Love Island star Sophie Piper trades the villa for a cabin while sailing The Med with MSC Cruises

Sophie Piper, recent Love Island All Stars contestant, took to the seas on board a Mediterranean sailing with MSC Cruises in April. Departing from the vibrant Spanish city, Barcelona, from there Sophie took in the sights and sounds of Genoa, Naples, Messina, Marseille and Valletta on board the impressive MSC World Europa.

An itinerary of a lifetime, her trip involved exploring the ship’s world-class features including outstanding international restaurants, the lavish Balinese spa, premium retail outlets in the World Galleria, exceptional theatre performances, the largest waterpark in the fleet, the longest dry slide at sea, and the luxury surroundings of the private and exclusive MSC Yacht Club.

While on land, Sophie put on her walking shoes and discovered historical and cultural landmarks in some of Europe’s most inspiring cities accessible through a range of shore excursions, available on all MSC Cruises sailings. Whether it’s adventure, nature, culture, or history, on each excursion there is something new to learn.

This comes on the back of research from MSC Cruises that travellers worldwide are forgoing the usual routine of laying by the beach all day as 76% of young travellers between 18-34 years old want to come home from a holiday having experienced something new, having learned something – about the world and themselves or achieved something.

Looking for travel to deliver transformative experiences, over a third (36%) are looking to taste and learn about different food and drink as well as improve their general knowledge (35%) and support local communities and the environment (25%). 2 in 5 (38%) find travelling an opportunity to take care of their mind, body and soul. Becoming more cultured (28%) is also important to those aged 18-34, as well as stepping out of their comfort zone (26%). Discovering new interests and hobbies (25%) and making new friends (26%) also ranked highly.

When it comes to must-haves for young travellers on holiday, MSC World Europa does not disappoint, which is perfect as affordable restaurants (48%), live entertainment (29%) and spa facilities (19%) came out on top. Guests have 13 dining venues to choose from including three restaurant-buffets, four main dining venues, and six specialty restaurants. Entertainment is around every corner with three concert-style performances, five theatrical productions, and four themed experiences. With any moments of downtime, guests can treat themselves to a spa treatment at the MSC Cruises Aurea Spa.

Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales for MSC Group’s Cruise Division said: “We recently welcomed Love Islander, Sophie Piper, on board with us to experience the countless wonders of a sailing with MSC Cruises. She enjoyed the fantastic food, high-quality entertainment, and relaxing spa facilities when not exploring unique Mediterranean cities. We’ve seen more and more younger travellers on our ships in recent years thanks to the amount of choice we offer when it comes to destinations, experiences, entertainment and food. Younger people are looking for more from their holidays and are choosing MSC Cruises thanks to the number of unique destinations and experiences you can have during a single sailing.”

MSC Cruises offers all travellers, including younger ones the chance to explore the Mediterranean in style this summer onboard MSC World Europa and experience meaningful moments at sea. From luxury dining, shopping and world-class entertainment, to adventurous shore excursions and relaxation and wellness facilities, everything is all in one place for a transformative trip. Browse Mediterranean itineraries this summer on www.msccruises.co.uk.