In early 2025, you can board one of MSC’s newest ships, the MSC World Europa, and explore the Western Mediterranean for an entire week, paying only €549 per person, including tips and meals. The cruise starts and ends in Marseille.
The prices are per person based on double occupancy. All tips and meals are included, as well as water, coffee, tea, and milk all day long in the buffet area.
The cheapest cruise dates are:
- January 18 – 25
- February 8 – 15
The Route
This cruise offers a rich mix of Mediterranean destinations, each with its own unique appeal. Starting in Marseille, France, the journey takes you to Genoa, Italy, a city steeped in maritime history. From there, it’s on to Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome, where ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City are within reach.
The itinerary then leads to Messina, Sicily, known for its stunning coastal scenery and cultural significance, followed by Valletta, Malta, a city renowned for its baroque architecture and historical depth. After a relaxing day at sea, the trip concludes in Barcelona, Spain, with its vibrant atmosphere and iconic landmarks, before returning to Marseille. This route provides a well-rounded exploration of the Mediterranean’s diverse cities and landscapes.
Here’s the detailed itinerary:
- Day 1: Marseille (departs at 18:00)
- Day 2: Genoa, Italy (10 hours)
- Day 3: Civitavecchia (11 hours)
- Day 4: Messina, Sicily (8 hours)
- Day 5: Valletta, Malta (8 hours)
- Day 6: At sea
- Day 7: Barcelona, Spain (10 hours)
- Day 8: Marseille (arrives at 8:00)
The Ship
The MSC World Europa is MSC’s new flagship, featuring numerous onboard attractions. The ship is highly versatile and can operate in colder regions, but it’s primarily designed for warmer destinations in the Mediterranean, around the Arabian Peninsula, and the Caribbean.
Instead of a single pool deck with a surrounding elevated walkway, the ship has a tiered design with pools and whirlpools spread across different levels, helping to accommodate the large number of passengers (6,774).
One of the highlights is the split design of the cabin towers, which creates significantly more outdoor space for balcony cabins. However, it’s important to choose carefully whether you want a view facing inward toward the promenade or outward to the sea, depending on whether you prefer a relaxing atmosphere or the lively buzz of activity. This design also allows for innovative spaces, including a wide promenade and numerous speciality restaurants (available for an additional charge).
MSC has also invested heavily in attractions. The water park features numerous slides and play areas, complemented by a dry slide to the promenade. Other amenities include bumper cars, show lounges, aesthetically designed top decks, and a massive panoramic lounge at the ship’s aft.
Here are a few key facts about the MSC World Europa:
- 15 passenger decks (decks 13 and 17 are omitted, as usual)
- Entered service at the end of 2022
- 333 meters long and 46 meters wide
- 2,633 cabins accommodating up to 6,774 passengers
- Maximum speed of 22 knots
- Official onboard languages are Italian and English; the onboard currency is the Euro
- 15 restaurants and snack stations, with 7 requiring an additional fee
- 17 bars spread across the public decks
- 7 pools and 13 whirlpools, some very large
Cover Picture: MSC World Europa | MSC Rights