A TOURIST Cruise, MS Europa, is expected to arrive this Monday in Gizo, Western Province.

Provincial minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon Christian Mesepitu confirmed the schedule for the tourist boats’ arrival.

Hon Mesepitu said MS Europa will arrive in Gizo about 7 to 8am and will depart on the same day.

He said about 200-plus tourists are on the boat, and they will spend 2 or 3 hour in Gizo before departing.

He explained that the current preparation of welcoming the MS Europa is well-organised with the Western Province Cruise Ship Committees, provincial government, communities in Gizo and surrounding islands to welcome MV Europa next week.

“We encouraged members of the public around Western province to showcase your handicrafts, carvings and whatever traditional and cultural items you may interest to sale during the Cruise ship visit.

“We kindly asked the general public to help keep our town clean before the cruise ship arrives this coming Monday,” said Mesepitu.

He adds that it is good to see Gizo Town clean and members of the public prepared for the visit.

Europa was awarded “best cruise ship in the world” by Berlitz and Ward-Ranking for twelve subsequent years.

The 650ft-long vessel has shallow draft and can dock in spots where large ships cannot and Europa cruise ship was designed as streamlined luxury vessel. Her design is compared to other luxury ships’ design, such as Silversea Silver Shadow.

MS Europa was built in 1999, it had a casino, but because it was rarely used, a year later was taken out and now the space is used for cocktail parties and meetings. Europa Lounge is the place for entertainment and lectures.

MS Europa also features other bars and lounges, as well as library with Internet access. The swimming pool is rarely crowded (20×75m) and partly covered with dome. A hot tub is situated nearby.

Europa passengers can also enjoy a fitness room, golf simulator, tennis court, shuffleboard and driving range, as well as a deck for the guests who like nude sunbathing.

The ship features a kids’ playroom, though it is a real adult ship. MS Europa Ocean Spa is not big, but it’s well-equipped and offers full services’ menu, makeup and hair stylist, solarium and sauna.
The ship claims highest ratio staff-to-passenger in the industry – 280 multi-lingual, young staff serves 400 guests. The primary onboard language is German, English is second. Most of the guests are German. The British, American and Australian passengers are few.