MSC Cruises has been making waves with stylish family-friendly cruises since the late 1980s and has several new ships set to hit the water in the coming years.
The Italian family-owned brand started as a shipping company in the 1970s but is now the third largest cruise line in the world. MSC Cruises is known for its Italian style and high-end entertainment, including West End standard shows and themed parties. Its 23 ships are packed with pools, bars, waterparks and even theme park-style attractions.
Fares are typically aimed at younger families and couples, meaning it can offer a cheaper holiday than other cruise lines and as a bonus, tips are also included in the cost of MSC cruise fares.
It also has its own separate high-end brand called Explora Journeys, which has its own fleet of luxury ships.
MSC’s current fleet dates back to the early 2000s and the newest is its World Class series.
This includes World Europa – launched in December 2022 to target the European market, and World America, which was unveiled in April 2025 for the US.
World Asia will launch in December 2026 and World Atlantic will follow in 2027.
The cruise line is also working on a new class of megaship to launch from 2030.
The brand’s newer ships even feature a separate luxury area called the Yacht Club, with butler-serviced suites and exclusive-use restaurants, a pool deck and bar. The Yacht Club is also being added to some older vessels such as MSC Magnifica during refurbishments.
The fleet typically caters for between 4,000 and 7,000 passengers, depending on the vessel, so it is classed as a large ship brand and as such the fleet can feel quite busy once you get on board.
Itineraries often depart from Southampton’s cruise port, making it convenient for UK passengers, but there are also sailings from the Med and beyond.
Here is our pick of the top MSC cruise ships and sailings.
Read more: The best cruise ships to travel on in your lifetime
1. MSC World America: Bahamas and the Caribbean
Miami – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas – Miami
Visit the Bahamas and the Caribbean on MSC’s newest ship. Departing from MSC’s new dedicated cruise terminal, this itinerary even includes a stop on the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay, where you can relax on the beach or climb the lighthouse for awe-inspiring views.
Read more: A first look at the $1 billion MSC World America cruise ship
The 6,762-capacity World America launched in April 2025 and has been built with the US market in mind, with a downtown New York-style comedy club and sports bar. But there is plenty to keep all nationalities busy with an onboard waterpark and an 11-deck-high Jaw Drop dry slide.
Thrill-seekers can also swing over the edge of the ship on the vessel’s Cliffhanger ride. On-board entertainment includes Dirty Dancing: In Concert and a Queen tribute act.
Departs 7 February 2026. From £436pp.
2. MSC World Europa: Mediterranean
Barcelona, Spain – Marseille, France – Genoa, Italy – Naples, Italy – Messina, Italy – Valletta, Malta – Barcelona, Spain
Tour the Med with MSC aboard World Europa. Starting in Spain, this cruise visits many of the gems of the continent. You could be eating gelato in Genoa, pizza in Naples or exploring the architecture and beaches of Valletta on a stop in Malta.
On board, World Europa passengers can enjoy virtual reality racing waterslides, an F1 Simulator and also relax across its 20 bars and lounges or even take afternoon tea in the speciality Raj Polo Tea House. It also has an 11-deck-high drop slide called Venom.
Departs 17 April 2026. From £949pp.
3. MSC Virtuosa: France and the Iberian Coast
Southampton – Brest – Lisbon – Vigo – Cherbourg – Southampton
Explore France and the Iberian coast of Portugal with the ease of a UK departure.
Boarding in Southampton, this seven-night sailing includes plenty of time to explore the historical castles and gardens of Brest before heading to Portugal for day visits in Lisbon and historical Vigo. The final stop before heading back to Southampton is in Cherbourg, France, where guests can explore the small shops and boutiques of the old town or travel into the Normandy countryside.
Read more: The Canary Island you might not have thought of for wine – and running
Guests will be sailing on the 6,334 capacity MSC Virtuosa, which launched in 2021 as part of MSC’s Meraviglia Plus class of ships.
The kids will be occupied at the on-board waterpark and high ropes while parents can relax amidst Swarovski crystal staircases and order a cocktail made by Rob the robot bartender.
Departs 27 June. From £529pp.
Read more: Eight hidden cruise port gems that you shouldn’t skip
4. MSC Euribia: Norwegian fjords
Copenhagen, Denmark – Hellesylt, Norway – Geiranger, Norway – Alesund, Norway – Flaam, Norway – Kiel, Germany – Copenhagen, Denmark
The fascinating views of the Norwegian fjords are best viewed from a cruise ship. This MSC sailing aboard MSC Euribia – another Meraviglia Plus class ship, departs from Copenhagen, giving you time to explore the Danish capital before you hit the lush landscapes of Norway, including the art nouveau architecture of Alesund and waterfalls and fjords of Flåm.
Read more: The best Norwegian fjords holidays
You may even spot the northern lights if the sky is clear enough.
When not marvelling at the mountain ranges, guests can take part in a high-ropes course or take a dip in an outdoor or indoor pool – useful for the cooler Norwegian weather.
There are also 21 bars and restaurants on board, including the Helios Wine Maker that hosts interactive tastings with touch tables that teach you about the wines you are sampling.
Departs 27 September 2026. From £1,079pp.
5. MSC Bellissima: Asia
Tokyo, Japan – Kobe, Japan – Busan, Korea – Kagoshima, Japan – Tokyo, Japan
From the futuristic skyscrapers of Tokyo to savouring kimchi in Busan, this seven-night cruise will give you a true taste of Asia. It visits must-see stops in Japan and the Republic of Korea, where guests can explore temples and palaces.
Sailing aboard the Meraviglia class MSC Bellissima, passengers have an in-cabin Bluetooth speaker called Zoe, so you can play music whilst you get ready for a night on the tiles, including exclusive Cirque du Soleil-style performances. There is lots of cool tech on offer for up to 4,500 passengers, such as a virtual reality maze and F1 simulators, as well as an 80-metre long LED dome in the two-deck promenade that features images such as a sunrise and sunset. Outdoors, passengers can relax by the four swimming pools or play in the Grand Canyon-themed waterpark.
Departs 10 May 2026. From £1,259pp.
6. MSC Meraviglia: MSC Grand Voyages
New York, United States – Halifax, Canada – Ponta Delgada, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Cadiz, Spain – Gibraltar – Mallorca, Spain – Marseille, France – Barcelona, Spain – La Goulette, Tunisia – Palermo, Italy – Naples, Italy – Livorno, Italy
MSC Cruises sailings don’t just stick to one continent. Guests can explore 13 destinations on this grand voyage across the Atlantic. Departing from the bright lights of New York, this 21-night cruise will take you to the countryside of Canada before heading towards Europe for the famous macaques of Gibraltar and Portuguese custard tarts in Lisbon before disembarking for Livorno, which provides an ideal access point towards Florence or to see the Tower of Pisa.
Read more: The cruise holidays you must do in your lifetime
This sailing takes place aboard MSC Meraviglia, the sister ship to Bellissima, with room for up to 5,714 passengers
There are similar features, including a 480-metre LED dome, and passengers can also enjoy its full-size bowling alley and an intricate water park with three water slides.
Departs 19 April 2026. From £1,361pp.
7. MSC Lirica: Mediterranean
Venice, Italy – Kotor, Montenegro – Mykonos, Greece – Syros, Greece – Ancona, Italy – Venice, Italy
Departing from Marghera, close to Venice, this seven-night sailing aboard MSC Lirica takes in the medieval charm of Kotor in Montenegro before heading to Greece where there is an overnight stay on the party island of Mykonos and a visit to the small serene island and red-domed villages of Syros.
On board, guests can enjoy a range of eight bars and lounges as well as Broadway style shows, two swimming pools and virtual reality arcade games.
Departs 11 April 2026. From £729pp.
8. MSC World Asia: Mediterranean
Marseille, France – Genoa, Italy – Civitavecchia, Italy – Messina, Italy – Valletta, Italy – Barcelona, Spain – Marseille, France
Be one of the first passengers to sail aboard MSC World Asia when it launches in December.
Departing from Marseille, this sailing is packed with historical landmarks such as the chance to visit the Colosseum in Rome during a stop in Civitavecchia or explore Sicily from Messina. You can also take in the vibrant beaches and gardens of Valletta in Barcelona before wandering around La Rambla in Barcelona.
On board, MSC World Asia features include a giant dragon sculpture, the largest dry slide at sea, a new family fun zone and a speciality pan-Asian market.
Departs 5 December. From £1,049pp.
