Marco flew out to Doha, the capital of Qatar, for the naming ceremony of MSC Cruises‘ newest and biggest ship, MSC World Europa. This was the perfect opportunity to explore this brand-new class of ship before she enters service spending the winter season exploring the Emirates.
Itinerary
Doha, Qatar (overnights onboard)
How was the embarkation process with MSC Cruises?
From stepping off the flight in Doha and collecting our luggage we were soon whisked to our coach by the MSC Cruises rep for the short drive to Doha port. The embarkation process was seamless, and the new Doha Port Cruise Terminal makes the experience very smooth. Being not far from Doha Corniche you’ll have a perfect view of the impressive city skyline. The area around the cruise terminal has also recently been redeveloped with plenty of greenery, a running and cycling track and a host of new shops and restaurants in this colourful Mina district.
Tell us about the accommodation on MSC World Europa
My cabin for the duration of this cruise was a brand new class only available on MSC World Europa, a Promenade View Balcony. Looking over the outdoor promenade the balcony itself is spacious, although it does have the feel of being in a New York apartment, being able to wave to your neighbours across the road. There are a few new grades of cabins including the Infinite Balcony cabins which have a window that comes down at the touch of a button. It gives the room a very spacious feel bringing a lot more light into the cabin. There are also a handful of solo cabins, including an oceanview studio, perfect for those travelling solo, these cabins certainly didn’t lack space compared to other solo cabins I’ve seen.
All in all the cabins are very well designed and well appointed, with nice touches such as dividers giving the space a larger feel. What hasn’t changed compared to previous MSC Cruises ships are the bathrooms which have remained the same spec as the rest of the newer ships in the fleet.
How did you find the ship in general?
The ship is certainly very impressive and feels like a real step change from previous MSC Cruises ships. From the dockside, the sleek design certainly stands out from the crowd and you won’t be disappointed once you step onboard. The indoor promenade which spans decks 6 to 8 is where you will find many of the bars and restaurants. Deck 8 is the exit to the promenade deck, a large outdoor space flanked by restaurants and bars on deck 8 and overlooked by the promenade-view balcony cabins. Throughout the ship you’ll find plenty of outdoor space, whether you’re looking to eat alfresco or simply take in the warm weather and top up your tan, you’ll soon find your favourite spot to spend your days at sea.
What was the food like on MSC World Europa?
As part of the pre-launch event, we were able to explore the various speciality dining venues and try out tasters of some of the dishes. On MSC World Europa you’ll find previous favourites such as Butcher’s Cut, a traditional steak restaurant, and Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar, as well as one of my personal favourite restaurants from MSC Virtuosa, Hola! Tacos & Cantina featuring some delicious Mexican street food.
There are a couple of exciting additions onboard MSC World Europa, Chef’s Garden Kitchen of Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt who recently appeared as a judge in the Channel 4 series ‘Crazy Delicious’, which focuses on farm-to-ocean cuisine and even features a micro-herb garden within the restaurant. Also new to MSC World Europa is La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood restaurant with a small alfresco seating area on the World Promenade.
There are three main restaurants as well as two buffet restaurants high up on decks 18 and 19 offering plenty of variety. Down on deck 6, you’ll find a casual diner serving up fresh pizza and homemade focaccias as well as grab-and-go hot dogs and burgers.
The bars are equally impressive, MSC Cruises’ traditional British pub, Masters of the Seas, has had a revamp and now features three huge copper stills where craft beer is brewed using seawater! Up the spiral staircase, you’ll find The Gin Project, the perfect bar to grab a pre-show gin & tonic! If you’re a whisky fan you’ll want to head to The Malt Lounge at the aft of deck 8 which has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the wake. Another new venue is Elixir Mixology Bar where bartenders serve up modern twists on classic cocktails with their own infused spirits and liqueurs.
What is the entertainment like on MSC World Europa?
MSC World Europa has a series of epic entertainment spaces. The World Theatre which is located at the forward of deck 6 features five new full-scale theatre productions, whilst the at the other end of the ship you’ll find the Panorama Lounge will focus on musical experiences.
MSC Cruises have promised more impromptu entertainment and we certainly experience this with musicians playing their way along the impressive World Promenade. Another brand new venue is the Luna Park Arena, a clever multi-purpose space which can be a movie theatre by day and a nightclub by night.
At the end of the World Promenade, you’ll find The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, officially the longest dry slide at sea. Take the lift up to deck 20 and prepare to drop 11 decks back down to deck 8. The slide will certainly prove popular with both those looking for an adrenaline rush as well as those just looking for that insta perfect shot.
Does MSC World Europa offer any fitness & recreational facilities?
If you’re looking to keep fit at sea then simply head up to deck 20 where the spacious gym has all you need to stay in shape whilst on holiday. If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous then you might prefer relaxing by one of the six pools that you can enjoy onboard, or simply chill in one of the 14 hot tubs! Little kids and big kids alike will love the waterpark with 4 incredible water slides. Adrenaline junkies will want to try the drop, whilst those looking for something different can grab a rubber ring and slide down MSC Cruises’ first-ever VR slide, complete with goggles and 2 VR scenarios.
Right by the waterpark, you’ll find the MSC Sportplex. This multi-purpose venue can host anything from rollerblading to bumper cars, and even a drone academy, where you can learn to pilot a drone through a challenging aerial course. Right next door is the very cool-looking Box Bar, complete with comfy seating, perfect for parents wanting to grab a drink whilst their kids are enjoying themselves in the Sportplex.
Any tips for someone looking to cruise on MSC World Europa?
If you are looking to treat yourself on your next cruise holiday and fancy living the luxury lifestyle, then MSC Yacht Club onboard MSC World Europa may well be the perfect experience for you. The Yacht Club area on this ship is huge! With so much deck space to soak up the sun, plus a larger-than-usual pool and hot tub. The area includes the usual lounge, a dedicated restaurant and an expanded outdoor grill, oh, and of course, beautiful views over the front of the ship.
Final thoughts on MSC World Europa
MSC Cruises have certainly raised the bar with their brand new ship, MSC World Europa, this is a ship unlike any other in their fleet. From the use of new environmentally friendly technologies and of course the use of LNG power, MSC World Europa is pushing the boundaries when it comes to the future of cruising.
