Ultimate Guide: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers a blend of European flair for both families and multigenerational cruisers. Known for its deep-seated Italian maritime heritage, this family-owned, Swiss-based cruise line is the third largest cruise company in the world and crafts well-thought-out itineraries to over 200 destinations. 

For cruise enthusiasts and first-time travellers, this ultimate guide dives deeper into the things you need to know about cruising with MSC Cruises. From the fleet’s modern ships to the different destinations they visit, from the mouthwatering dining options to the dazzling entertainment, find out whether an MSC cruise is for you.


Why The Cruise Line?

The moment guests step on board any of MSC ships, they are greeted by a cosmopolitan ambiance that feels like they’ve been transported to an Italian floating resort. The 22-vessel fleet known for its cutting-edge innovation and elegance is consistent in providing guests unparalleled comfort, dining, entertainment, and onboard experience. 

Categorised into seven classes namely: World Class, Meraviglia Class, Seaside Class, Fantasia Class, Musica Class, Lirica Class, and Seashore Class. Among these classes, the World Class is considered the crown jewel of the fleet and the game-changer in cruise ship design. 

MSC Cruises ships are marvels in the cruise industry, featuring stunning atriums, elegant lounges, and state-of-the-art facilities that rival any luxury hotel. These innovative vessels even highlight several luxurious details such as Swarovski crystal staircases, European marble finishes, and Mediterranean-style promenades 


At Glance [Accommodation Type, Destinations]

Destinations

MSC’s fleet offers well-crafted itineraries to over 200 destinations across the globe, catering to every type of guest and traveller, from sun-seekers to culture enthusiasts and adventure lovers.

For Australian travellers, MSC Magnifica will visit Sydney, Adelaide, Fremantle, and Melbourne as part of its 2025 World Cruise itinerary, offering a once-in-a-lifetime journey through multiple global destinations. These Aussie port calls provide an opportunity to experience MSC’s signature European flair without venturing too far from home.

Beyond Australia, MSC Cruises offers year-round voyages to the Mediterranean, exploring the cultures and rich culinary heritage of Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. While the Mediterranean remains at the heart of MSC’s operations, its reach extends far beyond Europe. Guests can see Northern Europe and marvel at the fjords of Norway, bask in the breathtaking beaches of the Caribbean, and explore the rich and vibrant cultures of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile in South America.

Additionally, MSC Cruises crafts exotic itineraries for the Middle East and Asia, bringing travellers closer to historic cities and unique landscapes.

Accommodation

MSC Cruises offers a variety of staterooms, ranging from practical to premium. Everything depends on how you like to travel. Inside cabins keep things simple and functional. Ocean-view rooms let in natural light, while balcony cabins give you a private outdoor space to enjoy the sea breeze. If you’re after a bit more space and comfort, suites come with larger layouts, upgraded amenities, and, in some cases, whirlpool baths for an added touch of luxury.

For those who want the full VIP treatment, there’s the MSC Yacht Club—a private enclave with exclusive suites, a dedicated lounge, 24-hour butler service, and a quieter, more upscale experience.

Accommodation Types:

  • Inside Cabins – Compact and budget-friendly, perfect for travellers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship.
  • Ocean-View Cabins – Feature a window or porthole for natural light, offering a nice balance between affordability and comfort.
  • Balcony Cabins – A private veranda lets you enjoy the fresh sea air and panoramic views from your own space.
  • Suites – More spacious with upgraded amenities, some even featuring whirlpool baths for added luxury.
  • MSC Yacht Club Suites – Exclusive, high-end suites with access to a private lounge, restaurant, pool deck, and round-the-clock butler service.

What’s Included

Booking an MSC cruise gets you a lot, but some extras come at an additional cost. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s covered and what’s not, so you know what to expect before you set sail.

What’s Included:

  • Accommodation – Your cabin or suite, whether it’s an inside room or a luxury Yacht Club suite.
  • Dining – Meals in the main dining rooms and buffet are covered, with a mix of international and Mediterranean dishes. Late-night snacks? Also included.
  • EntertainmentBroadway-style shows, live music, and themed parties won’t cost you extra.
  • Pools & Fitness – Access to the pools, whirlpools, and gym is all part of the deal.
  • Daily Activities – Think dance classes, sports tournaments, and trivia—plenty to do at no extra charge.
  • Kids’ Clubs – MSC’s age-specific kids’ clubs (from babies to teens) are free, giving parents a well-earned break.

Cruise Line Packages

MSC Cruises offers a range of add-ons to level up your cruise experience—whether you want unlimited drinks, seamless travel arrangements, or a more luxurious stay. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:

Drinks Packages

If you’re planning to enjoy cocktails by the pool or a morning cappuccino without extra charges adding up, MSC’s drink packages come in handy:

  • Premium Extra Package – Covers pretty much everything: cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and specialty coffees. Works at bars, buffets, and specialty restaurants.
  • Alcohol-Free Package – Perfect for those skipping the booze, with unlimited soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, and fancy coffees.
  • Minors Package – A kid-friendly option that includes unlimited soft drinks, fruit juices, and hot chocolate.

Fly & Cruise Packages

For those flying to their embarkation port, MSC offers Fly & Cruise, which bundles flights, transfers, and your cruise into one booking. It’s a hassle-free way to start your trip, especially in regions like the Mediterranean or the Persian Gulf.

Stay & Cruise Packages

If you’d rather ease into your vacation or explore your departure city before setting sail, Stay & Cruise packages add hotel stays before or after your cruise—with transfers included.

All-Inclusive Deals

Throughout the year, MSC runs all-inclusive promotions, bundling drinks, Wi-Fi, and sometimes specialty dining into the cruise fare. It’s worth keeping an eye out for these if you prefer a package deal.

MSC Yacht Club: The VIP Experience

For those who want an upgraded cruise experience, the MSC Yacht Club is MSC’s luxury “ship within a ship” concept. This package includes:

  • 24/7 butler service (yes, really).
  • Private lounge, restaurant, and pool deck (away from the crowds).
  • Premium Extra Drinks package (so no extra charges for your fancy drinks).
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi (because, let’s be honest, ship Wi-Fi isn’t cheap).

Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly add-ons or a high-end experience, MSC’s packages let you customize your cruise to suit your travel style.


Dining Experiences

MSC Cruises’ dining options are a culinary journey in itself. While offering a taste of Italy, it also highlights international flavours to cater to different tastes and preferences. From casual classic pizzas by the pool to multi-course dishes, guests always have something to grab and satisfy their cravings whatever the occasion may be. Regardless of the number of cruise days, guests always find something fresh to try. 

Main Dining Rooms

All MSC Cruises vessels feature main Dining Rooms usually named after Italian artists. Guests are assigned a table in one of the main dining rooms with precise timings depending on the itinerary. 

Additionally, the line changes its three-course menus on a daily basis but it also serves its ‘always available’ menus like pasta and grilled chicken breast. Some standout dishes that are popular among guests are Risotto and seafood. 

Buffet 

The Marketplace Buffet is a casual dining hub that offers a wide variety of dining options. It has stations for pizza, pasta, desserts, and even international cuisines. 

Specialty Restaurants

When it comes to the dining experience, MSC shines brightly in its range of specialty restaurants.

Butcher’s Cut

An American-style steakhouse that could rival some of the best steakhouses on land. This dining venue is popular for its meat quality. 

Hola! Tacos & Cantina

This dining hub features a casual street food concept serving Mexican-inspired menus. 

Teppanyaki

This Japanese dining venue features four cooking stations for guests to choose from. Chefs cooking on an open grill is one of the highlights of this dining experience. 

L’Atelier Bistrot

A French bistro offering classics like onion soup and escargots. The ambience here is charming and reminiscent of a Parisian café.

Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant

This seafood restaurant is popular among guests because of its enjoyable and pleasant vibe. The menu features a variety of fresh fish and shellfish prepared in Mediterranean styles

Eataly 

Launching exclusively on MSC World America, this will be the only Eataly restaurant at sea, featuring homemade pasta and high-quality Italian ingredients.

Paxos Restaurant 

Also debuting on MSC World America, this new venue will specialize in seafood, featuring a fresh fish counter where guests can select their catch of the day.


Cabins Experiences

MSC’s cabins are designed to be comfortable, functional, and stylish without being over the top. They make good use of space, with plenty of storage tucked away so you’re not tripping over your suitcase the whole trip. The beds? Generally comfortable—though if you’re picky about pillows, you might want to ask for extras.

One thing to keep in mind is noise levels. If you’re near the pool deck or buffet, expect some early morning or late-night sounds drifting in. Light sleepers might want to choose a cabin mid-ship or on a lower deck for a quieter experience.

Tech-wise, the cabins are modern enough – USB ports, interactive TVs, and easy-to-use lighting and temperature controls. Wi-Fi is available, but it’s not the fastest, so don’t expect seamless streaming.

If you’re after something more high-end, the MSC Yacht Club is where things get fancy. Private lounge, exclusive restaurant, butler service, the whole package. It’s a different world from the standard cabins, and past guests say it’s worth it for the quieter atmosphere and VIP treatment.

Overall, MSC’s cabins are a solid mix of style and practicality. They will definitely give you a comfortable spot to crash after a day of exploring.


Activities [Family, Kids and Couple]

Whether you’re travelling with kids, your partner, or the whole family, MSC Cruises packs plenty of things to do—so no one ends up staring at the ocean waiting for the next meal.

Family Fun

MSC is big on family-friendly entertainment, with everything from pool games to trivia nights, sports tournaments, and even a Doremi family disco where kids and parents can let loose together. One of the biggest hits is the LEGO Experience Day, where kids (and let’s be real, some adults) can dive into all things LEGO. And if you’re looking to cool off, most ships have waterslides, splash zones, and pools to keep everyone entertained.

Kids’ Clubs

For parents who need a break (or kids who need one from their parents), MSC offers age-specific clubs:

  • Baby Club (0-3 years) – A soft play area designed in partnership with Chicco, perfect for tiny travellers.
  • Mini Club (3-6 years) & Junior Club (7-11 years) – Packed with games, competitions, and activities to keep them busy while you enjoy some downtime.
  • Young Club (12-14 years) & Teen Club (15-17 years) – A cool hangout for older kids, with sports, video games, and themed parties—so they’re not stuck at dinner rolling their eyes at their parents.

For Couples

Couples looking for some quality time will find plenty of options, from spa treatments and wine tastings to sunset cocktails at a piano bar. Want something more lively? The Broadway-style theatre shows and themed parties offer a great way to spend an evening. And if you’re after something quieter, there’s always the adults-only sun deck or a cozy nook in the ship’s library and lounge areas.


SHIPCLASSTONNAGEYEAR BUILTNO. OF CABINS
MSC ArmoniaArmonia66, 0002001975
MSC BellissimaMeraviglia168, 00020192244
MSC DivinaFantasia139, 00020121751
MSC EuribiaMeraviglia-Plus184, 00020232419
MSC FantasiaFantasia138, 00020081637
MSC GrandiosaMeraviglia181, 00020192405
MSC LiricaArmonia66, 0002003988
MSC MagnificaMusica95, 00020101253
MSC MeravigliaMeraviglia168, 00020172244
MSC MusicaMusica92, 00020061275
MSC OperaArmonia66, 00020041071
MSC OrchestraMusica92, 00020071275
MSC PoesiaMusica93, 00020081275
MSC PreziosaFantasia139, 00020131751
MSC SeascapeSeaside169, 00020222270
MSC SeashoreSeaside169, 00020212270
MSC SeasideSeaside154, 00020172067
MSC SeaviewSeaside154, 00020182067
MSC SinfoniaArmonia66, 0002002975
MSC SplendidaFantasia138, 00020091637
MSC VirtuosaMeraviglia181, 00020212405
MSC World EuropaWorld216, 00020222631

Loyalty Programs

Frequent MSC cruisers get rewarded through the MSC Voyagers Club, a free loyalty program packed with perks. The more you sail, the better the benefits.

Membership Tiers

  • Welcome (0 points) – Instant access with discounts on select cruises and spa treatments.
  • Classic (1 – 2,199 points) – 5% off all bookings, plus deals on Wi-Fi and onboard photos.
  • Silver (2,200 – 4,299 points) – Adds priority boarding and a complimentary gift.
  • Gold (4,300 – 9,999 points) – Free specialty dining, priority disembarkation, and bigger discounts.
  • Blue Diamond (10,000+ points) – Top-tier perks like free Wi-Fi, flexible check-in, and exclusive events.

Points are based on cruise length, experience tier, and prepaid extras. Sail at least once every five years to keep your status. Already a member of another loyalty program? MSC’s Status Match lets you transfer your benefits from other cruise lines or hotel programs.

For repeat cruisers, the MSC Voyagers Club makes each trip smoother, cheaper, and packed with extras.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is MSC Cruises all-inclusive?

MSC Cruises are not initially all-inclusive. All of its itineraries include accommodation, dining in buffets and main restaurants, live entertainment, and access to sports and gym activities. But for guests to have an all-inclusive luxury experience, they may opt to avail of the unparalleled comfort and convenience of the MSC Yacht Club, which offers exclusive suites, private dining, and premium amenities.

What entertainment and activities can be found onboard MSC Cruises?

MSC Cruises offers a wide array of activities and entertainment onboard that cater to various interests and age groups. The line features more than six different shows and performances per week, including Broadway-inspired productions. Onboard, guests can also immerse themselves in 4D cinema, experience the thrill of the MSC Formula Racer, go bowling, enjoy fitness activities, and take part in various outdoor activities.
With the MSC Fun Pass, guests can access the ship’s amusement area, which includes virtual reality experiences, interactive games, and more. The line also highlights activities and amenities for kids, such as kids’ clubs, pools, aqua parks, and waterslides, ensuring that younger cruisers have plenty of fun.

Does MSC Cruises have gratuities?

MSC’s gratuity rates depend on the cruise itinerary being booked. Generally, for adults (guests over 12 years old), the gratuity rate falls between €12 to €16 per guest, per night, while for children aged 2 to 11, the gratuity rate is between €6 to €8 per night. No service charge applies to children under 2 years old. Additionally, an 18% service charge is added to bar purchases.

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