MSC Cruises ‘MSC Opera’ will join ’MSC World Europa’ and ’MSC Poesia’ (pictured) to act as cruise ship hotels located in Doha, Qatar between 19th November and 19th December during the FIFA World Cup.
Working in co-operation with Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the 1,075 pax cabin ship will offer a minimum of two nights stay, either booked through MSC Cruises or a travel agency.
‘MSC Opera’ will offer comfort for football supporters with a variety of lounges and entertainment venues, including the La Cabala Piano Lounge, the Teatro dell ‘Opera theatre for evening entertainment, a range of restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming pools and whirlpools located throughout the ship’s nine decks.
In addition, MSC Cruises has revealed that as part of its US expansion plans, the line will position a record five ships to sail from American homeports by the end of 2023.
The line will increase its range of itineraries in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda, the Northeast and Canada beginning in the winter 2023/2024 season.
Rubén Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “Bringing more ships to the US allows us to offer a wide variety of itineraries, adding new destinations and providing more opportunities for travellers to discover our unique international flavour.
“It’s especially exciting to know how many of those guests will experience Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and see first hand how we’ve embraced the island’s natural beauty, and how committed we are to sustainability. Caring for the ocean and showing our guests the true extent of its wonders drives everything we do at MSC Cruises,” he said.
MSC Cruises has also announced that it will deploy its most modern ship to serve South Africa for the 2023/24 sailing season – ’MSC Splendida’.
The 14-deck cruise vessel will be based at Durban from November, 2023 to offer a range of voyages lasting between three and 14 nights to Namibia and Mozambique.
In total, MSC Cruises will operate 35 sailings with ’MSC Splendida’ from both Durban and Cape Town during the 2023/24 season.
Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa, said, “’MSC Splendida’ will take cruising in South Africa to the next level and her deployment further demonstrates our commitment to help drive both the country’s tourism industry and the cruising sector with a resultant positive economic impact to the nation.
“The ship will be staffed by nearly 1,400 crew, many of whom will be sourced and trained locally through our own Shosholoza Ocean Academy in Durban,” he explained.
Photo: John Pitcher
