Sun, sea and football: MSC Cruises scores the ultimate summer hat-trick

• MSC Cruises will broadcast the summer 2024 football championship matches live aboard its Mediterranean and European sailings from 14 June to 14 July
• Additional themed activities and special events will be organised onboard for the whole family, including penalty shoot-outs and football trivia challenges
• Families could save more than £4,000 by opting for a cruise versus a trip to Germany to catch the action

For families torn between kicking back in front of the football and soaking up some much-needed sunshine, MSC Cruises has just the ticket. The award-winning cruise line has announced that it will be screening the summer 2024 football championship matches live on board its Mediterranean and European sailings this summer.

Games will be broadcast live in bars, lounges and pool decks from 14 June to 14 July, so guests can watch every goal, tackle and triumph in style. MSC Cruises will also be organising special events and themed activities to keep the whole family entertained, including penalty shoot-outs, trivia challenges, and create-your-own-shirt competitions. 

MSC Cruises has crunched the numbers on the cost of a week-long family trip to Berlin to catch the European football cup in action. Transport alone could set families back more than £2,000 – and that’s before they’ve even stepped off the plane! Throw in hotels, match tickets, a spot of sightseeing and some hearty German food, and the average family of four could be paying more than £6,800*. 

By contrast, with unbeatable value on some of MSC Cruises’ most popular Mediterranean sailings, families can enjoy an all-inclusive holiday of a lifetime for a fraction of the cost. Prices for a 7-night tour of Northern Europe aboard MSC Virtuosa start from as little as £649 per person. Setting sail from Southampton, guests have access to top-notch facilities, including 10 diverse dining venues, 21 bars, five outstanding swimming pools, a fully-equipped gym and a luxurious thermal spa. Enjoy immersive shows and entertainment and explore the largest shopping area on the sea, featuring 11 state-of-the-art boutiques and over 250 brands. 

On land, families can wander the charming streets of La Rochelle, indulge in Bilbao’s bustling food scene, marvel at the iconic lighthouse of A Coruña, and take in the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Le Havre, before heading back on board to cheer on your favourite football team with a cocktail in hand.

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or simply looking for an unforgettable family holiday this summer, MSC Cruises has something for everyone. MSC Cruises has a range of mini and longer cruises offering the perfect escape from the expected wet UK weather. Sail on board MSC Virtuosa for 7 nights on 6 July from Southampton with stops in Cherbourg-Octeville, La Rochelle, Bilbao and La Coruna for £639 per person. Or take in the Iberian Coast over 14 nights on 13 July aboard MSC Virtuosa and discover stops in La Coruna, Lisbon, Valencia, Barcelona, Palma de Majorca, Alicante, Malaga and Cadiz from £1,249 per person. The Norwegian Fjords are a sight to behold onboard MSC Virtuosa for 7 nights on 24 August, stopping at Haugesund, Maloy, Flaam and Kristiansand in Norway from £849 per person.

For shorter trips, prices for a 2-night mini cruise on MSC Virtuosa to Cherbourg-Octeville on 22 August start from just £249 per person – perfect for a quick summer reset.

Featured Photo by Peri Stojnic on Unsplash.