The first in a new class of ships, the MSC World Class, the next-generation MSC Cruises' ship MSC Europa introduces to the market a new platform that features future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies as well as ultramodern design.
The new ship is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, with a host of new experiences, showcased in a new video. MSC World Europa will be the first LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet as well as the most environmentally advanced to date, running on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).
The vessel's construction officially started with the steel-cutting ceremony held on October 31, 2019, at Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard in St Nazaire France. During the ceremony was also officially announced the newbuild's name - (MSC Europa) by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman).
The vessel's keel-laying / coin ceremony was held on June 29, 2020. During the special event, the ship was presented under the name "MSC World Europa". The ceremony was attended by two "godmothers - Zoe Africa Vago (daughter of Pierfrancesco Vago / shipowner) and Aurore Bezard (shipbuilder employee / in the shipyard's HR / human-resources department). The godmothers placed two specially minted coins under the keel (hull's first block) for good fortune - shipbuilding's historic maritime tradition.
In conjunction with the steel-cutting of MSC Europa, the cruise company and the shipbuilder also unveiled the revolutionary R&D (research and development) project PACBOAT that focuses on integrating the new fuel cell technology (SOFC) on LNG-powered cruise ships. PACBOAT will be able to generate power (electricity) using as fuel LNG.
MSC Cruises' newest ship is scheduled to come into service in December 2022. MSC Europa will spend her inaugural season in the Gulf commencing with a special 4-night cruise from Doha Qatar to her new homeport of Dubai, Port Rashid UAE.
MSC World Europa is due to offer 7-night voyages from Dubai to the nearby metropolis of Abu Dhabi, on to Sir Bani Yas Island. The programme in the Gulf has been enriched with visits to the port of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site, Al Ahsa oasis.
Departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean. In summer 2023, she will offer 7-night sailings calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta Malta, Barcelona Spain, and Marseille France.