The MSC Group (Mediterranean Shipping Company) launched in 1970 in Brussels by Captain Gianluigi Aponte, a young Italian seaman. MSC began operations with just a single, small conventional cargo vessel, expanding rapidly by reinvesting in secondhand container ships.
MSC entered the passenger cruise market in 1988, by purchasing the iconic vintage ocean liner MS Monterey.
From 1989 through 1995 they operated with historical, pre-owned ships and rebranded as MSC Cruises in 1995.
In 2003 MSC moved away from pre-owned ships and initiated a massive €5.5 billion fleet modernization program. With that, the container shipping giant transformed into the third-largest cruise brand globally.
MSC Cruises is still strictly family-owned. It is a subsidiary of the broader MSC Group (Mediterranean Shipping Company), entirely controlled by its founding family, the Aponte family.
The MSC Grandiosa is part of the Meraviglia Plus Class fleet. The ship entered service in 2019 and was built in France. The ship combines the scale of a mega-ship with extensive dining, entertainment, family activities, wellness and luxury facilities.
MSC Grandiosa sails mainly to the Mediterranean with itineraries visiting destinations such as:
Italy – Genoa, Civitavecchia/Rome and La Spezia
France – Cannes
Spain – Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca
Other seasonal Mediterranean destinations
The ship embarks mainly from Genoa, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Barcelona and Marseille.
Here are some interesting facts about the MSC Grandiosa Cruise Ship:
Ship Information:
- Sailing since 2019
- Length: 331m
- Weight: 181.541 GT
- Guest capacity: 6,334
- Crew members: 1,704
- 2,421 staterooms
- 15 Guest decks
Staterooms:
MSC Grandiosa offers several stateroom categories:
- Interior: Deluxe Interior, Studio Interior
- Ocean View: Junior Ocean View, Junior Ocean View with obstructed view, Deluxe Ocean View, Premium Ocean View
- Balcony: Studio Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, Deluxe Balcony Aurea
- Suites: Premium Suite Aurea, Grand Suite Aurea with terrace and whirlpool
- MSC Yacht Club: Interior Suite, Deluxe Suite, Duplex Suite with whirlpool and Royal Suite
Life on board:
- Wide choice of restaurants, cafés and casual dining
- 4 pools
- 9 whirlpools
- Shopping
- Speciality restaurants and international dining
- Spa, Fitness & Wellness Center
- Casino
- Activities, games, and competitions
- The MSC Yacht Club with a private restaurant, lounge, pool area, butler and concierge services
- and a whole lot more
Highlights on board:
- Full size bowling alley
- Wild Forest Aquapark
- Carousel Productions at Sea – exclusive acrobatic and musical productions
- Extensive nightlife with bars, lounges, clubs and late-night entertainment
- World Galleria — indoor promenade featuring a large LED dome
- MSC Formula Racer – Formula 1-style racing simulator
- … and much more
Let’s talk about roaming charges on your ship. Cruise ships offer internet packages, some starting at $20/day and on some cruise lines you must purchase the package for the full length of your cruise. If you want a one-time 24-hour internet pass, it will be even more expensive. There are different plan options, such as video calls and social media only, or full packages to include streaming movies and music. Each cruise ship company has their own plans and packages, check ahead of time to compare options.
Great news! The eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE is available on cruise ships and ferries with the Wireless Maritime Services. Please note, you will have to choose between a cruise only package, a land only package, or a cruise & land package.
Purchase an eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE Data and never worry about running out of data on your cruise again!
So, how does it work to get data on your cruise ship and avoid roaming charges?
Red Bull MOBILE is an app-based data plan for travelers. With the use of eSIM, it allows you to surf from anywhere around the globe. Whether you’re sightseeing, base jumping, climbing, or in fact cruising.
That means you never again have to worry about running out of data for your internet connection wherever you might travel, when you need it the most or about unexpected fees and invoices.
All you have to do is download the app, register, search for your destination or the cruise option, and purchase your package. Please note, you can choose the Wireless Maritime Services package for cruise only, land only, or land & cruise.
Set-up instructions for Android devices
Set-up instructions for iOS devices
In order to ensure proper functionality, you should purchase and install the eSIM before you start your trip or board your cruise ship. You will need a steady internet connection to set up your data plan, therefore it would be advisable to have your plan set up where you have a strong internet signal. The packages are valid for 30 days after activation. When you’ve used up 80% of your data, we’ll let you know — so you won’t get stuck without any data. You’ll get another notification once your data has finally run out.
In the Red Bull MOBILE App you will also see how much data you have already used.
Where does the Wireless Maritime Services work?
The Wireless Maritime Services package currently works on many ships and ferries.
You should switch off data roaming for your primary SIM card to avoid roaming charges. Since streaming movies, videos and TV shows use a lot of data, it is advisable to download these ahead of time to minimize data usage.
Get the eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE Wireless Maritime Services package to avoid expensive roaming charges and enjoy your cruise!
