I tried out the brand new MSC cruise ship – it has 21 bars and huge aquapark onboard but it’s an absolute bargain
WHOEVER said all that glitters isn’t gold had never sailed on MSC Euribia.
This new cruise ship, the latest leviathan from MSC Cruises, is pure gold, with glitzy looks and sparkling staircases filled with Swarovski jewels that you cannot walk down without stopping to snap a selfie.
It is longer than three football pitches, almost as tall as Big Ben and holds a whopping 6,334 passengers.
And we Brits are lucky to have first dibs on the ship, as it is sailing from the UK this winter.
MSC Euribia is named in honour of the ancient Greek goddess of mastery of the seas (who knew there was such a deity!) and made history on its maiden run for the first voyage powered by cow poo.
It was just a three-night hop from France to Copenhagen and it won’t happen again any time soon, as it cost a small fortune and apparently our bovine friends are not providing enough poo for longer cruises.
“We need more cows,” jokes Pierfrancesco Vago, the boss of MSC Group.
Like me, he is luxuriating in the Yacht Club, a gated residence at the top of the ship that comes with fancy suites, butlers, drinks included, a private sun deck and pool, plus an exclusive restaurant and lounge.
Exclusive spaces aside, this is a ship built for fun for everyone.
There’s Lego and Nintendo in kids’ and teen clubs, VR games that have you zapping aliens and flying into space, racing car simulators, three swimming pools, even a bowling alley.
I whizz down scary flumes that snake their way around an aquapark, but pass on the chance to harness up and balance over beams and tightropes strung high above the ocean.
Only those with a head for heights should apply — and that’s not me.
I’m off instead to Helios, a brilliant wine bar with more than 100 whites, reds and rosés to swirl, sniff and sip.
My guide is a high-tech touchscreen table — a virtual vineyard at sea, if you will — where I can pick a wine, read tasting notes, leave comments and even pick up fun facts about the noble grape.
The wine masterclass costs £30pp (€35) and for that I get to try four wines and nibble on cheese.
And scare myself witless trying not to break the costly fine crystal glasses that have been specially commissioned for the tasting.
MSC Euribia might be big but, with 21 bars and lounges, including a chic Champagne Emporium, the pub-like Masters Of The Sea and sophisticated Sky Lounge, you’re never far from your next drink.
Or the live bands, singers and pianists who rock the ship after dark.
Or indeed your next meal.
Bamboo sticks
There’s sushi, steaks, Mexican tacos, French gelato and crepes and a chocoholics’ café along the Galleria — a promenade through the centre of the ship lined with stylish restaurants and high-end shops.
Look up and you’ll see the longest LED screen on the high seas.
Don’t worry, the whale swimming back and forth inside isn’t real!
Restaurants along the Galleria cost extra.
For free grub, take your seat in one of the four dining rooms or head to the Marketplace, a vast buffet where you can tuck into curries, salads, pasta, burgers, veggie faves, pizzas and more.
There’s so much choice I had to walk around twice to decide what to eat.
Go off- peak, grab a table by the window, press the button for drinks service and you’ve found my favourite spot.
Apart from the gorgeous spa, where you can sizzle in a sauna and steam, chill in an ice room, be pummelled . . . sorry, massaged with bamboo sticks and float your cares away on a bed filled with warm water.
Who am I kidding? After just one day in the lap of Euribia luxury, you won’t have any cares to worry about.
GO: Northern Europe
SAILING THERE: MSC Cruises has a seven-night Northern Europe round trip from Southampton on MSC Euribia departing November 3, 2023, and calling at Hamburg, Zeebrugge (for Bruges), Rotterdam (for Amsterdam) and Le Havre (for Paris), from £499pp inc tips.
Drinks packages are from €47pp per day, dining packages from €75pp.
See msccruises.co.uk or call 0203 426 3010.