Review: MSC World Europa

What is the line? MSC

Name of ship? MSC World Europa

Passenger occupancy? 6,762

Itinerary? Doha, Qatar

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

European cruise line MSC might not yet have the brand recognition of some of its U.S.-based competitors—at least to the North American audience—but its large ships bring all the at-sea fun you’d come to expect from the big names. Where MSC stands apart is its international following. Onboard, it’s not uncommon to hear passengers speaking numerous languages, as they hail from all over the world.

Tell us about the ship in general 

MSC World Europa, which launched in December 2022, is the cruise line’s largest ship to date, carrying nearly 7,000 passengers at maximum capacity. And it has plenty of amenities for all, from 33 bars and restaurants to a Formula 1 simulator to the world’s tallest dry slide at sea. So, yes, this ship very much feels like a floating city—but it marks a new era in MSC’s quest to achieve zero emissions. MSC World Europa is the first ship in the fleet to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), an alternative fuel that has fewer carbon emissions than other fossil fuels. (It does, however, have high methane emissions.) But what’s more, MSC World Europa is a testing ground for a new type of electrochemical fuel cell that’s 25 to 30 percent more efficient than combustion engines. If the trial succeeds, this low-emission cell could be used to power the ship’s electrical and heating systems. The ship is also notable for its futuristic design inside and out, from the LED “sky screens” on the ceiling of the main indoor promenade to a Y-shaped stern that creates an open-air promenade and more space for exterior cabins.

Who is onboard?

MSC is a family-friendly cruise line that caters to international guests—Europeans, primarily, but there’s a growing North American clientele, too. You might find couples and groups of friends onboard, too, as there are plenty of adult activities, like an onboard brewery.

Describe the cabins

There are 19 cabin types on MSC World Europa. I stayed in a Deluxe Balcony Aurea cabin, a mid-tier room type that was on the smaller side, with a bed, sofa, and a balcony. The decor was minimal and a bit bland compared to the high-design public areas, with upholstery in shades of brown. I did, however, find the shower in the bathroom to be rather spacious. If I were to travel on the ship again, I’d book a cabin in the Yacht Club, MSC’s upscale ship-within-a-ship concept. Yacht Club guests reside in an exclusive area on the ship that includes a private pool deck, a restaurant, and a bar.

Tell us about the crew 

There are more than 1,400 crew members onboard MSC World Europa, and while it's impossible to meet them all, I found service to be stellar across the board. Because the ship is so large, don’t expect extremely personalized service (except in the yacht club). But do expect friendly and knowledgeable staff all throughout the ship.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Dining is a highlight onboard MSC World Europa, which has a varied array of venues to cater to all palates. There are several buffets, including a 24-hour American-style fast-food spot for night owls, as well as three main dining rooms. But it’s the six specialty dining venues that deserve the accolades: a steakhouse, a cantina, a seafood grill, a teppanyaki grill, a sushi bar, and a farm-to-table eatery. As I was on a preview “sailing” for the ship’s naming ceremony—we remained docked in Doha, Qatar, for the duration of the trip—we didn’t have time to experience each restaurant in its entirety, but we did do an around-the-world tasting of bites, and I was impressed by each venue. I did have a full dinner at Chef’s Garden Kitchen, where onboard hydroponic gardens provide the microgreens for the Nordic-inspired menu, which was devised by chef Niklas Ekstedt, whose restaurant in Stockholm earned a Michelin star. My favorite dish here was dessert: a flavorful almond cake dusted with dehydrated mint sorbet.

I also found MSC World Europa’s beverage scene to be rather impressive, catering to all palates just like the restaurants. Brewmaster Teo Musso uses seawater in the beers brewed onboard the ship and served in the British pub; the mixology bar has a remarkable resort-like outdoor seating area; and the gourmet coffee bar and South Asian–style tea house caters to those seeking an elegant caffeine fix. And that’s not to mention the other offerings like the gin bar, the Champagne bar, and the juice bar.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

Yes, and it’s a must-visit. The thermal circuit onboard MSC World Europa might just be the finest at sea, between its plunge pools, salt room, and snow room, among many other amenities. I also enjoyed my Balinese massage, and you can also book standard salon treatments, too.

Activities and entertainment 

You won’t be bored on this ship. With standard amenities like pools, hot tubs (14 of them!), a casino, and an arcade, as well as more unique ones, like the aforementioned world’s tallest dry slide at sea and Formula 1 simulator, a water park, bumper cars, and a roller rink, there’s plenty to do onboard. There are also numerous shows in the various performance venues, including the  Luna Park Arena, the World Theatre, and the Panorama Lounge—in the latter, I watched a sultry Latin dance show.

How was the experience for families? 

The Family Zone takes up a significant portion of deck 18, and it comprises sections for different age groups, ranging from babies to teens. This is also where you’ll find the Formula 1 simulator, as well as an entire room dedicated to LEGO.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

Though my experience on MSC World Europa was limited to one port—Doha, Qatar—for a preview “sailing,” the ship is currently sailing itineraries in the Middle East, calling at ports like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Dammam, Saudi Arabia. I did take one excursion: a short half-day tour of Doha. It was a pretty typical cruise excursion that combined a bus ride with brief walking tours of tourist highlights.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

Fans of mega-ships won’t want to miss this over-the-top experience.