MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean and MSC’s biggest cruise ships offer mind-blowing attractions and an endless variety of things to do onboard, but I thought one ship was better than the other, despite the higher cost.

Within the same year, I cruised on the biggest ship by MSC Cruises—MSC World Europa—and the biggest ship by Royal Caribbean—Icon of the Seas. The vessels, which each accommodate roughly 7,000 passengers, are more akin to floating cities than traditional cruise ships.

MSC Cruises is known for having some of the lowest cruise fares amongst giants like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, making them an appealing option for people looking for cheap cruises. 

The European cruise line has become increasingly popular in North America. Not only do they have some of the best budget-friendly cruise prices, but they also often include add-ons like basic Wi-Fi and drink packages. This beats other lines that often charge $80+ per day for their alcoholic drink packages!

Three major have announced significant changes to their drink packages which will cost passengers more money. 

Though these adjustments aim to streamline the beverage experience, prioritize safety, and improve overall service, they reflect an industry-wide trend toward higher cruise costs. 

The changes affect passengers sailing with Norwegian, MSC, and Carnival, with some cruisers likely to pay an additional $80 or more for drink packages on a 7-night cruise in 2025.

MSC Cruises plans to streamline its beverage program. Instead of offering three alcoholic packages, the cruise line will reduce the number of options to one simplified plan. 

Historically, guests sailing with MSC could select the Easy, Easy Plus, or Premium Drink Package. Effective December 18, 2024, the only alcoholic package available on sailings departing on or after April 1, 2025, is the Premium Extra Package, which eliminates the cheaper packages. 

Drink packages are a popular add-on for cruisers who want to save money or are worried about an unexpectedly large bill at the end of their cruise.

MSC Cruises offers their customers three different drink packages to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you want a few beers and a glass of wine or a more extensive package that provides top-shelf spirits, champagne, and specialty coffees, there is an option for everyone. 

While an MSC cruise offers us a chance to get away, relax, and disconnect, you may need to access the internet to keep in touch with family and friends back home. You may even need to check in with work! 

MSC Cruises is reportedly planning significant changes to its popular unlimited drink packages in 2025, capping the daily number of alcoholic drinks at 15. 

The news was first shared in a post on an MSC Cruises Voyagers Club Facebook Group and included a statement issued by the cruise line: "Discover our updated drinks packages to complement your guests on board experience, starting from 18th December 2024 for sailings from 1st April 2025 onwards." 

After being stranded for four days following engine and navigation issues, MSC Cruises canceled three sailings aboard MSC Bellissima, one of the largest cruise ships in Asia. 

The 171,598 gross registered ton ship was slated to depart from Naha, Japan, on December 6 for a 4-night sailing. However, guests awoke on Dec. 7 to find they were still docked in Naha rather than Ishigaki, Japan. Consequently, MSC Bellissima's Dec. 8 departure from Keelung and Dec. 10 departure from Naha were also canceled. 

A fire broke out shortly after MSC Seashore departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Sunday. 

According to Doug Parker from Cruise News Today, the fire was reported in the emergency generator room on Deck 18. 

The fire was quickly put out, and no passengers were harmed. However, a few guests reported smoke and limited power because the ship could only operate on generator power. As a result, the elevators were shut down, and dining rooms were closed.