european cruise msc

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

Come on board one of our Mediterranean cruises, and immerse yourself in the Egyptian, Greek, Persian, Iberian and Roman cultures, just to mention a few. Discover the popular Mediterranean cuisine where olive oil, wheat, grains, fruits and vegetables are always abundant. Whether you're on a romantic Mediterranean vacation as a couple or traveling with family or friends, Southern Europe is a fantastic place to visit and explore some of the most emblematic monuments around the world. Explore the Colosseum in Rome , the Parthenon in  Athens or the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona  and create unique experiences and memorable moments aboard one of our MSC cruises around the Mediterranean. Discover the hidden gems in Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Morocco, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia, Serbia, Albania, Tunisia and Turkey, while on a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea.  Adventure and culture await you. Browse through our available Mediterranean trips and choose from a list of unforgettable visits to the Acropolis in Athens, make a wish by the Trevi Fountain in Rome or savor French cuisine in Marseille . We'll organize everything for you so you can enjoy every moment of your Mediterranean vacation. There's no better time than now to plan your vacation. Book one of our Mediterranean cruises for 2024 and 2025, or treat yourself to a last-minute trip on a Mediterranean cruise with MSC Cruises.

Mediterranean Countries

If you have always wanted to go abroad and learn more about Europe, discover the best of the Mediterranean with MSC Cruises and explore the most authentic Spanish, French, Greek or Italian cultures, among many others. A Western Mediterranean cruise will take you to destinations such as the ports of Barcelona and Valencia in Spain, Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa (Portofino and Le Cinque Terre), Naples (Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento) in Italy, or Marseille (Provenza) and Cannes (Montecarlo) in France, just to mention a few. You can also book an Eastern Mediterranean cruise and visit places such as Venice, Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia, Istanbul in Turkey, Piraeus (Athens), Katakolon (Olympia) in Greece and the Greek islands of Corfù, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Heraklion in Crete. Get to know the cornerstone of our modern culture and explore their rich history and colorful, picturesque streets brimming with culture and activity.

Greece & Greek Island Cruises

Are you familiar with Greece and The Greek Islands? Known for their white sandy beaches, turquoise-blue waters and fabulous greek cuisine, their vast cultural and historical heritage influenced the rest of Europe for millennia. Unsure of what to see in Greece and its islands? Come aboard a Greek cruise with MSC Cruises and discover destinations such as Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible medieval city, the ruins of Kamiros, or the temple of Athena Lindia. You'll also be able to explore Katakolon, the gateway to Olympia which was home to the first Olympic Games and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Heraklion, the location of the famous and mythical Minotaur labyrinth, and capital city of Crete, where you will also be able to visit the Palace of Knossos, the Palace of Phaestos, and much more. Don't miss the magnificence of this country, with world-famous attractions such as the Acropolis and La Plaka in Athens, and also home to smaller coastal towns with charming and picturesque harbors in Corfu, Santorini or Mykonos. Explore these and many more destinations on our Greek island cruises. Enjoy the treasures of each destination. FIND YOUR CRUISE

Italy Cruises

As you may know, Italy holds a prominent position in the Mediterranean, and its extensive coastline offers many cultural opportunities and spectacular views for those traveling by sea. Our ships will take you to the main cruise ports in Italy, and from there, to famous cities such as Rome, Naples (Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento), Venice, Genoa (Portofino and Le Cinque Terre), Messina (Taormina), Siracusa or Palermo, among others. We'll do all this and even more for your Mediterranean vacation. MSC Cruises can also offer calls and trips to more obscure gems like Trieste where you'll find the Miramare Castle, Livorno – the gateway to Florence and Pisa - , or the wonders of Puglia and Basilicata, featuring Bari, Brindisi, Lecce, Alberobello and Matera. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or in a couple's getaway, experience life aboard a spectacular cruise ship while visiting cities surrounded by the turquoise blue of the Mediterranean Sea: immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the different cuisine offered by each Italian region. Every cruise is special experience with MSC Cruises. FIND YOUR CRUISE

Croatia Cruises

Croatia, located across from Italy on the other side of the Adriatic Sea, is known for its many islands and coastal towns which are famous for their picturesque buildings, enhanced by the natural beauty of their surroundings. Choose to cruise through Croatia and discover the city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: enjoy the Rector's Palace, the Modra Spilja Cave, or take a stroll down charming streets with the Mediterranean on one side, and idyllic mountains in the background. If you're looking for a place with a little more bustle, our Croatia cruises will take you to Split, an Ancient Roman town that is now a busy city and no longer resembles a Roman settlement. Explore its seafront cafés and businesses as well as historical sites such as the Temple of Jupiter. FIND YOUR CRUISE

mediterranean-cruise-deals

mediterranean cruise deals

The perfect moment for amazing new experiences in the Mediterranean at the best price is now. Take a look at the Mediterranean cruise deals and packages by MSC Cruises and explore Italy, Spain and the French Riviera, or enjoy delicious Greek food while taking in the breathtaking views of Athens. It is never too early to start planning your idyllic vacation and discover the best Mediterranean cruise deals for 2024 and 2025. Whether you prefer to visit the Eastern Mediterranean and immerse yourself in the streets and history of Croatia, Greece and Turkey, or visit the Western Mediterranean, to sample delicious Spanish tapas or authentic French crepes, we have eastern and western Mediterranean cruise deals to cater to your preferences. Either of these options will take you to some of the most beautiful places in Italy. Enjoy the treasures of each destination at the best prices with the best Mediterranean cruise deals by MSC Cruises.

Mediterranean Ports

Choose your favorite Mediterranean port and venture into a world of discovery with MSC Cruises. Whether you prefer to embark in the Spanish port of Barcelona, the French ports of Marseille (Provence) or Cannes, the Greek port of Piraeus, or one of the ports along the Italian Riviera such as Genoa (Portofino) and Civitavecchia (Rome), MSC offers you a wide variety of interesting places to enjoy during your trip. For centuries, Mediterranean ports have been gateways to some of the oldest cities of Europe, and today you can take advantage of them, and enjoy the treasures of each destination.

VENICE CRUISE

Enjoy a vacation in Venice and discover one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Europe thanks to one of our best Italy cruises. Experience the excitement of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built upon 118 small islands, interconnected by more than 400 bridges. Venice has been a hugely influential port since the Middle Ages, when it amassed great wealth that is now visible in its impressive architecture and art. During your vacation to Venice you can stroll around Saint Mark's Square, visit the city's museums, or go for a Gondola ride. The "Queen of the Adriatic" awaits you: come aboard an MSC Cruise and discover the treasures of each Mediterranean destination.

BARCELONA CRUISE

Choose a Barcelona cruise and experience a city that combines the intricate, winding street patterns of a medieval settlement and the structured avenues of a modern town. This city, known as the "Ciudad Condal" to Spanish natives, is attractive to visitors for countless reasons and At MSC Cruises we organize excursions for you to see some of the famous landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia, the Camp Nou Stadium, or the Casa Milà, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to know more about Barcelona, this is the cruise for you. The port of Barcelona is also a sight in itself: it is one of Spain's main ports, and it has a history that dates back almost 2,000 years. It's the perfect place to begin your Barcelona cruise and treat yourself to an unforgettable vacation.

SANTORINI CRUISE

Are you familiar with Santorini? If not, imagine a paradise on a Greek island with turquoise blue waters and little white and blue houses: the perfect stop for your MSC cruise ship. Enjoy all this port has to offer while on your trip, and experience Greek cuisine and culture. A cruise to Santorini means a time of rest and relaxation among the breathtaking backdrop of the Cyclades, the island group to which Santorini belongs. There, you can sunbathe on the beach, walk among the white and blue streets of its capital city, Fira, or explore the island and its views. Chief among the landmarks of the island is the Caldera, a volcanic depression in the shape of a half moon, which resembles a cauldron. For those interested in history, a Santorini cruise will grant you access to many cultural spots and archaeological museums where you can learn about the people who lived in the Cyclades millennia ago: After all, classical Greek culture was the cornerstone for our modern society.

view all MEDITERRANEAN PORTS

• Ajaccio, France
• Alicante, Spain
• Ancona (Urbino), Italy
• Bar, Montenegro
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bari, Italy
• Bodrum, Turkey
• Brindisi (Lecce) , Italy
• Cadiz (Seville) , Spain
• Cagliari (Sardinia) , Italy
• Cannes, France
• Cartagena, Spain
• Casablanca (Marrakech) , Morocco
• Cefalonia, Greece
• Ceuta, Spain
• Chania (Crete) , Greece
• Civitavecchia (Rome) , Italy
• Corfu, Greece
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Funchal (Madeira Is.) , Portugal
• Genoa (Portofino) , Italy
• Gibraltar, Gibraltar
• Heraklion (Crete) , Greece
• Ibiza (Baleari Is.) , Spain
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Izmir, Turkey
• Katakolon (Olympia) , Greece
• Koper, Slovenia
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Kusadasi, Turkey
• La Goulette, Tunisia
• La Spezia (Cinque Terre) , Italy
• Limassol, Cyprus
• Lisbon (Cascais) , Portugal
• Livorno (Florence) , Italy
• Mahon, Spain
• Malaga (Granada) , Spain
• Marmaris, Turkey
• Marseille (Provence) , France
• Messina (Taormina) , Italy
• Mykonos, Greece
• Naples (Pompeii) , Italy
• Olbia, Italy
• Palermo (Monreale) , Italy
• Palma de Mallorca (Baleari Is.) , Spain
• Piraeus (Athens) , Greece
• Ravenna, Italy
• Rhodes (Lindos) , Greece
• Rijeka, Croatia
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Is.) , Spain
• Santorini, Greece
• Sarande, Albania
• Split, Croatia
• Syracuse, Italy
• Tangier (Tetouan) , Morocco
• Taranto (Alberobello) , Italy
• Tarragona, Spain
• Trieste (Venice), Italy
• Valencia, Spain
• Valletta, Malta
• Venice - Marghera, Italy
• Villefranche sur Mer (Montecarlo) , France
• Zadar, Croatia
• Zakynthos, Greece

What is the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean?

What is the weather like in the mediterranean sea, what countries are part of a mediterranean cruise, where do mediterranean cruises depart from, how long is a mediterranean cruise, mediterranean cruises, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Free quotes. Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Cruise Deals by Destination

Cruise Deals by Departure Port

• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

MSC Cruises Europe Cruises

Based in Italy, MSC Cruises knows how to arrange sailings in Europe. They know just exactly what excursions will excite and which ports are the uncovered jewels of this storied continent. You’ll visit the classic cities like Rome and Stockholm, but you’ll also have the opportunity to discover smaller ports like Tromso or Marseille. On these cruises you’ll find yourself marveling at ancient ruins, wondering at modern traditions and tasting delicious foods that are made with fresh ingredients that come straight off local farms. You’ll have a wonderful time in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe with MSC Cruises as your guide.

Mediterranean

Northern Europe

Things to do on an europe cruise with msc cruises.

Europe is a continent filled with culture and the ruins of ancient civilizations. You’ll get to see varieties of dance like flamenco and ballet, and you’ll visit ruins in Italy, Greece and Ireland. There is also plenty of natural beauty to witness in the old cities of Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Featured below are some of the best ways to spend your time cruising Europe with MSC Cruises:

• Rome, Baroque Tour (Civitavecchia, Italy) Travel to Rome to uncover the beautiful and historical buildings of this ancient capital. You’ll visit the Colosseum, the Bernini Column and Trevi Fountain. You’ll also have free time to explore Rome and try some local food.  

• Waterford (Cork, Ireland) Tour this city famous for its glasswork and see the remains of ancient walls constructed by the Vikings. Then visit the Waterford Crystal Visitors Center to tour the factory and see how sand is transformed into crystal.  

• The Archaeological Site of Akrotiri (Santorini, Greece) A volcanic eruption in the second millennium helped to preserve the Akrotiri’s Bronze Age town. Here you’ll discover that even back then they had a drainage system, three-story buildings and furniture. Then you’ll visit Fira and take a cable car back down to catch your tender.  

• Classical Ballet in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg, Russia) Russians love the ballet, and this Italian dance has been refined and perfected in the land of vodka and czars. This excursion takes you to see a performance at one of the city’s beautiful theaters. After the show you’ll get to see St. Petersburg at night, all lit up.  
• A Taste of Andalusia (Malaga, Spain) You’ll get a real feel for Spanish culture on this tour as you visit a fort and a bullring. You’ll watch a flamenco show too. Flamenco is a dramatic folk dance featuring castanets, and sometimes fans.  
• Krysuvik Geothermal Field & Blue Lagoon (Reykjavik, Iceland) Get some beautiful pictures at Kleifarvatn Lake and the geothermal fields of Krysuvik with its boiling mud pools. Then visit the Blue Lagoon, a mineral rich body of water. Then you’ll visit the Viking Museum to see a replica of a Viking ship.  

Top 10 MSC Cruises Europe Cruises

• MSC Grandiosa 1 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (Apr 2024)
• MSC Divina 15 NIGHT Mediterranean CRUISE Departing From Miami, Florida (Apr 2024)
• MSC Divina 17 NIGHT Mediterranean CRUISE Departing From Miami, Florida (Apr 2024)
• MSC Divina 19 NIGHT Mediterranean CRUISE Departing From Miami, Florida (Apr 2024)
• MSC Grandiosa 2 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (Apr 2024)
• MSC Orchestra 3 NIGHT Mediterranean CRUISE Departing From Genoa, Italy (Apr 2024 - Apr 2025)
• MSC Sinfonia 4 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Venice, Italy (Apr 2024)
• MSC Grandiosa 5 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (Apr 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 6 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Venice, Italy (Apr 2024 - Nov 2024)
• MSC Grandiosa 6 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (Apr 2024)

MSC Cruises Europe Departure Ports

Learn more about your potential departure ports for a Europe cruise with MSC Cruises. Your MSC Cruises Europe cruise could depart from any of the following cities:

Photo Gallery for MSC Cruises Europe Cruises

Browse our photo gallery of Europe cruising photos from MSC Cruises. Explore the continent of Europe in this photo gallery, but remember that the pictures you take on your MSC Cruises European cruise will be filled with many more memories. 

Santorini, Greece

Akrotiri excavation site in Santorini, Greece

Blackrock Castle in Cork, Ireland

Fountain de Trevi in Rome, Italy

Mariinsky Theatre and Opera in St. Petersburg

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

MSC is one of the world's largest and fastest growing cruise lines, operating some of the newest vessels at sea. Their ships are tastefully decorated with exquisite Italian marble and fine wood accents. Guests will find plenty of amenities, including magnificently decorated lounges and showrooms, grand casinos and nonsmoking dining rooms.

MSC specializes in Mediterranean itineraries which showcase its familiarity with the region, both on and off the ship. Transatlantic voyages are also offered, as are itineraries to Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South Africa and South America.

Onboard guests will find a primarily European ambiance and clientele, and cuisine designed for European palettes. To accommodate international clients, announcements are made in four languages. The staff service philosophy is more reserved than what guests might find onboard a North America cruise line, and on European itineraries, restaurants follow the European custom of serving dinner later in the evening.

Keep in mind that the currency used onboard MSC ships can vary by itinerary. Typically the onboard currency in the Mediterranean is the euro. Please confirm the onboard currency with your Vacations To Go cruise counselor at the time of booking.

Officers: International Crew: International

• Ships & Ratings
• Payments & Refunds
• Kids Program
• Smoking Policy

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 18 | Sun 10 - 16

• Book your cruise with our Consultants
• I have already booked my cruise

Don't miss our latest summer deals

Our special offers

OUR TOP DESTINATIONS

NORTHERN EUROPE AND CRUISES FROM THE UK

From the  British Isles  to  Scandinavia , via the  Baltic States , this extraordinary MSC Cruises voyage proposes fascinating and unusual itineraries to explore some of the most remote areas of the planet.

MEDITERRANEAN

Cruising the Mediterranean with MSC Cruises means coming within reach of the best in culture, tradition and monuments that have for centuries enriched its shores. This cruise offers the opportunity to visit and learn about countries and people facing this sea and their millenary history.

CARIBBEAN & ANTILLES

Cruise to the Caribbean , one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world. Drift away to the sound of waves and perhaps indulge in some shopping and a spot of night life in trendy Miami or the mysterious Mexican Costa Maya .

OCEAN CAY MSC MARINE RESERVE

Discover our new and exclusive Bahamian destination: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve . Here you can spend a one-of-a-kind experience on an authentic Caribbean island, while connecting with the natural world, feeling the warmth of the Bahamian spirit and immersing in an eco-friendly environment.

DUBAI, ABU DHABI & SIR BANI YAS

A journey with an MSC Cruise toward Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sir Bani Yas will immerse you in the region's mesmerizing blend of beautiful beaches, record-breaking attractions, and experiences like no other. Uncover the vibrant tapestry of Dubai's lifestyle , and immerse yourself in the world of luxury as you discover the city's opulent malls. Alternatively, soak in the city's vibrant nightlife scene and treat yourself to exquisite fine dining in one of Dubai's beautiful restaurants for a lavish experience.

MAKE YOUR CRUISE EVEN MORE SPECIAL

Dining & Drinks

ALWAYS INCLUDED IN OUR CRUISES

Latest news, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

MSC World Europa preview: This giant new cruise ship will have 22 decks, 6 pools and a record-breaking slide

Have you heard the buzz about the giant new cruise ship under construction for MSC Cruises ? If not, you will soon.

Scheduled to debut in December, this massive new vessel named MSC World Europa is an astounding 22 decks high — four decks higher than Royal Caribbean 's Wonder of the Seas , the current size leader in the cruise world.

It's also 1,093 feet long, which is longer than any other MSC Cruises ship ever built.

Still, despite its great height and length, MSC World Europa won't quite top Wonder of the Seas as the world's biggest cruise ship. Wonder of the Seas and its four sister vessels — Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas — will remain the queens of the megaship world when measured by total interior space.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

After its debut, MSC World Europa will fall just behind them in the rankings of the world's largest cruise ships, at No. 6.

In all, MSC World Europa will measure about 205,000 tons — about 10% less than the five Royal Caribbean ships, known as the Oasis class . However, smaller is relative. At 205,000 tons, MSC World Europa still will be significantly bigger than any vessel currently operated by any line other than Royal Caribbean; this includes such cruising rivals as Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises .

Like the Oasis-class ships, MSC World Europa will be able to hold nearly 7,000 passengers with all berths filled — 6,762 to be exact.

In other words, this is going to be one serious megaship.

Here's a preview of what to expect from MSC World Europa when it begins sailing later this year.

What's the layout of MSC World Europa?

MSC Cruises is taking a page from Royal Caribbean's playbook by breaking down the ship's public areas into distinct districts.

MSC World Europa will have an adults-only "Zen district" and a separate "family district" that will house 10 new kids facilities. There will also be a central interior promenade called World Galleria complete with entertainment, shops and bars.

The public areas of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships are famously broken down into seven or eight separate districts, which Royal Caribbean calls neighborhoods.

Notably, the 341-foot promenade on MSC World Europa will be half-open to the sky and half-covered by an LED "sky screen"; the screen will light up with different displays throughout the day.

One of the signature features of the promenade will be The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, a record-breaking dry slide that plunges 11 decks and ends near the promenade area.

How many pools are there on MSC World Europa?

MSC World Europa will have six pools and 14 hot tubs, making it one of the most pool-covered ships at sea.

The watery offerings will include an Aquapark with multiple waterslides that MSC Cruises says will integrate virtual reality technology. There also will be a family sun deck.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises

How many restaurants does MSC World Europa have?

MSC World Europa will have 13 dining venues, including six specialty restaurants.

Two new-for-the-line venues will be Chef's Garden Kitchen (an outlet focused on microgreens), and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating.

Restaurants that already exist on other MSC Cruises ships will also be featured on MSC World Europa. These include the American-style steakhouse Butcher's Cut, the Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar, and the Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos and Cantina.

In a twist, the ship will have three separate buffet restaurants, each with its own ambiance.

MSC World Europa will also feature a craft beer bar serving brews made on board — a first for MSC Cruises. Dubbed the Masters of the Sea Pub, it'll span two decks.

Related: Don't miss perks through the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program

Other drinking venues will include a cocktail bar called Elixir – Mixology Bar and a South Asian-style tea room filled with perfumes from the East. There will also be a widely stocked Gin Bar.

What are the entertainment options?

As one would expect from one of the world's largest ships, MSC World Europa will be chock-full of entertainment venues both big and small, including — get this — a venue that will host roller disco parties and serve as a bumper cars pavilion (the latter is something we've seen only on Royal Caribbean ships).

These entertainment venues will include:

• A multistory venue called the Panorama Lounge at the back of the ship, which will be home to "immersive" entertainment.
• A main, 1,153-seat theater, dubbed the World Theatre, that'll be the place for big production shows.
• A family-friendly multifunctional entertainment venue called Luna Park Arena, which will host movies, game shows, kids activities and themed parties.

MSC Cruises in September announced the Luna Park Arena would host three concert-style shows — all new for the line. They'll include a "Symphonic Ibiza" show that combines a big-screen orchestra, modern Euro dance music, three specialty artists, dancers, a DJ, two vocalists and a club-style atmosphere. Also planned is a "K Pop party" where partygoers will learn dance routines and sing along with K-pop hits, accompanied by street dancers, acrobats and vocalists.

In addition, MSC Cruises announced the World Theatre would be home to five full-scale theater productions — all also new for the line. One of them, to be called "Yellow Submarine," will feature circus elements based on Beatles songs.

The line also said the Panorama Lounge would be home to four 90-minute music experiences that offer a mix of live bands, dancers, singers, aerialists and acrobats. The dancing on display during these performances will range from samba and tango to waltz, disco and lindy hop.

Does MSC World Europa have a kids area?

Developed in collaboration with Lego and Chicco (and featuring play areas that include lots of their products), the children's area on MSC World Europa will spread over seven rooms and 8,200 square feet. This is more space than the children's areas on any other MSC Cruises ship.

Each of the seven rooms will be dedicated to a distinct age group ranging from infants to 17 years old.

What kind of cabins can you book on MSC World Europa?

MSC World Europa will offer 19 different types of cabins, seven of which are new for the line.

Among them: cabins and suites with balconies that overlook the ship's interior promenade and giant duplex MSC Yacht Club suites with living and dining room areas.

In addition, the ship will have the line's first "infinite ocean view" cabins with walls of glass facing the sea that open from the top down to create a balcony-like effect. It's a concept that first debuted on an ocean ship in 2018, on Celebrity Cruises' 2,908-passenger Celebrity Edge .

Where will MSC World Europa cruise?

MSC World Europa will debut in December in the Persian Gulf with sailings that include a visit to Saudi Arabia — a destination rarely visited by cruise ships.

The vessel will initially sail a four-night Persian Gulf voyage from Doha, Qatar, to Dubai on Dec. 20. Then, it will begin a series of seven-night voyages from Dubai. The seven-night voyages will feature calls at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Doha; and Sir Bani Yas Island. The latter is a beach and wildlife-viewing destination in the UAE that will be exclusive to MSC World Europa passengers during their visit.

In late March 2023, MSC World Europa will reposition to the Mediterranean for a series of seven-night voyages to ports in Italy , France , Malta and Spain .

Eventually, MSC World Europa (or a yet-to-be-built sister ship) is likely to operate sailings in the Caribbean out of Florida . However, such itineraries have yet to be set.

MSC World Europa will be the first of four sister ships scheduled to debut between 2022 and 2027 that will make up a new class for MSC Cruises called the World class.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

12 Best Mediterranean Cruises for Exploring Europe’s Hottest Destinations

Explore the mediterranean on a cruise.

H aving recently completed my fourth Mediterranean cruise, it dawned on me that there’s a reason I enjoy exploring Europe by sea so much: I absolutely love waking up in a new country every morning and getting a taste of so many different cultures, cuisines, architectural styles, languages and historical landmarks all in one trip. Sure, there’s a time and a place for doing a deep dive into a single country or city, but there’s a lot to be said for initially taking a more surface-level approach—especially if it’s your first time in Europe. It can help you decide where you’d like to do a longer stay next time. Another reason to love Mediterranean cruises? The waters are typically calm, unlike in the open ocean, making it a prime location for anyone who suffers from seasickness.

I’ve cruised the Mediterranean on some of the best cruise lines , including a recent Greek Enchantment itinerary on Holland America Line that took me from Venice to Athens via multiple stops in Croatian ports and such Greek islands as Santorini and Rhodes. Though it’s often billed as one of the best cruises for couples , I actually took my dad, and we enjoyed every minute of it. (There were plenty of multigenerational families and friend groups on board, so we certainly didn’t feel awkward amid the perceived romance of the locale.)

What follows are my favorite cruises , based on my personal experience and expertise as a travel writer who has been on 18 cruises (and counting), as well as on user reviews and ratings.

What’s the best time to take a Mediterranean cruise?

Logically, summer seems like the best time for a Mediterranean cruise. But there are a few reasons why this may not be ideal in reality. First, because summer is the high season in Europe, you’ll often face premium cruise pricing due to the laws of supply and demand.

Beyond that, crowds will be heavy in the ports of call during the high season. (The day we were in Santorini, there were four other ships in port, and the line to take the gondola up for those who didn’t book an excursion was nearly two hours.) These crowds can make it difficult to take great pictures or move freely near landmarks, and concerns about pickpockets increase in crowded settings. Plus, you may have a tough time getting into restaurants or major attractions if you didn’t book ahead.

Finally, the weather can be downright miserable in the summer, with soaring temperatures and high humidity making even the most relaxing tours uncomfortable. And if that doesn’t convince you, know that many places in Europe don’t have air conditioning.

My advice after making a few seasonal mistakes over the years? Go during the shoulder season , which is the spring (March through May) or fall (mid-September through October). You’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds, lower prices, more temperate weather and an overall more enjoyable experience.

How we chose the best Mediterranean cruise ports

Mediterranean cruise is a catchall phrase for the general region, but there are many different areas within this 2,500-mile stretch of intercontinental water—and each one offers a unique set of ports of call. There’s the Western Mediterranean, with popular sailings between Barcelona and Rome and stops all along Italy’s boot (including Rome and Florence).

In the Eastern Mediterranean, you’ll find cruises that visit Greece and Turkey. Stops in the Adriatic Sea (the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea and your access to Croatia and Venice) are often included in these sailings.

Finally, some Eastern Mediterranean Holy Land cruises spend time in Israel, Egypt and Cyprus. Some of my personal favorite ports of call include Rhodes, Greece; Civitavecchia, Italy (northwest of Rome); the Croatian cities of Dubrovnik and Split; Kusadasi, Turkey; the French cities of Nice and St. Tropez; the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Valencia; Valletta, Malta; Taormina, Sicily; and Sorrento, Italy. Ready to sail in to your own port of call? Read on for the best Mediterranean cruises for 2024.

Get  Reader’s Digest ’s  Read Up newsletter for more travel, humor, cleaning, tech and fun facts all week long.

Best for midpriced Greece and Turkey

Holland america line’s greece & adriatic antiquities cruise.

With a slightly more upscale clientele that skews a bit older than some other brands, Holland America Line excels at comfortable cruises that hit some of the hottest ports of call in Turkey and the Greek Islands. And while the line has numerous ships in the Mediterranean, the Oosterdam is an excellent choice for your Mediterranean cruise—it holds just shy of 2,000 passengers, and its 2016 remodel makes it a perfectly contemporary option.

Holland America partners with local vendors who offer a wide variety of shore excursions geared toward an array of activity levels, including lunches at the private home of a local family, coach sightseeing tours and walking tours that immerse you in both ancient history and modern culture. Its 10-Day Cruise to the Mediterranean showcases Turkey and Greece, with additional stops in Egypt and Cyprus. And it takes place during October, an ideal time to visit.

• Hits all the hot spots in Greece and Turkey
• The midsize ship is easier to navigate
• Incredibly friendly crew members
• Although it’s not an adults-only cruise , it caters to the over-50 crowd, so there are typically fewer kids
• More expensive than competitors such as Princess and Royal Caribbean
• Smaller ship means fewer dining venues and onboard activities

Best for ultra-luxury Croatian cruising

Seabourn’s jewels of the dalmatian coast cruise.

Here’s a handy cruise tip : Don’t discount smaller ships. They really foster a sense of intimacy. On a Mediterranean cruise with Seabourn , guests experience the best that the sea and the countries have to offer, all with an extremely elevated touch. Allow Seabourn to turn the Mediterranean into your nearly private playground as you explore the Dalmatian Coast, a region along the western edge of Croatia.

You begin and end your seven-day cruise in one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities: Dubrovnik. Surrounded by ancient city walls, it’s possibly the most iconic and picturesque city on the coast (if you’ve seen Game of Thrones , you know just how magical this real-life King’s Landing is). This cruise makes its way up the Adriatic Sea, with stops in beautiful Korcula (famous for its wine-making), Hvar (known for its hilltop fortress) and Zadar (take in the Roman architecture and Venetian gates). Your ship, the Seabourn Encore , holds just 300 guests but has a casino, spa and numerous dining venues.

• All accommodations are ocean-front suites
• All dining and drinks (even alcohol) included
• It’s rare to see young children
• Dress code enforced (no jeans at dinner, even on “casual” nights)

Best for budget-friendly Western Mediterranean

Msc’s cruise to the western mediterranean.

If you’re traveling to the Mediterranean from the United States, your airfare could likely be more expensive than the cruise per person. Still, budget-conscious vacationers will appreciate the overall affordability of booking a cruise with MSC. Choosing a round-trip itinerary from Civitavecchia (near Rome) means you can use the money you save on the cruise to spend a few days sightseeing in one of the most impressive capital cities in Europe. With cruise dates from April into October 2024, you’ll easily be able to select a shoulder season date and avoid the summer rush.

The MSC Seaview handles many of the Western Mediterranean itineraries, and it’s possible to upgrade to the MSC Yacht Club on this ship for an enhanced experience that includes everything from 24/7 butler service and exclusive venues to an all-inclusive package and signature dining. Plus, you’ll hit many of the most popular ports in Spain, France and Italy on this seven-night cruise in the Western Mediterranean, including Barcelona, Cannes, Cinque Terre and Portofino.

• Plenty of Mediterranean offerings for less than $800 per person
• Loyalty club members save 5% on many sailings, so it pays to stay loyal
• Kids clubs for infants through teens for family-friendly vacations
• Low-cost fare increases quite a bit once you add drinks and a Wi-Fi package
• Dress code for “elegant” nights enforced in the main dining room

Best for affordable, family-friendly Italy

Royal caribbean’s western mediterranean cruise.

Who wouldn’t want to see the Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Blue Grotto in Capri, the Grand Canal in Venice and various UNESCO World Heritage sites all on one trip? You can go on those excursions and more on Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise , which heavily features Italy’s most famous landmarks. Plus, you’ll spend some time in Sicily and France before ending in Barcelona—add a few post-cruise days here to check La Sagrada Família and the Picasso Museum off your bucket list.

With the lower price point of this cruise, you might be able to bring the whole family, and there’s plenty on board to keep everyone busy, from surf simulators and ice-skating shows to laser tag and a youth program.

• Interior cabins start at less than $800 per person
• Fa mily-friendly cruise with an onboard rock-climbing wall, waterslides and a teen lounge
• Recently refurbished ship
• Higher-capacity ships may feel crowded

Best for luxury in the Greek Islands

Crystal’s istanbul to athens cruise.

Just refurbished in 2023, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity has all ocean-view rooms and somehow manages to offer nine restaurant concepts onboard. It’s also a great cruise option for people with disabilities—eight of the rooms meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Beginning with a couple days in Istanbul, this impressive 12-night itinerary winds its way through the most beautiful Greek Islands and cities, including Santorini (with its iconic white buildings and blue rooftops), Mykonos, Thessaloniki (guests are treated to an overnight stay here, which is a wonderful way to enjoy a city’s evening culinary scene and nightlife), Volos, Paros, Spetses, Nafplion and Athens.

Optional shore excursions include visits to archaeological sites, interactive farm-to-table cooking experiences, wine tastings and breakfast with locals. A highlight in Kusadasi, Turkey, is touring the ancient city of Ephesus (one of the best preserved in the world) and visiting the House of the Virgin Mary. On your day at sea, be sure to stop by the Aurora Spa for relaxing and rejuvenating treatments that will help you sail through the rest of your busy itinerary.

• Dedicated butler in every stateroom and suite
• Onboard dining includes a venue by Michelin-starred chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa
• The smaller ship can overnight in some ports
• Pricey, and shore excursions cost extra
• Formal nights require cocktail attire (gowns, suits, tuxedos and dress shoes)

Best for shorter Mediterranean itineraries

Norwegian cruise line’s 4-night cruise to the western mediterranean.

Many cruise lines focus on seven- to 14-day itineraries in the Mediterranean, making it hard to find an option if you don’t have a full week or two for your vacation. Enter Norwegian Cruise Line, which offers an abbreviated four-day cruise for those looking to get a quick taste of cruise life. Aboard the Norwegian Escape , which was just refurbished in 2022, you’ll journey from Barcelona to Rome’s northwestern neighbor Civitavecchia, with stops in Cannes and Florence.

With four ports in four days, you can make the most of your sightseeing along the French Riviera and Tuscan region of Italy, allowing time to explore Michelangelo’s David, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Vatican, among other ancient relics and historic monuments. Onboard, there’s a large assortment of dining options, bars and lounges, and a spa with a thermal lounge and snow room (kept at 14 degrees).

• Four-night cruise is perfect for shorter stays
• Offers studio rooms priced for solo travelers (no single supplement)
• Exclusive cabins and elite perks (like butler service and a private sundeck) available with an upgrade to the Haven
• No enforced dress code
• May encounter long lines at dining venues and for evening entertainment with 4,226 passengers
• A la carte fees can quickly add up on an otherwise lower fare

Best for cruising Spain on a sailboat

Windstar’s spanish symphony cruise.

It’s always a good time to visit Spain —there’s just so much to see and do in Spain. That’s why a cruise a smart way to visit. Windstar’s 10-day itinerary begins in Barcelona, taking passengers to the Spanish island of Majorca before cruising on to Cartagena, Almeria, Málaga and Gibraltar. You’ll sail through the Strait of Gibraltar before visiting Cadiz and ending in Lisbon, Portugal. Be sure to spend some extra pre-cruise time in Barcelona and post-cruise time in Lisbon because you won’t have time on the actual cruise to explore these cities.

Take in a Flamenco show, go sightseeing by Segway or enjoy wine tasting on the various shore excursions. One special onboard experience you won’t get with other cruise lines: During the sail away from each port, Windstar dramatically unfurls the ship’s sails while playing Vangelis’s “1492 Conquest of Paradise”—it’s a majestic (and somewhat emotional) moment each day when most passengers gather on deck for the show.

• The Wind Surf is the world’s largest sailing ship (with seven sails and five masts)
• Only holds 342 passengers, making for an intimate vibe
• Fabulous spa with massage styles from various cultures
• Not as many daytime activities or nighttime entertainment options onboard as big ships

Best for sailing on the newest ship

Princess’s mediterranean with france and italy cruise.

Cruise enthusiasts are all buzzing about the newest ship to join the Princess fleet: the Sun Princess . And good news: Now is your chance to be among the first passengers to enjoy this world-class beauty in its inaugural season. During your days at sea, you can fully explore the Park19 activity zone, a top deck space with a ropes course, hang-gliding ride, climbing structure, hammock area, splash zone, recreational court and jogging track. Or hang out at the Dome, which is a pool during the day but a stage at night for acrobatic performances.

But you’re also here to see the Mediterranean, so you’ll need to maximize your time off the ship too. Your cruise begins in Barcelona, with stops in Gibraltar, Marseille, Genoa and Florence before culminating in Civitavecchia, near Rome. Princess does an excellent job with shore excursions, offering everything from pesto tasting in Genoa and wine tasting in Gibraltar to more strenuous activities, such as a bicycle tour through Marseille or climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

• Brand-new ship with all the bells and whistles
• Affordable fare, especially if you catch a promotion
• Expansive spa area with a wide array of treatments
• I wish there was one less day at sea and one more stop in France on this itinerary

Best for small-ship Adriatic and Aegean Adventures

Viking’s empires of the mediterranean cruise.

You may know Viking from its European river cruises , but it has specific ships for ocean cruises that’ll knock your socks off. Its Empires of the Mediterranean itinerary takes you to nine destinations through five countries—Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Greece—for a full immersion in the best of the Adriatic and Aegean seas.

Dying to travel to Greece? You’ll visit the wonderfully underrated Greek island of Corfu along the way, and you’ll have enough time in Athens to see the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Zeus and Acropolis. The fare is steeper with Viking than with most, but you get a lot more for the money, such as free shore excursions and Wi-Fi, covered port taxes and fees, ground transfers with a Viking Air purchase, enrichment lectures, access to the spa and fitness center, self-service laundry, 24-hour room service, and beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.

• Good introduction to the Adriatic and Aegean regions
• All cabins are Verandas
• Complimentary excursion at each port and free Wi-Fi
• No guests under age 18 permitted
• High price point

Best for affordable 10-day voyages

Carnival’s europe from civitavecchia (rome) cruise.

In 2024, Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its offering of seasonal European sailings on its 2,200-guest Carnival Legend . Fans of this affordable cruise line will find many of the signature venues they know and love, including Guy’s Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina, the RedFrog and Alchemy bars, WaterWorks Aqua Park and the Punchliner Comedy Club—plus time to enjoy them during this itinerary’s two days at sea.

For this cruise, you’ll begin just outside Rome in Civitavecchia, then head to Turkey, make several stops in Greece (including the beloved islands of Santorini and Mykonos), wrap up with a few more Italian ports of call (including Naples, the birthplace of pizza) and end back where you started. You’ll be traveling in October, which is one of the best months to visit this region, thanks to mild weather and fewer crowds.

• Get 10 days in the Mediterranean during an ideal month for less than $1,000
• Kids club and teen club, plus an adults-only retreat for some alone time
• Carnival often runs sales with reduced rates and onboard credit
• Charges for extra amenities add up quickly, so keep those in check to mind your budget
• Ship received cosmetic updates in 2022 but could use a more comprehensive update

Best for hitting the region’s top cultural hubs

Oceania cruises’ mediterranean culture capitals, barcelona to istanbul.

Over the course of 10 days in cool and uncrowded November, passengers aboard the  Oceania Cruises’  Riviera will be treated to a trip that covers nearly the entire east-west expanse of the Mediterranean. Beginning in Barcelona and ending in Istanbul, this voyage stops in the Spanish port of Palma de Mallorca; both Marseille and Nice in France; Rome, Capri and Sicily in Italy; and Philippi in Greece.

Tour UNESCO World Heritage sites, sunbathe on the Côte d’Azur, visit Pompeii, stroll the spice market and Grand Bazaar of Istanbul and roam the lavender fields in Provence—you’ll be steeped in culture every step of the way. Onboard, guests have access to hands-on cooking classes, free Wi-Fi, treatments at the Aquamar Spa, a fitness center, a running track and sports deck, guest speakers, shows and afternoon tea with a classical string quartet and pastry carts filled with finger sandwiches, sweet treats, classic scones with clotted cream and English jams.

• Visit five countries in one cruise
• Elegant experience (including a Lalique grand staircase) with gourmet cuisine
• Ship was refurbished in 2022
• Although inside staterooms are affordable, balconies and suites are quite expensive

Most comprehensive Greece voyage

Celebrity’s best of greece cruise.

On most cruises to Greece, you’ll hit a couple islands and maybe Athens, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Celebrity recognized that there are more things to do in Greece , so it set out to create an itinerary you won’t find from many of its competitors: an 11-night Best of Greece cruise roundtrip from Athens. And did we mention it’s priced around $1,000 per person?

You’ll have full days in Volos, Thessaloniki, Rhodes (which has some lovely beaches, including Faliraki, with about 3 miles of sandy coastline), Santorini and Mykonos, along with a day in Limassol, Cyprus’ second-largest city, and Ephesus, Turkey. You’ll end the trip in Athens, where you’ll have an overnight stay, which means you can have a traditional Greek dinner off the ship at your leisure. During your two sea days, lounge by the pool and soak in that Mediterranean sunshine, grab a gelato at Café al Bacio or spoil yourself at the spa.

• See the best of Greece in a single cruise
• Stops in Cyprus and Turkey for extra cultural exploration
• Many kids and teens activities, including youth clubs
• Attractive pricing, but watch out for extra fees
• Ship was refurbished in 2018, but online reviewers say it could use a full remodel

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

• CruiseMapper

MSC World Europa deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

MSC World Europa deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by MSC Cruises deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the MSC World Europa cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on MSC World Europa staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

MSC World Europa (2022-built) is the first WORLD-class vessel of MSC Cruises - the fleet's largest and most innovative ships ever constructed. With the same design are three more liners (sisterships) with deliveries in 2025 ( MSC World America ), 2026 ( MSC World Asia ), and 2027 (tbn).

MSC World Europa cruise ship deck plan shows 2633 staterooms for 5240 passengers (max capacity is 6782) served by 2138 crew-staff. The boat has 20 decks (16 passenger-accessible, 12 with cabins), 13 dining venues/restaurants and food bars (including 3x MDRs-dining rooms, 6x specialty restaurants), 21 lounges and bars, 7 swimming pools, 13 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpools/hot tubs, including 4x cantilevered), 39 elevators (11 of which are Panoramic / glass-walled-floored Lifts in the Atrium).

MSC World Europa decks are named after European capital cities - Berlin (Germany), Rome (Italy), London (UK), Madrid (Spain), Dublin (Ireland), Vienna (Austria), Moscow (Russia), Copenhagen (Denmark), Prague (Czechia), Brussels (Belgium), Bern (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Paris (France), Lisbon (Portugal), Valletta (Malta).

This unique ship has 40,000+ m2 (430,000+ ft2) of public space, 15000 m2 (161,000 ft2) outdoor deck space, 3440 m2 (37000 ft2) main pool deck area, 760+ m2 (8200 ft2) of children's interior complex designed by Lego & Chicco (with 7x rooms dedicated to different age groups), Zen District (adults-only wellness and relaxation complex), Family District (with 10 kids facilities/pools, clubs, playgrounds), Family Sundeck (kids-friendly sunbathing area), Aquapark (with outdoor playgrounds, splash pools, water cannons, 3x waterslides with virtual reality experiences), Teens Sundeck (with a swimming pool and spa pool).

Deck layouts

Deck 05 - berlin-cabins, deck 06 - rome-lobby-lounge, deck 07 - london-casino-shops, deck 08 - madrid-promenade-spa, deck 09 - dublin-cabins, deck 10 - vienna-cabins, deck 11 - moscow-cabins, deck 12 - copenhagen-cabins, deck 14 - prague-cabins, deck 15 - brussels-cabins-bridge, deck 16 - bern-cabins-duplex suites1, deck 18 - athens-cabins-lido-pools-duplex suites2, deck 19 - paris-cabins-kids-top sail lounge, deck 20 - lisbon-cabins-gym-waterpark, deck 21 - valletta-cabins, deck 22 - amsterdam-waterslides-the spiral-yacht club sundeck.

MSC World Europa deck plans are property of MSC Cruises . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

MSC WORLD EUROPA

Welcome to the future of cruising.

We wanted to set a new standard for the cruise industry. As our first Liquified Natural Gas fueled cruise ship MSC World Europa is a huge step forward in that mission. This next-generation power reduces emissions and marks a milestone on our journey to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions operations. Her state-of-the-art design also includes the latest water treatment technology, to purify wastewater, and propellers designed to reduce the underwater noise in respect of marine wildlife.

ITINERARIES

Mediterranean

MAIN FEATURES

Liquified natural gas-powered.

MSC World Europa was the first Liquified Natural Gas fueled ship in the MSC Cruises fleet and features a new generation wastewater treatment system, as well other technology to reduce the ship’s impact on the environment. Another significant step forward in MSC’s commitment to environmental stewardship. MSC World Europa features advanced technology and brings MSC’s fleet a lot closer to our aspiration of “net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions our fleet”. The Liquified Natural Gas-powered engines ensure: - 99% reduction of SOx emissions - 85% reduction of NOx emissions - 25% reduction in greenhouse gasses (GHG) - Major elimination of particulate matter in exhaust

Ground-breaking design

From her stunning silhouette to her signature plumb bow, the futuristic MSC World Europa is as visually striking as she is innovative. Her unique Y-shaped open aft leads to the 104m long outdoor World Promenade , with incredible panoramic ocean views. The promenade also features the record breaking, longest dry slide at sea – the Venom Drop @ The Spiral – an 11-deck high stainless-steel masterpiece, unique in the cruise industry.

Futuristic cruise experience

The future of cruising isn’t just about technology: it’s about the experience too. MSC World Europa was designed to elevate the delights of a traditional cruise ship to entirely new levels. From her sleek interior design to her 13 dining venues to her thrilling entertainment offerings, the onboard experience is like no other cruise ship. Relax in the scenic Panorama Lounge , experience the excitement of the futuristic Luna Park Arena , or lose yourself in the iconic LED dome in the indoor World Galleria.

On-board experience

There’s something for everyone on board MSC World Europa, from the largest waterpark in our fleet, to bumper cars, and our new surprise street performances. And with 7 swimming pools spread across the ship, including one with a sliding roof , there’s always space to relax by the water and pool deck. For families with children, the award-winning MSC kids club features state-of-the-art facilities inside a dedicated area of the ship, with a range of kids’ clubs and tailor-made programs for every age group.

MSC Aurea Spa

Restore body and soul in the MSC Aurea Spa  large 1012 m2, a luxurious Balinese spa on board on MSC World Europa.

Comprising a thermal area, Gym, Beauty salon and Barber shop, it offers a wealth of wellness and beauty treatments to relax, pamper and revitalise you.

MSC Yacht Club

Luxury of a private club, while enjoying access to the myriad recreation and entertainment possibilities that the rest of the ship affords

The best location of the cabins and a reserved area accessible only for YC Members with dedicated restaurant and lounges.

A large private pool area with solarium and whirlpool baths. Dedicated massage rooms and full access to Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa and 24-hour butler service.

This is the MSC Yacht Club , a cruise experience like no other.

CABINS & suites

MSC World Europa is as different on the inside as she is on the outside. All-new cabin designs are available, and the ship offers more balcony cabins than any other cruise ship in our fleet. In total, the ship has 19 different cabin categories, with 7 brand new designs. From the luxury of the Grand Suite Aurea with an included terrace, to the scenic Infinite Ocean view, to our Deluxe Balcony with promenade view, there’s accommodation for every taste – for couples, families, and all other guests.

• Surface approx. 15- 104 sqm, balcony approx. 5- 65 sqm , deck 15-21 .
• Luxury suites with premium interiors
• Some Suites have balcony with private whirlpool.
• Spacious wardrobe Bathroom with large shower and tub (some cabins feature large tub only)
• Comfortable double bed which can be converted in two single beds (on request)
• Interactive TV, Wi-Fi connection, telephone and safe
• Mini bar and Air conditioning

Choose the Suite that best suits you:

• MSC Yacht Club Owner’s Suite n°16002 - surface approx . 104 sqm with large balcony (approx. 48 sqm ),  deck 16 MSC Yacht Club Owner’s Suite n°18001 - surface approx. 78 sqm with large balcony (approx. 65 sqm) ,  deck 18
• MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite with whirlpool bath (surface approx. 51-58 sqm with large balcony approx 42-51 sqm,  deck 16-18 )
• MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with whirlpool bath (Two-deck high Duplex Suites, surface approx . 46 sqm,   large private balcony approx. 28-31 sqm,   deck 16
• MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite (two-deck high Duplex Suites - Surface approx. 46 sqm with a balcony approx. 6 sqm, deck 16
• MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite (surface approx. 25 sqm with private balcony approx. 5 sqm, deck 15-21
• MSC Yacht Club Interior Suite (surface approx . 15 sqm, deck 15-16)

Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club including:

• 24-Hour Butler service and dedicated concierge
• Premium Extra Drink and Internet packages included
• Complimentary Access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA
• Balinese massage package and Specialty restaurants package, available up to 2 days prior to embarkation; 10% discount on all spa treatments purchased on board
• 1 Free cruise change

The image is representative only

Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category)

• Surface approx. 17-35 sqm,   balcony   approx. 7-46 sqm , deck 9-16
• Some Suites have balcony with private whirlpool
• Some Suites have balcony overlooking the Promenade
• Some Suites have setting area with double sofa bed
• Spacious wardrobe
• Bathroom with shower or bathtub and hairdryer
• Interactive TV, Wi-Fi connection (for a fee), telephone and safe
• Grand Suite Aurea with terrace and whirlpool (surface approx. 35 sqm,   large   balcony approx.   37-46 sqm , deck 15-16 )
• Grand Suite Aurea with terrace (surface approx. 35 sqm ,  balcony approx.   25-35 sqm , deck 11-14 )
• Grand Suite Aurea (surface approx. 35 sqm ,  balcony approx. 8-9 sqm , deck 9-10 )
• Premium Suite Aurea (surface approx. 25 sqm ,  balcony approx. 4 sqm , deck 12-14 )
• Junior Suite Aurea (surface approx. 17 sqm   with large private sundeck approx. 13-17 sqm , deck 9 )
• Premium Suite Aurea with Promenade & Ocean View (surface approx. 27 sqm,  private balcony approx. 9 sqm overlooking the Promenade, deck 11
• Deluxe Suite Aurea with Promenade & Ocean View (surface approx. 20 sqm, balcony approx 7 sqm overlooking the Promenade, deck 16

Size, layout and furniture may vary that shown (within the same cabin category)

• Surface approx. 16-17 sqm, balcony approx 3-10 sqm, deck 9-16
• Some cabins have balcony overlooking the Promenade
• Some cabins feature partial view
• Bathroom with shower and hairdryer

Choose the cabin type that best suits you:

• Balcony Aurea (best ship positions, surface approx 17 sqm, balcony approx. 3-8 sqm, deck 10-16 )
• Deluxe Balcony (surface approx 17 sqm, balcony approx. 3-10, deck 9-16 )
• Deluxe Balcony with partial view (surface approx 17 sqm, balcony approx. 3 sqm, deck 15-16 )
• Deluxe Balcony with Promenade & Ocean View (surface approx 16 sqm, balcony approx. 5 sqm, deck 9-15 )
• Deluxe Balcony with Promenade view (surface approx 16 sqm, balcony approx.. 5 sqm, deck 10-16 )

Entertainment

The onboard entertainment offers huge variety and choice for everyone

RESTAURANTS & BUFFET

The ship will feature 13 dining venues , including an incredible six specialty restaurants , between which the Chef’s Garden Kitchen of  Michelin-starred chef  Chef Niklas Ekstedt , that offers a menu which focuses on the natural ingredients and a farm-to-ocean ethos. Guests also have the opportunity to discover three ample restaurant-buffets on board, each offering their distinct ambiance, including a brand-new location open 24/7.

Chef’s Garden Kitchen

The Chef’s Garden Kitchen’s promises fresh and seasonal flavours, taking its cues from nature. Born in Sweden, the son of a produce seller, Niklas Ekstedt began his strong connection with nature and the Earth’s flavours at a young age. Modernising cuisine with art not technology, Ekstedt combines traditional Nordic cooking and preserving techniques with astonishingly creative combinations of rigorously fresh seasonal ingredients.

HOLA! Tacos & Cantina

Les dunes restaurant, la pescaderia - fish market, butcher's cut, pizza & burger, kaito teppanyaki, la foglia restaurant, esagono / hexagon restaurant, la brasserie buffet, msc yacht club restaurant, bars & lounges, masters of the sea.

The Masters of the Sea pub has long been a favourite spot to grab a quick bite and to delight in the extensive beer list, but this will be the first time that it features an onboard brewery. Award-winning brewmaster Teo Musso , who created the Baladin Farm Brewery, has worked with MSC Cruises to create a bespoke range of MSC signature craft beers that will be brewed at sea in the ship’s full-scale micro-brewery.  

Zen Pool Bar

Elixir - mixology bar, botanic garden bar, the lanai bar, surfer's bar, the gin project, tv studio & bar, zest juice bar, raj polo tea house, the box bar, dolce vita bar, coffee emporium, fizz - champagne bar, jean philippe chocolat & café, msc yacht club top sail lounge, msc yacht club grill & bar, {{deckplaninfoheader}}.

{{deckPlanInfoText}}

• 11. Stockholm
• 12. Copenhagen
• 15. Brussels
• 21. Valletta
• Studio Interior
• Deluxe Interior
• Studio Ocean View
• Deluxe Ocean View
• Infinite Ocean View Aurea
• Deluxe Balcony with partial view
• Deluxe Balcony
• Deluxe Balcony Aurea
• Junior Suite Aurea
• Deluxe Suite Aurea with Promenade & Ocean View
• Premium Suite Aurea
• Grand Suite Aurea
• MSC Yacht Club Interior Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Whirlpool
• MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite

B:  Cabin with bathtub  | BS:  Cabin with bathtub and shower  | P:  Promenade view |  T:  Terrace 

• 3rd and 4th beds available in all categories except for Studio interior, Studio Ocean View, Deluxe Balcony With Promenade View, Deluxe Balcony With Promenade & Ocean View, Deluxe Suite Aurea With Promenade & Ocean View and MSC Yacht Club Interior Suite. • 5th and 6th beds available in Premium Suite Aurea.

• Our ships offer the possibility of combining 2 or 3 connecting cabins based on the ship class. Call our Contact Center to choose the best accommodation for you.

Ship configuration, data and descriptions may be subject to change depending on the season and on the destination and must be verified at the time of booking. 

• Gross tonnage: 215.863
• Number of passengers: 6.762
• Number of cabins: 2.626
• Crew members: 2.138
• Length/Beam/Height: 333,3 m / 47 m/ 68 m
• Maximum Speed: 22.7 knots

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

MSC World Europa Decks and Cabins

• 11 Stockholm
• 12 Copenhagen
• 15 Brussels
• 21 Valletta
• 22 Amsterdam
• Click here for ALL
• Infinite Ocean View
• Promenade Balcony
• Suite with Sundeck
• Family Suite
• Promenade View Suite
• Grand Suite
• Whirlpool Bath Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Interior
• MSC Yacht Club Deluxe
• MSC Yacht Club Duplex
• MSC Yacht Club Whirlpool Duplex
• MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Owners Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabins Check

Built in 2022, the MSC World Europa cruise ship weighs 216K tons and has 2631 staterooms for up to 6314 passengers served by 1413 crew . There are 20 passenger decks, 12 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 34 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for MSC World Europa showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

MSC World Europa

LIVE SHIP TRACKING

STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

MSC YACHT CLUB OWNERS SUITE

Floor Diagram YC Owners Suite Cabin 18001

Sleeps up to: 4 2 Cabins Cabin: 839 sqft (79 m 2 ) Balcony: 699 sqft (66 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Click for    

More Info [+/-]

Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, important size information, stateroom cabin perks, more diagrams of this cabin type.

MSC YACHT CLUB ROYAL SUITE

Floor Diagram Yacht Club Royal Suite YC3

Sleeps up to: 4 4 Cabins Cabin: 548 sqft (52 m 2 ) Balcony: 452 sqft (42 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

MSC YACHT CLUB WHIRLPOOL DUPLEX

Floor Diagram Yacht Club Duplex Whirlpool YJD

Sleeps up to: 4 6 Cabins Cabin: 495 sqft (47 m 2 ) Balcony: 322 sqft (30 m 2 )

MSC YACHT CLUB DUPLEX

Floor Diagram Yacht Club Deluxe Starboard Suite YCD

Sleeps up to: 4 3 Cabins Cabin: 495 sqft (47 m 2 ) Balcony: 64 sqft (6 m 2 )

MSC YACHT CLUB DELUXE

Floor Diagram Yacht Club Deluxe Suite YC1

Sleeps up to: 4 130 Cabins Cabin: 269 sqft (25 m 2 ) Balcony: 53 sqft (5 m 2 )

MSC YACHT CLUB INTERIOR

Floor Diagram Yacht Club Interior YIN

Sleeps up to: 2 7 Cabins Cabin: 161 sqft (15 m 2 )

WHIRLPOOL BATH SUITE

Floor Diagram Grand Whirlpool Suite SJ3

Sleeps up to: 4 4 Cabins Cabin: 376 sqft (35 m 2 ) Balcony: 398 sqft (37 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

GRAND SUITE

Floor Diagram Grand Suite SE3

Sleeps up to: 4 10 Cabins Cabin: 376 sqft (35 m 2 ) Balcony: 96 sqft (9 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

PROMENADE VIEW SUITE

Floor Diagram Promenade Suite 4 passengers

Sleeps up to: 4 4 Cabins Cabin: 226 sqft (21 m 2 ) Balcony: 75 sqft (7 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

FAMILY SUITE

Floor Diagram Family Suite S3

Sleeps up to: 6 40 Cabins Cabin: 269 sqft (25 m 2 ) Balcony: 43 sqft (4 m 2 )

SUITE WITH SUNDECK

Floor Diagram Seat with Private Sundeck S2

Sleeps up to: 4 46 Cabins Cabin: 182 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 161 sqft (15 m 2 )

 Accessible Info [+/-]

Floor Diagram Balcony B1, B2, B3

Sleeps up to: 4 1092 Cabins Cabin: 182 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 32 sqft (3 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

PROMENADE BALCONY

Floor Diagram Balcony Promenade View BC1

Sleeps up to: 2 196 Cabins Cabin: 172 sqft (16 m 2 ) Balcony: 53 sqft (5 m 2 )

INFINITE OCEAN VIEW

Floor Diagram Infinite Oceanview OV2, OV3

Sleeps up to: 4 170 Cabins Cabin: 215 sqft (20 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Oceanview O1, O2

Sleeps up to: 4 77 Cabins Cabin: 172 sqft (16 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Interior I1, I2

Sleeps up to: 4 818 Cabins Cabin: 161 sqft (15 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Studio Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 1 22 Cabins Cabin: 118 sqft (11 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

MSC World Europa Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

MSC World Europa Quick Stats

Big picture msc world europa decks.

Opens in new window (warning: large file)

MSC World Europa Links

• PDF of all the decks
• PDF (choose your own decks)
• MSC World Europa DECK DRAG
• MSC World Europa Cabin Check

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

More From Forbes

How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

Gervonta Davis’ Next Fight: ‘Tank’ Has An Opponent For His Return

Warner bros reveals 115 million investment in harry potter attraction, how the dallas mavericks can win their series with the los angeles clippers.

The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

• +31 20 509 1000
• River cruise

Sea cruise calendar

The sea cruise calendar lists all the information about the arrival and departure of the cruise ships at Cruise Port Amsterdam

The terminal of Cruise Port Amsterdam is an all year round destination. In this calendar you’ll find all the information regarding the arrival and departure dates.

The times of arrival and departure are specified by the agent as a guideline, this is not fixed and could be changed at any time. Cruise Port Amsterdam attempts to keep the calendar up to date. However you should always check, the most up to date information with your booking agency, before departure.

No data available

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 09 Feb

08:00 - 07:30 uur Departure: 24 Feb

08:30 - 20:00 uur

Viking Saturn

08:00 - 18:00 uur

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 02 May

Norwegian Star

06:00 - 17:00 uur

Celebrity Silhouette

08:30 - 07:30 uur Departure: 06 May

Norwegian Prima

10:00 - 19:00 uur

Norwegian Getaway

11:00 - 18:30 uur

07:00 - 17:45 uur

Jewel of the Seas

07:00 - 16:00 uur

08:00 - 19:00 uur

Viking Mars

06:00 - 15:30 uur

Viking Star

Celebrity Apex

Norwegian Dawn

11:00 - 21:00 uur

07:00 - 19:00 uur

07:00 - 17:00 uur

Seabourn Ovation

08:00 - 21:00 uur

World Navigator

08:00 - 23:00 uur

07:00 - 18:00 uur

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 13 Jun

Seven Seas Navigator

13:00 - 02:00 uur Departure: 16 Jun

Seabourn Quest

MSC Virtuosa

Vasco da Gama

06:00 - 18:00 uur

04:00 - 17:00 uur

06:00 - 16:00 uur

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 11 Jul

Seven Seas Voyager

10:00 - 16:00 uur Departure: 14 Jul

Nieuw Statendam

11:00 - 19:00 uur

07:00 - 21:00 uur

04:30 - 18:00 uur

08:00 - 17:00 uur

07:00 - 17:15 uur

10:00 - 22:00 uur Departure: 03 Aug

Carnival Legend

05:00 - 18:30 uur

Seven Seas Splendor

Seven Seas Mariner

19:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 12 Aug

06:00 - 18:30 uur

08:00 - 16:00 uur

08:00 - 13:00 uur

Serenade of the Seas

Seabourn Sojourn

07:00 - 15:00 uur

Resilient Lady

19:00 - 18:30 uur Departure: 25 Aug

18:00 - 19:00 uur Departure: 27 Aug

Azamara Onward

18:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 31 Aug

18:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 01 Sep

12:00 - 22:00 uur

18:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 05 Sep

Disney Dream

06:45 - 19:15 uur

16:30 - 23:59 uur Departure: 12 Sep

09:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 17 Sep

Viking Venus

14:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 20 Sep

18:15 - 17:00 uur Departure: 21 Sep

Hanseatic Spirit

10:00 - 14:00 uur Departure: 18 Oct

Silver Dawn

13:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 22 Oct

13:00 - 13:00 uur Departure: 26 Oct

Norwegian Encore

Queen Victoria

21:00 - 06:00 uur Departure: 18 Nov

07:00 - 17:30 uur Departure: 21 Nov

11:00 - 23:00 uur

Mein Schiff 3

07:00 - 22:00 uur

13:00 - 22:00 uur

12:00 - 23:00 uur

07:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 17 Dec

07:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 27 Dec

07:00 - 06:00 uur Departure: 01 Jan

08:00 - 18:00 uur Departure: 01 Jan

A company is turning former cruise ships into floating hotels — see inside its largest 'floatel'

• Bridgemans ServicesGroup operates a fleet of former cruise ships turned into hotels. 
• Its "floatels" are designed to house workers during long-term projects.
• See its largest 652-cabin floatel with a game room and buffet.

Some old and unwanted cruise ships meet their demise at ship-breaking yards , where they are disassembled and sold for scrap.

Other vessels find a more fortunate fate, receiving a second chance to do what they already do best: serve as floating hotels.

Canada-based Bridgemans Services Group buys and charters former cruise ships to turn into "floatels," outfitted with standard cruise amenities like daily housekeeping, buffets, and relaxing lounges.

But the ships aren't designed to transport tourists from one destination to another anymore. Instead, companies turn to Bridgeman when they need to house workers for a long-term project, whether it be the construction of an offshore wind farm in Europe or the shooting of a major film in a remote destination.

Floatels can accommodate workers in remote destinations where hotels might not be an option.

In more metropolitan areas, Bridgemans says its ships could lessen the stress an inundation of workers might have on the local housing market.

And once they are no longer needed, the vessels depart and "leave no trace behind," the company said.

Over the last decade, Bridgemans has deployed its ships for 15 projects on every continent, Brian Grange, the company's president, told Business Insider.

Grange said that its deployments — most often for liquified natural gas companies — last for an average of two years.

In the past, it has also provided accommodations for MSC Cruises at its Ocean Cay private island and housing for more than 1,000 workers in the Philippines' on a project for the Manila International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company's three ships range from 150 to 652 cabins.

The floatel operator acquired its largest ship, the 561-foot-long MV Isabelle X, in 2023.

In its past life, the 35-year-old vessel sailed around the Baltic Sea as one of Estonia-based Tallink Gruipp's cruise ships.

But gone are its days of leisurely cruising. The 35,000 gross-ton ship is now on its first deployment in Howe Sound, just north of Vancouver, where it's housing more than 600 workers who are building Woodfibre LNG's "net zero" LNG export facility.

Isabelle X underwent a six-month retrofit before it was sent to Howe Sound.

The process included updating the ship's cabins and adding amenities like a game room and an 8,000-square-foot gym.

The latter two are especially important: "We need to make sure we delineate between work and home," Grange told BI. "We have to create a social environment on board these vessels that makes it attractive for workforces around the world."

During their free time, workers can play billiards, relax in the outdoor lounge, or use the ship’s WiFi to catch up on social media.

The sports lounge has large television screens, while the games lounge has darts, ping pong tables, and air hockey.

The 'quiet lounges' are the go-to space for people who need to unwind after a long work day.

Or, they could recharge and catch up on the latest shows in their cabins, which all come with desks, storage, and 32-inch televisions.

Like a typical cruise ship, Bridgemans' vessels have buffets with live cooking stations, a dessert bar, and the occasional themed night.

The ships' chefs tailor their menus to the demographic and dietary restrictions of the workers on board, the company's president told BI.

Residents can expect at least four protein options, plenty of veggies, and handmade bread and desserts.

Unlike most cruise lines, Bridgemans can pre-purchase all the food it needs before deployment.

Grange says this allows the ships to maintain food quality and consistency in remote locations.

Remember that deployment in the Philippines during COVID-19? He said the ship had packed almost 800 tons of food ahead of the project.

He wouldn’t disclose the cost to rent one of Bridgemans’ floatels.

But he did note that the cost of a cabin on the Woodfibre LNG project in Howe Sound is comparable to a hotel room in nearby Vancouver, as is the case with most of its projects near major cities.

The company’s most recent acquisition, the 150-cabin Diamond XI, is currently being retrofitted and would be ready for deployment this year.

According to the company's president, the vessel is small and high-end, likely to be used for sporting events and movie shoots.

It could also be the start of a greater expansion: He hopes to add two or three more vessels to its fleet in the next five years.

"The world has opened up to this as a valued alternative to housing," Grange told BI.

Who knows, the next time you see a cruise ship off the coast, there's a slim but possible chance it could be housing workers — not vacationers.

• Main content

Port to plate in 48 hours? How Holland America Line brings fresh fish to guests

The semitruck carrying my dinner backed into its parking spot at the Port of San Diego on a late morning in early April.

Shortly before noon, the vehicle opened to reveal roughly 2,800 pounds of fish that had been caught just days earlier. Workers transferred boxes of mahi-mahi and other seafood from the chilly trailer to a warehouse-like space. The fish was inspected and moved onto an extension lift – think a utility vehicle modeled on Mr. Fantastic – parked near Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship.

Its mechanical arm reached across the edge of the pier into a square opening toward the vessel’s aft, where it disappeared from view. But by about 7 p.m., a piece of that mahi-mahi was on my plate in the ship’s main dining room.

Prepared with cilantro rice, guajillo chiles, chipotle and tomato, the fish was mild and sweet with a kick from the spicy sauce.

As part of its Global Fresh Fish Program, Holland America brings a wide range of seafood from port to plate within 48 hours across its fleet. Last week, the brand took that a step further, revealing it is the first global cruise line to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications for more sustainable and responsible seafood sourcing.

USA TODAY got a behind-the-scenes look at how the program works during a recent cruise.

What is Holland America’s fresh fish program?

The cruise line sources fish locally from more than 60 ports around the world. During Koningsdam’s April 5 voyage, the crew picked up the mahi-mahi along with rockfish, swordfish, rainbow trout and sea bass in San Diego.

The 48-hour window applies on most voyages, but on repositioning sailings or crossings, fresh fish may be served over a longer window. In those circumstances, however, the fish is not served under the “port to plate” banner.

On our sailing, they initially loaded enough for five or six days and would later restock. “So out of the 22-day voyage, hopefully, we can do maybe 12 or 13 times fresh fish upstairs and in the dining room,” said executive chef Darran Yardley-Salisbury in a storeroom lined with metallic shelves on one of the vessel’s lower decks.

Michael Stendebach, the line’s vice president of Food & Beverage and Guest Services, told USA TODAY the program was born in response to increasing guest demand for seafood and a desire to make the procurement process more sustainable. He said at least 75% of Holland America passengers order fresh fish once – if not twice – per cruise.

“We were looking into the destinations where we are cruising, like Alaska or the Caribbean, and we wanted to get away from the delivery of (shipping) containers into ports,” Stendebach said. “We wanted to build relationships in the single destinations we are in with suppliers.”

The cruise line previously announced in 2022 that it was certified by Responsible Fisheries Management by serving only fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood on its ships sailing there before scaling up its efforts.

Unlike frozen fish, which is prepared in larger portions – though they vary based on the ship’s size – Stendebach said the fresh fish is cooked “á la minute.”

“The fresh fish is kept cold until the order is coming in and then they start to produce it, so there's no overproduction,” he said. “It's really on the spot, and I think that is the freshest way you can experience the fish.”

During the first few days of the April cruise, other fresh fish dishes included sea bass with lemon butter sauce and tapenade at brasserie Rudi’s Sel de Mer and trout with a bread crumb and cashew crust served in a curry sauce at Asian restaurant Tamarind.

Fresh fish is not available in all ports, though, Yardley-Salisbury said, and the line also still serves seafood that has been frozen (outside of Alaska). The percentage of fresh versus frozen fish varies by sailing.

What kinds of fish are part of the program?

The program features more than 80 kinds of fish, with different selections depending on where the ship is sailing. The Caribbean has options like summer flounder and yellowfin tuna, while Hawaii offers striped marlin and Hawaiian pink snapper, among others (a full list can be found on Holland America’s website ).

Getting fresh supplies is easier on some cruises than others. On sailings like ours with many sea days, the kitchen staff has fewer options than in Europe for instance, where vendors are plentiful. "In Europe, it's a little bit like heaven for a chef," said Yardley-Salisbury. "We can go from port to port and we can get the most amazing stuff."

The cruise line denotes which options are fresh on the menus, and will label items that are MSC and ASC certified as well. MSC certifications apply to wild-caught seafood, while ASC certifications are for farmed seafood.

“Overfishing, unregulated fishing, excessive bycatch, these are all things that have a huge impact on the oceans,” said Erika Feller, regional director, Americas at the MSC.

MSC issues certifications to fisheries that meet its sustainability requirements, as well as Chain of Custody certifications that affirm the fish customers are buying comes from a certified fishery. The process is voluntary and the certifications are based on third-party audits.

The fishery certification lasts five years, while the Chain of Custody certification is good for three. Both undergo annual audits to ensure they are maintaining those conditions.

The crew on Koningsdam did a quality check of its own kind.

Yardley-Salisbury and members of the kitchen staff tasted dishes, including fish, before service to make sure the dishes are prepared according to the recipe and the flavor profile is "as it should be." Gathered around a table in a galley, they each grabbed spoon or forkfuls of every dish.

They repeat that process every day before service. "Any alterations that we need to make should only be seasoning issues, temperature issues, volume issues, maybe a little bit of sauce," he said.

What happens to uneaten cruise food?: These lines are working to reduce waste

Does fresh fish cost more?

Fresh fish may be more expensive, but passengers shouldn’t worry about seeing higher fares or food costs as a result. Stendebach said the line is saving money on logistics costs by cutting back on containers “being shipped from A to B.”

“So for that reason, you can spend more money on the product,” he said.

The program and the new certifications help offer guests a user-friendly way to eat more sustainably . Feller said, “the whole idea here is to make it easy for people to find that good choice.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].