TORONTO — The countdown is on for MSC Cruises’ newest, most environmentally advanced ship to date: MSC World Europa.

Launching in six months, the new flagship will be the first from MSC’s World Class prototype and will span 22 decks and 47 metres wide, with 2,626 cabins and over 430,000 square feet of public space onboard. MSC World Europa will also boast selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems and an underwater radiated noise management system to reduce impact on marine mammals.

The ship will spend its inaugural season this winter in the Gulf, commencing on Dec. 20, 2022 with a special four-night sailing from Doha, Qatar to Dubai, UAE. It will then offer seven-night cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island. Then, on March 25, 2023, it will depart Dubai for the Mediterranean where it will offer seven-night cruises calling in Genoa, Naples and Messina in Italy, as well as Valletta, Malta, Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.

Here are additional highlights:

The Promenade: The 304-foot long, seven-deck-high outdoor World promenade opens out onto the aft of the ship and features breathtaking views. Its crowning glory is The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, the longest dry slide at sea, spanning 11 decks and travelling down 242 feet. Connected to this is the indoor World Galleria, which spans over 3,200 square feet and features an LED and kinetic dome ceiling.

Dining: MSC World Europa boasts an incredible 33 restaurants, bars and lounges, including six specialty restaurants with two brand new concepts for the cruise line: Chef’s Garden Kitchen, the first hydroponic garden at sea, and La Pescaderia, a signature Mediterranean fish restaurant. Among the 20 bars and lounges are seven brand new concepts including MSC’s first onboard microbrewery and a new gin bar.

Entertainment: A host of different entertainment venues will be found onboard, including the 1,153-seat World Theatre featuring original productions each night, the Panorama Lounge, and the Luna Park Arena, which will host movies, game shows and themed parties.

Family fun: MSC World Europa’s children’s area will be the largest in MSC’s fleet, with over 8,200 square feet of interior space. There are seven rooms dedicated to different age groups from 0 to 17 years old, developed in collaboration with LEGO and Chicco. Plus, youngsters can also enjoy other attractions onboard like bumper cars, the dry slide and the virtual room.

Rest and relaxation: MSC World Europa boasts seven swimming pools and 13 whirlpools onboard. A new adults-only Zen Pool area features two pools, a solarium and a shady lounge area, while the MSC Yacht Club features a double-deck sundeck, private pool and whirlpool. The Aquapark on deck 20, the largest in MSC’s fleet, features a kid’s pool and slides. The main pool, La Plage, boasts an incredible pool deck area at over 37,000 feet, and perfect for lounging is the Botanic Garden Pool featuring a retractable roof and topical bar area.

Premium cruising: MSC World Europa will feature an enlarged MSC Yacht Club, the line’s ‘ship within a ship’ concept, featuring more public space, an expanded outdoor area and new stylish suites. There’s also a totally reimagined sundeck, which for the first time will span two deck, and two brand new, ultra-spacious OwnerSuites.

Accommodations: The ship boasts all-new cabin designs and the most balcony cabins in MSC’s fleet. It offers seven new cabin types not seen on any other MSC ship, and more suites than ever have private whirlpool baths. Another highlight in the new Infinite Oceanview cabins featuring panoramic sliding windows that turn into a glass balustrade when open.

For more information click here.