MSC Euribia

Future-Thinking, Eco-Friendly Design: To mark Euribia’s christening voyage from the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France to Copenhagen, Denmark, MSC set out to prove that next-generation, carbon-neutral cruising is possible. The ship sailed the first net-zero-greenhouse-gas-emission cruise using 400 tons of bio-LNG fuel, demonstrating MSC’s plans for embracing renewable fuel sources as they become more widely available. Technology also allows Euribia to treat wastewater to high standards, redirect engine heat to warm water for use in pools and showers, and compact metal and plastic waste onboard for recycling. Environmentally friendly paints on the hull are also designed to limit the growth of barnacles and thus reduce drag and energy waste. In total, Euribia’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) is 55% better than required.

The Carousel Lounge: This former “performance in the round” space, located aft on deck 7 on all Meraviglia-Class ships, has been transformed on Euribia into a multi-purpose venue with panoramic sea views and two outdoor terraces by day and a sophisticated lounge vibe by night. Each evening, it is the setting for three live performances by Big Band at Sea, a 19-piece orchestra accompanied by three singers who croon everything from Swing classics to modern chart toppers. There’s also a pool table and a dance floor.

Helios: Wine Maker Bar: While self-dispensing wine bars aren’t new on cruise ships, Helios: Wine Maker is the first to feature state-of-the-art touch-screen tables that help guests navigate tasting notes and the story behind the wines. Four different interactive Masterclasses hosted by a sommelier are bookable for an extra fee or guests can simply purchase pours of any of the 96 international wines available from the dispensers.

Value Pricing: Spending a week aboard Euribia won’t break the bank. Yes, you’ll pay extra for wifi, drinks packages, specialty dining, and activities such as arcade games and Formula 1 race simulators, but MSC does offer deals throughout the year with perks such as free wifi and onboard credit.

Flexible Embarkation Ports: As Euribia cruises Northern Europe, it offers something unique: Guests can embark in their choice of any port on a seven-night itinerary, as long as they also disembark in the same port. Euribia also offers itineraries in the Mediterranean and Gulf of Arabia (from Dubai).

MSC Yacht Club: For those who have a more generous budget but find small luxury ships too sedate, there’s MSC Yacht Club. On Euribia, this exclusive area features 103 staterooms and suites set on four decks and offering 24-hour butler service along with included amenities such as access to the Aurea Spa thermal suite, a private Top Sail Lounge and Yacht Club Restaurant, and an exclusive pool deck with an outdoor bar and grill. But they can also enjoy all the restaurants and lounges located along the glitzy Vegas-like Galleria with its LED dome as well as ship-wide entertainment and activities.

Fun for Kids & Teens: Euribia features plenty of fun spaces and activities for younger cruisers. These include the Sportsplex for court games, an adjoining arcade/virtual-reality gaming area offering everything from Skee-Ball and bowling to an interactive 4D Theater, and the colorful Coral Reef Aquapark with waterslides and dump buckets. The Doremi kids club areas offer organized playtime and entertainment for younger kids, while teen spaces are designed as hangouts. Euribia’s staff also organizes live family game shows on every cruise.

Families Seeking an International Cruise Experience: While MSC has grown in recognition among U.S. cruisers with its Seaside-Class ships sailing to the Caribbean from Miami, its Mediterranean fleet still welcomes primarily Europeans. But U.S. families seeking a value-priced cruise in Europe — in Euribia’s case, mostly Northern Europe — will find a lot to love about this family-friendly ship. Everyone may make new international friends and even learn a few new foreign words since all onboard announcements are in six languages.

Cabins are Very Basic: Unless you love monochromatic décor, your cabin on Euribia will likely prove underwhelming. With the exception of the larger suites in MSC Yacht Club, the palette is chocolate brown (carpet, headboard, sofa) and beige (walls, furniture) or a combination of both (curtains, pillows). Imagine what a touch of tangerine or turquoise could have done. Décor aside, the beds are quite comfy, but anyone with dry skin or allergies needs to bring their own body lotion and tissues, since neither are supplied. The bathrooms are also on the small side.

There’s Gelato, But It’s Not Venchi: Americans who have cruised on MSC’s Seaside-Class ships from Miami have gotten to know Italian gelato and chocolate maker Venchi. But Euribia, like all Meraviglia-Class ships, features Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Coffee and Jean-Philippe Crepes & Coffee by French chocolatier and pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury, formerly known for his Las Vegas sweet shops. A scoop of either (at an extra cost) is indeed yummy, but there’s just something about authentic Italian gelato.