Hydroponic garden at sea, giant slides, sauna, divine massages to pamper the body and mind, DJ disco and more — a different approach for entertainment during the World Cup is by discovering and experiencing the luxurious amenities onboard the floating hotels stationed at the Doha Port.
MSC Cruises Group, owner of the three floating docked hotels, said the capacity of the three cruise ships reach 10,000 beds. There are no open slots for booking this month, according to the Discover Qatar website, the destination management arm of Qatar Airways. “If the dates are not available on the calendar, this means the tours are currently sold out.”
These floating hotels are MSC World Europa, MSC Poesia, and MSC Opera.
Even though football fans are now unable to make reservations, visitors and locals noted that their stay, whether it be a day pass or an overnight stay, was exceptional.
The 16-hour floating hotel day visit costs QR182 ($50) and lasts from 12pm to 2am. Access to the ships requires a Hayya Card. According to Discover Qatar, people can select between booking through MSC World Europa or MSC Poesia, but earlier, the other floating hotel MSC Opera was also included among the options.
“We enjoyed a lot at MSC World Europa, took a day tour and bought a coupon food for €50, which included all we can eat from lunch to dinner time. It was amazing, and watching the sunset from the cruise is astounding,” said Adi from Poland.
Nadine from Canada said she booked the MSC Opera as the MSC World Europa was full. “The fee includes everything, from pool, attractions, entertainment, shows to live World Cup game matches. I parked near the museum and took a bus from there. The experience was superb!.”Annie Jacobo from Switzerland said the day pass at MSC World Europa is “beautiful and has an amazing view of the Mina District, Doha seas, and West Bay.”
Stella from Mexico said she booked the MSC Europa night stay as a surprise birthday gift for her husband. “He absolutely loved his gift and staying at this luxurious hotel is mind blowing. Good thing we have booked it before it leaves after the World Cup.” In addition to its exhilarating entertainment options, MSC World Europa offers 13 dining options, a picturesque Panorama Lounge, a modern Luna Park Arena, and the iconic Kinetic Dome. One can also experience a world of cuisines with brand new concepts, including Chef’s Garden Kitchen, the first hydroponic garden at sea.
It also has a large waterpark, bumper cars and street performances. And with seven swimming pools spread across the ship, including one with a sliding roof, there is also always space to unwind by the sea and pool, deck thanks to the ship’s seven swimming pools, one of which has a sliding roof.
The MSC Poesia has a sophisticated aesthetic that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern ideas. It has a spectacular foyer waterfall to the Zen Garden and opulent MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre with steam room, sauna and divine massages to pamper body and mind.
The ship features three swimming pools, four whirlpools, and a huge poolside cinema screen, as well as all the resort facilities you could want. For kids, there is a designated Stone Age and Dinosaur Play Area, amazing video games, and even a DJ disco.
MSC Opera, meanwhile, is a modern floating hotel and offers luxurious services with a variety of room options, ranging from traditional cabins overlooking the sea to rooms with balconies and luxury suites, in addition to multiple dining possibilities and programmes and entertainment for all ages. The 13-deck MSC Opera can accommodate nearly 2,679 people with 1,075 rooms.