MSC Cruises has offered a sneak peek of the ‘dynamic and immersive’ retail proposition onboard its new flagship, MSC World Europa.

Head of Retail Adrian Pittaway has outlined the USPs of the shopping concepts at each of the three main public area decks of the ship, which will spend its inaugural season in the Gulf, setting sail from Doha on 20 December 2022.

First up is the department-store style Deck 6 Shopping Gallery, located at indoor promenade World Galleria, which is home to beauty, fashion, jewellery, watches, sunglasses, technology, food, tobacco and liquor.

“There will always be something to experience with an ever evolving, digitally-enhanced event plan, which can change dependent on the day, time or port in which the cruise docks, with different spaces and feelings every hour,” said Pittaway.

“This flexible environment ensures that our guests are always able to discover something new and engaging throughout the cruise. A new retail theatre at the heart of the store will allow the retail cruise director to guide guests through different activities and events, including tastings, learnings and seminars.”

Next, there is Deck 7, MSC Cruises’ own-brand shopping concept, which brings to life the company’s World Class category of ship (MSC World Europa will be the first to launch from the prototype) and the onboard guest experience.

This area contains the MSC Shop, Hub and Foundation (featuring fundraising merchandise), and the concept has been designed to capture the essence of MSC brands through different family experiences.

“The MSC Shop will be 100% larger than on Meraviglia class ships with a re-invented portfolio of products focusing on new designs, sustainability and experiences of MSC World Class,” said Pittaway.

“Outside the front of the store will be a new MSC World Experience space to host various events, seminars, workshops and promotions throughout the cruise,” he added.

Lastly, Deck 8 is a luxury indoor-outdoor promenade the aft of the ship dedicated to watches, jewellery and accessories.

“The new stores, including an Omega boutique, have been designed to offer a premium and relaxed luxury retail experience to showcase our finest brands in a truly unique and high-quality environment,” said Pittaway.

Contemporary designs take centre stage with the double-height shopfront and large open display windows looking out to sea creating luxurious, roomy environment.

EXCITING ITINERARIES

MSC World Europa will first set sail in the Gulf on 20 December with a four-night winter cruise from Doha to Dubai.

It will then offer seven-night cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (including a stop at Sir Bani Yas Island), Dammam (visiting Al Ahsa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Doha before heading back to Dubai.

In spring 2023, the ship will depart Dubai on 25 March 2023 for the Mediterranean Sea.

In summer 2023, guests can enjoy seven-night cruises calling the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, and then moving on to Valletta, Barcelona and Marseille.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHIP
MSC World Europa is hailed ‘the company’s environmentally advanced ship to date’, powered by liquefied natural gas and with green technology integrated throughout.

It spans 22 decks, measures 47 metres wide, has 2,626 cabins and offers more than 40,000 square metres of public space.

The ultramodern ship has a roster of features to shout about, including World Promenade – a seven-deck-high outdoor entertainment and alfresco dining space, which features the ‘longest dry slide at sea.’

There are of 33 restaurants, bars and lounges to discover, including two brand new concepts: Chef’s Garden Kitchen (with a hydroponic garden featuring micro herbs, salads and garnishes grown and harvested on board) and La Pescaderia (a signature Mediterranean fish restaurant).

Entertainment venues can host everything from large-scale theatre productions to street theatre. Plus, there’s a roller-disco and bumper cars.

Speaking of fun, the children’s area has been developed in collaboration with Lego and Chicco.

There are seven swimming pools and 13 whirlpools with an adults-only Zen Pool and sunbathing hotspot La Plage.

The exclusive MSC Yacht Club offers a ‘ship within a ship’ concept with a large double-deck sundeck, private pool and whirlpool, plus a number of luxury suites with private facilities.

Elsewhere, there are seven cabin types completely new to MSC including a higher number of suites with private whirlpool baths, compared to MSC’s other ships.