MSC Cruises has announced the official launch of MSC World Europa in Doha, Qatar with the naming ceremony held last night …
… And, ITTN’s Sharon Jordan was onboard to share in the action …
…The day of the naming ceremony started off in a relaxed manner for the group.
After our first night onboard where we were split into two groups in order for us to experience two speciality restaurants – The Butchers Cut, which was hosted by Steve Williams (Director of Sales UK and Ireland) and Antonio Paradiso (Managing Director UK and Ireland) and a new Mediterranean inspired fish restaurant called La Pescaderia which was hosted by Suzanne Rowe (Head of Sales, Ireland). Both meals delivered exceptional reviews on the food and wine.
On the day of the big event the air onboard was palpable and pulsing with energy as everyone prepared for the naming ceremony. Staff across the ship were visibly excited for the evening that lay ahead for us.
Starting with pre ceremony cocktails with Suzanne Rowe in the Exilir bar (a herb infused cocktail bar) we drank Italian Spritz and swayed to the music of a live DJ.
Then, as is tradition, were all invited down to walk the ‘Blue Carpet’ to the ceremony and there wasn’t one person in the group that didn’t get wowed by the glamour and elegant atmosphere.
The naming ceremony of MSC world Europa together with partners Qatar Airways was an incredible affair which was hosted by comedian Hamad Al Amari and included speeches from Executive Chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group, Pierfrancesco Vago and led with a number of speeches from other members of the Qatari Ministry.
We were treated to experiences from local artists, a cutting-edge video-mapping projection onto the ship’s hull, a huge drone show the likes I’ve never seen and which had everyone’s jaws literally on the ground and a grand finale performance by international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli.
The christening, as per tradition, is overseen by the master of the ship, and Captain Marco Massa presided as MSC World Europa was named by Her Excellency Sheikah Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani, CEO and vice chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, who cut the ribbon to send the bottle rushing to the ship where she smashed beautifully and which then led to an explosion of colourful fireworks.
Afterward, we made our way to Bubbles restaurant where we enjoyed a 4-course gala dinner. The after party took place out by the pool where we were treated to the greatest show and even more fireworks, an incredible entertainment team and DJ and lots of fun. I think the saying ‘there’s no party like an MSC Party’ lived up to its reputation last night as the ship swayed under the Arabian sky.
A comment from Antonio Paradiso, MSC Cruises MD UK & Ireland: “The Naming Ceremony of MSC World Europa has been a brilliant event celebrated with our UK & Ireland trade partners. MSC World Europa is our most innovative, environmentally advanced and exciting ship to date. We’re already seeing a surge in bookings on board MSC World Europa and it is proving to be the most popular ship for UK guests following MSC Virtuosa which is based in Southampton year-round.
“Winter cruises in the Middle East have always been a success with our UK guests and in recent years we have expanded our offering in this popular region. We have developed new itineraries that include Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia as well as, of course, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and we have also increased the number of ports of embarkation.”
