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Cruise Review: MSC World Europa 7-night roundtrip Dubai cruise in Arabian Gulf

MSC World Europa is the largest cruise ship ever built for MSC Cruises and the largest ever to homeport in the Middle East, so we went onboard to find out what cruising out of Dubai aboard this mammoth ship was like during the 2022/23 cruise season.

MSC World Europa is a huge ship at 205,700-gross tons, almost as large as the Oasis-class of Royal Caribbean, representing a huge step change for MSC Cruises, and a seminal moment for the Middle East cruise industry as Dubai takes its place as a major cruise destination.

MSC World Europa spent the winter months in Dubai cruising in the Arabian Gulf to Doha in Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha were offered as homeports for the season (a system known as inter-porting), but we chose to start and end the cruise in Dubai.

Dubai Cruise Terminal view from ship

The boarding process was fast and efficient, with the Dubai Cruise Terminal in Port Rashid seeming to handle the extra number of guests well. MSC World Europa carries upwards of 6,000 passengers at full capacity, around 1,500 more than MSC Bellissima , which previously home-ported in Dubai for the winter season.

However, we boarded in the early afternoon, and were able to choose when we arrived at the port, as we live in Dubai, and according to other passengers we spoke with, those arriving on a fly-cruise package faced a fairly long wait for check-in and boarding formalities. At the various ports of call, MSC World Europa’s staff handled passenger logistics well, and getting off and on the ship was easy.

At Sir Bani Yas Island we were especially pleased that the ship was able to use the new pier. Although going ashore by tender at Sir Bani Yas was a nice novelty during cruise seasons past, I think being among 6,000 people waiting for a tend from or to the ship might have ruined the experience. A full write up on the destinations on offer on this itinerary is available here: Dubai , Abu Dhabi , Sir Bani Yas Island , Doha .

First thoughts on MSC World Europa

From the moment you set eyes on MSC World Europa towering over the Dubai Cruise Terminal you realise that a week isn’t going to be enough to discover and experience all that the ship has to offer.

MSC World Europa Alongside in Dubai

She has 413,000 sqft of public space, 16 passenger decks, 13 dining venues (including 6 speciality restaurants), 20 bars and lounges (with 7 brand new bar and café concepts), 7 pools, 13 whirlpools and hot tubs, and the longest dry slide at sea. There are even separate kids facilities for babies, toddlers, children and teens, an F1 Simulator, dodgem cars, and an aquapark.

That slide is located at the aft of the ship where the ship’s World Promenade can also be found between the split superstructure, which is a clear riff on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class vessels. A key difference from the Oasis class ships however is World Europa’s atmosphere, which is a result of her design: her public rooms are cozy and plentiful, holding a few hundred rather than thousands, which prevents the ship feeling overly crowded.

Venom Drop aboard MSC World Europa

There was always space to grab a bite to eat or a coffee, although the pool area, as on most cruise ships, was the only area that regularly became very crowded and noisy, especially on sea days. Similarly, the Mercato Buffet up on the top deck near the pool area could feel jam-packed at peak meal times (if you’re an early riser this is less of a problem at breakfast). The buffet is actually a huge restaurant, seating more than 800 people, but while there were always plenty of tables available, the food stations themselves were teeming. It may sound obvious, but if you go up to the La Brasserie sister location on the deck above, its often quieter.

The inconsistent spread of people was also apparent in some of the bars in the evening. Some venues, like The Gin Project and Fizz Champagne Bar were absolutely humming between the two evening dinner services, while others like the Malt Lounge and Surfers Bar were far more quiet.

Masters of the Sea, MSC Cruises’ signature English pub, was always busy in the evening, but rarely to the extent that getting a table or service was difficult. It’s a quirk of the ship’s design as well that some spaces are hidden gems for relaxation and solitude, if peace and quiet is what you’re looking for after a few days sharing a floating resort with more than 6,000 other people.

Fizz Champagne Bar

The Fizz Champagne Bar, Raj Polo Tea House, Elixir Mixology Bar, and the Malt Lounge (the ship’s designated smoking lounge) have hidden outdoor seating areas that are inaccessible unless you enter the bar, because they’re sequestered away between the ship’s lifeboats. They overlook MSC World Europa’s wrap-around promenade deck, but unlike Norwegian with its Breakaway class ships, MSC has not integrated this with the ship’s bars and cafes, so the space is kept free for sea view strolling. Near the stern on Deck 7, the Panorama Lounge also has a nice little terrace for outdoor drinks.

MSC Cruises has also segmented the main dining rooms aboard World Europa (Esagona, Hexagon, and Bubbles on Deck 6, and La Foglia on Deck 5) into four distinct areas with their own unique décor, making dining in each feel like a unique experience, while also preventing the main dining rooms from feeling like a huge, well-appointed food hall. It also makes the service feel more personalised.

World Atrium

In terms of contact between staff and guests, MSC Cruises has also finally digitised shore excursion bookings and other guest relations services through the MSC for Me app, so that the atrium lobby isn’t constantly full of fed-up passengers in queues, as can so often be the case on the first few days of a cruise.

This three-deck atrium space sits at the start of a three-story promenade that runs aft, where the vast majority of the ship’s bars, cafes, restaurants, and lounges are found, much like the Galleria space aboard the Meraviglia class MSC ships. Aboard MSC World Europa, however, it is naturally larger and as it seamlessly transitions into the outdoor promenade at the stern of the ship, between the split superstructure, its definitely more of a wow factor.

World Promenade outdoor

At the very end of the promenade, at the very stern of the ship, a gleaming silver slide twists from Deck 20. That’s 11 decks up from the promenade. Venom Drop is in fact that longest dry slide at sea, taking the title from Ultimate Abyss, the pair of slides found at the aft end of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships.

More to MSC World Europa than Venom Drop

While the longest dry slide at sea is certainly a major wow factor aboard MSC World Europa, this entire promenade area takes the MSC Cruises brand in an exciting new direction. We mentioned that the pool area and the buffet could feel crowded at times, but this space somehow manages to feel lively without the sense of being in a human traffic jam. There are a plethora of bars and cafes, as well as intriguing boutiques, so that there’s always something to do, eat or drink. This is the social heart of the ship, and because its several hundred metres long, it takes a few days to explore properly, and also provides plenty of floorspace for MSC World Europa’s 6,000 passengers.

World Promenade

The comparison with Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class is easy, because of the stern slide, the split superstructures and the mix of outdoor/indoor dining and entertainment, but unlike the bells and whistles aboard Royal Caribbean (Central Park, carousels, the AquaTheatre and so on), aboard MSC World Europa the space is calmer. There are aft-facing seating options overlooking the ship’s wake, with two panoramic glass elevators that are fun to ride, and several bars, lounges and specialty restaurants. Because the bars and lounges offer indoor and outdoor seating, this is a nice space from which to enjoy sailaway because you can enjoy the Dubai skyline views and a meal.

Split Superstructure Promenade aboard World Europa

We enjoyed an early morning coffee on the Malt Lounge terrace during the approach to Muscat, and it was definitely worth the early start. Watching the Hajar Mountain range emerge from the darkness, with the white-washed shoreline of the ancient Omani capital beneath it was spectacular. Having a snack at Sweet Temptations off the coast of Sir Bani Yas Island, after a day of fun at the beach, was equally enjoyable. Moments quite like this aren’t available on other ships in the MSC fleet, which don’t have the same Boardwalk-style ocean-front dining options on offer.

A word on the spa

Dry slides, bars, busy pools and attentive dining are all well and good, but we cant discuss cruising aboard MSC World Europa without mentioning the spa, which aboard this ship is in a class of its own. The MSC Aurea Spa is top-notch across the fleet, but aboard MSC World Europa it’s been expanded to an extent that cant be fully captured in pictures.

Located on Deck 8 all the way forward, it has a thermal suite complex with a hydrotherapy pool, heated ceramic loungers, several sauna and steam room combinations, and even a Kniepp walk (a room where you step between hot and cold basins of water to improve blood flow and immune system strength).

Juice Bar near Spa

This all comes at an added cost, of course, as do the impressive range of treatments in the elegant massage rooms. Just outside the spa there’s a juice bar with healthy fruit smoothies and detox drinks that are included as part of the premium drink package.

MSC World Europa Specialty Dining

There are 13 dining venues aboard MSC World Europa, several dozen cafes and bars, and six specialty restaurants, four of which are signature outlets aboard the larger ships in the MSC fleet: Kaito Sushi, Kaito Teppanyaki, the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, and the Mexican-inspired Hola! Tacos and Cantina. The other two are new to the line, and are extremely impressive: La Pescaderia and The Chef’s Garden Kitchen.

Butcher’s Cut

The American steakhouse-style Butcher’s Cut, and the Mexican-inspired Hola! Tacos and Cantina are as good aboard MSC World Europa as they are across the fleet. While opinions on steak quality and what constitutes rare versus medium can be divisive, we found that if you’re very clear with the staff on what you want, the service is consistently good.

Kaito Sushi and Kaito Teppanyaki are firm favourites for Asian cuisine like sushi and fusion teppanyaki. At the latter, everything from the rice (with vegetables, egg and spices) to the meat and fish dishes are cooked right in front of you. You can take your pick of lobster, prawns, tuna, lamb, duck, or beef, all it all comes with excellent grilled vegetables. Kaito Sushi similarly offers food prepared right in front of you (if you dine at the bar), and offers a wide selection of sushi and sashimi.

La Pescaderia is MSC World Europa’s dedicated seafood restaurant and sits adjacent the World Promenade, with indoor and outdoor seating. It also offers fish and chips takeaway, but when dining in there is a selection of à la carte options picked fresh from the ice and served directly from the grill. The starts, such as Greek Salad, Fritto Misto, and Moussaka, are also uniformly excellent. The Fritto Misto in particular is a generous enough portion to serve as a main if you’re wanting to take it slow after a day of eating big.

Chefs Garden

The Chef’s Garden Kitchen is another unique dining experience, with micro-greens grown onboard to create fresh and delicious dishes. At 68 Euros per person, it’s the most expensive specialty dining option onboard, but is well worth it at least once on the voyage. The menu is meat-heavy, with beef tartar, roast lamb, duck and so on, but you dine surrounded by the hydroponic garden, with views of the sea and the open kitchen where chefs bring to life the menu created by Niklas Ekstedt.

Complimentary dining also holds its own

While the main dining rooms aboard any cruise ship will never be quite the same standard as specialty dining, most of the complimentary options aboard MSC World Europa held their own against the six premium options.

The main dining rooms all serve the same menu, and there’s a wide enough selection each evening to tempt one into over-eating. Although the food stations in the Mercato Buffet could be busy, the actual food on offer was always to a good standard.

Pizza and Burger

For those wanting something even more casual than the buffet, there’s also Pizza & Burger on Deck 6, decorated in the style of an American 80s fast food dive. The chicken and beef burgers, and range of hotdogs, are all very good.

What we didn’t like

We’ve already griped about the busy pool area and buffet, but there are two other things about MSC World Europa of which potential guests should be aware. Finding a public washroom in the ship’s common areas is easy, but finding one that’s free can be a challenge on busy sea days as they’re very small.

And because of the size of the ship, and some of the design compromises made to accommodate her various public rooms, getting between decks can be difficult. There are only stairwells and elevator banks amidships and forward for example, and while there are plenty of them so that you never have to wait too long for a lift, if you’re all the way aft at Sweet Temptations and want to go up to the Deck 17 Zen Pool, for instance, it’s a hike.

Outdoor Promenade on MSC World Europa

This might have been more apparent to us because we were staying in one of the Promenade-view cabins looking inward on the split superstructure at the stern, and the closest stairwell was the one between the panoramic elevators amidships. On a more positive note, because MSC World Europa’s promenade is not as boisterous as the ones aboard the Oasis-class Royal Caribbean ships, there was very rarely any issue of noise disturbance.

MSC World Europa marks a new era for MSC Cruises and Middle East cruising. She is the largest ship to ever sail from Dubai, she was named in Doha in Qatar, where she served as a floating hotel during the FIFA World Cup, and she is the latest in a handful of brand-new cruise ships to be deployed in the Arabian Gulf cruise market. The vessel therefore bodes well for the future direction of MSC Cruises, as well as the wider Middle East cruise market, in which the cruise line is the market leader.

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Categories: Cruise Reviews , Cruise Features , News , Reviews

Tagged as: Arabian Gulf , Dubai , Middle East , MSC Cruises , MSC World Europa

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

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The destination evokes the oriental fascination , turquoise sea landscapes and warm desert sands. Where once there was just desert, today we find the tallest buildings in the world, the most luxurious hotels and the boldest of architecture that coexists with the historic palaces and the remnants of the long and rich Arab history. Indulge in this luxurious journey with an MSC Cruise, an old tradition that is also a part of the progress made by the Emirates in recent years: Abu Dhabi  and Dubai  will surprise you with their daring, futuristic architecture, and Sir Bani Yas island  will enchant you with a dream beach experience or a safari like no other between the mangroves, the desert and the protected bay areas. Locations not to miss are the Gulf of Oman:  Khasab ,  Muscat  and Dammam  in Saudi Arabia , where you can get a taste of the enchanted atmospheres of the one thousand and one nights.

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Best Budget Cruise Lines, Ranked

E ven if you make a point of earmarking money in your budget for vacations, the sticker shock can be hard to stomach. Between eating out, fun activities and all the little incidentals along the way, costs sure add up quickly.

If you’re looking for an exciting trip that won’t break the bank, why not go on a cruise? Everyone can do their own thing, coming together at mealtimes or for a dip in the pool. All-inclusive rates for accommodations, entertainment and food are often lower than what you'll find on land.

Luckily, U.S. News & World Report has done all the legwork for you when it comes to choosing the best cruise line for your wallet. It sifted through traveler ratings, expert reviews and health ratings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (a must after the past few years) to come up with a list of the top nine budget-friendly cruise lines for the money.

9. Costa Cruises

Year founded:  1854

Headquarters:  Genoa, Italy

Number of destinations:  59

Note: Rankings come from the U.S. News & World Report's 2023 "Best Cruise Lines for the Money" report.

Bottom Line: Costa Cruises

Costa is one of the oldest cruise lines in the world and boasts particularly affordable Mediterranean itineraries. 

If you’re looking for a chance to meet people from outside the U.S. during your vacation, this is the cruise line to book. Since it's based in Italy, there’s an eclectic mix of passengers from the U.S. and countries in Europe as well as a diverse age range among travelers.

You can sail from three to 128 nights with Costa on a vessel that matches your style — some are smaller and more intimate, while others are larger and have a lively vibe. Either way, Costa has roughly one crew member for every three cruisers, so you’re guaranteed to receive quality service on your trip.

What Travelers Say About Costa Cruises

"Did the cruise meet expectations? Yes, on the whole, we enjoyed it. Some things were better than we expected and somethings as described in other reviews. Folks need to remember that you're often paying 50 percent less than in other lines to be on a Costa cruise. Would we book again, yes, I think we would. Will we book 'better' cruises as well? Yes we will [and have]." — ani4ani

Note: Reviews may be edited for punctuation, spelling and other grammatical errors.

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Costa Cruises Trip

If you have the time for an extended trip, consider one of Costa’s transoceanic cruises . Sample itineraries include a 17-day cruise that starts in Savona, Italy and ends in the French Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe. 

Alternatively, you could sail from La Romana in the Dominican Republic to Marseilles in France.

8. Norwegian Cruise Line

Year founded:  1966

Headquarters:  Miami, Florida

Number of destinations:  490

Bottom Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian gets high marks for being a fun, laid-back cruise line that won’t break the bank. It’s a top choice for both families and budget-friendly travelers. Why? Norwegian doesn’t have a lot of rules — there’s no dress code, no fixed dining assignments and a general “anything goes” atmosphere. 

Norwegian has 28 vessels in its fleet, accommodating from 1,936 to 4,266 passengers. Despite the large crowds, Norwegian says it has one crew member for every two to three travelers, so you’ll still get top-notch service.

Plus, you can pick from an array of journeys in destinations like Alaska, Cuba, Hawaii and many others. As a bonus, Norwegian has special cabins designed for solo travelers.

What Travelers Say About Norwegian Cruise Line

"We upgraded to the Penthouse Suite in the Haven; it was our very first Haven experience and it was spectacular! We cannot say a single bad thing about this cruise other than it wasn't long enough! We enjoyed every single minute of it but we especially loved the Haven bar each night. Before we'd go to dinner, we'd first go to the Haven bar and enjoy several cocktails. We were treated so well; our names and drink preferences were remembered, the staff just went out of their way to make sure all the little details were put in place and well executed." — HonkyTonkAngel

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Norwegian Cruise Line Trip

You don’t need to have a lot of cash on hand to book a Norwegian trip — just $50 will reserve your spot in certain types of rooms (if you book early enough). Plus, the total price of your trip will be reasonable— a seven-day trip through the Hawaiian islands starts at just $2,051, for instance.

After departing from Honolulu, you’ll head to ports on Maui, Big Island and Kauai. Though you can certainly relax on the beach all you want, you can also take advantage of tons of other cool excursions, like a day spent touring a lavender farm and vodka distillery on Maui or a train trip through a plantation on Kauai.

Visiting Volcanoes National Park, hiking to waterfalls and participating in luaus are also highly recommended.

7. Holland America Line

Year founded:  1873

Headquarters:  Seattle, Washington

Number of destinations:  470

Bottom Line: Holland America

While not as cheap as some other lines on this list, Holland America is a bargain compared to its competitors in the upscale space, like Cunard and Silversea.

The line tends to attract older travelers who want a more traditional experience, but also offers family-friendly trips and has special offerings for kids. The Club HAL program, for instance, offers everything from sing-along storytimes for younger kiddos to ice-cream-eating contests for tweens.

You can cruise choose from a wide swath of worldwide destinations like Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia and Asia. It has a fleet of 11 vessels ranging in size from 1,432 to 2,668 cruisers while maintaining a high level of service and a low passenger-to-crew ratio. Exciting onboard activities include mixology workshops, photography classes and cooking demonstrations.

What Travelers Say About Holland America

"Beautiful & immaculate ship, outstanding crew. Entertainment tried but not great, movies were not very good but sitting by the pool was beautiful. Main dining room was very good. Felt sad for the waitstaff - young and inexperienced, but happily they got it together by the end of the cruise. What they lacked in experience they made up with their eagerness to get things right, smiling faces & cheerful attitudes." — HAL Oldie

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Holland America Line Trip

Up for a real adventure? Book one of Holland’s Grand Voyages , which offer a more immersive experience and tend to be longer than your average cruise. One must-book itinerary spans 24 days and visits ports in Japan, China, Vietnam and Singapore . Rates start at $4,899 per person — a very reasonable rate for such an extensive journey.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China, explore the city life in Shanghai and visit Japan’s Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world. There are several days at sea built into the journey, so you can dance the night away at B.B. King’s Blues Club and attend live cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.

Have less money to burn? Consider a seven-night eastern Caribbean cruise starting at just $549 per person.

6. Royal Caribbean International

Year founded:  1968

Number of destinations:  300

Bottom Line: Royal Caribbean

Not only is Royal Caribbean one of the largest cruise lines out there, but it’s also one of the friendliest to your bank account. Travelers may find itineraries to popular destinations for less than $200 per person.

With Royal Caribbean, you can choose from 26 total vessels — “smaller” ships accommodate up to 2,400 guests, while larger vessels can hold 6,700 travelers.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Royal Caribbean offers a little something for everyone — there are adults-only pool areas, as well as entertainment options just for kids.

What Travelers Say About Royal Caribbean

"What we especially like about the Serenade was all the windows throughout the public areas wonderful for ocean watching — even from a set of elevators. There is also a true fully around the ship promenade deck on which you can actually get out to the helicopter pad and see the cruise from the bow of the ship. Great lounge chairs line both sides of this deck for quiet reading and relaxing.

The Centrum was beautiful and, during many of the days, single performers on piano or guitar entertained (we especially liked the pianist), instead of piped-in music. At night it was the main dance floor with a funk band...For the younger set, there was the DJ directed dance sets in the disco." — fan1965

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Royal Caribbean International Trip

You can find some great deals on Royal Caribbean cruises. For as little as $208, take a four-night cruise from Pacific coastal cruise . You go from Los Angeles to Astoria, Oregon and make your way to Victoria and Vancouver in Canada.

You'll get to see how different each of these cities are, despite being in the same area. Get some fresh salmon in Astoria, visit the Royal British Museum in Victoria and enjoy urban green spaces in Vancouver.

5. Princess Cruises

Year founded:  1965

Headquarters:  Santa Clarita, California

Number of destinations:  330

Bottom Line: Princess Cruises

If you’re traveling on a budget and want to get away from the little ones, consider a trip with Princess . The cruise line is owned by Carnival and boasts similarly wallet-friendly rates. But unlike its parent company, Princess often caters to travelers 18 and up.

With 15 ships in its fleet, Princess cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska and beyond on itineraries ranging from two to 111 days. Princess also offers special “cruise tours” that let you extend your vacation and explore your departure or end port in more depth.

You’ll also get high-quality service aboard Princess, which says it has approximately one crew member for every two to three travelers.

And you won’t get bored at night or during days at sea, either. Princess trips promise poolside movie screenings, magic shows and other fabulous entretainement.

What Travelers Say About Princess Cruises

"First thing is that dining room food is great, but the buffet was minimal. Minimal crowd so that was nice. Cruise Director and staff are really something special. Gary and Steff and the lot-wonderful. I'd say being an older ship it was good but not great. But the entertainment is great. We're only [a] couple days in and the shows have been the highlight." — Dougie Fresh

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Princess Cruises Trip

You can rest assured that while Princess cruises are easy on your wallet, they aren’t lacking in adventure or diversity. A 10-day trip from San Francisco, California, to Alaska and back starts at $749 per person.

During your cruise, you’ll visit four ports, including one in Victoria, Canada. On the agenda for the day: a stroll through Butchart Gardens, a bucket-list-worthy spot that features 55 acres filled with colorful flowers, enchanting walkways and photo opportunities at every turn.

In Skagway, Alaska, you can meet (and cuddle with) a lovable team of sled dogs, pan for gold and take a ride on the historic White Pass Railway. Or, for something more active, go rock climbing, take a bicycle tour through the rainforest or hit up the ziplines.

If you have only a few days and couple hundred bucks to spare, book a three-night jaunt from Vancouver to Seattle . The starting rate is dirt cheap: $249 per person.

4. MSC Cruises

Year founded:  1989

Headquarters:  Geneva, Switzerland

Number of destinations:  250

Bottom Line: MSC Cruises

Caribbean itineraries on MSC Cruises can be particularly cheap. But low rates are a guarantee no matter where you're traveling.

One awesome perk offered by this high-quality line if you’re cruising on a budget? Kids under 11 always sail free, and kids 12 to 17 sail for free on certain trips and at certain times of the year. This offer is contingent on kids staying in the same cabin as their parents.

There are plenty of reasons mom and dad will want to sail with MSC Cruises, too. For starters, this Swiss cruise line has adults-only pools and theaters showing 4D movies.

Plus, MSC Cruises has great on-board actitivies on each of the 21 ships within its fleet. Ships range in size from 2,520 to 6,762 passengers, so you can pick what suits you best.

What Travelers Say About MSC Cruises

"Food in the YC or on their private island was very good to excellent. We eat all of our breakfast and dinner in the dining room. Lunches were done at the YC grill, which is a little buffet area in the YC. Several times we do lunch on the private island in YC area. Their lunch meal has lobster roll, burger, carne asada...

We did this cruise based on the recommendation of my travel agent...She was correct and that even loved this one more, we will be back on MSC." — jimk727  

Best Bang-for-the-Buck MSC Cruises Trip

For a truly unique and culturally enriching experience, consider an MSC cruise that takes you to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman . Rates start at $229 per person for a seven-night journey.

During a day docked at Muscat, Oman, you can explore one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. Wander around the city's old town, particularly Muttrah, once the most important commercial centers of the country.

When the ship sails to Abu Dhabi, fulfill your need for speed at the Ferrari World Theme Park or by going behind the scenes at the Yas F1 Track, which hosts Formula 1 races and other car-related events.

3. Celebrity Cruises

Year founded:  1988

Bottom Line: Celebrity Cruises

The third spot goes to Celebrity Cruises , popular among travelers for its tasty onboard food options, diverse itineraries and — of course — low rates. 

You won’t feel like you’re traveling on a budget cruise when you book with Celebrity, which has 15 elegantly designed ships in its fleet that can accommodate a wide range of travelers. 

Though the cruises are easy on your wallet, they aren’t lacking in customer service — Celebrity maintains an impressive 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio. Cruises take you to tons of ports in the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and elsewhere around the globe.

U.S. News & World Report made a point of mentioning Celebrity’s “variety of dining options," as well as its "full docket of onboard activities, including wine workshops and glassblowing classes."

What Travelers Say About Celebrity Cruises

"The ship is magnificent — no other way to put it. This was unlike anything other ship we've sailed on and we've been about 50 cruises over the last 30 years...The Edge stands alone with its' unique design and well-appointed interior. The best in the business architects and Interior Designers have combined to create the most modern, contemporary interiors you'll ever see on sea. The interiors also contain a floating modern art museum with unique pieces throughout the ship." — loge23

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Celebrity Cruises Trip

Mediterranean cruises aren't only for the wealthy. Celebrity Cruises offers a seven-night trip through Greece, Croatia and Italy that starts at $949.

You'll start the trip in Athens before sailing to Mykonos and making your way up the Ionian and Adriatic seas. The cruise stops along ports like Corfu in Greece, Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia and finishes in Venice. This region of the Mediterranean is famous for its gorgeous Medieval towns, which have kept the legacy of the Venetian Empire preserved in their architecture. 

There is also indescribable natural beauty, with water that ranges from clear cerulean to deep electric blue, white undulating cliffs that tower over pebbly beaches and arid mountains where you'll find goats lounging about.

2. Carnival Cruise Line

Year founded:  1972

Number of destinations:  425

Bottom Line: Carnival Cruise Line

The name says it all: Sailing with Carnival Cruise Line is like hanging out at a big, awesome party at sea. And don’t think the party is just for adults — Carnival is also one of the best cruise lines for families.

That festive atmosphere is paired with an eye on budgets; finding itineraries for less than $300 is normal on the line's 25 ships.

With Carnival, you get dedicated programming for kids of all ages (there’s Camp Ocean, Circle “C” and Club 02 for various age ranges), lots of onboard nightlife and entertainment options, and tons of sporty activities like ropes courses, mini-golf, ping-pong tables, soccer, volleyball and basketball. Cruises range from two to 16 days.

What Travelers Say About Carnival Cruise Line

"We decided to take our family (eight of us) on a multigenerational cruise. The 4 day, Bahamas length was a perfect introduction to cruising for our two daughter-in-laws and two grandchildren (under 10). Everyone had a great time. Carnival does a tremendous job of offering activities for every interest and age group." — PC Snow

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Carnival Cruise Line Trip

Carnival tends to attract families and young adults who care more about fun than luxury. That’s why you’ll see trips like a five-day cruise through the Mexican Riviera for $234.

The highlight of the trip will be breathtaking Cabo San Lucas. Famous for the dramatic stone formations that rise from the sea, the Baja California town has plenty to offer in terms of gastronomy, parties and gorgeous beaches. You'll also stop at the cultural city of Ensenada, where at the right time of year, you may see migrating gray whales.

1. Virgin Voyages

Year founded:  2014

Headquarters:  Plantation, Florida

Number of destinations:  100+

Bottom Line: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is the newest cruise line on here, but that hasn't kept it from rising to the top. One of Richard Branson's ventures, the company seeks to disrupt cruising as we know it — and it definitely succeeds. 

All itineraries on the cruise line's four ships are adults-only and seek to provide elevated luxury. You won't find buffets and dining hours. Rather, you'll get an array of dozens of dining options (with menus designed by Michelin-star chefs) that you can visit whenever you are hungry. 

All-inclusive fun guarantees fitness and wellness classes, food and some drinks. Plus, you'll get access to exclusive beach clubs like the one in Bimini, Bahamas. Entertainment ranges from drag brunch to exclusive acrobatic and theater performances. Despite having a limited fleet, you'll be able to set sail from destinations like Miami, Florida; Barcelona, Spain; Dubai, UAE; Singapore; and even Auckland, New Zealand.

What Travelers Say About Virgin Voyages

"I choose this cruise because of the no-children policy and the dining being all-inclusive. The dining was excellent — many options at the restaurants. I liked the way the Galley was operated but would have liked to have more normal options available more hours of the day. Even though most picky eaters could find something most of the time.

"We were not very interested in the daytime entertainment options, but that gave us time to just relax out on the deck of the ship and watch some movies that we had not seen [...] Overall, I would like to book another VV cruise in the future. The service from everyone that I came in contact with was excellent. The positives greatly outweigh the negatives." — swiltn

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Virgin Voyages Trip

Sail on the Scarlett Lady on a four-night cruise from Miami to Bimini and Key West. This short but sweet itinerary will let you relax in the impossibly blue waters that grace the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. 

You'll get to spend time at Virgin's Bimini beach club, where you can sip cocktails as you sunbathe. Alternatively, you can get active and do fun off-shore excursions like snorkeling. 

In Key West, make sure you visit Hemingway's house and bar hop along the infamous Duval Street. 

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