MSC Euribia — MSC Cruises' new flagship and the 22nd vessel in the line's fleet — is one of the most energy-efficient cruise ship designs yet, as well as the line's second ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The ship was delivered May 31 during a ceremony at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, alongside the coin ceremony for MSC World America, the third LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet that’s due in 2025. The innovative Euribia features state-of-the-art sustainable technologies, including advanced onboard water and waste treatment facilities; heating, cooling and ventilation systems; and an underwater radiated noise management system.
More and more, we are measuring our growth in terms of how to become more sustainable.
"More and more, we are measuring our growth in terms of how to become more sustainable,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises to a small group of journalists on the ship prior to the delivery ceremony. “Not only because the market demands it, but I believe it’s in everybody’s conscious to think about it more for ourselves and our kids.”
He went on to explain that MSC Cruises is determined to shift the public perception of cruise ships as unsustainable polluters by revisiting the brand’s onboard processes and incorporating the latest technology available — not only to meet its official net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050, but also to truly do its part for the environment and the future of cruising.
The ship was delivered May 31 during a ceremony at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard.
Credit: 2023 Gwen PratesiThe ship is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia, who mastered the seas by harnessing the weather, wind and constellations. Likewise, MSC’s vision for the vessel is to master the latest technologies to protect and preserve our marine ecosystem. The company’s ongoing dedication and commitment to the sea is also represented in the ocean-themed custom hull design by German artist Alex Flamig, titled #SavetheSea.
After the delivery ceremony, Euribia sailed its maiden voyage to Copenhagen for the naming ceremony on June 8. This sailing departing from France was the first net-zero emissions cruise in the world powered by bio-LNG, which is derived primarily from renewable resources such as organic waste, rather than from natural gas extracted from fossil fuels.
I had the privilege of joining the ship in Amsterdam, where it then continued on to Copenhagen for the lavish naming ceremony, where Danish actress, television host and model Sarah Grunewald oversaw the festivities. There was live entertainment, and actress Sophia Loren, godmother of MSC's fleet, ceremoniously cut the ribbon to break the bottle of champagne over the ship's bow. The event ended with a gala dinner and DJ set by French record producer Bob Sinclair.
New Features Onboard MSC Euribia
Measuring 184,011 gross tons and 1,085 feet in length, Euribia features 2,419 staterooms and can carry up to 6,334 guests, who will find many new and innovative features onboard the elegant ship — the fifth and last in the Meraviglia class.
A stateroom onboard Euribia
Credit: 2023 Gwen PratesiAt the top of the list of these features is the longest LED dome at sea. The impressive screen above the promenade of Galleria Euribia often displays a whale swimming against a brilliant blue background that lights up the space. Galleria Euribia also has more shops and boutiques than previous ships.
New Dining Venues and Bars
There are 10 dining venues onboard Euribia, including five specialty restaurants. The new Le Grill, a French-inspired concept, features favorites from the line's steakhouse, Butcher's Cut, and a selection of French bistro dishes. Robatayaki, meanwhile — a type of Japanese barbecue — is a new concept at Kaito Teppanyaki.
Guests who have booked the Aurea Experience with a balcony stateroom or suite have access to Il Campo, an exclusive restaurant located along the promenade that offers choose-your-time dining.
There are 21 bars and lounges, including some ice cream and dessert venues. The Parisian-style I'Atelier du Voyageur bar sits along the promenade at the entry to Le Grill, while Helios Wine Bar — another new offering — serves an interactive wine-tasting experience with high-tech, digital touchscreen-equipped tables; food pairings; and master classes for oenophiles.
Euribia Entertainment, Art and More
The reimagined Carousel Lounge — once home to Cirque du Soleil shows on preceding ships — boasts a new layout of panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terrace areas, cozy groupings of furniture with ocean views and a bar serving cocktails, coffee, tea and small bites throughout the day. In the evening, live entertainment comes in various music genres, including sets by Big Band at Sea, one of the largest music groups at sea.
The Carousel Lounge was reimagined.
Credit: 2023 Gwen PratesiYacht Club guests will appreciate the new Top Sail Lounge, with its open design and expansive ocean views. Other details throughout the ship include numerous works of art on every deck; a new gallery will display the works of art from the five finalists in the contest for the ship's hull design.
MSC Aurea Spa, too, has a new innovative component: a dry flotation tank. This zero-gravity “float therapy” experience promotes mental and physical peace of mind through a calming ambience activated by the synergy of water, heat and light.
New Activities for Families and Kids Onboard Euribia
There's no shortage of new family fun on Euribia, beginning with Ocean Cay Aqua Park, a coral- and sea-inspired waterpark the line says is one of the largest and most intricate waterparks at sea.
The kids club, meanwhile, covers an impressive 7,534 square feet across seven rooms, with something for everyone, from babies to 17-year-olds. MSC Foundation Youth Center also offers interactive and educational activities to teach children about sustainability and the environment.
New activities in sports program Z Active include hoverboarding, pickleball and zorb ball (a giant inflatable orb to roll around in). There’s also Hologate Blitz, a new dueling virtual reality racing simulator in the arcade area, where two players sit next to each other and can choose different scenarios, such as racing in the desert, on ice, under the sea or in space.
Euribia is in Northern Europe this summer, sailing seven-night itineraries from Kiel, Germany, and Copenhagen that visit the Norwegian fjord towns of Geiranger, Alesund and Flam.
Next Up: World America in 2025
MSC's next new ship, the U.S.-based World America, is scheduled to launch in April 2025. Highlights that have been announced so far include The Harbor, a reimagined outdoor space for kids and families on Deck 20. Some of the new offerings in this area will include interactive water features, a waterpark, thrill rides and food trucks serving up snacks and cool beverages. The Harbor will also offer incredible ocean views from five new spaces where guests can relax in the shade, a ropes course and zipline and The Harbor Lighthouse, a themed play area for children. There will also be two new specialty dining concepts, a new sports bar and a new comedy club onboard the vessel.
World America will sail to the Caribbean from the line's brand-new facility in PortMiami, which is slated to be North America's largest cruise terminal once completed.
