seven brand new bar and café concepts.
One of these, Chef’s Garden Kitchen, is a first-of-its-kind collaboration for MSC Cruises with Michelin-starred chef, TV personality and author Niklas Ekstedt. Its bespoke menu emphasises a focus on natural ingredients and a farm-to-ocean ethos. To enhance its vision, this new restaurant features the first-at-sea hydroponic garden. Here, guests will be treated to a uniquely immersive experience, with the master chef preparing Ekstedt’s extraordinary creations in an open kitchen against a backdrop of panoramic sea views.
MSC World Europa will also debut the line’s first onboard microbrewery. This was developed in partnership with Teo Musso, the founder and brewmaster of Italian craft and farm brewery Birra Baladin.
Next-level entertainment options
On board MSC World Europa, guests of all ages will be able to enjoy awe-inspiring entertainment from day to night. The expansive entertainment on board includes three new concert-style shows in the multipurpose Luna Park Arena, five new full-scale theatre productions in the World Theatre, four themed experiences in the Panorama Lounge, and pop-up live shows throughout the ship.
Located at the aft of the ship, the stunning Panorama Lounge will have music-themed experiences to enjoy over pre-show drinks. It will also boast an interactive floor featuring unique designs that will transform the space and changing screens. These will reflect the theme of the night. This stunning interior also features floor to ceiling windows that allow the ship’s changing views to serve as a backdrop.
The largest, most action-packed kids’ area in MSC Cruises’ fleet
MSC World Europa’s children’s area will be the largest in the fleet. It will span over 766m2 of interior space and feature seven rooms dedicated to various age groups from 0 to 17 years old. This was developed in collaboration with LEGO® and Chicco®. Entertainment for children and teenagers will also be even more varied with new and original game and talent show formats across the vessel’s high-tech venues. Entertainment options also include a Kids’ Club, MSC Sports Plex, bumper cars & rollerblades arena, and video arcades.
Ultimate leisure and wellness facilities
On board MSC World Europa, water is a key part of the experience, reflected in the vessel’s expansive water options. With seven swimming pools and 13 whirlpools located throughout the ship, there is one to suit every type of passenger. For a relaxing getaway, passengers can unwind with soothing water jets in the vessel’s whirlpools. Alternatively, those who enjoy thrills and adventure can take to the ship’s expansive waterpark featuring VR technology.
Elegant and exclusive MSC Yacht Club for premium cruising
MSC World Europa will feature the most luxurious MSC Yacht Club yet, offering unparalleled comfort levels with more public spaces, expanded outdoor areas, and stylish new suites. The enhanced public spaces include a totally reimagined sundeck set over two decks for the first time, while two brand-new ultra-spacious Owner-Suites join the ‘ship within a ship’ concept with its key-card access exclusivity.
Innovative new accommodations
MSC World Europa is as different on the inside as she is on the outside, debuting seven all-new cabin designs and the most balcony cabins on any ship in the fleet. This will bring passengers closer to the ocean than before. From luxurious suites with private facilities in the MSC Yacht Club to brand-new cabins overlooking the outdoor promenade and Infinite Ocean View staterooms with panoramic sliding windows that open to form a glass balustrade, there are high-quality, comfortable accommodations to satisfy every taste. In total, the vessel has 19 different cabin categories for passengers to choose from.
Planet saving technology
The ship will be powered by LNG throughout the summer season, with her first bunkering in Marseille scheduled on 15 April 2023. LNG is the cleanest marine fuel currently available at scale. Compared to standard marine fuels, LNG virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions – including sulphur oxides and fine particles. It also reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 85 per cent.
MSC World Europa is equipped with shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce carbon emissions in port. The vessel also boasts an advanced wastewater treatment system (AWTS) that meets the world’s highest regulatory requirements. It treats all wastewater produced on board to close to tap water standards. The ship also includes a ballast water treatment system that prevents the introduction of invasive species in the marine environment through ballast water discharges, in full compliance with IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention.
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