msc cruises qatar world cup

A massive new cruise ship is set to function as a floating hotel for the Qatar World Cup, and rooms start at $220 a night. Take a look inside.

• MSC Cruises launched a new luxury liner ahead of the Qatar World Cup.
• The ship is expected to host more than 6,700 fans at the World Cup.
• A single night's stay on the docked ship during the World Cup starts at $220.

MSC Cruises just launched a new cruise liner called the MSC World Europa. The luxury cruise is currently moored in Doha, Qatar, and is expected to host thousands of fans during the World Cup in November.

Chantiers de l'Atlantique, one of the world's biggest shipyards, started construction on MSC World Europa in 2019. The ship was fully constructed and delivered to MSC Cruises in October, and it's scheduled for its maiden voyage around the Middle East in December.

MSC World Europa is slated to be used as a hotel for fans at the Qatar World Cup from November 19 to December 19.

MSC Cruises did not reply to Insider's requests for comment.

MSC Europa is the largest ship in the cruise line's fleet — it has a gross tonnage of 215,863. In comparison, the Titanic had a gross tonnage of 46,328, which is about four times less.

The MSC Poesia and MSC Opera, two other cruises in the fleet, are also currently docked in Doha to accommodate fans. MSC Cruises has a  fleet of 22 ships.

Source: MSC Cruises

The massive ship has 22 decks and 2,626 cabins, which means it can accommodate more than 6,700 guests at a time.

The ship is large enough to accommodate 2,138 crew members.

Sources:   MSC Cruises  

The ship is designed with a yacht club, which is an area exclusive to VIP guests.

The yacht club has 152 cabins and two suites, accounting for a fraction of the 2,626 cabins on board. Its amenities include a private pool and 24-hour butler service.

Booking up a yacht club cabin for the ship's nine-day maiden voyage start from $2,290.

Source: MSC Cruises, Clean Cruising

A nine-day cruise around Qatar and the United Arab Emirates costs around $1,070 for an entry-level interior cabin. The ship is expected to begin cruising after the World Cup in December.

There are four main room categories on board: interior, balcony, suite, and yacht club, cruise booking website Clean Cruising shows. The interior cabin does not have windows, a virtual tour shows.

During the duration of the World Cup, however, the ship will stay docked in Doha, and will be used as a floating hotel.

A night's stay at the docked MSC Europa is slated to start from $220 per person. Prices fluctuate according to which stage of the tournament is being held on the day of the accommodation. 

Sources: Clean Cruising , MSC Cruises, Associated Press

MSC Europa claims it's home to the world's longest dry slide in a ship, which spans 11 decks.

There are six pools and 14 whirlpool baths on board.

There's also a spa with thermal baths, in addition adults-only pools and water facilities made specifically for children.

There are 10 dining venues on board, including four main restaurants, three buffets, and six specialty restaurants.

Restaurants on board include a sushi bar, a tacos and cantina restaurant, and a steakhouse.

Sources: MSC Cruises

The ship also has 21 bars and lounges, as well as a casino.

In addition to the casino, there's a massive panoramic lounge that's slated to host dozens of music-themed experiences. The ship also has luxury boutiques, a water park, a sports complex with a bumper cars, and video arcades.

After MSC Europa's winter tour, it's expected to cruise in the Mediterranean.

The ship's summer tour is expected to begin on April 16. It's slated to cruise for eight days at a time, across six places in Europe: Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina, and Malta.

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This Brand-new Cruise Ship Has the Largest Dry Slide at Sea, a Gin Bar, and 14 Hot Tubs — and It Started Sailing Today

MSC World Europa will sail the Middle East, mostly in the Persian Gulf, departing from Doha's brand-new cruise port.

The sound was so soft you might’ve thought you were imagining it: a faint, unsettling hum behind the booming voice over the speakers. I turned my head and saw them — not a swarm of locusts, as I thought for a split second, but 600 drones taking off into the inky night sky.

Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for MSC Cruises

They’d go on to put on a dazzling display of firework sea creatures for a crowd of hundreds who had gathered at the new cruise port in Doha, Qatar in November 2022, to celebrate the naming of the MSC World Europa , the 20th ship in the Italian cruise line's fleet. ( MSC Seascape was christened shortly thereafter and is now sailing the Caribbean .)

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

The drones were just one part of the two-hour show; There was also a digital animation projected onto the bow of the ship and performances by opera singer Matteo Bocelli (the son of Andrea Bocelli), a Qatari children’s choir, and the ship’s in-house talent. It was nothing short of a spectacle, which was appropriate for a ship that’s nothing short of spectacular.

MSC World Europa is the largest ship in MSC’s fleet, at nearly 1,100 feet in length, capable of carrying nearly 7,000 passengers and weighing 215,863 gross tons. It's also a new class of ship — World Class — for MSC; the first of four on order. Interestingly, MSC didn’t set out to break any in-house records when designing this ship.

“It's not that we decided to build a big ship, and then we put everything on. It's the other way around," MSC CEO Gianni Onorato told Travel + Leisure at the naming event. "Our strategy and our mission is not so much to have a theme park on board the ship. We try to reach the healthy balance between entertainment amenities, but also amenities for people to feel relaxed."

The list of onboard amenities is, as you might imagine, quite long. To name a few: 33 restaurants, bars, and lounges; the world’s first at-sea brewery that uses seawater in its beer; three performance venues; six pools, including two adults-only "Zen" pools; 14 hot tubs; the largest dry slide at sea; a water park; a Formula 1 simulator; a luxurious ship-within-a-ship concept, which MSC has on multiple vessels, called the Yacht Club; and a 10,000-square-foot Balinese-style spa with an outrageously impressive thermal area, including a Himalayan rock salt room and a snow room. (As a fan of colder climes, I spent a good amount of time in that snow room to escape the oppressive desert heat.)

Ivan Sarfatti/Courtesy of MSC Cruises

But it’s not necessarily these highlights that make MSC World Europa stand out among the competition. The ship's real claim to fame, at least in my opinion, is that World Europa is the first ship in MSC’s fleet — and one of the largest ships in the world — to be powered by liquified natural gas, or LNG. Of all the fossil fuels out there, LNG is the least polluting, and it’s one way the shipping industry is working to reduce emissions.

"LNG is a step forward, but it is not the ultimate goal," Onorato told T+L. While LNG allows the ship to have a 25% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and a 98% reduction of sulfur oxide emissions, it is still a fossil fuel. But, as Onorato pointed out, the ship is only able to use what fuels are available — currently, there is not a feasible fossil-fuel alternative for cruise ships. But as fuel technology advances, LNG-powered ships like MSC World Europa will already be capable of using those new fuels, whereas gas- or diesel-powered ships will need to be retrofitted.

MSC is also using MSC World Europa to test a new type of fuel cell powered not by internal combustion, like normal power sources on most cruise ships, but by an electrochemical reaction. Ultimately, that fuel cell may be able to create the electricity and heat for the ship in a manner that's 25% to 30% more efficient than combustion engines. The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) on MSC World Europa is just a small pilot project to test the technology, but if all goes well, the SOFC can be scaled up and used to power the whole ship.

The combination of these and other sustainable technologies, from wastewater management to noise pollution reduction, makes MSC World Europa the cruise ship with the lowest emissions per passenger in the cruise industry, according to the company.

Overall, I found it easy to be overwhelmed by everything MSC World Europa has to offer, both in terms of amenities and its sustainability features. So, to keep myself grounded during my four-night preview of the ship in Doha, I looked for quiet nooks on the ship where I could unwind. That snow room, for instance, was a blissful sanctuary for me. I also loved the tiny details in a "secret passage" off the main promenade that connected the gin bar with the tea room; The hallway is home to a cabinet of curiosities related to the tea trade and educational exhibitions about tea traditions around the world.

But perhaps my favorite part of the entire ship was the almond cake served at the Chef's Garden Kitchen. The specialty dining venue is run by Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt, whose eponymous restaurant in Stockholm has a Michelin star — in it, advanced hydroponic gardens provide microgreens for the menu.

And while every dish is a delight, it's the almond cake — Ekstedt's mother's recipe, as he told us after dinner — that took my breath away. In this delectably moist cake, the delicate flavor of almond is beautifully contrasted by a dusting of dehydrated mint sorbet that provides the perfect tang. Served on the side is birch ice cream, another subtle flavor that blends in well with the profile of the dessert. It's moments like these that make mega-ships like MSC World Europa feel intimate despite their large scale.

For the past five weeks, MSC World Europa has been moored in Doha as a floating hotel for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The ship departs today, Dec. 20, 220, on its inaugural voyage — a special four-night sailing from Doha to Dubai — after which it will spend the season sailing seven-night itineraries around the Persian Gulf.

Rates from $409 per person for an interior cabin on the seven-night sailings from Doha; you can book your cruise here .

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

SC SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH MSC CRUISES TO CHARTER TWO CRUSIE LINERS DURING QATAR 2022

Ships will offer 4,000 cabins to fans during fifa world cup™.

Doha, Qatar, 18 November 2019 – Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has signed an agreement with MSC Cruises to charter two cruise liners to accommodate fans during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ä .

The cruise liners, which feature a combined capacity of 4,000 cabins, will act as floating hotels during the tournament. They will be berthed at Doha Port, giving fans a spectacular view of the West Bay skyline.

Chartering cruise liners for fans has long been part of Qatar’s accommodation strategy, with the country keen to offer sustainable solutions for the month-long tournament, which will kick-off on 21 November 2022.

His Excellency Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti , Minister of Transports and Communications, congratulated the SC for its collaboration with MSC and said significant progress had been made in accomplishing the country’s ambitious plans in the field of transport and communications, which will serve all visitors during the FIFA World Cup ä and provide an exceptional experience.

Al Sulaiti said: “The Ministry of Transport and Communications has completed the development of Doha Port to accommodate multiple large passenger ships and enable the port’s capacity to receive the largest cruise ships in the world, serving fans and visitors who come to Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.”

Al Sulaiti also noted that the Ministry has completed the development of standards to facilitate access to Qatar’s transportation system, in addition to providing a comprehensive information portal on mobility and applications that visitors and fans will be able to use during the tournament.

His Excellency Hassan Al Thawadi , Secretary General of the SC, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with MSC Cruises to deliver this unique accommodation option for fans in 2022. We are sure fans from all over the world will be excited at the prospect of staying on board a cruise ship, with a fabulous view of West Bay, and fast access to all the stadiums and fan zones.”

Pierfrancesco Vago , Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said: “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. 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.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the State of Qatar will charter MSC Cruises’ MSC Europa and MSC Poesia . Scheduled for delivery in 2022, MSC Europa is currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France. As the first liquefied natural gas-powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, she will run on this fuel while at berth in Doha. Being the most environmentally friendly marine fuel currently available, her air emissions will be kept to a minimum. She also features, like all cruise ships from MSC Cruises’ fleet, advanced waste and water treatment systems, in addition to a wide range of cutting-edge environmental technologies for cleaner air emissions and minimised environmental footprint.

In addition to floating hotels, Qatar’s other accommodation options will include hotels, apartments and fan villages.

Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Host Country Operations Office and Vice Chairman of the Technical Delivery Office, said: “We are determined to deliver a range of accommodation options which will suit every taste and budget in 2022. It is important we provide sustainable solutions for the country while ensuring an unmatched fan experience.”

In 2022, the cruise ships will be served by shuttle buses which will take fans to Qatar’s transport infrastructure, including Doha Metro, from where they will be able to access stadiums, fan zones and other attractions.

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• MSC World Europa ship arrives in Doha (Qatar) to accommodate...

MSC World Europa ship arrives in Doha (Qatar) to accommodate FIFA World Cup fans

The first of the 3 chartered as floating hotels cruise ships arrived in Doha (Qatar) Thursday morning, November 10th.

MSC World Europa berthed at Old Doha Port to accommodate FIFA World Cup fans during the chanpionship.

The 22-deck liner which is bespoke for the 22nd edition of the tournament will officially be inaugurated/christened on Sunday, November 13th.

The Executive Director of the Housing Department at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Omar Al Jaber said:

"This cruise is considered its first voyage to Qatar, where it was built for the World Cup in particular, and it is considered the largest ship in MSC Company, and it will have an inauguration ceremony and naming it on November 13."

MSC World Europa, which boasts environmentally advanced features, can house up to 6,700 World Cup fans. She spans 47 m wide with a total of 2626 staterooms and 40000+ m2 of public space.

With just 10 days before the start of football's biggest event, MSC World Europa serves as the first of 3 hotels to anchor in the country.

The second hotel ship - MSC Poesia - is scheduled to arrive on Monday, November 14th, while MSC Opera is chartered from November 19 through to December 19.

Qatar doesn't have the hotel capacity for all workers, volunteers, fans, and teams at the World Cup and is creating camping/cabin sites, hiring liners, and encouraging fans to stay in neighboring countries and fly in for the games.

MSC Cruises previously signed a deal with the government of Qatar in 2019 to provide 2 ships with ~4000 cabins as floating hotels in order to help house the expected 1.2 million international tourists.

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MSC Cruises names luxurious World Europa in Doha, ahead of the World Cup 2022

Author: Gary Peters

Published on: 17 November 2022

Updated on: 17 November 2022

MSC Cruises has held the naming ceremony for its newest flagship, MSC World Europa, in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the World Cup where it is expected to host just under 7,000 fans.

Ahead of hosting thousands of football fans for the World Cup 2022, MSC World Europa, the largest ship in MSC Cruises fleet, has been named in Doha, Qatar.

The cruise line said the event, which took place at the new Grand Cruise Terminal, was part of “MSC’s overall commitment to Qatar”, supporting the growth of “international tourism there as well as the broader Middle East region”.

The new Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha comprises two terminals, arrival and departure halls, a duty-free shop, a cafe and more - the terminal features traditional Arab architecture.

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Those in attendance at the naming ceremony included the vessel’s captain Marco Massa and the event also featured a performance by international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli.

The line has described MSC World Europa as its “most innovative and environmentally advanced” ship.

It is powered by liquefied natural gas and also has the ability to use carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels “as soon as they are available at scale”, according to a statement.

MSC Cruises reports ‘surge in bookings’

MSC Cruises MD UK & Ireland Antonio Paradiso said: “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.”

Keep up with World of Cruising at www.worldofcruising.co.uk for the latest updates with MSC World Europa.

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Gary is an experienced cruise journalist and editor who has been at the helm of Cruise Trade News since 2019. In that time, the brand has focused on investigative journalism and long-form feature content. Gary has also overseen the launch of new digital publications. Prior to joining Cruise Trade News – initially as deputy editor in 2018 – Gary worked in music and sport journalism, and as a senior editor for B2B magazines in the transport and environment sectors.

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The Destination Management Company of Qatar Airways

1 USD = 3.64 QAR

Floating Hotel Day Visit

Timing: 12:00 - 02:00 Duration: up to 16 hours Price: QAR 182 (USD 50)

Guests need to present a valid Hayya Card to be able to access Doha Port and also to access the ships.

MSC  Day Pass

Embark on the MSC World Europa or the MSC Poesia with exclusive day pass access. The day pass will allow you to board the ship for the day and enjoy all the facilities and attractions offered onboard. 

Important note:  There is no parking at the terminal. Visitors need to use public transportation, either taxis, Uber or the shuttle service linking Al Ghanim Transport Hub and the Cruise Ship Hotels. Private vehicles will not be allowed access to the terminal.  

MSC World Europa

From her sleek interior design and 13 dining venues to her thrilling entertainment offerings, the onboard experience on the MSC World Europa is like no other cruise ship. Relax in the scenic Panorama Lounge, experience the excitement of the futuristic Luna Park Arena, or lose yourself in the iconic Kinetic Dome.

Experience a world of cuisines with brand new concepts including Chef’s Garden Kitchen, the first hydroponic garden at sea; La Pescaderia, a Mediterranean fish restaurant; a new on-board microbrewery; and a Gin bar where you can learn mixology.

The ship also features some of our signature favorites, like our American-style steakhouse, Latin American street food inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi bar, and our renowned buffets.

There’s something for everyone on board, from a large waterpark, to bumper cars and street performances. And with 7 swimming pools spread across the ship, including one with a sliding roof, there’s always space to relax by the water and pool deck.

For families with children, the award-winning MSC Kids Club features state-of-the-art facilities inside a dedicated area of the ship, with a range of kids’ clubs and tailor-made programs for every age group.  

Is an innovative cruise ship with elegant style that brings. traditional craftsmanship to creative designs.

Step aboard and you’ll enter a refined world of comfort, from the spectacular foyer waterfall to the Zen Garden, authentic Japanese Sushi bar and opulent MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre with steam room, sauna and divine massages to pamper body and mind, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

The ship offers all the resort amenities you could wish for, including 3 swimming pools, 4 whirlpools and a giant poolside cinema screen. Kids and teens are equally well served, with their own clubs and parties, a dedicated Stone Age and Dinosaur Play Area, stunning video games and even a DJ disco!

The gourmet cuisine on board brings you specialties from around the world, but retains its Mediterranean heart, rooted in the values of the Italian slow food movement. With MSC, every succulent dish is freshly prepared with care by our skilled chef’s from prime quality ingredients.

The varied lounge bars offer similarly refreshing originality and authenticity, from the Grappolo d’Oro wine-tasting bar to the Mojito cocktail bar and sumptuous design of the cigar room.

What to Expect

• Day access to MSC World Europa or MSC Poesia
• Access to all public facilities and attractions onboard 
• A variety of dining options
• There is no parking at the terminal. Visitors need to use public transportation, either taxis, uber or the shuttle service linking Al Ghanim Transport Hub and the Cruise Ship Hotels. Private vehicles will not be allowed access to the terminal.
• Day access pass
• Hayya card to be applied for independently
• Food and drinks payable onboard
• Anything else that is not expressly mentioned above in Inclusions

Access: Please note that you will need to present a valid Hayya Card to be able to access Doha Port and also to access the ships.

You will also need to present your booking confirmation to access the ships.

Location:  Doha Port Grand Cruise Terminal - Terminal 1 for MSC World Europa (currently sold out); Terminal 2 for MSC Poesia.

The nearest Metro Station is:  Souq Waqif ( Gold Line )

Important note:  There is no parking at the terminal. Visitors need to use public transportation, either taxis, uber or the shuttle service linking Al Ghanim Transport Hub and the Cruise Ship Hotels. Private vehicles will not be allowed access to the terminal.

*Rates mentioned are per person and subject to change.

• What areas can you access with the day pass? All the public areas accessible to all passengers. This means that visitors CANNOT visit technical spaces and areas that are restricted to the high paying passengers, such as the Yacht Club.
• What restaurants are available? All restaurants are available at a cost to the visitors, except Yacht Club and dependent availability; no pre-arrival reservations
• How does the access card work? Access card to be received at the daily visitor counter in the grand terminal. The card has to be scanned at the gangway, where the Security staff will verify the picture. It has to be scanned in and out.
• How can you pay for services on board? Visitors will need to register a credit / debit card during the check-in to activate this function of the access card. At most of the outlets this is the only accepted form of payment.
• Can you access the waterslides and pools? Yes 
• Can people get on and off throughout the day? No – once day guests disembarked they are checked out and cannot re-enter the vessel
• Child (above 3 years old to 17 years old)
• Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable
• Please note that by booking, you acknowledge and accept the boarding conditions

MSC Boarding Conditions:

These Boarding Conditions govern the relationship, responsibilities and liabilities as between, on the one side, the Client and/or each Visitor (as appropriate) named on the Booking Confirmation and, on the other side, the Carrier and are BINDING ON THESE PARTIES .

Each Visitor, or the Client on behalf of the Visitors has entered into a contract with the Discover Qatar or DQ for the purpose of the Visitors boarding one of the Vessels. All Visitors agree to all the terms and conditions of the Booking along with these Boarding Conditions. These Boarding Conditions are to be deemed as incorporated into the Booking and will apply whether or not there is any actual carriage during the period any of the Visitors are on board.

The Visitor must carefully read these Boarding Conditions (and the Client shall also be obliged to do so, and to ensure that all Visitors (or its parent/guardian in the case of a Minor) read and accept these Boarding Conditions before the Visitor or Client makes the Booking. These Boarding Conditions set out its rights, responsibilities and limitations towards the Carrier, its servants and/or agents. The Carrier’s liability is limited as set out in Clause ‎18.

1. CONSTRUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

BOOKING means a final and binding reservation, regulated by the terms and conditions entered into at the time of booking and these Boarding Conditions that a Visitor (or the Client on behalf of the Visitors) has entered into with DQ, for the purpose of booking day access as visitors to the Vessel.

BOOKING CONFIRMATION means the document issued as confirmation of the Booking, and issued by DQ in order for the Visitors to access the Vessel. 

CARRIER for the purpose of any obligation or responsibility attaching to the carrier under these Boarding Conditions, the Carrier means MSC Cruises SA, with registered Offices in Avenue Eugène Pittard 40, 1206 Geneva (Switzerland). However, the protections and defences which are provided for in these Boarding Conditions in favour of the Carrier, shall also apply to the owner and/or charterer whether bare boat/demise charter, the actual carrier, the time charterer, sub-charterer, manager or operator of the Vessel including SC. The term “Carrier” includes the Carriers, the carrying vessel, (“Cruise Ship”), its owner, charterer, manager, operator, any tenders or other means of transport provided by the Carrier to the Visitors.

CLIENT means (if applicable) any person or entity who has entered into a contract with DQ for the purpose of any Visitor boarding the Vessel. The Client confirms that it has full authority to enter into on behalf of and bind all Visitors named on the Booking Confirmation. All Visitors visiting the Vessel together will be deemed to have understood and agree with these Boarding Conditions and the conditions of the Booking.

DISABLED PERSON means any person whose mobility is reduced as a result of any physical disability (sensory or locomotor, permanent or temporary) intellectual or psychosocial disability or impairment, or any other cause of disability, as a result of age, and whose situation needs appropriate attention and adaption to that persons particular needs for the service made available to all Visitors.

DISCOVER QATAR or DQ means the agency managing the Bookings of day passes for Visitors.

LUGGAGE means any hand luggage or other personal items belonging to or carried by any Visitor, including articles worn by or carried on the persons of the Visitor.

MASTER means the Captain or person in charge of the carrying Vessel at any given point and commanding of the vessel.

MINOR means any Visitor under the age of 18 or under the legal age limit which is in force pursuant to the applicable law. For the specific purpose of serving or consuming alcohols in Qatar “MINOR” means a Visitor under the age of 21.

RECOGNISED ASSISTANCE DOG means any dog that has been trained to assist a Disabled Person by an organisation that is a member of Assistance Dogs International and/or the International Guide Dog Federation.

SC means the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

TOURNAMENT means the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM

VESSEL means the vessel named in the relevant Booking or the substituted vessel owned, chartered, operated and/or controlled by the Carrier.

VISITOR(S) means any person that boards a Vessel for a limited period of time and is not accommodated overnight. All references to the "VISITOR" (singular) shall include the plural and vice versa. All Visitors visiting the Vessel together, including adults responsible for Minors, will be deemed to have understood and agree with these Boarding Conditions. For the purpose of this definition, Visitor include any Senior Officials (such as Government Personnel, FIFA representatives and relevant sponsors) boarding the vessel.

VOYAGE shall, for the purpose of these Boarding Conditions, mean any period during which the Visitors are on board the Vessel. 

2. VALIDITY, NON-TRANSFERABILITY AND AMENDMENT The Carrier agrees to transport and/or have on board the Visitors on the Voyage, stay on board or event to be held on named or substitute Vessels. Before boarding, the Visitors agrees to be bound by all its terms, conditions and limitations. All prior oral and/or written agreement is superseded by these conditions. These Boarding Conditions cannot be amended without written and signed consent from the Carrier or its authorised representative. The Booking Confirmation issued by DQ is valid only for the Visitors for whom it is issued, for the date and Vessel indicated or any substitute Vessel and is not transferable.  

3. DISEMBARKING A Visitor will not be entitled to stay on-board the Vessel overnight and will be required to disembark without delay in accordance with the date and duration as indicated on the Booking Confirmation.  

4. EXTRA CHARGES

4.1. Each Visitor shall pay in full all charges for goods and services incurred by the Carrier on his/her behalf, before the end of the Voyage in any currency in general use on-board at the time of payment.

4.2. Alcoholic beverages, cocktails, soft drinks, mineral water and any medical expenses, any independent contractor services or products, charges or taxes imposed by any government agency shall be extra charges, unless otherwise stated as included at the time of booking.  

5. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

5.1. All Visitors must present for inspection upon request the Booking Confirmation, a valid passport as well as any visa, entry or exit permit, any Qatari ID, Resident Permit or Fan ID. 5.2. Each Visitor (or, if a Minor, his/her parents or guardian) shall be liable to the Carrier, SC and/or DQ for any fines or penalties imposed on the Vessel or Carrier, SC and/or DQ by any authorities for that Visitor’s failure to observe or comply with local governmental laws or regulations, including requirements relating to immigration, customs or excise. 5.3. The Carrier, SC and/or DQ makes no representation and gives no warranties as to the correctness of any documentation that is checked.

6. SECURITY 6.1. Each Visitor shall present him/herself for boarding, according to the instructions provided by DQ and shall be available for any security inspections. 6.2. For security reasons and any requirements by law, each Visitor acknowledges and agrees that agents of the Carrier may search the Visitor, his/her Luggage. 6.3. The Carrier shall have the right to confiscate any articles carried or contained in any Luggage which the Carrier, in its sole discretion, considers dangerous or poses risk or inconvenience to the security of the Vessel or persons on board. 6.4. Each Visitor is prohibited from bringing on board any articles that can be used as a weapon, explosives, illegal or dangerous goods. 6.5. The Carrier reserves the right to search any cabin, berth or other part of the Vessel for security reasons at any time

7. FITNESS TO STAY ONBOARD

7.1. In order to ensure that the Carrier is able to host the Visitors safely and in accordance with applicable safety requirements established by international, EU or national law or in order to meet safety requirements established by competent authorities, including the vessel’s flag state, each Visitor warrants that his/her conduct or condition will not impair the safety of the Vessel or inconvenience other persons on-board.

7.2. If it appears to the Carrier, the Master or the Vessel's doctor that a Visitor is for any reason unfit to stay on board and/or likely to endanger safety, then the Carrier or the Master shall have the right to take any of the following courses: (i) to refuse to embark the Visitor; (ii) to disembark the Visitor; (iii) if the Vessel’s doctor considers it advisable, to administer first aid and administer any drug, medicine or other substance or to admit and/or confine the Visitor to a hospital or other similar institution ashore at the Visitor’s expense, provided that the ship’s doctor and/or Master considers that any such steps are necessary.

7.3. Unless provided under any applicable law, where a Visitor is refused embarkation as a result of safety and/or fitness to stay on board, the Carrier, SC or DQ   shall not be liable for any loss or expense occasioned to the Visitor thereby, nor shall the Visitor be entitled to any compensation from the Carrier, SC or DQ

7.4. Not all areas or equipment on the Vessel are suitable for access to Disabled Persons.

7.5. The Carrier reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone who has failed to notify it of their specific needs with regard to seating or services required from the Carrier or terminal operator, or their need to bring medical equipment, or to bring a Recognised Assistance Dog on board the Vessel, or of any other known disabilities, or who in the Carrier’s and/or Master’s opinion is unfit or unable to stay on board, or anyone whose condition may constitute a danger to themselves or others on-board on the grounds of safety.

7.6. Visitors who need assistance and/or have special requests or need special facilities or equipment with regard to seating or services required or their need to bring medical and mobility equipment, must notify DQ at the time of booking. This should include detailed information required to assist DQ in making available accessible transport to Disabled Persons. Wheelchair users must specify whether they operate a manual or powered wheelchair and inform DQ whether they require portside services at the time of booking. This is to ensure that the Visitors can safely embark, disembark and remain on board in accordance with all applicable safety requirements. The Carrier is not obliged to provide any assistance or meet special requests unless the Carrier has agreed to do so in writing. If the any Visitor cannot be carried safely and in accordance with applicable safety requirements then the Carrier can refuse to accept a Visitor or embarkation of a Disabled Person on the grounds of safety.

7.7. Wheelchair users must furnish their own standard size wheelchairs. The Vessel’s wheelchairs are available for emergency use only. Where the Carrier considers it strictly necessary for the safety of the Visitor it may require a Disabled Person to be accompanied by another person or a Recognised Assistance Dog who is capable of providing the assistance required by the Disabled Person. This requirement will be based entirely on the Carrier assessing the need of the Visitor on grounds of safety and may vary from Vessel to Vessel.

7.8. Where any mobility or other equipment is lost or damaged by the fault or neglect of the Carrier then it is the Carrier’s decision as to whether to repair or replace such equipment taking into account the reasonable requirements of the Visitor. All equipment must be capable of being carried safety and must be declared at the time Booking. The Carrier may decline to carry such equipment where it is not safe to do so or where it has not been notified in time to enable a risk assessment to be carried out.

7.9. Any Visitor who embarks, or allows any other Visitor for whom he or she is responsible to embark, when he/she or such other Visitor is suffering from any sickness, disease, injury or infirmity bodily or mental or to his/her or her knowledge has been exposed to any infection or contagious disease, or for any other reason is likely to impair the safety or reasonable comfort of other persons on-board, shall be responsible for any loss or expense incurred by the Carrier or the Master directly or indirectly in consequence of such sickness, disease, injury, infirmity, exposure or refusal of permission to land unless in the case of sickness, disease, injury, infirmity or exposure the same has been declared in writing to the Carrier or the Master before embarkation and the consent in writing of the Carrier or the Master to such embarkation has been obtained.

7.10. Although the Vessel is planned to be berthed at all times at the Cruise Terminal in Doha, conditions may arise when it will be necessary to anchor offshore rather than alongside. When this is the case, the Carrier will use a tender to take Visitors ashore. A tender is a small vessel and may not be suitable for persons with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility or balance problems. When using tenders, safety is the utmost priority and it is important that the Visitors are able to use the tender safely. Visitors may be required to descend to a platform or pontoon and into the tender. There may be steps both up and down and Visitors may need to navigate a gap between the platform and the tender (which can be approximately 1.5 ft).  Depending on weather, tide and sea conditions, there may be some movement, which could change throughout the course of the day. Visitors must be fit and mobile enough to access and disembark the tender. If Visitors have impaired mobility, or use a mobility aid such as a stick, then they must carefully consider their ability to embark the tender safely before making their way down to the platform. Visitors must take into consideration the use of steps, the possibility of a gap and height difference between the platform and the tender, and the potential sudden movement of the tender when making a decision. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters will not be carried by the crew to the tender. All Visitors must be independently mobile enough to use the tenders. Ultimately, carriage by tender may be refused by the Master or any of his officers if there is any doubt as to the safety of any Visitors.

7.11. All Visitors must take extra care when stepping on and off the tender. There will be crewmembers there to guide and steady Visitors as they embark and disembark but they cannot support, lift or carry Visitors. The same precautions apply when Visitors disembark the tender in the port.  

8. SMOKING POLICY

Smoking is not permitted in any food service areas (buffets and restaurants), the medical centres, child-care areas, corridors or elevator foyers, areas where Visitors are assembled in groups for safety exercises, disembarkation or tour departures, public toilets, or in bars close to areas where food is served.

8.1. Smoking in the cabins and on the cabin’s balconies is strictly prohibited. 8.2. The Carrier reserves the right to levy a fee should passengers be found smoking in non-designated area of the Vessel.  Repeatedly smoking in non- smoking areas can ultimately lead to early disembarkation and prosecution by the authorities. 8.3. Visitors shall be liable for any damage caused by smoking. 8.4. Smoking is only permitted in a dedicated outside area of each Vessel, indicated by signage, where ashtrays are provided. 8.5. Disposing of cigarette butts over the side of the Vessel is strictly prohibited.

9. CONDUCT OF VISITORS

9.1. The safety of the Vessel and all those on-board is of paramount important. Visitors must pay attention to and comply with all regulations and notices relating to the safety of the Vessel, her crew and Visitors, the terminal facilities and immigration requirements. 9.2. Visitors must at all times conduct themselves in a manner that respects the safety and privacy of other persons on-board. 9.3. Visitors must comply with any reasonable request made by any member of staff, the Master or his/her officers. 9.4. All Visitors must take care for their safety whilst walking on outside decks. Visitors and children must not run around the decks or other parts of the Vessel. 9.5. Visitors’ Luggage must not be left unaccompanied at any time, unless different and reasonable instructions are given by the staff. Unaccompanied Luggage may be removed and/or destroyed. 9.6. Visitors shall not bring on-board the Vessel any goods or articles of an inflammable or dangerous nature, nor any controlled or prohibited substance. Breach of these conditions and regulations shall render the Visitor strictly liable to the Carrier for any injury, loss, damage or expense and/or to indemnify the Carrier against any claim, final penalty arising from such breach. The Visitor may also be liable for statutory fines and/or penalties. 9.7. In order to ensure safety and security standards, it is strictly forbidden to bring food and beverage on-board the Vessels. In compliance with this requirement, during embarkation, checks may be carried out on Visitors’ Luggage. The items that are allowed are: personal hygiene products, cleansing products, lotions, fluid medications for therapeutic use, baby gear and baby food items, dietary items prescribed by a physician. 9.8. The Visitor will in any event be liable for any injury, loss or damage occasioned by their breach of any of the prohibitions in these Boarding Conditions and must indemnify the Carrier, SC and DQ against any claim in respect thereof.

10. ANIMALS/PETS 10.1. Animals and/or pets other than Recognised Assistance Dogs are not allowed on-board the Vessel under any circumstances without the Carrier’s permission in writing. Any such animals or pets brought on-board by a Visitor without permission will be taken into custody and arrangements will be made for the animal to be landed at the Visitor’s sole expense. 10.2. Whilst the Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents will take such care as is reasonable in all the circumstances in relation to the pet or animal, neither the Master nor Carrier nor any member of the Crew shall be liable to the Visitor in respect of any loss or injury or death to the pet or animal whilst in the Carrier’s possession/custody. 10.3. Recognised Assistance Dogs are subject to and must comply with national and EU Regulations and/or equivalent applicable legislations regarding health, inoculations, training and travel. It is the Visitor’s responsibility to have all necessary papers, to be made available for inspection on request, and check the position prior to the boarding.

​11. ALCOHOL 11.1. Alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer or other liqueurs are available for purchase on-board the Vessel at fixed prices. Visitors are not permitted to bring on-board any such drinks, whether for consumption in a cabin or otherwise. Alcoholic drinks in any form will not be sold to Minors. It is the responsibility of the individual Visitors and any accompanying adults to ensure such legal age limits are complied with. 11.2. The Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents may confiscate alcohol brought on-board by Visitors. 11.3. The Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents may refuse to serve a Visitor alcohol or further alcohol where in their reasonable opinion the Visitor is likely to be a danger and/or nuisance to himself/herself, other Visitors and/or the Vessel.

12.1. All the provisions of clause ‎7and the requirement of fitness to embark are applicable to all Visitors including Minors. 12.2. The Carrier does not accept unaccompanied Minors. Minors will not be allowed to embark unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian or other authorised person ( Adult Visitor ) who shall be identified on the Booking Confirmation. Adult Visitors embarking with a Minor shall be fully responsible for that Minor’s conduct and behaviour. Minors may not order or consume alcoholic beverages. 12.3. Minors on-board must be supervised by an Adult Visitor at all times and are welcome at the activities on-board provided that an Adult Visitor is present. Children cannot remain on-board if their Adult Visitor goes ashore. 12.4. The Adult Visitor shall be liable to the Carrier and shall reimburse it for loss, damage or delay sustained by the Carrier because of any act or omission of the Minor in their care. 12.5. Minors are subject to all the terms contained in the Boarding Conditions.

13. MEDICAL SERVICES/TREATMENT 13.1.Visitors are encouraged, where possible, to seek medical assistance from providers on shore. The Vessel’s doctor and medical personnel are not under the Master's or Carrier’s control for treating Visitors. 13.2. Medical facilities on-board may be limited. The Carrier, Master or doctor shall not be liable in any way for referring Visitors ashore for medical services or for the actual medical services rendered ashore. In the event that medical attendance of any kind or ambulance assistance, whether on shore, at sea or by air is required and is provided or ordered by the Carrier or the Master or the doctor, the concerned Visitor shall be liable for the full charge or cost thereof and shall indemnify the Carrier upon first demand of any costs incurred by the Carrier, its servants or agents. 13.3. The Vessel’s doctor is not a specialist and the Vessel’s hospital is not required to be, and is not equipped to the same standards as, a land-based hospital. The Vessel carries medical supplies and equipment as required by its flag state. Neither the Carrier nor the doctor shall be liable to any Visitor as a result of any inability to treat any medical condition as a result. 13.4. In the event of illness or accident, Visitors may have to be landed ashore by the Carrier and/or Master for medical treatment. The Carrier makes no representations regarding the quality of any medical treatment ashore to which any Visitor is referred. 13.5. In relation to medical equipment, which any Visitor intends to bring on board, it is the responsibility of the concerned Visitor to arrange delivery to the docks prior to check-in of all medical equipment. 13.6. The requirement for Visitors to notify to DQ at the time of booking if they need to bring their own medical equipment on-board is to ensure that the medical equipment can be carried and/or carried safely. 13.7. It is the concerned Visitor’s responsibility to ensure that all personal medical equipment is in good working order and for arranging enough equipment and supplies. The Vessel does not carry any replacement. 13.8. The concerned Visitor must be able to operate all own equipment. If there are any particular conditions requiring a personal care or supervision then such personal care or supervision must be arranged by that Visitor at his/her expense. The Vessel is unable to provide or arrange respite services, one to one personal care or supervision or any other form of carer for physical or psychiatric or other conditions.

14. OTHER INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS The Vessel carries on board service providers who operate as independent contractors. Their services and products are charged as extras. The Carrier is not responsible for their performance or products. These contractors may include: hairdresser, manicurist, masseuse, photographer, entertainer, fitness instructors, shopkeepers and others providing services. The limitations of liability referred to into these Boarding Conditions shall apply to all independent contractors. The Carrier shall not be responsible in any way for the conduct, products or services provided by such independent contract

15. VISITORS LUGGAGE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY

15.1. Visitors can embark with one piece of hand Luggage per person. 15.2. Prams and wheelchairs are allowed but must be kept with Visitors at all time and must not block any exits when in use around the Vessel. 15.3. Visitors Luggage and property shall include only personal belongings, and any commercial property shall be subject to an additional charge. Visitor bookings of a commercial nature, such as FIFA sponsors, shall, at the discretion of the SC and subject to Carrier’s agreement, not be subject to additional charges for the storage of commercial property. 15.4. The Carrier shall not be responsible for any fragile or perishable property carried by a Visitor. 15.5. No animals are permitted on board, except for Recognised Assistance Dogs licensed to a Visitor. The concerned Visitor shall have full responsibility for any Recognised Assistance Dogs. 15.6. If medical mobility or other equipment is required, this must be notified to DQ at the time of booking to enable the Carrier to assess whether such equipment can be carried safely. It is the concerned Visitor’s responsibility to ensure that such equipment is in good working order and that the Visitor can operate such equipment. 15.7. The Carrier shall have a lien upon and the right to sell by auction or otherwise, without notice to any Visitor, any Luggage in satisfaction of unpaid monies or of any other monies that may in any way have become due by any Visitor to the Carrier or to its servants, agents or representatives.

16. VISITORS LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE Visitors shall be liable for and shall reimburse the Carrier for any damage to the Vessel and/or its furnishings or equipment or any other property of the Carrier caused by any wilful or negligent act or omission by the Visitors or any person for whom the Visitors are responsible including, but not limited to, Minors accompanying the Visitors.  

17. FORCE MAJEURE & EVENTS BEYOND THE CARRIER'S CONTROL Except as provided by law, the Carrier shall not be liable for any loss, injury, damage, or inability to perform the Voyage arising from any Force Majeure circumstances such as, but not limited to: war, terrorism - actual or threatened - fire, natural disasters, acts of God, labour strikes, bankruptcy, failure of subcontractors to perform, or any other events beyond the Carrier's control and/or any events which are unusual and/or unforeseeable.

18. LIABILITY OF THE CARRIER

18.1. The liability (if any) of the Carrier for damages suffered as a result of death or personal injury to a Visitor, or loss or damage to Luggage shall be determined in accordance with the following Conventions whose limits apply including in any claims for loss of or damage to Luggage and or death and or personal injury and are hereby expressly incorporated into these Boarding Conditions: a. The International Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea 1974 (The Athens Convention 1974) or where applicable The Athens Convention 2002, or EU Regulation 392/2009 Concerning the Rights of Passengers when travelling by sea in the event of Accidents (EU Regulation 392/2009). b. The Athens Convention 2002 where ratified and applicable to the boarding contract shall apply where EU 392/2009 does not apply. c. For bookings where the Athens Convention 2002 does not apply and which are not made in the EU or the Vessel does not have an EU flag or and where the place of embarkation or disembarkation is not in the EU then the provisions of the Athens Convention 1974 and the limits therein shall apply and are hereby expressly incorporated into these Boarding Conditions. d. Copies of the Athens Convention 1974, 2002 and EU Regulation 392/2009 are available on request and can be downloaded from the Internet at www.imo.org and https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/Pages/Athens-Convention-relating-to-the-Carriage-of-Passengers-and-their-Luggage-by-Sea-(PAL).aspx. e. A summary of EU Regulation 392/2009 can be found at http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=URISERV:tr0018&from=EN    f. It is agreed that the Carrier shall at all times be deemed a ship owner for the purposes of the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1976, whether as amended by the Protocol of 1996 or otherwise and as in force in any relevant jurisdiction from time to time, and so entitled to limit liability thereunder. g. If any provision of these Boarding Conditions is rendered null and void by the Athens Convention 1974, Athens Convention 2002, or EU Regulation 392/2009 or otherwise then any such invalidity shall be limited to the particular clause and not to the Boarding Conditions

18.2. The level of damages a Carrier may be liable to pay in relation to death and/or personal injury and or loss of or damage to Luggage is limited and shall in no circumstances whatsoever exceed the limits of liability set out under the Athens Convention 1974 or, where applicable, The Athens Convention 2002 or EU Regulation 392/2009. 18.2. The liability of the Carrier for death, personal injury or illness to a Visitor shall not exceed 46.666 Special Drawing Rights ("SDR") as provided and defined in the Athens Convention 1974 or, where applicable, the maximum sum of 400,000 SDR pursuant to EU Regulation 392/2009 or The Athens Convention 2002 and, where there is liability for war and terrorism under EU Regulation 392/2009 or The Athens Convention 2002, the maximum sum of 250,000 SDR. 18.3. Liability of the Carrier for loss of or damage to a Visitor’s Luggage shall not exceed 833 SDR per Visitor under the Athens Convention 1974 or 2,250 SDR where EU Regulation 392/2009 or Athens Convention 2002 applies. 18.4. It is agreed that such liability of the Carrier shall be subject to the applicable deductibles per passenger, such sum to be deducted from the loss or damage to Luggage. 18.5. The Visitors understand that the conversion rate of SDR's fluctuates daily and may be obtained from a bank or Internet. The value of an SDR can be calculated by visiting http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/rms_five.aspx . 18.6. The Carrier shall not be liable for loss or damage to any valuables such as monies, negotiable securities, precious metal items, jewellery, art, cameras, computers, electronic equipment, or any other valuables unless they are deposited with the Carrier for safe-keeping, and a higher limit is agreed expressly and in writing at the time of deposit, and an extra charge is paid by the Visitors for declared value protection. Use of the Vessel’s safe is not a deposit with the Vessel. Where there is liability for loss of or damage to valuables deposited with the Vessel then such liability is limited to 1,200 SDR under the Athens Convention 1974 or 3,375 SDR where EU Regulation 392/2009 or Athens Convention 2002 applies. The Carrier and the Visitors agree not to demand any security from the other in connection with a claim of any kind. The Visitors waive the right to arrest the Vessel or to attach any other asset owned, chartered or operated by the Carrier. If the Vessel is arrested or attached, then the ship and the Carrier shall have the right to any limitation and all defences available herein. 18.7. In addition to the restrictions and exemptions from the liability provided in the Boarding Conditions, the Carrier shall have full benefit of any applicable laws providing for limitation and/or exoneration of liability (including without limitation, law and/or the laws of the Vessel’s flag in respect of/or the global limitation on damages recoverable from the Carrier). Nothing in these Boarding Conditions is intended to operate to limit or deprive the Carrier of any such statutory or otherwise limitation or exoneration or liability. The servant and/or agents of the Carrier shall have the full benefit of all such provisions relating to the limitation of liability.  18.8. If any action is brought against any company pertaining and/or connected to the Carrier, the owners or the disponent owners, the Master or crew or any servant, agent or independent contractor of MSC,  or against any person or entity having an interest in the relevant Vessel including but not limited to the operator of the Vessel, any of these persons or entities shall be entitled to avail themselves of all defences, limits of liability and indemnities that the Carrier is entitled to invoke under the Booking and under the provisions of law applicable including, but not limited to, the benefit of any defence to or limitation of liability.  Save as provided in this clause, no third party shall have the right to enforce or apply any term hereof and the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 is expressly excluded. The parties may vary the provisions of the Booking, or terminate it, without the consent of any third party who derives any right pursuant to its terms even if such variation or termination varies or terminates the rights of such third party. 18.9. Without prejudice to the provisions above, if any claim is brought against the Carrier in any jurisdiction where the applicable exemptions and limitations incorporated in these Boarding Conditions are held to be legally unenforceable then the Carrier shall not be liable for death, injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to any person or property arising out of any cause of whatsoever nature which has not been shown to have been caused by the Carrier’s own negligence or fault. ​19. ANGUISH/DISTRESS No compensation is payable by the Carrier to any Visitor for any emotional stress, mental anguish and/or psychological injury of any kind save where legally recoverable against the Carrier as a result of any injury caused by an accident due to the fault or neglect of the Carrier.

20. APPLICABLE LAW These Boarding Conditions and any claims against of whatever nature (including claims for death and or personal injury) brought by or on behalf of or by heirs and or dependants of any Visitors shall be subject to English law.

21. JURISDICTION

21.1. Except as provided by law all claims of any nature related to these Boarding Conditions shall be brought in and be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of London. 21.2. Without prejudice to the sub clause above, the Carrier shall be entitled to commence proceedings against any Visitor in the place where that Visitor normally resides.  

22. NOTICES OF CLAIMS A. The Carrier shall be under no liability whatsoever in respect of any claim arising from an accident which was not reported by a Visitor to the Master or safety officer whilst on-board the Vessel. B. Notices of Claim for loss or damage to Luggage shall be given to the Carrier in writing before or at the time of disembarkation, or if not apparent, within fifteen (15) days from the date of disembarkation. Notices should be sent to MSC Cruises SA, c/o MSC Crociere S.p.A., Via A. Depretis, 31, 80133 Naples, Italy. C. Complaints under EU Regulation. 1177/2010 concerning accessibility, cancellation or delays must be made to the Carrier within two (2) months from the date the service was performed. The Carrier shall respond within 1 month to advise whether the complaint is substantiated, has been rejected or is still being considered. A final reply shall be provided within two (2) months. The Visitor shall provide such further information as may be required by the Carrier to deal with the Complaint. If the Visitor is not satisfied with the response then it may complain to the relevant enforcement body in the country of embarkation.

23. TIME LIMITS FOR FILING SUIT All claims against the Carrier or the Vessel for illness, emotional stress or personal injury to a Visitor or for loss or damage to Luggage shall be time barred after two (2) years from the date of final disembarkation or in the case of death, the date on which final disembarkation would have taken place as provided by Article 16 of the Athens Convention 1974 and or where applicable The Athens Convention 2002 or EU Regulation 392/2009. These time limits are applicable to Minors and persons under a disability.  

24. DATA PROTECTION Personal data relating to individual Visitors shall be collected, processed, stored and used securely and in accordance with relevant data protection laws. The Visitors consent to the collection, processing, storing and use of their personal data to enable the Carrier to perform its services to DQ during the Voyage and DQ to provide access to the Visitors. This may include providing the Visitors details to Governments, immigration, port state control, police, flag state and other competent authorities and or as may be required by law. In the case of emergencies, the Visitors consent to the Carrier providing personal data to shore side doctors, next of kin, the Carrier’s insurers and advisors and the Visitors medical insurers. Personal data shall only be kept for as long as is necessary or required by law.

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MSC World Europa Sails to Qatar to Receive Guests of World Cup 2022

Geneva, October 31 (QNA) - MSC Cruises announced today, the sailing of its latest ship, MSC World Europa, to the State of Qatar in preparation for its naming ceremony, which will take place in Doha on November 13, in preparation for the reception of fans in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The new ship is a modern floating hotel, consists of 22 floors with a width of 47 meters and includes 2,626 cabins and more than 40,000 square meters of public space.

The ship keeps pace with the latest modern standards in technology and environmentally friendly practices, and is expected to reshape the future of cruise ships with an experience full of diverse recreational options.

The ship has a 104 meter outdoor walkway, and it will take its guests on a tour in which they will discover different foods and drinks from around the world through 33 restaurants and lounges, each with its own character. It will also provide entertainment activities for all ages, including 3 new concerts, 5 new theater performances, 4 unique experiences in the "Panorama Lounge", and live performances traveling in various areas on board the ship.

The floating hotel includes the largest children's area compared to all the ships of the MSC fleet, with an internal area of more than 766 square meters, and 7 rooms, each suitable for different age groups, from birth to 17 years old. Children and adolescents will enjoy various entertainment programs including new and old games as well as talents programs, delivered in facilities equipped with the latest technology.

The ship offers 7 swimming pools, 13 whirlpools, and the most luxurious yacht club, which includes public spaces, outdoor areas and new suites. It will spend its first year in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, and in the summer of 2023, it will leave the region, heading towards the Mediterranean.

MSC World Europa is the first ship in the MSC fleet Cruises powered by liquefied natural gas, one of the cleanest fuels in the world, which is expected to play an important role in reducing carbon emissions from international shipping operations or bringing them to zero, and already contribute to the removal of emissions of local air pollutants such as sulfur oxides and reduce Nitrogen oxides by up to 85 percent.

LNG also plays a prominent role in reducing climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent and paving the way for the development of sustainable non-fossil fuels such as green hydrogen. The ship will include a fuel cell display that will test the technology's efficiency in generating heat and electricity with more than 30 percent efficiency than liquefied natural gas engines.

The vessel is also equipped with selective catalytic reduction, port-supplied power supply, and advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet the highest regulatory requirements in the world, including the so-called Baltic Standard, the strictest standard for the disposal of wastewater at sea.

It also includes a system to reduce the impact of underwater sound to a minimum, and reduce the potential impact on marine mammals in the surrounding waters, in addition to providing the ship with devices and systems to rationalize and optimize energy.

MSC World Europa Departs Doha on Inaugural Cruise

• December 25, 2022

The MSC World Europa is officially entering service this week. After debuting as a hotel ship during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar , the new MSC Cruises vessel kicked off its maiden cruise on Dec. 20.

Marking the start of the ship’s inaugural season in the Middle East, the four-night repositioning cruise ended in Dubai.

The UAE city is serving as the homeport for the LNG-powered vessel, which will offer seven-night cruises in the region, through late March.

In addition to Dubai, World Europa’s regular week-long itinerary features visits to other four ports in United Arab Emirates and Qatar including Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas and Doha.

Before returning to its homeport, the MSC World Europa also sailed to Dammam, an unusual cruise destination located in Saudi Arabia.

Starting in April, the 205,700-ton ship is sailing a year-round schedule of cruises in the Western Mediterranean.

The ship’s regular seven-night itinerary features visits to the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.

First in a new series of four ships known as World Class, the MSC World Europa was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

Now the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, the 5,400-guest vessel introduced several firsts to the company’s fleet, such as its LNG-powered propulsion system.

According to MSC, the cleaner burning fuel reduces greenhouse emissions by up to 20 percent and reduces nitrogen oxides by 85 percent.

On the hotel side, the 333-meter-long ship also offers many new features, including The Venom Drop @ The Spiral – the longest dry slide at sea, with a 11-deck drop.

Other highlights comprise The Promenade, a 104-meter long, seven deck-high outdoor area which opens onto the aft of the ship. In addition to sea views, the space features entertainment, retail and al-fresco dining.

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Qatar hires 3rd cruise ship as floating hotel for World Cup

FILE - In this Feb. 4 2016 photo the MSC Opera cruise ship passes the Malecon sea wall as it leaves the harbor in Havana, Cuba. A third cruise ship has been hired by Qatari World Cup organizers to operate as a fans’ hotel docked in Doha port. It will add much-needed rooms during the month-long tournament. Geneva-based MSC Cruises announced the agreement just six weeks before the World Cup starts for the 1,075-cabin MSC Opera. (AP Photo/Desmond Boylan, File)

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GENEVA (AP) — A third cruise ship was hired by World Cup organizers in Qatar on Monday to operate as a soccer fan hotel docked in Doha Port to add much-needed rooms for the tournament.

Geneva-based MSC Cruises announced the agreement only six weeks before the World Cup is scheduled to start on Nov. 20. The 1,075-cabin MSC Opera will be available from Nov. 19 to Dec. 19.

Prices for the Opera were listed Monday on MSC’s website starting from 470 Swiss francs ($470) per person per night during the group stage, with a minimum two-night stay.

Qatar does not have the hotel capacity for all teams, workers, volunteers and fans at the World Cup and is creating camping and cabin sites, hiring cruise ships, and encouraging fans to stay in neighboring countries and fly in for games.

MSC previously signed a deal with the Qatari government in 2019 to provide two ships with about 4,000 cabins as floating hotels to help house the expected 1.2 million international visitors.

The high-end flagship MSC World Europa is starting work at the World Cup after being built in France.

Prices on the cruise ships fall during the tournament when half the teams go home. During the round of 16 and quarterfinals, the cheapest rooms on MSC Opera cost 320 Swiss francs ($320), then 220 Swiss francs ($220) during the final week.

Basic rates include breakfast on board with an option to pay a 90 euro ($87) daily supplement for all meals.

Alcohol is expected to be available on board with MSC offering wine and draft beer.

Qatar is a Muslim-majority country that typically limits the consumption of alcohol to luxury hotels but has eased its rules for FIFA’s commercial partners, including the corporate hospitality provider at stadiums and World Cup sponsor AB InBev, the brewer of Budweiser.

The MSC Opera had its maiden voyage in 2004 and had an eventful sailing season three years ago.

In March 2019, passengers suspected of smuggling 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of cocaine hidden in bowls and packets of snacks were arrested when the ship docked at the Portuguese island of Madeira after sailing from the Caribbean.

Three months later, the Opera collided with a tourist boat and its dock in Venice, Italy.

Cruise ships were discussed ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as a potential solution to a shortage of hotel rooms in Rio de Janeiro. They were ultimately not hired by organizers, with only seven of the 64 games held in the city.

However, the United States basketball teams did stay on a cruise ship docked in Rio at the 2016 Olympics. A second ship was used as a hotel for Olympic stakeholders.

AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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