MSC World Europa

The 2022-built MSC World Europa cruise ship (initially announced as “MSC Europa”) is the first in a 4-unit “MSC WORLD Class” series of passenger liners designed and constructed for MSC Cruises. She will be followed by World America (2025). Two optional vessels (ordered in 2022) are scheduled for 2026 (World Asia) and 2027 (MSC World tbn).

The vessel (IMO number 9837420) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 256070000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples, established in 1960. Today, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) – the world’s second-largest containership operator. MSC Crociere is also the world’s largest privately owned cruise company.

By annual passenger volumes, MSC is the world’s third-largest cruise shipowner, after Carnival Corporation and RCG–Royal Caribbean Group.

As of 2021, MSC is Europe’s largest passenger shipping company. By 2026, MSC is projected to remain the world’s third-largest cruise company (potentially surpassing NCLH by combined berth capacity), with a planned 29-ship fleet that includes 15 newbuilds (2017-2027) backed by a USD 13-billion newbuild budget.

MSC Cruises WORLD-Class liners

On April 6, 2017, during the MSC Meraviglia delivery ceremony at STX France Shipyard (Saint-Nazaire), MSC signed an MoU for two World-Class vessels valued at ~EUR 4.5 billion (~USD 4.8B). The ceremony was attended by Emmanuel Macron (President of France), Bruno Le Maire (Minister of Economy), Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Chairman) and Laurent Castaing (STX France CEO).

The contract for the first World-Class ship (Europa) was signed on May 31, 2017.

The option for two additional units (3rd and 4th) was announced in January 2020, making MSC the largest customer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with 21 vessels built at the shipyard.

The 3rd and 4th units (World Asia and World Atlantic) were officially ordered on November 13, 2023.

An option for a 5th ship from the same class also exists.

WORLD Class MSC ships have a maximum passenger capacity of 6782 (5079 lower berths). The building cost per ship is EUR 1.125 billion (USD 1.255B). The builder is Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The order originally comprised two firm units plus two optional. Each ship has a gross tonnage of 215,863 GT, LOA 333 m (1093 ft), beam at waterline 41 m (135 ft) / max 54 m (177 ft), height 75 m (245 ft), and draft 9.2 m (31 ft).

When initially announced in April 2016, the design projected 205,000 GT, 2760 staterooms and a maximum passenger capacity of 6850, which would have made her the world’s largest ship by passenger capacity. By tonnage, the World Class remains among the world’s largest cruise ships.

Design renderings suggested an interior layout reminiscent of the Oasis-Class, featuring a ship-long Promenade with multiple dining and bar venues (including Aurea Restaurant, Raj Polo Tea House, Gin Bar, Zest Juice Bar, Elixir Mixology Bar, Fizz Champagne Bar, Malt Lounge & Smoker’s Bar, Emporium Coffee House), Promenade-facing balcony cabins and an aft family pool area.

The Lido Deck features a retractable glass dome with integrated solar panels, a resort-style main pool, six Jacuzzis (including four cantilevered hot tubs), a children’s Aquapark with three waterslides, and an aft adults-only Sundeck (two pools). Forward is the MSC Yacht Club, with an exclusive Sundeck, pool and bar lounge.

World Europa’s MSC Yacht Club is enhanced and includes:

• A redesigned two-deck sundeck with 270-degree views; the lower deck provides dining and beverage venues, while the upper deck offers a whirlpool, swimming pool and sunbathing areas with cabanas.
• Two new Owner Suites (YC4) featuring a double bedroom (walk-in closet), full bathroom, separate living/dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and two terraces with alfresco dining spaces and Jacuzzis.
• Two-deck Duplex Suites with lower-deck lounge, dining area and half bath; upper-deck master bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Each has two terraces, one with a Jacuzzi and lounge area.
• Exclusive access to Aurea Spa treatment rooms and unlimited use of the Yacht Club thermal suite.

The Yacht Club complex comprises 152 suites.

The ship offers 40,000+ m2 (430,000+ ft2) of public areas, 15,000 m2 (161,000 ft2) of outdoor deck space, a 3440 m2 (37,000 ft2) main pool deck, seven swimming pools, 13 Jacuzzis, 760+ m2 (8200 ft2) of children’s facilities (created with LEGO & Chicco), numerous bars, lounges, shops, 13 dining venues (six specialty restaurants), 21 bars/lounges, an adults-only Zen district, a Family district, family Sundeck, the fleet’s largest Aquapark (with VR-enhanced slides, Ropes Course, Zip Line), a teens-only Sundeck, and several themed “villages” similar to RCI’s neighborhood concept.

The restaurant lineup includes three major buffets (Luna Park Pizza, Il Mercato, La Brasserie) and six specialty venues: Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar (Asian), HOLA! Tacos & Cantina (Latin American/Mexican), Marketplace/Il Mercato Buffet (20-hour Lido dining), Eataly Restaurant, La Piazzetta (self-service buffet/pizzeria/tea service/seafood), Butcher’s Cut (steakhouse), and Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolaterie (patisserie, creperie, gelato).

MSC World Europa features a futuristic arrow-shaped G-bow and a Y-shaped stern leading to the World Europa Promenade. The Promenade spans seven decks (104 m / 341 ft) and continues indoors into the World Galleria (300 m2 / 3200 ft2), partially covered by a kinetic LED dome. The Galleria is lined with bars, shops and restaurants.

Promenade’s highlight is “The Spiral” (The Venom Drop), an 11-deck stainless-steel dry slide (76 m / 250 ft), providing a fast descent from Deck 22 to Deck 8.

The main entertainment venue is The World Theatre (1153 seats), hosting large-scale productions and daily activities. Other major entertainment spaces include bumper cars, roller disco, Cinema/Luna Park Arena (300 seats) and a botanic garden pool beneath a retractable roof.

Entertainment programming includes new shows in Luna Park Arena (three concert-style), The World Theatre (five grand-scale productions) and Panorama Lounge (four themed experiences). Surprise pop-up performances appear throughout the ship.

• Luna Park Arena hosts VR Drone Academy, Digital Dance Academy (“Dance with Flavia”), Wake Up Rave, two interactive game shows, Guinness-style challenge events and nightly musical concerts.
• The World Theatre presents five new large-scale shows using advanced visuals, unique props and bespoke costumes: “Eko” (sustainability-themed), “Amelia Earhart,” “Cadmo The Landwalker,” “Yellow Submarine” and “A Night on Broadway.”
• The Panorama Lounge features an interactive LED floor and nightly 90-minute dance-themed experiences with aerialists, acrobats, bands and dancers.
• Surprise living exhibitions themed “Earth and Ocean” appear throughout the ship.
• Each evening features a high-tech poolside “Sundowner DJ Party.”

Kids venues

World Europa has MSC’s largest children’s area, sized 766 m2 (8245 ft2), comprising seven spaces dedicated to ages from toddlers to teens (up to 17 years old). All venues are complimentary and supervised by certified staff.

Facilities include Baby Club (6–36 months), Mini Club and Junior Club (3–11 years), and Young/Teen Clubs (12–17 years).

New fleet-first facilities include:

• LEGO CELEBRATION ROOM
• TEENS LAB with 21 gaming consoles, seven VR stations and 50+ games
• 3,2,1 KNOCK (Asian-themed family game show)
• BEAT THE MUSIC (interactive family music challenge via mobile app)
• Z ACTIVE sports program (football, basketball, pickleball, zorb balls, hoverboards)
• DRONE ACADEMY 2.0 (relay-style drone racing using POV cameras and VR)
• CABIN 12006 – THE EXPERIENCE (Nickelodeon-themed activity program)
• MSC DANCE CREW (teen dance competition by FremantleMedia)

New venues (fleet firsts)

Below are the new MSC-fleet-first venues introduced on MSC World Europa.

“Chef’s Garden Kitchen” is a food bar specializing in microgreens, produced in an onboard hydroponic garden. The menu was developed by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Peter Ekstedt.

“La Pescaderia” is a market-style seafood grill with alfresco seating and takeaway options.

“Luna Park Pizza & Burger” is a buffet offering interactive family experiences and American-themed comfort food. The other two buffets are “Il Mercato” and “La Brasserie.”

Other specialty venues include Butcher’s Cut (steakhouse), Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar (Asian), and Hola! Tacos & Cantina (Latin American street-food concept).

“Masters of the Sea Pub” is a two-deck British-style pub and microbrewery offering craft beers produced through MSC’s partnership with Teo Musso of Baladin Brewery (Italy).

Coffee Emporium is a premium coffee house with an outdoor patio, serving MSC’s signature Lavazza roast.

Raj Polo Tea House is an India-themed tea venue.

The Gin Project offers 70+ craft gins and botanical cocktails.

“Elixir – Mixology Bar” specializes in signature cocktails and features an outdoor terrace.

New fleet concepts also include “Zest – Juice Bar,” “Malt Lounge & Bar” (smoking lounge with cigars, whiskies and cognacs) and “Sweet Temptations” (gelato and frozen yogurt bar).

The ship’s main complimentary dining venues include four MDRs (Bubbles, La Foglia, Esagono, Hexagon) and three buffets. Les Dunes is exclusive to Aurea-class guests.

MSC WORLD ships also feature ROBOTRON (introduced on MSC Seascape) – a robotic thrill ride by RWS Entertainment Group. Mounted on a 53-m-high robotic arm, a three-seat gondola rotates and flips in multiple directions over the ship’s edge. A nearby DJ Booth enhances the experience with synchronized audio-visual effects.

Decks and cabins

MSC World Europa staterooms (2633 total across 19 categories) include 159 Suites, and ~65% of all cabins feature step-out balconies. The ship provides 65 ADA/wheelchair-accessible cabins (33 Inside, 24 Balcony, eight Junior Suites).

Seven of the 19 cabin categories are new to MSC, including:

• Balcony staterooms overlooking the Lower Promenade
• MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites with terraces featuring Jacuzzis and alfresco dining
• AUREA Suites with balcony Jacuzzis
• Infinite Oceanview cabins with French Balconies (slide-down window with glass balustrade)

The ship has 20 decks, 16 open to passengers and 12 containing cabins.

Decks are named after European capitals: Berlin, Rome, London, Madrid, Dublin, Vienna, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Prague, Brussels, Bern, Athens, Paris, Lisbon, Valletta, Amsterdam.

Itineraries

In March 2019, Gianni Onorato (MSC CEO) announced that the first World-Class ship (Europa) would be homeported in the USA (Miami) for her inaugural Caribbean 2022-2023 winter season.

In November 2019, MSC and Qatar signed an agreement to charter two ships (Europa and Poesia) as hotel vessels during the FIFA World Cup 2022. Throughout the event (Nov 21–Dec 18), both ships were moored at Port Doha to accommodate fans.

Bookings opened on May 31, 2021, for MSC World Europa’s inaugural Middle East season.

The Arabian Gulf deployment (Dec 2022–Mar 2023) featured 7-night itineraries roundtrip from Dubai (Port Rashid), Abu Dhabi and Doha. Ports of call included Sir Bani Yas Island and Dammam (Saudi Arabia). Starter fares for 7-night cruises were from EUR 815 (USD 995 / GBP 700) per person (double occupancy).

The Maiden Voyage departed on December 20, 2022: a 9-night Doha roundtrip calling Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Dammam, returning to Doha on Dec 29. Fares started at EUR 1280 (USD 1565 / GBP 1100). A shorter 4-night Doha–Dubai inaugural voyage was also offered.

The Arabian season concluded on March 25, 2023, with a 19-day repositioning cruise from Dubai to Genoa, calling Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Muscat, Jeddah, Suez Canal (transit Apr 6–7), Naples, Civitavecchia and Genoa (Apr 12).

The ship’s Mediterranean deployment consists of 7-night roundtrips from homeports in Italy (Genoa, Naples, Messina), Spain (Barcelona) and France (Marseille), all calling at Valletta.

The vessel (STX France, Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number W34) has a volume of 215863 GT, a deadweight of 18000 tons, and a maximum draught of 9.2 m. The powerplant consists of five Wartsila 14V46DF marine diesel engines with a combined output of 80 MW (107280 hp). Propulsion is provided by two aft 5-blade propellers and seven azimuth thrusters (four bow, two stern) with a combined output of 44 MW (59000 hp). The registered shipowner is COMPANIA NAVIERA WORLD 1 SA, and the registered manager is MSC CROCIERE SPA.

The vessel’s construction officially started with the steel-cutting ceremony on October 31, 2019, at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard/STX France in St Nazaire. During the event, MSC announced the newbuild’s name (“MSC Europa”) as presented by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman).

The vessel’s physical construction/assembly began with the keel-laying and coin ceremony held on June 29, 2020. During the event, she was presented under the name “MSC World Europa”. The ceremony was attended by two godmothers: Zoe Africa Vago (daughter of Pierfrancesco Vago) and Aurore Bezard (shipyard employee from the HR department). The godmothers placed two specially minted coins under the keel (the hull's first block), following a historic maritime tradition for good fortune. Also attending were Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC’s Executive Chairman) and Laurent Castaing (Chantiers de l'Atlantique’s General Manager).

The vessel was launched/floated out from drydock on December 2, 2021. On the same day, the keel-laying ceremony for fleetmate MSC Euribia was held. Both ceremonies were attended by Pierfrancesco Vago and Laurent Castaing. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia were the 15th and 16th MSC ships constructed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

World Europa’s sea trials (in the Bay of Biscay, Atlantic Ocean) were successfully completed on June 18-19, 2022. The vessel was officially delivered to the MSC Group by Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

The ship was christened on November 13, 2022, at Port Doha’s new Grand Cruise Terminal. The naming ceremony, held in partnership with Qatar Airways, was led by godmother Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani (Qatari royal, and Qatar Foundation’s CEO and Vice Chairperson). This marked the first MSC ship not named by Sophia Loren. Attendees included Pierfrancesco Vago, Captain Marco Massa (ship’s Master), Diego Aponte (MSC Cargo’s President), Akbar Al Baker (Qatar Tourism’s Chairman and Qatar Airways Group CEO), and Hassan Al Thawadi (Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy). The event featured a drone show, fireworks, a gala dinner, and live performances by Qatar Youth Choir and Matteo Bocelli.

The ship’s laundry and catering equipment were delivered and installed by ALMACO (contracted by STX France in January 2021). The catering area (~5000 m2 / 53820 ft2) was outfitted with 12 galleys and 58 pantries. ALMACO also equipped 46 provision stores (total area ~2150 m2 / 23140 ft2). The laundry equipment, supplied by Girbau Group, is integrated with the onboard water recycling plant.

Inaugural itineraries 2022-2023

The tables below show the Maiden Voyage and inaugural cruise itineraries (by theme/homeport) with prices in USD/EUR per person, double occupancy.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE / first cruise 2022) 9-day roundtrip from Qatar (USD 790 / EUR 665 pp)

(Inaugural Suez Canal repositioning cruise 2023) 15-day from Abu Dhabi to Rome (USD 1070 / EUR 900 pp)

(Inaugural Mediterranean cruise 2023) 4-day roundtrip from Genoa (USD 400 / EUR 335 pp)

(2023) 7-day Mediterranean itinerary (all homeports except Malta) – from USD 650 / EUR 550 pp

Godspeed!

MSC WORLD ship technology

In mid-January 2020, MSC and Chantiers de l’Atlantique unveiled the PACBOAT R&D project, focused on integrating SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) technology into LNG-powered cruise ships. PACBOAT enables power generation using LNG as fuel.

• PACBOAT project partners include France’s CEA (Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), ADEME (Environment and Energy Management Agency), ENTREPOSE Group, BUREAU VERITAS SA, CHANTIERS DE L'ATLANTIQUE (shipbuilder, integrator, coordinator), and MSC CRUISES (shipowner).
• SOFC operates at very high temperatures (~750°C / 1382°F) and is ~60% more efficient than PEMFC (Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells). LNG-fueled SOFC reduces greenhouse gas emissions by ~30% compared to standard Wartsila dual-fuel engines.
• In 2022, MSC’s SOFC project joined GE, LR, and Ceres. GE developed a collaborative design for a multi-megawatt (up to 10 MW) shipboard SOFC system, capable of replacing conventional diesel generators.

Key “MSC World Class” features include the new-generation LNG powerplant, advanced wastewater treatment plants, and a Y-shaped superstructure (improved panoramic views and more balcony staterooms). The G-bow hull (vertical bow) enhances stability, hydrodynamics, and fuel efficiency.

In January 2020, Wartsila was contracted to supply engines, fuel systems, and propulsion systems for the two “MSC World” ships (2022 and 2024). Each vessel has five Wartsila 46DF dual-fuel engines (14-cylinder, running on MDO, each fitted with NOx reduction units), two Wartsila LNGPac fuel systems, seven Wartsila thrusters (four bow, two stern), and two Wartsila 5-blade fixed-pitch propellers. Equipment delivery was scheduled for mid-2020 (World Europa) and mid-2022 (World America).

This ship class is the first in the cruise industry to introduce LNG-powered SOFC technology capable of producing all required electricity and heat for onboard services without combustion. The system reduces greenhouse gas emissions by roughly one-third compared to conventional LNG-powered ships.

• SOFCs use solid oxide electrolytes to produce electric power directly from oxidizing LNG.
• They offer fuel flexibility, low emissions, high efficiency, and strong long-term stability.
• SOFCs operate at 500–1000°C and do not require platinum catalysts. IT-SOFCs operate at 600–800°C, LT-SOFCs at 350–650°C. SOFC-GT combines SOFC with a gas turbine.
• SOFCs are commonly used in stationary generators (up to 2 MW). Their high operating temperatures enable use in marine heat recovery systems, improving overall fuel efficiency.

MSC World Europa is fitted with two LNG-based SOFC units (fuel cells by Bloom Energy), each rated at 75 kW (total 150 kW). While berthed, the Bloom Energy Server demonstrates ~60% efficiency and ~30% CO reduction without methane slip.

MSC WORLD-class vessels are equipped with the latest, most environmentally efficient BWTS model BIO-SEA B02 0300 (by BIO-UV Group). The system uses mechanical filtration combined with UV disinfection, is chemical-free, and meets IMO’s requirement of 300 m³/h flow rate.

MSC’s ZOE

On February 1, 2019, MSC officially unveiled ZOE, the in-cabin digital assistant. The technology, a cruise industry first, was developed by Harman International (USA-based, a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics).

• ZOE is a voice-enabled AI device with advanced voice recognition, installed in all passenger staterooms.
• ZOE speaks seven languages, answers cruise-related questions, and provides information on shipboard services, activities, and facilities. She can also make reservations and bookings.
• The device features far-field microphones, a high-quality speaker, a quad-core processor, and a Bluetooth-connected phone interface. The system updates its database to address new questions.
• Passenger data (including itinerary and onboard preferences) is stored in a cloud system and used on future voyages.

The device (~15 cm) can be activated at any time. Passengers must sign a waiver consenting to the storage of their personal data.

Starting with MSC Bellissima (2019), ZOE is scheduled for fleetwide implementation (2019-2024) and will be available on all MSC newbuilds.