MSC Euribia
By Mike Pickup, Mike writes about travel for numerous newspapers and magazines, both consumer and trade. He is also the Editor of Holiday Magazine and a professionally trained photographer. For more information click here
MSC’s newest cruise ship, Euribia, marks the latest step by the industry to reduce carbon emissions and provide a greener cruise environment.
I boarded the new ship in Amsterdam during its voyage from the shipbuilders in France to Copenhagen and its naming ceremony. MSC claims this was the first time a ship had completed a net zero greenhouse gas emitting voyage. Fuelled by LNG, the hull and propellers are designed to provide greater fuel efficiency and less disturbance to marine life. The ship is also taking part in an initiative to gather the DNA of sea creatures so that scientists can better understand how they are faring as ocean temperatures rise. Even the artwork on the hull was specially commissioned to underline the ship’s eco-credentials
I boarded the new ship in Amsterdam during its voyage from the shipbuilders in France to Copenhagen and its naming ceremony. MSC claims this was the first time a ship had completed a net zero greenhouse gas emitting voyage. Fuelled by LNG, the hull and propellers are designed to provide greater fuel efficiency and less disturbance to marine life. The ship is also taking part in an initiative to gather the DNA of sea creatures so that scientists can better understand how they are faring as ocean temperatures rise. Even the artwork on the hull was specially commissioned to underline the ship’s eco-credentials
So much for saving the planet, but what about the guests?
My balcony cabin was largely taken up by queen-size bed and two-seater sofa. There was a small bathroom which was equipped with a magnifying mirror but it had no light. There was also a small wardrobe with limited space for hanging longer items. Outside, a small balcony offered enough space for two chairs and a table. It was adequate without being spacious
My balcony cabin was largely taken up by queen-size bed and two-seater sofa. There was a small bathroom which was equipped with a magnifying mirror but it had no light. There was also a small wardrobe with limited space for hanging longer items. Outside, a small balcony offered enough space for two chairs and a table. It was adequate without being spacious
MSC is renowned for having the largest LED ceilings at sea and Euribia is no exception. The display, situated over the Galleria area, can be changed to suit the mood or location. The area included shops, bars, a pub, a chocolate shop where you can design your own bar and some speciality restaurants. The central atrium was bright and equipped with MSC’s signature Swarovski Crystal staircases.
There is a theatre and a large lounge with a stage for various acts. I particularly liked the big band performances, so good to see more than twenty musicians and singers performing live rather than people singing to backing tracks. The entertainment was certainly top class, my only criticism is that MSC still operates a fixed two-sitting dining arrangement which means that each show is performed twice in an evening to cater for first and second sittings. It was such a shame to find that great performances were limited to thirty-five minutes.
As part of its campaign to reduce waste, all the restaurants and bars had QR codes on tables, inviting people to connect their smartphones to the ship’s wi-fi, scan them and place their orders. I’m sure this will not meet with universal approval and some guest would not normally take their phones to meals, let alone use them in this way. However, in the meantime, printed menus are available on request.
There is a large outdoor pool with movie screen and an indoor solarium with pool, jacuzzi and a bar. There is also a two-lane circuit for runners and walkers.
Other facilities on the ship include kids clubs, multi-use sports area, water park with a slide, ropes course and a number of entertainment areas including a two-lane bowling alley, F1 simulated racing and more. However, a number of these activities are subject to extra charges.
There is a large outdoor pool with movie screen and an indoor solarium with pool, jacuzzi and a bar. There is also a two-lane circuit for runners and walkers.
Other facilities on the ship include kids clubs, multi-use sports area, water park with a slide, ropes course and a number of entertainment areas including a two-lane bowling alley, F1 simulated racing and more. However, a number of these activities are subject to extra charges.
During the voyage I had an opportunity to sit down with Antonio Paradiso, MSC Cruises UK & Ireland Managing Director. The son of British and Italian parents, he was aware how much we Brits liked a kettle in our hotel rooms and cabins and he was successful in campaigning for this. Naturally I asked him why there was no Yorkshire Tea in my cabin but he assured me that when Euribia came to Southampton In October all will be well. He also commented that prices will be changed to recognise the fact that a daily gratuities charge added to a passenger’s on-board account did not go down well with the locals. Good to hear that this global company is listening to local requirements.
Equally, not all people are fond of large ships. MSC has recently launched the Explora brand of smaller ships, holding around 970 passengers. Paradiso’s responsibility has been increased to cover that side of the business as well. The first ship, Explora 1, is operating from 17 July.
Then it was on to the naming ceremony. A number of speeches and presentations were followed by some great entertainment
Equally, not all people are fond of large ships. MSC has recently launched the Explora brand of smaller ships, holding around 970 passengers. Paradiso’s responsibility has been increased to cover that side of the business as well. The first ship, Explora 1, is operating from 17 July.
Then it was on to the naming ceremony. A number of speeches and presentations were followed by some great entertainment
Finally, MSC’s perennial ship’s godmother, the veteran Hollywood actress Sophia Loren was welcomes on stage to cut the ribbon which released a bottle of champagne to crash against the ship’s bow, the 19th MSC ship of which she is the godmother. Euribia had well and truly arrived.
|
All images coyright of the author
Click on smaller images to enlarge them |