If you have an upcoming cruise on MSC, then prepare to be a busy during your vacation. We’re not saying that you can’t relax on the cruise, but there are going to be tons of things on the ship to see, do, and experience.
Below, we have just the start of what you can do on the ship, but there is one thing to note. Like other lines, MSC offers a wide variety of ships that range from older, smaller vessels all the way to some of the largest cruise ships in the world. So not everything mentioned below is available on every ship.
If you sail those larger (and newer!) ships, then you can expect the most options for things to do onboard.
Eat the Best Pizza at Sea
We’ll be the first to tell you that highlighting eating pizza as something to do seems a little strange. But if you think that, then you haven’t had MSC’s pizza.
The pizza on most cruise ships runs from decent to just a step above cardboard. MSC, however, has pie that would stand up to anything you can get on land, and it’s included with your cruise.
Older ships might only have pizza served in the buffet, but newer ships have multiple spots serving it up at multiple venues. If you haven’t tried it, then do yourself a favor and get you a slice (or three).
Enjoy the Indoor/Outdoor Pool No Matter the Weather
If you want to take a dip in a pool, any cruise ship can let you do that. And most — including MSC — have multiple pools. But MSC offers a number of ships with pools boasting retractable roofs. Often it’s with a “jungle” theme such as the Botanic Garden Pool on World-class ships.
There’s usually a decent-sized pool and two large whirlpools. And because the roof is retractable, it’s a great place to be no matter the weather. If it’s cool out, the closed roof makes this place comfortable. And when the weather is good, you can relax and have a dip in the sunshine.
Have Kids? They’ll Love the LEGOS…
Have kids? Then they will love MSC. There are a number of things for them to do that we include on this list, but maybe what they will be most excited about is the partnership with LEGO. Not only does this mean lots of LEGO graphics but there are LEGO sets available in the kids clubs for them to build and LEGO characters walking the decks.
If you have a kid that loves the blocks, it’s a must see.
…Or the Splashpad Park
If you’re sailing with kids, then one place you’re going to have to visit is the splashpad. But usually this isn’t just a small place with a few sprayers. They can be fairly complex, including with elevated walkways, slides, and a ton more.
If they are older than about 12 years old, then they will want to get on the waterslides. Smaller kids, however, will love the chance to get wet and play.
…Or the Waterslides
Have older kids? Or maybe you’re just a kid at heart? In that case, one thing you can do is hit the waterslides on the ship. The options vary from ship to ship, with the newest vessels offering the most rides. For example, MSC World America features three different slides, with one being a traditional slide where you lay on your back, another being a tube slide, and the last being a drop slide where the floor falls out from under you.
Drive in the Most Realistic F1 Sim You’ve Ever Seen
If you’re a Formula 1 fan, then you might have noticed that MSC is a big sponsor of the sport. MSC advertisements can be seen across tracks on the calendar.
But the F1 ties extend to onboard as well. The cruise line has F1 simulators on the ship, featuring a realistic cockpit with wraparound displays. For a fee ($12 for five minutes the last time we sailed), passengers can race their favorite track and feel like a real F1 driver for a few moments. Just be warned that if you like racing, the simulators can be addictive.
See the Most Athletic Shows on Any Cruise Ship
If you want to see some major talent and be entertained, then don’t miss the shows on MSC. Now we will be the first to say that other lines might have bigger productions or more technologically advanced theaters. In that sense, MSC is pretty traditional with stage shows that are typically singing and dancing.
But we find their shows unique in that they often incorporate more acrobatic and athletic performances than other lines. For example, there are the typical theater shows but then also some that focus on more circus-style acts like performers hoisting each other up or aerialists suspended only by ropes wrapped around their bodies.
Relax With a Massage or Thermal Suite Visit
There’s no better way to relax on a cruise than hitting the spa. MSC’s Aurea Spa is found around the fleet and can offer you up practically any treatment you can imagine from a massage to mani/pedis, and more.
One of our favorites is a simple thermal pass that allows you access to the spa area for the day, including the fancy rain showers, whirlpools, heated loungers and cold rooms. To us, these passes offer the best value and gives you lots of time to unwind.
Do Some Shopping (Window Shopping Is Ok Too!)
Want to do a little shopping… or even window shopping? MSC is happy to help you out. Its ships feature plenty of shops selling everything from high-end time pieces (seriously, we’re talking watches worth $20,000+!) all the way to t-shirts, candy, sunglasses, and anything you can imagine with the MSC logo on it.
In fact, you’ll probably be hit with plenty of sales reminders during your cruise encouraging you to go check out what’s being offered.
Conquer Your Fear of Heights With the Cliffhanger
If you’re sailing one of MSC’s newest ships — like MSC World America or World Atlantic — then you can get one of the biggest thrills on a cruise ship anywhere.
These ships feature a thrill ride at the top of the ship known as the Cliffhanger. The ride ($10 charge during a recent cruise) takes you up and over the edge of the ship, and then swings you back and forth. At that peak, you’re roughly 200 feet with nothing below you except for the seat you’re strapped into.
If you’re looking for the ultimate thrill ride, this is it.
Watch the Game With a Drink in the Sports Bar
Just because you’re in the middle of the ocean doesn’t mean you have to miss the game. On MSC ships you’ll find the ship’s sports bar. The design varies from ship to ship. Some of the sports bars are simply a sports-themed bar with multiple TVs showing games from around the world. Others — such as on MSC World America — are an entire space that’s separate from the rest of the ship complete with shuffleboard, tons of booths, TV, a ticker, and tons of beer on draft.
No matter what, if you’re sailing during football season, this is the place to be.
Try Your Luck in the Casino
Just about any cruise ship you sail will have a casino, and that includes on MSC. If you want to try your luck, then you’ll have every chance to, no matter your favorite game. Slots? Yes. Blackjack? Of course. There’s craps, roulette, lotto style drawings, and even sports betting if that’s what you’re into.
One thing we have noticed is that MSC has fewer of the offbeat games like you’ll find on other lines. We’re talking about things like the claw machines for cash and the coinpusher machines. You might find these on your ship, but not as prominently as on other lines.
Start Your Morning With a Yoga Class
We’ve always loved the chilled-out atmosphere of a cruise ship first thing in the morning. It’s quiet, it’s calm, and feels completely different than at any other time of day.
If you also like that feeling, then you might be interested in early morning yoga classes as something to do. We’ve seen these offered on the back deck, near the water first thing in the morning. From yoga poses to “sound bathing,” the session lets you do it all while taking in the freshness of a new morning.
A Thrill Ride You Won’t Find Anywhere Else: Robotron
We don’t even really know how to describe the Robotron. MSC calls it a “robocoaster” but we think that’s not terribly accurate. It’s a thrill ride where riders are attached to the end of a robotic arm. The arm then takes you up, down, left, right, and spins you around. We’ve ridden plenty of roller coasters, and this is something completely different.
There is a fee to ride and to our knowledge it’s only available on MSC Seascape. But it’s worth doing once on your trip just to experience something you can’t get anywhere else.
Are You Kidding?! Enjoy Some Pool Time and Sunshine
We think that any cruise really revolves around the sun and the pool, and that’s no different on MSC. In that case, you can definitely sit poolside with a drink and work on your tan. The cruise line is known for having wide-open pool decks and for having multiple pools spread around the ship. So whether you want the lively feel of the main pool or the more laid-back vibe of an adults-only pool or even something else, you have plenty of options around the ship.
More on Sailing MSC:
- Ocean Cay (MSC’s Private Island): Complete Visitors Guide
- What I Wish I Knew Before I Sailed an MSC Cruise (How it’s Different)
