Qatar Charters MSC Cruise Ships for 2022 FIFA World Cup

An illustration of the LNG-powered MSC Europa. Image courtesy MSC Cruises

Qatar has signed an agreement with MSC Cruises to charter two cruise ships to operate as floating hotels for fans during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Under the terms of the agreement, the State of Qatar will charter the two cruise ships, MSC Europa and MSC Poesia, which will be berthed in Doha Port, Qatar beginning beginning in November 2022.

MSC Europa is currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France with delivery scheduled for 2022. The vessel will be the first LNG-powered cruise ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet and, accordingly, the vessel will run on LNG while berthed in Doha.

The two vessels will provide a combined 4,000 cabins for fans attending the tournament.

“We are delighted that Qatar has selected our ships to ensure that tourists who visit the country during the upcoming FIFA World Cup have high-end accommodation and services available to further enrich their experience,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. “The tournament is one of the world’s most popular events and this will be another opportunity for holidaymakers from across the globe converging on Doha to experience our ships and enjoy the unique international experience that only MSC Cruises can offer.”

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