MSC Cruises has announced details on the attractions and experiences that will be in The Harbour, a brand-new outdoor space specifically designed for kids and families on MSC World America. The ship is set to launch in April 2025 with a range of new and reimagined venues and concepts tailored for the U.S. market.

The crowning glory in the vessel’s Family Aventura district, The Harbour is a brand-new outdoor park designed to connect guests to the ocean. There, families will be able to come together to enjoy activities, soak up the sun, enjoy delicious bites, and relax. In the evening, live musicians will offer performances for parents, while kids and teenagers can continue to enjoy the attractions that remain open.

The Harbour Aquapark

The Harbour Aquapark features an impressive range of water slides, plus a splash area. The 90-degree vertical drop slide is a thrilling experience, where guests will freefall through a trapdoor to the decks below before twists and turns bring them to the splash zone. There’s also a raft slide with virtual reality technology and a dueling slide to race friends.

Jaw Drop @ The Spiral

A striking architectural masterpiece, Jaw Drop takes riders through the jaws of a shark and spiraling down 11 decks through the heart of the World Promenade. The stainless-steel dry slide spirals through dark and light segments offering glimpses of sea views out the back of the ship.

Rock Climbing Wall

An adventure for kids, little ones can enjoy climbing the vibrant rock wall as they attempt to navigate different handholds and footholds to see how far they can get.

High Trail Ropes Course

Offering the ultimate challenge, the two-level ropes course will span over 6,000 square feet and be enriched with two Sky Rails similar to a zip line.

The Harbour Light House

A thematic playground for kids modeled after the iconic lighthouse at Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, this lively safe haven is filled with a slide and play stations designed to spark imagination and physical activity.

The Harbour Bar & Bites

Those looking to take a break from all the excitement can opt for The Harbour Bar & Bites, offering a selection of convenient quick and easy bites as well as drinks, all ready to order to pick up and go.

Family Dwelling Area

Guests can make their way to the family dwelling area, which features comfortable seating and shade to sit back and relax while taking in the ocean views.

Cliffhanger

Announced earlier this year, the unique Cliffhanger attraction is the only over-water swing ride at sea, featuring four-seat swing towers over 160 feet above the ocean, propelled back and forth for a one-of-a-kind thrill.

Together with the Doremiland kids area and Sportsplex, The Harbour forms the ship’s Family Aventura district — becoming the go-to destination for kids and families aboard MSC World America.

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MSC Cruises has shared its most popular cocktails, revealing what thousands of cruisers will be sipping on this summer. The line has also introduced two brand-new drinks fleetwide.

Timeless Classics

Some cocktails are simply synonymous with tropical and cruise vacations, and it’s no different aboard MSC Cruises’ ships. These classics are top choices among guests right now:

• Aperol Spritz: This Italian classic remains a top choice, offering a mix of Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, garnished with an orange slice.
• Margarita: Especially popular in the U.S., this refreshing cocktail is crafted with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
• Piña Colada: This popular tropical cocktail combines light rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, garnished with a slice of pineapple.
• Strawberry Daiquiri: This classic cocktail is the ideal summer treat, featuring rum and strawberry puree.
• Mojito: A favored staple, a mojito combines rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, capturing the essence of summer in a glass.

The Cocktail of the Moment: Gin & Tonics

• Elderflower GT: Combining a mix of fruity and floral notes, this trending cocktail blends BUSS N°509 Elderflower Gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, dehydrated orange peel, a cinnamon stick, and cloves.
• Passion Fruit 0.0 GT: For those preferring a tasty alcohol-free alternative, this cocktail combines BUSS N°509 passion fruit 0.0 gin, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, Fever-Tree light tonic, dehydrated lemon, passion fruit, and coriander seeds.

New cocktails include:

• Jasmine & Rose G&T: This flavorsome choice features Bloom pink gin infused with real rose petals and jasmine flowers, creating a smooth and sophisticated taste with floral notes and a touch of sweetness, garnished with dehydrated grapefruit and fresh rosemary.
• Skinny Lemongrass & Ginger G&T: This fresh cocktail is made with a refreshing blend of Whitley Neill lemongrass and ginger gin, Fever-Tree aromatic tonic, fresh lime juice, and honey syrup, garnished with dehydrated lemon and fresh ginger.

A range of variations on the classic summer cocktails can be found on board, including many more alcohol-free options to suit the preferences of all guests. All MSC ships allow passengers to enjoy whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum tastings, as well as cocktail demonstrations.

Guests can also treat themselves to a range of the line’s Food & Beverage concepts such as the Helios Wine Bar on MSC Euribia, an immersive digital experience for the next generation of wine lovers.

The Gin Project on MSC World Europa is a must-stop shop for gin aficionados with more than 70 craft gins on offer, while MSC Starship Club features Rob, the first-ever humanoid robotic bartender at sea on MSC Virtuosa. For beer enthusiasts there’s the Masters of the Sea microbrewery on MSC World Europa, which gives guests the opportunity to enjoy beer made on board from desalinated seawater.

MSC Cruises’ new ‘World’s Greatest Bars’ program serves up something special for guests by bringing some of the most acclaimed and award-winning bars ashore to the line’s ships as pop-ups for a six-month extravaganza. The program, which started this past April, will be available this summer with the Paradiso pop-up on MSC World Europa and Sips on MSC Euribia.

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MSC Cruises has announced that for the first time, guests traveling in the MSC Yacht Club will have the opportunity to book a selection of shore excursions curated just for them.

Available on many MSC Cruises ships, the MSC Yacht Club offers its guests a secluded retreat while also allowing them to enjoy the facilities and entertainment throughout the rest of the ship. They have their own sundeck and pool, restaurant, lounge, and personalized service including a 24-hour butler and concierge desk.

The new exclusive shore excursions will be in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and northern Europe, with more to come in additional regions later this year. The excursions run with only small groups, enabling travelers to explore destinations more intimately.

From the Yacht Club, guests will have priority disembarkation and then move into private transportation for extra comfort during travel. The excursions fall into a number of categories to suit all tastes, ranging from authentic culinary experiences and learning about local artistry to visiting architectural treasures and getting involved in upscale adventure activities.

Highlights of these new excursions include:

• Cannes, France: Enjoy a sensory experience and exclusive perfume-making workshop
• Genoa, Italy: Immerse yourself in an authentic pesto cooking class in Santa Margherita Ligure
• Akureyri, Iceland: Be invigorated at the Fontana geothermal baths in Iceland
• Invergordon, Scotland: Try world-famous whiskey at Glenmorangie Distillery in Scotland
• Cozumel, Mexico: Enjoy a luxurious catamaran and snorkeling experience in Cozumel
• Falmouth, Jamaica: Enjoy a plush cabana in the forested grounds near the Martha Brae River

The excursions are now open for booking for MSC Yacht Club guests in advance online, through the MSC Cruises contact center or through guests’ travel agents. They can also be booked once on board through the MSC For Me app (where available) as well as the shore excursions desk or MSC Yacht Club concierge service.

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MSC Cruises’ latest World Class ship, MSC World America, will boast new programs and facilities developed in partnership with LEGO Group when it debuts in April 2025.

MSC World America is set to take the family offerings the cruise line is known for even further with its largest and most technologically advanced kids’ area yet, spanning over 10,000 square feet across seven different rooms.

Brand-new activities on MSC World America include:

LEGO Parade

For the first time in the cruise industry, MSC World America will host a LEGO parade with LEGO walkabouts designed to entertain kids of all ages. The parade will march through the ship from Family Aventura to the World Promenade once per cruise.

LEGO Family Zone

Family Aventura will also see a brand-new area for master builders and bricks enthusiasts called LEGO Family Zone. Here, parents and kids can play together, and LEGO fans can unleash their creativity from morning to evening.

LEGO Game Show

MSC World America will offer a LEGO Family Game Show for the first time in the cruise industry. During each cruise, families will have the opportunity to come together for an exhilarating team challenge, where parents and kids can compete as true Master Builders on board. The competition will feature timed challenges, colorful bricks, and unexpected twists, all culminating in determining the ultimate winner.

Boxes Family Game Show

Families will have the chance to compete in “Boxes,” a new fun-filled family game show where each mystery box will contain a blind challenge to overcome to win prizes.

Doremix Family Disco

For dance competition fans, a new version of the Doremix Family Disco will arrive for the first time with new technology and must-see visuals. Parents and kids will dance together to win the title of best dancers of the night on the global hits of the moment and original MSC Cruises songs for kids.

High-Tech Experiences

Specifically created for teenagers, Star Shooters — an adventure course in the Sportplex — tasks participants with hitting a target to secure points for the ultimate victory, while virtual reality at Luna Park will give guests access to the latest VR Technology experiences, transporting them to other worlds from MSC World America.

Largest-Ever Doremiland

MSC World America will feature the largest, most action-packed Doremiland kids’ area in the MSC fleet. Home to seven rooms dedicated to different age groups from 0 to 17 years old, it will also be the most technological kids area of the fleet. Baby services are offered in collaboration with Chicco, the leading global baby brand and a long-term MSC Cruises partner. Exclusively on MSC World America, the kids’ clubs will be open all day from 9 am until midnight for the duration of each voyage.

The Harbour

At the heart of the Family Aventura district lies The Harbour, a new outdoor park where families can indulge in delicious bites and soak up the sun. The Harbour offers a high ropes course, a new state-of-the-art Cliffhanger attraction, the only over-water swing ride at sea, a family dwelling area, and a playground modeled after the iconic lighthouse at Ocean Cay — MSC’s private island in the Bahamas.

Popular MSC Cruises favorites returning to MSC World America include:

• Sportplex
• Guinness World Record Family Quiz
• MasterChef at Sea Juniors

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MSC Cruises is expanding its kids and family program this summer with new entertainment and offerings.

New activities and Services

Extended Services For Babies

For the first time, MSC Cruises will offer a dedicated baby care service for babies as young as six months old. Previously, the service could only accommodate those 1 and older. The extended service gives parents the freedom to enjoy the ship, safe in the knowledge that their kids are being cared for by dedicated and highly trained staff.

These services are offered in collaboration with Chicco, a longtime MSC partner, and means that all youth staff on the ships are prepared to meet all the needs of babies between 6 months and 2 years old.

Doremiland Open House and Party

Parents who want to spend quality time with their kids in the kids club now have the opportunity to do so. Each day, a time slot will be reserved where all Doremiland areas will be open. There will also be a big family party for parents and kids to play together once per voyage.

New MSC Original Family Game Shows

Among the most popular activities for families are MSC original or branded game shows in which kids are main stars, but can challenge their parents as well. After the success of MasterChef at Sea Juniors, Break the Wall, and MSC Dance Crew, two new family game shows are now available: “World Quest” — a geography-based trivia game and “Caravaggio,” a spy game show dedicated to art.

Extended Teen Club Hours

There’s now extended hours in the club for guests ages 12 to 17, ensuring they can enjoy the club every sea day from 10 am to 1 pm and again from 3 pm to midnight. On port days, the club will be open from 3 pm to midnight.

Guinness World Record Activities

After the successful trials of Guinness World Record activities on select ships, the program will now be extended to more vessels. Can you pick out the tallest, the lowest, the biggest or the strongest or are you just good at guessing? Families will have the chance to win prizes in the ultimate family record-breaking quiz show.

This show is now available on the following ships: MSC World Europa, MSC Euribia, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Magnifica, MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Grandiosa.

MSC Foundation Day

Families will now have the opportunity every day to take part in exclusive kids’ activities carried out in collaboration with the MSC Foundation and its partners to learn more about marine conservation initiatives. This includes one hour of activities each day dedicated to important environmental optics in which kids will be able to learn, create, and express themselves according to their interests.

Continuing Favorites

Continuing favorites found on MSC Cruises’ ships include:

• LEGO Experience: A dedicated program featuring LEGO bricks, toys, and other activities
• Break the Wall: A game show for the whole family
• Cabin 12006 The Secret Game: An immersive game show experience featuring music, videos, memory games, dancing moments, and more
• Doremiland, The Documentary: A travel talk show in the form of a documentary available on the stateroom TV in all cabins with kids and teenagers
• MSC Dance Crew: A competition where kids and teens 10 to 17 years old battle it out to win the title of ‘dance crew of the year.’
• MasterChef at Sea Juniors: A program that brings the popular MasterChef show to life on board in the form of a stage cooking competition

On every MSC Cruises’ ship, there are five dedicated kids clubs open for free, catering to different age groups. They are:

• Baby Club Chicco (ages 6 months to 2 years)
• Miniclub Lego (3 to 6 years)
• Juniors Club Lego (7 to 11 years)
• Young Club (12 to 14 years)
• Teens Club (15 to 17 years)

Kids can enjoy complimentary lunch and dinner as part of the kids’ program.

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As the Mediterranean continues to grow in popularity as a vacation destination, MSC Cruises has met the demand.

Now, the line is highlighting its Mediterranean itineraries and destinations. The line’s sailings in the region are aboard nine ships and taking place from May to October.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is a vibrant port city full of rich history, Mediterranean charm, and arguably the best nightlife in Spain — making it a must-visit this summer. Here, cobblestone streets lead guests to discover Spanish history along with modern style, not to mention culinary delights such as tapas, Paella, and refreshing horchata.

Vibrant blue waters at Playa de Las Arenas beach are perfect during the day, and as the sun sets, Valencia comes alive with hip bars and nightlife.

Ships calling on Valencia this summer include:

• MSC Fantasia: Seven-night cruises from Valencia
• MSC Seaside: Seven-night cruises from Genoa

Livorno, Italy

Brimming with historical monuments, fascinating museums, and amazing seafood, Livorno is a beautiful port town on the west coast of Tuscany. Stunning natural environments, like Macchia della Magona, are a staple of the region and ideal to explore in summer. Livorno is also the perfect launch pad to Tuscany’s capital of Florence, where the Italian Renaissance was born, and visitors can still admire ancient architecture and masterpieces from Caravaggio, Raphael, and da Vinci.

A short coastal drive to Pisa unveils Piazza dei Miracoli, the famous Leaning Tower, the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Baptistery with its splendid Gothic façade.

Ships calling on Livorno this summer include:

• MSC Fantasia: Seven-night cruises from Valencia
• MSC Grandiosa: Seven-night cruises from Livorno

Barcelona, Spain

A metropolis full of diverse experiences, Barcelona is alive during the summer with festivals and outdoor activities, including its beaches. Those who opt to explore the city center will find world-class museums, designer restaurants, and shops brimming with art, not to mention Gaudí’s masterpiece Casa Batlló with its unique façade reflecting the joyful artist. I

In nearby El Raval, eclectic bars and boutiques have flourished in the wake of the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. An unparalleled view of this iconic city is best observed on the mountain Montserrat where visitors can journey to the basilica perched on top and take in the scenery below.

Ships calling on Barcelona this summer include:

• MSC Seaview: Seven-night cruises from Barcelona
• MSC World Europa: Seven-night cruises from Genoa
• MSC Grandiosa: Seven-night cruises from Livorno
• MSC Musica: Seven-night cruises from Civitavecchia
• MSC Poesia: 11-night cruises from Genoa

Palermo, Italy

Palermo is Sicily’s capital city that holds an unrivalled display of Norman art and architecture and Baroque churches, combined with a labyrinth of medieval streets and markets. A complex and multilayered city, Palermo is best explored by foot where back alleys give way to lively scenes in the city center. Historic venues, such as the 18th-century Palazzo d’Orleans and Palermo’s opera house, Teatro Massimo, which has appeared in movies and TV shows, amaze, as do the impressive Baroque churches.

Ships calling on Palermo this summer include:

• MSC Seaside: Seven-night cruises from Genoa
• MSC Grandiosa: Seven-night cruises from Livorno

Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is synonymous with beauty and excess, making it the hub of Spanish nightlife, but there is much more to explore on the island this summer. Ciutat d’Eivissa is the most charming town there, featuring the UNESCO-listed old quarter of Dalt Vila, encircled by impressive medieval walls which culminate at the main archway entrance, the imposing Portal de ses Taules. Just inside lies the elegant Plaça de Vila, a beautiful square lined with restaurants and cafés, perfect for enjoying tapas or a leisurely meal. The climb up the steep, winding streets to the cathedral is well worth the effort, if only for the spectacular views over the harbor.

Ships calling on Ibiza this summer include:

• MSC Musica: Seven-night cruises from Civitavecchia
• MSC Seaside: Seven-night itineraries from Genoa

Cádiz, Spain

Discovered more than 3,000 years ago, Cádiz is the oldest city in western Europe. Since, the different settlers of Cádiz have left an important cultural imprint, whose influence still remains in the character of the city’s people.

Located on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, this peninsula has managed to maintain a significant historical heritage, stemming from its commercial significance, alongside pristine beaches and delectable regional cuisine. Nature enthusiasts will find the Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an unparalleled destination for exploration.

MSC Orchestra offers 10-night itineraries this summer from Genoa that call on Cádiz.

Naples, Italy

Southern Italy’s bustling historic city captivates all five senses and is one of the country’s most underrated large cities. Situated on the coast with shadows of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is alive with artistic treasures and architectural wonders, such as Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Europe. Its location is ideal to explore nearby Pompeii, the town frozen in time from the volcanic eruption in AD 79. Guests can also take a trip to the island of Capri to admire its cove-studded coastline and learn about the many legends surrounding the island.

Ships calling on Naples this summer include:

• MSC World Europa: Seven-night cruises from Genoa
• MSC Grandiosa: Seven-night cruises from Livorno
• MSC Divina: Seven-night cruises from Civitavecchia

Cannes, France

Guests seeking a blend of glamour, beauty and Mediterranean charm will need to look no further than this French Riviera hotspot, acclaimed for its world-renowned film festival. This magnetic city offers visitors a range of attractions to explore including breathtaking sceneries, pristine beaches, fantastic restaurants, upscale shops along the famed Boulevard de la Croisette, and the city’s old town, Le Suquet, full of rich history.

Ships calling on Cannes this summer include:

• MSC Musica: Seven-night cruises from Civitavecchia
• MSC Seaview: Seven-night cruises from Barcelona

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Late next year, MSC Cruises will be expanding its presence at Port Canaveral with a second ship, bringing more seven-night and short sailings to central Florida. Starting in December 2025, MSC Grandiosa will sail from the space coast port alongside MSC Seashore, which currently sails from Port Canaveral.

Grandiosa will offer alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, while MSC Seashore will sail three and four-night cruises to Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

“The Winter 2025-2026 season will mark our largest presence in the U.S. to date, and our expansion at Port Canaveral is a big part of that,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, president of MSC Cruises USA. “Ever since we started sailing from Port Canaveral in 2021, our guests have told us they love how convenient that makes it to experience MSC Cruises’ unique international flavor. We know people sailing from Central Florida want options, and we’re delighted to offer them two of our most modern and glamorous ships with itineraries that will appeal to everyone from first-time to seasoned cruisers.”

Here are the two itineraries that MSC Grandiosa will operate from Port Canaveral:

• Eastern Caribbean: Various calls including Nassau, Ocean Cay, Puerto Plata, San Juan, and St. Thomas
• Western Caribbean: Various calls including Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, and Belize City

“We are honored that MSC Cruises chose Port Canaveral for the North American debut of their magnificent MSC Grandiosa,” said Captain John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral. “We are so proud of our cruise partner and their tremendous growth in the United States. Expanding their homeport fleet at Port Canaveral underscores their confidence in our partnership and shared commitment to success. We look forward to welcoming all of their valued cruise guests to our beautiful port.”

MSC Grandiosa is one of MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-Plus class ships and is able to hold 4,842 guests at double occupancy. The vessel features 10 restaurants, a water park, five pools, 10 hot tubs, an expansive MSC Aurea Spa, and a 323-foot-long Galleria Grandiosa promenade with an LED “sky.”

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MSC Cruises will be bringing its largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club to North America with the launch of its new upcoming ship, MSC World America, in April 2025.

The vessel is part of the line’s World class, which also includes MSC World Europa that debuted in December 2022. A third vessel in the class, MSC World Asia, is scheduled to begin sailing in spring 2026.

MSC World America will be very similar to MSC World Europa, but with reimagined venues and concepts tailored specifically to the U.S. market. The mega ship will be the first to feature seven onboard districts designed to let guests of all ages choose their own vacation adventure and get the most out of their time on board.

One of the seven districts, MSC Yacht Club, offers a secluded sanctuary within the excitement of the wider ship.

Highlights of the Yacht Club

An Expansive Sundeck

Guests will have plenty of room to relax and enjoy sea views with an outdoor space spanning two decks. The lower deck will feature a bar and grill with a large seating area open for breakfast and lunch, as well as for drinks in the evening.

The upper deck includes a pool, hot tub, and private cabanas. For the first time, MSC Yacht Club guests will be able to table service from the nearby bar and grill throughout the entire sundeck area.

Multi-Room Owner Suites

The ultra-luxurious Owner Suites offer a beautifully-decorated bedroom with a walk-in closed and bathroom with a full-sized imperial bathtub. A separate living and dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows opens onto a spacious balcony with a hot tub and an al fresco dining area.

Duplex Suites

MSC World America‘s Yacht Club will contain duplex suites spanning two decks that are perfect for families or larger groups traveling together. On the lower deck, the dining and living areas offer ample space for relaxation with the added convenience of a guest bathroom. Upstairs, the main bedroom comes complete with its own bathroom.

The suites also include plenty of outdoor space, with some even boasting two-story private sundecks and a hot tub.

The Yacht Club Experience

The MSC Yacht Club has been offering passengers privacy and exclusivity on select MSC cruise ships since the concept was introduced in 2008. Guests staying in the Yacht Club experience unparalleled service from the moment they check in with priority embarkation, a dedicated concierge team, personalized butler service available 24/7, room service, and private areas.

A premium beverage package, high-speed internet, thermal spa access, and priority access to the ship’s entertainment venues are all included as part of the MSC Yacht Club experience.

When she debuts in April 2025, MSC World America will sail to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas. Ongoing improvements to the island, due to be completed prior to the ship’s launch, include an expansion of the Ocean House bar and restaurant which is available exclusively to MSC Yacht Club guests. Additional amenities for Yacht Club passengers include a private beach area with sunbeds and cabanas with butler service.

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Every time we turn around, it seems like there’s a new MSC cruise ship to write about and explore. It’s no surprise, then, that MSC Cruises is the world’s fastest growing cruise line. 11 new MSC cruise ships have launched in the last ten years alone.

As a result of its massive growth, MSC Cruises is now the world’s third largest cruise brand by fleet passenger capacity, trailing just behind Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. To give you a better idea of the ship classes and individual vessels within the cruise brand, we’ve put together this helpful guide to MSC Cruise ships.

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Guide to MSC Cruise Ships: Newest to Oldest

How many MSC Cruises ships are there?

There are currently 22 ships in operation under the MSC Cruises brand. The line also has three additional ships on order including the second World class vessel MSC World America, set to debut in 2025.

Since MSC Cruises is a European brand, the majority of its ships sail in Europe. However, the line does have some vessels in North and South America.

Which MSC ships currently sail from the U.S.? For the winter 2023-2024 season, five vessels from the line will be sailing from the United States: MSC Seascape, Divina, and Magnifica from Miami; MSC Meraviglia from Brooklyn; and MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral.

What are the sizes of MSC Cruises’ ships?

MSC Cruises’ ships vary wildly in size, ranging from 58,174 gross tons to 215,863 gross tons. The MSC ship that’s the smallest is also the oldest in its current fleet, MSC Armonia. The largest MSC Cruises ship is the first member of its new World class — MSC World Europa.

Most MSC cruise ships range from around 130,000 to 180,000 gross tons, carrying around 3,000 to 4,500 guests each (based on double occupancy).

MSC Cruise Ship Classes

MSC Cruises has six cruise ship classes in its current fleet, plus two sub-classes. Here’s a brief overview of each.

Lirica Class

The Lirica class (or Mistral class) is the current oldest and smallest class in the MSC Cruises fleet. The two oldest ships in the class, MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia, were originally built and sailed for Festival Cruises before the company went bankrupt.

After purchasing the two ships, MSC Cruises added two additional vessels to its newly-created Lirica class: MSC Lirica (the line’s first newbuild) and MSC Opera.

Musica Class

The Musica class came shortly after the final ship in the Lirica class, kicking off with MSC Musica in 2006. MSC Orchestra followed in 2007, followed by MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica. The vessels are 25 to 30 thousand gross tons larger than those in the Lirica class, but are still quite small compared to MSC’s newer cruise ships.

Fantasia Class

MSC Fantasia debuted in 2008 as the lead ship in MSC Cruises’ Fantasia class. Less than a year later, MSC Splendida followed. The class was rounded out with MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa.

The Fantasia class is where MSC’s ships really started to get large. They feature more amenities than previous vessels like waterslides, sports courts, and more swimming pools and dining options.

Meraviglia Class

After four years with no new MSC cruise ships, MSC Meraviglia splashed onto the scene in 2017 as the first vessel in her namesake Meraviglia class. At just over 171,000 gross tons, Meraviglia is over 30,000 gross tons larger than MSC Divina and Preziosa. In fact, she was the sixth largest cruise ship in the world at the time of her debut.

A second Meraviglia ship, MSC Bellissima, debuted in 2019. The vessels each feature a large water park, over ten dining venues, large swimming pools, and a long indoor promenade with an LED “sky.”

Meraviglia Plus Class

The Meraviglia Plus class is a subclass and evolution of the Meraviglia class. It includes three vessels that are about 10,000 gross tons larger than the Meraviglia ships — starting with MSC Grandiosa which launched in 2019.

The other two ships, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia, debuted in 2021 and 2023, respectively. They feature large water parks, racecar and flight simulators, massive pool decks, and an abundance of specialty restaurants.

Seaside Class

Alongside the Meraviglia class, the Seaside class launched in 2017 with the debut of MSC Seaside. Like its name would suggest, the purpose of the Seaside class is to bring guests outdoors and as close to the ocean in as many ways as possible.

A second Seaside class ship, MSC Seaview, debuted in 2018. The Seaside class’ iconic feature is its Miami-inspired aft, which includes cabins with large balconies, glass-walled elevators, and a pool area with a suspended glass-floored bridge above it.

Seaside EVO Class

The Seaside EVO class is a subclass and evolution of the Seaside class. It includes two ships (MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape) that are about 17,000 gross tons larger than the original Seaside class ships (which are 153,516 gross tons each).

The Seaside EVO ships feature an expanded aft pool deck, larger kids’ spaces, an expanded MSC Yacht Club, and some layout changes.

World Class

The World class is MSC’s answer to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class. While a bit smaller than the Oasis ships at around 215 thousand gross tons (compared to Royal’s 226-236 thousand gross tons), it’s obvious that the World class takes some cues from the massive Oasis class with features like an 11-story dry slide and an open-air interior space similar to Royal Caribbean’s Boardwalk neighborhood.

The first World class ship, MSC World Europa, debuted in 2022. The second, MSC World America, is scheduled to launch in 2025. Two additional World class ships are currently on order.

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List of MSC Cruises Ships From Newest to Oldest

MSC Euribia

MSC Euribia is the newest cruise ship in the MSC fleet, and the third in the line’s Meraviglia Plus class. The 181,541 gross ton vessel began sailing in June 2023 and can carry 4,810 at double occupancy. Unlike the other MSC ships, Euribia features colorful hull art. The under the sea-themed display is a nod towards MSC’s commitment to protect marine life and underwater ecosystems.

MSC World Europa

MSC Cruises’ largest ship to date at a massive 215,863 gross tons, MSC World Europa is the first in the line’s new World class. The ship debuted in December 2022 and can hold 5,240 guests at double occupancy. It features the tallest dry slide on a cruise ship (11 decks high), the first at-sea hydroponic garden, and an onboard brewery.

MSC Seascape

The 169,400 gross-ton MSC Seascape began sailing in November 2022 as part of MSC Cruises’ Seaside EVO class. The ship has a double guest occupancy of 5,632 and includes a first-of-its-kind top-deck attraction for MSC called the ROBOTRON. It also features a large aft pool area and a suspended glass bridge called the Bridge of Sighs; a moniker that comes from a bridge of the same name in Venice, Italy.

MSC Seashore

The 170,412 gross ton MSC Seashore is the first in MSC’s Seaside EVO class, and the third in the Seaside class overall. The ship, which began sailing in August 2021, has a double guest capacity of 4,540. The vessel features an abundance of outdoor spaces, including the glass-floored Bridge of Sighs at the Miami-inspired aft area.

MSC Virtuosa

MSC Virtuosa debuted in May 2021 as the second ship in MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia Plus class. The 181,541 gross ton ship can hold 4,842 guests at double occupancy. It features a bar with the first humanoid robot at sea as well as acrobatic shows in an in-the-round theater.

MSC Grandiosa

The first in the Meraviglia Plus class and the third in the Meraviglia class overall, MSC Grandiosa comes in at 181,541 gross tons with a double occupancy guest capacity of 4,842. The ship debuted in November 2019 and includes a jungle-themed aquapark and an indoor promenade with a massive LED “sky.”

MSC Bellissima

MSC Bellissima debuted in March 2019 and is the second vessel in MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia class following the class’ namesake MSC Meraviglia. The ship has a capacity of 4,500 guests based on double occupancy and is 171,598 gross tons. Bellissima was the first MSC Cruises ship to feature a virtual assistant in each cabin.

MSC Seaview

The 153,516 gross ton MSC Seaview is the second ship in the Seaside class. It debuted in June 2018 and can hold 4,132 guests based on double occupancy. As part of the class that aims to bring passengers closer to the water, Seaview features an abundance of outdoor areas including the glass-bottomed Bridge of Sighs at the aft.

MSC Seaside

MSC Seaside debuted in December 2017 and is the first in MSC Cruises’ Seaside class, marking a brand-new design for the cruise line that aimed to encourage guests to spend as much time outdoors as possible. The ship comes in at 153,516 gross tons and holds 4,132 at double occupancy, just like MSC Seaview. Seaside was christened at PortMiami, making it the first MSC Cruises ship to be christened in North America.

MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia is the first in her namesake Meraviglia class, coming in at 171,598 gross tons and having the capacity to carry 4,428 guests at double occupancy. At the time of her debut in June 2017, Meraviglia was the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. The vessel features a large indoor promenade with an LED “sky” and a circular lounge offering acrobatic shows.

MSC Preziosa

MSC Preziosa debuted in March 2013 as the fourth and final ship in the Fantasia class. The vessel is 139,072 gross tons with a double occupancy guest capacity of 3,959. It features a high-speed water slide called Vertigo and a sports bar with its own two-lane bowling alley.

MSC Divina

The 139,072 gross ton MSC Divina is third in the Fantasia class and identical architecturally to MSC Preziosa. The ship debuted in May 2012 and has a guest capacity of 3,959 based on double occupancy. In 2013, MSC Divina set sail from PortMiami for the first time, becoming the first MSC Cruises vessel to operate from North America year-round.

MSC Magnifica

MSC Magnifica debuted in March 2010 and is the fourth and final ship in MSC’s Musica class, coming in at just 95,128 gross tons. The vessel can hold 2,550 guests based on double occupancy. In January 2019, MSC Magnifica set sail on a months-long world cruise, which was MSC Cruises’ first world voyage ever.

MSC Splendida

The 3,274-guest MSC Splendida debuted in July 2009 as the second in MSC Cruises’ Fantasia class. The 137,936 gross ton ship has an electric horn system that can play multiple songs, including “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You” by Queen and “Happy Birthday.”

MSC Fantasia

MSC Fantasia debuted in December 2008 as the first vessel in MSC Cruises’ Fantasia class. The vessel holds 3,274 guests based on double occupancy and is 137,936 gross tons. The launch of Fantasia ushered in a new generation of larger cruise ships for MSC, becoming the line’s largest cruise vessel when she was delivered. Additionally, MSC Fantasia was the first ship to feature the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship complex with higher-end accommodations and its own restaurant and pool area.

MSC Poesia

The 92,627 gross ton MSC Poesia is the third vessel in MSC’s Musica class. It debuted in April 2008 and can hold 2,550 guests at double occupancy. MSC Poesia was officially named and christened during a ceremony at the Port of Dover in England, marking the first time MSC Cruises had christened a ship outside Italy.

MSC Orchestra

Fittingly named, MSC Orchestra is the second in MSC Cruises’ Musica class. The vessel debuted in May 2007, holds 2,550 guests at double occupancy, and is 92,409 gross tons. Orchestra features five pools, a spa with thermal suite, and the leopard-themed Savannah Bar.

MSC Musica

MSC Musica launched in July 2006 as the first ship in MSC’s Musica class. Like MSC Orchestra, the ship holds 2,550 guests and comes in at 92,409 gross tons. Musica features a three-story waterfall and a see-through piano, plus a pool just for kids.

MSC Opera

MSC Opera is part of MSC Cruises’ current smallest class of ships, the Lirica class, coming in at just 65,591 gross tons. Opera debuted in June 2004 and is the fourth and final ship in that class. She holds 2,150 guests at double occupancy and features a spa with a thermal suite and a spray park for little kids.

MSC Lirica

Named for the class that she’s the third member of, MSC Lirica launched in March 2003. After an extensive renovation that included lengthening of the ship, Lirica comes in at 65,591 gross tons and can hold 1,984 guests at double occupancy. The vessel was MSC Cruises’ first newbuild, as previous ships had been purchased from other companies.

MSC Sinfonia

MSC Sinfonia entered service with MSC Cruises in March 2005; she originally debuted in 2002 as MS European Stars for the now-defunct line Festival Cruises. The vessel holds 2,087 guests based on double occupancy and comes in at 65,542 gross tons after an extensive renovation — including lengthening — in 2015. Sinfonia was the last ship built for Festival Cruises before it went bankrupt in 2004.

MSC Armonia

MSC Armonia is the oldest ship in the current MSC Cruises fleet with a guest capacity of 2,087 and a size of 58,174 gross tons. The ship was originally built in 2001 for Festival Cruises as MS European Vision, but was sold to MSC and began sailing with the line in 2004.

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MSC’s Newest Venture, Explora Journeys

In addition to MSC Cruises, MSC Group launched a second passenger cruise line in 2021 called Explora Journeys. The cruise line says that it “represents the ambition and long-held dream of the MSC Group and the Aponte family to create a transformative luxury ocean travel experience and brand that redefines the luxury cruise category.”

Explora Journeys offers a more intimate and laid-back cruise experience. The line’s first ship, Explora I, comes in at just 63,900 gross tons with a capacity for 922 guests.

Explora I set sail on her maiden voyage in August 2023. A second ship, Explora II, is currently under construction. Further, four additional Explora Journeys ships are on order.

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A cruise is an ideal vacation for families. With hundreds of ships visiting all corners of the globe, you can certainly find a vessel and destination that is perfect for your next family trip. Of course, with all of the various cruise ships and brands, it might be a bit overwhelming. If you have never cruised before, you might not know where to start. To help with your cruise planning process, we have put together this comprehensive list of the best cruise lines for families.

Best Cruise Lines for Families

Understanding Cruise Line Ship Classes

Broadly speaking, cruise lines are large companies that manage a fleet of ships. Some of the world’s largest cruise lines have dozens of ships.

Each cruise line has its own standard venues, entertainment offerings, and “style”. So, by investigating each cruise line’s general approach to cruising, you can decide whether it is a good fit for your family’s next cruise vacation.

Within a brand, there are also different offerings between ships. For instance, Royal Caribbean International has 28 cruise ships available to book through 2022. It would take you hours to research each ship individually just for that one cruise line. Not to mention, Royal Caribbean is just one of over 60 international cruise lines.

Hence, it’s important to note that each cruise line offers different groups of ships. These “classes” of cruise ships often feature specific amenities or venues found only on those vessels. While there might be slight differences between ships within a class, they are largely identical.

So, when comparing cruise vacations, you can focus on which classes of ships best appeal to families.

In this guide to the best cruise lines for families, we attempt to highlight the cruise lines and the cruise ship classes within the brand that we would recommend for multi-generational travel parties.

Related Post: Best Cruise Ships for 2021

Best Cruise Lines for Families: Disney Cruise Line

When it comes to offering a classic cruise experience with a bit of magic, families can’t go wrong with Disney Cruise Line.

The cruise line has a total of 4 ships. These vessels have very similar design and aesthetic, reminiscent of classic ocean liners. The two original vessels, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, are considerably smaller than the line’s newer vessels.

The two newer ships, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, are bigger and boast new additions including the Aqua Duck, a waterslide roller coaster.

Across the four ships, you will find award-winning service. All ships have typical amenities including dedicated youth activities organized by age groups and a gym. All ships also have a sports deck, with the larger ships even offering mini-golf.

When it comes to dining, the cruise line offers “traditional dining”. This means that there are set meal times for dinner at the main dining rooms. However, unique to Disney is rotational dining. So, cruisers remain with their waitstaff and dining mates throughout the cruise but rotate through different themed venues on the ship. Each of the dining rooms offers a unique theme.

When you want to escape from the little ones, all ships offer the adult only restaurant, Palo, which is an American steakhouse. The newer vessels have a second adults only restaurant, the French Remy. Both are specialty venues with up-charges.

A limited number of bars and lounges can also be found on Disney ships.

Entertainment venues consist of two theaters on all ships. The Buena Vista Theater is home to Disney classics and modern blockbuster movies playing all day long.

In the Walt Disney Theater, live entertainment occurs nightly. Ships offer a variety of Disney themed entertainment, from revue shows featuring your favorite Disney music to complete production shows. From Frozen, to Tangled, to Beauty and the Beast, these live stage adaptions are geared towards Disney enthusiasts.

Other events and nightlife include themed deck parties, character meet and greets, and Disney themed activities for the entire family.

Evaluating Disney Cruise Line

Pros: Popular Disney characters and experiences are found on all ships. Kids areas are well-themed and offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Disney offers a variety of short cruises that you can bundle with a trip to Walt Disney World. There is no casino and limited smoking in designated areas at night. Food, shore excursions, and other offerings are similar to other cruise lines. However, service is often rated better than other similar cruise lines.

Cons: DCL is expensive when compared to other contemporary cruise lines. There is limited dining, and the brand does not offer flexible main dining room options. A small fleet means limited cruises to destinations outside of the Bahamas/Caribbean. The main focus on Disney Cruise Line is younger children, with limited adult venues. EVERYTHING is Disney, so just make sure you are a fan of the brand’s characters and movies.

Related Post: Reasons to Love Disney Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Families: Royal Caribbean International

Another one of our top picks for the best cruise lines for families is Royal Caribbean. Across all of the line’s vessels, the company offers a mix of casual dining options, a traditional main dining room, and several lounges and bars for nightlife and entertainment. Many of the family friendly activities, dining, and entertainment are included in the Royal Caribbean cruise fare.

All ships have a main theater, which offers nightly entertainment. There are also other standard cruise amenities like a gym, spa, onboard shopping, and a casino.

Standard service and predictable cabin categories are found on most of the line’s newer, larger ships. With an appropriate mix of adult-focused and family-friendly themed parties, activities, and events, there is plenty to keep your multi-generational family busy.

Perhaps one of the best benefits of a family cruise on Royal Caribbean is the opportunity to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. This cruise line private island is home to several beaches, a lagoon-style pool, a kid’s aqua park, and the Thrill Waterpark, among other attractions.

It certainly ranks as one of the top cruise line private islands anywhere in the world. We have visited Perfect Day at CocoCay twice since it has been re-imagined and loved it! The island offers a variety of dining, activities, and shore excursions for a day of fun in the sun for the entire family.

Royal Caribbean Oasis-Class

Royal Caribbean features the world’s largest class of ship, the Oasis-class. These mega-ships are home to a variety of family friendly amenities that are mostly part of the standard cruise fare.

These include an onboard water park, a surf simulator, a zip line, sports decks, a skating rink, laser tag, and more. There is a youth program that is also complimentary and organized by junior cruisers’ ages.

For dining, the main dining room offers both a flexible dining option for dinner or a traditional dining experience. Other casual options include the cruise line’s well regarded buffet, the Windjammer, and other spots such as Sorrento’s Pizza, Park Cafe (think Panera Bread at sea), the Boardwalk Dog House, and other snack venues. Not to mention, there are several up-charge specialty restaurants for those special occasions.

For entertainment, the ships in this class all have signature Broadway caliber shows, including some of our favorites like Flight and Hairspray on Symphony of the Seas. All Oasis-class ships also feature an outdoor venue known as the Aqua Theater. Here, diving performances showcase talented acrobats and synchronized swimmers.

During the day, guests of all ages can partake in trivia contests, scavenger hunts, game shows, and poolside activities. Or, you can just relax at one of the many bars and lounges.

For nightlife, the ships offer a number of themed bars with live music. The Schooner Bar is your piano bar, there is the Latin-inspired Boleros, the Bionic Bar with robotic bartenders, an English pub, and more.

Additional Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships

If you are concerned about the size of these massive vessels, the Freedom-class of ships offer many of the same restaurants, bars, and nightlife as its bigger sisters but are 40% smaller.

These vessels can also offer more unique itineraries, as they can dock at smaller ports. There are three ships in this class, including the newly amplified Freedom of the Seas. This ship has been enhanced with new dining and onboard activities.

For shorter cruises, the cruise line offers 3 and 4-night cruises on two recently amplified ships, Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. These vessels are perfect for a quick weekend getaway cruise. All cruises on both ships visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Finally, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships are also ideal for a family cruise vacation, possibly in a cold weather destination. These ships feature an abundance of one of a kind attractions to keep cruisers of all ages entertained. The Seaplex is home to bumper cars and roller skating, as well as gaming areas. There is also the high-flying North Star and the skydiving simulator, RipCord by iFLY.

In addition to the main theater, Quantum-class ships are also home to the dynamic Two70. This entertainment venue includes original production shows enhanced with digital screens and robotics. This class of ships also contains the Music Hall, with tribute bands and live performances most nights of the cruise.

Odyssey of the Seas will be the first Quantum Ultra-class ship when she debuts in 2021.

Evaluating Royal Caribbean International

Pros: Royal Caribbean offers a variety of casual dining throughout the ship. Both traditional and flexible dining options are available in the main dining room. There are also a variety of activities for kids of all ages. Further, most onboard activities are included in the cruise fare, with the entertainment options being among the best at sea. Royal Caribbean’s private destinations also offer some of best fun ashore.

Cons: Some of the cruise line’s ships are very large. So, the demand for onboard activities often means queues form, especially on sea days. The main theater and nightly entertainment options require reservations, which means more planning. Cruises on these mega-ships are moderately priced with limited promotions compared to some other competitor brands.

Related Post: Things You Can Only Find on Royal Caribbean

Best Cruise Lines for Families: Carnival Cruise Line

For those with younger children, Carnival Cruise Line is a great family cruise option at a cheaper price point than Disney. So, it makes our list of the best cruise lines for families.

Currently, Carnival Cruise Line is in the midst of a restructuring. Four vessels from the fleet have been scrapped this year. Further, some of the remaining older ships are now going through extensive updates to receive the brand’s Fun Ship 2.0 updates.

This means that most of the Carnival Cruise Line ships now offer many of the same dining, onboard activities, and amenities regardless of class.

For families, Carnival Cruise Line offers some of the best casual and complimentary dining options. Like other cruise lines, it also offers a traditional main dining room, with both set dining times as well as the flexible Anytime Dining on its vessels.

All ships feature standard amenities like a fitness center, onboard shopping, as well as a casino. Newer vessels feature the Cloud 9 Spa, which also boasts a thermal suite.

The company’s Playlist Productions are family-friendly night time shows that are shorter in length than typical cruise ship entertainment. Other entertainment options include shows, like Hasbro Game Night and Lip Sync Battle, that will appeal to both adults and kids.

A variety of other activities and nightlife can be found fleet wide. However, we recommend Carnival’s Vista-class vessels, as well as the three Dream-class ships. New for 2021 will also be the first ship in the Excel-class, Carnival Mardi Gras.

Carnival Cruise Line Vista-Class

We sailed on the newest member of Carnival’s fleet earlier this year. We had a great time on our Carnival Panorama cruise to the Mexican Riviera. So, we can attest firsthand that these ships would be a great option for families with kids of all ages.

The sports deck on this class features something for everyone. Thrill seekers will like the ropes course, as well as the Sky Ride. This self-propelled attraction has you pedaling high above sea level. There is also mini-golf, a basketball court, as well as other larger than life games like pool tables, foosball, and corn hole.

Again, all of these activities are included in the price of your cruise fare. For younger cruisers, the company partners with Cat in Hat to offer themed activities including a Green Eggs and Ham breakfast (additional fee applies). Carnival is not just for the little ones though, as there is also a separate area for teens with plenty of complimentary entertainment.

With a main pool, an aft pool, and an adults only Serenity area, there is plenty of outdoor spaces to relax and find your happy place in the sun. There is also the cruise line’s water park with slides open to cruisers of all ages.

The best part is that there are plenty of food and drink options that are not far from any of these points. Cruisers can enjoy a custom made burrito at the Blue Iguana Cantina or a Guy’s Burger piled high with all the fixings. Not to mention, the 24-hour pizza spot is perhaps the best at sea.

Both a tequila bar and rum bar are also conveniently located near the pool deck for some adult fun.

While there are plenty of delicious specialty restaurants on the Vista-class of ships, we found the complimentary food in the main dining room to be far better than expected. The cruise line features two evenings with upgraded menus, including lobster and other seafood dishes.

These ships are also home to several themed lounges that feature live music and great cocktails. Our favorite spot to grab some drinks was the Alchemy Bar. There is even a comedy club, featuring both adult only and family friendly shows during the trip. Not to mention, there is a piano bar, a Latin-bar, and the lively Atrium Bar hosting live entertainment and parties throughout the voyage.

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Additional Carnival Cruise Line Ships

The Dream-class is the next largest class of ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. These three ships feature many of the same bars, restaurants, and amenities that Carnival cruisers love. The variety of onboard offerings make these ships highly appealing to families as well.

Further, Carnival Radiance (formerly Carnival Victory), has undergone an extensive $200 million refurbishment. Carnival Radiance will now debut in Spring of 2021 from Long Beach, California. This “new” ship will sail 3 and 4-day cruises to Baja Mexico visiting Catalina Island and Ensenada.

Among Carnival Radiance’s many offerings will be the first-ever Big Chicken at sea restaurant, created by the line’s Chief Fun Officer, Shaquille O’Neal.

Let’s not forget the brand new Carnival Mardi Gras that is also set to debut in 2021. This first ship in the new Excel-class will feature some of the latest and greatest onboard attractions and restaurants.

This ship will be home to the new Emeril’s Bistro 1396, in partnership with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Carnival Mardi Gras will also debut the first rollercoaster at sea, as well as the new and improved RedFrog Tiki Bar, a two-story poolside watering hole.

Evaluating Carnival Cruise Line

Pros: Carnival Cruise Line is reasonably priced when compared to its competitors. The cruise line offers a variety of cabin options, with specific family friendly staterooms. There are several youth oriented activities throughout the ship for kids and teens. Further, the dining is excellent, especially the casual options included with the cruise fare.

Cons: Many of the youth programs are geared to younger children with its Dr. Seuss partnership. In our opinion, entertainment is subpar when compared to other brands like Royal Caribbean and NCL. There will be many kids onboard these ships. So, areas can become quickly crowded with limited spaces to enjoy a little rest and relaxation.

Best Cruise Lines for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator of the freestyle approach to cruising. This mean that there are no set dinner times or table assignments. On all Norwegian Cruise Line ships, cruisers can choose where they want to eat, when they want to eat. These vessels have a variety of complimentary and specialty restaurants that offer diverse menus.

For those looking for flexibility and some of the newest onboard activities, Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the best cruise lines for families.

The line’s newest class of ships is the Breakaway-Plus class. These innovative vessels boast a number of features that make them the perfect option for families with kids of all ages.

We have sailed on several ships in this class, as well as the slightly smaller Breakaway-class, and highly recommend them. These ships offer cruises in several regions of the world, making them a great option if you are looking for an itinerary outside of the typical Caribbean cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line Breakaway-Plus Class

This class of ship has four vessels. The newest of them is Norwegian Encore, followed by its sister ships, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Escape.

One of our favorite features of this class of ship is the Waterfront. This mid-level promenade deck features a variety of restaurants, bars and lounges, and other amenities including shopping and entertainment venues. Among some of the newer additions to this area is the specialty restaurant turned country music venue Q Texas Smokehouse. This area also features many of the other restaurants, such as the line’s signature steak house Cagney’s.

There is also the Princess’ favorite, the Sugarcane Mojito Bar. One of the best parts of the Waterfront is that most venues include both indoor and outdoor areas.

The Breakaway-Plus class of ships has some of the most thrilling attractions at sea. Among them are go-kart courses, state of the art laser tag, ropes courses, as well as some of the fastest waterslides. Some of these ships also feature Spice H20, an adults only area with water features, a bar, and private space for those that are 18+.

On Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore, there is the Galaxy Pavilion too. This digitally enhanced area is home to interactive attractions, ride simulators, and games that everyone in the family will enjoy.

The main theater is home to Broadway-caliber shows, such as Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots. Another exclusive entertainment option on many ships is Choir of Man, a lively cruiser favorite. Nightlife includes comedy shows, live music in several venues like the Cavern Club featuring Beatles tribute bands, and typical cruise line game shows and parties.

Related Post: Things You Can Only Find on NCL Ships

Additional Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

As mentioned above, the cruise line’s Breakaway-class features many of the same amenities as the brand’s larger Breakaway-Plus class of ships. These include the Waterfront with bars and lounges, as well as their own signature entertainment in the main theater along with Howl at the Moon, a dueling pianos bar.

Both Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway actually have more outdoor activities that are included in the cruise fare, such as a waterpark featuring drop slides and an aqua park for the little ones. Both ships also have a full-fledged ropes course complete with zip lines and a plank that extends off the side of the ship, as well as mini-golf courses.

Many of the same restaurants exist on these ships too, offering a mix of up-charge and complimentary dining venues with over 15 different options to choose.

For those looking to go big, both classes of ships have the Haven. This exclusive area of the ship features its own private pool, restaurant, bar, and other perks available to only guests with staterooms in this category. The Haven’s larger rooms offer more comfort and luxuries than your typical stateroom cabin. Of course, rooms in this secluded part of the ship do come at a premium!

Evaluating Norwegian Cruise Line

Pros: Norwegian Cruise Line often has some of the cheapest cruise fares of the contemporary cruise lines. Also, NCL regularly runs promotions including Kids Sail Free and free Adult Beverage Packages. The brand’s ships offer a variety of activities appealing to adults and older kids, as well as top-night entertainment. The freestyle approach to cruising allows for flexibility for those who want to go with the flow. However, for those who like to plan, you can still make reservations ahead of time.

Cons: Some ships lack kid friendly options for the little ones. There are many great specialty restaurants but they do come at an up-charge. Likewise, several of the onboard activities have additional fees as well. Like Royal Caribbean, reservations are required for some entertainment options, and they can hit capacity quickly.

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Best Cruise Lines for Families: MSC Cruises

Almost all brands offer voyages in Europe and the Mediterranean. Still, MSC Cruises is one of the largest cruise lines in the region. This family-owned cruise line offers a variety of larger vessels that are a perfect fit for families of all ages. So, MSC Cruises rounds out our list of the best cruise lines for families.

It was just a few years ago that the cruise line announced an ambitious expansion plan of launching 11 ships in 10 years. This plan includes a number of new ship classes and vessels. Among the new ships that have successfully set sail (or will debut soon) are the Seaside-class (3 ships), the Meraviglia-class (2 ships), and the Meraviglia-Plus class (2 ships).

Although they are different classes of ships, many of these modern cruise ships do have several of the same features. So, when examining cruise ships on MSC Cruises, we would recommend you focus on these newer, more modern vessels.

MSC Cruises Newest Ships

MSC Cruises’ newest ships boast some of the most outdoor space at sea. These public decks included several features that will appeal to multi-generational families.

Most of the larger MSC ships offer several pools each with its own theme. These include family friendly pools, as well as adult only pools. After all, parents deserve a little rest and relaxation on vacation too.

On MSC Seaside, which sails in the U.S., you will find waterslides and plenty of other outdoor entertainment. These include sports courts, ropes courses, and zip lines. The children’s areas on MSC Cruises are quite large as well, offering a diversity of activities for kids from 3 to 17 years old.

Other activities on MSC Cruises that will appeal to families include interactive experiences. Among these are 4D ride simulators, F1 car simulators, and other digitally enhanced games.

Regardless of the class of ship, all of these vessels include the MSC Aurea Spa as well. With a mix of different spa treatments, as well as a thermal suite, you can unwind in style. These ships also feature state of the art fitness centers with new equipment and group classes.

All of the brand’s mega-ships offer a main dining room with both traditional and flexible dining options. In addition, the ships boast a number of casual dining options, including a massive buffet with food from around the world. Did we mention that MSC Cruises also has some of the best pizza at sea? Perfect for the kids!

When it comes to specialty dining, there are several themed restaurants featuring French, Italian, seafood, and Spanish cuisine. Not to mention, there are signature steakhouses, Asian and sushi, and upscale dessert and chocolatier options to indulge on during your vacation. The cruise line does offer both adult beverage packages and specialty dining packages for ease and cost savings.

On the Seaside-class, you can enjoy the Waterfront Boardwalk. This mid-ship promenade deck offers amazing outdoor views, al fresco dining and drinks, as well as shopping and an exclusive pool area. On the Meraviglia and Meraviglia-Plus class, the Galleria is an indoor promenade with shops, dining, and other experiences. To top things off, the roof of this deck includes an LED screen for interactive scenery throughout the day.

In the main theater, these ships offer production show featuring the ship’s singers and dancers nightly. MSC Cruises also has an exclusive partnership with Cirque Du Soleil. For the most part, these mega-ships offer two different shows during the cruise which occur in their own signature theater. These Cirque shows are an up-charge but well worth the costs.

Similar to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven, MSC Cruises offers the Yacht Club. This “ship within a ship” concept has a private restaurant, lounge, and pool area for individuals staying in a stateroom in the Yacht Club. Upgrading to this area provides you with additional privileges throughout the ship as well. These include select beverages at bars and lounges, butler service, upgraded internet, and priority boarding.

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Evaluating MSC Cruises

Pros: MSC Cruises offers a plethora of new ships with a variety of amenities. These ships also sail to various regions of the world. The brand’s ships offer some of the largest guest to space ratios of contemporary cruise ships. Onboard amenities appeal to all ages, with specific areas for kids, teens, and adults. MSC has several dining options and first-class entertainment with exclusive partnerships. Further, MSC offers a generous matching status for its loyalty program.

Cons: There are a limited number of ships that sail from the United States. Like NCL, several onboard amenities are an up-charge. Youth programs lack theming and popular brands familiar to U.S. based cruisers. Included dining options are often rated subpar by cruisers when compared to other cruise lines. The multi-cultural clientele and European influence on the ships might not appeal to all travelers.

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