MSC World Europa Cruise was amazing!
If you're dreaming of a Mediterranean escape that blends luxury, adventure, and unforgettable cuisine, let us introduce you to the MSC World Europa. We recently sailed as a couple aboard this stunning ship and upgraded to the Aurea Experience Stateroom, a decision that elevated our entire journey.
✨ Aurea Experience: Luxury from the Start From the moment we stepped into our stateroom, we knew we were in for something special. MSC knows how to make guests feel pampered. Here’s what greeted us:
-A chilled bottle of bubbles to toast the voyage -Two elegant engraved glasses, perfect keepsakes -Macarons and chocolate-covered strawberries for a sweet welcome -Stylish reusable steel water bottles -A signature MSC room fragrance to bring the scent of the sea home -These thoughtful touches made our cabin feel like a boutique hotel at sea.
🍽️ Dining Highlights: Flavours to Remember
We prebooked our speciality dining before boarding and saved around 25%...highly recommended! Each restaurant offered something unique:
-The Chef’s Garden Kitchen was one of our absolute favourites! -The Mexican all-you-can-eat menu was bursting with flavour and variety. We loved it so much, we went back for seconds. -Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse A carnivore’s dream. My steak was cooked to perfection, medium rare, just how I like it.
Bubbles Main Dining Restaurant Surprisingly, one of the best meals of the week was here. The veal was outstanding! As part of the Aurea package, we enjoyed My Choice dining, which meant flexible meal times—a huge plus.
🍸 Bar-Hopping at Sea - With over 20 bars and lounges, MSC World Europa is a paradise for cocktail lovers and casual sippers alike:
Elixir Mixology Bar – My personal favourite. Creative cocktails and a chic vibe. Masters of the Sea – Home-brewed craft beer and live music made this a lively hangout. Gin Bar – A global selection of gins for the adventurous palate. Champagne Bar – Perfect for unwinding with a bottle and great conversation.
SECRET BAR on board called the Speakeasy! This is by invitation only. Certain staff carry a special coin on them and they can gift it to you for a visit to the Speakeasy Bar down in the bowels of the ship! This was one of the highlight nights of our cruise! Once you get the coin, you scan the QR on it and follow the instructions. You'll be given a passphrase and you choose a time to visit and go to the red phone box at the back of the ship and dial the number, give the passphrase and you enter through the back door! Staff are dressed in 1920's costume and take you through the ship to the hidden bar! Its a fantastic cocktail bar, with live music, a band, singer and all very prohibition era USA 1930's
Dedicated kids' clubs
Age-specific clubs: There are five clubs for different age groups, from babies up to teens:
-Baby Club: (under 3) -Mini Club: (3-6) -Junior Club: (7-11) -Young Club: (12-14) -Teen Club: (15-17)
Activities: Each club has a tailored program of games, sports, competitions, and parties. They are supervised by trained, multilingual staff.
Onboard entertainment and activities Aurora Borealis Aquapark: A large waterpark specifically for children located on Deck 20, featuring slides, misters, and even VR technology. Venom Drop: A 20-deck dry slide that starts on Deck 20 and ends on Deck 8. Sportplex: An indoor sports court for activities like basketball. Hall of Games: An area with arcade games, a VR experience, and bumper cars (additional cost may apply for some activities). LEGO Celebration Room: A room dedicated to building with LEGO bricks. Other Activities: Pools and Jacuzzis MasterChef at Sea Juniors Bowling Hoverboarding and pickleball (available at certain times)
🌍 Ports of Call: Mediterranean Magic
Each stop offered its own charm and unforgettable experiences:
Marseille, France Opt for a vineyard tour with lunch or explore the picturesque seaside town of Cassis. Genoa, Italy A short trip to Portofino is a must, stunning views and upscale charm. Naples, Italy We visited Sorrento, a lively town with beautiful streets, cafés, and shops. Messina, Sicily Taormina was breathtaking. Easy walks, lovely cafés, a gorgeous beach, and the cable car to the coast was a highlight. Valletta, Malta A compact, walkable city with rich history. Just note: steep hills may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
đź’¬ Final Thoughts From the luxurious stateroom to the vibrant destinations and exceptional dining, our MSC World Europa cruise was a dream cruise! The Aurea Experience added a layer of comfort and flexibility that made everything smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're a foodie, a culture lover, or just in need of a relaxing escape, this cruise has something for everyone.
We’re already dreaming of our next voyage and if you are too, get in touch today! Until then...bon voyage!