MSC World Europa Six Months Away

In just six months MSC Cruises will launch its newest and most environmentally advanced ship to date, the MSC World Europa.

MSC said its new flagship is the first from the World Class prototype series, spanning 22 decks, 47 meters wide, with 2,626 cabins and boasting more than 40,000 square meters of public space.

The company said this metropolis at sea is the future of cruising and will offer a veritable world of different experiences pushing the boundaries of what is possible at sea.

Among the highlights is The Promenade, a 104-meter long, 7 seven deck-high outdoor is one of the key areas of the ship. Opening out onto the aft of the ship with sea views, this is the place to be day or night with entertainment and al-fresco dining space. The glory of the promenade is a striking architectural masterpiece: The Venom Drop @ The Spiral spanning 11 decks, the longest dry slide at sea.

The ship will offer seven new and innovative cabin types not seen on any other MSC Cruises’ ship, and more suites than ever have private whirlpool baths, the company said.

Another highlight is the new Infinite Ocean view cabins with a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open.

The MSC World Europa will spend her inaugural season in the Gulf. Her season starts on Dec. 20 with a special four-night sailing from Doha in Qatar to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The MSC World Europa will then offer 7-night cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, and on to Sir Bani Yas Island, Her program in the Gulf has been adjusted with calls in the port of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, visiting Al Ahsa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The ship also calls Doha, the futuristic capital of Qatar, before returning to Dubai with an overnight in the city.

The MSC World Europa will the head to the Mediterranean Sea. In summer 2023, she will offer seven-night cruises calling the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.

The wonder of the Seas Arrives in Barcelona for Summer Season

Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas has arrived in Barcelona, Spain, to kick off a summer full of European cruises.

The fifth ship in the cruise line’s Oasis Class line-up sets course for the Mediterranean on seven-night cruises from Barcelona and Rome beginning Sunday.

Calls include Florence, Naples and Capri, Italy; Provence, France; and Malaga, Spain.

The Wonder’s Western Mediterranean sailings will continue through October, rounding out a summer splash in Europe with eight action-packed ships, including Odyssey of the Seas – also marking its first season in Europe.

In November, the Wonder will return to the U.S. to sail from its new year-round home in Port Canaveral, Florida, to explore the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including the cruise line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Virgin Voyages reveals the name of the fourth Lady Ship

Virgin Voyages has welcomed its fourth Lady Ship to the fleet: Brilliant Lady. 

In naming the ship Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages aimed to ‘highlight the powerful intelligence of women across the globe. Brilliant Lady represents the smart, thoughtful, boundary-pushing minds of women around the world — unafraid of owning their intelligence, aware of their importance, and confidently in touch with their own sense of self-worth.’

Brilliant Lady’s mermaid, destinations and itineraries will be announced soon, but until then, Sailors can set sail on the Virgin way aboard Scarlet Lady from Miami (available now) on Valiant Lady starting May 15 from Barcelona, and on Resilient Lady starting August 14 from Athens.