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Cruise ships will be used as floating hotels for 2022 FIFA World Cup

26 November 2019

The tiny Gulf Nation, Qatar nominated for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup has taken some remarkable strides to accommodate millions of fans visiting the country. This is first in the Middle East's history that cruise ships will be used as floating hotels to accommodate guests. The 2022 FIFA World Cup organisers in Qatar confirmed about two cruise ships having over 4,000 cabins. Staying in these cruise ships will give all the visiting football fans travelling to Qatar a unique experience like never before.

The country hired both these vessels from MSC cruises who are the Geneva-based international cruise line company. The ships will be equipped with all modern facilities like spas, swimming pools, etc. to offer guests a luxurious staying experience. It will also have a dedicated playing area for children. Authorities are yet to confirm the rates to stay in this luxury cruise-hotel. The standard rate, however, starts from £599 for one person.

cruise ships for fifa world cup 2022

Hassan al-Thawadi, the secretary-general of Qatar's supreme committee for delivery and legacy (SC) made this big announcement to the media saying:
“We are pleased to collaborate with MSC Cruises to deliver this unique accommodation option for fans in 2022. We are sure fans from all over the world will be excited at the prospect of staying on board a cruise ship, with a fabulous view of West Bay, and fast access to all the stadiums and fan zones.”

The anticipated number of fans visiting the country during the FIFA 2022 world cup will be over one million. Thus Qatar is all set with a sustainable plan to accommodate this additional guest population which is in addition to the country's 2.7 million population. Currently, the nation has a limitation to accommodate so many guests with the existing hotels. It is estimated that around 40,000 visitors need alternative staying arrangements for which these two cruise sheep will be useful. The SC also suggested Desert Camping or Beduin Camping near the FIFA stadiums in Qatar as an alternative staying arrangement in the country.

Since FIFA awarded Qatar to host the prestigious World Cup matches in 2022, there has been a series of controversies. Sometimes, it's regarding the conditions of the migrant labours working to build the stadium or it's regarding the heat as concerns raised by some athletes. However, the upcoming FIFA 2022 matches will be held in winters to give players a comfortable playing environment. Although the World Athletic Championships that were held at the beginning of the year lacked crowds and atmosphere, the nation is now ready to host the bigger event in favourable conditions.

Davies Krish

With a background in journalism and news reporting, Davies enjoys finding surprises and unusual sights in some of Middle East's most well-traveled destinations.

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