The newest cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet sails Northern Europe itineraries for much of the year. There’s lots to see and do between port calls, so Euribia is a great choice for families, young couples, or groups of friends who don't mind a lively, pan-European onboard atmosphere.
Unlike the line’s other recently-launched ship, MSC World Europa, which was the first in a new class of vessel, the design of Euribia is based on the tried-and-tested ‘Meraviglia Plus’ class.
So, if you’ve sailed on Grandiosa or Virtuosa, the focus on indoor spaces such as the iconic two-deck interior promenade will feel instantly familiar.
The cruise ship, designed to accommodate almost 5,000 passengers at double occupancy, can reach full capacity at 6,327 guests, but this typically happens only during vacation periods when many more children are on board.
Euribia can feel crowded at popular times, such as pre- and post-dinner on sea days. That’s especially true when adverse weather drives everyone indoors—common in Northern Europe throughout the year.
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However, it’s worth taking the time to fully explore the ship on embarkation day, as there are quieter spots to be found. The Carousel Lounge is open throughout the day, and there is a lot of seating around the atrium.
Entertainment For All On Euribia
MSC Cruises is known as a lively cruise line, and Euribia certainly lives up to that reputation, with multilingual, family-friendly activities throughout the day and late-night parties for adults.
The ship’s central feature is the three-deck central atrium and ‘Galleria Euribia’, a visually stunning two-deck interior promenade with a curved LED roof, home to specialty dining, shops, bars, and lounges. It’s a venue for both organized and spontaneous parties, including the captain’s welcome. At one end is the atrium, home to the famous Swarovski staircases.
The ship boasts a spacious rooftop pool deck and a tiered aft sundeck. Key attractions like waterslides, a ropes course, and top-deck waterpark are all popular spots when the weather is favorable. Should that not be the case, there is sheltered seating on the main pool deck.
Inside, the fun keeps going with a covered swimming pool, more hot tubs, a sports court and a vast arcade. Kids clubs are available for various age groups, giving parents a few hours of peace especially on sea days.
Evening entertainment includes three seatings for the main show in the Delphi Theater, which is bookable using the ‘MSC for Me’ app. Although there is no theater bar, the ship’s 21 bars and lounges mean you’re never far from a drink, although be prepared to wait a while at busy times.
Secondary performance space the Carousel Lounge hosts big band concerts in a more informal atmosphere. The flexible space functions as an additional observation lounge during the day, with snacks and full bar service available.
As with all cruise ships, the casino is only open when at sea, and as a welcome plus is entirely non-smoking. Smokers are nevertheless well catered for with several outdoor smoking areas around the ship.
Accommodation Options
The 2,419 cabins on Euribia offer a wide range of choice for guests, although the brown and beige color scheme won’t be to everyone’s taste.
The 755 interior cabins offer the best value, while duplex suites with balcony hot tubs are available for those seeking the most luxurious experience.
The high number of guests typically sailing on Euribia is one of two very good reasons to splurge on one of more than 1,000 balcony cabins. The other? Northern Europe itself, especially Norwegian fjords cruises.
Such cruises are partly about the ports, but just as much about the sailaway. Having a private space from which to enjoy the scenery is worthwhile. That being said, inside cabins on Euribia are spacious compared with industry standards, and offer the best value.
There is plenty of outdoor space on higher decks to enjoy the scenery, although you will struggle to find a window seat in popular lounges.
Varied Dining Venues
As a line firmly in the mass-market segment of the industry, MSC is not renowned for its food offering. Yet, steady improvement has been made in recent years.
The inclusive offerings are more than satisfactory, especially the seafood, and the ship’s breads and pasta, all made on board. Also produced on board is fresh mozzarella. More than 650 pounds of it is made—and eaten—every day.
Euribia’s buffet restaurant can be hit-and-miss and does get crowded at popular times, but at least one main dining room is also open for breakfast/brunch/lunch, depending on the day.
Adding to the choice is a number of speciality restaurants, including French-themed Le Grill, Japanese grill, sushi bar, and a Mexican cantina. The latter, with authentic white corn tacos and a $20 all-you-can-eat option, is outstanding value.
Spa And Fitness
With the availability of delicious pizza almost 24/7, it’s wise to get familiar with the fitness offer on Euribia. A well-equipped fitness center with views is open from 6am, and the combined walking and jogging track on deck 16 is popular on sea days.
The Aurea Spa features a thermal area, for which day passes or cruise-long passes are available. A variety of massages and treatments are available in private treatment rooms, while a nail and beauty salon, and a barber shop rounds out the offer.
Aside from the spa, a total of five swimming pools and several hot tubs are available throughout the ship.
The Yacht Club Experience
If the Vegas-style amenities and atmosphere appeal but you want some peace and quiet too, Euribia offers the MSC Yacht Club experience.
MSC’s take on the ‘ship-within-a-ship’ concept is an access-controlled area of the ship for 100 cabins with an exclusive restaurant, bar and lounge, and an outdoor deck with pool, bar and daytime buffet.
Situated at the front of the ship, both the outside deck and observation lounge offer some of the best views anywhere on Euribia.
Unlike other line’s premium offerings, Euribia’s Yacht Club features a range of accommodation, including interior cabins, giving guests a more budget-friendly way to accessing a premium experience.
Guests staying in the Yacht Club pay substantially more, but have access to butler service, and a premium drinks package, among other perks.
A ‘Greener’ Ship
While cruising is anything but a sustainable activity, Euribia is powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), something which not all new cruise ships are.
Although still criticized by environmental campaigners, LNG is considered the ‘greenest’ fuel that’s available today at the scale required for cruise ships. LNG significantly reduces sulphur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared with traditional maritime fuels.
MSC also claims an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system, energy efficiency through smart HVAC systems, and the ongoing ocean conservation work of the MSC Foundation.
Euribia isn’t for everyone, but what cruise ship is? If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, a packed program of activities, and a healthy dose of Vegas-style sparkle and glamor, Euribia could be for you.
