The christening of MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC World Europa will take place in Qatar in November.

The ceremony will take place at Doha’s new Grand Cruise Terminal on November 13, ahead of the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is being held in the Gulf state.

The 2,626-cabin vessel is the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and will be used as a floating hotel during the World Cup, before it embarks on its maiden voyage on December 20.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “MSC World Europa represents the future of cruising, a totally new platform that will provide our guests with an unforgettable cruise not experienced anywhere else before.

“Qatar will continue to play an important role in our strategy to expand our presence in the broader Gulf region as we see greater demand from our guests to visit this culturally rich and yet fully discovered part of the world.”

Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker added: “Qatar has taken important steps to position itself as a world-class destination for cruise passengers and the naming ceremony of MSC World Europa in Doha is another landmark event as we grow this important tourism sector.

“As Qatar places great importance on sustainability, it is fitting that we host this ceremony for such an environmentally focused cruise ship.”