The first time we stepped out onto the World Promenade after boarding MSC Cruises’ MSC World Europa, my travel companion let out an involuntary “Wow!”
I couldn’t blame her — the ship was awe-inspiring. We had just walked through the already-impressive World Galleria, a three-deck open atrium running through the middle of the ship that looks more like a suburban shopping center than a cruise vessel.
At the aft elevator bank, the ship opens up: The mall becomes an outdoor plaza, complete with luxury boutiques and shops such as Coffee Emporium and La Pescaderia fish market, which specializes in locally caught fish. Overhead is the Venom Drop at The Spiral, an 11-deck-high, stainless-steel slide that takes an intimidating twisting plunge from the upper decks, all while sandwiched between a pair of glass elevators.
The ship is built into seven “districts,” with World Galleria and World Promenade being just two of them. The Venom Drop is part of the family entertainment district on the upper decks, where the kids’ clubs (separated by age group) and Aurora Borealis Aquapark take up residence.
This gorgeous cruise ship’s unique design is a standout feature of the onboard experience; fortunately, MSC World Europa will be joined by a second ship in the class, MSC World America, which is slated to set sail in early 2025.
Venom Drop at The Spiral is an 11-deck-high steel slide.
Credit: 2024 MSC CruisesThe MSC Yacht Club Experience
MSC Yacht Club is MSC World Europa’s ship-within-a-ship concept, and where our cabin was located for our Mediterranean sailing. Guestrooms here are suite-designated (starting with entry-level interior varieties), with upgraded design and furnishings. Yacht Club portions of the ship are key access only, and guests have dedicated butlers (who do everything from arranging shore excursions and onboard restaurant reservations to assisting with packing and unpacking).
Yacht Club guests also get Wi-Fi access, and gratuities and alcoholic beverages in the dedicated Yacht Club lounge, grill, restaurant and sun deck are included (as are beverages up to a certain dollar amount in most other venues). Specialty restaurants are not included, but can be purchased in a package for savings.
And on MSC World Europa, La Brasserie Buffet is turned into a second exclusive dining outlet for the Yacht Club in the evenings, offering a menu of European and Asian dishes. The hot stone lobster bowl here was among my favorite bites onboard.
Other perks for Yacht Club guests range from dedicated seating for production shows to priority embarkation and disembarkation for shore excursions.
Drinking and Dining
Guests not traveling in the Yacht Club are assigned a main dining room, but they can also enjoy numerous specialty restaurants where items are priced a la carte instead of at a set cover charge.
Some of the produce used at the Chef’s Garden Kitchen is grown and harvested onboard.
Credit: 2024 MSC CruisesGalaxy Kaito and Teppanyaki are particularly fun venues; Butcher’s Cut is a faithfully American-style steakhouse; and Hola! Tacos and Cantina has a fine selection of tacos, quesadillas and margaritas (including an all-you-can-eat pricing option). Chef’s Garden Kitchen offers a tasting menu of modern Nordic cooking, and some of the produce is even grown right onboard.
There’s a great deal of mixology happening onboard, too, from Elixir Mixology Bar to The Gin Project, a classic cocktail bar. There’s even a juice bar offering smoothies and pressed juices, and the Raj Polo Tea House for powdered, loose-leaf and bagged teas.
Looking Forward to MSC World America
MSC hasn’t yet made many firm announcements regarding venues for the upcoming MSC World America, but a few updates and enhancements have been shared. Among the more exciting news is the addition of a new ride — the “Cliffhanger” — a swing attraction that will be the only overwater swing ride at sea.
The Aurora Borealis Aquapark is part of a family district.
Credit: 2024 MSC CruisesMSC will also update the Yacht Club grill, expanding the food and beverage service to the entire upper sundeck and adding seating. The line will also expand and improve its private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, in the Bahamas prior to the ship’s launch. The Ocean House restaurant, which is exclusive to Yacht Club guests on the island, will be enlarged, and a private beach area with sunbeds and cabanas with butler service will be added.
Two new yet-to-be-announced specialty restaurants are planned for World America, and a sports bar and comedy club will join the lineup of bars. Returning specialty restaurants and watering holes that have become popular on MSC World Europa include Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Galaxy Kaito, Teppanyaki and Hola! Tacos and Cantina, plus the complimentary Luna Park Pizza and Burger. returning bars and venues will include The Gin Project, Elixir, the Masters of the Sea onboard microbrewery, Coffee Emporium and Jean-Phillipe Chocolate Shop and Cafe.
