Qatar to charter MSC ships as World Cup floating hotels
MSC Cruises will deploy two ships as floating hotels during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The cruise line signed an agreement with Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy for the two ships, which will have a combined capacity of 4,000 cabins.
MSC Europa and MSC Poesia will berth at Doha Port for the duration of the tournament, which kicks off on November 21 2022.
Shuttle buses will ferry fans from the port to the stadiums, fan zones and other attractions.
MSC Europa is currently under construction and will be the first liquefied natural gas ship in the fleet.
The ship will run on LNG while berthing in Doha.
Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Supreme Committee, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with MSC Cruises to deliver this accommodation option for fans in 2022.
"We are sure fans will be excited at the prospect of staying on board a cruise ship, with a fabulous view of West Bay."
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, said the cruise ships will provide World Cup visitors with ‘high-end accommodation and services’.
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