reviews ED
MSC Euribia MSC Cruises
OVERVIEW: MSC’s fifth and final Meraviglia-class vessel – the second to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) – is billed as the most sustainable of the line’s 22 ships to date, with its environmental message splashed in colourful art all over the hull. The 6,334-passenger MSC Euribia was named earlier this year by screen legend Sophia Loren ahead of its maiden season in northern European, sailing out of Kiel in Germany. From October it will be based in Southampton for winter 2023-24.
CABINS: The 2,419 cabins have an elegant, muted decor and a tranquil, relaxing vibe. Agents acquainted with the Meraviglia ships will find it easy to differentiate between the 17 categories, as Euribia follows the blueprint of MSC Virtuosa. They lead in with 172sq ft interiors that are perfect for customers who want to party and spend most of their time out and about. For luxe-loving clients recommend suites, such as the Premium Suite Aurea, which can sleep up to six and has a bath tub. The classy ship-within-a-ship Yacht Club, with 24-hour-butler service, includes impressive two-floor Duplex Suites with a whirlpool bath on the balcony.
FOOD AND DRINK: The 10 dining venues, including five speciality restaurants, have been tweaked to offer something new. Japanese restaurant Kaito Sushi & Robatayaki features a robatayaki - the first on board an MSC ship - where food is cooked over hot charcoals. Carnivores can also get their fix at La Grill, a combination of a steakhouse and French bistro.
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise
Meanwhile, there’s a dedicated vegetarian section in the Marketplace buffet. There are 21 more bars and lounges, five of them outside.
FACILITIES: The Carousel Lounge, found on all Meraviglia-class ships, has been given a dramatic makeover to become a multi-purpose entertainment venue. Youngsters will love the Ocean Cay AquaPark and new MSC Foundation Lab with a programme of fun activities focused on environmental topics.
USP: The ship has a mix of time-honoured characteristics and exciting new innovations. Any clients familiar with the brand will find trademark features such as Swarovski staircases studded with 61,000 crystals, the exclusive Yacht Club and ever-changing LED dome over the main promenade. Helios wine bar – replacing Virtuosa’s Starship Club and Rob the robotic bar tender – is a standout venue with wine-tasting sessions at immersive interactive tables, the only two of their kind in the world.
BOOK IT: A seven-night full-board Northern Europe cruise, sailing round-trip from Southampton and calling at Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre, leads in from £449 staying in an inside cabin, including gratuities. Departs on December 15. Drink and speciality
dining packages can be booked in advance.
mscbook.com Reviewed by Jeannine Williamson
September 2023 49
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