If you’re the type who likes to stay active on vacation (or you’re cruising with people who need to burn off some energy between buffets), MSC’s sports zones are a goldmine. They’re fun, mostly free, and surprisingly well thought out. Whether you’re chasing pickup basketball, joining a five-a-side soccer tournament, or hopping into a new favorite like pickleball, MSC makes it easy to jump in and play.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Sportplex, outdoor courts, and all the action-packed play across MSC’s fleet.
The Multi-Sport Arena (Sportplex vs Outdoor Courts)
MSC offers two main types of sports setups, depending on your ship:
- The Sportplex (found on Meraviglia and World-class ships): A massive, climate-controlled indoor arena that rotates between soccer, basketball, volleyball, and even bumper cars or “Drone Academy.”
- Outdoor Sports Centers (on Seaside-class and older ships like Musica and Lirica classes): Deck-top courts usually at the aft, with classic basketball/soccer zones fully netted in and exposed to the sea breeze.
Good to know: All MSC sports zones are 100% free. Balls, gear, and equipment are provided at no charge—just bring your cruise card and a pair of sneakers.
The “Big Four” Sports + The Rise of Pickleball
Basketball
By far the most popular onboard sport. Courts are usually open for casual hoops in the early morning and late evening. Tournaments are often hosted on sea days.
Soccer (Five-a-Side)
A favorite on European and South American itineraries, these matches can get serious—in the best way. All courts are fully fenced to prevent runaway balls (and potential ocean goals).
Pickleball
MSC is now embracing the cruise world’s fastest-growing sport: pickleball. You’ll find it officially supported on ships like MSC World Europa, Euribia, and World America, where dedicated markings and nets are set up in adaptable areas of the Sportplex. The vibe is light and social, but yes, things can get competitive.
If you’re hoping to play, the best way to find a session is through the MSC for Me app. “Pickleball Open Play” often appears as a scheduled block, usually lasting 1–2 hours on sea days. As with most things on board, the earlier you go, the more elbow room you’ll have. And yes, the crowd is growing—particularly among the active senior set, who’ve found their court sport of choice at sea.
Volleyball
More structured, often played as part of staff-led tournaments to ensure full 6v6 action. Occasionally offered in the evening under the lights.
When the Courts Are Busiest (And Best Times to Go)
- High Traffic: Sea days between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- Golden Window: Port days. If you stay onboard, chances are you’ll have the entire court to yourself.
- Evening Shift: After 9:00 PM, some Sportplex areas flip into teen zones or late-night events like the Neon Party.
What You Need to Play
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes only. No flip-flops, slides, or sandals allowed.
- Gear: Provided for free. Just use your cruise card at the Sports Arena kiosk.
- Wind Warning: On outdoor courts (especially older ships and Seaside-class), strong winds can make games like tennis or basketball tricky. Check the wind forecast on your cabin TV or app.
Organized Tournaments & Special Events
One of the most underrated ways to meet fellow cruisers is to join a sports tournament onboard. MSC’s entertainment team hosts a rotating schedule of activities like basketball shootouts, soccer matches, and volleyball games throughout the cruise. These are typically announced in the Daily Planner or MSC for Me app, and you can simply show up—no formal signup required.
You’ll also find table tennis and foosball competitions, especially on sea days near the pool decks or arcade areas. Occasionally, MSC surprises guests with glow-in-the-dark dodgeball, wacky relays, or other creative twists that transform the Sportplex into something resembling a floating field day. Even if you’re not ultra-competitive, the tournaments are a low-pressure, high-fun way to get active and social.
Ship-by-Ship Breakdown
| Ship/Class | Sportplex | Outdoor Court | Mini Golf | Squash | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meraviglia Class | ✅ Indoor | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Multipurpose arena, A/C controlled |
| Seaside Class | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Netted-in court on top deck |
| World Class | ✅ Indoor | ❌ | ✅ (some) | ❌ | Pickleball supported |
| Fantasia Class | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ Fantasia & Splendida | Classic layout with squash |
| Musica Class | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Standard open-air courts |
| Lirica Class | ❌ | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ | ❌ | Smaller footprint, some ships missing full courts |
Who the Sports Zones Are Great For
- Active Families: Let the kids burn off their post-ice-cream sugar rush.
- Solo Travelers: Tournaments are the easiest way to meet people onboard.
- Pickleball Enthusiasts: Yes, the 50+ crowd is leading the charge—and the community is growing fast.
Quick Tips Before You Play
- Sneakers are a must – no open-toed shoes allowed on court.
- Don’t pack gear – MSC has it covered (balls, rackets, etc). Just check it out.
- Windy weather? Skip the outdoor court and hit the gym or wait for better conditions.
- Check your Daily Planner or MSC for Me app for tournament times and open play windows.
The Bottom Line
MSC’s sports zones are more than just a few hoops on deck—they’re a core part of the ship’s energy. Whether you’re traveling with kids, cruising solo, or discovering your newfound love for pickleball, these spaces are active, social, and a great way to add variety to your day. Best of all? They’re included in your fare. Bring your sneakers, check the app, and get in the game.