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 shipping firm 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 options, featuring Broadway-caliber performances along with special-themed events. The fleet of its 23 vessels boasts numerous swimming pools, cocktail lounges, aquatic play areas, as well as attraction rides reminiscent of those found in theme parks.
The pricing generally targets young families and couples, making it possible to enjoy a less expensive vacation compared to many other cruise lines; additionally, gratuities are covered within the price of an MSC cruise ticket. Exclusive benefits like guaranteed theater seats and expedited boarding and debarking processes are available but come with extra charges, often significantly higher than regular rates.
MSC’s present fleet originated from the early 2000s with the most recent being their World Class series. This encompasses
World Europa
– introduced in December 2022 aimed at the European market,
World America
,
which was introduced in April for the U.S. market.
World Asia
is set to debut in December 2026.
The latest vessels from this brand include a distinct upscale section known as the Yacht Club, offering butler-assisted suites along with dedicated dining venues, a private pool deck, and a bar.
The fleet generally accommodates anywhere from 4,000 to 7,000 passengers, varying with each ship, which makes it a part of the large cruise line category. Consequently, when boarding, one might find the ships rather crowded.
Itineraries often depart from
Southampton’s cruise port
, which is convenient for UK passengers, but there are also departures from the Mediterranean and further abroad.
Below are our selections for the best MSC cruise ships and voyages.
Read more:
The top cruise vessels you should sail on at least once in your life
1. The MSC World America: Exploring the 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 like.
Caribbean
On MSC’s latest vessel, setting sail from MSC’s newly built exclusive cruise terminal, this route also features a visit to the cruise line’s own private retreat, Ocean Cay. Here, guests have the option to unwind at the sandy shores 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 venture was crafted specifically for the American 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 11-story-tall Jaw Drop dry slide.
Adrenaline junkies can also experience swinging over the edge of the ship with the vessel’s Cliffhanger attraction. Entertainment options aboard include
Dirty Dancing: In Concert
And a performance by a Queen cover band.
Leaves on July 19, 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
World Europa.
Beginning in Spain, this cruise explores numerous highlights of Europe. Enjoy gelato in Genoa, savor 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 racing waterslides, try out the 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 features an impressive 11-deck-high drop slide named Venom.
Leaves on June 20, 2025. Starting from £849 per person.
Book now
3. MSC Virtuosa:
Coast of Iberia, 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
Check out the best of it
Canary Islands
During this 12-day summer voyage, each port stop provides a unique experience, ranging from the beaches of
Tenerife
to the lush landscapes of Madeira and volcanic views of Lanzarote.
Read more:
The Canary Island you might not have thought of for wine – and running
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.
Departs 9 August 2025. From £1,599pp.
Book now
Read more:
Eight hidden cruise port gems that you shouldn’t skip
4. MSC Euribia:
Norwegian fjords
Kiel, Germany – Copenhagen, Denmark – Hellesylt, Norway – Geiranger, Norway – Alesund, Norway – Flaam, Norway – Kiel, Germany
The captivating vistas of the Norwegian fjords are best experienced from a cruise ship. ThisMSC voyage aboard
MSC
Euribia
— Another vessel from the Meraviglia Plus class also allocates time for a visit to Copenhagen prior to arriving at the verdant Norwegian scenery, featuring the Art Nouveau architecture of Ålesund as well as the cascading waterfalls and majestic fjords around Flåm.
Read more:
The top Scandinavian fjord vacations
Guests who aren’t busy admiring the mountain vistas can engage in activities like tackling a high-ropes course or enjoy swimming in either an outdoor or indoor pool—handy features during Norway’s chillier climate.
Also onboard are 21 dining venues and bars, featuring the Helios Wine Maker which offers interactive tasting sessions using touch tables designed to educate guests about the wines they are 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 – Taipei, Taiwan
From the ultramodern skyscrapers of Tokyo to ancient castles in Sasebo or enjoying kimchi in Busan, this nine-day voyage offers an authentic Asian experience. The journey includes notable destinations across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, allowing visitors to delve into historical sites like temples and royal residences.
Sailing aboard the Meraviglia class
MSC Bellissima
, passengers have an in-cabin Bluetooth speaker called Zoe, so you can play music whilst you get ready for a night on the tiles, including exclusive Cirque du Soleil-style performances. There is lots of cool tech on offer for up to 4,500 passengers, such as a virtual reality maze and F1 simulators, as well as an 80-metre long LED dome in the two-deck promenade that features images such as a sunrise and sunset. Outdoors, passengers can relax by the four swimming pools or play in the Grand Canyon-themed waterpark.
Departs 12 November. From £829pp.
Book now
6. MSC Seascape: Bahamas and Caribbean
Miami, United States –
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas – Nassau, Bahamas – Falmouth, Jamaica – George Town, Cayman Islands – Miami, United States
Why choose between the Bahamas and the Caribbean when you can do both on one cruise? This 11-night voyage visits MSC’s private Ocean Cay island in the Bahamas for a day of relaxation on the beach, and there will be chances to try the Caribbean’s culinary delights, including saltfish or jerk chicken in Jamaica or a rum distillery tour in George Town in the Cayman Islands.
Most areas of
MSC Seascape
provide great views for its 5,877 passengers, including from the panoramic lifts or on its Bridge of Sighs glass skywalk that overlooks the infinity pool from deck 16.
Read more
The top 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-high replica of the Statue of Liberty situated inside the casino, along with a multi-level shopping and leisure zone styled after Times Square featuring an impressive four-deck tall LED screen.
If dining out is your thing, you have 20 options including bars and eateries. Additionally, there are 13 swimming pools and water attractions to enjoy; however, for an alternative experience, consider trying the virtual reality flight simulation or hopping aboard the Robotron attraction, which lifts you 53 meters high over the ocean using a massive mechanical arm, then spins you around in various directions.
Leaves on July 27th. 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. Passengers can visit 13 locations during this extensive trip across the Atlantic. Starting off from the dazzling city of New York, this 21-day sailing takes you through the rural landscapes of Canada en route to Europe where highlights include spotting the famed monkeys of Gibraltar and savoring traditional Portuguese egg tarts in Lisbon prior to docking at Livorno—a gateway to both Florence and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Read more:
The vacation cruises you absolutely have to experience in your life
This voyage occurs onboard
MSC Meraviglia,
the sister ship to
Bellissima
with capacity for as many as 5,714 passengers
The attraction boasts several shared elements such as a 480-meter LED dome. Visitors can additionally relish amenities like a regulation-sized bowling lane and an elaborate aquatic center featuring three waterslides.
Leaves on April 19, 2026. Starting from £1,868 per person.
Book now
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