MSC Cruises

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the perfect cruise line for those who love variety and versatility. Both single cruises and family cruises are a specialty of MSC, because not only families with children feel comfortable on board the modern ships, but also solo travellers. No wonder: The fleet are complete with pool deck, spa, gym and perfected entertainment concept. In addition to countless recreational activities, the cruise line also trumps with versatile culinary art. The MSC ships are the perfect place to relax at sea! Also, browse the cruise deals to find a bargain. Incidentally, the cruise line is also popular for mini-cruises which are ideal for getting to know the cruise line and the ships.

MSC Cruise Line & Ship Facts

• Category: Affordable cruises with Italian flair
• Passengers: 1900 - 5600
• Ships: 18
• Nationality: Italian
• Language: English
• Table times: 2 table times (about 19 clock and 20.45 clock)
• Target areas: worldwide
• Clothing code: sporty-elegant
• Special features: Italian flair
   

Popular Cruises With MSC

MSC Cruises are especially popular for the following destinations:

• Mediterranean cruises
• Caribbean cruises
• Norway cruises
• Baltic Sea cruises
   

MSC Ships

MSC Cruises divides its fleet into different ship classes. The newest ships are MSC Seaview (since June 2018), MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa (both from 2019).

Lirica Class
 

• MSC Opera (1,075 cabins, approx. 2,679 guests)
• MSC Lirica (922 cabins, approx. 1,984 guests)
• MSC Sinfonia (980 cabins, approx. 2,679 guests)
• MSC Armonia (976 cabins, approx. 2,579 guests)
   

The standard cabins are the same size and the same for all four ships. The two single beds can be put together to form a double bed. The two ships MSC Sinfonia and MSC Armonia are particularly suitable for families with children, as they have most of the three- and four-bed cabins.

Musica Class
 

• MSC Magnifica (1,259 cabins, approx. 2,518 guests)
• MSC Poesia (1,275 cabins, approx. 2,550 guests)
• MSC Orchestra (1,275 cabins, approx. 2,550 guests)
• MSC Musica (1,275 cabins, approx. 2,550 guests)
   

The Musica class offers a high proportion of cabins with private balconies. The MSC Musica and MSC Poesia have a sushi bar, the MSC Orchestra and MSC Magnifica have a Chinese restaurant. The Musica-class ships are particularly attractive to couples with high standards of luxury and service.

Fantasia Class
 

• MSC Fantasia (1,637 cabins, approx. 3,274 guests)
• MSC Splendida (1,637 cabins, approx. 3,274 guests)
• MSC Preziosa (1,751 cabins, approx. 3,502 guests)
• MSC Divina (1,751 cabins, approx. 3,502 guests)
   

There are 69 - 71 luxury suites of the "MSC Yacht Club" on the ships of the Fantasia class. The ships are suitable for couples and families with children. At the Aurea Spa you can relax and enjoy different wellness treatments.

Meraviglia Class

• MSC Meraviglia (2,244 cabins, 5,714 guests)
• MSC Bellissima (2,244 cabins, 5,714 guests)
   

Meraviglia-plus Grade

• MSC Grandiosa (2,244 cabins, 5,714 guests)
• MSC Virtuosa (2,405 cabins, 6,344 guests)
   

Seaside Class

• MSC Seaside (2,066 cabins, 5,179 guests)
• MSC Seaview (2,066 cabins, 5,179 guests)
   

Cabins And Suites

In addition to the inside cabins, outside cabins and balcony cabins, MSC Cruises also offers a diverse selection of suites. All cabins are comfortably furnished and have a hair dryer and from the balcony cabin category there are also bathrobes in the cabin. There are also slippers in the Yacht Club categories. Each cabin is also equipped with a safe. Ironing board and irons are not loaned to the cabin (fire safety reasons), but there is a laundry with ironing service.

Dining & Specialty Restaurants

On board the MSC fleet, you can feast to your heart's content and enjoy the wide selection of high-quality international food on offer. In the buffet restaurants you have a wide selection of Mediterranean specialties and a diverse selection of drinks. The Top Sail Lounge offers panoramic views over tasty snacks, gourmet delicacies and drinks. The One Pool sundeck provides you with snacks during the day.

Specialty restaurants also belong to the fleet of MSC cruises. Steaks and Mexican tapas can be found in the Tex-Mex and Steakhouse. The Eataly provides you with the traditional cuisine of Italy, as well as many other restaurants aboard the ships. The Kaito Sushi Bar makes sushi hearts beat faster. Vegetarian food and gluten-free food is also available on the ships. Please register in advance.

Daily Dining Available For You:

• Early Bird Breakfast: 6:30 - 7:00 am on deck
• Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:00, also possible in the cabin (possibly with extra charge)
• Lunch: 12:00 - 14:30 in the restaurant and on the outer deck (buffet)
• Dinner: two sessions at 19:00 and 20:45 in the restaurant (usually at 18:30 and 20:30 for Norwegian cruises)
  The buffet restaurant and the pizzeria (free choice of table) are also open in the evening. Dinner is therefore in the main restaurant (or in the specialty restaurants) or alternatively in the buffet restaurant and the pizzeria.

Entertainment On Board
 

An MSC cruise never gets boring. Your trip includes several days at sea or you just want to stay aboard? No problem. Are you looking for the challenge? Then take part in the MasterChef AT SEA , where you can prove your cooking skills and have them judged by MSC chefs. Of course, a day on board is the perfect way to keep your fitness goals going or get you going. In any case, sports facilities are not lacking. You want to use the time and learn something new? Then sign up for a dance class or an art or creative class . Let your creativity run wild and showcase your musical skills at the Queen of the Sea event or the King of the Sea event in which ladies and gentlemen can act, sing and dance and be crowned winner of the Queen or King of the Seas. Daily video quiz competitions put your knowledge to the test on a wide range of topics. How about, for example, a beer quiz, musical quiz, car quiz, art quiz, or maybe a sports quiz?

You do not live until the evening? Then look forward to the unlimited evening entertainment! Whether it's a classic gala evening, theme parties (like the legendary White Party), dance and singing competitions, karaoke or fantastic musical shows, if you want, you can go all night! On the ships of MSC you enjoy high class evening program in a class of its own. Visit a show at the "Cirque du Soleil" (15 EUR per person including cocktail and seat) or spend a relaxing evening at the bar.

Live music creates a fantastic atmosphere on MSC cruises. A dance orchestra with a repertoire ranging from ballroom music to disco sound of the 70s, piano and string quartet, swing bands, Latin American bands, country & western and much more will accompany you during your trip.

Sports & Wellness
 

On an MSC cruise, nothing prevents you from staying fit! On board you will find a wide selection of sports facilities, such as the state-of- the- art sports center with sea views . Here you can work on modern Technogym equipment, take courses such as aerobics, Pilates or Spinning and a qualified personal trainer is there to help you. The ships are differently equipped, but on each ship find some of the following facilities:

• Basketball
• Soccer
• Jogging trail
• Mini bowling
• Miniature golf
• Power walking track
• Squash
• Table football
• Table tennis
• Tennis
• Volleyball
   

For a refreshing moment, head straight to the MSC Aurea Spa , an original Balinese spa on the high seas.Enjoy an exclusive interior, characterized by natural stone, precious woods and ornate mosaics, while soothing music and pleasant scents stimluate your senses. Choose between 20 different massages or spoil yourself with a soothing sauna. Try the Turkish bath, which is available depending on the ship. Modern beauty treatments such as Mys Advance or Q-Frequency Therapy are available on board. A visit to the spa area leaves nothing to be desired and is perfect for rainy days, after long excursions or simply because you want a rest day!

Language On Board
 

The official board language on the MSC ships is English, but many employees speak other languages. This is indicated by an additional note on the name tag. The shows on board are mostly language neutral.

Land excursions are also carried out in English.

Pricing Models

Your MSC cruise includes full board on board (breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee and dinner) in each fare model, use of all passenger boarding facilities including events and entertainment program, embarkation and disembarkation fees, baggage transport on embarkation and disembarkation, and a travel expense certificate.

In addition, MSC Cruises offers various packages for your personal cruising experience:

Bella
 

For balcony cabins, cabins with sea view and inside cabins

• Up to 20 hours a day open buffet restaurant with a large selection of excellent cuisine
• Choice between early and late table time at dinner
• Great entertainment program
• Pool, fitness centre and sports facilities at leisure
• 5 different clubs for children and teenagers with age-appropriate events
• MSC Voyagers Club points that give you benefits for future cruises

Fantastica
 

For super family cabins, balcony cabins, ocean view cabins and inside cabins

• All the benefits of the Bella package
• Cabins in a preferred location
• Table time can be changed on board
• Priority in the allocation of table times
• 24-hour cabin service
• Additional special leisure activities and cooking classes for children and teenagers

Aurea
 

For suites and balcony cabins

• All the benefits of the Fantastica package
• Premium cabins in a privileged location
• All Inclusive Beverage Package "Easy"
• Preferred check-in
• Extra reserved area in the restaurants
• Spa package with welcome cocktail, massage, solarium, spa consultation and access to the thermal area throughout the cruise
• Access to the private sundeck

Wellness (only available until winter 2019)
 

For balcony cabins, cabins with sea view and inside cabins

• Welcome package in your cabin with sportswear, towel and bracelet
• Included sport oriented shore excursions
• Access to the private sundeck
• Personalised wellness program
• Individual fitness program
• One sports drink per day in your cabin
• Extra reserved area in the restaurants
• Health check at the MSC Spa doctor
• Fitness analysis
• Laundry for sportswear

MSC Yacht Club
 

The MSC Yacht Club gives you the feeling of a luxury cruise on a private yacht with the award-winning "Ship in Ship" concept, while still taking advantage of a cruise ship's extensive offerings. If you value privacy and exclusivity on your cruise, the MSC Yacht Club is the right choice for you.

Benefit From Numerous Advantages:

• Preferred check-in and check-out
• Luxurious suites with high quality equipment
• 24-hour butler and concierge service
• Bathrobe and slippers in the cabin
• Free selection of branded drinks at the MSC Yacht Club, minibar and all restaurants and bars
• Access to the MSC Aurea Spa, the thermal area with saunas, steam room and relaxation room
• Exclusive Yacht Club Restaurant without table times
• Own lounge and pool area

Beverage Packages
 

With the booking of a beverage package, you can confidently enjoy on board, without always having to keep an eye on the costs. If you book before you travel, you can save 15% on MSC.

"Easy"

The drinks package "Easy" includes all drinks of the bar menu up to a price of 6 € and the following selection:

• Juices
• Soft drinks
• Mineral water
• Hot drinks such as espresso, cappuccino and tea
• Selected wines and Prosecco
• Draft beer
• Long drinks
• Cocktails

The package costs 29 € per person and night for adults. The package does not apply to the specialty restaurants.

"Premium"

The beverage package "Premium" includes all drinks of the bar menu up to a price of 10 € and the following selection

• Juices
• Soft drinks
• Mineral water
• Hot drinks including coffee specialties
• Large selection of wines, sparkling wines and beers
• Long drinks
• Cocktails

The package costs depending on the region 39 € (Europe, Emirates, Antilles, Cuba, Grand Voyages), 52 € (USA, Grand Voyages from USA) or 47 € (South America, Grand Voyages from South America) per person and night for adults. The package is valid for all bars, restaurants and also for the specialty restaurants.

"Premium Plus"

With the beverage package "Premium Plus" you can enjoy all available drinks without price limit. Snacks and drinks from the minibar, themed bar menus and the cabin service menu are also included. This package also gives you a 30% discount on the wine and wine bottles from the wine list.

The package costs depending on the region 55 € (Europe, Emirates, Antilles, Cuba, South America, Grand Voyages) or 66 € (USA, Grand Voyages from USA) per person and night for adults.

"Non-alcoholic For Adults"

With this package, you can enjoy unlimited unlimited alcohol on your cruise. All non-alcoholic drinks are included and can be eaten in all bars and restaurants except the specialty restaurants. This includes:

• Virgin cocktails
• Soft drinks
• Energy drinks
• Mineral water
• Juices
• Coffee drinks
• Hot chocolate
• Tea

The consumption of soft ice cream is also included. The package costs depending on the region 19 € (Europe, Emirates, Antilles, Cuba, Grand Voyages), 24 € (USA, Grand Voyages from USA) or 21 € (South America, Grand Voyages from South America) per person and night for adults.

Currency & Payment On Board

Before the start of your cruise you can have money booked on your board account. Upon departure, MSC will request a deposit, which will either be debited to your credit card account or deposited in your on-board account. One day before disembarkation you will receive the bill for your cabin. These settle at the front desk before leaving the ship (credit card or cash).

Board Currency
 

Cruises in the Mediterranean, Nordland, Red Sea and the Antilles and Grand Cruises from Europe: Euro (€).
Cruises to the Caribbean, South America and South Africa and Grand Cruises towards Europe: US Dollars ($).
 

Dress Code
 

During the day on board and on shore excursions, casual clothing is acceptable to relax and enjoy different activities. If you want to attend festive occasions such as gala evenings, gentlemen should pack a jacket or a dark suit with a tie and the ladies' elegant evening attire or a cocktail dress. Depending on the theme evening, you can also pack appropriate clothing for these occasions - for example for the 70s party or the "White Night". Information about offered theme evenings can be found in your  travel documents.

  

Families With Children
 

On MSC cruises there is no minimum age unlike other cruise lines. The responsibility and liability lies with the parents. A maximum of two children up to the age of 17 travel free of charge to many destinations in a cabin with two adults.

Baby cots are available on request and subject to availability. Prams do not have to be registered in advance. Please note that for safety reasons you should not leave the stroller in the aisle.

Children can have a great time at the kids clubs. DOREMILAND is divided into two groups: Mini Club (3-6 years) and Juniors Club (7-11 years). Both clubs are inside the theme facilities of the onboard mini club. Here, qualified staff ensure that the right activities take place for each age group.

Even adolescents are looked after according to their age. There is the Young Club (12-14 years) and the Teens Club (15-17 years). Here there are sports tournaments including football, dodgeball or mini golf organized, dance competitions, social network games  and Wii and Xbox games are available. In the evenings, teenagers can look forward to music competitions and parties such as a teenage ball night or even the MSC Flashmob.

Teens Card
 

The Teens Card is a prepaid card for children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years. They can use it to pay for everything they want to buy on board and use it as the key to their cabin. The card is available in two variants (30.00 EUR and 50.00 EUR); depending on which variant you choose, you will receive an additional bonus of 5, - EUR (for the 30,00 EUR card) or 10,00 EUR (for the 50,00 EUR card) from MSC.

To select the optimal cabin, contact our experienced cruise consultants.

Wheelchair Cabins
 

The MSC ships have wheelchair accessible cabins. These are equipped with wide doors, two single beds, barrier-free room transitions and a bathroom adapted for the disabled. Due to the construction of the ships, there are still some areas that are not accessible to wheelchair users. These include the upper sundecks, the bridge, mini golf and certain sports facilities.

Internet On Board
 

Wireless LAN in public areas and in the cabins is available on all ships. You can book the internet with prepaid internet packages. The included data limit per package depends on the duration of the cruise and is different per ship. Depending on how long your journey lasts and which package you book (Chat & Social, Standard, Premium or Unlimited), the prices and the available data volume differ. In addition, you can book a 24-hour package at a price of 24.90 EUR.

Pregnancy
 

Pregnant women may travel with MSC Cruises if the 24th week of pregnancy has not started before or during the journey. Before starting the trip, please present a certificate from your doctor. The certificate must be in English and a copy sent to MSC Cruises before the cruise commences. Take the original certificate on board with you. More information can be found in your travel documents.

Electricity
 

The power supply on board of all ships is 110/220 V in the cabin. Please note that heat-generating appliances (such as kettles, vial warmers, electric blankets etc.) are not allowed on board.

Smoke
 

Smoking is only allowed in the specially designated smoking areas. Smoking is also prohibited in the cabins and private cabin balconies due to the particular fire hazard at sea.

Smoking is permitted in numerous bars and on one side of the pool deck in the outdoor area (please note the signage) where ashtrays are also available.

Animals
 

Pets are not allowed on board, but there is an exception for assistance dogs. Please contact the cruise line for more information.

MSC Private Island
 

MSC Cruises has its own island in the Caribbean. The area, which belongs to the Bahamas, is promised to be a paradise for guests visiting. The Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve private island offers many cruise ship amenities that will be able to land here from 2019. The island is 38.5 hectares and the 3.5 km long dream sandy beach is divided into six sections.

Plans include a Bahamian-style village with restaurants, bars and shops and an amphitheater with 2,000 seats. For adventure fans, a zip line is built across the island, and those seeking peace and quiet can relax in a lagoon.

Ecological Aspects
 

The MSC ships have an on-board recycling system that recycles 95% of the waste. Cabins and public areas are equipped with LED lighting and the air conditioners are automatically regulated.