MSC Cruises is adding elevated suite benefits and amenities to guests with an Aurea Experience.
The European cruise line offers four distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and budgets: Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club.
With the Aurea Experience being one of the highest tiers, MSC Cruises is aiming to upgrade the overall guest suite experience by offering more luxury, comfort, and personalized service.
They aren't removing any of the existing benefits, which include access to the thermal area, a welcome package with Prosecco and chocolate, complimentary access to the Top Exclusive Solarium, discounted drink packages, and more.
Instead, MSC is elevating the Aurea suite experience to be more immersive, from embarkation to disembarkation. Now, the line-up of impressive benefits will include additional in-suite amenities like a Nespresso machine, cotton bathrobes, plush slippers, premium bed linens, a Dorelean mattress, and bespoke bath products.
Other perks for Aurea suites focus on increased personalization and exclusivity, such as priority disembarkation and tender boat access, a complimentary mini-bar refresh, two free ironing services per cruise, and a nightly turndown with Venchi chocolates.
Note that these changes don't impact Yacht Club suites that continue to offer their own exclusive luxury experience. Rather, the new Aurea suite upgrades better compete with standard suites offered by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
The new perks go into effect on sailings departing on July 1, 2025, and beyond.
Read more: MSC Cruises ships by age — from newest to oldest
Not as inclusive as the Yacht Club
Even with the changes, guests seeking the most inclusive and luxurious experience on an MSC cruise should book the Yacht Club, the cruise line's "ship within a ship" concept.
Guests staying within the Yacht Club have access to far more than spacious suites with private butlers. Everything from a Premium Beverage Package to high-speed Wi-Fi and even a private dining room is included.
The Yacht Club experience doesn't stop onboard, either. Passengers visiting MSC's private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, can relax at the private Ocean House Beach.
How do the new Aurea benefits compare to other cruise lines?
The new Aurea suite experience better competes with Carnival and Royal Caribbean's standard suite experience. If you're sailing on a ship like Oasis of the Seas or Icon of the Seas, the suite experience differs from older Royal Caribbean ships; however, the benefits are more akin to what you'd receive on MSC Cruises.
For example, Grand Suites on Vision, Voyager, and Freedom Class ships include the following:
- Bathrobes
- Luxury bathroom amenities
- Lavazza espresso machine
- Pillowtop mattress
- Priority boarding and departure
- Suite Lounge/Concierge Club access
- Priority dining reservations and spa bookings
- Priority shore excursion ticketing
- Bridge, Galley, & Backstage tours
- VIP pool deck seating on Voyager Class ships and above
- Priority tendering
- Main Dining Room menu available for in-suite dining
- Complimentary 24-hour room service
- Private breakfast room
- Departure breakfast
- Reserved theater seating
- Complimentary pressing on the first formal night
Though many of the benefits overlap, MSC Cruises tends to be more affordable than Royal Caribbean. A 7-night cruise aboard MSC's newest ship, MSC World America, for instance, starts at $1,845 per person for an Aurea suite in October 2025. In comparison, a Junior Suite on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas in October starts at over $2,300.
By offering similar perks for a lower price, MSC Cruises provides a compelling option for cruisers who want a premium experience without breaking the bank.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
