Review: MSC Euribia

What is the line? MSC Cruises

Name of ship? Euribia

Passenger occupancy? 6,327

Itinerary? Amsterdam-Copenhagen (on the naming ceremony voyage), Northern Europe, Dubai and the Middle East

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

MSC Cruises is known for a multicultural experience that combines Mediterranean flair with the traditional big-ship cruise amenities from the American lines. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere that will appeal to a wide audience. Europeans have long been big fans, but Americans are quickly discovering the brand as it expands in the U.S. Board hungry and ready to enjoy the sun.

Tell us about the ship in general:

It launched this year as MSC’s most environmentally advanced ship. This ship has plans to sail in Northern Europe and through the Norwegian fjords where it can access certain protected port locations (like Lofoten, Norway)—thanks to its eco-friendly credentials—that other ships cannot. That is certainly its claim to fame, but does not take away from its slew of onboard amenities: waterslides, arcade with virtual reality games, world-class spa, 11 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, and an interior shopping promenade with a nearly 300-foot LED-wraparound screen illuminating the space.

Who is on board?

This is a paradise for multi-generational families. Grandparents splash with grandkids in the pool while parents relax in the spa. Couples get a chance to relax in the sun in the private Yacht Club. Teenagers earn tickets for prizes in the huge arcade with virtual reality games and bowling. It’s all a party atmosphere with live music fueling the fun.

The ship-within-a-ship MSC Yacht Club section, an all-inclusive MSC hallmark, is like a luxury hotel with butlers catering to guest needs at every turn. For those not traveling with kids, it’s exactly where you’ll want to be without the tradeoff of ship amenities as it has its own lounge, pool, restaurant and bar.

Describe the cabins.

The cabins have darker color tones of beige and brown with ample storage space. I liked how the beds have both soft and firm pillows. The shower in the bathroom was also more spacious than other ships of the same size.

No matter how much you want to spend, there’s a cabin for you. Interior cabins offer the same onboard experience, but at a lower rate. I enjoyed my balcony cabin and loved having so many power and USB outlets within reach.

A quick tour of the Yacht Club and its various suites (including some duplex options and others with whirlpools on the deck) showed why so many people choose to upgrade to that experience. Key cards access a private lobby where guests can order food and drinks at any hour. Even the Yacht Club has interior cabins, which is a clever way to give families extra value (especially if teenagers are going to keep the curtains closed anyway). There is also another section of cabins on the al fresco promenade that has an entertaining view of the lanai area and the ship’s wake.

Aurea category rooms and suites have access to a private, adult-only thermal area and solarium deck with its own bar and whirlpools.

Tell us about the crew.

This ship is brand new, and the crew was learning the ropes (it’s hard to know everything on such a large ship right away). It was clear that they were immensely proud to be a part of this vessel’s first voyages. On many instances when someone was asking for directions, I witnessed staff walking guests there instead of just pointing the way. n important fact for such any international guests—many of the crew members are multilingual.

What food and drink options are available on board?

A real highlight for me on this ship was some of the new venues that are not aboard other MSC Meraviglia class ships: the wine bar with bespoke touchscreen tables that guide you through a tasting, Indochine and Japanese robatayaki restaurants, and a French brasserie (replacing the traditional American steakhouse on other MSC ships).

Otherwise, the teppanyaki and sushi venues were delicious with plenty of entertainment as part of the meal. There’s a Mexican taco restaurant, freshly baked pizza at almost any hour, impressive buffet with carving stations and salads, and five main, a la carte dining rooms. By the pool, there are always burgers, fries, pizza, gelato and other snacks. If you’re like me, the more that’s available, the more you eat. Pace yourself.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

A Balinese massage brought me to the spa, but the thermal areas with saunas, steam rooms, and experience showers kept me there longer. When you’re walking so much in port, it’s always nice to treat yourself to a little relaxation.

What about activities and entertainment?

The main pool on Euribia was long and wide with splashing fountains. For weight and balance reasons, cruise ship pools tend to be small, but not here. There are other pools including a dramatic infinity-edge option at the back of the ship and another in a shaded atrium ringed by a quartet of whirlpools. These are just some of the many places to take a dip, but who has time when there is so much to do?

I earned enough tickets in the arcade playing skeeball to win a prize, and the virtual reality and F1 racing games were thrilling.

In the multi-tiered theater, musical revues and acrobatic acts were just some of the many options. The longer the cruise, the more shows you’ll have the opportunity to see (but remember to make a reservation). There are three seatings for the live performances each night, but if you miss them all, the night club will stay open until the wee hours.

There’s a circus-themed show and another that celebrates the legends of rock and roll like The Rolling Stones and Queen. At the aft of the ship, the Carousel Lounge’s dance floor and tiered seating around it are home to the line’s new “big band” concept with one of the largest bands on a cruise ship playing different genres of music each night.

How was the experience for families?

MSC prides itself on family fun, so expect for the pools and waterpark areas to get lively. A LEGO-designed kids club and teen zone provide alternative areas to play when parents need a break.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

This short sailing only visited Copenhagen and Amsterdam, but I did enjoy some free time strolling through the Dutch city’s canalside streets. Perusing the excursion guide revealed plenty of options at different price points and exertion levels.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

This is the second LNG-powered ship for MSC, and the eco-initiatives are in full display. In fact, the hull of the ship has a special plant-friendly coat of paint that also limits algae and barnacle growth to avoid fuel-consuming drag. The line held a competition for an artist to paint the hull with artwork, a first for MSC, promoting the “save the sea” initiatives.

MSC says this is the most environmentally friendly ship at sea and has features like shore-to-ship power, onboard heat recovery systems to reuse energy and a special hull design that reduces underwater noise thanks to the latest generation of propeller.

Anything we missed?

One thing I really enjoyed was visiting the gallery off the promenade that showcased how the MSC Foundation supports the communities where its ships often visit. These include schools and emergency relief after various global disasters. It’s really cool that part of the kids club includes activities where they learn about giving back. Another bonus: surprisingly fast WiFi.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

If sustainability is top of mind, MSC Euribia puts it front and center, and the ship’s range of activities for every type of traveler is a win. Its eco-friendly characteristics also mean it’s possible to visit more unusual ports without giving up large-ship amenities.