Thinking about your next cruise? This guide covers all the essentials about MSC Cruises. We’ll talk about what makes them special, their ships, and what to expect on board.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.
🛳️ Review:
Jane S. from London “My Mediterranean cruise with MSC, booked through About2Cruise, was amazing! The ship was gorgeous, with tons of things to see and do. I loved the theatre shows and the delicious food at all the restaurants. One downside was the Wi-Fi was a bit slow at times, but it didn’t spoil the overall cruise. I highly recommend MSC Cruises.”
What Makes This Cruise Line Different and Unique?
Here’s what makes MSC Cruises stand out from other cruise lines:
- European Vibe: MSC Cruises has that cool Mediterranean style, so you’ll get a European feel with everything from the ship design to the food.
- New, Shiny Ships: They’ve got one of the newest and most modern fleets out there, with eco-friendly features and state-of-the-art tech.
- Mediterranean Pro: If you’re looking to explore the Mediterranean, MSC is a pro at those itineraries, though they sail all over the world too.
- Sleek Design: The ships are super sleek and stylish, so you’ll feel like you’re cruising in a floating five-star hotel.
- Luxury Without Breaking the Bank: MSC gives you that fancy cruising experience without the crazy price tag, offering everything from budget cabins to super-luxurious suites.
- MSC Yacht Club: If you want to feel like a VIP, you can stay in the Yacht Club. It’s got private suites, a pool, butler service, and exclusive dining—basically, your own luxury world within the ship.
- Perfect for Families: MSC is super family-friendly. Kids’ clubs are free, there are family cabins, and they’ve even partnered with LEGO® and Chicco® for fun, kid-focused activities.
- Eco-Friendly: They’re big on sustainability, using energy-saving tech and even launching ships that run on cleaner fuels like LNG.
- Tech-Savvy: MSC’s ships come with exciting tech like their MSC for Me app, which helps you navigate the ship and get personalised recommendations.
- Top-Notch Entertainment: You’ll never be bored with entertainment like Cirque du Soleil at Sea, live music, and high-energy shows every night.
- Food from Everywhere: The food is a huge highlight, with Mediterranean favourites plus a bunch of international options.
- Rewards for Loyal Cruisers: The MSC Voyagers Club lets you rack up points for discounts, special perks, and onboard benefits.
- Sail All Over: While they’re Mediterranean experts, MSC also offers cruises to places like Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and Asia.
- Private Island Perks: You can visit their private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay, which is an exclusive tropical paradise just for MSC guests.
🛳️ Pro Tip:
On many MSC ships, I’ve discovered the spa’s thermal suite. It has heated loungers, saunas, and steam rooms. It’s a peaceful spot that most guests miss.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of different trips | Some ships can feel crowded |
| Great entertainment | Some activities cost extra |
| Family-friendly | Limited Wi-Fi in some areas |
| Luxurious spa and wellness centres | Prices can be high during peak times |
| Multiple dining options | Not all dining options are included |
All Ships in Their Fleet
| Ship Name | Passenger Capacity | Crew | Year Built | Renovated | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSC World Europa | 6,762 | 2,138 | 2022 | N/A | LNG-powered, cutting-edge eco-tech, huge promenade, and water park. |
| MSC Seashore | 5,632 | 1,648 | 2021 | N/A | Expansive outdoor areas, Infinity Pool, Yacht Club, and 11 restaurants. |
| MSC Virtuosa | 6,334 | 1,704 | 2021 | N/A | MSC for Me app, AI humanoid bartender, and indoor promenade with LED sky dome. |
| MSC Grandiosa | 6,334 | 1,704 | 2019 | N/A | Indoor promenade, Cirque du Soleil shows, eco-friendly tech. |
| MSC Bellissima | 4,500 | 1,400 | 2019 | N/A | AI assistant Zoe in every cabin, Cirque du Soleil at Sea, and LED sky screen. |
| MSC Seaview | 5,331 | 1,413 | 2018 | N/A | Waterfront boardwalk, large outdoor spaces, glass-floored catwalks. |
| MSC Seaside | 5,119 | 1,413 | 2017 | N/A | Family-friendly water park, panoramic elevators, and bridge of sighs. |
| MSC Meraviglia | 5,655 | 1,536 | 2017 | N/A | Indoor promenade, Cirque du Soleil shows, Yacht Club, and a polar-themed aqua park. |
| MSC Preziosa | 4,345 | 1,388 | 2013 | N/A | Swarovski crystal stairs, longest single-rider waterslide at sea, and infinity pool. |
| MSC Divina | 4,345 | 1,388 | 2012 | N/A | Exclusive Yacht Club, infinity pool, Swarovski crystal stairs. |
| MSC Magnifica | 3,223 | 1,038 | 2010 | 2021 | Completely revamped, new cabins, extra dining options, redesigned pools. |
| MSC Splendida | 4,363 | 1,370 | 2009 | 2017 | Yacht Club, Formula 1 simulator, 4D cinema. |
| MSC Fantasia | 4,363 | 1,370 | 2008 | N/A | Yacht Club, Swarovski crystal stairs, Aqua Park with waterslides. |
| MSC Poesia | 3,223 | 987 | 2008 | N/A | Zen garden, Balinese spa, outdoor cinema. |
| MSC Orchestra | 3,223 | 987 | 2007 | N/A | Mediterranean-inspired dining, tropical-themed pool area. |
| MSC Musica | 2,550 | 987 | 2006 | N/A | Italian cuisine, infinity pool, sophisticated entertainment options. |
| MSC Sinfonia | 2,579 | 721 | 2002 | 2015 | Expanded with more cabins, a water park, and kids’ areas. |
| MSC Armonia | 2,520 | 721 | 2001 | 2014 | Expanded with additional cabins, a splash park, and a revamped theater. |
| MSC Lirica | 1,984 | 721 | 2003 | 2015 | Modernized with new dining options, entertainment venues, and kids’ facilities. |
| MSC Opera | 2,679 | 721 | 2004 | 2015 | Expanded with more entertainment venues, revamped cabins, and a water park. |
New Ships Due
MSC Cruises has several exciting new ships planned for the coming years:
- MSC World America: Set to launch in April 2025, this ship is part of MSC’s World Class series. It will feature new restaurants and public spaces tailored to the North American market. Highlights include The Harbor, an outdoor space with interactive water features, a High Trial course, zip line, sensory play area, and a thematic playground. It will sail primarily in the Caribbean from its homeport in Miami.
- MSC World Asia: Expected to debut in 2026, MSC World Asia will be the third ship in the World Class series. This ship will incorporate design elements and experiences inspired by Asia, and it will be one of the cleanest, most energy-efficient ships in the world, powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).
- Unnamed World Class Ship: Another World Class vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2027. While details are still sparse, it is expected to continue the trend of offering advanced, eco-friendly features and extensive amenities.
- Explora II was delivered in September 2024 after a slight delay from the planned August launch. It embarked on its maiden voyage on September 16, 2024, sailing from Civitavecchia, Italy, with stops in the Western Mediterranean, including Sicily, Malta, and Spain.
- Explora III is still on track for 2026, while Explora IV is expected in 2027. Additionally, the two hydrogen-powered ships, Explora V and Explora VI, are planned for 2027 and 2028, respectively, furthering the brand’s commitment to sustainable cruising.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.
Adults Only or Family Cruise?
MSC Cruises has something for everyone. For a more relaxed, adult-only trip, check out their MSC luxury cruises. Families will love the kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities.
Singles, Solo
Solo travellers are welcome too! MSC offers solo cabins and social activities, making MSC solo cruises a great choice.
Medical Facilities
Every MSC ship has top-notch medical facilities to keep you safe and healthy during your trip.
Dress Code
The dress code on MSC Cruises is casual during the day and smart casual in the evenings. Formal nights call for a bit more glamour.
Gratuities and Tipping
Gratuities are usually included in your fare but can be adjusted if needed.
Facilities & Activities
MSC Cruises offers tons of activities to keep you busy:
- Spa and Wellness: The MSC Aurea Spa has massages, facials, thermal areas, and beauty treatments.
- Gym: Technogym fitness equipment and outdoor fitness areas.
- Games: Enjoy board games and video games in the game room.
- Library: Find a quiet corner with a good book.
- Kids and Teens Clubs: Dedicated clubs for different age groups, including babies, toddlers, kids, and teens.
- Adventure and Sports: Try rock climbing, zip-lining, and mini-golf.
Entertainment
There’s no shortage of fun on MSC Cruises:
- Theater Shows: Broadway-style performances in large, elegant theaters.
- Cirque du Soleil at Sea: Unique, high-energy Cirque du Soleil shows on select ships (MSC Meraviglia-class).
- Live Music: Bands, pianists, and singers performing across various lounges and bars.
- 4D Cinema: Immersive, interactive cinematic experiences with special effects.
- Bowling Alleys: Full-size bowling lanes available on some ships.
- Virtual Reality Experiences: Simulators, including Formula 1 racing and virtual reality games.
- Arcade and Gaming Rooms: Video games and virtual entertainment zones for all ages.
- Outdoor Deck Parties: Themed parties under the stars, such as the popular White Party and Glow Party.
- Nightclubs: Vibrant nightclubs with DJs and dance floors.
Restaurants and Dining Options
MSC Cruises has a variety of dining experiences:
- Main Dining Rooms: Multiple restaurants offering a variety of international and Mediterranean dishes with a rotating menu.
- Buffet Restaurant: Casual, self-service dining open almost 24/7 with various stations offering everything from pasta to pizza and salads.
- Pan-Asian Restaurants: Speciality venues like Kaito Sushi Bar and Kaito Teppanyaki offering sushi and teppanyaki grill dishes.
- Butcher’s Cut: An American-style steakhouse serving premium cuts of meat, seafood, and a curated selection of wine.
- Marble & Co. Grill: On Explora ships, offering gourmet steakhouse dishes with a luxury twist.
- French Bistro: Restaurants like L’Atelier Bistrot serve classic French cuisine, including foie gras, steak frites, and escargot.
- Eataly: A partnership with the famous Italian market offering Italian delicacies, fresh pasta, pizza, and Mediterranean dishes.
- Yacht Club Restaurant: An exclusive dining venue for MSC Yacht Club guests offering gourmet, à la carte meals.
- Med Yacht Club: A Mediterranean-inspired venue offering sharing plates, fresh seafood, and local flavors.
- Sakura: Pan-Asian cuisine inspired by Japanese tea rooms, featuring fresh sushi and Asian fusion dishes.
- Ocean Cay Restaurant: Serving fresh seafood in a Mediterranean-inspired ambiance.
- Tex Mex: Venues like El Sombrero Tex-Mex serve tacos, burritos, and margaritas with lively atmospheres.
- Piazza del Doge: Italian-style café serving gelato, pastries, and espresso in a Venetian square setting.
- Emporium Marketplace: A casual marketplace-style buffet with live cooking stations and a wide variety of cuisines.
- Crepes & Gelato: Offering sweet treats like crepes, waffles, and Italian gelato.
- Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar: Offering artisanal chocolates, gelato, and coffee.
- Sports Bar: Casual pub food including burgers, wings, and beers.
Drinks Packages
Included FREE:
Water, Tea, and Coffee: Standard water, basic coffee, and tea (included during meals in the buffet or dining rooms).
Paid Drink Packages:
Easy Package: Costs $53 per day onboard or $46 per day if purchased in advance (for 7-night cruises). Includes unlimited drinks priced up to €6/$6, such as draft beer, house wines, cocktails, soft drinks, and coffee.
Easy Plus Package: Costs $70 per day onboard or $61 per day if purchased in advance. This package allows for a wider selection of drinks, including premium beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and specialty coffee priced up to €9/$9.
Premium Extra Package: Costs $98 per day onboard or $85 per day if purchased in advance. It covers all drinks up to €14/$16, including top-shelf spirits, premium cocktails, beers, wines, and minibar items.
Alcohol-Free Package: Costs $32 per day onboard or $28 per day if purchased in advance (for 7-night cruises). Includes non-alcoholic cocktails, sodas, fruit juices, coffee, hot chocolate, and soft-serve ice cream.
Minors Package: Costs $19 per day for cruises of 7 nights or longer, and $22 per day for shorter cruises. This package includes non-alcoholic cocktails, sodas, juices, coffee, and soft-serve ice cream for guests under 18.
🛳️ Pro Tip:
I always check out the onboard gelateria for special gelato flavours you won’t find anywhere else. They often have limited-edition flavours inspired by the places the ship visits, giving me a taste of local culture right on the ship, very yummy!
Cabin Types
Here’s a table summarising the cabin choices available on MSC Cruises:
| Cabin Type | Size (sq. ft.) | Size (m²) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior | 150-170 | 14-16 | 1-4 guests |
| Ocean View | 160-190 | 15-18 | 1-4 guests |
| Balcony | 180-215 | 17-20 | 1-4 guests |
| Deluxe Balcony | 205-280 | 19-26 | 3-5 guests |
| Super Family Cabins | 350-400 (combined) | 32-37 | Up to 6 guests |
| MSC Yacht Club Suite | 290-570 | 27-53 | 2-4 guests |
| Single Cabin | 120-130 | 11-12 | 1 guest |
| Family Cabins | 290-550 (combined) | 27-51 | Up to 10 guests |
| MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite | 645-850 | 60-79 | 2-4 guests |
MSC Wedding Packages
Here’s a list of the cruise wedding packages typically offered by MSC Cruises:
- Symbolic Ceremony Package: A non-legal symbolic ceremony performed onboard or ashore, typically with a wedding coordinator, ceremony setup, recorded music, and a certificate.
- Deluxe Symbolic Ceremony Package: Includes everything in the standard symbolic package, plus additional perks like fresh flowers, professional photography, and a small cake.
- Onboard Civil Wedding: For couples looking for a legal ceremony (where available), this package includes the ceremony, legal paperwork, flowers, music, and a photographer.
- Vow Renewal Package: Specially designed for renewing vows, it includes a symbolic ceremony, flowers, music, a vow renewal certificate, and an onboard reception.
- Shipboard Reception: A private reception following the wedding, with customizable options like champagne, a wedding cake, and gourmet menus.
- Portside or Beach Wedding: Some ships offer the option to have a wedding ceremony at a port destination or beach, with a romantic setting customized for the couple.
- Learn more about planning the perfect cruise wedding.
Swimming Pools
Here’s a list of the swimming pools, water slides, and related features typically found on MSC Cruises ships:
- Main Pools: Large pools are available on the upper decks, often with a lively atmosphere and activities.
- Infinity Pools: Stunning pools with glass edges offering panoramic ocean views.
- Indoor Pools: Available on some ships with retractable roofs, perfect for all-weather swimming.
- Aqua Park: Water parks like the Forest Aquaventure Park, which feature interactive water activities, water slides, and splash areas.
- Water Slides: MSC ships like the MSC Seaview and MSC Meraviglia have thrilling multi-deck water slides and winding tube slides.
- Himalayan Bridge: A thrilling adventure course on some ships, located above the water park, where you can walk across rope bridges high above the deck.
- Kids Splash Zones: Dedicated water areas for children, often with smaller slides, fountains, and shallow pools.
- Adults-Only Pools: Some ships offer exclusive pools, like the Helios Pool on the MSC Seashore, which is designated for adults only.
- MSC Yacht Club Pool: A private pool for guests staying in the exclusive Yacht Club suites, offering a more peaceful experience.
No-Fly UK Ports of Departure
Start your MSC cruise from these UK ports:
- Southampton
- Liverpool
- Bristol
- Newcastle
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Belfast
MSC Cruise Destinations
MSC Cruises travels to amazing places worldwide:
- Mediterranean: Explore Italy, Greece, Spain, and France with both Western and MSC Eastern Mediterranean cruises.
- Caribbean: Enjoy the tropical beauty of the MSC Western Caribbean cruise and more.
- Northern Europe: Discover Norway, the Baltic, and the British Isles with MSC Northern Lights cruises.
- South America: Visit Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and more.
- Transatlantic Voyages: Cross the Atlantic with MSC transatlantic journeys.
- Grand Voyages: Long trips across multiple regions with MSC Grand Voyages.
- Mini Cruises: Perfect for a quick getaway, MSC mini cruises offer short but sweet itineraries.
🛳️ Review:
Mark T. from Manchester “My partner and I went on a Northern Lights cruise with MSC, booked with Jo. We had an awesome time from start to finish. The ship had everything we needed, from a wonderful spa to great shows at night. The highlight of our trip was seeing the Northern Lights – truly magical! However, the drinks package was a bit pricey for what was included. Anyhow, we can’t wait to book our next cruise with MSC Cruises!”
Environmental Impact Efforts
- Eco-friendly ships: MSC has energy-saving tech on board, like LED lighting and smart HVAC systems to reduce energy use and emissions.
- LNG-Powered Vessels: They’re rolling out ships powered by cleaner liquefied natural gas (LNG), like the Explora III, which cuts down on carbon emissions.
- Shore Power Hookups: When docked, MSC ships can plug into local power so they don’t need to run their engines—reducing pollution while in port.
- Wastewater Treatment: MSC’s wastewater systems clean the water so well that it’s even cleaner than required by international laws before it’s released.
- Plastic Reduction: They’re cutting down on single-use plastics, swapping them for eco-friendly options like reusable or biodegradable straws, cups, and utensils.
- Energy-Saving Ship Design: Newer ships are designed to minimize drag in the water, making them more fuel-efficient and greener.
- Marine Life-Friendly: Some ships are certified to be quieter underwater, helping protect sea life like dolphins from noise pollution.
- Big Goal: Zero Emissions: MSC aims to achieve zero emissions by 2050 and is continuously innovating to be more environmentally friendly.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.
