MSC Cruises is a solid mid-range option, but the experience varies by ship age and destination
MSC Cruises is the world's largest privately-owned cruise line, operating over 20 ships that sail to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, and other regions. The line sits in the middle tier of the cruise industry—not budget-focused like Carnival, not luxury-focused like Disney or Regent. Most travelers report that MSC delivers decent value for the price, though the experience depends heavily on which ship you book and what you prioritize.
The company is based in Switzerland and owned by the Aponte family, which has run shipping operations for generations. MSC has expanded aggressively in the past decade, adding newer ships with modern amenities. However, they also operate older vessels, and the quality difference between a 2024 ship and a 2008 ship is noticeable. Your satisfaction will depend on which one you end up on.
Key Takeaways
- MSC offers competitive pricing compared to Royal Caribbean and Disney, with per-day costs typically $100 to $200 lower than Disney and $30 to $80 lower than Royal Caribbean on similar itineraries.
- Newer MSC ships (launched 2017 onward) have modern design and amenities, while older ships feel dated and may have fewer dining and entertainment options.
- Onboard dining is included for main restaurants but specialty restaurants and most drinks cost extra, which can add $15 to $40 per person per day to your final bill.
- MSC's customer service reputation is mixed—many cruisers report good experiences, but complaints about billing errors and unresponsive support are common enough to check recent reviews before booking.
- The line attracts a more international passenger mix than Carnival or Royal Caribbean, which some travelers enjoy and others find less familiar.
Pricing and what's included in your fare
MSC's base fares are genuinely lower than Royal Caribbean and Disney on comparable sailings. A 7-day Caribbean cruise on MSC might cost $700 to $1,000 per person, while the same itinerary on Royal Caribbean runs $900 to $1,300 and Disney runs $1,200 to $1,800. However, the final cost depends on what you add after booking.
Your fare includes a cabin, main dining room meals, basic entertainment, and access to most onboard facilities. It does not include specialty restaurants (which cost $15 to $30 per meal), alcoholic drinks ($8 to $18 each), soft drinks outside your cabin ($3 to $5), gratuities (typically $15 per person per day), or excursions at ports. Many cruisers find that once they add a drink package, specialty dining, and gratuities, the per-person cost approaches what they would have paid on Royal Caribbean—so the savings are real but not dramatic.
Ship quality: newer vessels versus older ones
MSC operates ships from different eras, and the difference is stark. The newer Meraviglia-class and World-class ships (launched 2017 to 2024) feature modern design, multiple specialty restaurants, a wider variety of bars and lounges, better cabin layouts, and newer technology. These ships feel comparable to Royal Caribbean's newer vessels. The older ships—particularly those from the 2000s and early 2010s—have smaller cabins, fewer dining options, older décor, and less sophisticated entertainment systems.
Before booking, check the ship's launch year and read recent reviews specific to that vessel. A 2024 MSC ship is genuinely good. A 2008 MSC ship is adequate but noticeably dated. MSC's website lists the ship name and year, and sites like CruiseCritic.com and Cruise Fever have detailed reviews and photos from recent sailings on each ship.
Dining, entertainment, and onboard experience
Main dining room food is decent but not exceptional—comparable to Carnival and Royal Caribbean's standard offerings. The main restaurant serves a different menu each night, and the quality is consistent enough that most cruisers are satisfied. Specialty restaurants (Italian, steakhouse, Asian fusion) are available for an extra charge and generally receive better reviews than the main dining room.
Entertainment includes nightly shows, comedy acts, live music, and daytime activities. Newer ships have more varied programming and better production values. Older ships offer entertainment, but it may feel repetitive if you sail for more than a few days. The casino, fitness center, and pools are standard across the fleet. MSC's Aurea Spa is available on most ships and charges separately for treatments.
One consistent complaint is that MSC charges for things other lines include. Specialty coffee costs extra, some fitness classes cost extra, and some onboard activities have fees. Royal Caribbean and Disney include more of these amenities in the base fare, which can feel like nickel-and-diming if you're not prepared.
Passenger demographics and atmosphere
MSC attracts a more international passenger mix than Carnival or Royal Caribbean, with significant numbers of European, South American, and Australian cruisers. This can be a strength—the atmosphere feels more cosmopolitan, and you may encounter different dining customs and entertainment styles. It can also be a weakness if you prefer an all-English-speaking environment; announcements and some entertainment are multilingual, which some travelers find adds length to the day.
The average age skews slightly older than Carnival but younger than luxury lines. Families are common, particularly on Caribbean sailings. The overall vibe is relaxed and casual, similar to Royal Caribbean but with less of the "party ship" energy that Carnival is known for.
Customer service and common complaints
MSC's customer service receives mixed reviews. Many cruisers report friendly, helpful staff and smooth embarkation. Others report billing errors (charges appearing on their account that they didn't authorize), difficulty reaching customer service before the cruise, and slow responses to complaints during the sailing. The line has improved in recent years but still lags behind Disney and Royal Caribbean in consistency.
Common specific complaints include: unexpected charges appearing on your onboard account, difficulty getting refunds for services you didn't use, and language barriers when trying to resolve issues (staff speak English, but not always fluently). Before booking, read recent reviews on CruiseCritic.com or Cruise Fever, which aggregate passenger feedback by ship and sailing date. This gives you a realistic sense of what to expect from that specific vessel and time period.
How MSC compares to other cruise lines
MSC is cheaper than Disney and Royal Caribbean but more expensive than Carnival. The quality gap between MSC and Carnival is noticeable—MSC's ships are newer on average, the atmosphere is more refined, and the dining is slightly better. The gap between MSC and Royal Caribbean is smaller; Royal Caribbean offers more onboard amenities included in the fare and slightly better customer service, but you pay for it. MSC is a reasonable choice if you want to save money without sacrificing too much quality.
If you prioritize value and don't mind a more international atmosphere, MSC is worth considering. If you want the most amenities included and the smoothest customer service, Royal Caribbean or Disney are safer bets despite the higher cost. If you're budget-conscious and don't mind older ships, Carnival is cheaper.
Red flags and questions to ask before booking
Before committing to an MSC cruise, verify the ship's launch year and read reviews specific to that vessel. Check whether specialty dining and drinks are included in any current promotions—sometimes MSC offers packages that bundle these in, making the total cost more competitive. Confirm the itinerary's ports and whether you're interested in the destinations; MSC's Caribbean sailings are solid, but their Mediterranean sailings are their strength.
Review the cancellation policy carefully. MSC's standard policy is stricter than Royal Caribbean's, with lower refunds if you cancel close to the sailing date. If you're booking far in advance, consider travel insurance. Finally, check recent reviews on the specific sailing date you're considering, not just the ship in general—a ship's experience can vary by season and by the passenger mix on a particular sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MSC Cruises safe?
MSC meets international maritime safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. The line has not had major safety incidents in recent years. Safety standards across the cruise industry are strict, and MSC is not an outlier in either direction. If safety is your primary concern, all major cruise lines—MSC, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney—operate under the same regulatory framework.
What is included in an MSC cruise fare?
Your fare includes the cabin, main dining room meals, basic entertainment, and access to pools and fitness facilities. Specialty restaurants, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks outside your cabin, gratuities, excursions, and spa services cost extra. Some promotions bundle drinks or specialty dining into the fare, so check what's offered when you book.
Are MSC cabins smaller than Royal Caribbean?
On newer MSC ships, cabin sizes are comparable to Royal Caribbean. On older MSC ships, cabins are noticeably smaller. Check the specific ship's deck plans and cabin dimensions before booking; MSC's website provides this information, and CruiseCritic.com has detailed cabin reviews and photos.
Does MSC charge for gratuities?
Yes. MSC automatically adds gratuities to your onboard account at approximately $15 per person per day. You can adjust this amount at guest services if you believe it's inappropriate, but the default is charged unless you actively change it. This is standard across the cruise industry.
Can I bring my own drinks on an MSC cruise?
MSC allows you to bring a limited amount of alcohol into your cabin (typically one bottle of wine or champagne per person), but not into public areas. Outside alcohol is not permitted in dining rooms, bars, or pool areas. This policy is similar to Royal Caribbean and Carnival.