Tribune News Network
Doha
United Shipping Agency, a subsidiary of Qatari Investors Group Marine Services (QIG Marine Services), has facilitated the use of cruise ship MSC World Europa as a “floating hotel” during the FIFA World Cup to accommodate fans.
The luxury cruise ship arrived in Qatar a few days ago and is docked at the Grand Terminal in Doha, where it will house football fans from November 19 to December 19.
With a length of 333 metre, a width of 47 metre and 22 decks, MSC World Europa is one of the world’s largest cruise ships and a modern floating hotel, which can accommodate 6,700 World Cup fans with 2,626 cabins and 40,000 square metres of public space. It also offers seven swimming pools, 13 whirlpools and the most luxurious yacht club, which includes public spaces, outdoor areas and new suites.
To commemorate the event, a Crest Exchange Ceremony was held by MSC aboard the vessel.
The Executive Director of Qatari Investors Group Marine Services, Shan Mathews, and the Director of United Shipping Agency, Krishna Nair presented the crests to the Master of MSC World Europa, Captain Marco Massa.
Shan Mathews said, “QIG Marine Services is extremely proud to be associated with MSC World Europa’s maiden call to Doha Port, which demonstrates the strong commitment of MSC’s relationship with Qatar and we deeply respect. We look forward to the success of the Naming Ceremony of MSC World Europa that took place on November 13, 2022, which is going to be a mega event attended by some of our most esteemed guests.
“United Shipping Agency, the nominated Marine Services Agent of MSC Cruises in Qatar, is privileged to be associated with MSC Cruises, complementing MSC Cruises’ expertise with our commitment to excellence in service delivery and client satisfaction,” he added.
“We would like totake this opportunity to thank all the involved parties, who worked tirelessly, efficiently and successfully to attend to MSC World Europa at Doha Port,” he concluded.
Two other MSC cruise ships —Poesia and Opera — will soon join World Europa for World Cup duties in Qatar. United Shipping Agency will facilitate this as well. MSC Poesia docked at the Doha Port on Monday, and MSC Opera is expected to reach Qatar within this week, taking the combined capacity of the three ships to 13,000 guests.
The World Europa cruise is the company’s largest, most sustainable, and the first ship powered by liquefied gas.
