As cruising becomes more popular choice for the holiday maker a greater demand is required for newer, sometimes bigger, and ever more environmentally friendly cruise ships.

I recently enjoyed a cruise on MSC World Europa – a ship setting new standards for eco-friendly travel at sea.

Having been used as a floating luxury hotel for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, MSC Europa will be based in the Mediterranean for at least the next 12-months.

It’s new itinerary takes in five ports – Barcelona, Genoa, Napoli, Messina (Sicily) and Valetta (Malta) and unusually, there’s no single point of departure or arrival, you can start your seven-night cruise in any of the above mentioned ports.

I decided to take the family on a cruise to discover what MSC World Europa has to offer. We began our adventure with a two-night pre-cruise stay in Barcelona.

Barcelona is a city that I never tire of – a place full of charm history,and culture. We stayed in a two-bed apartment in a quiet neighbourhood just a 20-minute walk from Las Ramblas.

But back to MSC World Europa – what an amazing ship. There’s so much variety to enjoy in terms of dining, entertainment and on board fun activities.

Amazingly, this cruise liner has its own brewery. There are three main dining rooms included in the package, together with two buffet restaurants, five speciality restaurants, and a pizza and burger bar,

It’s no wonder the well equipped gym was also popular!

You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to pools. If slides are your thing, you have to try “Venom”. It includes an 11 deck drop in a matter of seconds – a thrill ride at sea!

In all, there’s a choice of three water slides, including one where the floor disappears from underneath you.

The Luna Park area is for kids of all ages. There’s a 5D cinema theatre, an Formula One race car simulator, where you have choose your course, and even dodgems.

The Lanai Bar, at the back of the deck 8 World Promenade was a favourite bar of ours, You can sit out at the back of the ship and watch the sun go down pre-dinner, and when you’ve eaten, go back to join the madness of the dress in white, open air silent disco.

Each port of call offers spectacular spaces to discover. A favourite was a visit to Portofino, south east of Genoa. It’s one of the most beautiful spots I have ever visited. You approach it from the sea from Camogli. Don’t miss it!

To book this amazing ship, why not call me for a chat – 07887 610491?