As TPG's cruise team lead, Gene Sloan oversees the site's cruise content and also writes many of TPG's main cruise guides. He has spent nearly 30 years writing about cruise ships and cruising, and he is one of the world's best-known authorities on the topic.
December 13, 2024 • 52 min read
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Editorial note: TPG's Gene Sloan accepted a free trip from MSC Cruises to experience MSC World Europa. The opinions expressed below are entirely his and weren’t subject to review by the line.
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Quick summary
MSC World Europa is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, offering a megaresort experience with extensive amenities and activities.
The ship is based year-round in the Mediterranean, featuring a wide range of dining options, entertainment venues and family-friendly attractions.
Cabin choices are diverse, with exclusive suite areas like the MSC Yacht Club providing private lounges, pools and restaurants.
MSC World Europa is ideal for travelers seeking a lively, bustling atmosphere but may not suit those preferring quieter, more intimate cruise experiences.
What to consider
Expect large crowds and a high-energy environment throughout the ship, especially in public areas and during peak times.
Dining assignments are fixed for main restaurants, and some specialty venues and activities carry extra charges.
Automatic service charges and gratuities are added to bills, and certain perks, such as premium Wi-Fi, are only included with select accommodations.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of cabin categories, suite perks and insider tips for making the most of the ship's many dining, entertainment and relaxation options.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Call it the most spectacular megaship that most Americans don't know exists.
Unveiled just two years ago, MSC World Europa is massive on a scale rarely seen in the cruise world. At 215,863 gross tons, it's only a tad smaller than the ships in Royal Caribbean's iconic Oasis Class series, which for years have dominated the list of the world's biggest cruise vessels.
And like those ships, it's loaded with all sorts of family-friendly amusements as well as a seemingly endless array of options for dining, drinking and dancing the night away.
And yet this biggest-ever vessel from Europe-based MSC Cruises remains a relatively unknown quantity in North America — in large part because of its year-round deployment to Europe sailings that mostly draw Europeans.
Not that it should be an unknown quantity — at least for Americans looking for a big, bold and bustling ship for a Europe cruise. With the exception of Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, which spends six months a year in the region, there is no other vessel operating in Europe that's as impressive in its lineup of onboard offerings.
As I saw during a recent seven-night sailing out of Marseille, France, to Italy, Malta and Spain, MSC World Europa is surely one of the best cruise ships in Europe for cruisers who love a megaresort experience.
At certain times of the year, it's really the only choice — at least for a North American.
The biggest caveat to picking this ship: You have to be OK with crowds. And noise. MSC World Europa carries a lot of people. And it's not a quiet ship. If it's intimacy and tranquility you want in a cruise vacation, this isn't the ship for you.
Overview of MSC World Europa
MSC World Europa. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
MSC World Europa was the world's sixth largest cruise ship when it debuted in 2022, and although it has since been surpassed in size by two more new vessels (Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas), it remains one of the true giants of cruising — a floating megaresort on a scale that was inconceivable just a few decades ago.
MSC Cruises built MSC World Europa so big — at 215,863 gross tons, it is 17% bigger than the next biggest MSC Cruises ship — not to set a size record but to ensure there was room for a huge range of onboard activities and venues, as that's what many cruisers want these days. On that goal, it delivers mightily. As you'll read about below, MSC World Europa has more restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top fun zones than just about any resort anywhere (at sea or on land).
In the world of big-ship cruising, only Royal Caribbean has vessels that are packed with as many onboard activities and venues. All seven of the cruise ships that currently surpass MSC World Europa in size are Royal Caribbean ships.
In the Mediterranean, where it is based, MSC World Europa is by far the biggest and most amenity-filled ship sailing year-round.
Like the biggest Royal Caribbean ships, MSC World Europa is designed to hold an enormous number of vacationers. Rising 20 decks high and longer than three football fields, it can carry an astounding 6,762 passengers with every berth filled. Add in its 2,138 or so crew, and you're looking at a ship that sometimes sails with nearly 9,000 people on board.
Even by land resort standards, that's a wildly large number of people sharing the same resort space. But like Royal Caribbean's biggest ships, MSC World Europa has a well-thought-out layout that spreads passengers around in a way that eases congestion.
It's also an easy-to-navigate ship. As will quickly become evident once you're on board, the majority of MSC World Europa's restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues are located along an easy-to-find and easy-to-get-around three-deck-high interior promenade that runs down the middle of the ship. Called the World Galleria, it's on an even bigger scale than the Royal Promenade areas found on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships.
The top deck of this interior World Galleria connects to an outdoor extension at the back of the ship called the World Promenade, which has even more eateries and lounges.
Rounding out the major public zones of the ship are extensive top-deck areas with oodles of pools, waterslides and other amusements.
In its layout and amenities, MSC World Europa has a lot of similarities to Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships. And that's not by accident. The vessel is part of a new class of MSC Cruises ships that are designed to go head-to-head with Royal Caribbean's biggest ships in what is shaping up as a battle royal for the venue-packed megaship lover.
What I loved about MSC World Europa
The incredible array of things to do
MSC World Europa is loaded with activities, including a water park with three waterslides. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
I was five days into my recent seven-day cruise on MSC World Europa when I realized I hadn't been to its spa once, even though my booking came with a daily pass to the spa's stunning thermal area. Nor had I spent a single moment at the ship's adults-only Zen Pool area, at the back of the ship. Or tried its terrifying, 10-story dry slide. And the list went on. There were just too many other things to do. As you'll read about below, this is a vessel loaded with so many deck-top amusements, bars, eateries and shows of all types that you'll not only never be bored — you'll never have time to do it all.
The family-friendliness
From a massive water park area with three of the coolest waterslides at sea to an indoor fun zone with bumper cars and a race car simulator, MSC World Europa is filled with family-friendly venues. While not quite as packed with family-focused attractions as Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships (there are no surfing simulators, miniature golf courses or ice-skating rinks, for instance), it definitely reigns among the top vessels for families in Europe, where it is based year-round.
What I didn’t love about MSC World Europa
The five-language show intros
Like all MSC Cruises ships based in Europe, MSC World Europa draws a lot of Europeans — something that has to do with the line's roots as a European cruise line. This can make for a wonderfully cosmopolitan experience, one akin to doing a land trip in Europe. But it has its downsides. Most notably, you'll find that entertainment staff members kick off theater shows and lounge events in the five languages that represent its biggest groups of customers: English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. While helpful for the diverse crowd, it can be a bit tedious, and it means the staff can't say all that much, lest the talking part drag on.
MSC World Europa cabins and suites
A Yacht Club Deluxe suite. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
MSC World Europa has 31 cabin and suite categories — a mind-boggling number. But finding the right cabin category for you isn't as complicated as that number might make it seem. Many cabin categories on MSC World Europa are essentially the same, with the exception of where the rooms are located.
For instance, there are six categories of outward-facing balcony cabins that are basically the same in size and decor. The only differences among them are whether they are located at the front, middle or back of the ship and whether they have a clear or obstructed view.
Four more categories of balcony cabins face inward over the World Promenade area, all similar in layout.
Other room categories include five types of ocean-view cabins (those with a window but no balcony) and three types of windowless inside cabins. There are more differences among these categories, so it pays to study their layouts before booking.
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At 323 square feet, Yacht Club Deluxe suites are bigger than the typical cruise ship cabin. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Yacht Club Deluxe suites feature king-size beds that can be split into two twins, a living area with a sofa and table, and lots of built-in storage. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A built-in hanging closet in a Yacht Club Deluxe suite. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The sofa area of a Yacht Club Deluxe suite. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Yacht Club Deluxe suites come with a Nespresso coffee maker. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A pull-out safe in a Yacht Club Deluxe suite on MSC World Europa. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Then there are the ship's suites — the area where there is the biggest amount of differentiation. There are 13 different categories of suites in all, with wide variations between them. In some cases, these suites are part of an exclusive, seven-deck-high suite area at the front of the ship called the MSC Yacht Club that has its own private restaurant, lounge and outdoor pool area — something found on just over half of MSC Cruises' vessels.
My cabin was a Yacht Club Deluxe suite, the most common type of suite within the MSC Yacht Club, and the exclusive private areas that came with it really were wonderful. I particularly loved my special access to the Top Sail Lounge, a stylish bar and lounge space with floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the bow. Filled with curvy sofas in comfortable boucle and velvet fabrics on one side and intimate clusters of plush chairs and tables on the other, it served as a quiet escape from the ship's bustling public areas.
One deck up, a private restaurant for MSC Yacht Club guests offered elevated cuisine in an intimate setting, and the two decks above were home to the exclusive MSC Yacht Club Sundeck and Bar — a serene oasis for outdoor lounging with its own pool and whirlpool, plush lounge chairs and an outdoor bar and grill. Like the rest of the MSC Yacht Club complex, it felt a world away from the busier public areas atop the ship.
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The Top Sail Lounge, overlooking the ship's bow, is open exclusively to passengers staying in the MSC Yacht Club. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The bar at the Top Sail Lounge. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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One deck up from the Top Sail Lounge is a private restaurant for MSC Yacht Club guests. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The MSC Yacht Club Sundeck is a serene oasis for outdoor lounging. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The MSC Yacht Club Sundeck has its own pool and whirlpool as well as plush lounge chairs. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The MSC Yacht Club Sundeck has private sun beds for passengers staying in the biggest suites. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Like all Yacht Club Deluxe suites, my room measured about 323 square feet, including its balcony area. That's quite large for a cruise ship cabin, and it was room enough to contain everything I could want in a cabin for a week at sea: a king bed that could be split into two single beds, a large built-in desk area, a seating area with a sofa and table, lots of built-in closet space and a bathroom.
For the most part, I was happy with my Yacht Club Deluxe suite on MSC World Europa. While it wasn't inordinately high-end in its finishings, it had a clean-lined, contemporary look that felt modern and up-to-date. It also came with all sorts of extra perks that you don't get with most MSC World Europa cabins, including free access to the ship's fastest Wi-Fi service (up to two devices per person), a free premium drink package, free access to the thermal area in the ship's spa and 24-hour butler service.
One area of the room that wasn't quite as fancy as one might expect for a suite was the bathroom, which featured relatively basic tile flooring and inexpensive composite wall paneling of the sort usually found in smaller cabins.
That said, it was modern and bright, with a well-thought-out layout that made the most of its space. I particularly liked the relatively large size of the walk-in shower, although the off-centered placement of its wand showerhead made using it for showering awkward (a second, ceiling-mounted showerhead functioned better). I also liked its ample shelving space for toiletries, including in a hidden-away cabinet under the sink.
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Yacht Club Deluxe suite bathrooms have a clean-lined, modern look. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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While relatively basic in its finishings, the Yacht Club Deluxe suite bathroom is well-designed with plenty of storage. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Large liquid soap and lotion dispensers are in the sink and shower areas. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The shower of a Yacht Club Deluxe suite bathroom. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
If my Yacht Club Deluxe suite had a flaw, it was in the narrowness of its balcony area. There only was about five feet between the glass wall of the room and the balcony — not enough space for it to really be functional as an outdoor lounging area.
One detail of the room I loved was the placement of nightstands with large drawers on each side of the bed where I could hide away all my electronics and their cords, books, papers, glasses and the like. Not all nightstands on new ships these days come with such drawers — an effort, no doubt, to save space. The two types of wall-mounted lights on each side of the bed (one for ambient lighting, one for task lighting) also was a nice touch. On the downside: There was only a single USB-A port on each side of the bed, with no traditional outlets or fast-charging USB-C ports as many lines are building into bedside areas these days.
Other MSC World Europa cabin tidbits:
Every cabin has a hair dryer that works with the ship's specific current. Leave yours at home.
Rooms have nicely wide personal safes that can hold even a big laptop.
Cabin televisions offer movies on demand, which is great, but at a hefty charge of 9 euros ($9.50) per movie, which isn't. Be sure to download some shows onto your smartphone before sailing if you don't want to run up a bill.
The Yacht Club Deluxe suites seem like a sweet spot to me when it comes to the higher-end accommodations on MSC World Europa. They get you the same exclusive access to the private indoor and outdoor lounge areas of the MSC Yacht Club as higher-priced suite categories and access to a private restaurant, too, but at a significantly lower price point.
That said, if you're looking for the ultimate in MSC World Europa swankiness, you'll find it in four categories of much larger suites within the exclusive MSC Yacht Club area.
The best suites on MSC World Europa
The two largest MSC World Europa suites, called MSC Yacht Club Owner's suites, measure an astounding 1,636 and 1,539 square feet, respectively — roughly five times the size of my Yacht Club Deluxe suite. They each boast large bedrooms with walk-in closets, separate dining and living areas, and huge balconies with private whirlpools and outdoor dining areas.
Smaller but still over the top are the ship's four MSC Yacht Club Royal suites, which measure around 1,000 square feet and are located at each of the front corners of Decks 16 and 18. Their corner locations allow for stunning balconies that wrap around the side and front of the ship and have room for private whirlpool tubs as well as outdoor dining areas.
Also impressive are the nine two-deck-high Duplex suites, which range in size from 560 to 829 square feet. They feature an open living and dining room on their lower level with a large bedroom on their second level. Some of the larger Duplex suites come with balconies with their own private whirlpools.
There also are some suites as large as 872 square feet that are not part of the MSC Yacht Club complex. Known as Grand suites, they are less pricey than similarly sized MSC Yacht Club suites but come with fewer amenities.
As is typical for the world's biggest cruise ships, MSC World Europa is packed with dining options — some included in the fare, some at an extra charge. It's got a smorgasbord of bars, too.
When sailing on the ship for seven days, you'll have trouble visiting every food and drink outlet on board. In fact, we don't recommend you even try. Just pick a few favorites and save the rest for another sailing.
Restaurants
At the core of the dining scene on MSC World Europa are five main dining rooms where passengers eat most of their meals — all included in the fare. But don't expect to eat in all five of them. You will be assigned to just one of the five eateries for the duration of your cruise, and you'll be assigned a specific table and a specific time to dine there in the evenings, to boot.
The five main dining rooms on MSC World Europa include the side-by-side Esagono and Hexagon restaurants, which together can hold a staggering 1,076 passengers at a time. Just beyond them on the same deck is the equally enormous 546-seat Bubbles restaurant. The even bigger 816-seat La Foglia restaurant is nearby, one deck down.
Esagono, one of five main dining rooms on MSC World Europa. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
These four giant eateries, which together can hold nearly 2,500 passengers at a time, are where most passengers will find their assigned tables.
There's also the much more intimate, 162-seat Les Dunes restaurant that is reserved for passengers in higher-end cabins and suites (but not MSC Yacht Club suites; as noted above, those passengers have their own private restaurant).
Don't worry too much about which main dining room you are assigned. They all serve the same food. As you might expect, with dishes being made for thousands of diners at a time, it's nothing overly gourmet. But it's a table-served, multicourse meal.
In addition to the above, MSC World Europa is home to two casual, included-in-the-fare buffet eateries (La Brasserie and Il Mercato) located one on top of the other near the ship's main pool. They are essentially the same buffet venue spread across two decks.
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The Il Mercato buffet on MSC World Europa. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A seating area at the Il Mercato buffet. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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In a clever touch, tables at Il Mercato buffet have a "press for bar service" button. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Pasta on offer at Il Mercato buffet. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Freshly made mozarella is an MSC Cruises signature. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A serving area at Il Mercato buffet. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
The bigger of the two casual buffet eateries (Il Mercato) offers an impressive array of dishes, including (as one might expect given the Italian roots of the line's owners) an assortment of yummy pasta dishes for lunch and dinner as well as a mix of international and Asian cuisine. We particularly liked Il Mercato's healthful salad bar area, which had arugula as well as romaine and radicchio and a nice mix of seeds and nuts to sprinkle on top — an upscale touch you don't always find on mass-market ship buffets.
Il Mercato also offers made-on-board mozzarella — an MSC Cruises signature — and made-on-site pizza that is quite good (something that is relatively rare on ships, where pizza is often disappointing). It's one of several places on board where you'll find quality handmade pizza. Again, chalk it up to the line's Italian roots.
TPG's Gene Sloan is a fan of MSC Cruises pizza. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
One deck up from Il Mercato, the smaller La Brasserie offers a more limited menu.
Our biggest gripes with the buffet areas were the decor, which was dark in places, and the crowds that built up in the food station areas.
In addition to the above, MSC World Europa has two more included-in-the-fare casual venues — Rive Gauche on the pool deck, and Pizza & Burger along the World Galleria. Both serve grab-and-go burgers, pizza and other quick bites.
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Pizza & Burger serves its namesake dishes as well as other quick-serve comfort food items. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Pizza & Burger is a self-serve eatery where food items come with no extra cost. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A pizza at Pizza & Burger. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Other food items on offer at Pizza & Burger. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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TPG's Gene Sloan gives a cheeseburger at Pizza & Burger a try. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
But that's just the beginning when it comes to dining options. In addition to the included eateries, MSC World Europa is home to six extra-charge dining venues serving everything from high-end steaks to sushi.
Among these extra-charge eateries, the most laid-back (and least expensive) option is Hola! Tacos & Cantina, a sit-down restaurant with a Mexican street food theme serving creative and tasty tacos, homemade guacamole and margaritas made with a long list of tequilas — all at a la carte prices that are quite reasonable. You'll pay just 1.99 to 2.49 euros ($2.10 to $2.63) per taco available in seven flavors, including barbacoa, chipotle carnitas, carne asana and ancho tinga.
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Hola! Tacos & Cantina offers Mexican street food favorites for an extra charge. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Hola! Tacos & Cantina. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Hola! Tacos & Cantina has a small bar area where you can dine or just order drinks. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Hola! Tacos & Cantina. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A frozen margarita at Hola! Tacos & Cantina. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Specialty tacos at Hola! Tacos & Cantina. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Just be warned, the tacos are small. You'll need to order three or four to fill you up.
For a more high-end (and pricier) experience, your top choices are Chef's Garden Kitchen (the fanciest restaurant on board), Butcher's Cut (the ship's steakhouse) and La Pescaderia (specializing in fresh seafood).
I tried all three during my week on board and have few complaints. Created by chef Niklas Ekstedt, who helms a Michelin-starred restaurant in Stockholm, the menu at Chef's Garden Kitchen is a creative take on traditional Nordic cuisine that is well worth the cost (68 euros, or just under $72, for a fixed-price experience). For a luscious-looking rectangle of meat that melts in your mouth, order the glazed beef short rib, which comes beautifully presented with endive, cauliflower puree and sweet-and-sour onions.
The glazed beef short rib at Chef's Garden Kitchen. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Butcher's Cut, which is a staple of MSC Cruises ships, is the place for a juicy New York sirloin or dry-aged T-bone cooked just right, with all the usual sides — albeit at relatively high prices for a cruise ship eatery. That T-bone will set you back 66 euros ($68.66).
If you're on a budget, book Butcher's Cut's fixed-priced "dining experience," which gets you an appetizer, main and dessert for just 47 euros ($49.39). The catch: The priciest cuts of meat aren't included. Neither are the eatery's signature cocktails, but you won't want to miss them. My last word on this is to order the Last Word, a gin-based drink infused with maraschino liqueur and green Chartreuse.
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La Pescaderia on MSC World Europa serves fresh fish. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The indoor seating area of La Pescaderia. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Guests at La Pescaderia pick their fish from a display area at the front of the restaurant. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
La Pescaderia offers whole fish cooked to order (pick one from the display, and then order a round of hot and cold mezes such as hummus and grilled octopus while you wait for it to be ready). I loved sitting in the outdoor section of this eatery, which is located along the lively open-air World Promenade, though it was noisy at times — particularly during the area's periodic light shows.
You also will find Japanese cuisine on MSC World Europa at Kaito Teppanyaki and Kaito Sushi. Located along the World Galleria, they are essentially two restaurants in one, with the sushi eatery located just in front of the hibachi eatery. If you have kids, book the hibachi side for the family-friendly hibachi hijinks. If you don't, skip it for the classier sushi side.
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One MSC World Europa restaurant you'll never see unless you pay up for a top suite is the MSC Yacht Club restaurant. Open only to suite guests staying in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club area, it serves higher-end fare than what you'll find in the main dining room in a more intimate setting. At the very top of MSC World Europa, overlooking the bow of the ship, it also boasts stunning 270-degree views.
Bars
The bar at Hola! Tacos & Cantina. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
You will never be more than a short walk away from a bar on MSC World Europa. There is at least one and often several drinking spots in nearly every area of the ship. That said, there are a handful of such venues that really stand out.
One of my favorites for its intimacy and elegance is Fizz Champagne Bar, which, as its name suggests, is all about Champagne. You'll find all sorts of Champagnes such as Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot by the glass and bottle, sparkling wines and bubbly-infused cocktails, but no other drinks of any kind. If you're looking for a Negroni, this isn't the place.
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The Fizz Champagne Bar, as its name suggests, is all about Champagne. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The Fizz Champagne Bar serves Champagne, sparkling wine and sparkling-wine-infused cocktails but nothing else. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Oysters on the half shell and a handful of other food items also are available at Fizz Champagne Bar. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Champagne drinks infused with liquors are an option at Fizz Champagne Bar. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
What you will find at Fizz Champagne Bar, in addition to drinks with bubbles, are oysters, caviar and a handful of other ritzy food items that traditionally pair with sparkling wines, all available for a sometimes hefty extra charge (if you're in the splurging mood, there's an 89 euro ($94.14) seafood platter loaded with lobster, king crab legs and more).
For that Negroni, you'll want to head to my very favorite drinking spot on the ship, The Gin Project. It's got dozens of specialty gins and all sorts of tonics and garnishes that you mix and match to create the perfect gin and tonic for you. Or if you're a Negroni-lover like me, you can just order the house version of this classic gin drink, which unlike at the bars on most cruise ships, comes in a proper lowball glass with one single large ice cube, as it should (why other ships can't figure this out is beyond me).
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The Gin Project stocks more than 20 types of craft gins. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The Gin Project patrons can choose from a list of gins, tonics and garnishes to create a custom gin and tonic. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The bar at The Gin Project. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Seating at The Gin Project overlooks the Masters of the Sea pub, which is one deck below. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Negronis at The Gin Project come in a proper lowball glass with a single large ice cube. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Both Fizz Champagne Bar and The Gin Project are along the top level of World Galleria — the three-level-high restaurant, bar and shopping zone that runs down the middle of the ship. Hands down, it's the coolest part of the ship to go bar-hopping, as it's also home to the clubby, craft cocktail-serving Elixir Mixology Bar.
Elixir offers a fabulously eclectic menu of spritzes made with homemade bitters, vermouth drinks infused with all sorts of herbs and spices, and creative cocktails — all served in a stylish setting that, alas, is marred by the wrong choice of background music. Replace the too-loud Ibiza dance club mix with more subtle lounge music — maybe some dialed-down Ella Fitzgerald or Tony Bennett — and this would be the perfect craft bar.
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The Elixir Mixology Bar. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Elixir offers an eclectic menu of spritzes made with homemade bitters, vermouth drinks infused with all sorts of herbs and spices, and creative cocktails. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Herbs and spices used in specialty drinks line the bar at Elixir. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Two of the craft cocktails at Elixir. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Also along the World Galleria is Masters of the Sea, a British-style pub seemingly lifted straight out of London. Located just below The Gin Project (with a spiral cast iron staircase connecting the venues), it has its own brewed-on-site beer on tap — a first for an MSC Cruises ship — as well as several dozen other beers from around the world on tap and in bottles, a pub menu with burgers, fish-and-chips and the like and live music every night. I'm an admitted craft beer nut, and ... I approve.
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Masters of the Sea is a British-style pub where some of the draft beer is brewed on-site. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Masters of the Sea has a cozy British pub vibe. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A seating area at Masters of the Sea. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A seating area at Masters of the Sea. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Large brewing tanks used to brew beer at Masters of the Sea can be seen behind a two-story-high glass wall. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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British-style ales brewed on-site at Masters of the Sea. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Other signature drinking spots on MSC World Europa include The Lanai, a semi-open-to-the-outdoors lounge at the back of the ship with comfy sofas, Sinatra playing in the background and a world-class lineup of whiskeys. Alas, as one of the few places on board where smoking is allowed, it's marred by a cloud of smoke so thick that even if you don't mind the smell of smoke, you probably won't want to spend much time there.
Additional interior drinking spots include the Dolce Vita Bar, which is not so much a bar as a venue for around-the-clock visual trivia and name-that-tune games, talent shows, dance classes and other lively activities. If you love those sorts of things, you'll love it. If not, you'll walk in and walk right back out.
The Lanai offers comfy sofas and a world-class collection of whiskeys but can be smoky. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
You'll also find bars at the ship's casino (the MSC Signature Casino Bar), the MSC Sportplex (the Box Bar), the indoor Botanic Garden pool (the Botanic Garden Bar) and at the back-of-the-ship showroom known as the Panorama Lounge. None of them have special drinks menus, but they serve a full range of classic cocktails, beer and wine.
There are also several bars on the ship's outdoor decks, including the main pool area (Rive Droite), the waterslide area (the Surfer's Bar) and the adults-only Zen Pool area (the Zen Bar). The Zen Bar is my favorite of the bunch for its relative calmness and ocean views.
The Surfer's Bar. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
For coffee lovers, the Coffee Emporium on the World Promenade serves up espresso drinks made with Lavazza coffee. There are also espresso drinks at Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe along the World Galleria, along with every sort of chocolate-infused drink and dessert known to humans as well as homemade gelati, sundaes, smoothies, milkshakes and crepes.
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Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe is a combination chocolate store and cafe. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The cafe side of Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe offers a wide range of chocolate-infused drinks, milkshakes and smoothies of all kinds. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Chocolate made on-site as well as candies and other sweet treats are for sale at Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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More sweets at Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The cafe seating at Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Note that if you have a drink package, you won't pay for the coffee drinks at the Coffee Emporium. But you will pay for coffee drinks at Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe, which is not included in the drink package. So ... if it's just coffee you want, skip the latter.
If tea is more your thing, head to the Raj Polo Tea House, which takes the cruise ship's traditional afternoon tea to a new level with an available-all-day menu of teas handpicked from top tea estates across the world as well as tea-infused cocktails and tea liqueurs. With rattan furnishings, palm trees and polo memorabilia, it has the look and feel of turn-of-the-20th-century India.
The Raj Polo Tea House. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Health-focused drinkers will also find the Zest Juice Bar, serving up made-to-order juices and smoothies for an extra charge. It's appropriately located just outside the ship's spa.
And one secret venue
The above make up the official list of bars on board MSC World Europa. But there is one more that you have to know about to try. And even then, you might not get the chance. Called the Speakeasy Bar, it's a speakeasy — billed as the first at sea — hidden far below the ship's main public areas in a secret location down in the crew quarters.
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MSC World Europa's Speakeasy Bar is in a secret location on the ship. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Live music is part of the show at the Speakeasy Bar. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The Speakeasy Bar features an array of unusual cocktails found nowhere else on board. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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One cocktail at the Speakeasy Bar comes in a smoke-infused glass case. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Servers at the Speakeasy Bar are dressed in 1940s-style uniforms. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A cocktail at the Speakeasy Bar. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Offering live music and handcrafted drinks that often have a theatrical flair (one arrived in a smoke-infused glass box, another in a military gas can that opened to reveal secret compartments), it has a London-during-the-Blitz vibe. How you get in is as much of a secret as the bar itself, and media types like me have been asked not to give too much away. Let's just say you'll need a bartender somewhere on the ship to take a liking to you, and there's a portal you have to pass through to reach it — one that will make you smile.
Three giant waterslides are among the attractions atop MSC World Europa. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
As you might expect for a ship so big, MSC World Europa is awash with activities of all sorts, nearly all of which are family-friendly. And I'm not just talking about pools and waterslides, though there are plenty of those. This is a ship that offers lots of gee-whiz attractions, from a racing car simulator to a bumper car pavilion, to keep you amused day and night.
The most over-the-top attractions can be found clustered together at the very top of the ship on Deck 20. It's where you'll find the Aurora Borealis Aquapark, which is a sight to behold. It has three giant waterslides that are on a scale you'll only find on the world's biggest cruise ships. It's also home to kiddie splash pools.
Just a few steps away is the serpent-themed entrance to Venom Drop @ The Spiral, a 10-story slide (dry, not wet) that swirls down to the Promenade area below. It's billed as the longest dry slide at sea, and it looks terrifying. But in the name of research, I was determined to give it a go on my recent sailing. Alas, every day, I would wake up saying I would do it, and by nightfall, I had found an excuse to give it a miss. I am wimpy that way.
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Venom Drop @ The Spiral drops ten decks to the Promenade area of the ship. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Venom Drop @ The Spiral is a dry slide that spirals downward from the top of the ship. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Passengers enter the Venom Drop @ The Spiral slide through a giant snake-themed opening. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Also in this same general area, but indoors, is the MSC Sportplex, an arenalike space where you'll find such rarely-seen-on-ships activities as bumper cars and roller skating (if you're familiar with the SeaPlex on Royal Caribbean's Odyssey Class ships, you'll have a sense of what this is. Just know that it's much smaller than Royal Caribbean's version).
In addition to periodic bumper car sessions, which cost 7 euros ($7.39) per ride, the MSC Sportplex is open at times for no-extra-charge open-play basketball, tennis, football and volleyball sessions. It's a multipurpose space that can be reconfigured, with one activity possible at a time.
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Families will find bumper cars, roller skating, basketball and more at MSC World Europa's indoor Sportplex. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The MSC Sportplex. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Bumper cars await riders at the MSC Sportplex. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The MSC Sportplex has a lounge and game area adjacent to the sports area. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A foosball table at the MSC Sportplex. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The MSC Sportplex bar. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Other indoor amusements near the MSC Sportplex include an F1 race car simulator, a signature of MSC Cruises ships, and an arcade space called the Hall of Games.
In addition, the area is home to an array of kiddie playrooms collectively known as Doremiland. Each age group of kids, from babies to tweens and teens, has its own room, and there's a Lego playroom, too.
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Other indoor amusements near the MSC Sportplex include an F1 race car simulator. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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An arcade located in the ship's family zone. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
MSC World Europa also has a motion simulator ride aimed at the family crowd, located along the World Galleria, and there are additional arcade games in various spots along the World Galleria, too.
All in all, it's an impressive array of family-focused activities, if not quite as diverse and wow-inducing as what you'll find on Royal Caribbean's slightly bigger Oasis Class and Icon Class ships. There are no surfing pools, ice-skating rinks, miniature golf courses or zip lines on this ship.
Indeed, this is one of the biggest differentiators between the World Class ships at MSC Cruises and the Oasis Class and Icon Class ships at Royal Caribbean, which are the biggest ships in the family cruise market. MSC Cruises doesn't build its ships with quite as many over-the-top family attractions. That said, MSC World Europa still offers a lot of family fun.
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MSC World Europa has one of the largest central pool areas of any cruise ship. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Dubbed La Plage, the main deck-top pool area fills a large chunk of the the ship's top deck. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The La Plage pool is extraordinarily long for a cruise ship pool. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Hot tubs line the sides of the La Plage pool area, one deck above the main pool. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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More lounge areas are along the sides of the ship one deck up from the main pool. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Pool areas
MSC World Europa's top decks feature three open-to-everyone pool areas and oodles of hot tubs. The main deck-top pool, La Plage, is truly huge, thanks to some trick of the eye. It's actually two pools placed one in front of the other with a ring of shallow water enveloping the whole thing, creating what looks like an enormously long single pool.
A second pool area, the Botanic Garden Pool, is indoors but covered with a retractable glass roof (known as a magrodome) that can slide open on warmer days. It allows for pool area fun even on chilly or rainy days — something that gives this ship an edge versus some others that sail in Europe.
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A secondary, indoor pool area called the Botanic Garden Pool is just beyond the main La Plage pool area. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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While the Botanic Garden Pool is indoors, it's covered with a retractable glass roof that lets in natural light. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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On warm days, the retractable roof atop the Botanic Garden Pool can be opened. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The Botanic Garden Pool area also features multiple hot tubs. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Large hot tubs line the walls of the Botanic Garden Pool area overlooking the ocean. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Seating areas facing the sea in the Botanic Garden Pool area. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
A third pool area, the Zen Pool, is at the back of the ship and open to adults only. It has two pools as well as hot tubs and loungers.
As noted above in the cabin section, there's also an exclusive pool area at the top of the ship that is open only to passengers staying in the MSC Yacht Club suite complex.
One of two pools at the adults-only Zen Pool area. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Other activities available on board include dance classes, trivia and other games held, as mentioned above, in the Dolce Vita Bar.
For those who like gaming, there’s a large casino at the back of the ship on Deck 7. Note that, unlike on some cruise ships, smoking is not allowed in the casino.
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MSC World Europa has a large casino located just off its main restaurant, bar and entertainment zone. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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The casino offers table games of all sorts as well as slot machines. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Slot machines at the MSC World Europa casino. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
For pampering, the MSC Aurea Spa on Deck 8 is the place. It offers a full array of spa treatments (massages, facials and more) and salon services, as well as a spectacular thermal area. The latter, which you can visit for an extra charge, is home to multiple saunas and steam baths, a snow room, experience showers, a pool, water and salt caves, and a Kneipp walk water therapy room.
A separate fitness center, located at the top of the ship with stunning views, offers a wide range of Technogym exercise equipment and yoga and Pilates classes (at an extra charge).
MSC World Europa shows
The "Eko" show in the World Theatre. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
MSC Cruises ships are known for lively shows, if not the sort of big-name Broadway productions you'll find on Royal Caribbean vessels, and MSC World Europa is no exception. In fact, it may have the best array of shows of any MSC Cruises ship.
The vessel's biggest productions, including "Eko — Recycled Rock Show" and "Amelia — A True Aviator Soul," take place in the two-deck-high World Theatre, which can hold 1,153 passengers at a time.
As is typical for MSC Cruises shows, these are flashy productions with lots of music and dancing and elaborate costumes but not a lot of plot. MSC Cruises traditionally has shied away from shows with a storyline — at least those requiring speaking roles — due to the fact that there is no common language among its passenger base. If such shows were done in English, some, but far from all, of its customers would understand them. Ditto if they were done in French, Italian, Spanish or German.
The World Theatre can hold 1,153 people. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Related to the above, most of the shows you'll find in the World Theatre are designed to last just 35 minutes — if there's not a complex story to be told, they don't need to be long.
At the front of the ship, at one end of the World Galleria, the World Theatre is just one of three major entertainment venues on MSC World Europa.
A second sizable theater space, the Panorama Lounge, is at the opposite end of the ship, just beyond the World Galleria and the ship's casino. Holding up to 462 passengers at a time, it's a high-tech venue rigged for aerialists and with an LED screen floor that offers showy song-and-dance performances that often have a theme (disco one night, tango the next).
The Panorama Lounge. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
During the day, the Panorama Lounge is a more relaxed lounge space, one with stunning views out to the ocean through the soaring glass wall at its back. You'll sometimes find classes and seminars in this space, too.
Rounding out the three major entertainment spaces on MSC World Europa is the two-deck-high MSC Luna Park Arena, which is just off the World Galleria. This versatile space offers interactive dance shows with performers, disco nights for dancing and theme parties.
Luna Park Arena. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
MSC World Europa's around-the-clock entertainment also includes a light show known as the Palm Tree Light Show that plays out across the treelike pillars and ceiling of the outdoor World Promenade. Silent discos also pop up in the World Promenade, and there are karaoke sessions at the TV Studio & Bar along the World Galleria.
That's in addition to live music in lots of the drinking venues mentioned in the bar section above.
MSC World Europa itineraries and pricing
MSC World Europa sails year-round in the Mediterranean on a seven-night loop that takes it from Barcelona to Marseille, France; Genoa, Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Palermo in Italy; and Valletta, Malta.
Passengers can board the vessel for a seven-night cruise in any of the above ports with the exception of Valletta.
These year-round sailings will continue until early 2025, when the itinerary will be tweaked to replace the call in Palermo with a call at nearby Messina, Italy. Both ports are on the island of Sicily.
Another tweak to the itinerary is planned for April 2025, when the call at Civitavecchia will be replaced by a stop at Naples, Italy. This change is temporary and will last through November 2025, when the call at Civitavecchia will return.
MSC World Europa during a stop in Malta. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
As of the publishing of this guide, seven-night sailings on MSC World Europa were available for as little as $479 per person, based on double occupancy, for a windowless inside cabin. But you won't find rates that low often. For the majority of sailings, starting rates range from around $600 to $1,000 per person, based on double occupancy, for a windowless inside cabin.
Note that you'll typically pay several hundred dollars per week more to upgrade from a windowless cabin to a cabin with a window, most of which come with balconies. Booking a suite will add hundreds of dollars more to the cost.
For an upcoming sailing in March 2025, for instance, the starting rate for an inside cabin at the time this guide was published was $870 per person, based on double occupancy, while balcony cabins started at $1,160 per person, based on double occupancy. The starting rate for a suite was $1,533 per person, based on double occupancy.
As is always the case with cruises, you'll pay more for sailings over holiday weeks and other prime travel times.
What to know before you go
Required documents
Since MSC World Europa sails in Europe, U.S. citizens must have a current passport that is valid for at least six months to travel on the ship.
The name on your reservation must match that on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Double-check if you've recently gotten married or use a different version of your name.
Gratuities
Adult passengers will find an automatic service charge of 12 to 16 euros (around $13 to $17) per person, per day, depending on the cabin category, added to their final bill. Children ages 2 to 11 pay half that rate, while those under the age of 2 pay no service charge. Unlike on the ships of some competing lines, passengers cannot adjust these service charges while on board if they are unhappy with the service.
In addition to the above, a 15% gratuity is added to bar bills. You should not feel pressured to add an additional tip.
MSC Cruises offers two levels of Wi-Fi service on all its ships, including MSC World Europa. The entry-level Browse package allows basic browsing without streaming at a cost of 8.79 euros ($9.31) per day for one device. The upgraded Browse & Stream package adds the ability to stream video and music and to access video chats for a cost of 12.79 euros ($13.54) for one device. Multidevice packages also are available for both levels of Wi-Fi service that cost less on a per-device basis. Certain suite guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi, so know your included perks before you sign up for a package.
Unlike some cruise lines, MSC Cruises does not let passengers bring their own alcohol on board.
Smoking policy
Smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is allowed only in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins, on cabin balconies and in all other indoor areas of the ship, including the casino. Passengers who violate this rule could face disembarkation.
Laundry
Unlike some lines, MSC Cruises does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships, so you won't find any on MSC World Europa. The ship offers extra-charge laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services.
Electrical outlets
You'll find North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets in cabins, along with USB ports.
Currency
The onboard currency is the euro. But you won't need cash while on board. MSC Cruises operates on a cashless system, with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a keycard that you can use to make charges, and MSC Cruises will charge your credit card at the end of the sailing to settle the balance.
While on board, you can check your balance through the MSC Cruises app, at Guest Services or via your in-cabin television.
Drinking age
You must be 18 to consume alcohol on MSC World Europa.
Dress code
During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day, and you're bound for the pool deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.
There is no official dress code during the evenings, but the line suggests a more polished look when dining in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants or heading to the theaters, bars and lounges. Collared shirts, tailored pants or shorts, skirts and dresses will fit the bill, the line says.
MSC Cruises also holds occasional Gala Nights where passengers are encouraged to dress up, though there's no requirement that they do. The line says you'll be just fine whether you're out and about in a tuxedo or evening gown, or your best jeans and a polo shirt.
That said, the line does prohibit swimwear in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip-flops and tank tops are not allowed on Gala Nights in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants or the MSC Yacht Club.
MSC World Europa is a big, bustling ship with more deck-top attractions, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues than almost any other vessel afloat. In Europe, where it is based year-round, there really is no other vessel quite like it when it comes to the array of onboard offerings — at least among vessels based in Europe year-round. That makes it a great choice for Europe-bound cruisers who only want to sail on the biggest, most venue-packed vessels.
The only other ship of a similar size sailing in Europe and catering to North Americans as of this year is Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, and the latter vessel only is in the region part of the year. Scheduled for a refit in 2025, Allure of the Seas is tough competition for MSC World Europa. But each vessel has its specific draws. MSC World Europa is far newer and more up-to-date than Allure of the Seas, which dates to 2010. It's also a great value. With starting rates for many sailings under $1,000 per person, it's surely one of the most cost-effective ways to tour Europe for a week.
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Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Difficult credit redemption
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
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Terms Apply.
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at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Difficult credit redemption
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Difficult credit redemption
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
American Express® Gold Card
TPG Editor's Rating4/5
TPG Editor's Rating4/5
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Difficult credit redemption
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Difficult credit redemption
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
