The Venom Drop, the world’s longest dry slide at sea, bumper cars and a secret speakeasy are just a few of the highlights awaiting guests aboard MSC Cruises’ 6,762-passenger World Europa.

Europa and World America (coming next year) are MSC’s newest and largest class of ship, spanning 22 decks. The futuristic design of Europa is 47 m. wide and boasts more than 40,000 sq. m. of public space. A unique Y-shaped stern creates an open-air promenade (World Promenade). There are seven swimming pools and 13 whirlpools.

As the world’s third-largest cruise brand, Geneva-based MSC has a fleet of 22 vessels, projected to grow to 25 by 2027. Cruise itineraries are available in more than 100 countries and five continents around the world. Coming in the spring of 2025, World America, a sister ship to Europa, will set sail out of Miami with a variety of Caribbean itineraries.

As part of MSC’s commitment to the environment, the ships are touted to be two of the most environment friendly vessels at sea and the first in the MSC fleet to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available. They are also equipped with shore-to-ship power capabilities, allowing them to connect to local power grids (when available) and turn off engines while in port, reducing emissions.

The ships also feature advanced wastewater treatment systems and an underwater radiated noise management system, as well as a range of energy efficient equipment and systems designed to optimize engine use.

Travel Industry Today recently had an opportunity to experience World Europa during a Mediterranean sailing out of Rome.

The first thing one notices upon boarding is the size of the ship – it is large – but embarkation and disembarkation were smooth. In the Med, MSC has passengers coming and going at most ports (i.e. Rome, Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa) making the overall process much simpler.

Europa is family-friendly and caters to a wide variety of ages and nationalities. With size, however, comes options, and Europa has plenty of them. Helping make life onboard a little simpler is the handy MSC for Me App (no charge).

The heart of the ship is the World Promenade, a 104-m.-long outdoor promenade offering all-day entertainment, including The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, which spans nine decks. While you’ll hear plenty of screams, the slide is safe and passes the “fun” factor for all ages.

Connected to the Promenade is the World Galleria, an indoor promenade with shopping and dining experiences.

Europa has 2,626 staterooms – from luxurious suites in the MSC Yacht Club (the ship within a ship concept with butler service and exclusive public spaces), to balcony cabins overlooking the sea or the World Promenade, and Infinite Ocean View cabins with sliding windows.

The ship, which has a crew of 2,138, features 14 dining options, including six specialty restaurants, including the Chef’s Garden Kitchen, a collaboration with Michelin-starred chef and TV personality Niklas Ekstedt. Focusing on natural ingredients, the restaurant features the first-at-sea hydroponic garden. Others include the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, the Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar, and the Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

La Pescaderia, the ship’s signature Mediterranean seafood restaurant, offers guests the opportunity to “go fishing” and choose their own fresh fish. The food here is plentiful so it’s advised to go hungry. Specialty restaurants have a surcharge, with two- and three-time packages available.

Three buffet restaurants, several main restaurants and a casual pizza and burger joint round out the eateries ensuring that guests never go hungry.

A variety of 20 bars, lounges and cafés include the Masters of the Sea Pub, MSC’s first onboard microbrewery; the Elixir – Mixology Bar featuring signature cocktails; an Emporium coffee bar with selections from around the world; and The Gin Project, a must-stop shop for gin aficionados with more than 70 craft gins.

One of the most unique venues onboard is the secret speakeasy, which you won’t find on any deck plan. It has a 1920s vibe, a superb band, and a vast menu of specialty cocktails. A visit is highly recommended and guests wanting to go must acquire an entrance token, make a reservation and, at the specified time, go to the British phone booth on Deck 6 and dial a special code. While we can’t give away all the details – it’s a secret – access is by invitation only and you must have the token to enter. Note: Beverage packages do not apply in the speakeasy.

Entertainment options include a casino, as well as three concert-style shows in the multi-purpose Luna Park Arena, five full-scale theatre productions in the World Theatre and four themed experiences in the Panorama Lounge. Shows we attended – “The Elvis Show Experience” and “Amelia – A True Aviator Soul” – were professionally done and enjoyable. Reservations are required but are easy to make. Note: Some shows sell out, so it’s advisable to book early.

For the younger set (and the young at heart), there are Kids’ Clubs, an arcade featuring a Formula 1 simulator, MSC SportPlex offering bumper cars and rollerskating, and the Aurora Borealis Aquapark.

A challenge on any big ship with large numbers of passengers is finding a quiet space. On Europa, the Raj Polo Tea House is one such refuge where guests can take a step back in time and indulge in dozens of both hot and cold teas, as well as tea-infused cocktails. Soft live piano music rounds out the ambience in the afternoons.

A nice, relaxing spot for cocktails is the Elixir – Mixology Bar. (If you like Manhattans, try the specialty Tender is the Night cocktail.)

Speaking of relaxation, guests are encouraged to visit the luxurious Balinese MSC Aurea Spa. Features include treatment suites, a thermal area and gym, as well as a hair salon and barber shop.

MSC sailings offer several theme nights, as well as Gala Nights. On this sailing there were a White Party and a Flower Glory Party (with guests showing off their best ‘60s and ‘70s attire).

A standout aboard Europa was the crew, all very courteous and helpful. Our waiter at La Pescaderia, for instance, said it was his goal to “share a passion,” adding, “It’s all about the experience, a story that you can take home and share.” Good service is key to any vacation and MSC delivers.

Speaking with Travel Industry Today, Cruise Director Marco Cimbaro noted that the layout of Europa (and MSC America) is totally different from other MSC ships and is designed to accommodate all guests. “We try to give a little taste for everyone, with food, daily programs, etc.”

He added that announcements, for example, are made in six or seven languages.

As for working with agents, Ian Patterson, MSC’s country manager for Canada, says MSC understands that trade partners are the cornerstone of their success.

“We demonstrate our commitment to them through a number of initiatives. Our dedicated trade website, MSCBOOK, serves as a hub for agents to stay updated on current promotions and initiatives for both FIT bookings and groups. (And) we’re proud to be the leader in offering commission on pre-paid services as agents can earn upwards of up to 5% on pre-paid shore excursions for groups.”

He added that MSC Canada recently expanded its Field Sales Team to eight members. And a new training program for trade partners is on the way.

Agents should also watch for special trade rates and invitations to Seminars at Sea tailored for the Canadian trade on MSCBOOK.