by Ruth E. McBride, Freelance Travel Writer
What’s in a name? More importantly, what’s a Euribia?
That’s the handle for MSC’s newest 6,000+-passenger ship, the sister to MSC Grandiosa, and it’s not a word that comes up in casual conversation. ”How is your ‘Euribia’?” is not something I’ve ever asked anyone before.
Originally spelled Eurybia, the name represents a lesser known Greek goddess reputed to have ‘power and mastery of the sea,’ presiding over external forces and controlling the winds.
Now it makes sense why the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) named this new massive; 2,421 cabin, 18 deck, 6,327 guest, 1,086 feet long ship “Euribia.” To be able to accommodate so many adventure-seeking cruise guests on the North Sea definitely requires some mastery.
MSC Euribia Main Atrium (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
TravelPulse Canada is aboard for our first MSC sailing on the Euribia, which just launched in June. This week, the ship is completely full as it navigates an itinerary that departed Copenhagen with stops at Maloy, Nordfjordeid and Flaam in Norway and Germany’s Kiel.
With 22 different ships in the fleet and more to come, MSC is the largest cruise operator in Europe with itineraries in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. The line based two ships in Florida during the summer for Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, with more repositioning from Europe for the busy winter Florida cruise season.
As a part of the ‘press’ package for this cruise we were provided with a detailed presentation on the sustainability initiatives being undertaken by MSC for the lofty goal of ‘Net Zero’ greenhouse gas emissions, making ‘environmental responsible cruising a reality.
The sustainability actions on the Euribia are extensive, from reducing emissions, water usage and waste, to energy efficiency and noise reduction. Even the excursions offered by MSC on this cruise have an environmental sustainability perspective for eco-conscious guests.
Deluxe Balcony Stateroom on MSC Euribia (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
With a very last-minute embarkation due to two days of flight cancellations and delays in North America, I quickly and easily found my Deluxe Balcony Cabin (183 square foot) on Deck 12, port side.
I was impressed with the size of the balcony cabin when I entered, with ample room for storage and sufficient space to walk around the bed to reach the small but efficient balcony.
My first impression when I saw Galleria Euribia on Deck 6 was a great big WOW! Featuring the longest LED dome at Sea, with speciality restaurants and shops along both sides, I felt like I was in a town in Italy, walking the piazza of an elegant village.
The Swarovsky crystal staircase aboard Euribia is a popular spot for selfies. (Photo Credit: Ruth E. McBride)
The Infinity Atrium with its dual Swarovski staircases is positively impressive. Newly embarked, wide-eyed cruise guests lined up on the staircases to have their photos taken on the sparkly steps to post to their favourite social channels.
Our hosts invited us for pre-dinner cocktails and light bar snacks at the ‘Master of the Seas’ bar before dinner. The pub-style atmosphere felt nice and comfortable after an extremely long two travel days. A solo guitar player entertained, but not too loudly that we couldn’t carry on our conversations sitting in the comfortable booth beside him.
Dining at the Aurora Borealis restaurant aboard Euribia. (Photo Credit: Ruth E. McBride)
Dinner after pub visit was at the included Aurora Borealis restaurant, which feature Mediterranean specialties, including pasta and bread made daily. Aurora Borealis is a very nice looking, richly decorated restaurant, but the 9 pm dinner was packed with hungry and thirsty cruise guests.
My expectations of a quiet, intimate, somewhat later dinner, were completely obliterated with the many toddlers who, after eating their dinners, were bored and running around the restaurant, undisciplined by parents. Who knew so many children would be eating dinner so late on a cruise ship in Europe?
The Euribia pool by night. (Photo Credit: Ruth E. McBride)
After dinner, while late night cruise guests partied at the many entertainment venues, was a perfect time for me to head up to the Atmosphere pool, under the stars, on Deck 15, for a late night photo opportunity.
While the 9C temperature on the North Sea did not entice me for a dip in the heated pool, being able to sit and watch the vast, calm ocean under dark skies from this brand new MSC cruise ship, with a drink in my hand, and no crowds, was pretty special.
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