Welcome aboard the MSC World Europa, the billion-euro luxury cruise ship which is set to host some of the England’s players’ other halves and their families after yesterday’s glittering naming ceremony at Doha’s stunning new Grand Cruise Terminal.
While manager Gareth Southgate, Captain Harry Kane and the England squad, confined to their own Covid bubble, will be sweating it out, training in the 33C heat on terra firma, the WAGs who may include Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, and Harry Maguire’s wife Fern will be kicking back on MSC’s spectacular new flagship.
And wives and girlfriends travelling to the first World Cup to be played in the Middle East, will find more than enough to keep them entertained on board the 22-deck high, 1,092ft long, 6,762-passenger floating palace.
For a starters, the ship’s 20 bars and lounges means there’s plenty of places to have that celebratory drink, whatever your tipple.
From the Masters of the Sea British pub offering its signature beers from the onboard micro-brewery to The Gin Project where guests can mix their own cocktails from a menu of over 70 craft gins, or break open a bottle of bubbly at Fizz Champagne Bar.
There’s a choice of 13 dining venues including six specialty restaurants including new eatery La Pescaderia which also offers Mediterranean mezze alongside a variety of seafood dishes.
Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt is at the helm of the new Chef’s Garden Kitchen using micro herbs and salad leaves grown in what is claimed to be the first hydroponic garden at sea.
For Latin American street food, they could head to Hola! Tacos & Cantina, one of MSC signature favourite restaurants along with American-style steakhouse Butcher’s Cut and Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar.
There’s a chance to top up their tan flopping on a sun lounger at one of the ship’s seven pools including one with a sliding roof or just soak up ocean views, chilling out in one of the 13 whirlpools.
For a spot of pampering The Aurea Spa can meet all the WAGs’ needs from brow treatments to manicures and pedicures - they might even be tempted to splash out on The Ultimate Hydroderm Facial at an eye-popping 219 euros for 80 minutes.
And they can get easily their fix of retail therapy at the World Galleria’s high-end boutique shops of premium watches, jewellery and handbags.
Those in an adventurous mood might brave the terrifying Venom Drop @ The Spiral, the longest dry slide at sea spanning 11 decks and plummeting a dizzy 243ft.
But at the Sportsplex zone they’ll find fun activities such as roller disco rink and bumper cars.
Families will be pleased to know that not only is there a a kids club on board but it’s the largest in MSC’s fleet with seven rooms catering for age groups from 0 to 17 years old.
If privacy is a priority, the WAGs will be checking into MSC’s exclusive Yacht Club.
Described as ‘a city within a city’ with a glitzy centrepiece staircase made up of over 8,000 Swarovski crystals, the Club has its own restaurant, grill and bar, pool and whirlpool.
The Yacht Club suites which provide a 24-hour butler service range from interior cabins to the two glamorous Owner Suites, both offering the same glorious views as the captain will have from the bridge.
Footie supporters who are interested in climate change will be pleased to know that MSC World Europa is the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered vessel in the fleet, and is part of the MSC mission for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
An underwater noise management system will reduce any potential sounds and vibration impact on marine mammals in the vicinity of the ship.
Around 4,000 England fans and 3,000 from Wales are expected to travel to the tournament to support their teams so its good news that MSC Opera will join sister ships MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia for the month-long tournament.
World Cup kicks off on November 20, with the final on December 18.
England play their first match against Iran at 1pm GMT the day after the tournament officially kicks off.
