Cruising through Europe had been on our bucket list for years — the kind of slow holiday where the sea becomes your backyard and every new sunrise brings a different country. We finally made it happen with MSC Cruises, and while the journey was unforgettable, it came with its own lessons — especially around planning and bookings — something future travellers must know.
Booking the Cruise — A Reality Check for Indians
Here’s something many first-time cruise travellers don’t realise:
You can’t book European MSC cruises directly like you book hotels on Booking.com or MakeMyTrip, unless you are a US or Canadian citizen. For most of us, it goes through travel agents, each quoting a different price. We booked through an agency in Mumbai, and unfortunately, once the payment was made, the support vanished. Small requests like bringing rooms closer or shifting floors felt like climbing Everest. A reminder — choose your agent wisely, read reviews, ask the smallest questions, and get everything written.
Two Days in Genoa — The City That Smells of Pesto and History
The journey began at Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus— the city wears its history with pride. In just 1.5 days, we walked everywhere, sipping coffee in local cafés, watching waves crash at the pebble beach in a small neighbourhood called Boccadasse, where we soaked up architecture influenced by Gothic, Roman, and Renaissance styles.ced by Gothic, Roman, and Renaissance styles.
We wandered through narrow alleys that suddenly opened into grand piazzas, visited centuries-old churches with intricate interiors, and stepped into a museum that houses the original anchor of Christopher Columbus — a powerful reminder of the city’s maritime legacy. One of our favourite discoveries was Boccadasse, a charming fishing-village-style neighbourhood with pastel houses and a quiet pebble beach where waves crash gently against the shore.
We stayed at B&B Hotels, right opposite the railway station and only a 10-minute walk to the MSC port — luggage in hand, smooth roads, zero hassle. And the food? And of course, Genoa delighted us with food — fresh pesto pasta, pesto pizza, seafood, Aperol spritzes, and our first indulgent scoops of Italian gelato enjoyed while walking along the harbour. A pleasant surprise was learning that the tap water across the city is safe to drink, something every traveller appreciates.
Boarding the MSC Cruise — Smooth, Structured & Exciting
Even though our check-in was later, we arrived at noon — the best decision. The process was quick:
- Drop luggage
- Collect the boarding card
- Register a credit card (a certain amount gets blocked as security for on-board expenses)
Inside the cruise, we opted for the drinks package (~₹10,000 for 7 days) — worth it, considering a single wine or beer onboard otherwise costs ~₹1200. With the package, we could enjoy up to 15 drinks a day, including wine, beer, water bottles, and tea/coffee.
Life on the Cruise — Food, Fun & Floating Luxury
Buffet was huge — sometimes overwhelming — but offered Indian, Italian, Continental, Malaysian and more. Breakfast felt repetitive, but evenings were a delight with new desserts each day, from bun-ice cream sandwiches to fruit desserts. Dinner was a sit-down restaurant experience with a set menu, attentive staff, and the option to try extra dishes if not wasted.
Entertainment flowed constantly — Magic shows, theatre nights, casino, Zumba sessions, gym, arcade for kids, pool time, and a gala night where even the captain joins in. Shops onboard occasionally offered luxury brands, but honestly, they were not worth buying there.
One of the most memorable personal highlights of the cruise was participating in MSC Masterchef Sea, a special onboard experience and competition. Standing there as the only Indian finalist among international participants was both surreal and emotional. Representing India while sailing through European waters added a deeply personal layer to the journey—a moment of pride for us, and we will always remember it.
Port Stops — New Country Every Day (Almost!)
Our sail path was Genoa → Marseille → Valencia → Tarragona → Florence → Pisa → Rome → back to Genoa.
A few highlights:
Valencia
Valencia brought one of the most magical experiences of the trip — visiting the San José Caves — 21°C all year round. Inside these caves flows an underground river with crystal-clear water, and the temperature remains a steady 21 degrees Celsius throughout the year. We drifted silently through ancient rock formations on a small boat, surrounded by stillness and natural beauty.
The water shimmered under subtle lighting, and the absence of bats — something many would expect in caves — was a surprising detail. It felt less like a tourist attraction and more like entering a secret cathedral carved by nature itself. Valencia, known for oranges, felt warm and cultural. We explored museums, gardens, and fashion stores (hello Zara!), bought souvenirs, and loved how easy navigation was for tourists.
Tarragona
A self-exploration day — walked through ruins, local markets, quaint churches, ate, shopped, wandered without a plan. Sometimes that’s the best way to meet a city. Tarragona offered a different kind of magic.
We explored the ancient Roman ruins and stood inside the magnificent Roman amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea — a view that required no filter. Imagining gladiators once performing in that very space while the sea shimmered behind them was surreal. We wandered through local markets and quiet churches, letting the city reveal itself without a strict itinerary.
Florence
Florence felt like walking through a Renaissance painting — every street unfolding like a carefully composed masterpiece. The magnificent Florence Cathedral (Duomo) left us speechless with its intricate marble façade and Brunelleschi’s iconic dome rising dramatically over the city skyline. Standing beneath it, you truly feel the weight of history and artistry intertwined.
We wandered through Piazza della Signoria, where sculptures stand like silent storytellers of Florence’s powerful past. The city breathes art — from grand museums to hidden frescoes tucked inside quiet churches. Crossing the historic Ponte Vecchio, often called Europe’s richest jewellery bridge, felt surreal. Goldsmith shops line the bridge, glittering under the Tuscan sun just as they have for centuries.
A stop at Venchi for gelato was non-negotiable — creamy, indulgent, and unmistakably Italian. And somehow, even a simple slice of pizza tasted extraordinary here — perhaps it was the ingredients, or perhaps Florence simply adds magic to everything it touches.
As the evening light softened, a view from Piazzale Michelangelo painted the city in hues of gold and terracotta — a reminder that Florence isn’t just visited, it’s experienced.
Pisa
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WzbwEPsdCrwCA4FUzzQ6ovnLMqj9hDRz
Pisa, though smaller and more compact, carries global fame thanks to the unmistakable Leaning Tower of Pisa. Seeing it in person is oddly fascinating — the tilt is more dramatic than photographs suggest. The square around it, the Piazza dei Miracoli, is striking with its pristine white marble structures set against lush green lawns.
Tourists filled the space, each attempting the classic “holding up the tower” pose — playful, chaotic, and charming all at once. Beyond the iconic lean, the cathedral and baptistery add depth to Pisa’s architectural beauty, showcasing Romanesque elegance that often gets overshadowed by the tower’s fame.
Pisa felt lively and light-hearted — a quick stop, yet one that lingers in memory. It’s the kind of place that makes you smile, camera in hand, fully embracing the joy of travel clichés.
Rome
Rome deserves a full chapter. Even though I wasn’t well that day, the city’s energy was enough to make me fall in love. From Vatican City (seen from outside) to Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the grandeur around every corner — Rome is a place you feel more than you see. The only caution is that pickpocketing is common, so stay alert.
Returning & Exploring Milan
After disembarkation (super seamless — just leave your luggage outside at night, collect it while exiting), we took a train to Milan.
It rained almost non-stop, but we still made it to Duomo, high-end streets with Prada, Versace, buzzing crowds (Milan Fashion Week!), and food that comforted us. Lake Como & wine tours were tempting — maybe next time.
What We Learned & What You Should Know
- Book through a verified cruise agent — support matters even more after payment.
- Stay close to the port/rail station in Genoa — saves time & effort.
- Buy the drinks package — major cost-saver.
- Always return to the ship on time — it won’t wait.
- Carry medicines — basics aren’t easily available onboard.
- Walking shoes are non-negotiable.
- Enjoy slow days on the deck — not just the tourist rush.
MSC gave us 7 beautiful days at sea and the rest discovering Italy on land — 15 days filled with cultures, cuisines, architecture, laughter, theatre nights, sunsets that looked unreal, and memories that smell like salt and pesto.
There were hiccups, yes. But there were also moments when the Mediterranean stretched endlessly before us, and everything felt cinematic.
If Europe is a dream, sailing through it might just be the most poetic way to live it.
And if you do it—plan smart, walk slow, and don’t forget to look at the sunset from the deck at least once without your phone.
