Have you ever considered trying an MSC cruise? While I have sailed on other cruise lines and had a good time, I recommend MSC for first-timers.
There are a whole host of reasons why you may want to try this European-based cruise line for a cruise. Incredible prices, a growing fleet of large and innovative ships, a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment, and a vast array of itineraries are just some of the advantages of cruising with MSC Cruises.
MSC Cruises is competitor to major cruise lines like Carnival, which is currently the largest cruise line in the world. A major part of their strategy is offering incredibly competitive cruise prices. On some itineraries, they just can’t be beaten. And this is not just on old ships, but many of their new ones as well.
Here are some of the top reasons why you should book with MSC for a cruise, especially for your first time.
Cheap prices
One of the biggest advantages of booking with MSC is their low cruise fare prices. This can be a significant bonus for first-timers who want to try out cruising without spending tons of money.
How cheap are MSC prices? They are as low or even lower than most other cruise lines, such as Carnival, who are famous for their fun atmosphere and great value. Some travelers may be shocked to find out that MSC offers a three-night cruise to the Bahamas for as little as $159 per person. A similar cruise on Carnival starts at $189 for a comparable inside cabin.
A weekend vacation for under $200 is an incredible deal! That's what some people spend on a nice evening out on the town! Considering the price includes food, entertainment, a cabin, and much more, it is a serious bargain. Whether it is a shorter weekend cruise or a popular week-long vacation, the cruise line has plenty of deals to meet a wide range of budgets.
At the time of writing, the cheapest 7-night Caribbean cruise advertised on their website started at only $319 per person, before taxes, port fees, and gratuities.
Tons of promotions and deals
On top of their low prices, MSC offers a number of promotions and deals that provide cruisers with even more savings. The cruise line often advertises specials which include basic wi-fi and drink packages.
These are big-ticket items that can cost cruisers hundreds of dollars. On Carnival, for instance, you can pay $65 per day in addition to your cruise fare just for a drink package!
Other specials can include extra onboard credit as well as cabin upgrades, such as a move from an inside cabin to a balcony stateroom.
MSC also has a number of last-minute deals, many listed on their website. It is easy to check and see what is available when you are interested in booking by heading straight to www.msccruisesusa.com. From there, navigate to the "Cruise Deal" tab in the heading at the top of the page.
If you are a healthcare worker, you’ll love the 10% discount for you and your family. Other bonuses include an additional 10% savings for 18 to 29-year-olds who share the same cabin. The cruise line has more savings for seniors, families, and solo cruisers, too.
Well-priced drink and wi-fi packages
Something that many new cruises are surprised to hear about is that drinks and wi-fi are not included on most cruises. This can be an unwanted surprise, especially for those travelers who are used to vacationing at Caribbean-style all-inclusives.
Yes, cruising can be a little more a la carte, and wi-fi and drinks can add a considerable amount to the final bill. How much can cruisers expect to pay?
MSC does have some of the lowest prices for these add-ons. Basic wi-fi starts at $16 per day, and the drink packages begin at $39 per day for their lowest level of alcohol package. This introductory package includes bottled water, beer, wine, and some basic cocktails at a great price. Similar packages can be $60-75 dollars on competitive lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
Not only do cruisers need to be aware of many of these pricey add-ons, there can be limits. For example, Carnival’s drink program limits guests to 15 beverages per day. In addition, the Carnival drink package is not valid on the cruiseline's private islands. MSC Cruises does not have these conditions.
Newer fleet
A shiny new ship is something that appeals to many cruisers, and MSC has been upgrading their fleet with a number of additions in the last couple of years. In fact, the cruise line has launched 6 ships in the last 5 years across three different classes of ships, providing cruisers with tons of choices.
Their diverse fleet caters to every type of cruiser, whether you want a smaller, more intimate ship or one with all of the bells and whistles modern cruises expect with mega-ships. Their newest World Class series of ships are the ultimate mega-ships with many activities and entertainment onboard. In fact, they are almost as big as Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class!
MSC World Europa is the biggest ship to date, with a capacity of 6,744 passengers, and the first in its fleet powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas). This ship will be followed by MSC World America in 2025, which will homeport in the U.S., which aligns well with their growth initiatives.
Huge selection of itineraries
Although MSC Cruises may be new to some cruisers, it is, in fact, the world’s largest privately held cruise line and has been in operation for more than 35 years. It has a major presence in Europe and international markets, with ambitious growth plans for North America.
In the United States, they sail out of Port Canaveral (Orlando) and Miami. Recently, they have started sailing out of New York with plans to sail out of Galveston, Texas in 2025, making it easier for cruisers to get to the port.
For those who want a more international experience, their itineraries span hundreds of destinations across Europe, South America, Asia, and South Africa.
Status Match
Travelers who have gained status in a hotel or airline loyalty program will love this MSC perk. MSC’s Status Match program lets guests transfer their status for immediate onboard benefits.
Eligible loyalty programs include those with Marriott, Best Western, Expedia, Club Med, Starwood, Sandals, Hilton, Hyatt, and Wyndham, to name a few.
What does this get you? Extra onboard credit, discounts on internet packages, access to the thermal spa, priority boarding, and dinner at a specialty restaurant, including their popular steakhouse - Butcher's Cut.
There is no fee to transfer status, but it can only be done once, so guests should carefully consider which program is the most valuable. Ideally, this should be completed 7-10 prior to sailing to ensure the status is recognized. The application can be found on the MSC Cruises website.
Read more: 13 things I loved and hated onboard MSC Seashore
Entertainment and activities onboard
MSC ships offer plenty of activities onboard, with a variety of entertainment acts, most of which are included in the cruise fare. A variety of swimming pools, epic slides, and fun-filled waterparks are great for cooling off.
Loads of sports activities and onboard tournaments for soccer, basketball, tennis, ping pong, and foosball. No fear of heights? Try the Himalayan Bridge Trek 195 feet over the deck.
Other popular activities include an F1 Simulator, bowling, VR Maze, video games, and 4D Cinema. Parents and guests can purchase the Fun Pass Package to cover most of these.
Other favorites, such as the Family Game Show, Family Disco, and live theatre productions, are all complimentary.
The fun is not just for kids, as there are lots of activities for adults. Casinos, bars, lots of live music, spas, gyms, and trivia; you won’t get bored on the ships. In the evening, guests can choose from a variety of live productions and bands to top off a great day.
Families and kids
MSC welcomes families, providing special discounts, family-friendly cabins, and a number of kid-friendly products and services. Once onboard, the complimentary kids' clubs offer plenty to entertain kids, along with products and services provided by well-known brands such as LEGO and Chicco. There are tons of fun activities and amenities onboard, such as waterparks, a variety of sports, cinemas, and arcades.
When kids are done for the day, MSC has it covered with a dedicated Kids’ Corner at their buffets, with food selections for those as young as 6-12 months old. There is even a kids' drink package that includes fun mocktails, hot chocolate, and self-serve ice cream.
Kids clubs are included in the MSC cruise fare and are a great way to entertain kids and give parents a break. This is a perfect opportunity for them to have fun on their own and meet new friends in a dedicated, supervised environment for cruisers ages 3-17.
Ocean Cay – MSC’s private island
If you are looking for a cruise to the Caribbean, MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay (MSC) Marine Reserve, is one of the top reasons to sail with the cruise line. There are a number of 3-, 4- and 7-day cruises that head to the idyllic island.
Not only is it a stunning place to visit, but cruisers can also have an amazing time without spending any extra money as food included.
Also, for those who have drink and wi-fi packages, both work on the island. This is not the case for all mainstream cruise lines. Drink packages onboard Carnival Cruise Lines, for instance, are not valid on their private islands at Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays. This can translate to major savings for MSC cruisers since additional drinks do not have to be purchased individually while ashore.
A redeveloped industrial site, it has found new life as a tropical hideaway for the exclusive use of MSC guests, and it is a spectacular place. With lush vegetation, the 64 square miles of the marine reserve include growing coral reefs, plants, and fish, an underwater haven for guests and snorkelers. Guests can enjoy the day at the beach, snorkel, go on a boat ride or try some jet skis in the crystal clear waters of the area.
Some itineraries even include an overnight stay at Ocean Cay, with evening parties and other festivities. Another bonus is that cruise ships dock for the day, so there is none of the hassle of tendering to get onshore.
Chantal McPhee
Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy
