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Cruise News From MSC Cruise Line

MSC World Europa is entering service this week.  

After serving as a hotel during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, MSC World Europa began her maiden cruise. She departed Doha Qatar on December 20, 2022 on a 4-day repositioning cruise that ended in Dubai. 

Dubai, which is a city within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is the homeport for MSC World Europa. She will offer 7-night cruises through late March 2023. 

The vessel’s regular itinerary includes Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sri Bani Yas, Doha, and Dammam, an unusual cruise destination in Saudi Arabia. 

In April, the vessel will reposition to a year-round schedule in the Western Mediterranean. She will sail 7-night itineraries and visit the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Medina. She will also visit Valletta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain; and Marseille, France. 

MSC World Europa is the first of four “World Class” series of ships. She is currently the largest ship for MSC Cruises and can carry 5400 guests. 

The vessel is the first LNG powered ship for MSC Cruises. She also features the Drop, the longest dry slide at sea, and the Promenade, a seven deck high outdoor area in the aft of the ship. 


MSC Cruises and the Galveston Wharves are currently in negotiations in regards to the development of a fourth cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston. 

If an agreement is reached, this would be MSC Cruises’ fourth homeport in the United States. Both organizations have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) which outlines parameters of the possible development of a terminal. 

This agreement would be mutually beneficial for the Port of Galveston and MSC Cruises. MSC Cruises would be taking a big step in its North American expansion and it would help to elevate the Port of Galveston as a top cruise port and boost its economy. 

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand and continuing to grow. It is the fastest growing global cruise line with presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East.