A Journey Aboard MSC World Europa

Cruise Specialist Rebecca Kyte recently went aboard MSC World Europa , sailing the Mediterranean and reviewing her time onboard. Here’s her account of her voyage aboard this magnificent ship:

Whether you’re a fan of mega ships or prefer more intimate ships, MSC World Europa leaves an unforgettable impression. Its sheer size and elegance greet you at first glance, making it a floating marvel of engineering and luxury. With a staggering capacity for 6,762 guests, MSC has expertly crafted a layout that ensures the experience remains spacious, smooth, and free from congestion. But what does it really feel like to explore this massive Ship Here’s an inside look at what MSC World Europa has to offer.

A Seamless Start

Embarkation was seamless, especially for those in the Aurea experience, which grants priority boarding. The moment we stepped on board, the “wow” factor was undeniable. The World Promenade alone was enough to take our breath away. This central area is a hub of activity, beauty, and elegance. The innovative lift system also deserves a shoutout, guests simply use a touchscreen to select their deck, and the screen directs them to a designated lift. Gone are the days of awkwardly waiting or stopping at every floor!

We stayed in an Infinite Ocean View cabin, a stateroom featuring floor to ceiling windows that we could program to open, inviting in natural light and fresh sea breezes. The cabin was spacious, light, and airy, with ample room for all essentials. While the wardrobe may appear on the small side, it held everything with ease, and the complimentary Prosecco and chocolates set the perfect tone for our first sail away.

Dining Delights

MSC World Europa has an impressive array of dining options, with 33 bars and restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. Two buffets, three main dining rooms, an American-style diner, and six specialty venues offer an extensive variety to suit all tastes. We were on “anytime dining” and loved the freedom of eating when it suited us. Our go to was Bubbles, where the attentive staff greeted us with our preferred glass of wine. We also tried Hola! for a Mexican and Latin inspired culinary experience. As well as brunch at Hexagon, one of the main dining rooms, which offered an expansive selection of dishes.

The two buffets open and close in tandem, a smart design that prevents bottlenecks. Each buffet has themed serving stations with global selections, there was truly something for every craving. Not once did we experience a meal that didn’t live up to expectations!

Unique Bars on Board

MSC World Europa has some standout drinking destinations, whether or not you’re looking for alcohol. Some must visit spots include:

• Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café: A haven for chocolate and coffee lovers.
• Zest Juice Bar: Perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up.
• Coffee Emporium: Ideal for the coffee connoisseur.
• Raja Polo Tea House: Not just tea, but an afternoon tea experience to remember.
• Lanai Bar: Located at the end of the World Promenade, offering beautiful views.
• Masters of the Sea: This English style pub doubles as a microbrewery, crafting ales with desalinated seawater, one of the ship’s clever touches.
• Secret Speakeasy: This hidden gem brings a touch of intrigue and nostalgia to the modern cruise experience.

A Highlight of the Aurea Experience

The MSC Aurea experience includes an hour in the ship’s thermal suite, a favourite of ours. We were able to indulge in a range of facilities, including a plunge pool, rainfall shower, salt bed, snow room, steam room, and a sauna with sea views. Booking time slots is recommended, but despite a fully booked ship, we had no trouble securing our sessions. The spa offers a variety of treatments, often with excellent daily deals, making it an ideal escape on sea days.

Show Stopping Entertainment

The entertainment on MSC World Europa is world class. We were particularly impressed by the “Amelia” production, a show that set the bar high for onboard performances. Other standouts included a Coldplay tribute, a lively silent disco, a White Night deck party, and the vibrant Symphonic Ibiza. Each show and event brought something unique, and our evenings were as eventful as our days.

Family Friendly Fun

Families won’t run out of activities on World Europa. Standard cruise amenities like pools, hot tubs, and a casino are enhanced by features like an arcade, a water park, bumper cars, and even a 5D cinema.

Pro-tip: Register for the water park and slides as soon as you board to avoid any wait times. Additionally, purchasing a Fun Pass in advance saves around 20%.

Memorable Excursions

Our itinerary included a day trip to Portofino, a well priced, well organised excursion that allowed us to experience the charm of Italy’s coastal towns. For those exploring Marseille, the ship offers a convenient shuttle for a small fee, making independent sightseeing easy and affordable.

One of the ship’s best features is the two deck Botanic Garden Pool. Complete with a retractable roof, whirlpool, tropical bar, and a comfortable lounging area, this space is an ideal place to unwind and take in the sea views. From top to bottom, MSC World Europa is a study in elegance, innovation, and thoughtful design.

With MSC World Europa, cruising feels less like a journey and more like a grand experience on a “floating city.” The ship combines all the charms of the Mediterranean lifestyle with the finest in modern hospitality, making it a must try for anyone seeking luxury at sea.