The MSC World Europa is a World-class cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), it was constructed by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. As of June 2024, it ranks as the eighth-largest passenger ship globally and holds the title of the largest cruise ship not owned by Royal Caribbean International. Public operations for the MSC World Europa began on December 20, 2022, with a nine-day roundtrip from Qatar, following its role as a hotel ship in Doha during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It is the first of MSC’s World-class ships, with three more sister ships scheduled to launch in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Planning and History
In April 2016, MSC Cruises announced the introduction of its new World-class vessels after signing a letter of intent with STX France for up to four ships, an investment valued at approximately €4 billion. Each ship in this class is expected to exceed 200,000 gross tonnage (GT) and contain more than 2,700 cabins, accommodating about 5,400 passengers, making the World class the third-largest cruise ship class in the world. The fleet is designed to run on LNG.
Construction of the first World-class ship began on October 31, 2019, with a steel-cutting ceremony. Originally named MSC Europa, the ship was later renamed MSC World Europa, and its keel-laying ceremony took place on June 29, 2020. The vessel was floated out in December 2021 and completed its sea trials using LNG in June 2022. It was officially delivered on October 24, 2022, the same day construction began on its sister ship, MSC World America.
Operational Career
In November 2019, Qatar entered into an agreement with MSC to charter both MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia as accommodation vessels for attendees of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The ships were docked at Doha Port during the event to provide lodging for fans.
Design and Specifications
During the delivery of MSC Meraviglia in May 2017, MSC unveiled detailed plans for its World-class ships. These vessels are designed to accommodate up to 6,850 passengers across 2,760 cabins, with dimensions of 1,083 feet (330 meters) in length and 154 feet (47 meters) in width. The ships feature a unique “Y”-shaped hull for enhanced views and a “G”-shaped bow for improved fuel efficiency and stability. They will also include family-oriented spaces, square cabins, a glass pool lounge, and open promenades flanked by balcony cabins.
With a gross tonnage of 215,863, MSC World Europa is powered by LNG, allowing for significant reductions in emissions—99% less sulfur dioxide, 85% less nitric oxide, and 20% less carbon dioxide compared to non-LNG-powered ships. Additionally, it is the first ship to feature an LNG-powered fuel cell, which utilizes solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology to generate electricity and heat, further cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30% when compared to standard LNG engines.
