MSC Cruises

The Vibe: Party Or Relax In Luxury, The Choice Is Yours

The vibe on an MSC cruise is often described as lively, bustling, and family-oriented. With its strong European heritage, the cruise line caters to a diverse, international crowd. Onboard, you'll find a high-energy atmosphere with a focus on entertainment, with grand shows, themed parties, and a variety of activities to keep everyone busy. For those who prefer a more exclusive and tranquil experience, the MSC Yacht Club offers a "ship within a ship" concept with private venues and dedicated services.

MSC Cruises is a truly global cruise line, sailing to a vast array of destinations. Their main focus is on Europe, particularly the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, but they also offer sailings to:

North America: The Caribbean and The Bahamas, including their private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
South America
South Africa
Asia
The Middle East
Grand Voyages (transatlantic and repositioning cruises)
World Cruises

You can embark from a variety of ports worldwide, including major hubs in the United States like Miami, Port Canaveral, and New York, as well as numerous ports across Europe like Barcelona, Genoa, and Marseille.

The Fleet:

MSC Cruises operates a fleet of 22 ships, with more planned to join in the coming years. The ships vary significantly in size, from smaller vessels like the Lirica class (around 66,000 gross tons) to the ultra-modern, massive World class ships (over 205,000 gross tons), which are among the largest cruise ships in the world. This range allows MSC to offer diverse itineraries, from sailing into smaller, historic ports to catering to thousands of guests with a resort-style experience.

The Cabins:

MSC offers a wide selection of accommodations to fit every budget and group size. The standard cabin types include:

Inside Cabins: The most affordable option, with no window or porthole.
Ocean-view Cabins: Feature a window or porthole for a view of the sea.
Balcony Cabins: Include a private balcony with outdoor seating.
Suites: Offer more space, often with a separate living area and a larger balcony.

Certain cabins and suites are only available with specific "Experience" packages, which determine your perks and amenities. The most luxurious suites are part of the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, which provides a 24-hour butler, concierge services, and access to private restaurants, bars, and a sundeck.

What Is Included

MSC is known for its competitive, budget-friendly pricing, often offering some of the lowest fares in the industry. However, it's important to understand what is and isn't included in the base fare.

Included in your fare:

Accommodation: Your cabin and its amenities.
Dining: Complimentary meals in the main dining rooms and the buffet.
Entertainment: Access to Broadway-style theater shows, live music, and most activities like pool games and trivia.
Kids' Clubs: Supervised programs for children of all ages.
Fitness Facilities: Use of the onboard gym and pools.

MSC frequently runs promotions, such as "Drinks and Wi-Fi Included" or "Kids Sail Free," which can significantly increase the value of your cruise.

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What Is NOT Included

Gratuities/Service Charges
Specialty Dining: Meals at premium, à la carte restaurants.
Drinks: Water, juice, coffee, and tea are usually available at the buffet, but most drinks at bars and in the dining room cost extra.
Wi-Fi and Internet Packages
Shore Excursions
Spa Treatments
Activities: Some high-thrill activities like the Formula 1 simulator, 4D cinema, and arcade games have an extra cost.

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

Onboard activities on an MSC cruise are plentiful and designed to entertain all ages. You can expect:

Thrill Rides: Newer ships feature unique attractions like the Venom Drop dry slide and the Cliffhanger over-water swing ride.
Water Parks: Many ships have expansive aquaparks with multiple slides, splash pads, and pools.
Entertainment: Theaters offer nightly Broadway-style productions, while lounges and bars feature live music, comedy, and themed parties.
Sportsplex: A multi-purpose sports court for basketball, volleyball, and other games. Some ships also have bowling alleys, an F1 simulator, and a flight simulator.
Kids and Teens: Dedicated clubs and lounges with age-appropriate activities and games.

Pros

Affordable Prices: MSC often offers some of the best deals in the cruising world.
Modern Ships: The fleet is one of the newest and most stylish at sea.
International Vibe: A diverse mix of passengers from around the globe creates a unique atmosphere.
Family-Friendly: Kids-sail-free promotions and extensive children's facilities make it great for families.
MSC Yacht Club: A premium, all-inclusive option for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

Cons

Extra Costs: Many activities, drinks, and dining options come with an additional charge.
Inconsistent Service: Some guests report varying levels of service, which can be a result of the high volume of international guests and crew.
Crowded Public Areas: Given the low prices and large ship sizes, the ships can feel crowded, especially on sea days.
Food Quality: While the buffet and main dining rooms are included, some guests feel the food is not as varied or high-quality as on other cruise lines, though the specialty dining is often praised.