ONBOARD MSC WORLD EUROPA — Inaugurated in 2022, the MSC World Europa is the first ship in MSC’s World class and the first to use liquefied natural gas, along with a host of other technologies and practices aimed at minimizing its environmental impact.

Based year-round in the Mediterranean, it is also MSC’s largest ship. There are 2,626 cabins (with capacity for 6,762 passengers), 22 decks, and more than 30 bars and dining venues, not to mention other experiences and entertainment options.

As soon as you board, you feel almost dizzy from the size of the ship and the central space – the World Galleria – which features a multitude of restaurants, bars, arcades, theatres, and shops on three levels, topped with a LED-lit vault.

You reconnect with the sea and the feeling of being on a ship when you arrive at the rear. Among its most original features, the ship’s stern (Y-shaped) opens onto a long outdoor promenade (on deck 8), lined with several restaurants and terraces, dominated by the Venom Drop @ The Spiral slide (11 decks high!), which has become one of its signature attractions.

The Spiral

FAMILY-FRIENDLY, MULTICULTURAL – EVEN A BIT PLAYFUL

As evidenced by the numerous families encountered on board, the MSC World Europa can be a good choice for multi-generational trips.

In addition to activity clubs (for the youngest passengers to teens), the ship has nine pools (indoor and outdoor), water slides, a roller-skating rink, bumper cars, arcades, virtual experiences, and three theatres offering interactive experiences for young people, plus more conventional Broadway-style shows.

Kids Club

This is complemented by an impressive range of dining options: two large buffet areas, several dining rooms (included in the basic packages), and six specialty restaurants, including the Chef’s Garden Kitchen, which offers creations by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt. His presentations are very successful and prepared with herbs grown in the first hydroponic garden at sea. For aperitifs, you can choose between the champagne bar, the distillery, and the pub that brews its own beer.

Chef’s Garden Kitchen, including a hydroponic garden at sea (photo courtesy Nathalie De Grandmont)

A SECRET ON THE SHIP

That said, the ship conceals a secret spot that is very popular with passengers: a hidden bar – a ‘speakeasy’ – not mentioned anywhere in the brochures, and for which you need an invitation.

Special drinks at the onboard (and very private) speakeasy (photo courtesy Nathalie De Grandmont)

Without revealing everything here (the mystery and the way to access it are part of the experience), let’s say it was a favourite of our group, a great idea “that MSC is proud of,” says Marco Cimbaro, the cruise director.

In this space, with about 20 tables, you no longer feel like you’re on a ship but in a 1920s bar during Prohibition, with a small group entertaining guests with swing and jazz tunes, plus vintage decor, dim lighting, and smoky cocktails prepared at the table. It’s original and impressive, and the idea will be reproduced on MSC World America, set to launch in 2025.

“This ship will essentially offer the same design and entertainment options, although there will also be adjustments based on the clientele of this ship, where there will be more North Americans,” says Cimbaro.

A SHIP THAT LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

In addition to its design, MSC World Europa stands out for its multicultural character. “On this ship, English is not the dominant language: announcements are made in six or seven languages, and both our daily newspaper and the restaurant menus and services are multilingual, which passengers appreciate a lot,” says Cimbaro.

He adds: “Italians, Spaniards, and French are the three main clienteles, but on average, there are about 60 nationalities on board. For now, Canadians are not very numerous, but that will certainly change with World America.”

FLEXIBLE BOARDING

Unlike other cruise lines, MSC allows its customers to start their cruise at any port of call, an interesting option for Quebecers who can take advantage of numerous flights serving Rome, Barcelona or Marseille, for example.

Rome

MSC World Europa’s itinerary offered a nice variety of ports of call, from must-see destinations like Civitavecchia (i.e. Rome, an hour away) to lesser-known ones like Genoa (90 minutes from Cinque Terre) and Palermo in Sicily, which is increasingly popular with Quebecers (and my personal favourite).

Palermo

In terms of spectacular arrivals, the prize goes to the island of Malta, where the ship slips past the golden towers and ramparts of Valletta at dawn. It’s a sight not to be missed from the decks or your balcony.

BIG ADVANTAGES

With its size, capacity, and very family-friendly clientele, the MSC World Europa is not necessarily suited for passengers seeking tranquility or high-end experiences (unless you opt for the Yacht Club, see below).

MSC Yacht Club

However, this ship represents a good option for those considering a first cruise in the Mediterranean (a nice itinerary and a starting point you can choose) and for those who want to enjoy a multi-generational trip.

Moreover, MSC ships embrace their European character, which is evident with numerous Italian specialties in the buffets, the onboard clientele, and especially in receiving several services in French.

GOOD TO KNOW

Here are some tips to help your clients get the most out of their MSC World Europa cruise …

• In winter, temperatures are cooler, even in the Mediterranean. Some outdoor pools are heated, but few people use them. The same goes for outdoor tables, which means that at certain times, there is a crowd around the buffets. For a quieter breakfast, opt for the dining rooms.
•  With a ship of this size, there is little room for improvisation. It is best to reserve a table at one of the specialty restaurants, and for desired activities, at the beginning of the cruise. Even theatre seats must be reserved (via the app) on the same day or the day before.
• In general, the dining room menu is limited. Those who like variety – and higher quality – can purchase a package including two to four specialty restaurants. The range of packages is quite extensive, both for these restaurants and for excursions (combos) and drink packages.
• There are many young children and sometimes a lot of action, but the ship has quieter spots like the MSC Aurea Spa, the Raj Polo Tea House, the Emporium café, and some specialty bars (whose terraces are also empty during the day).

Raj Polo Tea Room

•  The Yacht Club is akin to ‘a cruise within a cruise.’ Its members have their own restaurants, their own pools, special menus and treatments, butlers, special excursions, and enhanced boarding at ports. “Everything is special there!” says Cimbaro. “To avoid the crowds, it’s really a different way to enjoy your stay. And I don’t think many other cruise lines do as much for their VIP customers!”

For more details on MSC click here. This story originally appeared at ProfessionVoyages.com, part of The Travelweek Group.