I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the MSC World Europa, a stunning ship that boasts a capacity of 5,000 passengers and 2,000 staff. As a travel enthusiast, I was excited to explore this behemoth vessel and experience all it had to offer.
From the moment I stepped foot on the ship, I knew I was in for a treat. The journey and embarkation were smooth and hassle-free, and I was immediately impressed by the attention to detail and organization of the staff.
As I made my way to my accommodations, I couldn’t help but admire the ship’s impressive size and grandeur. Over the course of my journey, I had the opportunity to sample the ship’s food and drink, explore its many facilities, and take part in some exciting excursions.
In this review, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on all of these aspects and more, offering a comprehensive look at what it’s like to sail on the MSC World Europa.
- Impressive embarkation process with hardly any queues
- Large interactive screens and MSC 4 ME app for daily activities and booking shows or excursions
- Abundance of food options including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and cookies
- Plenty of pools and hot tubs on board, as well as water park with four slides.
Journey and Embarkation
I was amazed by the views of Middle Eastern cities during the short transfer from Manchester to Qatar. The impressive skyline of towering buildings and bustling streets made for a great start to the journey.
But what really stood out to me was the efficiency of the transfer process. In less than half an hour, we were already on the ship, ready to start our adventure.
The embarkation process was equally impressive. There were hardly any queues, and we were guided smoothly through the process by the friendly staff. I was impressed by how organized everything was, and it really set the tone for the rest of the trip.
The views from the transfer to the ship were amazing, and the efficient embarkation process made the start of the journey even more enjoyable.
Ship Details
The MSC World Europa boasts an impressive size, hosting 5,000 passengers and 2,000 staff. The ship is crafted with intricate details and modern design elements. One unique feature is the lift system, which guides passengers to the quickest arriving cab for efficient transportation. The ship also has large interactive screens and the MSC 4 ME app for daily activities and booking shows or excursions. For entertainment, there are multiple places to get a drink, including high-end bars such as the Champagne bar and Tea Saloon. However, some of the on-board activities such as the F1 simulator and arcade games come at an expensive price.
The ship’s pool decks are impressive, featuring plenty of pools and hot tubs, an indoor pool area with entertainment, and a water park with four slides. The ship has a variety of food options, from complimentary breakfast at the Hexagon restaurant to evening meals at La Foglia. The buffet restaurants are open from 6 am until 2 am, offering an abundance of food options including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and cookies. Overall, the ship’s attention to detail and decor are impressive, making for an enjoyable cruise experience.
Accommodation and Packages
Looking for a comfortable and convenient accommodation package for your upcoming cruise? Have you considered the Fantastica package on the MSC World Europa?
I had the pleasure of staying in a cabin on deck 11 with a balcony and sea view, as part of this package. It was a great choice for my family and me, as it included pre-booked cabins and dinner sitting.
However, it’s important to note that a Premium Drinks package is required for all passengers in the cabin, even if some don’t drink. The price of drinks on board can be quite expensive, but with any drink 13 euros and under included in the package, it was worth it.
One downside was the TV in the room, which had limited channels. I also missed having a kettle in the room, but overall, the cabin was comfortable and had all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay.
Food and Drink
As a passenger on the MSC World Europa, I thoroughly enjoyed the abundance of cuisine options available on board. The buffet restaurants served a range of dishes from around the world, open from 6 am until 2 am.
The complimentary breakfast at Hexagon restaurant and evening meal at La Foglia were also delicious. I particularly enjoyed the pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and cookies that were always available.
The premium drinks package was required for all passengers in our cabin, but it allowed us to enjoy unlimited drinks throughout the day from the high-end bars on board, including the Champagne bar and Tea Saloon.
I found the food and drink options on the MSC World Europa to be of high quality, and I appreciated the convenience of having so many choices available. The premium drinks package was a great value for the amount of drinks we were able to enjoy, and the high-end bars on board added to the luxurious atmosphere of the ship.
Overall, I was impressed with the attention to detail in the dining options on board.
Facilities
I was impressed with the variety of facilities available on board MSC World Europa. The ship had plenty of pools and hot tubs, which were perfect for relaxing during the day. I particularly enjoyed the indoor pool area, which had plenty of entertainment options. The water park with four slides was also a highlight for me, as it provided a fun way to cool off in the sun.
In addition to the pools and water park, there were plenty of other facilities on board. Here are three that stood out to me:
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The F1 simulator was a fun and exciting activity for anyone interested in racing. It was an expensive on-board activity, but worth it for the experience.
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The arcade games were also a hit, especially for families with children. It was a great way to spend some downtime between excursions.
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The large interactive screens and MSC 4 ME app made it easy to stay up-to-date with daily activities and book shows or excursions. This was a convenient feature that I appreciated throughout my trip.
Excursions
One of the most exciting aspects of my trip on the MSC World Europa was the variety of excursions available. Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or culture, there’s an excursion for everyone. From sightseeing tours to adrenaline-pumping activities, the top excursions on this ship are definitely worth the investment.
Here are my top excursion recommendations, along with a brief description and approximate cost:
| Excursion | Description | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dune Bashing & Camel Riding | Experience the thrill of off-road driving in the desert, followed by a traditional camel ride | $65 per person |
| City Tour of Dubai | Explore the iconic landmarks of Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah | $50 per person |
| Scuba Diving in Abu Dhabi | Discover the underwater world of Abu Dhabi with a scuba diving experience, suitable for all levels | $120 per person |
| Al Ain Oasis & Museum | Visit the historic city of Al Ain and explore the lush greenery of the oasis, followed by a visit to the Al Ain National Museum | $65 per person |
| Muscat by Night | Witness the beauty of Muscat at night, with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq, and Al Alam Palace | $50 per person |
Overall, the excursions on the MSC World Europa were well-organized, informative, and delivered on their promises. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, these excursions are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Overall Review
After exploring the various excursions offered on the MSC World Europa, I was left with an overall positive impression of the ship. As a first-time cruiser, I was initially anxious before the trip, but the embarkation process was impressively smooth, with hardly any queues.
Once on board, I was impressed with the ship’s engineering and attention to detail, as well as its decor. The abundance of food options, the complimentary breakfast at Hexagon restaurant, and evening meals at La Foglia were all highlights. However, there were some areas where improvements could be made, such as the limited TV channels and the lack of a kettle in the room.
Here are some pros and cons of my experience on the MSC World Europa and some recommendations for future cruisers:
Pros:
- Abundance of food options
- Impressive embarkation process
- Plenty of pools and hot tubs on the ship
- Smooth sailing overall
Cons:
- Limited TV channels
- No kettle in the room
Recommendations:
- Consider purchasing the Premium Drinks package, as all passengers in the cabin are required to have it
- Take advantage of the multiple places to get a drink on the ship
- Try out the water park with four slides
- Compare prices from all travel agents to find the lowest price for an MSC cruise.
Related Posts and Affiliate Links
When researching for the best travel deals on MSC cruise ships, it’s important to consider the various packages they offer. The Bella package is the standard package, while the Fantastica package includes additional perks such as priority boarding and a choice of dining times. The Aurea package offers the most luxurious experience, with access to a private sun deck and spa treatments included.
It’s also helpful to read up on the newest MSC cruise ships and their size, age, and class. MSC has several new ships set to debut in the coming years, each with their own unique features and amenities.
By comparing the different ships and packages, travelers can find the best fit for their needs and budget. And by booking through a travel agent with a best-price guarantee, they can ensure they are getting the lowest possible price on their dream cruise.
What is the age range of the majority of passengers on MSC World Europa?
The age range demographics of passengers on MSC World Europa vary, but during my trip, there were families with young children, middle-aged couples, and seniors. Popular entertainment options included the F1 simulator, arcade games, and nightly entertainment at the high-end bars.
Are there any restrictions on the number of drinks one can have with the Premium Drinks package?
The Premium drinks package offers unlimited access to drinks 13 euros and under, with no limitations on the number of drinks per day. All passengers in the cabin must purchase the package, with no additional fees.
What are some of the most popular on-board activities besides the F1 simulator and arcade games?
As a cruiser on MSC World Europa, I enjoyed poolside lounging and culinary experiences. Other popular on-board activities included mini-golf, bowling, and sports simulators. Anachronism: It was lit.
How does the MSC 4 ME app enhance the cruise experience?
The MSC 4 ME app enhances the cruise experience with mobile convenience and personalized services. Real time updates and seamless communication make planning activities and booking shows/excursions easy.
What is the policy for gratuities on MSC World Europa?
When it comes to gratuity policy on MSC World Europa, tipping etiquette is expected but not mandatory. The recommended amount is €10 per day per passenger, which can be adjusted at the end of the trip.