MSC Cruise Line is known for:
- Some crazy entertainment options
- Short 30-minute shows
- The Carousel Production at Sea Shows
- The great waterparks aboard the MSC Seaside and MSC Seashore
- Sports Tournaments (basketball, foosball, table tennis, etc)
MSC is the third biggest cruise line in the world, so it’s no surprise that they offer a huge selection of activities to guests. Their ships feature Broadway level shows, arcades, mini-golfs, 4D theaters, waterslides and basically most of the things you can expect to find on a cruise ship in 2024. I remember when I traveled with MSC in 2007 and the craziest thing they had was a flow rider, now they have bumper cars and a F1 car simulator aboard their ships.
Some of their most recent ships even feature huge arcade areas with entertainment options that go well beyond Daytona USA, Metal Slug and Guitar Hero! They actually have some rides that are heavily inspired by theme parks, like a huge metallic arm that can spin you around, motion simulators and bumper cars.
Here is what you can find onboard MSC Cruise Line:
- Shows
- Zip Lines
- 4D Cinemas
- Arcades
- Robotron
- Bowling
- Sports tournaments
- Waterparks
- Kids Club
- Casino
- Fitness Center
If you have any questions about MSC Cruises and entertainment options - like which ships have bumper cars or the best waterparks - you can contact us by clicking the "Request a Quote" button above. Contacting us is completely free and we will reply back as fast as possible.
The Fun Pass with MSC Cruise Line
Most of the premier entertainment attractions on MSC Cruise Line incur an extra charge. This includes the F1 simulator, 4D cinemas, bumper cars, bowling, and even the flight simulator found on their most recent ships. The Fun Pass is essentially a prepaid card that can be used for many of these additional paid activities. Keep in mind that it doesn’t provide unlimited access; instead, the cost of each activity will be deducted from the Fun Pass balance.
So, what’s the advantage of the Fun Pass? The main benefit is that you can save up to 20% on the price of these extra activities if you purchase the Fun Pass in advance. The cost of the Fun Pass varies by ship, but it usually costs around $100.
The (Crazy) entertainment options onboard MSC Cruise Line
So, we’ve mentioned that there are many fun activities aboard MSC, like the F1 simulator, Robotron, and a flight simulator, among others. But what exactly are these attractions? Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
4D Cinemas
Available on: MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, and MSC Magnifica.
The 4D Cinema is basically a standard motion simulator for guests. Is it as amazing as something you’d find at Disney World or Universal Studios? Nah, but it is definitely intriguing. This small theater accommodates up to ten passengers, with six films available for selection. Guests can choose which film they want to watch before entering. The experience lasts about five minutes and costs around $10.
Robotron
Available on: MSC Seascape.
With a name like that, you might think that Robotron is some kind of mega-robot created to fight Godzilla. Unfortunately, it is not, but it still manages to be fun! Robotron is a large robotic arm that spins guests around while they are suspended 180 feet above the ocean. Guests can choose from three speeds - slow, medium, or fast - to customize the thrill level of the ride. Robotron costs $10 and lasts about 3 minutes.
F1 Simulator
Available on: MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Divina, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia and MSC Preziosa.
The F1 simulator lets you climb into a real F1 car, put on a VR headset, and drive the car for about five minutes. If you have a VR headset and a PC gaming rig at home, you might find it amusing that the simulator often runs the game Assetto Corsa. Last December, it primarily featured the Monza track, but you can ask a staff member to switch to a different track if you prefer. The F1 Simulator costs $10 per person.
Shows aboard MSC Cruise Line
MSC typically features Broadway-level productions created specifically for their cruise line. Most MSC ships have a main theater that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The shows usually occur twice daily and focus on musicals and acrobatics, without being tied to any particular intellectual property. These performances are generally brief, lasting no more than thirty minutes.
These standard Broadway shows are included in your cruise fare, but MSC also offers something you typically don’t see on other cruise lines: exclusive, paid performances known as the Carousel Production at Sea Shows.
Carousel Production at Sea Shows
These optional, paid shows usually take place in the Carousel Lounge. They cost around $12 per guest if purchased in advance and $18 on board, and include a signature drink.
The shows are styled like Cirque du Soleil performances, featuring acrobatics, dance, music, and a variety of spectacular acts. The lineup of Carousel Productions varies by ship, with most shows lasting about 40 minutes. Guests online generally agree that these shows are worth the extra cost and are superior to the free performances available in the main theater.
Kids Club onboard MSC Cruise Line
As one of the largest cruise lines in the world, MSC offers a Kids Club with a wide range of activities for children from as young as a few months old up to 17 years. Interestingly, it seems there isn’t a specific name for the Kids Club itself on MSC ships. Instead, they have mini-groups categorized by age, such as:
- Baby Club: 6 months to 3 years olds
- Mini Club: 3 to 6 year olds
- Junior Club: 7 to 11 year olds
- Young Club: 12 to 14 years olds
- Teen Club: 15 to 17 year olds
One cool thing is that MSC has a partnership with LEGO on some of their ships, where there are meet & greets with a few Lego characters and a lot of crafting that uses your children’s creativity in the Mini Club. Junior Club also features crafting, but also a lot of video game sessions, dance parties and much more.
The Kids Club on MSC Cruise Line is typically open from 9am to 11 pm and is included in your cruise fare. However, there is a program called 'Kids Around the Clock,' which allows children to stay at the Kids Club past 11pm, usually until 2am, for an additional cost of around $6 per hour.
The Kids Club on MSC generally receives positive reviews. While it may not be as flashy or impressive as those on Disney Cruise Line (though many aren't, to be fair), it effectively meets its purpose. The Kids Club can even take children to lunch and dinner, a service not commonly offered by most cruise lines, which typically have a break in the afternoon and evening for family meals. The Kids Club occasionally takes children to watch the free shows, sometimes even securing better seats than other guests.
Nightlife Onboard MSC Cruise Line
MSC Cruise Line isn’t particularly known for its nightlife or adult oriented entertainment. Each ship typically features a single nightclub along with several bars and lounges where you can relax, enjoy live piano music, and maybe even dance a little. They do host a few parties and events on board, such as:
- Formal Night: MSC Cruise Line typically hosts a formal night at least once during each voyage. On this evening, guests are encouraged to dress in their finest attire, with fancy parties and events taking place around the ship. While the guidelines recommend tuxedos and elegant dresses, many guests opt for more casual formalwear, such as short-sleeve shirts and dress pants.
- Caribbean Party: This event is held on itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas. Dress in vibrant colors and enjoy a lively night of fun and entertainment.
- White Party: Wear your favorite white outfit and enjoy the evening. It's a similar concept to Scarlet Night on Virgin Voyages, but instead of red, everyone is wearing white. This is one of the most packed parties you will find.
- Sailaway Party: A typical event on most cruise ships, this party kicks off your vacation on the main deck. Everyone dances together while the entertainment team pumps up the crowd with lively music.
- Ocean Cay Party: On rare occasions, your cruise ship might spend the night at Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas. If that happens, be prepared for a lively beach party that typically attracts many guests in their 20s and 30s.
Pools & Waterslides aboard MSC Cruise Line
Each MSC cruise ship typically features multiple pools and waterslides that are heated during cold days. Ships that sail from the USA, such as the MSC Seaside,Divina, and Meraviglia, offer three to four pools, providing plenty of options. There’s a pool reserved exclusively for guests aged 16 and over, another pool for Yacht Club members only, and a large pool with a retractable roof, ideal for rainy days.
The pools usually get pretty good reviews. They are bigger than the ones featured on Disney Cruise Line, for example, and are often surrounded by multiple hot tubs, giving them a very classy and cozy feel.
You can also find a splash pool for kids. On the most recent ships, it is located inside the Aquapark, next to the main slides.
Waterparks
Available on: MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Seascape and MSC Meraviglia.
MSC boasts impressive waterparks aboard their ships, featuring multiple slides, a shallow pool with spray guns, and play areas where children can have fun with their parents. The MSC Seascape and Seashore frequently receive excellent reviews for their fantastic kids' pools and slides.
The MSC Seascape includes the Pirate’s Cove Waterpark, a pirate-themed area with four water slides, water cannons, rope bridges, and small coves for kids to explore.
The MSC Seaside features the Forest Aquaventure water park, designed with a jungle theme. The park boasts five waterslides: two high-speed racing slides, an inner-tube slide named Aquatube, a family-friendly flume slide, and an interactive Slideboarding tube. The Slideboarding experience combines a waterslide with a video game, where you press buttons on your “sliderboard” to earn points while flashing lights and music enhance the ride. The top of the Aqua Park on the MSC Seaside also features the launch point for a zip line that soars 344 feet across the top of the ship, making it the longest zip line on a cruise ship ever.
The MSC Meraviglia features the Polar Aquapark, with a lot of snow and ice. Not real, by the way, phew! While it’s smaller than the waterparks on the Seascape and Seaside, it still offers plenty of fun. The park includes three slides, a pool, water cannons, and numerous charming statues of sea animals.
MSC Cruise Line Shore Excursions
As is common with major cruise lines, MSC offers hundreds of different excursions that vary depending on the specific itinerary. These excursions typically become available online about 90-120 days before your cruise, allowing you to book in advance.
MSC Cruise Line also offers a variety of excursion types, including:
- MSC Yacht Club Excursions: these are dedicated and exclusive to MSC Yacht Club members. These small, intimate excursions are not included in your cruise fare.
- Excursions Explorer Package: this package comprises three of the best excursions available on each cruise at a special discount.
- MSC Bike Adventours: explore destinations and cities by bike on special excursions designed for small groups. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, and wear a special outfit provided for this unique experience. Ps: I still don’t know how to ride a bike, I feel bad.
- MSC Protectours: All excursions include low-impact activities such as walking, biking, or kayaking. Some also make a direct contribution to the environment, like planting trees or cleaning the beach.
That's a lot of stuff, huh? MSC is one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, and they offer hundreds of different entertainment options. Make sure to check out our other guides related to MSC Cruises, or just send us a message for more info! You can always click the Request a Quote button and we will reply as fast as possible!
