Demand high for FIFA 2022 cruise ship hotels in Doha despite jump in price

Demand for cruise ship cabins in Doha during the FIFA 2022 World Cup remains high, despite climbing prices due to a lack of availability.

There will be only two cruise ships docked in Doha’s West Bay during the tournament, representing capacity of 3,800 cabins, capable of accommodating around 10,000 guests.

MSC Cruises is the only cruise line providing floating hotel accommodation during the World Cup, with MSC Poesia and MSC World Europa.

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MSC World Europa is the larger of the two at 200,000-gross tons, making her the largest cruise ship ever to visit the region. After the FIFA World Cup, she will reposition to Dubai, cruising roundtrip itineraries in the Arabian Gulf throughout the winter season.

Fans who decide to book a night on board MSC Poesia can expect to pay at least $179 per night including breakfast, for an inside cabin. However, there is a minimum booking of two nights, so the actual cost would be $358.

However, this is for two people sharing, which makes it more affordable.

MSC World Europa’s lowest cabin category is going for $350, while the largest and best cabin category is $795.

Aboard both ships, the prices include a buffet breakfast.

November 23rd to December 2nd and November 26th to December 1st are already unavailable aboard MSC Poesia and World Europa respectively.

MSC Poesia, although the smaller of the two ships, is not small. She features three swimming pools, spa and wellness centres, a poolside cinema, tennis and basketball court, as well as a dozen restaurants and bars.

MSC World Europa meanwhile has the longest dry-slide at sea, six swimming pools, 14 ocean-view Jacuzzis, a spa and wellness centre, a full retail shopping promenade and several dozen restaurants and bars.

While the price per room remains the same throughout the tournament, the number of minimum nights per stay can increase, the nearer the dates are to the closing stages of the tournament, depending on the choice of room and ship.

For dates around the semi-final, a three-night minimum stay is expected, while for the final and third-place play-off, there’s a minimum stay of four nights.

For the World Cup final, the cheapest four-night stay on board MSC Poesia is $717, including buffet breakfast.

The most expensive cabin for the final is on the MSC World Europa, at $3,183 for four nights ― in a room that sleeps four, offers sea views and includes full board.

Moored at Doha’s Grand Terminal during the tournament, the ships will be situated 10 minutes by shuttle from the centre of Doha, Souq Waqif. The closest World Cup venue will be Stadium 974, less than two kilometres away.