MSC World Europa: Sports, Gym & Running Track Reviewed
How good is the fitness and sports offering on the MSC World Europa? We tested and rated the gym, sports courses, swimming, ball sports and more. The categories were weighted differently when calculating the Sport-Ahoi Score.
⭐ Sport-Ahoi Score: 3.0 / 5 🙂
🏃♂️ Running & Cardio – 2/5
🏋️♂️ Gym & Strength Training – 4/5
🧘 Sports Courses – 3/5
🏊 Swimming – 3/5
🏀 Ball Sports – 5/5
🚴 Active Shore Excursions – 2/5
🧖 Recovery & Relaxation – 4/5
Note: Ratings are based on personal research as well as passenger experience reports.
🏃♂️ Running & Cardio – 2/5
Like all World Class ships, the MSC World Europa does not have a classic jogging or power-walking track, unlike some other MSC ships.
For cardio training, the spacious gym on Deck 20 offers numerous modern Technogym treadmills, steppers and bikes. If you're not keen on treadmill training, it's worth planning your workouts ashore instead. On sport-ahoi.de, we feature suitable running routes for many of the MSC World Europa's ports of call, starting right from the cruise terminal.
👉 The missing on-deck running track costs points — but the wide range of high-quality treadmills in a modern gym with a great view at least offers an attractive alternative.
🏋️♂️ Gym & Strength Training – 4/5
At around 700 square metres, the gym on Deck 20 is one of the largest at sea. The modern Technogym equipment leaves little to be desired: alongside numerous cardio machines, there are strength machines, a large free-weight area and two separate yoga rooms. The impressive panoramic ocean view makes training even more special. Personal training can be booked for an extra charge.
👉 One of the best gyms at sea — both size and equipment impress.
🧘 Sports Courses – 3/5
The course offering includes yoga, Pilates, spinning (indoor cycling), tai chi and Bella Barre, among others. The selection is varied, though most courses come at an extra cost.
👉 A good range of courses — but the largely paid access has a slightly negative effect.
🏊 Swimming – 3/5
The MSC World Europa has seven pools and thirteen whirlpools on board. The large La Plage Pool does allow for a few laps, but it's primarily designed as a leisure pool and, depending on how busy it gets, is only suitable for swimming to a limited extent. There is no separate sports pool. The offering is rounded out by a water park with slides and the covered Botanic Garden Pool as a quieter retreat.
👉 Well suited for recreational swimmers depending on how busy it is — but generally only limited for focused swim training.
🏀 Ball Sports – 5/5
The MSC Sportsplex on Deck 20 is one of the most unusual sports facilities at sea. Depending on the time of day, the space is used differently — sometimes as a basketball, football or volleyball court, sometimes as a roller-skating rink or for bumper cars. Roller skates and protective gear such as helmets, knee and elbow pads are provided free of charge. Use is included in the cruise fare and possible regardless of weather.
The catch: since the space is shared between different uses, ball sports aren't available at all times — you're dependent on the current day's schedule. Anyone hoping for a spontaneous game of basketball might be out of luck.
👉 A varied and entertaining offering — but not a dedicated ball sports area.
🚴 Active Shore Excursions – 2/5
The range of active shore excursions varies by destination. Compared to AIDA or TUI Cruises, however, guided bike tours or hikes are noticeably less common as part of the excursion programme. Anyone wanting to make their shore day active is often better off planning it themselves via GetYourGuide or Viator. You can find active shore excursions for many ports on our site.
👉 If you prefer active excursions, you're better off organising them yourself.
🧖 Recovery & Relaxation – 4/5
The MSC Aurea Spa on Deck 8 spans more than 1,000 square metres, making it one of the largest wellness areas at sea. Designed in a Balinese style, the paid thermal area includes a Finnish sauna, soft sauna, steam bath, Mediterranean bath, snow room, experience showers, relaxation pool, water and salt cave, and a Kneipp path. In addition, there are seven pools and thirteen whirlpools on board — the whirlpools are free to use and spread across the ship. So even without booking the spa, there's plenty of opportunity to simply unwind.
👉 An excellent recovery offering — the thermal area costs extra, but delivers high-quality facilities in return. The sheer number of pools and whirlpools alone makes the MSC World Europa one of the most relaxation-friendly ships at sea.
🧠 Overall Conclusion
The MSC World Europa impresses above all with:
✅ A huge, modern gym with panoramic views
✅ The extraordinary MSC Sportsplex with roller-skating rink and bumper cars
✅ A varied course offering in the fitness area
✅ A high-quality spa with an extensive thermal area
✅ Seven pools and a large water park
Weaknesses include:
❌ No jogging track on deck – true for all World Class ships
❌ Sports courses mostly paid
❌ Pools only suitable for focused swimming to a limited extent
❌ Generally few active cruise line excursions
👉 Sport-Ahoi Score: 3.0 / 5 🙂
Overall, the MSC World Europa offers a strong sports package with one of the largest gyms at sea, an extraordinary sportsplex and a first-class spa. Points are deducted mainly for the missing jogging track and the comparatively weak range of active shore excursions. If you can live with that, you'll still find excellent ways to stay active on board — even on holiday.