Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy have partnered with MSC Cruises to offer accommodation throughout the world’s biggest football competition.
From now until December 18th, three MSC cruise ships will be docked in Doha’s Grand Terminal, Qatar. Acting as floating hotels for football fans, staff and volunteers, MSC World Europa, MSC Poesia and MSC Opera will jointly offer just under 5,000 luxurious cabins as accommodation. And there will be shuttles available to take people from the cruise ships into the centre of Doha, making it a convenient option for those visiting for the world’s greatest football competition.
Even though there are apartments, hotels and villas available throughout the event in Doha, the MSC cruise ships will undoubtedly be a popular option due to the amenities on board and the large amount of cabin options they have on offer. Provided by the State of Qatar, the price of accommodation on each of the ships vary from $220-$470 depending on the cruise ship and room you book. Helping to house over 1.2 million visitors, these cabins come with breakfast included, setting fans up for each day of the tournament.
MSC World Europa
MSC World Europa is the largest cruise ship in MSC’s fleet, with a gross tonnage of 215,863, 22 decks and a maximum capacity of 6,762 guests.The first LNG-propelled cruise ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, it aims to reduce emissions and utilise innovative water recycling technology to become a zero-emission cruise ship.
Featuring a futuristic design that includes 13 different dining venues and incredible onboard experiences, MSC World Europa is designed for all the family. It even has the longest dry slide at sea, the Venom Drop @ The Spiral that’s spread over 11 decks, a 104m long panoramic promenade, a Luna Park Arena showing three different interactive shows and even a microbrewery to enjoy.
MSC Poesia
Elegant and modern, MSC Poesia first entered service in 2008. Refurbished in 2019, the cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 90,000, 13 decks, 6 restaurants and a capacity of 3,013 guests, making it one of the smallest cruise ships in the fleet. That doesn’t mean it’s less grand, however, as MSC Poesia has plenty of onboard activities and experiences that are guaranteed to please.
Some highlights of the cruise ship include the beautiful Zen Garden, delicious Sushi Bar, wine-tasting bar (Grappollo) and picturesque foyer waterfall. MSC Poesia also has a variety of accommodation options, from Deluxe Interior cabins to the Premium Suite Aurea to choose from.
MSC Opera
Launched in 2003 and refurbished in 2015, MSC Opera has a gross tonnage of 65,591 tons, a capacity for 2,579 passengers across 1,071 cabins. Traditional in design, the onboard activities and experiences on MSC Opera are spread over 13 spacious decks.
Designed for all the family to enjoy, adults will love the Med Pearl Casino and La Cabala Piano Bar, whilst kids can immerse themselves in the play areas that are designed in partnership with LEGO, Namco and Chicco. In the evenings, the Teatro dell’Opera plays host to a variety of shows, which guests can enjoy whilst sitting in plush, velvet seats.