Are you about to cruise on MSC World Europa for the first time?
I recently sailed on MSC World Europa on a Mediterranean cruise, and along the way, I discovered a lot of things—some I really wish I knew before stepping on board.
Below, I’m sharing the most important tips to help you make the most of your cruise—from dining tips and entertainment advice to simple ways to save money and avoid common mistakes.
Trust me, these are all the things I wish I knew before getting on the ship.
MSC World Europa
Let’s start with the ship itself.
MSC World Europa is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and it’s very similar in design to MSC World America. This ship has 22 decks and can carry around 6,700 passengers.
Onboard, you’ll find a lot of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment options. One thing that really makes this ship unique is the range of cabin choices. In addition to standard inside and oceanview rooms, there are also interior-facing balcony cabins that overlook the promenade, as well as traditional ocean-facing balcony rooms.
It sounds big, but honestly, once you spend a little time exploring, it’s surprisingly easy to get around. And overall, it’s just an amazing ship to experience.
Multiple Buffets
There’s more than one buffet on this ship, and the best part is, they’re all complimentary
The main buffet is called Il Mercato, and it’s located on Deck 18 right by the main pool. This is where most people go, so it can get pretty busy.
But here’s the tip: there’s actually another buffet on Deck 19 called La Brasserie, and it serves pretty much the same food. It’s basically an overflow buffet, and if Deck 18 gets crowded, staff will usually direct you upstairs.
There’s also a more casual restaurant called the Pizza & Burger. It’s buffet-style, but with a smaller menu—pizza, burgers, hot dogs, salads, and desserts.
What I really like about Pizza and Burger is the location. It’s on Deck 6, right near the shops, guest services, shore excursion desk, and the future cruise office—so it’s really convenient. Instead of heading up to the main buffet, I like to go there for a quick lunch. The chili dogs and donuts are really good.
And it’s right across from Luna Park, where the arcade is—so it’s an easy spot for a quick snack.
Pools
Now let’s talk about the pools—because there are quite a few.
The main outdoor pool is on Deck 18, and that’s where it gets busy.
But if you’re looking for something more relaxing, check out the Zen Pool. That was actually my favorite pool on the ship—it’s quieter and just a lot more chill.
There’s also an indoor pool in the Botanic Garden area, which is great if the weather isn’t perfect.
And if you’re traveling with kids, there’s a splash area and a massive water park with slides.
Adults-Only Pool
If you’re looking for a quieter pool, there’s an adults-only area at the back of the ship called the Zen Pool, located on Deck 18.
This was actually one of my favorite places on the ship. It’s much more peaceful and less crowded compared to the main pool area. There are plenty of loungers, so it’s perfect if you just want to relax.
Hot Tubs
One thing I really liked about MSC World Europa is that there are a lot of hot tubs—way more than you’d typically find on a cruise ship.
You’ll find smaller hot tubs around the main pool, larger ones up on the upper decks, and even more inside by the indoor pool area.
Giant Slide
And here’s something really unique about this ship—the giant slide called the Venom Drop.
This is actually a dry slide that takes you from Deck 20 all the way down to Deck 8, so it spans multiple decks.
It’s free to ride, and a fun activity for thrill seekers.
World Promenade
One of my favorite areas on MSC World Europa is the World Promenade.
It’s an open-air boulevard at the back of the ship, and it’s just a really cool place to hang out. You’ll find restaurants, bars, lounges, shops—and there’s usually live music as well.
This is also where the Venom Drop slide ends, which adds a fun energy to the space.
On sea days, it’s a great spot to just sit, relax, and enjoy the ocean views from the back of the ship.
Not So Crowded Spots on the Ship
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, I found a couple of great hidden spots.
One of my favorites is Sweet Temptation. It’s a candy and dessert shop that also serves things like crepes. It has this fun, bright pink decor, and surprisingly, there’s usually plenty of seating—even on sea days.
Just keep in mind, the food is not complimentary—but it’s a nice, quieter place to relax.
At night, another great spot is the Raj Polo Tea House. It’s perfect if you want something more calm and relaxing after dinner. You can order tea but it’s not free. There’s also outdoor seating, which feels private and exclusive.
Great for Teens
If you’re traveling with teens, MSC World Europa is actually a great ship because there’s so much for them to do.
Aside from the water slides and the Venom Drop slide. There’s also Luna Park on Deck 6, which has an arcade, and up on Deck 20, there’s a Sportsplex with activities like bumper cars and games.
Kids Club
And for younger kids, there’s a Kids Club located on Deck 19, near the La Brasserie buffet.
It’s a complimentary kids’ programs with lots of LEGO-themed activities.
Free Texting
One of the best perks of sailing on MSC is the free texting feature—and the great part is, you don’t even need to buy a Wi-Fi package.
You can message other guests directly through the MSC app just by connecting to the ship’s complimentary Wi-Fi network. It makes it really easy to stay in touch and coordinate plans with family and friends onboard.
The only downside is that kids can’t use the chat feature for privacy reasons. So for us, that meant we couldn’t message my 12-year-old son, which was a bit inconvenient.
QR Code Menus Instead of Printed Menus
Another thing to be aware of—don’t expect traditional printed menus in the dining room.
On MSC World Europa, you’ll need to scan a QR code with your phone to view the menu digitally.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of this system. Not everyone has a smartphone or tablet, and if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll end up sharing devices. I also noticed that older guests—like my parents—definitely prefer having a physical menu.
You can ask your server for a printed menu, but they’re not always available. Digital menus are the norm on MSC World Europa.
Daily Planner Is Digital, Not Printed
The same goes for the daily planner—don’t expect a printed schedule delivered to your cabin.
Instead, MSC provides a QR code that you scan to open a PDF of the day’s activities.
If you’re used to having a paper planner, this can feel a bit inconvenient. Personally, I found it a little frustrating because it’s not as simple as just opening the app—you still have to scan the QR code each time, and I was constantly misplacing the paper it was printed on.
On my first MSC cruise, I actually missed a few activities on the first sea day because I didn’t have the digital planner pulled up.
Don’t Miss the Mozzarella Cheese
One thing you shouldn’t miss—the mozzarella cheese at the buffet.
The mozzarella is on a completely different level compared to what I’ve had on MSC cruises in the U.S.
It’s made fresh onboard, and you can really taste the difference. There’s a dedicated mozzarella station at the buffet, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
The Desserts Are Amazing
And while we’re talking about food—the desserts deserve a special mention.
Whether you’re at the buffet or in the main dining room, the desserts are consistently excellent.
I don’t know if it’s because you’re cruising in Europe or because MSC has talented pastry chefs, but the quality really stands out compared to many U.S. cruises.
Not only do they taste great, but they’re also beautifully presented.
So whatever you do—don’t skip dessert. Trust me, you’ll regret it.
Donuts are So Good
The donuts on this ship are amazing.
I always have a few at the breakfast buffet, and sometimes I even end up having them again later in the day—either at Pizza & Burger or back at the main buffet for lunch.
They’re soft, freshly baked, and delicious. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll keep going back for more.
Lots of Wine and Beer Dispensers
Instead of buying a full beverage package, it’s easy to buy drinks à la carte.
There are wine and beer dispensers throughout the buffet areas.
You tap your cruise card, pour your drink, and it’s automatically charged to your onboard account. The prices are fairly reasonable, and it’s very convenient.
Caesar Salad and Shrimp Cocktail Are Not Standard
One thing to keep in mind—you shouldn’t expect the same American cruise food staples.
Dishes like Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, and French onion soup are not available every day.
On my cruise, they only showed up once, during Gala Night. And honestly, the Caesar salad was pretty disappointing—it tasted more like bland mayonnaise on lettuce than an actual Caesar salad.
They don’t seem to know how to prepare Caesar Salad the traditional American way.
Juice Is Not Served All Day
On most MSC cruises in the U.S., juice is available throughout the day at the buffet. But on MSC World Europa, it’s only complimentary during breakfast.
Once breakfast service ends, the juice dispensers are turned off for lunch and dinner.
Spa Thermal suite
If you get a chance, definitely try to tour—or better yet, experience—the Spa Thermal Suite.
It has all the standard features you’d expect like hydrotherapy pools, salt rooms, and saunas, but what makes it really unique is the snow room.
Free Breakfast room service
Room service breakfast on MSC World Europa is complimentary.
The menu only includes cold breakfast items like yogurt, fruit, muffins, cereal, and coffee—so no hot breakfast foods like eggs or bacon.
It’s worth noting that this is different from many U.S. cruises, where you can usually order a full hot breakfast through room service.
Also, if you’re booked in MSC’s entry-level “Bella” experience, all room service—including continental breakfast—may come with an additional charge, so it’s something to be aware of when booking.
Do the MSC Status Match Before You Sail
Make sure you take the time to apply for the MSC Voyagers Club Status Match before your cruise—it’s one of the easiest ways to unlock free perks onboard.
MSC has a Status Match program where they match your loyalty status from other cruise lines, hotel chains, and even airlines. All you need to do is fill out an online form, upload proof of your existing status, and wait for approval. It’s quick—and definitely worth it.
For example, my sister is a Hilton Honors Diamond member, and MSC matched her to Diamond status in the Voyagers Club. That immediately gave her perks like priority boarding, free specialty dining, and even free one-hour access to the thermal spa suite. Watch my video to learn more about it.
Theater Shows Require Reservations
You need to reserve your evening theater shows through the MSC app.
My advice is to book all your shows on day one of the cruise—for the entire week and for everyone in your group. It feels a bit tedious at first, but it’s worth doing because the shows do sell out.
Brunch is Not Good as on US Sailings
When I sail with MSC in the U.S., I really enjoy the brunch service. A continuous dining service in the main dining room that runs from breakfast straight into lunch on sea days.
You get a dedicated brunch menu with a good variety, including both international dishes and classic breakfast items. It’s one of the things I always look forward to.
However, on MSC World Europa, brunch isn’t quite the same. The menu is more limited, there’s less variety, and it doesn’t feel as generous or as internationally diverse as what you get on U.S. cruises.
Your Dining Assignment Is Printed on Your Cruise Card
When you board MSC World Europa, your dining information is printed directly on your cruise card.
It shows your assigned dining room, table number, and dining time.
If you’re not happy with your assignment—maybe you prefer an earlier seating—you can visit the dining staff on embarkation day. They may be able to make adjustments.
Your Keycards Will Be Waiting on Your Cabin Door
Unlike many cruise lines that hand you your keycards at the terminal, MSC places them in an envelope right on your cabin door.
After boarding, you can head straight to your stateroom to pick them up.
Download the MSC App Before Boarding
The MSC for Me app is essential on MSC World Europa.
You’ll use it for everything—texting other guests, checking your onboard account, making theater reservations, and viewing the daily schedule.
While you can download it once you’re onboard, it’s much easier to set everything up before you leave home.
Online Check-In Requires a Camera and Good Lighting
If this is your first MSC cruise, be aware that the online check-in process can take some time.
Make sure you’re in a well-lit area and using a computer with a good camera, because MSC requires you to take a photo as part of the process.
I’ll be honest—I don’t love MSC’s check-in system. Compared to other cruise lines, it feels a bit more complicated. The system is very sensitive to lighting, and it can glitch or take a while before it successfully captures your photo.
So just be patient and make sure everything is set up properly before you start.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cruise Planning Essentials
Day Passes to Resorts– Booking private beach resort access in advance guarantees a comfortable beach experience at the cruise port.
Travel Insurance with CFAR Coverage– CFAR travel insurance gives you flexibility to cancel your cruise for any reason and recover part of your costs if plans change.
Last Minute Cruise Deals– Search for last minute cruise deals.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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