MSC Cruises may have a huge presences in North America just yet, but that’s quickly changing. While other cruise lines — Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean — may get most of the headlines, MSC is actually just as large and even larger than some of those names.
That’s just because until the past few years, MSC hadn’t focused as heavily on the United States. That definitely isn’t the case going forward. Today, it offers cruises from Miami, Port Canaveral and Galveston, with trips to Alaska from Seattle now also an option.
As well, the line is expanding its fleet both in number and size of ships. The line currently boasts the largest cruise ships in the world outside of Royal Caribbean with its MSC World Europa and MSC World America. And there are more of these mega ships on the way.
In other words, if you haven’t been tempted by an MSC cruise yet, it could be a different story in the near future.
Having sailed MSC multiple times, as well as sailing the other major cruise lines regularly, we can tell you that there are some major differences between this line and its competitors. Here’s what to know before you sail.
Differences Between MSC and Other Major Cruise Lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Etc.)
MSC Is Less Expensive Than Most Lines
If you’re searching for a cruise aboard MSC, the first thing you are likely to notice is the price of your trip. We’ve priced thousands of cruises over the year and MSC offers many of the cheapest trips we’ve seen; often times even less than Carnival, which is known as a budget-friendly line.
For example, a week cruise aboard the MSC Grandiosa from Port Canaveral in July 2027 (peak season) can be had starting for just $724 per person with taxes and fees included.
Comparable trips during that time run $826 aboard Carnival Vista sailing from Port Canaveral. Sailings on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas for a week from Port Canaveral start at $1,363 per person.
MSC doesn’t have a lock on cruise deals, but it does offer a lot of affordable choices. Rates are even less expensive if sailing outside of summer or holidays.
Fewer Included Restaurants
Like other cruise lines, MSC also has a mix of included restaurants and specialty restaurants where you will pay extra to dine.
What’s different with MSC is that the amount of included restaurants are sparse.
This isn’t every ship, but on those we’ve sailed, only the buffet and main dining room have been available with the cruise fare. All other restaurants (of which there were only a handful) cost more.
Compare that to a line like Carnival that includes spots like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana, the pizza spot and the deli with the cruise fare.
Ocean Cay (MSC’s Private Island)
While all the major cruise lines have their own private destinations, only MSC has Ocean Cay. Just 65 miles from Miami, MSC poured hundreds of millions into converting the island from a former sand excavation site into a tropical paradise. It’s a must-see. (Read our complete guide to Ocean Cay here.) They are also working on a second island in the area known as Sandy Cay, but it won’t open until 2028.
What makes it so special are the beaches, water, and the atmosphere. Ocean Cay features multiple massive beaches, giving plenty of room for everyone to have their own space. In addition, the water is an electric blue that’s some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen (and we take a lot of cruises!).
While some cruise lines have created wild island that almost look like a cartoon with all the attractions, Ocean Cay is more subdued, with more space, and fewer visitors each day. If you’re wanting a relaxing beach day, this is it.
Room Stewards
In our experience with MSC, the room stewards are much less noticeable than what you’ll find on other cruise lines.
We’re used to meeting the room steward on the first day of the cruise, and then seeing them regularly each day coming to and from the room. On MSC, we only spotted him a time or two during the cruise.
Even so, our room was regularly cleaned. In fact, we actually prefer not having to constantly bump into a room steward and make small talk on our way in and out of the cabin.
Evening Entertainment on the Ship
In a world where cruise lines are pushing the envelope everywhere to make your experience bigger and better, MSC is decidedly old-school in some respects — like your evening entertainment.
Most cruise lines seem to be pushing toward full-scale production shows. Norwegian Cruise Lines, for example has put on productions of Footloose and Kinky Boots on some of its newer ships. Royal Caribbean offers big budget programs and even aqua shows on its Oasis and Icon-class ships.
In comparison, MSC is different on the ships we’ve sailed. A handful of ships feature Carousel Productions at Sea (similar to Cirque du Soleil), but not all. In our experience, the entertainment is more of things like a “variety show” featuring singing, dancing, and acrobatics. For instance, one cruise had a new take on Peter Pan that included contortionists, circus acts, and a juggler. Another show was a dedication to Michael Jackson, complete with an impersonator and full dance numbers.
Frankly, the talent level on these programs has been amazing, and the shows have been a big hit. However, they’ve struck us as a big departure from what we’ve seen on other lines.
Pizza
For pizza to be pointed out as a difference with other cruise lines, you know the pie on MSC must be pretty good.
We’re big fans of good pizza. What we’ve found, however, is that these dishes usually aren’t that great on many cruises. Frankly, the pizza on many ships is usually a bit bland and has a cardboard taste that you’d find at a cheap buffet.
Maybe it’s because MSC has roots in Europe, but they take their pizza seriously. It’s on par with anything you’d find at a popular pizza joint (and much better than chain restaurants). Best of all, it’s free at the buffet. You can also get an entire pie made to order and delivered to your cabin for a small fee.
MSC Yacht Club
MSC’s Yacht Club is a special group of high-end rooms set off from the rest of the ship for passengers wanting more exclusivity. Not only are the rooms more luxurious, but they also have exclusive spaces such as pool decks, lounges, and restaurants available only to passengers sailing in this area.
In a way, it’s a way to have the experience of a small-ship’s luxury while also getting the benefits of a mega-ship cruise.
Stay here and you get a number of perks included:
- 24-hour butler, concierge, and culinary staff
- Premium beverage package included
- Unlimited wi-fi for two devices per guest
- Complimentary mini-bar
- Included thermal spa access
- Priority reservation times at restaurants
- Priority access to theater shows
- Access to over 200 daily publications (newspapers, magazines) on phone or tablet
You do see this sort of exclusivity on some lines like Norwegian, but MSC makes it a big point.
Linking a Credit Card to Your Account
One difference between MSC and other cruise lines definitely struck us as odd, and that’s how you attach payment to your onboard account.
Every cruise line we’ve been on always asks for a credit card at check-in. It is scanned and linked to your account. At the end of the trip, your card is automatically charged after you leave.
In our cruise with MSC, passengers completed this process themselves — either online ahead of time or once actually on the ship. Several terminals are set up around the ship where you will insert the credit card you use for payment to link to your onboard account.
It’s on you to make sure your account is all squared away with a payment method. If you forget then you’ll have to go see Guest Services to settle your bill before you are allowed to leave the ship (we witnessed this happen to one passenger at the end of the cruise).
Be Prepared for Lots of Waivers
If you sail MSC, then be prepared to sign waivers for things you don’t have to on other cruise lines.
Should you do some of the more extreme things on other cruises, it’s likely you have to sign something. For instance, the Flowrider surf simulator on Royal Caribbean requires you to complete a form before you can enjoy.
MSC takes it to another level. On our most recent cruise, if you wanted to lift weights or run on the treadmill in the gym, you needed to sign a gym waiver. Want to ride one of the waterslides? Yes, there was a form to complete before you can do so.
Not Completely Different Than Other Lines (Tons That’s Familiar)
We don’t want to give the impression that MSC is an absolutely unfamiliar experience or completely different than sailing any other line. In fact, we’ve noticed that it’s actually become more similar to its rival lines (at least when sailing in the U.S.) during the past few years. If you’ve sailed a cruise before, there’s a lot that you’ll know and love.
Want to sit on the pool deck, sip a cold drink and soak up the sun? There’s plenty of that. How about dinner in the dining room followed by an impressive show in the theater? Sure, that’s there too. And what about a little late-night gambling in the casino or doing some shopping onboard? Of course.
However, it’s the smaller details surrounding life onboard that might stand out if you’re used to some of the other lines.
More on Sailing MSC:
- Worth It? Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages
- MSC Gratuities (Tips/Service Charge): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work
- Ocean Cay (MSC’s Private Island): Complete Guide & Things to Know
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Bob