MSC Cruises has been causing a stir with its fashionable options.
cruises
Since the late 1980s, this Italian family-run label originally began as a maritime enterprise in the 1970s and has since grown to become the third biggest player in the industry.
cruise line
in the world.
MSC Cruises
is renowned for its Italian flair and upscale amusement offerings, featuring Broadway-caliber performances along with specialized events. With its fleet of 23 vessels, each ship brims with swimming pools, cocktail lounges, aquatic play areas, as well as carnival-like rides and activities.
The pricing generally targets young families and couples, making it possible to have an affordable vacation compared to many other cruise companies. Additionally, gratuities are covered within the price of your MSC cruise ticket. Special privileges like pre-booked theater seats and expedited boarding and deboarding processes are available; these premium options do come with extra charges beyond regular rates though.
The ships in MSC’s present fleet were mostly built around the early 2000s, with their most recent additions being part of their World Class series.
World Europa
— debuted in December 2022 with a focus on capturing the European market, and
World America
,
Which was introduced in April for the US market.
World Asia
is set to debut in December 2026.
The brand’s newer ships even feature a separate luxury area called the Yacht Club, with butler-serviced suites and exclusive-use restaurants, a pool deck and bar.
The ships usually accommodate anywhere from 4,000 to 7,000 guests, varying with each vessel, which makes them part of a major cruise line category. Consequently, when boarding these vessels, one might find them fairly crowded.
Itineraries often depart from
Southampton’s cruise port
, which makes it convenient for UK passengers, but there are also departures from the Mediterranean and further afield.
Below are our selections for the best MSC cruise ships and voyages.
Read more:
The best cruise ships to travel on in your lifetime
1. MSC World America: Bahamas and the Caribbean
Miami – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas – Miami
Explore the Bahamas and the area.
Caribbean
On MSC’s latest vessel, setting sail from MSC’s newly constructed cruise terminal, this journey features a visit to the company’s exclusive destination, Ocean Cay. Here, guests have the opportunity to unwind at the beach or ascend the lighthouse for breathtaking vistas.
Read more:
An initial glance at the $1 billion MSC World America cruise liner
The 6,762-capacity
World America
Introduced in April, this venue was designed primarily for the US audience, featuring a Downtown New York-style comedy club and sports bar. However, it also offers ample entertainment options to engage people from various countries, including an onboard water park and an impressive 11-deck-high Jaw Drop dry slide.
Thrill-seekers can also swing over the edge of the ship on the vessel’s Cliffhanger ride. On-board entertainment includes
Dirty Dancing: In Concert
along with a Queen cover band.
Leaves on 19th July 2025. Starting from £643 per person.
Book now
2. MSC World Europa:
Mediterranean
Barcelona, Spain – Marseille, France – Genoa, Italy – Naples, Italy – Messina, Italy – Valletta, Malta – Barcelona, Spain
Explore the Mediterranean with MSC Cruises aboard
World Europa.
Beginning in Spain, this cruise takes you to numerous highlights across Europe. Enjoy some gelato in Genoa, indulge in pizza in Naples, or discover the architectural wonders and sandy shores of Valletta during your visit to Malta.
On board,
World Europa
Passengers have the option to experience virtual reality waterslide races, try their hand at an F1 simulator, unwind at one of the 20 bars and lounges available, or indulge in an afternoon tea at the exclusive Raj Polo Tea House. The ship also boasts an impressive 11-deck-high descent slide named Venom.
Leaves on 20th June 2025. Starting from £849 per person.
Book now
3. MSC Virtuosa:
Iberian Coast, Canary Islands & Madeira
Southampton, UK – Lisbon, Portugal – Madeira, Portugal – Las Palmas, Canary Islands – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands – Arrecife de Lanzarote, Canary Islands – Southampton, UK
Explore the very best of it
Canary Islands
During this 12-night summer voyage, each port visit provides a distinct experience, ranging from the beaches of
Tenerife
to the lush landscapes of Madeira and volcanic views of Lanzarote.
Read more:
The Canary Islands may be an unexpected destination for both wine lovers and runners – Lanzarote offers something special in this regard.
This could be a great family summer holiday aboard the 6,334 capacity
MSC Virtuosa,
which launched in 2021 as part of MSC’s Meraviglia Plus class of ships.
The kids will be occupied at the on-board waterpark and high ropes while parents can relax amidst Swarovski crystal staircases and order a cocktail made by Rob the robot bartender.
Leaves on August 9, 2025. Starting from £1,599 per person.
Book now
Read more:
Eight lesser-known cruise port treasures you can't afford to miss
4. MSC Euribia:
Norwegian fjords
Kiel, Germany – Copenhagen, Denmark – Hellesylt, Norway – Geiranger, Norway – Alesund, Norway – Flaam, Norway – Kiel, Germany
The captivating vistas of Norway’s fjords are best appreciated from a cruise ship. This MSC voyage aboard offers just that.
MSC
Euribia
— yet another vessel from the Meraviglia Plus class, this one also takes the time to dock in Copenhagen prior to reaching the picturesque Norwegian scenery, featuring the Art Nouveau architecture of Ålesund as well as the stunning waterfalls and fjords around Flåm.
Read more:
The top Norwegian fjord vacations
While admiring the stunning mountain views, visitors also have the option to tackle a high-ropes challenge course or cool off with a swim in either an outdoor or indoor pool — perfect for enjoying Norway’s more temperate days.
Onboard, you'll find 21 bars and eateries, such as the Helios Wine Maker which offers interactive tasting sessions featuring touch tables designed to educate guests about the wines they're enjoying.
Leaves on 28 June. Starting from $782 per person.
Book now
5. MSC Bellissima: Asia
Tokyo, Japan – Busan, South Korea – Sasebo, Japan – Kagoshima, Japan – Naha (Okinawa), Japan – Ishigaki, Japan – Taiwan, China
From the sleek skyscrapers of Tokyo to ancient castles in Sasebo or enjoying kimchi in Busan, this nine-night cruise offers an authentic Asian experience. The journey includes key destinations in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, allowing visitors to delve into historical sites like temples and palaces.
Sailing aboard the Meraviglia class
MSC Bellissima
Passengers aboard this vessel enjoy access to an in-flight Bluetooth speaker named Zoe, allowing them to listen to tunes while they prepare for their evening out. The ship offers cutting-edge technology for up to 4,500 guests, which includes attractions like a VR maze and Formula One simulators, along with an impressive 80-meter-long LED canopy spanning both levels of the promenade area, displaying visuals ranging from sunrises to sunsets. For those seeking outdoor activities, there are four swimming pools available alongside a thrilling Grand Canyon-themed water park.
Leaves on 12 November. Starting from £829 per person.
Book now
6. MSC Seascape: Exploring the Bahamas and the Caribbean
Miami, United States –
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas – Nassau, Bahamas – Falmington, Jamaica – George Town, Cayman Islands – Miami, United States
Why settle for just the Bahamas or the Caribbean when you can experience both on a single cruise? This 11-day journey includes a stop at MSC’s exclusive Ocean Cay island in the Bahamas where you can unwind on the sandy shores. You'll also have opportunities to sample delectable Caribbean dishes such as saltfish in Jamaica or indulge in a rum distillery tour in George Town, located in the Cayman Islands.
Most areas of
MSC Seascape
offer spectacular vistas to its 5,877 guests, such as through the panoramic elevators or via its Bridge of Sighs glass skywalk which provides an overlooking view of the infinity pool from deck 16.
Read more
The top-notch Caribbean cruise lines
Introduced in 2022 within the Seaside Evo category, this vessel draws inspiration from locations around New York City. Boarding you'll discover a towering three-meter replica of the Statue of Liberty situated inside the casino, alongside a recreation of Times Square featuring a multi-level entertainment zone complete with a massive four-deck tall LED screen.
If dining out is your thing, you'll be spoilt for choice with 20 eateries and drinking spots available. You can stay busy with 13 swimming pools and water displays too. However, for an alternative experience, check out the virtual reality flight simulators or hop aboard the Robotron attraction, which lifts you up 53 meters high over the ocean using a massive mechanical arm, then swings you around in various directions.
Leaves on 27th of July. Starting from £1,108 per person.
Book now
7. MSC Meraviglia:
MSC Grand Voyages
New York, United States
–
Halifax, Canada – Ponta Delgada, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Cádiz, Spain – Gibraltar – Mallorca, Spain – Marseille, France – Barcelona, Spain – La Goulette, Tunisia – Palermo, Italy – Naples, Italy – Livorno, Italy
MSC Cruises journeys aren't confined to a single continent. Travelers have the opportunity to visit 13 locations during this extensive transatlantic trip. Starting off in the dazzling city of New York, this 21-day sailing will first lead you through the picturesque landscapes of Canada’s countryside before making your way toward Europe. You’ll encounter iconic attractions such as the famed Barbary macaques in Gibraltar and indulge in delectable Portuguese egg tarts in Lisbon. The journey concludes at Livorno, offering easy exploration routes into Florence or visits to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Read more:
The cruise holidays you must do in your lifetime
This sailing takes place aboard
MSC Meraviglia,
the sister ship to
Bellissima
, with room for up to 5,714 passengers
The attraction boasts comparable elements such as a 480-meter LED dome, along with amenities like a regulation-sized bowling lane and a complex aquatic area featuring three waterslides for visitors' enjoyment.
Leaves on April 19, 2026. Starting from £1,868 per person.
Book now
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