About MSC Cruises

We’ve called the sea our home for over 350 years. It’s a place of discovery and delight. On an MSC Cruise, our guests can enjoy an unforgettable experience with us – from the wonderful places we visit across the globe, to the pristine accommodation, exciting entertainment and varied, international dining on board.


MSC CRUISES. LET’S HOLIDAY.

Our Company

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America. A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 250 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.

A global cruise brand with 25 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.  
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, we are part of MSC Group, the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 350 years of maritime heritage.

We employ over 35,000 staff globally and sell cruise holidays in many countries around the world.

Each of our highly qualified masters draws on the company’s experience to navigate our fleet of ships.

Meet our Captains

Our Company

Our Company | MSC Cruises

Our Cruises


At MSC Cruises, our love for the sea goes back many generations. And we are eager to pass this passion on to future generations. That’s why we are dedicated to making each of our cruises a voyage of discovery and unforgettable emotions for every guest. We offer an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience, where you can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, and award-winning family programs. 

With our cruises you can decide where to go and for how long. Choose among the best cruise destinations, with a wide variety of itineraries mapped to reveal the sights, sounds and flavors of the world's most intriguing cultures. Our ships sail year-round in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean (visiting also Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our private island in the Bahamas). Our seasonal itineraries include Canary Islands and Madeira, Northern Europe, UAE & Qatar, South America, Emirates, North America, Alaska, Panama Canal, Southern Africa, and Asia.

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Our Cruises

About us, Our cruises | MSC Cruises

Our Ships

We want you to discover the world in absolute style, comfort and safety. That’s why we are constantly expanding and improving our fleet, not only to give you a greater choice of destinations, but also to offer you an amazing state-of-art cruising experience wherever you go.

We have a modern fleet of ships combined with a sizable future global investment portfolio of new ships.

MSC World Europa, the first MSC World Class ship introduces a completely new, ground-breaking platform that brings together innovative technologies and industry-first design features including its unique Y-shape. MSC World Europa, delivered in November 2022, is the first LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet. MSC World America is the second in the cruise line’s innovative World Class, offering contemporary cruising in the Caribbean from Miami with new, immersive, and unique experiences at sea.  

MSC Cruises’ newest World Class ship, MSC World Asia, is offering guests an opportunity to experience the art of cruising in the Mediterranean from December 2026, with new concepts, venues and services to deliver the ultimate cruise experience for guests. She is the latest innovative ship in the cruise line’s LNG-powered World Class.

Beyond the World Class ships, we have MSC Virtuosa, is one of our latest ship of our fleet, delivered in February 2021. With a total guest capacity of 6,334 passengers she is a modern ship from MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-plus class, offering a dynamic and enriching guest experience. Her sister ship MSC Grandiosa (from the Meraviglia Plus Class), came into service in November 2019.
The smaller sister ships MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima were the first two Meraviglia Class ships that came into service in 2017 and 2019. In 2023 another ship, MSC Euribia, powered by LNG joined the Meraviglia Plus Class fleet.

MSC Seaside (2017) and MSC Seaview (2018) rewrite the rule book of cruise ship design, blending indoor and outdoor areas to connect guests with the sea like never before. With a guest capacity over 5000 passengers, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview add a game-changing element to MSC our fleet. Two additional larger Seaside EVO ships, have a capacity of 5,632 guests each. The first one, MSC Seashore, was delivered in 2021. Her sister ship, MSC Seascape joined in December 2022.

The four Fantasia Class ships – MSC Preziosa (2013), MSC Divina (2012), MSC Splendida (2009) and MSC Fantasia (2008) – are large-size and modern ships. MSC Preziosa and MSC Divina can accommodate 4,345 guests, while MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia carry 4,363 guests.

The Musica Class ships MSC Magnifica (2010), MSC Poesia (2008), MSC Orchestra (2007) and MSC Musica (2006) carry around 3,000 guests each.

The fleet is completed by the Lirica Class ships – MSC Sinfonia (2005), MSC Armonia (2004), MSC Opera (2004) and MSC Lirica (2003) – each carrying around 2,000 guests.

The fleet is projected to grow to 25 cruise ships with two new ships coming into service between 2026 and 2027.

Discover Our Ships

Our Ships

MSC World Europa | MSC Cruises

Sustainability

Sustainability remains central to how MSC Cruises plans for the future. Through long-term commitment, innovation, and continuous improvement, we are focused on advancing a more resilient and sustainable future for our business and industry.

We continue to work towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 for our marine operations through three key decarbonisation levers: technology and design, operational efficiency and renewable fuels.

We also focus on reducing waste, supporting responsible tourism, and working closely with ports, destinations and local communities. Across these efforts, we are committed to taking meaningful, measurable actions that support long-term positive impact for our guests, colleagues, the communities we visit, and the planet.

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Sustainability

A vibrant underwater scene with schools of fish swimming among kelp | MSC Cruises

Awards

Renowned worldwide for our cutting-edge ships, MSC Cruises has been honored with accolades throughout the years. These achievements reflect MSC's dedication to delivering unforgettable journeys, prioritizing guest satisfaction, exceptional design, and making a positive impact across all facets of the cruise experience.

View Our Awards

Awards

Butler at your service - Yacht Club | MSC Cruises

History

A centuries-old relationship with the sea
Having a history is a privilege. While others need to invent theirs, we have a true story to tell. It begins more than 350 years ago, with the seafaring Aponte family from Sorrento in Italy. Building on the experience and expertise gained over the centuries, this family of ship owners and captains went on to create MSC Cruises, now the largest privately owned cruise company in the world.
  • 1675 1675
    First record of the Aponte family’s involvement in maritime transport to and from Naples.
    The Aponte family records date back to the 17th century and testify to its long and unbroken activity in an area with ancient seafaring traditions - the Sorrento Peninsula. The first mention of them is from 1675 and concerns the felucca Giovannina, which for many years plied the routes between Naples and Castellamare, Calabria and Sicily.
  • A large MSC container ship navigating through the harbor | MSC Cruises 1970
    Gianluigi Aponte founded the MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company with the purchase of single ship. MSC has grown to become a world leader in global container shipping operating over 1000 vessels.
    MSC was founded by Gianluigi Aponte, a young Italian seaman and former bank teller who had the courage and foresight to purchase his first ship, Patricia, in 1970. He acquired an even bigger vessel in 1971, which he named after his wife, Rafaela, followed by the carrier, Ilse, in 1973. These three cargo ships represented the pioneering beginnings of MSC, which has since grown to become a world leader in global container shipping.
  • 1988 1988
    MSC announces its entry into the cruise business, purchasing the iconic liner Monterey.
    Following the purchase of the Monterey, MSC took over the Lauro cruise line structures in honour of Gianluigi Aponte’s mentor, the Italian shipping magnate Achille Lauro. When two more ships, Rhapsody and Melody, were added to the fleet, MSC Cruises was formally established as a subsidiary of the larger MSC Group.
  • 2003 2003 - 2013
    MSC Cruises invested in research and development to grow the fleet with dynamic ships. In just over a decade, they built four ‘Lirica' class ships, followed by four ‘Musica' class ships and the four ‘Fantasia’ class flagships. All of them feature MSC Cruises’ trademark blend of classic design, providing an elegant backdrop to the much-loved traditional service.
  • 2008 2008
    MSC Cruises is the first cruise company in the world to be awarded the coveted ‘6 Golden Pearls’ for its outstanding standards in environmental protection, health and safety.
    This unprecedented award was given by the international classification agency Bureau Veritas in recognition of the company’s compliance with the three highest international standards in the areas of environmental protection, health & safety and food safety. The company remains committed to safeguarding the marine environment and ensuring outstanding quality for its guests.
  • 2014 2014
    MSC Cruises launched an ambitious €5.1 billion investment plan that comprises the order of up to seven new ships and the Renaissance Programme to enlarge four existing ships of the MSC Cruises fleet.
    MSC Cruises launched a new €5bn investment plan to build four revolutionary new ships, plus options for three more, with STX France and Fincantieri. In addition, the Lirica class ships were enlarged and renewed by Fincantieri under the €200m “Renaissance Programme”, which was completed by late 2015. These ships now have a gross tonnage of 65,000 tonnes and carry over 2,000 passengers.
  • MSC World Europa, History | MSC Cruises 2016

    This second phase investment plan is increased from €5.1 billion to €9 billion with the signing of a letter of intent to build a further four World class ships.

    Each of these ships is fueled by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).

  • 2017-18 2017-2018

    MSC Cruises consolidated its second fleet expansion plan with orders for two additional Seaside ships and a fifth Meraviglia vessel, bringing the total investment for the 2014-2026 period to €11.6 billion.

    The two Seaside EVO ships, delivered in 2021 and 2023, represented an evolution of the successful Seaside platform and have a capacity of 5,646 guests. The fifth Meraviglia ship, which was delivered in 2023, has a capacity for 6,334 guests. Like the World class ships, she is fueled by LNG.

  • A large MSC cruise ship docked near a red and white striped lighthouse | MSC Cruises 2019
    MSC Cruises’ fleet grew with the delivery of MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa, while Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve welcomed its first guests.

    Two Meraviglia generation cruise ships were built in Saint-Nazaire, France and delivered to MSC Cruises, increasing the fleet’s size to 17 ships. MSC Bellissima entered service in March, offering West Mediterranean itineraries before being deployed to Dubai, United Arab Emirates in the autumn. MSC Grandiosa entered service in November, becoming the largest ship in the fleet at the time.

    Also, in 2019, and after three years of intensive work, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve welcomed its first guests. This former industrial sand excavation site was transformed into a stunning tropical destination. 7,500 tons of scrap metal were removed and throughout the clean-up process, a team of expert divers and marine biologists carefully removed individual hard coral colonies from debris on the ocean bed and relocated them to an approved location outside the construction area. Actions were taken to create a biodiverse environment, and more than 75,000 plants and shrubs were planted across the island.
  • Vibrant coral reef with colorful fish and a rocky island above water | MSC Cruises 2020
    MSC Cruises became the first major cruise line to restart after COVID-19, supported by a comprehensive health and safety protocol, and published its first Sustainability Report

    Following the COVID-19 pandemic and a temporary halt to the entire global cruise industry, MSC Cruises developed and implemented a comprehensive Health and Safety protocol that enabled them to become the first major cruise line to restart operations in August in the Mediterranean with itsour flagship MSC Grandiosa. Having worked with internationally renowned health experts and in partnership with relevant international, national and local authorities, MSC Cruises new operational protocol was designed to protect the health and safety of guests, crew and the coastal communities.

    In 2020 MSC Cruises also published its first Sustainability report. The Report is structured around four key pillars: Planet, People, Place and Procurement. The Report also highlights key sustainability milestones achieved in the past year.
  • MSC Seashore | MSC Cruises 2021

    Completion of MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore

    Despite the challenges of the pandemic, two new cruise ships joined the fleet in 2021 – MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore. MSC Cruises also advanced with their ambitions to grow the portfolio of cruise terminals, which allow them to anchor their presence in marquee homeports and offer the best service to guests while enabling them to foster a front-to-end integrated experience. In November, the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, South Africa opened its doors. MSC Cruises also obtained final clearance to start building their exclusive cruise terminals in Barcelona and Miami as key embarkation ports in the western Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

  • MSC World Europa, Promenade | MSC Cruises 2022

    Delivery of MSC World Europa, the first LNG-fueled ship of our fleet and introduced technologies to reduce our impact on the environment.

    In 2022, MSC Cruises saw the restart of the entire fleet and progressively and safely eased restrictions and launched two new ships. MSC World Europa, delivered in October, was the first to be LNG-fueled. It featured shore-to-ship power connectivity to minimize engine use at ports wherever the portside infrastructure is available. MSC Seascape was delivered in November. MSC Protectours, the dedicated shore excursions specifically designed to educate our guests and promote responsible tourism and responsible travel, - become more widely available.

  • MSC Euribia LNG Ship | MSC Cruises 2023

    MSC Cruises conducted the world's first ever net zero Greenhouse Gas emissions voyage, inaugurated our new terminal facilities in Durban, South Africa and launched EXPLORA I, the first of six ships from its new luxury brand Explora Journeys.

     

    In 2023, MSC Euribia, completed her maiden journey from Saint Nazaire to Copenhagen using over 400 tonnes of bio-LNG supplied by Gasum, delivered via mass-balance in full compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive and independently certified by ISCC.

     

    The first steel was cut for the second of our World Class ships, MSC World America. Sales opened for her itineraries, where she will homeport in our new state-of-the-art terminal at Port Miami, from 2025. A further two World Class ships were confirmed with shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with an option for a fifth.

     

    MSC Meraviglia became MSC Cruises’ first ship to homeport in New York, conducting year-round sailings. This marked a third homeport in the USA, in addition to Miami and Port Canaveral. This was followed by sales opening at our fourth homeport of Galveston, Texas.

     

    MSC Cruises conducted an industry first, as two ships departed at the same time for separate 117 and 119-day world cruises - MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia.

     

    And in South Africa, MSC Cruises celebrated the inauguration of its new terminal facilities in Durban. 

     

    In the autumn, a new era for the Cruise Division of MSC Group began, with the launch of EXPLORA I, the first of six ships from our new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, expanding the options for ocean travel to a new audience of luxury traveler.

     
  • Canary Islands & Madeira | MSC Cruises 2024

    Providing even more destination options for guests to choose from, MSC Cruises expanded its offerings with a brand-new itinerary to some of the most sought-after destinations in the Canary Islands.

    This year also marked the five-year anniversary since the opening of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, which has since welcomed guests from around the globe to enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

    MSC Cruises equipped its fleet with SpaceX’s Starlink to boost internet connectivity for passengers onboard.

    MSC Cruises introduced shore excursions exclusively bookable for MSC Yacht Club guests, providing an even more exclusive and intimate experience

     

MSC Foundation

As a family-owned company with a global seafaring heritage that dates back to 1675, we care passionately about the seas and have a real love of the beautiful places and inspiring cultures we take our guests to explore all over the world. This has led us to launch many life-changing initiatives over the years.

 

The MSC Foundation was founded in 2018 to lead and coordinate these conservation and humanitarian commitments worldwide, developing the longstanding philanthropic partnerships of all the MSC Group companies and launching many new initiatives.  

 
Our Foundation works to restore the critical balance between people and nature, utilizing our global reach and unique knowledge of the sea to take immediate action to protect and nurture the blue planet and all its peoples. 

To achieve this goal, the MSC Foundation works on four focus areas: environmental conservation, particularly of the marine environment, emergency relief, support for the most vulnerable communities and education. 

They do this both independently and together with trusted partners that have a strong innovative vision or track record for effective action. Our principal partners are UNICEF, Marevivo, Mercy Ships, Mission Blue, and ICUN.
 

Ethics and compliance

As an international cruise line company, MSC Cruises earns its reputation and trust everyday by providing unparalleled services to its guests, and by conducting business fairly and ethically. Our reputation for trust and integrity also relies upon every action by every employee every day and in order to ensure this is embraced across the organization, we have a comprehensive Code of Ethical Business Conduct in place.
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