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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.
There she goes: The £1bn luxury cruise ship that will reportedly host England’s WAGs during the World Cup in Qatar has departed for Doha, it has been reported
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.
Banned: But while the football stars’ wives and girlfriends will be picking up the luxuries of the posh ship, it’s said players won’t be allowed on board as they’ll form their own strict Covid bubble elsewhere (Harry Maguire and Fern Hawkins pictured)
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.
Voyage: The maiden voyage of the MSC World Europe was seen on Wednesday passing through the Suez Canal
Divorced: With their families aboard the ship, the players find themselves in a strict Covid bubble while staying at the Souq Al Wakra hotel in 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.
Luxury living: 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
Stunning: The £1 billion cruise ship features beauty salons, boutiques, six pools, 14 jacuzzis overlooking the ocean and the longest dry slide at sea called The Venom Drop
Fun: Guests have an exciting time at The Venom Drop
Wow: The cruise ship has a huge theater to entertain the WAGs on board
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.
Making it happen: Model Anna Modler, 24, who is in a relationship with defender Eric Dier, 28, is said to be among those planning to stay on the luxury cruise ship
Fun: Another WAG who will be living aboard the MSC World Europa for a month is flight attendant Georgina Irwin, 26, who is engaged to goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, 24
Wife: Fern Maguire, 27 – 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
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.
Epic! A Sportplex zone offers bumper cars and even a roller disco track, so plenty of opportunities for fun
Luxury: MSC World Europe boats a chic casino
Bottom’s up: In addition to 13 restaurants and bars, the cruise ship offers a microbrewery and mixology classes at the Elixir gin bar
What a treat: Qatar has strict alcohol rules, but as the MSC World Europe is ‘off-shore’, those on board can drink champagne without fear of legal repercussions
“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.
Awesome: The liner has a basketball court, should the WAGs want to work up a sweat
Wow: A cafe on the cruise ship has a chocolate sculpture of Laeeb as the official mascot for this year’s Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup