MSC Cruise Line is great for:
- Those that want an affordable vacation
- Those that want a cruise in Europe
- Passengers that love the mega-resort experience
MSC Cruise Line might not be good for:
- Those that want a freestyle cruise
- Those looking for top tier dining options
Ahh, good old MSC Cruise Line. My first ever cruise back in 2007 was with them, and I can’t even remember the name of the ship. I was still a college student, and the affordable prices allowed me to travel with my friends from Rio de Janeiro all the way to Punta del Este and Buenos Aires. It was a great time that I still talk about with my friends from time to time.
MSC is just that, by the way - a great and affordable cruise line that travels all over the globe. They aren’t that well known in the North American market, but they are huge in Europe and still have a strong presence in South America. In fact, they are the third largest cruise line in the world, with 23 ships in their fleet and a variety of itineraries that take you to unique places like Asia, South Africa, the Middle East, and more.
MSC Cruises has been investing heavily on the North American market in the past five years. They used to have only one ship based in the United States not that long ago, and that number has increased to five in a very short amount of time.
They do have limited ports of departure that are mostly based in Florida, with a few cruises sailing from Galveston and New York. It’s expected that they will increase that number in the next decade or so. The good news? Their cruises tend to be very affordable. A seven-night cruise to the Bahamas, for example, can cost about $350–400 per person. Now you know why young-me chose MSC for my first-ever cruise, and I don’t regret it.
Interested in taking an MSC Cruise? We’re here to help! Simply click the “Request a Quote” button, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected]. Requesting a quote is completely free, so make sure to ask all the questions you want as well!
Reviews of MSC Cruise Line
The Good Stuff
Affordable: MSC Cruises is a very affordable cruise line, depending on your chosen itinerary and cabin type. While they do offer luxurious suites that can cost thousands of dollars, they also have basic indoor staterooms that are more than sufficient for a quick, fun trip. Four-night cruises start at $280 per passenger, while a seven-night cruise is about $100 more.
European Cruises: These guys are everywhere and offer great options for unique itineraries. You can find them in Europe, South Africa, Asia, South America, the Middle East, and even more locations around the globe. They are especially big when it comes to European cruises and should definitely be considered if you want to explore Italy, Spain, and other beautiful countries.
Disembarkation: While the efficiency of embarkation and disembarkation can vary by port, MSC generally excels in both areas. Their embarkation process is quick and straightforward, and they are highly regarded for their efficient disembarkation. Most guests find the standard method to be very speedy, and self-disembarkation works exceptionally well, often allowing you to be off the ship in just ten minutes.
The Yacht Club: The Yacht Club on MSC Cruise Line is a VIP suite experience that you can get when booking your stateroom. The Yacht Club gives you access to exclusive areas on some of the newest ships, like a sun deck and new, complimentary restaurants where the food is pretty good. It also gives you several amazing perks, like free, unlimited Wi-Fi, a premium drinks package, priority boarding, a personal butler and much more. Booking a Yacht Club Suite is expensive, sure, but it’s a good way to elevate your vacation and give you a luxury experience.
Great Pizza: Pizza is love, pizza is life. On MSC Cruise Line, the pizza is frequently hailed as the best among all cruise lines, making it worthy of a special mention in the Good Stuff section.
The Bad Stuff
Limited Ports in the USA: MSC Cruises is still expanding in the USA and will increase its presence with the launch of MSC World America in 2025. For now, though, they aren’t as well known in the North American market as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line. They also don’t offer many ports of departure, with cruise ships currently sailing from Miami, Orlando, Galveston, and New York.
The Food: MSC Cruise Line is known for being one of the most affordable options, and this sometimes reflects in the food quality. Complimentary dining options are limited to the Main Dining Rooms and a major buffet. While the pizza is excellent, other food offerings are often considered average. The notable exception is the exclusive restaurants for Yacht Club Members, which generally receive positive reviews.
MSC Cruise Line Fleet
MSC is present all over the globe, similar to Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, though this Swiss cruise line has a stronger foothold in Europe. Still, they plan to increase the number of itineraries in the United States, having started recently with the launch of MSC Seascape in 2021. Their next ship, MSC World America, will launch in 2025 and offer Caribbean trips sailing from Miami.
As we mentioned before, MSC has 23 ships scattered all over the globe. Here are the ships that offer itineraries in the United States, along with their debut year:
- MSC World America, 2025
- MSC Seascape, 2021
- MSC Seashore, 2020
- MSC Grandiosa, 2019
- MSC Meraviglia, 2016
- MSC Seaside, 2016
- MSC Divina, 2011
- MSC Magnifica, 2009
As you can see, they have rapidly increased their presence in North America over the past decade. MSC also operates some of the largest cruise ships in the world, such as the MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia. From our list above, the MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, and MSC Grandiosa are also among the 20 largest cruise ships in the world, and the MSC World America will soon join that list.
MSC Cruises operates 10 of the world's 35 largest cruise ships, along with four slightly smaller Fantasia Class vessels, each accommodating up to 4,400 passengers. While their largest ships may not match the scale of the newest Royal Caribbean vessels, they come impressively close!
Setting Sail with MSC Cruise Line
MSC Cruise Line Destinations
MSC Cruise Line operates ships globally, with a strong focus on European cruises and itineraries that can take you to South Africa and the Middle East. In recent years, they have been expanding their presence in North America, primarily targeting the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda. However, they currently do not offer cruises to Alaska or Hawaii.
They debuted their private island in 2019. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is frequently included in Caribbean itineraries and offers the chance to enjoy a private beach, go snorkeling, rent a cabana, and more.
These are the main destinations when it comes to MSC Cruise Line:
- Europe (extremely popular)
- Mediterranean (popular)
- South America (popular)
- Caribbean & Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Asia
- Dubai & Middle East
- Canary Island and Madeira
- South Africa
MSC Cruise Line Departure Ports
MSC Cruise Line operates from ports worldwide, including over forty locations in Europe and eleven in South America. In North America, they currently offer itineraries departing from just four ports. They are:
- Miami
- Orlando (Port Canaveral)
- New York City
- Galveston
In Europe, MSC Cruises operates from several major hubs, including Southampton in England, Hamburg in Germany and Lisbon in Portugal. They also have a significant presence in Spain, Italy, and France.
Is MSC Cruise Line for you?
I would say that MSC Cruises is ideal for three types of passengers: those looking for an affordable cruise, first-time cruisers, and those interested in experiencing a European cruise.
MSC is perfect for first-time cruisers. They offer simple 4-7 night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas at very affordable prices, allowing you to test the cruise lifestyle. MSC is also a great option for college students and those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a quick trip. Their prices are often lower than those of Carnival Cruise Line, which is already considered a budget cruise line by many.
MSC is also excellent for those seeking a traditional mega-resort experience, akin to what you’d find with Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line. This means MSC focuses on providing a wide range of shows, activities, and dining options for you and your family (or group of friends). They offer a lot of entertainment options for children - including a Kids Club - and have huge cinemas and Broadway-level shows for guests of all ages.
However, if you're looking for a freestyle cruising experience, MSC might not be the best choice. Freestyle cruising, as offered by Norwegian Cruise Line, means no set dining times and no dress code. In contrast, MSC Cruises requires a more formal dress code for dinner and offers set dining times in the Main Dining Room.
Overall, MSC is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly vacation. If you're looking for top-tier luxury, high-end entertainment, and exceptional dining, you might be disappointed, especially in North America. MSC Cruises offers a good option for those who enjoy the Carnival Cruise Line experience but with a slightly more upscale and less casual atmosphere.
Feel free to send us a message or click the "Request a Quote" button above to get in touch. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you decide if an MSC Cruise is right for you. And don’t worry, our assistance is completely free!
MSC Yacht Club
Remember we mentioned that MSC offers affordable cruises, with 4-night Caribbean trips starting around $300 per person? Well, MSC's newest ships feature a luxurious area known as the MSC Yacht Club. This exclusive section is designed for guests seeking the highest level of luxury, complete with access to unique restaurants, private pools, and other premium amenities during their vacation.
The MSC Yacht club also includes some good perks, like a private butler, a free premium drink package and unlimited Wi-Fi. Here is a full list, according to MSC:
- Butler service available 24 hours
- Dedicated concierge 24 hours
- Exclusive complimentary Yacht Club restaurant
- Premium Extra Drink package
- Internet package: Browse 2 devices per person with unlimited Internet Package
- Dedicated priority check-in and check-out
- Room service available 24 hours
- Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA
- Relaxation amenities in each suite (including bathrobe and slippers) and pillow menu
- Other personal touches such as luggage packing/unpacking service, newspaper service
- Most rewarding experience for MSC Voyagers Club points
This premium experience and its numerous perks do come with a price. A 7-night Western Caribbean cruise in September 2024 starts at around $390 for an interior stateroom, while a Yacht Club Suite costs approximately $3,000. However, this could be worth it, especially if you were planning to invest in a premium drink package, Wi-Fi, and also want to enjoy the benefits of a personal butler and access to the finest dining options on board.
The dining options at the exclusive Yacht Club restaurant also receive excellent reviews, and they are included in your Yacht Club experience. This is a notable perk, especially since many guests find that the food on MSC Cruises is otherwise just average.
MSC Cruise Line Info & Packing List
The key requirement is your ID. Don’t forget to bring it! For U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise that departs and returns to a U.S. port, you must have a valid passport or an official copy of your birth certificate along with a driver's license or another government-issued photo ID.
Passports should have at least six months of validity remaining. For cruises departing from international ports, a passport is mandatory. It's essential that the name on your reservation matches exactly with what appears on your passport or other official proof of nationality. My recommendation is to always bring your passport to avoid any kind of headaches, and it doesn’t matter the destination.
Gratuities
MSC Cruises adds an automatic service charge of $16 per person to final bills for sailings from North American ports and €12 for sailings from European ports. Children aged 2 to 11 pay half the adult rate on most cruises, while children under 2 are not charged for service.
Additionally, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars for guests without a drinks package. If you purchase a drinks package, the gratuity for drinks is included in the package price.
Wi-Fi
MSC Cruise Line offers two Wi-Fi packages on their ships: the Browse Cruise Package and the Browse and Stream Cruise Package. The primary difference is that the Stream Cruise Package supports video streaming and apps like Netflix. Internet packages are limited to one device per package, and switching between devices is not permitted.
Prices for these packages are not listed on the MSC website and are only provided at the time of booking. The standard Browse Cruise Package typically costs around $10 per night, while the Browse and Stream Cruise Package usually ranges from $15 to $20 per night.
Carry-on Drinks Policy
Here's a downside: MSC Cruises does not permit guests to bring their own alcohol on board, which sets them apart from many other cruise lines.
Drink Packages
MSC offers a variety of drink packages, including the Minors Package, which provides free soda and non-alcoholic cocktails, and the Premium Extra Package, which covers all drinks up to $16. In total, MSC offers five different drink packages to choose from.
Dress Code
MSC enforces a dress code, so it isn’t a freestyle cruising experience. During the day, there’s no specific dress code, so shorts and a simple t-shirt are perfectly acceptable. In the evenings, MSC recommends “smart casual” typically meaning jeans with a collared or polo shirt.
On select evenings, MSC hosts Gala nights where a more formal dress code applies. For these Gala evenings, if you’re dining in the main dining room, the line suggests tuxedos or other formal attire for men and elegant dresses for women.
Laundry
MSC does not offer self-service laundry facilities on their ships. However, they provide laundry and dry-cleaning services for an additional fee. For instance, washing and ironing a jacket costs approximately $8, while a t-shirt costs around $3.50. They also offer Laundry Packages, with the basic package priced at about $30, which includes washing and ironing for up to 10 items.
MSC Cruise Line Loyalty Program
The MSC Loyalty program is called the MSC Voyagers Club and is divided into four tiers:
- Classic (from 1 to 2199 points)
- Silver (from 2200 to 4299 points)
- Gold (from 4300 to 9999 points)
- Diamond (10000 points and more)
You can collect points every time you cruise with MSC. You also earn points based on the type of MSC Experience purchased, onboard services prepaid before the cruise and onboard expenses.
As with most loyalty programs, the initial tiers of MSC's program offer limited benefits. The Classic tier provides a 5% discount on Wi-Fi packages and select cruises. The Diamond membership includes priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary meal at a specialty restaurant, and a 15% discount on laundry services.
Unlike many cruise line loyalty programs, MSC Cruises does not guarantee that you will retain your status indefinitely. To maintain your status, you must take at least one cruise with them every 36 months.
On the bright side, MSC Voyagers Club offers a status match program, which lets you achieve Diamond tier based on your loyalty status with other cruise lines. For instance, if you hold a top-tier status with Royal Caribbean, MSC will match your status to Gold or Diamond, even if you’ve never sailed with MSC before.
For a complete list of perks with the MSC Voyagers Club, be sure to visit this link.
Packing list for MSC Cruise Line
Packing for a cruise isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners that require you to dress sharp in the evening.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen from home, as these items are usually much more expensive once you're on board. It’s always wise to come prepared and pack all the essentials instead of buying them at the last minute. Your wallet will thank you later.
Let’s see some of the things that you should bring to your cruise vacation:
Passport: You will need some form of ID to enter the ship. Most companies ask for a birth certificate and any form of ID (like a driver’s license) OR your Passport. It’s easier to just bring your passport, to be honest.
White Outfit: MSC Cruises often hosts a “White Party” on their ships, so be sure to pack at least one white shirt or dress to enjoy the night in style.
Specific Fancy Outfit: MSC Cruise Line is known for its Formal Night, where guests typically dress up in their finest attire. While not everyone adheres to the tuxedo or elegant dress guidelines, about 30% of guests do wear tuxedos on Formal Night. It’s a good idea to pack something fancy for this special event.
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a cruise (and probably to a private island), swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful inside a cruise ship. They are great for transitioning from the pool to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a sunny vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for lunch. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: you want to dress casual, especially when near the swimming pools on the top decks.
Nice outfits and jeans: Guys should pack jeans and polo shirts, and girls should bring dresses for the evening. Some restaurants will not allow entry if you're dressed as if you're heading to the beach. Additionally, bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag for the swimming pools. They're simple, lightweight, and perfect for carrying everything you need without any hassle. Just pack your essentials inside, and you're good to go!
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available inside every cruise, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: Remember, you might need some cash now and then. Cash is particularly useful for exploring land activities and excursions, and it's also necessary for tipping staff members at the ports.
Portable charger: this one is optional, but we all know that some of us will spend 25 hours a day on our cellphones, snapping Instagram-worthy pictures in front of the world's most beautiful vistas. Packing a portable charger might be a good idea if you plan to use your cellphone extensively while walking around the ship or during land excursions.
Embarkation & Debarkation Process
Embarkation with MSC Cruise Line
Embarkation and debarkation with MSC are generally smooth and receive positive reviews for their simplicity. Well done, MSC!
MSC Cruises assigns a dedicated check-in time by default, but you can adjust it during online check-in if needed. Be sure to complete the web check-in and download the MSC for Me app to receive your digital boarding pass (QR Code).
When the big day arrives and you reach the port, hand your baggage to a porter and remember to tip - $5 per checked bag is standard. Ensure all bags are labeled with your name, the ship’s name, your cabin number, and the departure date and port. Keep your passport, important documents, and at least one change of clothes in your carry-on.
Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Yacht Club guests will have access to a designated check-in area. After check-in, you’ll receive your keycard, pass through security, and then it’s time to board!
Disembarkation with MSC Cruise Line
For the disembarkation process, you have two choices:
- The standard disembarkation method
- The Express check-out
For the standard disembarkation process, preparations begin a bit before your cruise ends. Two days prior to the end of the cruise, you'll receive disembarkation instructions and luggage tags in your cabin. Be sure to place your labeled luggage outside your cabin by 10pm the night before disembarkation. You'll also receive a group number, which will be called on disembarkation day when it's time to leave the ship.
Once you disembark and reach the port, find your luggage, collect it, and then you're ready to head home!
The Express check-out option allows for a self-disembarkation experience. With this method, you skip placing your luggage outside your cabin and using the provided tags. Instead, you'll carry your own luggage off the ship and be among the first passengers to disembark, typically around 7:30am. So, make sure to get a good night's sleep and be well-rested!
Book your dream vacation with MSC Cruise Line!
Now that you know a lot about MSC Cruise Line… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at MSC Cruise Line? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. You want to know more about the activities offered? We got you covered. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the swimming pools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to reach out to us anytime for the best deals, additional information about room options, activities, or any other inquiries you might have. MSC Cruise Line is dedicated to making your vacation both easy and affordable, and at Famvia, we share that commitment.
