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MSC Cruises

9,139 Reviews
MSC Magnifica

Message from MSC Cruises

About MSC Cruises

The only European-owned cruise line with a big presence in North America, MSC offers a cosmopolitan experience with passengers from all over the world, visual entertainment that avoids language barriers and one of the most active nightlives in the industry.

  • More about MSC Cruises

  • Who goes on MSC cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a MSC cruise?

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MSC Cruises

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MSC Seaside
MSC Seaside (Photo: MSC Cruises)

4 Night
Bahamas Cruise

1,151 Reviews
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MSC Seashore
MSC Seashore (Image: MSC Cruises)

2 Night
Bahamas Cruise

88 Reviews
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MSC Meraviglia
Pool deck aboard MSC Meraviglia (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

7 Night
Bahamas Cruise

686 Reviews
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MSC Divina
MSC Divina

16 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

1,867 Reviews
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5 Night
Bermuda Cruise

686 Reviews
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6 Night
Bermuda Cruise

686 Reviews
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8 Night
Bahamas Cruise

686 Reviews
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15 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

1,867 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

8 Night
Mediterranean - Western Cruise

698 Reviews
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7 Night
Bahamas Cruise

686 Reviews
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17 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

1,867 Reviews
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3 Night
Bahamas Cruise

1,151 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

8 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

1,867 Reviews
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7 Night
Caribbean Cruise

1,151 Reviews
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16 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

1,867 Reviews
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MSC Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on MSC cruise ships?

MSC Cruises is one of the most diverse cruise lines you can sail on with a multicultural mix of Italians, Brits, Spanish, Germans and French in the Mediterranean, with more North Americans in the Caribbean (but still lots of Italians and Spanish-speaking passengers), and a big local market in South Africa and South America.

You'll also come across all ages. The lively night scene means these ships work well for teens and younger cruisers, while the decent kids' clubs (particularly on the newer ships) and the clever arrangements of clustered family cabins mean a lot of families travel during school holidays.

Do I have to dress up on a MSC cruise?

Yes, a little. The usual dress code is informal during the day and smart-casual at night -- think nice trousers and shirt for men and nice pants/skirts with blouse or cocktail dress for women. There's usually one gala night per cruise, when black tie or dark suit and tie are encouraged for men, as is a formal dress for women. This is not enforced, but people do make an effort.

Is everything free on MSC cruises?

No, unless you're in one of the Yacht Club suites, and even then, not everything is included. MSC sells its cruises through a somewhat bewildering array of packages: Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and Yacht Club. All include your accommodation, meals in specified restaurants and big-stage entertainment, along with basic coffee and tea, and select juices at breakfast and lunch.

Beyond that, perks and inclusions vary by which package you've purchased, with Bella having no additional inclusions and Aurea featuring unlimited beverages. The Yacht Club has the most inclusions, with extra dining venues for eating, spa thermal suite passes and most beverages (plus access to a personal butler and a dedicated Yacht Club lounge and pool).

What are MSC’s most popular activities?

The action onboard an MSC ship is nonstop, with cruisers flocking to participate in pool games, sports contests, shopping promotions, trivia, karaoke and filling the nightclubs until late. On newer ships, high-tech arcade games are all the rage, including a 4D cinema, laser maze, F1 simulator and bowling.

Many MSC cruisers are also just as happy to park themselves by a pool and stay there all day, and when the ship is in port, you'll find the vast majority of cruisers off the ship on ship-sponsored or independent tours.

Why go with MSC?

  • Mediterranean style in food and design
  • Specializes in Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises
  • MSC Yacht Club is a luxurious ship-within-a-ship for higher-spending passengers

Best for: Vacationers looking for an action-packed, around-the-clock party, plus families with kids on a budget

Not for: Recluses looking for a small ship feel with plenty of quiet spaces, penny pinchers looking to avoid extra expenses

MSC Cruises Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Very disappointed

And they said I only have 1 drink package TERRIBLE 3- dinning line toke 52 mins and then they wanted to sit us with people that I don’t even know so we have to make a reservation for one of the restaurants and spend almost $200 and was the same dessert as the dinning room and they charge for beverages and son use the drink package (same beverage that is free outside the restaurant ) 4- to get a drink in the pool take forever and they ignore us 5-first day when they do the room they don’t even leave 1 towel for us 6- my room phone was broken and I asked for someone to fix it and they never show up and I wanted to order room service and was imposible 7 the line in the island buffet 1 hour ..the ship is beautiful but the service was terrible and employees very rude … number 1- they change my room and my luggage of course has the old room number … no body know what happened with our stuff till I remembered and I had to walk all the ship looking for my stuff around 7:30 pm .Read More
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Yadi1402

10+ Cruises

Age 30s

Worst experience

At each bar we scanned the menu for what cocktails were available and was told every time at 3 of the bars they don’t have, can’t make, didn’t know what drink we wanted.Never again will I choose this line and will certainly dissuade anyone I know from going on it.Read More
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Dnsbrumley

2-5 Cruises

Age 50s

Long lines and unprepared

Even though my credit card was linked to the account, the transaction evidently hadn’t actually gone through.Their lagoon closed at 5 pm even though the cabana was rented until 8 pm.Read More
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Bandjgeorge

2-5 Cruises

Age 50s

Very nice ship, inexperienced/understaffed crew.

The room stewards were great, and most other staff were friendly.Entertainment on the ship wasn't great and there wasn't much variety.Read More
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Johnlchristman

6-10 Cruises

Age 30s

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