Picking the right stateroom for you and your family can be a tough job. Do you save some money and go with an indoor cabin with no view, or do you spend a little more to get a cozy balcony so you can wake up and say hi to a beautiful ocean right in front of your eyes? Cruises are just getting bigger and bigger, and this also means that there are more and more accommodation options inside these sea juggernauts.
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MSC offers a range of traditional cabins, from standard interior staterooms to balconies and suites. They go a step further with the MSC Yacht Club Suites, which provide not only luxurious rooms but also some of the best perks available on any cruise line.
MSC introduces the concept of 'experiences' when booking a cabin. These experiences offer additional perks not tied to your cabin type, such as free room service and priority boarding. They also allow you to select a specific room. More often than not, cabin experiences serve as a way to upgrade to a larger room size or a sub-category. For example, an experience might let you choose a Deluxe Balcony room, which is larger than a standard balcony room, which explains the higher cost.
Once you choose your stateroom, it’s time to choose a cabin experience.
These are the cabin types offered by MSC Cruise Line:
- Interior
- Ocean View
- Balcony
- Suite
- MSC Yacht Club
And the Cabin experiences are:
- Bella
- Fantastica
- Aurea
MSC Cruise Line Cabin Experience
First, let’s review the perks associated with the cabin experiences you need to choose at the time of booking. Not all experiences are available for every cabin type. For instance, Interior staterooms typically offer only the Bella and Fantastica options, or sometimes just the Bella. Balcony cabins and suites often provide the choice between Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea experiences.
Bella
Additional cost: none
The standard cabin experience, which comes at no additional cost, includes:
- Cruise changes for a fee (Booking Terms and Conditions apply)
- MSC will assign the cabin within 4 days before the cruise departure. You cannot choose the cabin number.
- You could be assigned a cabin with obstructed view, partial obstructed view (for balcony cabins) or with promenade view (for certain ships)
- Breakfast in cabin (additional delivery cost)
- Discounted drink package option available at the time of booking (discount conditions may vary according to itineraries)
Fantastica
Additional cost: usually from $40 to $100 per guest.
The Fantastica experience is often available to balcony cabins. It includes:
- Opportunity to choose the cabin and its location
- 1 free cruise change (Booking Terms and Conditions apply)
- Breakfast in cabin (delivery free of charge)
- Discounted packages offer
- 24-hour room service (delivery free of charge)
Aurea
Additional cost: usually starts at $250 per guest
The top-tier cabin experience which includes:
- Access to thermal area (for adults only, upon reservation)
- Welcome package (Prosecco + chocolate)
- Dine any time you choose
- Free access to the Top Exclusive Solarium
- Discounted packages offer
- 10% discount on all spa treatments purchased on board
- Priority boarding & luggage drop off
MSC Cruise Line Cabin Types
Interior Cabins onboard MSC Cruise Line
Good for: small groups, those that won’t stay a lot of time inside their rooms, if you want to save a lot of money.
Room for: 1-4 passengers
Price: $
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Western Caribbean cruise on February 2025 aboard MSC Seashore: $540
These are the most affordable rooms on almost all cruise ships, lacking windows and natural light. They are ideal for solo travelers or small groups of friends looking to enjoy the cruise experience. These rooms typically range from 140 to 300 square feet, depending on the ship and any upgrades to your cabin experience. All interior rooms come with a bathroom, a mini-fridge, and a TV.
Ocean View Cabins onboard MSC Cruise Line
Good for: small groups, those that want some natural light coming in.
Room for: 1-4 passengers
Price: $
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Western Caribbean cruise on February 2025 aboard MSC Seashore: $650
Ocean View cabins are becoming increasingly rare. They are similar to Interior rooms but feature a window that offers some view and natural light. On MSC ships, Ocean View cabins typically range from 130 to 270 square feet and include the same amenities as Interior rooms. These cabins are ideal for large groups traveling together, as many Ocean View cabins offer multiple connecting rooms, keeping your group close together.
Balcony Cabins onboard MSC Cruise Line
Good for: those that want a balcony to enjoy a nice breeze
Room for: 1-4 passengers
Price: $$
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Western Caribbean cruise on February 2025 aboard MSC Seashore: $800
Balcony cabins provide more experience options compared to Interior and Ocean View cabins. Interestingly, Balcony rooms are often smaller than Interior rooms, ranging from 130 to 205 square feet, with a private balcony that varies from 35 to 130 square feet. You can opt for larger rooms by selecting a specific experience, though this will increase the price.
Suites onboard MSC Cruise Line
Good for: those that want a balcony to enjoy a nice breeze, if you are traveling with 3-4 guests, if you want to enjoy some time in your room.
Room for: 1-5 passengers
Price: $$$
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Western Caribbean cruise on February 2025 aboard MSC Seashore: $1230
MSC Cruise Line offers a variety of suite options, ranging from the Junior Suite at no additional cost to the Grand Suites, which can be up to 420 square feet. The Junior Suite is essentially a larger Balcony cabin, while the Grand Suites include additional amenities such as a private whirlpool. Interestingly, MSC Suites primarily provide extra room size without additional perks beyond what’s already included in your room.
MSC Yacht Club Suites onboard MSC Cruise Line
Good for: Those who were planning to purchase multiple add-ons like Wi-Fi and drink packages, guests seeking luxury, guests looking for superior dining options onboard.
Room for: 1-5 passengers
Price: $$$$
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Western Caribbean cruise on February 2025 aboard MSC Seashore: $3000
Now we’re talking! The MSC Yacht Club suites are the top-tier rooms onboard MSC Cruise Line. These suites represent a unique category, with some even being interior rooms without balconies or windows. If you choose to stay in one of these suites, it’s likely because you value the extensive range of perks offered. The Yacht Club Suites provide numerous valuable benefits, making them an excellent choice for enhancing your vacation experience.
The MSC Yacht Club suites are situated in a gated area on most MSC ships. This exclusive zone features pools, entertainment for both adults and children, and restaurants reserved only for Yacht Club members. These restaurants are among the best on the fleet and are complimentary when you book one of these suites. It gives you some amazing perks like access to a private butler, unlimited Wi-Fi and a free Premium Extra Drink Package.
These are the perks included when you book a Yacht Club Suite:
- Butler service available 24 hours
- Dedicated concierge 24 hours
- Premium Extra Drink package
- Internet package: Browse - 2 devices per person with unlimited Internet Package
- Dedicated exclusive Sun Deck with pool, whirlpool, solarium and Grill & Bar
- Gourmet dining in the private MSC Yacht Club restaurant
- Premium buffet
- Access to a private beach and exclusive restaurant at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
- Dedicated priority check-in and check-out
- Room service available 24 hours
- Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA
Honestly, these are some of the best suite perks I’ve ever encountered. They’re not only impressive but also incredibly useful. Access to an outstanding and complimentary restaurant is a major advantage, but the benefits extend further. You also receive free Wi-Fi, a complimentary premium drink package, priority embarkation and disembarkation, access to an exclusive sun deck, a private gym, and entry to an excellent restaurant on MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay. Well done, MSC Cruises.
Choosing your ideal Stateroom aboard MSC Cruise Line
Choosing the right room can be challenging, and the concept of 'cabin experiences' might seem more complicated than necessary. Consider cabin experiences as defining your cabin location and sub-category, often including larger rooms for an additional cost. This approach will make it easier to find the perfect stateroom for you and your family.
For MSC Cruises, my room choice would depend on who I'm traveling with. If I'm alone or with a group of friends, I’d opt for a standard indoor cabin. Since I wouldn’t be spending much time in the room, mostly just sleeping, indoor cabins are a budget-friendly option for a quick getaway.
If I’m traveling with my significant other, I’d choose a balcony cabin. Although they are typically smaller than indoor cabins, they’re still comfortable for two people. The balcony adds a romantic touch that’s hard to beat.
Another option to consider is the MSC Yacht Club Suites. In my other cruise guides, I usually recommend suites only in specific situations due to their high cost and limited perks. However, MSC Yacht Club Suites offer exceptional benefits, as previously mentioned. In fact, booking a Yacht Club Suite might even save you money, as it includes Wi-Fi, drink packages, and access to specialty restaurants. Many guests who book these suites end up dining exclusively at the Yacht Club restaurant throughout their trip.
If yo uare feeling a little lost and want some help choosing the perfect stateroom, we can lend a hand with that. Just click the "Request a Quote" button above and we will reply back as fast as possible!
Locations
Just as important as choosing your cabin category, choosing the right location can also impact the quality of your cruise. Let’s see some of them
Midship cabins
This is a safe and often considered the best option for many cruisers. Being in the middle of the ship means you're conveniently close to everything, especially the elevators. Another good perk? Cabins in the middle of the ship experience less motion, making them ideal for those prone to seasickness during a cruise.
Aft balcony
These are the rooms located at the aft (back) of the ship. Specifically, these rooms overlook the stern (back) of the ship rather than the sides. Aft rooms often have larger balconies and offer a serene view of the waves generated by your vessel. They are also generally quieter than rooms in the middle of the ship, making them a good choice for those seeking less noise. The main drawback is that they can be a bit farther from the elevators.
The Bow
The bow is also known as the front of the ship. Some cabins are actually cheaper in this location, and the reason is simple: this is the area that shakes the most. If you often feel seasick, avoid cabins located on the front of the ship at all costs. Cruise passengers prone to motion sickness should search for a room in the middle of the ship, and usually on higher levels.
Hump Balconies
These are the rooms located on the outward curves of the ship's outline. They feature larger balconies compared to standard balconies, often at the same price. Another advantage is that these rooms are typically situated in the middle of the ship, offering two good perks for a great deal.
Connecting cabins
Many rooms offer connecting cabins, which are especially common for interior cabins. Connecting cabins provide extra space, effectively doubling the size of the room and accommodating up to ten people in total. And guess what? You get an extra bathroom too!
