£1billion Cruise liner with England WAGs’ sets sail for Qatar- but players are NOT allowed on board

The £1 billion luxury cruise ship that will reportedly host the England WAGs during the World Cup in Qatar has departed for Doha, it has been reported.

But while the wives and girlfriends of the football stars will enjoy the luxury of the chic ship, it is said that players will not be allowed on board as they will form their own strict Covid bubble elsewhere.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup will take place in Qatar from November 20 to December 18.

According to The sunMSC World Europe’s maiden voyage was spotted on Wednesday as it made its way through the Suez Canal.

With their families aboard the ship, the players will find themselves in a strict Covid bubble while staying at the Souq Al Wakra hotel in Doha.

It is said that manager Gareth Southgate is doing everything he can to ensure the coronavirus does not wipe out his team’s hopes of winning the World Cup.

The publication states that Football Association sources have confirmed that restrictions will be in place for the first three opening matches of the competition, and are likely to remain in place for the duration of England’s participation in the matches.

MailOnline has contacted representatives from MSC World Europe for comment.

The partners and families of the 26-man England squad will reportedly base themselves at the MSC World Europa, dubbed a ‘floating palace’, which will be located in the port of Doha.

The £1 billion cruise ship features beauty salons, boutiques, bumper cars, six swimming pools, 14 ocean view Jacuzzis and the longest dry slide at sea, called The Venom Drop, to keep them entertained between games.

A Sportplex zone offers basketball, bumper cars and even a roller disco track, so plenty of opportunities for fun.

In addition to 13 restaurants and bars, the cruise ship offers a microbrewery and mixology classes at the Elixir gin bar.

Strict alcohol regulations apply in Qatar, but because the MSC World Europe is ‘off-shore’, passengers can drink champagne without fear of legal repercussions.

Packages start at £6,000 for the footballers’ families to stay on the luxury liner, with model Anna Modler, 24, who is dating defender Eric Dier, 28, reportedly among them.

According to The sunother WAGs who will live a month aboard the MSC World Europa include flight attendant Georgina Irwin, 26, who is engaged to goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, 24.

Phil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, 22, is said to be among those who have expressed an interest in staying with the Manchester City ace’s family.

Fern Maguire, 27 – the wife of Harry Maguire, 29 – is also expected to move to the Middle East to support her husband during the tournament, which starts in November.

An insider told the publication: ‘The boat is a great place to stay. It’s like a floating palace, which is why many of the players’ wives and families quickly grabbed packages arranged by the football association.

“Because the boat is off the coast, guests can have a drink and have a good time without worrying about breaking Qatar’s strict rules.

‘And many hotels don’t even allow sunbathing areas. But by staying on the boat, guests just relax and have a great time. If England is all about it, it will probably be a kind of funfair on board.’

Gareth Southgate will announce his Qatar squad on Wednesday, October 19, 33 days before England’s first group match against Iran.