MSC Cruises

Since MSC Cruises was founded in 1988, they have grown to be one of the largest cruise lines in the world, with 22 ships sailing globally. Their fleet is expected to expand to 25 by 2027, as they have three more ships on order. 

MSC Cruises' ships range in size from just a little over 65,000 to 215,000 gross registered tons. In fact, MSC World Europa is the sixth largest cruise ship in the world, following Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class vessels. 

Explora I, the first ship for the brand-new luxury cruise line Explora Journeys, was delivered on July 20, 2023. 

Explora Journeys is an upscale brand that is owned by the MSC Group that aspires to create a unique "Ocean State of Mind" by connecting guests not only with the sea, but with themselves and other like-minded individuals on sailings to less common ports of call to evoke a sense of discovery.    

Construction on the $550 million Explora I began on July 10, 2021 at the at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. 

MSC Cruises has an impressive 22 cruise ships in service, with several more on the way. This is a result of their aggressive growth plans, which have seen them become the third-largest cruise brand in the world. 

So which is the best ship and class to pick? That depends on several things. The type of cruise experience, travel preferences, destination, cabin options, and onboard amenities all play a role in picking the right cruise ship.

While preparing for my first MSC cruise earlier this year, I had no idea what to expect. I had never sailed on a European cruise line before, and all of my previous cruises had been exclusively on Royal Caribbean.

Wanting to do something different, I booked a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise on MSC World Europa, the cruise line’s newest and biggest ship. I was excited to try the best of the best by MSC, from the ship’s dreamy pool spaces to her international dining venues.

The MSC World Europa is the 6th biggest cruise ship in the world, and the biggest in MSC Cruises’ fleet. The launch of the MSC World Europa began a new era for MSC Cruises, as the ship is unlike any other launched by the cruise line before.

With 22 decks and a capacity of 6,850 passengers, there’s no shortage of things to see and do on this massive vessel, including a waterpark, 11-deck dry slide, and a bustling open-air neighborhood.

Is there anything better than a fall cruise? The best of nature, mild temperatures, seafood extravaganzas, and charming coastal towns are just some of the reasons why cruisers love to sail this time of year in the Northeast. 

MSC Cruises has made cruising even easier with the announcement of new sailings to take advantage of the splendors of fall in New England and Canada. The cruise line is offering sailings for as little as $589 per person for a 10-day cruise and $619 for an 11-day cruise. 

Some MSC cruisers will be disappointed to learn that they will not be visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Ocean Cay) on their cruise. The European cruise line's idyllic private island in the Bahamas will temporarily close in 2024 as it makes way for some upgrades. 

MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately held cruise line, opened its private island in December 2019 and has become a popular port of call on many of its Caribbean sailings. 

I recently returned from my first-ever European cruise onboard MSC Seashore. As someone who had only ever cruised to the Caribbean and Bahamas prior to this trip, I was intrigued to see how the experience would compare. 

I was excited to visit three different countries -- Italy, Spain, and France -- via cruise ship, two of which I had never been to before! Plus, MSC Cruises was a brand-new cruise line for me. What better way to sail the Mediterranean than on a European cruise line!

I recently took my first ever MSC cruise on the cruise line’s newest ship, the MSC World Europa.

The MSC World Europa is the 6th biggest cruise ship in the world after Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships. Stylish, modern, and filled with activities, MSC’s World Class is set to be a game-changer for the cruise line.