My Time Onboard MSC World Europa

I had the chance to sail on MSC World Europa around the Mediterranean, and it’s one of those ships that really stands out the moment you see it.

It’s huge, there’s no getting around that, but what surprised me most was how well everything flows once you’re on board. Even with thousands of guests, it never felt overcrowded or chaotic, which I hadn’t expected on a ship of this scale.

First Impressions and Embarkation

Embarkation was straightforward, and having the Aurea experience meant priority boarding, which made things even smoother.

As soon as I stepped on board, the World Promenade immediately caught my attention. It’s such a central part of the ship and always feels lively, with plenty going on throughout the day and into the evening.

One thing that really stood out was the lift system. Instead of pressing buttons inside, you select your deck on a screen beforehand and it directs you to a specific lift. It sounds simple, but it makes getting around much quicker and avoids the usual waiting around.

The Cabin Experience

I stayed in an Infinite Ocean View cabin, which I really liked. The floor-to-ceiling window can be opened at the touch of a button, so you still get that connection to the sea without needing a balcony.

The cabin felt bright and spacious, with enough storage for everything. The wardrobe looks compact at first, but it worked perfectly well. Little touches like Prosecco and chocolates waiting on arrival made it feel that bit more special from the start.

Food and Dining On Board

Food is a big part of any cruise, and there’s no shortage of choice here. With 33 bars and restaurants, you’ve got everything from casual options to more formal dining.

I was on anytime dining, which I’d definitely recommend. It gave me the flexibility to eat when it suited me rather than working around set times.

I found myself going back to Bubbles quite a lot. The staff were great and quickly got to know our preferences, which makes a difference over the course of a trip.

I also tried Hola! for something a bit different, with Mexican and Latin American dishes, and had brunch in Hexagon, one of the main dining rooms, which had a really good variety.

The buffet setup works well too. There are two, and they open and close together, which helps spread people out. Each one has different stations with a mix of cuisines, so it never felt repetitive.

Bars and Social Spaces

There are plenty of places to stop for a drink or just take a break, and a few stood out for me.

Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café is hard to miss if you like something sweet, and the Coffee Emporium is ideal if you’re particular about your coffee. The Zest Juice Bar is a good option if you’re after something lighter.

Masters of the Sea has more of a traditional pub feel and is a nice change of pace. It also has its own microbrewery, which is a nice touch.

There’s also a hidden speakeasy-style bar on board, which adds a bit of fun if you manage to find it.

Time To Relax

The Aurea experience includes access to the thermal suite, which ended up being one of my favourite parts of the ship.

There’s a good mix of facilities, including a sauna with sea views, steam room, snow room and plunge pool. It’s well worth booking your time in advance, but even on a full sailing, I didn’t have any issues getting a slot.

It’s a great place to spend a few hours, especially on sea days.

Entertainment On Board

The entertainment was consistently strong throughout the trip.

One of the standout shows was “Amelia”, which felt more like a theatre production than a typical cruise show. There was also a Coldplay tribute, which was really well done, along with things like a silent disco, White Night party and Symphonic Ibiza.

There’s always something happening in the evenings, so it’s easy to fill your time without needing to plan too much.

Things To Do

There’s plenty on board if you want to stay active or just try something different.

Alongside the usual pools and hot tubs, there’s a water park, bumper cars, a 5D cinema and an arcade. It’s definitely a ship that suits families as well as couples.

One tip would be to register for the water park and slides early, as it saves time later on. If you’re planning to use the activities a lot, the Fun Pass is worth looking at too.

Time Ashore

The itinerary included a stop in Portofino, which was one of my favourite days. It’s exactly what you’d expect from the Italian coast, colourful, relaxed and easy to explore.

In Marseille, there’s a shuttle available from the ship, which makes it simple to get into the city without needing to organise anything yourself.

Favourite Spot On Board

One area I kept coming back to was the Botanic Garden Pool.

It’s spread over two levels with a retractable roof, so it works whatever the weather is doing. There’s a whirlpool, plenty of seating and a bar, so it’s an easy place to spend a few hours without needing to move.