Call it the celebration before the celebration (FIFA World Cup 2022) as MSC Cruises lit up the sky in Doha, Qatar last night (Sunday) during the official naming ceremony of its newest ship, MSC World Europa.

Travel Industry Today was on hand as Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson and CEO Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani officially blessed the new MSC flagship and cut the ribbon to christen the ship with the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle against the bow.

On hand were dignitaries, travel industry partners, including Qatar Airways, and media from around the world.

Highlights of the evening included local entertainment, an amazing drone show and a performance by singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, followed by a fireworks display.

The 6,762-passenger MSC World Europa is the line’s biggest ship, spanning 22 decks and sporting 2,626 staterooms. The ship is touted to be the one of the most environment-friendly vessels at sea and the first in the MSC fleet to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas.

After serving as a “floating hotel” during World Cup 2022, MSC World Europa will spend its inaugural season offering seven-day cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Doha. She will then head to the Mediterranean for summer 2023.

For more on MSC and its new flagship watch for upcoming issues of Travel Industry Today.