Napoli 2019 goes into cruise mode

First of its kind Athletes’ Village at the 2019 Summer Universiade

NAPOLI — With just about 8 months to go for the Napoli 2019 Summer Universiade, the competing student-athletes are in for a real treat. For the first time in multi-sport event history, part of the athletes’ village will be housed on board a luxury cruise ship! The majestic MSC Lirica has been confirmed as one of the two cruise ships that will lodge nearly 2000 athletes and officials.

The 901-foot, 65,591-ton vessel will be docked at the Naples’ cruise ship terminal Stazione Marittima through 3-14 July 2019, providing a unique residence to the Universiade delegates just a stone’s throw from the city centre, train station, main stadium and competition venues.

In addition to the quirky delight of cabin living, the athletes and officials staying on board the ship will have access to two magnificent pool decks, a functional medical centre, a fully-equipped gym and fitness centre with unimpeded ocean views and a 200m jogging track atop Deck 13. The spacious spa on board will be ideal for recovery and relaxation.

One of the two main restaurants – either the sophisticated La Bussola on Deck 5 or the informal buffet restaurant on Deck 11 – will function as the main dining hall and serve up a delectable variety of culinary treats.

An MSC representative said, “The MSC Lirica will be a unique Athletes’ Village for the Universiade participants, and we will try our utmost to make them feel at home. We are sure that, together with the organising committee, we will build an exciting and memorable experience.”

In addition to the ships, there will also be hotel and university campus accommodation, spread out between Napoli, Salerno and Caserta in the Regione Campania, to house the 8000-odd delegates expected.

During the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the American men’s and women’s basketball teams had also stayed on a cruise ship, but that was a special arrangement made only for them due to their superstar status.

At the Napoli 2019 Summer Universiade, nearly 4000 lucky athletes and officials will get to call a luxury liner ‘home’ for about two weeks. One more reason to be excited about the countdown to July 2019. Get a feel for the Napoli 2019 on-board Athlete’s Village, with this virtual walkthrough video.