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List of MSC Cruises Ships by Class, Age and Size

Read About the comprehensive list of MSC Cruises ships by class, age, and size for your ideal luxury cruise experience.

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Mediterranean Shipping Company, known as MSC Cruises, is the largest privately-owned cruise line in the world with a 23-cruise fleet. After Carnival and Royal Caribbean, more than 10% of travelers choose MSC cruises worldwide each year. MSC Cruises is the 3rd largest cruise company in the world. Each cruise offers comfort, innovation, dining, entertainment areas, and onboard experiences.

MSC Cruises covers 140 destinations and 50 boarding points in the summer. MSC ships sail year-round in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. MSC seasonal itineraries include South America, Southern Africa, North America, Northern Europe, Dubai, Asia, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the Red Sea.

With many cruise options, it isn't easy to choose the best cruise for you as they cover the most popular destinations like South America, Europe, The Caribbean and the Bahamas, Bermuda, Eastern Canada and New England, The Persian Gulf, and many more. Here is everything you need to know about MSC Cruises for planning your upcoming MSC Cruises journey. We covered all MSC Cruise ships by class, year, and size.

MSC Cruise Ships by Class

Cruise ships can be of various sizes and types. When you choose any of the cruises, you will have a class of that Individual cruise ship. It helps you to find similar cruises and separate cruises of the same cruise line.

MSC Cruise ships fleet in groups of classes. Each ship with the same classes has a very similar, with some minor changes on board. MSC Cruises has eight classes. The first-ever class of MSC cruises was "MSC Lirica Class," and the latest one is "MSC World Class".

1. Lirica Class

The “Mistral Class” cruise ships currently owned by MSC Cruises are the oldest group of ships in the MSC Cruise line. As per history, the mistral class ship was ordered by Renaissance Cruises in 1996, but later, they withdrew the order. Then Festival Cruises took the order and went bankrupt. In 2004, 4 cruise ships were taken over by MSC Cruises, and Mistral Class cruises became MSC Lirica Class Cruise ships.

New features in Lirica Class cruise ships included elegant accommodation, suites, family options, cabins with a balcony or ocean view, new child and teen areas, a spray park, more dining options, bars, refurnished shops, a longue, and restaurants.

MSC Armonia

MSC Armonia is one of the Lirica class cruise ships built in 2001, originally built for Festival Cruises as “MS European Vision,” and has been operated by MSC Cruises since 2004. She can accommodate 760 crew members and 2,065 passengers. Her itineraries destinations are the Mediterranean, MSC Grand Voyages, and South America.

MSC Sinfonia

Like the sister cruise MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia was a part of Festival Cruises before known as “MS European Stars.” She was the last cruise ship built for Festival Cruises, then it became a part of MSC in 2004 and sailed under the name of “MSC Armonia.” The maximum speed of MSC Sinfonia is 21.7 knots, and sailing is a famous destination in the Mediterranean with a capacity of 2646 passengers and 721 crew members.

MSC Lirica was the first newbuild cruise ship on service for MSC Cruises. Her sister cruises, MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia, are basically the same but have a smaller ship funnel and other modifications like windows and interior, but MSC Opera is a very similar sister cruise ship. She can carry 2648 passengers and 721 crew members. MSC Grand Voyages, the Mediterranean, and South America are the destinations where MSC Lirica is sailing.

MSC Opera cruise ship, built in 2004, is currently operated by Swiss company MSC Cruises. She is carrying 2658 passengers and 728 crew members. She served as the flagship of the company till 2006. She built with more classic lines than her sister in the Fantasia and Musica classes. She is sailing to the destinations of MSC Grand Voyages, Emirates, and the Mediterranean.

2. Musica Class

Musica Class ships started in 2006, operated by MSC Cruises, a Swiss global cruise line located in Geneva. The first cruise was MSC Musica, and the class was named after her. The 4 ships are on the list: MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesía, and MSC Magnifica.

The features of this Musica class cruise ship are luxury cabins and suits with an obstructed view, entertainment areas, pools, bars, restaurants, café areas, a Pullman bed facility, and more.

MSC Musica is the first cruise ship of the Musica Class, built in 2006 and operated by MSC Cruises. She has 1014 passenger cabins with 3223 passengers and 987 crew members capacity. The popular destinations she is sailing are the Mediterranean, MSC Grand Voyages, South America, Saudi Arabia, and the Red Sea.

MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra is the second cruise ship of the Musica Class family. It was built in 2007 for MSC Cruises. She accommodates 3223 passengers and about 940 crew members. The interior décor of marble and wood, soft furnishing, and Italian quality colors. She is sailing to cover the Mediterranean and MSC Grand Voyages.

MSC Poesía

MSC Poesía was built in 2008 by the “Aker Yards” in France. She is a sister Cruise ship of other Musica Class Cruise ships. She was the flagship of MSC Cruises until MSC Fantasia replaced her. She is the first vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet officially named outside Italy in 2008. She has 3223 passengers capacity and 1039 crew members capacity. The Mediterranean, MSC Grand Voyages, and Northern Europe are the destinations available to enjoy the MSC Poesía Cruise ships.

MSC Magnifica

MSC Magnifica was launched in January 2009, built in January 2010, and entered service in March 2010. She was constructed by “STX Europe” in France. MSC Magnifica can carry 987 crew members and 3223 passengers with 1279 cabins. MSC Magnifica sailing around the Caribbean & Antilles, Mediterranean, MSC Grand Voyages, and other global destinations. The ship has 13 decks, an Art-Deco style theatre, casino, cinema, dining and bar areas, and other entertainment areas.

3. Fantasia Class

The MSC Fantasia Class cruise ships have been operated by MSC Cruises since 2008. All Fantasia Class Cruise ships are part of third-generation ships built by STX Europe in St. Nazaire. Four Cruise ships, MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Divina, and the MSC Preziosa, are vessels under the MSC Fantasia Class.

The ships from Fantasia Class have 1313 seat theaters, around 30,000 m² large public areas, 1700 m² fitness areas, a mini golf course, and a tennis/basketball court. MSC Fantasia Class Cruise Ships received the “Six Golden Pearls” trophy for health, safety, and environmental-related capabilities.

MSC Fantasia

MSC Fantasia was the first ever cruise ship for MSC Fantasia Class, which is owned and operated by MSC Cruises. She started cruising from Genoa in 2008. MSC Fantasia was the largest ship to operate for MSC Cruises at the time of delivery. She has a 4D cinema, a spa, a race car simulator, and musical fountains.

She can carry 4363 passengers and 1370 crew members. MSC Fantasia vessels to the ports of the Mediterranean and MSC Grand Voyages.

MSC Splendida

MSC Splendida , previously known as “MSC Serenata,” was built in 2009 with a $550 million investment. Her capacity is 1370 crew members and 4363 passengers. She is ready to schedule to be sailing in Durban for 2023/2024 and will serve South Africa to Mauritius, Port Elizabeth, Mozambique, Reunion, Namibia & Cape Town. The ship has a system to program multiple songs to play and enjoy. She is the best Eco-ship that gives you luxury, style, and comfort to the MSC Grand Voyages, South Africa, and Mediterranean destinations.

In the Fantasia Class, MSC Divina is the third ship for the class and the twelfth ship built and sailing for MSC cruises. With 139,072 tons gross tonnage, she is larger than MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida. They renamed MSC Fantastica to honor the actress, Sophia Loren. The Cruise provides modern comfort, a variety of sports and entertainment, and relaxation facilities. She is one of the ships that are sailing to the private island destination, “Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve,” Bahamas.

MSC Preziosa

Preziosa is a magnified version of her two sister cruise ships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida. She was the 13th cruise ship of MSC Cruise line. 80% of rooms have an ocean view with a veranda on this cruise. The ship has 24.21 knots maximum speed. Public areas included seven restaurants, 20 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, a gym, and a spa. She has a capacity of 1388 crew members and 4345 passengers. MSC Preziosa departs from Rotterdam, Santos (Sao Paulo), Hamburg, Copenhagen, Le Havre, Le Havre Southampton, Oslo, Southampton, Copacabana Beach and Rio de Janeiro. She sailed to cover the ports & areas of South America, MSC Grand Voyages, and Northern Europe.

4. Seaside Class

The first and leading cruise ship MSC Seaside starts from December 2017 in the Caribbean Sea. The two original MSC Seaside Class is MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview are designed to sailing in warmer climates as MSC describe, they follow the sun. The ship features convertible staterooms and cluster cabins for groups and families, open modular, luxury suits with private jacuzzies and hanging gardens.

She sails with extra space areas and environmental technologies. The Seaside Class is developed on Fincantieri's "Project Mille". The all-cruise ships of this class have "Sea" prefix.

MSC Seaside

MSC Seaside was built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and entered services in 2017. She was the first ship of the MSC Cruises line's fleet in the United States. She is the 14th largest cruise ship in the world. She has cabins and suites with balconies to open-air bars and restaurants. Also, passengers can enjoy the ocean view from panoramic elevators and two glass-floor catwalks. She sails to the Caribbean & Bahamas, the Mediterranean, and MSC Grand Voyages.

MSC Seaview

MSC Seaview is a sister cruise ship of MSC Seaside and a very family-friendly ship. MSC Seaview is sailing to the Mediterranean, South America, and Western Mediterranean, but she is sailing to Europe or Brazil if you are planning during the winter months. She offers the longest zip lines at sea, shooting water cannons, and many other activities for kids and adults.

5. Seaside EVO Class

There are two cruise ships, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape, in the Seaside EVO Class. The first Cruise MSC Seashore entered service in 2021. It is a sub-class of Seaside Class, and both cruises are Eco-friendly. With the larger dimensions, more generous public spaces, countless options for relaxing and outside dining, and staterooms with more luxury and relaxation.

MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore became the lead ship of the Seaside EVO class. She is an evolution of her sister cruise ships, MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside from Seaside Class. She sails to the Western Caribbean, Bahamas, and Eastern Caribbean. She is equipped with the latest advanced environmental technology to increase energy. She can carry 5632 passengers and 1648 crew members.

MSC Seascape

The second Seaside EVO Class Cruise ship, MSC Seascape, is a similar version of the sister cruise, MSC Seashore . She can accommodate approx. 5877 passengers. She features a glitzy, New York City-inspired aesthetic. Start sailing from sunny Miami and explore white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean. Many environmentally friendly policies, safety features, and other minor details are similar to her sister ship, MSC Seashore.

6. Meraviglia Class

The Meraviglia Class has two MSC Cruise ships, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima. The class is larger than the Seaside class. This class has the sixth largest cruise ship in the world, behind Royal Caribbean's AIDAnova and Oasis-class cruise ships. This class of sheep can journey all around the world. Meraviglia Class was uniquely designed, allowing it to reach ports that other cruise ships couldn't access.

Some signature features of Meraviglia Class cruise ships are F1 simulators, Sportsplex, beverage options, various luxurious cabins and staterooms, spacious shopping areas, bars and restaurants, and more. Passengers can enjoy all-new entertainment concepts, including acrobatics, dance, and live music in Meraviglia Class ships.

MSC Meraviglia

MSC Cruises set the bar high as they launched the first cruise of this class, MSC Meraviglia , the biggest ship in the European market, in 2017. She is the lead ship of MSC Cruises' new "Vista Project" cruises. MSC Meraviglia offers an overnight stay on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a Private Island of MSC in The Bahamas. She sails to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada/New England. The cruise has 5642 passengers capacity.

MSC Bellissima

MSC Bellissima is the best family-friendly cruise. She debuted and started her journey in March 2019. Facilities on the cruise include a large number of dining, drinking, and entertainment options, including the second Cirque du Soleil at Sea, four pools, a ropes course, a water park, and a large central promenade lined with bars, shops, and restaurants. She has the capacity to carry 5655 passengers and sail to Asia.

7. Meraviglia-Plus Class

MSC Meraviglia-Plus Class has three new updated versions and new-generation cruises of Meraviglia Class with more advanced technology, space areas, entertainment areas, and more fun. The first cruise of this class, MSC Grandiosa, was launched in 2019. This class cruise has featured the first and only masterpiece, “Contemporary Fine Art Museum at Sea.”

The environmental-friendly cruises of Meraviglia-Plus Class operate at a global level, covering routes in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Europe, the Baltic Sea, North and Central America, the Arab Emirates, South America and the Indian Ocean, and the Far East.

MSC Grandiosa

MSC Grandiosa was the first ever cruise ship of Meraviglia-Plus Class debut in 2019. She offers more public space areas with exciting innovations. Passengers can enjoy flexible dining and unlimited drinks in various restaurants. She is MSC’s first ship with a selective catalytic reduction. She sails to MSC Grand Voyages, the Mediterranean, and South America. She has the capacity to carry 6334 passengers.

MSC Virtuosa

MSC Virtuosa is the second ship in the Meraviglia-Plus class. She is a sister ship to MSC Grandiosa with similar features and entered the service in May 2021. She is also the largest ship, like a sister cruise, with 181,541 GT and carries a total of 6334 passengers. An updating feature on MSC Virtuosa is the extended interior Promenade, with cafes, shops, and bars, and overhead the entire ceiling is a 95m by 6m LED screen displaying panoramas and the night sky.

MSC Euribia

The best family-friendly cruise, MSC Euribia offers a wide range of family activities, fun top decks, cabins, and more dining and drink options. She is called after "the ancient goddess Eurybia," furthering the vision of the MSC Euribia to learn the deployment of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies to save and maintain the precious marine ecosystem. MSC Euribia sails to the Baltic Sea and the Middle East with a capacity of 6327 passengers.

8. World Class

In 2022, MSC debut the first Word Class cruise ship “MSC World Europa” - the largest cruise ship in MSC’s history built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique of France. The design of this class would become the third new prototype ordered by MSC Cruises. The World Class series cruise installed with GE Power Conversion. MSC revealed that their upcoming sister cruise ship of MSC World Europa will debut in 2024 and two more in 2025 and 2026 respectively. All ships are powered by LNG.

The Word Class cruise ships have largest waterpark in fleet, 7 swimming pools including sliding roof, MSC kids club for families and children, 13 dining venues, 19 various cabin categories, with 7 new designs. The Gross tonnage of the Word Class cruise ships is 2,15,863.

MSC World Europa

MSC's first-class cruise ship, MSC World Europa , is the first cruise ship with green technology, MSC's first and the world's sixth largest cruise ship, debuting in 2022. With a 6762 capacity of passengers and 2626 cabins, she is cruising in the Mediterranean. MSC World Europa is a groundbreaking addition to the MSC Cruises set to redefine the concept of innovation and luxury on the high seas. The main activity hub onboard is "The World Galleria."

MSC World America

Enjoy the journey of the Caribbean as never before. In Spring 2025, MSC Cruises' second World Class ship, MSC World America, will join the fleet. Get ready to sail from Miami for two jaw-dropping tropical 7-night itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. She has similar features to the sister cruise MSC World Europa. The ship is 215,863 gross tons and will be ready to carry 6,762 passengers at full, with 2,126 crew.

MSC Cruise Ships by Age (From newest to oldest)

The first MSC cruise was MSC Armonia, previously known as a "European Vision" in 2001, built with 245 million USD cost, and MSC's newest ship is "MSC World America," which will launch in 2024 with approx. 1.1 billion USD built worth.

The table below shows MSC Cruises Ships from newest to oldest by built year and also mentions refurbished year and approx. Built cost of each MSC cruise.

MSC Cruise Ships by Size

MSC has a total of 23 cruises on the list. All Cruises are made with different dimensions, shapes, and features. The large cruise ships (MSC World Class Cruises) have the greatest number of pools, waterslides, hot tubs, and other deck-top allures, as well as various bars, restaurants, and entertainment areas. There are a large number of cabins, staterooms, and more facilities in comparison to small cruise ships (MSC Lirica Class).

So, what about small cruises? Small cruises are also capable of carrying 2000 to 3000 people easily. It means small Cruises of MSC Cruises also offer luxurious and relaxation journeys with tasty dining and entertainment areas and fun activities. The main point is MSC Cruises sails globally. Travelers can choose their dream destination with their favorite MSC cruise ships.

From the biggest or largest cruise to the smallest one, all are covered in the list below, including Gross tonnage, capacity of passengers, number of cabins, including guests with disabilities.

Final Words

MSC Cruises has a wide range of cruise ships based on class. You can choose the best one as per your preference. If you are looking for a small one, you can go on Lirica Class cruises, but if you like giant and advanced tech cruises with a lot of activities and fun with more options in food, stay, drinking, and shopping, then you must book most luxurious and largest MSC World Class Cruises.

Enjoy your cruise journey with MSC with global destinations.

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MSC Cruises Ships by Size, Age and Class (Updated 2023)

MSC Cruises has an active fleet of 22 ships currently. They are currently one of the largest cruise line fleets in the world.

Their next ship, MSC World America will launch in 2025 – taking them to 23 ships.

Introduction to MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is a Swiss-Italian cruise line, founded back in 1989 in Naples, Italy.

A sibling company of the giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), MSC has strong roots connecting it with the sea dating back to 1675.

Since 1989, MSC Cruises has built a formidable fleet of cruise ships, with the last few years adding several brand new ships per year on average and an order book with many more lined up.

Whilst the cruise shutdown of 2020 stopped MSC from sailing briefly, they were quick to continue the building of their new ships and did not sell off any of their current vessels.

This guide will help you work out which MSC Cruises’ ship is which!

MSC Ships by Size (from largest to smallest)

What does ‘tonnage (grt)’ mean.

GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT – the more ‘space’ the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.

How are ‘Passengers (Max)’ calculated?

You’ll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships – this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins (such as the sofa/couch can convert to a pull-out bed) – but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the ‘Max’ number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.

MSC Ships by Age (from newest to oldest)

Are all msc ships new builds.

Only two of MSC Cruises’ ships ( MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia ) are not new-builds for MSC Cruises. These two ships are ex-Festival Cruises ships (previously named European Vision and European Stars ).

They were acquired when Festival Cruises went bankrupt and MSC Cruises purchased them for their operations.

MSC Cruises chose to use a modified version of the European-class ships and built MSC Lirica and her twin sister, MSC Opera .

MSC Ships by Class (from newest to oldest)

What is the meraviglia plus class.

The Meraviglia Plus class was built after the success of MSC Meraviglia . The Plus class is an extended version of the ship (approx 15m longer) and has slightly larger facilities, including more cabins – giving an extra passenger capacity of 679 ( MSC Grandiosa – 6,334 compared to MSC Meraviglia 5,642).

What is the Seaside EVO class?

The Seaside EVO class was built after the success of MSC Seaside . This class is 16m longer, offering bigger facilities throughout the ship and more cabins. This enables a higher passenger capacity over the existing Seaside class of 548 passengers ( MSC Seashore 5,632 compared to MSC Seaside 5,084)

Additionally, newer classes of MSC ships are more environmentally advanced, offering enhanced wastewater treatment facilities and enhanced selective catalytic reductions (i.e reduced emissions).

MSC Cruise Ships Frequently Asked Questions

Which msc cruise ship is the biggest.

Currently, the biggest MSC cruise ship is actually a trio of sister ships:  MSC Euribia, MSC Virtuosa   and  MSC Grandiosa   – all 331 metres long and 191,200 GRT with a max passenger capacity of 6,344.

Which MSC cruise ship is the smallest?

Both  MSC Sinfonia  and  MSC Armonia  are the smallest MSC cruise ships in terms of GRT (Tonnage) but  MSC Armonia  actually carries 26 passengers less, at 2,520 max capacity.

Which MSC cruise ship is the newest?

The newest MSC cruise ship that has launched is  MSC Euribia . She was handed over to MSC Cruises on 31st May 2023.

Which MSC cruise ship is the oldest?

The oldest (still at sea) MSC cruise ship is  MSC Armonia . Whilst she entered service for MSC Cruises in 2004, she was actually built as  European Vision  for Festival Cruises back in 2001.

How many classes of ships does MSC have?

MSC Cruises currently have eight classes of ships. Two are hybrid classes (Seaside EVO and Meraviglia Plus) and the rest are unique classes.

Which MSC cruise ship is the best?

Ask ten different people which is their favourite MSC ship and you’ll get ten different answers! But  MSC Seaside  and  MSC Meraviglia  have frequently come top of many polls and are widely accepted as two of the most popular MSC cruise ships.

Where are MSC cruise ships built?

MSC Cruises builds a lot of its newer ships at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique (St. Nazaire) shipyard in France. The Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus class are some of the latest ships from there.

The Seaside and Seaside EVO ships were built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, Italy – one of the biggest cruise shipbuilders based in the Mediterranean.

How many ships does MSC have?

Twenty-two ships as of June 2023

Which MSC ships run on LNG?

Both MSC World Europa and the new MSC Euribia run on LNG fuel.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing an MSC Cruise ship for your cruise there is a vast range of ships that are perfect whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or as a family.

Look out for our detailed guide on the different MSC classes shortly!

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Your complete guide to MSC cruise ships: MSC Cruises classes explained

By Claire Benktander | 18 Jan 2022

Discover more about MSC Cruises’ 19 cruise ships and the variety of MSC cruise classes, including a brand-new luxury class for 2023.

MSC Cruises is known for its excellent-value voyages across the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Europe and beyond on board one of their 19 vessels.

With two more MSC cruise ships being launched this year, bringing the fleet to 21, it can be tricky to know which MSC cruise ship to choose and what the different classes mean. Here’s your complete guide to MSC cruise ships and MSC cruise classes.

Guide to MSC cruise ships & MSC cruise classes

How big are msc cruise ships.

MSC Cruises’ ships can accommodate between 2,520 and 6,334 passengers over 13 to 20 decks, with no small ships in the current fleet.

Next year, though, MSC’s new cruise line, named Explora Journeys, will bring to its repertoire a fleet of small, luxury ships, aimed at guests who are part of the MSC Yacht Club and are after a premium experience.

Which MSC cruise ship is the biggest?

As the combined ninth biggest cruise ships in the world, MSC Grandiosa  – the flagship of MSC Cruises – and MSC Virtuosa   each have 19 decks and capacity for over 6,000 passengers and are over 300m long.

MSC Virtuosa

MSC cruise classes explained

How many msc cruise classes are there.

There are currently eight MSC cruise ship classes, with the most recent being the Seaside EVO class . Later this year, however, the new World Class will add a ninth – and in 2023, a tenth – class to MSC cruise ships’ classes, the latter to be part of a new, smaller, ultra-luxury fleet.

World Class

MSC World Class is a new fleet of ships that will be LNG-propelled and feature a new generation wastewater treatment system, as well other environmental technology in what is a key step for MSC Cruises and their goal to keep  making their vessels even more eco-friendly.

The first ship, MSC World Europa, is currently under construction for MSC Cruises at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and will sail her inaugural journey in December 2022.

Meraviglia Plus Class

Experience Meraviglia Plus Class on board  MSC Virtuosa – MSC’s most environmentally-advanced ship to date, delivered in February 2021 – and MSC Grandiosa , the latter of which is MSC Cruises’ largest ever ship, coming in at 181,000 tonnes and able to welcome 6,334 guests.

These ships also feature hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems, Mediterranean-style promenades and Zoe, the industry’s first digital cruise personal assistant , as well as Cirque du Soleil theatre shows and onboard art museums.

MSC Grandiosa

Meraviglia Class

Very similar to Meraviglia Plus Class, Meraviglia Class offers smaller versions of the above ships and is found on board  MSC Bellissima and MSC Meraviglia , with space for between 4,000 and 6,000 passengers.

The Meraviglia Class ships also feature industry-first digital assistant Zoe and the Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows as well as an indoor promenade, 14 gourmet restaurants and the biggest MSC Yacht Club.

MSC Bellissima

Seaside EVO Class

In 2021 MSC Cruises released a new class of ship, the Seaside EVO-class, that began with the launch of MSC Seashore in August 2021  followed by MSC Seascape,  set to embark on its first voyage in November 2022 and both offering space for between 5,000 and 6,000 passengers.

Slightly larger than the Seaside Class ships (over 50 feet longer to be exact), the Seaside EVO class ships feature aqua parks, show lounges and additional luxury suites alongside MSC’s signature environmentally-friendly technology.

MSC Seascape

Seaside Class

MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside are part of MSC Cruises’ Seaside Class, with capacity for over 5,000 passengers and a 2.9 staff to guest ratio.

MSC Cruises describe the ships as ‘following the sun’. Accordingly so, MSC’s Seaside Class ships are all about the outdoors, with superb views from two glass-floored catwalks and panoramic elevators alongside outdoor-focussed areas like the wraparound walkway, bars, shops and restaurants – of which there are nine.

MSC Seaview

Fantasia Class

MSC Preziosa , MSC Splendida , MSC Fantasia and  MSC Divina are all part of MSC Cruises’ Fantasia Class, with MSC Divina the most advanced of the class; all offer space for around 4,000 passengers.

The MSC Fantasia Class ships’ passenger decks are named after ancient Greek gods, alongside restaurants, a multitude of bars and lounges, several swimming pools, a bowling alley, the famed MSC Aurea Spa and even theatres and sports arenas.

MSC Preziosa

Musica Class

The MSC Musica Class ships all offer space for between 2,000 and 3,000 passengers and are designed to sail mainly in the Mediterranean on MSC Magnifica , MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica.

The ships offer a distinct Italian atmosphere showcased in their interiors and dining venues, with 80% outdoor cabins to really make the most of the outdoors alongside waterfalls, dazzling lounges and theatres.

Lirica Class

Lirica Class was the first of MSC Cruises ship classes, offering some of the smaller ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet. It features on board MSC Opera ,  MSC Lirica , MSC Sinfonia and MSC Armonia , each of which accommodate nearly 2,000 passengers.

Expect classic, elegant designs and a feeling of tradition on board Lirica Class ships, with vessels featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, MSC’s original Broadway Theatre and ultra-spacious cabins as they sail the Med.

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MSC's newest cruise ship is gorgeous, but is it ready for Americans? A first look at MSC Seashore

I've just sailed MSC Seashore, the first ship in MSC Cruises ' new Seaside EVO Class — a variation of the line's original Seaside Class — which offers passengers affordable elegance and plenty of outdoor spaces to connect with the sea.

Following a two-night media preview voyage to Ocean Cay, MSC's private island , I've got some thoughts about the vessel. Here, I'll walk you through how it differs from fellow U.S.-focused ship MSC Seaside, what it does well, what needs some work and what you can expect if you sail.

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The backstory

Although it has been around since the late 1980s, the cruise arm of the behemoth Mediterranean Shipping Company has only been wooing the North American market for just shy of a decade. The company still remains an enigma to many travelers.

In 2013, the line "Americanized" its MSC Divina ship. It was built a year earlier for a European audience, but the line decided to make it fit the American market by adding a movie screen on the pool deck, cutting back on smoking areas, stocking more brands of beer and soda, and revamping some entertainment and menu items.

Since then, instead of retrofitting existing vessels for the U.S. and Canadian demographics, MSC Cruises has added new hardware purpose-built for Americans to the lineup of ships it has been constructing at a breakneck pace. (The line is currently the world's third-largest cruise brand, and with plans to launch more than 10 new ships in the next few years, it's poised to quickly move into second place.)

The first vessel built exclusively to cater to Americans was MSC Seaside, which began sailing in 2017 as the flagship of the line's Seaside Class. It tried hard but struggled with the little things that gave away its roots: Dinners took more than two hours, coffee was nonexistent after dinner for those who wanted a cup with dessert, announcements were made in multiple languages and service was of the more standoffish, less conversational variety that's common in Europe.

Fast forward four years, and MSC Seashore is the line's latest attempt to show U.S. cruisers what it can do. Has MSC finally been able to figure out the secret formula that will make Americans swoon?

First impressions

The ship is gorgeous. With interior design elements, such as upholstery and art, chosen by Rafaela Aponte — wife of MSC owner Gianluigi Aponte — elegance abounds. (Check out the Danza del Mare glass sculpture spanning decks 5 to 8, midship. It's a stunning piece of work by Italian glassmaker Venini.)

As with its Seaside-class counterparts, one of MSC Seashore's biggest highlights is its sweeping four-deck atrium, which serves as one of the ship's main hubs of activity. Chrome and colored lights give it a hip feel, but the vibe also oozes sophistication, courtesy of a transparent, backlit staircase inlaid with thousands of Swarovski crystals.

On paper, the vessel has 20 decks, but true to Italian custom, there is no Deck 17. (In Italy, it's 17, rather than 13, that brings bad luck.) This is one of several ways the ship acknowledges its heritage, despite its target demographic.

In contrast, MSC Seashore employs a New York City theme that's equal parts cute and corny. Meant to appeal to American clientele, the dining rooms boast names like Manhattan, Central Park, Tribeca and 5th Avenue. You'll also find the Brooklyn Cafe, the Uptown Lounge and the Long Island Pool and Bar. In the Times Square area, faux skyscrapers and TVs posing as electronic billboards complement a twice-nightly New Year's Eve digital ball drop following each night's shows in the nearby Madison Theater. Overall, I found it endearing, familiar and, in some ways, even innovative.

However, there isn't a ton that differentiates Seashore from its smaller Seaside sister class. The main changes we noticed, in addition to the NYC theme, are the lack of top-deck ziplines, fewer waterslides and an expanded gaming and arcade area.

Designers revamped the layout for alternative eatery enclave Chef's Court and the accompanying bar. They replaced the French bistro with a Mexican restaurant and scrapped the second family-focused buffet found on Seaside vessels, opting instead to expand the standard buffet. Notable new additions to the deck plan include an aft-facing infinity pool; Le Cabaret Rouge, a secondary lounge that hosts nightly cabaret performances; and a couple of selfie spots that are intentionally Instagrammable.

Below, I'll outline the major highlights and share some of my favorite — and not-so-favorite — bits about the ship.

Dining and drinks

Housing 11 restaurants — including five for-fee options and four included main dining rooms — and 18 bars and lounges, MSC Seashore offers a ton of variety. My two-day preview voyage was sailing at limited capacity; due to time constraints and the small number of passengers onboard, I was able to have full dinners in one of the main dining rooms, lunch at the buffet and between-meal samples from each of the Chef's Court venues.

The four main dining rooms on the ship all feature the same menu, which changes nightly. The venues include 5th Avenue Restaurant, where midcentury modern meets The Jetsons; Tribeca Restaurant, which gives off penthouse vibes; Central Park Restaurant, showcasing green hues and accent plants; and Manhattan Restaurant, which reminded me of an upscale department store in terms of decor.

Dinners still take forever, but service throughout the ship has improved immensely, especially in the dining rooms. Perhaps the restaurant staff was working out new-ship hiccups, but it took so long for everyone at my table to receive their main courses on the last night of the voyage that passengers from other tables ate their dessert and left to see the show before we were served.

The Marketplace Buffet, which takes up about half of Deck 16, is notable for its sheer size and variety of food. Just about anything you could want is found there — meats and cheeses, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. The atmosphere is totally casual, making it the perfect place for a quick, free bite. If you love pizza as much as I do, don't miss MSC Seashore's take, which includes standard cheese and pepperoni selections, as well as more unusual choices like pies with black crust (thanks to activated charcoal).

Most of MSC Seashore's extra-cost dining venues are located in a central Deck 8 area called Chef's Court. Restaurant choices include Butcher's Cut, a steakhouse with superb meats, potatoes and desserts; Ocean Cay, serving up fish and seafood dishes in a nautical-themed outpost; and Kaito Sushi and Kaito Teppanyaki, the former offering conveyor belt sushi and the latter offering grill-side performances in one of the largest teppanyaki venues I've ever seen. (Try the salmon or Wagyu beef. You won't be disappointed.)

Hola! Tacos and Cantina is a new, centrally located restaurant. It's on Deck 8, just above the atrium area, and it takes the place of the French bistro on Seaside-class vessels. Festive colors point the way to ample seating, and the tacos, quesadillas, guacamole and flan are to die for. Looking to grab a drink with your meal? Try one of several margarita flavors, including original, strawberry, mango, pineapple and vanilla.

Alcohol, soda, smoothies and specialty coffees and cocoas cost extra on MSC Cruises ships. You can pay per drink or invest in a drink package. However, MSC's packages come in five varieties, and what's covered isn't always clear. Prices vary by season and destination, but the most expensive one, which includes everything, is the Premium Extra package (formerly Premium Plus).

American Sports Bar is a terrific spot if you're hoping to watch your team play while you're at sea. I could see myself spending quite a bit of time there, largely because of its fun sports memorabilia decor and private areas for viewing sporting events.

It also has an adjacent billiard room — a new feature for Seashore — plus added-fee nibbles and one of the most impressive beer lists I've seen on a ship (including one of my favorites, Yuengling Lager, which isn't found on vessels in most other fleets). The sports bar also has a small menu of bar bites, including what I'm told is the best burger on the ship. (Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to try it for myself.)

The Seashore Bar, named for the ship, is located at the base of a three-deck entertainment space that's adorned with chrome and colored lights and features a couple of small stages for performances. The bar offers up a standard menu of drinks, as well as excellent coffee and cocoa. Any of the nearby tables is perfect for sipping your beverage while people-watching.

The Chef's Court Cocktail Bar is ideal for a tipple before dining at Butcher's Cut, Ocean Cay or Kaito Sushi or Teppanyaki. The menu is fun, but the ambiance is even better, with plenty of rich colors and a laid-back but elegant vibe. Friends can gather in the plentiful seating alcoves.

My absolute favorite place to grab a snack and a cappuccino is the Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar. Located on Deck 6, near Times Square (which, unexpectedly, often afforded me a quiet place to work during the day), it offers tasty coffee beverages and chocolate-themed drinks (read: fancy Italian hot chocolate and chocolate cocktails), as well as chocolate candies, via a partnership with the famous Venchi Italian chocolatier.

Another option if you're seeking respite from crowds and noise is the Brooklyn Cafe, a lounge area that evokes a hip travel writer's den. Decorated with globes, typewriters and plenty of cushy seating, it feels like a creative space fit for anyone seeking coffee or cognac.

With 18 bars and lounges onboard, I probably wouldn't have been able to try them all, even if I had done a weeklong sailing. Other notable watering holes include standard pool, casino and buffet bars, as well as the Shine Bar, which specializes in mixology, and the Wine and Champagne Bar, where you can snag some vino or bubbles.

MSC Seashore offers a variety of standard cabin types, including insides, outsides with windows and balconies with verandas. They are outfitted with bedside closets that are sometimes difficult to access because of their proximity to the beds, as well as the sliding-door system that only allows one side of the closet to be accessed at a time. However, the accommodations are cozy and elegantly designed, and there's plenty of drawer and shelf space, as well as under-bed storage for suitcases.

All cabins are equipped with safes, hairdryers (which are surprisingly powerful compared with those found on other ships), bedside tables with reading lamps, vanity/desk areas with small stools, minifridges and house phones for calling the front desk, spa, alternative restaurants and other locations onboard, as well as other staterooms.

Each room also has at least one television that features live TV, onboard channels, movies and the ability for passengers to check their onboard bills. Sadly, my TV didn't work for most of the sailing. Some rooms also come with pull-down beds or pullout sofas that sleep additional passengers.

Even in the most high-end accommodations, showers are tiny. On the plus side, shower doors mean you won't have to battle with clingy curtains, and shaving bars are a useful addition. Toiletries are MSC Cruises' special brand, but they seemed to be of higher quality than most of the free all-in-one shampoo and conditioner and shower gel found on other lines.

Other thoughtful touches include plenty of outlets and USB ports, although only one side of the bed allows for USB charging.

Rooms are also designed so you can't turn the lights on without inserting your keycard into a slot by the door. On other ships, you can game the system by inserting another card (credit card, membership card, driver's license), but, unfortunately, that trick doesn't work on MSC Seashore.

Forget about charging multiple devices when you leave your room because the electricity will be turned off. The only way to do it is to either use the built-in Hamlet wireless charger (if you have a compatible device), which takes forever, or have one member of your party leave their keycard behind while you explore the ship together. (Each person will need their card with them to go ashore, however.)

Where MSC Cruises' accommodations are particularly impressive is in its ships' Yacht Clubs. The Yacht Club is an exclusive onboard area of accommodations plus a restaurant, bar/lounge, pool and sun deck reserved for the Yacht Club guests. Occupants also have access to a slew of perks like concierge and butler service.

Yacht Club staterooms come in a variety of types, ranging from insides to cabins with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. They generally include more space than standard accommodations, and they offer upgraded amenities like walk-in closets, dual bathroom sinks, extended balconies, private hot tubs and bathtubs in addition to showers.

MSC Seashore was built with more than 70 wheelchair-accessible cabins that include wider doorways, grab bars and flat thresholds, among other assistive devices. They span all major categories, from inside to suite, including some in the Yacht Club.

There are no solo cabins on MSC Seashore, which seems like a huge oversight for such a modern ship.

Entertainment

Because MSC Cruises' fleet largely caters to an international audience, it's known for nonverbal entertainment, featuring magicians, acrobats, jugglers, aerialists and other intriguing performers. For years, the line's offerings have been, hands down, my favorite, so I was expecting something great. Unfortunately, what awaited me in the Madison Theatre during the preview sailing was cringeworthy, rather than jaw-dropping.

Exclusive to Seashore, "Coast to Coast" featured a troupe of singers and dancers who performed what someone who likely isn't American decided Americans would appreciate — a disjointed, stereotypical mashup of songs about U.S. cities and states that felt like it was trying too hard. Costume styles ranged from burlesque to Vegas showgirl; the latter reminded me of something a cruiser might have seen on a Carnival ship in the 1980s.

It's possible the vessel's other theater shows are more in line with the caliber of entertainment the line normally presents, but none were scheduled during my brief time onboard.

MSC redeemed itself, however, with its shoreside beach party on private island Ocean Cay in the Bahamas. On my voyage, Seashore docked there until midnight, and the absolute standout in terms of entertainment was the spectacular light show, set to music, that took place after dark. I could have watched it 10 times over without tiring of it. It's a standard part of late-night calls on the island, found on all itineraries departing from the U.S.

One other new highlight was Le Cabaret Rouge, which serves as a secondary performance space featuring a DJ and nightly shows that set the works of great artists to modern-day music. The lounge has a decidedly French vibe (lots of red velvet) and an interesting viewing setup with both floor seating and chairs set against a high-top bar that runs along a balcony overlooking the stage area.

For those into gaming, the ship houses a dedicated billiard room adjacent to the American Sports Bar. In addition to a pool table, passengers will find tabletop shuffleboard and a pinball machine. If video games are more what you seek, head to the Hall of Games. There, cruisers can pay to try their hand at the vessel's F1 racing simulator; check out the 4D cinema, which offers a selection of interactive games and experiences; or play some arcade basketball or Skee-Ball. All of these cost extra.

Public areas

In addition to the breathtaking atrium spaces and outdoor areas for which the Seaside and Seaside EVO Classes are known, several locations on MSC Seashore require shoutouts, simply for being fantastic.

My absolute favorite spots on the whole ship are the Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar and the Central Park lounge area near it. Venchi is a chocolate lover's dream, but the real testament to just how delicious its offerings are is the fact that I'm not a huge chocolate fan, and I still found myself there frequently. The cappuccinos and hot chocolate are life-changing, and the gelato is a perfect post-dinner, late-night treat. Although the area is open to passing traffic, I found it a quiet place to work, read or meet up with friends for a chat.

One area where MSC's newest vessels do exceptionally well is all things spa and fitness. Seashore's Aurea Spa and adjacent fitness center dedicate more than 25,000 square feet of onboard space to 21 treatment rooms, a barber shop, a hair and nail salon, a MediSpa, a thalassotherapy pool, changing rooms and an outdoor area with sun loungers and hot tubs. Also included in that space is a massive thermal suite with a staggering array of options like a salt room, saunas, heated tile loungers, a snow room and a sensory steam room.

The fitness center, which is one of the largest I've ever seen on a ship, is outfitted with Technogym equipment that includes weight machines, medicine balls, circuit training equipment and cardio machines.

In terms of pools, there are four onboard: the Deck 16 Jungle Pool area that's super family-friendly; the Deck 18 Long Island Pool, which is great for sunbathers; and the private Yacht Club Pool, which is found on Deck 20 and exclusive to Yacht Club passengers. The fourth, the aft-facing Infinity Pool on Deck 8, is one of the most impressive additions on MSC Seashore with its beautiful wake views.

For cruisers with kids, MSC Seashore is a great fit, with 7,500 square feet of children's facilities split among five clubs that cater to different age groups. All have access to a variety of activities, games and toys, but tweens and teens have less structure and may come and go as they please.

Appearances from Doremi (pronounced "doh ray mee"), the line's mascot, are common for younger children, who can also enjoy building with blocks, playing games and conducting science experiments. Activities for older kids include foosball competitions and video games.

But youth entertainment isn't limited to the kids clubs. The ship also offers a plethora of outdoor fun for children and teens. Spanning decks 18 through 20, a twisting waterslide and the Pirates Cove splash area offer watery fun, including climbing structures, dump buckets and sprayers. On Deck 20, Adventure Trail is a top-of-the-ship bridge that winds its way above Pirates Cove, and a sports court is available for basketball and other active pursuits.

I'm loath to include this, but the millennial in me is super excited about the ship's dedicated photo spots. On Deck 7, as you make your way from midship toward the restaurants and Le Cabaret Rouge, there's a passageway adorned with chrome, mirrors and color-changing lights that will make you feel like you're in a tunnel to another dimension. On the other side is a faux hot-air balloon backed by a huge LED screen with scenery that changes to include famous sites, such as (appropriately) Turkey's Cappadocia. Climb inside for a photo that gives the appearance you're actually there.

Historically, MSC Cruises has been an early adopter of onboard technology by introducing wearables, rolling out an app, adding in-cabin virtual assistants and employing digital signage. However, in certain instances, I felt like the line implemented technology for technology's sake, rather than to enhance the passenger experience.

I'll start with the elevators. What's notable about them on Seashore is that they're digital. Each elevator bay is outfitted with electronic keypads. After using the touch screen to select the number of the deck you want, you'll be assigned to a particular letter. When the car with that letter arrives, that's the one you'll board to get where you need to go.

It's a nice idea in theory, but several times my car never showed up, or it whizzed right by the deck I was on without stopping. Other times, I got a keypad error that said "Unable to allocate a lift," which left me taking the stairs. (Honestly, that's what I should have been doing anyway, but people using assistive devices might not have that option when the system doesn't work.)

There are no buttons to push once you're inside the elevators. That means you can't walk up to a bay and piggyback on someone else's ride unless you feel like a rousing game of deck roulette. If you walk into an open car before making a floor selection, you'll be at the mercy of wherever the car is headed next. It also means you can't change your mind about where you want to go after you've entered the car (unless someone else is already going there and selected that deck number before getting inside).

Digital deck plans are located near just about every set of elevators, but few of them offer access to the daily schedule of activities or wayfinders that will help you get to where you need to be. It seems like a missed opportunity to offer a useful passenger service.

Pre-cruise, I had problems using the line's MSC for Me app to check in, which led to a 40-minute wait to check in at the port on embarkation day — a significant amount of time, given the ship's reduced capacity. It's the only sailing of the nine that I've taken since June that required me to stop at a desk to manually check in.

Even then, they weren't able to link my credit card with my onboard account and told me I'd have to do it after I boarded. I headed to the front desk, only to be told that I needed to use one of several kiosks throughout the ship. I found one nearby and was able to link my card painlessly, but after running into so many other snags with the check-in process, it felt like one more hurdle to clear.

Speaking of apps, since the resumption of cruising after 2020's pandemic shutdown, most major cruise lines have transitioned to virtual muster drills that can be completed on your smartphone or on your in-room TV. Passengers normally have a sizable window of time (usually a couple of hours) to complete the mandatory safety briefing.

MSC doesn't offer that. Instead, all passengers must report back to their cabins at a precise time to watch the drill on TV. (It's not available on the app.) Following the drill, you must dial a number on your cabin phone to confirm you've watched the drill. After that, you have to report to your muster station, where a crew member will scan your cruise card.

Not only is the process cumbersome and, frankly, a little bizarre, but it was made more complicated because my TV didn't work. My room steward was finally able to turn it on, but I had to watch the drill in Spanish because the English drill had already concluded by the time we got it sorted out.

The main purpose of making muster drills digital was to eliminate the need for large numbers of people to gather in proximity for the duration of the drill. By forcing all passengers to complete it at a precise time, it prompts them to head to their muster stations simultaneously, thereby causing the very scenario e-mustering was designed to prevent.

As I mentioned before, the only way to charge devices in your cabin when you're not there (without leaving your keycard behind) is to use Hamlet — a wireless charger built into the desk in each stateroom. It's a thoughtful touch, but it took hours for my phone to charge that way. It also won't work for anyone who has an older device that doesn't support wireless charging. Further, when you're in the room and trying to charge multiple devices, some of the plugs are positioned in a way that makes it impossible to charge them side by side.

Bottom line

The key thing to know about MSC Cruises is that its affordable elegance often puts form over function. With MSC Seashore, the line has definitely made progress in terms of being more "American," but in some areas, the product hasn't evolved. It's a delicate balance between what Europeans think Americans want and what Americans actually want.

Some elements of the onboard experience have improved since the world welcomed MSC Seaside. On MSC Seashore, crew members are more outgoing, I was offered coffee after dinner, and announcements were all in English.

That said, some things have stayed the same: Dinners run long, standard cabins' showers are painfully small (although there are, thankfully, no curtains to wrangle) and bed-facing closets are difficult to access. In other areas, the cruise line made changes that didn't achieve the desired effect — including some of the entertainment choices and the focus on technology without ensuring it adds to passenger efficiency or enjoyment.

Despite these issues, American passengers can certainly have a fantastic time onboard as long as they know what to expect ahead of time: a reasonably priced vacation on an astoundingly elegant ship that might hold a few surprises.

MSC CRUISES AND CHANTIERS DE L’ATLANTIQUE MARK TWO IMPORTANT MILESTONES FOR WORLD CLASS SHIPS

• construction begins on world class 3 and new ship is officially named as msc world asia • msc world america floats out and enters final phase of construction ready for naming ceremony in miami on 9 april 2025.

Geneva, Switzerland - 9 April, 2024 – MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique today marked two important milestones in the construction of the futuristic and sophisticated World Class ships at Seatrade Cruise Global, held in Miami.

Work has officially commenced on World 3, due to be delivered in 2026, with the steel-cutting ceremony and as is tradition, MSC Cruises revealed the name of the new ship - MSC World Asia . The name follows the format of the World Class ships that pay homage to the different continents, symbolising the global nature of MSC Cruises and whilst details of where the ship will operate is still to be revealed, MSC World Asia will feature signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by this incredible continent.

Meanwhile, sister ship MSC World America  completed another important milestone with the float out that took place on Sunday, 7 April at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ultramodern flagship enters her final phase of construction ready to be officially named on 9 April 2025 at MSC Cruises’ new state-of-the-art, landmark terminal in PortMiami, with a celebratory sailing to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve . The private island in The Bahamas is home to the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Programme and has been designated a 'Hope Spot' by Mission Blue, the non-profit organisation founded by renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle in recognition of conservation efforts on the island.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises commented , “MSC World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes – the most recent being the ground-breaking World Class platform. With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience. MSC World Asia continues in this tradition and with this important milestone of the steel cutting we are pleased to confirm that she will offer even more advanced new features in terms of future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies as well as guest experiences.”

Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique commented, “We are very proud to begin construction on MSC World Asia. The third ship in the World Class series will feature cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the cleanest, most energy-efficient ships in the world. She embodies MSC Cruises’ and Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s long-term partnership and commitment toward the environment.”

MSC World America promises a new world of cruising with a whole host of new enriching and immersive features that are specially designed for all segments of the North American cruise market, from young couples through to multi-generational families. The ship will provide the comfort and breadth of experiences that guests from this market expect all whilst offering MSC Cruises’ hallmark high-quality, elegant European design. The World Class ships are distinguished by their eye-catching silhouette and signature plumb bow rising vertically from the waterline, with a stylish Y-shaped aft that opens onto an impressive outdoor promenade. These ships are an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea offering a world of different experiences - spanning 22 decks, with more than 2,600 cabins and suites, offering more than 40,000m2 of public space and featuring MSC Cruises’ largest Yacht Club to-date. The exclusive “ship within a ship” concept offers unparalleled levels of comfort, with generous public space including a private lounge and restaurant, stylish suites and substantial outdoor areas with a sun-deck spanning two decks with panoramic views of the ocean. MSC World Europa and MSC World America currently deliver one of the lowest carbon footprints of the cruise industry today, as per the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and MSC World Asia will be an evolution of these high performing ships - with an even further reduced carbon footprint. MSC World Asia will become the fourth LNG ship to join the MSC Cruises fleet and LNG continues to be seen as a critical pathway towards maritime decarbonisation. Fossil LNG offers immediate GHG emission reductions compared to conventional marine fuels and a direct pathway to drop in renewable substitutes like Bio and Synthetic LNG, which MSC Cruises’ LNG ships are ready to use today when the fuels become commercially available at scale. New generation dual fuel internal combustion engines will help to reduce emissions and reduce methane slip by 30% versus current technology. MSC Cruises is part of an EU funded project GREEN RAY, that is working to minimise methane slip by developing new technologies that can be installed onto existing and new ships. Initial tests of the new combustion concept have shown encouraging results. The technologies will be tested and demonstrated for use on new build ships as well as retrofitting on existing ships. MSC World America and MSC World Asia, as with all new MSC Cruises ships will be fitted with shore power connectivity as standard and where available ashore, this reduces emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off in port. Smart technology is used throughout the ship will ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low. A robust onboard recycling programme minimizes waste, and even the propellors are designed to reduce noise and avoid disturbing marine life.

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Bookings open for MSC Cruises’ first World-Class ship

The gargantuan 6,762-passenger msc world europa to debut in december 2022.

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MSC Cruises has opened reservations for the first vessel in its new MSC World-Class series, MSC World Europa . The whopping 6,762-passenger, 22-deck behemoth will debut in the Middle East from December 2022.

Designed with a Y-shaped hull and fueled by LNG, MSC World Europa is billed as the cruise company’s “most innovative and environmentally advanced vessel to date.”

MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said the ship marks the “beginning of a new era for cruising” and is “all about the future”.

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“At MSC Cruises we have a strong, clear vision for the future and we combine that with our own timeless style. MSC World Europa embodies this perfectly – bringing together future-proof technologies, globally-inspired urban design and our signature European flair to give our guests a next-level cruise experience.”

“Just as importantly, we want to provide our guests not only with a truly unique and memorable holiday but also a sustainable one, so this is an intrinsic part of our innovation program. This is why MSC World Europ a, our first LNG ship and our most environmentally advanced yet, signifies another important step forward for us in terms of our long-term vision for zero emissions.”

The 2,633 cabin MSC World Europa is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Four of the top highlights aboard the ship noted, include:

• The size of the ship allows for completely distinct districts, each with their own mood and experiences, from a tranquil adults-only zen district to the lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars, to a separate family district that houses as many as ten new kids facilities. Onboard are six pools, 14 whirlpools, a family sundeck, an Aquapark with integrated virtual reality technology, and more.
• MSC World Europa also features next-level dining based around seasonality and curated immersive experiences. There will be a strong focus on artisanal and craft products, particularly in the bars and lounges, as well as new exceptional gourmet dining concepts. There are 13 dining venues, including six speciality restaurants.

3. MSC World Europa will also offer an extensive range of accommodation options, with 19 different categories, 65% of which feature balconies. The ship will see the introduction of seven new and innovative cabin types. These include:

• Balcony suites and cabins that overlook the promenade
• Luxurious duplex MSC Yacht Club suites with large balconies and private hot tub, as well as open living/dining room area.
• Aurea Suites with spacious balcony and private hot tub.
• Infinite Ocean view cabins with a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open.

4. The ship’s groundbreaking design is based on a brand new platform creating a striking futuristic silhouette. The signature 90-degree plumb bow shaped like an arrow will cut through the water with ease. The impressive and never seen before Y-shaped aft opens onto the impressive 104-metre-long Europa Promenade with ocean views. Half-open to the sky and half-covered by an LED-sky screen, the screen will feature tailor-made displays throughout the day.

One of the key features of the re-imagined ship promenade is The Spiral – an architectural centrepiece in the form of a dry slide spanning 11 decks – the longest at sea. The sleek curves of the impressive stainless-steel slide make it a true work of art as well as a fun way to get from the top of the ship to the promenade.

At 333 metres long, 22 decks high and with 40,000 square metres of public space, MSC World Europa is MSC Cruises’ longest ship in the fleet. The increased size means that the ship will offer a variety of novel and engaging experiences to be enjoyed by one and all.

LNG-powered, and shore-to-ship power

MSC World Europa will be the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the most environmentally advanced to date.

Running on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale and is set to play a key role in the transition to the decarbonisation of international shipping. It dramatically reduces local air pollutant emissions such as sulphur oxides by up to 99% and nitrogen oxides by up to 85%. LNG also plays a key role in climate change mitigation as it offers CO2 reductions amounting to 25% and is paving the way to the uptake of sustainable non-fossil fuels hydrogen and ammonia.

In addition, MSC World Europa will feature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems designed in line with the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 227(64), underwater radiated noise management system and a wide range of energy-efficient equipment that help reduce and optimise engine use.

MSC World Europa will come into service in December 2022, spending her inaugural season in the Gulf giving guests the ultimate winter cruise experience. Her season will commence with a special 4-night sailing from Doha, Qatar to her new homeport of Dubai, UAE.

The ship will operate 7-night cruises roundtrip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, on to Sir Bani Yas Island, Dammam, Saudi Arabia and Doha.

Departing Dubai on 25 March 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean. In summer 2023, she will offer 7-night cruises calling the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.

MSC Cruises has three World-Class sister-ships on order, for delivery in 2024, 2025 and 2027.

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MSC Cruises will sail record number of ships from US in 2025

• MSC Cruises will sail a record seven ships from the U.S. during its winter 2025-2026 season.
• The vessels will operate from four homeports, including its newest in Galveston, Texas.
• The cruises, which are open for booking, will range from three to 11 nights.

MSC Cruises will expand its U.S. presence in a big way next year.

The cruise line will sail a record seven ships from the U.S. during its winter 2025-2026 season. The vessels will operate from four homeports, including its newest in Galveston, Texas .

“We are delighted to provide our guests more choices than ever before when it comes to embarkation ports, ships, itineraries and destinations, making it easy to find the perfect cruise,” MSC Cruises USA president Rubén A. Rodríguez said in a news release . 

The ships will include MSC Grandiosa, the line’s first Meraviglia-Plus Class ship to sail in the U.S. and the forthcoming MSC World America , tailored to the North American market.

The line has been rapidly growing its stateside presence in recent years.

“Combining world-class entertainment, dining and amenities onboard with the fantastic updates coming to Ocean Cay makes for an incredibly exciting future, which is perfect for everyone from first-time cruisers to our most devoted fans,” Rodríguez added.

Cruise booking tips: There's more to it than picking your travel dates

Where will MSC’s ships sail?

The cruises, which are open for booking, will range from three to 11 nights:

• MSC Seashore will sail three and four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Florida’s Port Canaveral.
• MSC Seaside will sail three and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, and seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami.
• MSC World America will offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, also from Miami.
• MSC Grandiosa will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral.
• MSC Meraviglia will operate seven-night cruises to Florida and the Bahamas from New York.
• MSC Seascape will offer seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston.
• MSC Divina will sail seven, 10 and 11-night Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

• Cruise News

MSC Cruises Details The Yacht Club on Its First World-Class Ship

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• June 2, 2022

MSC Cruises has announced new details on the expansive MSC Yacht Club that will be available on its first World-class ship, MSC World Europa.

Yacht Club Highlights

A reimagined sundeck.

Yacht Club guests will have two sundecks to spread out on, enjoying sea views from the front of the ship. The lower deck will include a bar and grill, and the upper will be home to a private pool and whirlpool, loungers, and cabanas.

Two Owner Suites

Exclusive to World-class ships, these multi-room suites total more than 1,600 square feet between indoor areas and the balcony. The accommodations consist of a double bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom with an imperial bathtub, and a separate living-dining area alongside floor-to-ceiling windows. The balcony includes a dining area and whirlpool.

Double-Balcony Duplex Suites

Spanning two decks, the Duplex Suites offer a floor with a dining area, lounge, and guest bathroom. The second floor includes a bedroom and bathroom complete with a bathtub.

These duplex suites include two private sundecks. The lower includes a whirlpool, seating, and lounge area, while the second provides loungers.

Dedicated Massage Rooms

Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club will have access to exclusive massage rooms in the MSC Aurea Spa, as well as unlimited use of the thermal area.

MORE: Carnival Introduces New Menu Program For Guests With Food Allergies

The Yacht Club Experience

The MSC Yacht Club is keycard access only. Privileges include:

• Dedicated priority check-in and check-out
• 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge
• Unlimited drinks throughout the ship
• Unlimited dining in the MSC Yacht Club
• The Browse internet package with unlimited data for two devices
• Complimentary access to the thermal suite in the spa
• Welcome bottle of wine, Spumante, Champagne, or spirit
• Nespresso coffee machine in each suite
• Room service

The MSC Yacht Club concept was first introduced in 2008. It is available on all Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside, and World-class ships.

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fly & cruise

From sky to sea: travel with confidence.

Enjoy peace of mind with our Fly & Cruise Packages. Air tickets are now available for cruises in the Mediterranean, North Sea, North Atlantic, and Persian Gulf. MSC wants your European cruise vacation to start the moment you leave home. We are now launching our Fly & Cruise program, with MSC's assured arrival commitment, so you can relax. Fly & Cruise offers you peace of mind. If anything goes wrong during your air journey, our dedicated support team will be there to help. Fly & Cruise is currently available for cruises embarking from some of the world’s most historic, charming, and beautiful cities: London, Paris/Le Havre, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Barcelona, Rome, Milan/Genoa, Naples, Bari, Venice, Athens, Istanbul, and Dubai. Flights are offered from New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, Washington, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Book your air tickets at 1-877-340-8998.  Please refer to our FAQ  and Booking Terms and Conditions  for additional information.

why should you choose the fly & cruise package?

Assured arrival.

MSC Cruises is committed to ensuring that you get to your ship as smoothly and stress-free as possible. This begins with selecting the best flights that align with your cruise dates and any additional travel you wish to do in the region. If you experience delays or encounter any problems during your journey, MSC will be there to support you.

24/7 Support

If you encounter any problems while traveling to your ship, MSC will help. Call our dedicated telephone helpdesk anytime, 24/7, for travel assistance. Our team of support agents (always human, never bots) are committed to helping you resolve your concern, so you can focus on what really matters - your memorable vacation.

VISIT THE WORLD’S TOP VACATION DESTINATIONS WITH MSC FLY & CRUISE

Fly & cruise faq, what is fly & cruise, why should i book fly & cruise, who can book fly & cruise, what departure airports are available.

We currently offer flights out of the following airports:

• New York (JFK and EWR)
• Washington, DC (IAD)
• Miami (MIA)
• Orlando (MCO)
• Atlanta (ATL)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• San Francisco (SFO)

What cruise embarkation ports are included in this program?

We are currently offering flights for cruises embarking from the following cities:

• London-Southampton
• Paris-Le Havre
• Rome-Civitavecchia
• Milan-Genoa
• Athens-Piraeus

Do my flights need to coincide exactly with my cruise embarkation and return dates?

If i book flights earlier or later than my cruise (for independent travel), can i get a hotel through msc, how can i book a flight, what are the rules for luggage if i book a flight through msc, does msc offer transfers between airport and ship, are business or first class air tickets available, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

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Sea Giants on the Horizon: MSC Cruises Proposes Groundbreaking New Ships

MSC Cruises, the renowned European cruise line, is setting the stage for a monumental expansion, potentially adding record-breaking new ships to its fleet.

According to reports from Shipping Italy, the cruise line is currently in advanced discussions with Meyer Turku, part of the Meyer Werft shipyard group, to embark on building projects that could exceed 200,000 gross tons each.

This marks a significant shift as MSC typically collaborates with Fincantieri and Chantiers de l’Atlantique for their ship constructions.

The discussions with Meyer Turku suggest a strategic move to accommodate the burgeoning demand in the cruising industry, which has surged past pre-pandemic levels.

The need for larger shipyards like Meyer Turku arises as existing partners Fincantieri and Chantiers de l’Atlantique are already committed to other major cruise lines, constructing vessels for the likes of Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International , and Celebrity Cruises.

These giant new vessels for MSC Cruises, however, would not be ready to sail any time soon. The design, scheduling, labor, and financing arrangements for such large-scale constructions could take several years to a decade to finalize.

Speculation around the size of these new ships suggests they could rival or even surpass the current largest in the world, such as Royal Caribbean International’s Icon class ships.

The Icon of the Seas , which debuted in January 2024, and its sister ship, the Star of the Seas, set for August 2025, currently hold the title with a gross tonnage of 248,663 and a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers.

MSC Cruises is not new to operating large ships. The cruise line boasts several vessels among the world’s largest by gross tonnage, with MSC World Europa currently the largest in their fleet at 215,863 gross tons.

The introduction of even larger ships would further enhance MSC’s ability to offer innovative and distinctive features, from exhilarating amusement rides to cutting-edge technological advancements.

As the cruising world watches, the potential addition of these colossal ships could redefine luxury cruising and significantly boost MSC Cruises’ standing in the global cruise market.

However, details remain speculative until more concrete plans are confirmed. With the cruise industry’s landscape continually evolving, these new giants on the seas could set new benchmarks for what passengers can expect from a luxury cruise experience.

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Port Canaveral reveals first ships that will use new cruise terminal

Port Canaveral commissioners this week approved the first of a series of contracts for construction of a new cruise terminal on the port's north side. Port officials also revealed two of the cruise lines expected to use the new terminal.

The new terminal — being referred to "Terminal X" for the time being — will be built on the current site of North Cargo Berth 8 and directly across from Cruise Terminal 5.

Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a $1.45 million increase in a purchase order with AtkinsRealis USA for marine improvement design at North Cargo Berth 8 that will be phased in for use of the berth for cruise ships. Phase 1 of AtkinsRealis' project will be design of a pier extension and mooring improvements, with Phase 2 including a bulkhead parallel to State Road 401 between Cruise Terminal 5 and North Cargo Berth 8.

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Port officials announced earlier this month that they would transform the North Cargo Berth 8 site into a cruise terminal and parking garage that they want to be completed by July 2026.

The port's announcement pushes back — but does not eliminate — the port's previously announced plans to build a $175 million south side cruise terminal and parking garage at the current site of Bluepoints Marina. Under those plans, the marina operation would move elsewhere at the port before the cruise terminal opens.

Port Canaveral CEO John Murray said there is no total cost estimate for the cruise terminal and parking garage at the site of North Cargo Berth 8. But it is expected to be less than the cost estimate for the proposed south side terminal because some of the needed infrastructure already is in place at the North Cargo Berth 8 site.

What ships might use new terminal?

Cruise terminal plan: Port Canaveral announces plans for new north side cruise terminal at cargo berth site

Murray said Cruise Terminal X will be large enough to accommodate the world's largest cruise ships. It will be used by two or three cruise lines, in contrast with some of the port's terminals that are used exclusively or predominantly by one cruise brand.

Murray said Terminal X will be used for "the extra-large vessels that need the extra berth length and the larger-sized terminal for passenger flow."

William Crowe, the port's vice president of engineering, construction and facilities, told port commissioners that the first ship to use the new cruise terminal could be the Norwegian Joy , which will be joining the port lineup in November 2025. It is possible for the terminal to operate while final construction is still progressing. The Joy will predominantly sail seven-night voyages to the Caribbean out of Port Canaveral, with some four- and five-night voyages to the Bahamas.

Another ship that could use the new terminal is the MSC Grandiosa , which will start sailing from Port Canaveral in December 2025.

However, port officials emphasized that those plans are tentative, and could change, based on the progress of the terminal's construction and other factors.

Amended MSC operating agreement approved

Expanded MSC presence: MSC to base second cruise ship, the Grandiosa, at Port Canaveral starting late next year

In a separate vote, port commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the port's operating agreement with MSC that will roughly double the guaranteed annual revenue Port Canaveral receives from MSC, with the addition of the Grandiosa. That will give Port Canaveral two home-ported ships, as the Grandiosa joins the MSC Seashore.

Under the current operating agreement, the annual guaranteed fees payment from MSC to the port is about $6.84 million. That will increase to $13.16 million after the Grandiosa joins the lineup. It will rise to $14.52 million the following year and to $14.95 million the year after that.

The port also will get more parking revenue from MSC cruise passengers, with the second ship and resulting increased passenger counts.

"This is kind of a big deal," Canaveral Port Authority Chairman Micah Loyd said. "It's been in the works for quite some time."

Loyd noted that MSC is "moving up the ranks" among cruise lines at Port Canaveral, in terms of passenger counts.

The Grandiosa will sail seven-night voyages from Port Canaveral to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, while the Seashore will sail three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas.

Additionally, the MSC Meraviglia will continue its weekly port-of-call deployments to Port Canaveral.

MSC cancellations cut port's April revenue

Port Canaveral Chief Financial Officer Michael Poole reported that the port's operating revenue during April fell short of projection by 6.5% because of five canceled cruise ship sailings.

Port officials said those April sailings included two on the Port Canaveral-based MSC Seashore and three on the New York-based MSC Meraveglia, which makes port-of-call stops at Port Canaveral. The cancellations ― which were announced by MSC after Port Canaveral completed its budget projections last fall ― were the result of construction work MSC is doing on its private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. That reduced the total number of cruise sailings from Port Canaveral in April to 74, down from a projected 79.

A few additional MSC cancellations were expected in May.

Port officials were not concerned, however, about their financial results. The port's total operating revenue for the first seven months of the budget year that began Oct. 1 is at 2.3% above projection, and total profits are at $44.76 million.

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] , on X at  @bydaveberman  and on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Port Canaveral reveals first ships that will use new cruise terminal

MSC Cruises to deploy record number of ships in the USA in winter 2025-26

The cruise line will also sail from four homeports in another North American record for the brand

MSC Cruises

By Alex Smith | 30 May 2024

MSC Cruises is to deploy seven ships in the USA for the winter 2025-26 season, its largest presence for a season in North America.

The vessels will be based at four homeports – Miami, Port Canaveral in Florida, New York City and Galveston in Texas – in another record for the cruise line in the region.

MSC World America will spend its first winter season sailing from Miami following its debut in April 2025, embarking on alternating seven-night itineraries that will visit the Eastern and Western Caribbean. It will be joined in Miami by MSC Seaside, sailing a range of three-, four- and seven-night itineraries, and MSC Divinia, offering longer seven-10- and 11-night itineraries.

MSC Grandiosa will be the first Meraviglia-Plus class ship to be deployed to North America

The season will also see MSC Grandiosa will make its debut in the USA, making it the first of MSC’s Meraviglia-Plus class vessels to be deployed in the country. The ship will offer alternating seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. MSC Seashore will also offer a selection of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and MSC Cruises’ private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Seascape, meanwhile, will be sailing MSC’s first voyages from the Port of Galveston. Seven-night itineraries will take guests to the Western Caribbean, calling at Isla de Roatan in Honduras and Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico.

MSC Cruises  

MSC Seascape will make MSC Cruises’ first sailings from Galveston

MSC Meraviglia rounds out the line-up, sailing seven-night Florida and The Bahamas itineraries calling at Port Canaveral, Nassau, The Bahamas, and Ocean Cay

Winter 2025-26 itineraries will also include more visits than ever before to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. New enhancements are currently under construction on the island, including excursion centres, a snorkel and dive centre, new food and beverage options and an expanded Ocean House bar and restaurant for MSC Yacht Club guests.

“We are delighted to provide our guests more choices than ever before when it comes to embarkation ports, ships, itineraries and destinations, making it easy to find the perfect cruise,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, president of MSC Cruises USA. “Combining world-class entertainment, dining and amenities onboard with the fantastic updates coming to Ocean Cay makes for an incredibly exciting future, which is perfect for everyone from first-time cruisers to our most devoted fans.”

Tags: MSC Cruises     itinerary planning     News

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