MSC Cruises

When you combine the best parts of ships from several major cruise lines on one vessel and mix in some new innovations, the result is MSC World America. After more than a decade of trying to woo North American passengers, MSC Cruises is likely to have found a winner with the latest in its behemoth World Class of ships.

MSC World America has finally arrived in, well, America! The newest cruise ship at sea sailed into Miami, Florida, on Monday, April 7, ahead of its 7-night inaugural voyage on the 12th. 

What is it really like to take a cheap, 4-day cruise with MSC Cruises?

Today, I’m sharing the story of Jackie and her husband Joe, who recently embarked on a 4-night MSC cruise. They wanted to escape Ohio's frigid winter, so when the couple came across a cheap, last-minute cruise fare, they didn't hesitate to book the sailing.

One passenger was recently charged after a cruise ship docked in Sydney, Australia, and over 20 pounds of cocaine was discovered in his stateroom. 

The 48-year-old Brazilian national hid the drugs in the ceiling cavity of his cabin, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). 

When the Australian Border Force (ABF) searched his stateroom, they found 28 individually wrapped packages of a substance that tested positive for cocaine.

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. 

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.