A Modern Mediterranean Escape
This November, I joined an exclusive industry famil aboard MSC World Europa — MSC Cruises’ flagship of innovation and style. Sailing round-trip from Barcelona, our 7-day journey took us through the best of the Mediterranean: France, Italy, and Malta.
The ship itself is a masterpiece — sleek, contemporary, and powered by LNG for cleaner, more sustainable cruising. It’s the kind of vessel that instantly impresses, from the multi-deck promenade to the vibrant restaurants and lounges that come alive each evening.
Life On Board: Diamond Status and Balcony Views
Thanks to MSC’s generous status match program, my existing loyalty was recognised with Diamond status — unlocking exclusive access and perks throughout the voyage.
My balcony cabin quickly became a retreat between port days. Spacious and bright, it featured a comfortable lounge, smart storage, and both EU and US power outlets and 4 USB-A ports (a rare convenience). Morning coffees overlooking the sea became a daily ritual — the perfect way to start each day.
Dining: Global Flavours, Local Touches
Dining on MSC World Europa was one of the standout highlights. We sampled four of the ship’s specialty venues — each offering something unique:
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Teppanyaki: Theatrical dining and standout wagyu, lobster, and scallops.
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Chef’s Garden Kitchen: Innovative dishes crafted by a hatted Swedish chef — fresh, balanced, and beautifully presented.
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The Butcher’s Cut: Excellent steakhouse experience with a rich tomato soup and indulgent desserts.
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Hola! Mexican Cantina: Fun atmosphere, though not as strong on flavour as the others.
Our main dining venue, Bubbles Restaurant, delivered consistently great food and even better service. The team went above and beyond when both Bron and I celebrated our birthdays onboard — complete with cakes and champagne. 🎂
Pools, Hot Tubs & Hidden Corners
The Botanic Garden Pool, set beneath a glass dome, was one of the ship’s architectural showpieces — though often busy with families. It housed four hot tubs (two large, two small), but take note the chlorine levels could be intense.
Out on Decks 19 and 20 were four open-air hot tubs which offered endless sea views and the perfect sunset atmosphere. With a cocktail in hand, it was pure Mediterranean magic.
For something truly hidden, we were invited to the Speakeasy Bar — accessible only through a red London phone booth and a secret number on a rotary phone. Inside, live jazz, velvet armchairs, and expertly crafted cocktails made it one of the most unique venues I’ve ever experienced at sea.
Yacht Club: Luxury Above It All
We also toured the MSC Yacht Club, MSC’s ship-within-a-ship concept offering private dining, an exclusive sundeck, and personalised butler service. It’s ideal for travellers seeking luxury and privacy while still enjoying the energy and entertainment of a larger ship.
Shore Excursions: From Provence to Volcanoes
Each port brought a new highlight — some perfectly smooth, others delightfully unpredictable:
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Aix-en-Provence: A relaxed walking tour with a friendly, informative guide. Plenty of time to explore the markets and enjoy a coffee in the square.
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Portofino: Rain, fogged bus windows, and a broken air-conditioner made for a rocky start — but sunshine, pizza, and pastel harbours soon turned it around.
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Naples: I explored solo — pizza at Da Michele (150 years of history), olive oil shopping, gelato, and introducing a new friend from Puerto Rico to her first limoncello.
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Mount Etna: I skipped the crater walk and went solo up the cable car to 2,500 m — breathtaking views above the clouds and one of the best decisions of the trip.
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Malta: A scenic harbour cruise through Valletta capped off the journey, though the wine tasting that followed could use a rethink!
Each destination delivered its own character and charm — a reminder of how rewarding Mediterranean cruising can be.
Entertainment & Experiences
MSC World Europa keeps guests entertained from morning to midnight. The main theatre shows rivalled anything you’d find on land, and the VR Zone and 5D experiences were surprisingly addictive. I even braved the Venom Drop, the ship’s ten-storey stainless-steel slide that twists through multiple decks — a must-try for thrill-seekers.
Final Thoughts
My famil aboard MSC World Europa was everything I love about travel — culture, connection, and a touch of luxury at every turn. The ship is a floating world of possibilities, where Michelin-level dining meets family-friendly fun, and where hidden gems like the Speakeasy Bar remind you how creative cruising can be.
If the Mediterranean has been calling your name, MSC World Europa might just be the perfect way to answer it.
If you’d like to dive deeper into the trip, you can follow the full route, photos and daily notes here 👉 Polar Steps