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FeaturesReview

MSC Euribia: the ultimate GCC escape

MSC Euribia

Meet MSC Euribia, the cruise ship redefining the maritime experience. MSC is calling it “the future of cruising” and honestly, they’re not wrong. This vessel is a showstopper, with a hull that’s a full-on art piece designed by Alex Flämig. It’s like sailing on a masterpiece, and the #SaveTheSea artwork is a bold statement about sustainability and style, all in one.

MSC Euribia
MSC Euribia

As part of MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-plus class, Euribia is a floating city with cutting-edge entertainment, family-friendly vibes, and luxe touches. Think lavish amenities, innovative experiences, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices

The ship is intended for global itineraries, which means it’s ready for long sailings, shifting seasons, and a variety of cultural tastes. Which, as you’d expect, shows in the eclectic mix of amenities onboard. And

The vessel, the vibe and life on-board

From the moment you step into the lobby, there’s a sense that MSC Euribia was built and designed to impress. The indoor promenade, aka Galleria Euribia, stands out with its dazzling LED-dome ceiling arches above shops, restaurants and entertainment outlets, all lit up and living. It feels boutique, yet familiar and cosmopolitan at the same time, making it a popular go-to for a stylish escape. You can imagine this promenade quickly becomes the heartbeat of the ship.

Pools, waterparks and family fun

MSC Euribia offers five pool areas to enjoy some water fun

MSC Euribia features five pools and what claims to be one of the most intricate waterparks at sea – more than enough to keep sun-seekers, splash-lovers and kids entertained. The main pool alone is gigantic (around 1,700 m²), offering plentiful space per guest.

Families are well looked after as the ship offers extensive children’s and teen facilities. You’ll find multiple age-dedicated rooms, a LEGO-themed kids’ club, and a full roster of youth-staff-led activities including game shows and entertainment. More than 100 hours of live kids/teen programming per cruise is no small feat.

If you’re after some peace and pampering, the spa and wellness area (the Aurea Spa) provides a sanctuary of calm. Facilities include sauna, steam baths, whirlpools, beauty, hair and nail treatments and the chance to recharge when the pool deck is too rowdy.

Cabins for everyone

Whether you’re sailing solo, as a couple, a family or treating yourself, there’s a cabin fit for your needs. From inside rooms to balcony suites, and the top-tier enclave the MSC Yacht Club, everything is designed around flexibility and options. Balcony cabins give you that dreamy “wake-up-to-sea” vibe, while those wanting proper indulgence, the Yacht Club suites come with a heap of perks, including a private pool deck, lounge, butler service, access to the spa’s thermal suite, exclusive dining and more.

All up, there are are 2,419 staterooms, 137 suites, 18 solo cabins offering a passenger capacity of 6,327; all of whom are looked after by 1,711 crew members. And yes, the ship is wheelchair friendly.

Feasting at sea

Hola! Tacos & Cantina offers casual dining

One thing is a definite – you cannot go hungry. Whether you’re craving for tacos at 3pm or caviar and champagne at midnight, Euribia delivers, and magnificently at that. There are 10 dining venues and 21 bars to choose from across the vessel, so you’re completely spoiled for choice.

Love Latin vibes? The Hola! Tacos & Cantina is great for casual, relaxed meals. For something more refined, the Kaito Sushi Bar and Kaito Teppanyaki deliver Japanese flair and theatre-style cooking right at your table. And for steak lovers, the French-style Le Grill serves up some serious slabs of meat.

For anyone with a sweet tooth the onboard Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe is like having a mini French patisserie at sea, complete with an open-concept chocolate kitchen, macaroons, gelato and customisable chocolate bars, which you can even make on your own with the family. And for anyone wanting a traditional British-style grub, the Masters of the Sea serves fish & chips, burgers, hotdogs, and more.

Nightlife and entertainment

If you think cruising is just for naps and buffet repeats, think again! MSC Euribia’s entertainment is vibrant and energetic. The Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship will get anyone up on their feet and dancing the night away to upbeat classics, jazz, disco, rock, even swing — you name it. Dinner-with-a-show is totally a thing.

For late-night revelry, the Attic Club is the go-to, where DJ sets, dancing under the ship’s stars (well, artificial stars, but you get the vibe). Or if some theatre is desired, shows at the Delphi theatre will surely wow. Tip: just be sure to book early as seats sell out fast.

By day, there’s too much going on to get bored. From water-slides, pool lounging, spa treatments, live entertainment, a games complex and more, there really is very little chance for even solo guests to find themselves with nothing to do.

Sustainability and the ship’s ethos

MSC Euribia isn’t just about glitz. MSC Cruises designed her with the environment in mind. The hull’s #SaveTheSea motif is more than art. It’s a statement. The ship is equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems, noise-management features to reduce marine disturbance, and is optimised for cleaner future fuels — reducing greenhouse emissions by a significant margin compared with older, conventional cruise ships.

Travel agents take note

If you’re positioning MSC Euribia’s GCC itinerary to cruise enthusiasts, it could be pitched as the “best-of-all-worlds” cruise, given it is a reliable, modern ship that delivers diversity, entertainment, luxury, comfort and a thoroughly fun family-friendly spirit.

Note that MSC Euribia isn’t trying to compete with boutique yachts or ultra-luxury liners. It is a modern floating resort, where variety, fun, flexibility and affordability intersect.

For travellers in the GCC region seeking a break with everything – sun, shopping, sea, nightlife, food and relaxation, this works brilliantly. And while the MSC Euribia is perfect for GCC guests looking for a convenient and indulgent regional getaway, it’s also an incredible introduction to the Middle East for international visitors. With a range of thoughtfully curated port stops, guests can experience the best of the region’s culture, history, and natural beauty, from exploring vibrant souqs and museums, to savoring local cuisine and more.

The MSC Euribia is currently sailing in the GCC region, offering 7-night cruises. The 2025/2026 season began on 8 November and will conclude on 1 April 2026. With roundtrip departures from Dubai, guests can explore key destinations like Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, and Muscat on 3, 4, or 7-night voyages, enjoying the ship’s luxurious amenities and exclusive MSC Yacht Club experience. Click for more information on MSC Euribia UAE itineraries.

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