MSC Cruises is set to debut its newest ship, MSC World Europa, in December 2022. When it launches, the ultramodern, 6762-passenger ship will showcase so many new attractions and amenities that the line has dubbed it an “urban metropolis at sea.”

At the same time, the mega-ship will feature a fine-tuned version of the cruise line’s coveted “ship-within-a-ship” luxury enclave, aimed at guests who prefer a more sedate and intimate cruise experience. (An outgrowth of the popularity of boutique-hotels-within-hotels, MSC was one of the first cruise lines to introduce this upgraded offering more than a decade ago.)

All the bells and whistles

With 22 decks and 430,000 square feet of public space, the MSC World Europa is certainly large enough to offer something for everyone.

Its 341-foot long outdoor Promenade spans over seven decks with a variety of entertainment venues and al fresco dining options. One of the standout features of the Promenade that will appeal to thrill-seekers: An 11-deck high, spiral stainless steel “dry slide” on the ship’s exterior.

Although MSC is known for its Italian heritage and style, guests will be able to savor cuisine from around the world with a choice of 33 restaurants, eateries, bars and lounges on board.

The ship is family-friendly, catering to tots, teens and in-betweens. The Luna Park Arena will host movies, game shows, kids’ activities and themed events geared to different age levels. The children’s area, a sprawling 8,200 feet of interior space, is being developed in collaboration with LEGO® and Chicco®. Older kids will especially enjoy the bumper cars and high-tech gaming.

With large production shows scheduled each night of the cruise; a host of other evening entertainment venues; numerous swimming pools and whirlpools; and a full-service spa with fitness and wellness offerings, adults will find something to do morning to night. All this, coupled with the thrill of visiting new ports ashore.

In addition, MSC has pledged to make World Europa its most sustainable ship ever with green technology integrated throughout.

The Yacht Club: The best of both worlds

Accessible with a “members-only” type keycard, The Yacht Club is right-sized for guests who prefer a boutique, small-ship experience without having to give up all the perks and amenities of large ship cruising.

Refining the line’s prior experience on other MSC ships, the Yacht Club on MSC World Europa offers the ambience and amenities of a 5-star hotel where guests can be similarly pampered at sea.

The 152 suites comprising the Yacht Club offer some of the most opulent staterooms on the ship, including two Owner’s Suites with oversized outdoor living areas with balconies. Guests can wake up to coffee from an ensuite-Nespresso bar (or room service, if preferred) and wind down and get a good night’s sleep on the Egyptian cotton sheets with fluffy pillows from the pillow menu.

Along with priority check-in and check-out, as well as priority excursion departures, service at The Yacht Club is personalized with 24-hour, European-style butlers and a dedicated concierge available to help arrange reservations on the ship and bespoke excursions ashore, tailoring them to the needs and interests of each guest.

Yacht Club guests will also have access to their own members-only lounge, with complimentary drinks and gourmet small plates available throughout the day; a private fine-dining restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; complimentary access to the thermal suite and exclusive massage rooms in the MSC Aurea Spa; and a private pool area at the bow of the ship with hot tubs, shady cabanas, and a bi-level sundeck with sweeping views of the sea.

In essence, upgrading to the Yacht Club translates to an all-inclusive, hassle-free experience without long lines or waits, minus the crowds often found at pools or on sundecks—to a cruise with more personal service, higher crew to passenger ratios, a host of other perks and privileges (including free Internet and complimentary alcoholic drinks and cocktails).

“MSC Cruises pioneered the ship-within-a-ship concept in 2008 when MSC Fantasia entered service,” says Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA. “After fourteen years and eleven ships, we’ve worked hard to refine the MSC Yacht Club concept even further. The new MSC Seashore is currently sailing from Miami with the largest, most glamorous Yacht Club we’ve built to date, and MSC World Europa is poised to take it one step further.”

When MSC World Europa first sets sail later this year, it will offer 7-night itineraries from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and beginning in summer 2023, cruises on the Mediterranean.

Are the costs of luxury cruising on a big boat worthwhile? It’s hard to do the math because MSC Yacht Club accommodations are far more inclusive than other accommodations on the ship. In addition, the costs vary widely by sail date, itinerary and cabin type.

No doubt though, an intimate enclave like this can be especially appealing to couples or others who want an adult-only getaway, and to grandparents (and other multigenerational groups) who want to share experiences with their adult children and grandchildren—but also want the option of being able to spend time apart in a more placid setting.

Read more about MSC World Europa pricing and itineraries.