MSC Cruises
Is This Your Business?3.2
4.1
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
LAST UPDATED: November 5th, 2021
Top Ranked Companies
#1
Carnival Cruise Lines
chevron_right
(719)
6.0 Overall Score
4.3
#2
Disney Cruise Line
chevron_right
(138)
6.0 Overall Score
4.8
#3
Royal Caribbean International
chevron_right
(466)
5.8 Overall Score
4.2
The Good
- Affordable cruises
- Children under 11 years old travel free
- Great amenities
Affordable Cruises
Cruises are easily affordable with a three day cruise available for less than $200 per person. Children under 11 years of age travel free. On select cruises, all inclusive drinks packages may be purchased for a of couple dollars. MSC Cruise Lines also features an exclusive ship within a ship known as the MSC Yacht Club. This club features a set of air-conditioned suites featuring marble bathrooms, butler service, LCD televisions, Nintendo Wii consoles, and Internet access.Amenities
Enjoy outdoor pools, sports tournaments, and tennis and volleyball courts. Sign up for complimentary classes including yoga, or dance lessons. Relax at the Aurea Spa at an extra charge. Evening activities include casino gambling, live bands, and nightclubs. There is also a theater hosting nightly performances. Standard amenities found on all cruise ships include:- Specialty Restaurants
- Bars and Lounges
- Spa and Fitness Centers
- Sports & Sports Tournaments
- Pool Games
- Live DJ
- King and Queen of the Sea Contests
- Live Music Bands
- Theatre and Live Shows
- Boutique Shopping
- Casino
- Beauty Salon
Destinations
MSC has expanded in recent years in terms of the number of destinations travelers have to choose from. With their fleet, MSC Cruises is able to service more people and introduce them to new countries all around the world. Destinations for their cruise ships include:- Bermuda
- South Caribbean
- Northern Europe
- South America
- Transatlantic Grand Voyages
- Caribbean
- Mediterranean
- Canary Islands and Morocco
- South Africa
- the United Arab Emirates
Dress Code
The dress code is resort casual onboard MSC ships in the evening. No jeans, T-shirts, or shorts are permitted in the dining venues after 6 p.m. for formal evenings, women are advised to wear cocktail dresses and men should expect to dress in suits, or jackets and ties.Insurance Protection
Valuable Insurance Protection is conveniently available with all of MSC Cruises' packages. Troubles such as illness, medical emergencies, delayed flights or lost luggage can occur when you least anticipate them and may affect your vacation. Insurance Protection safeguards you before, during and after your trip with important insurance coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance services, identity theft protection, and concierge services.The Bad
- Dining options
- Limited featured cruise trips
- Extra charges and fees
Dining Options
Cuisine consists mainly of Italian and Mediterranean flair. There are several dining options to choose from while onboard. However, seating is pre-assigned at boarding and dinner times are also scheduled based on cabin selection. Guests have reported that the meals are of standard quality and were disappointed that dinners were not more gourmet style.Featured Cruise Trips
There are only two featured cruise trips at any given time when there are discounts on upcoming travel. With the number of cruise ships that run year-round, it is surprising that there are not more options. Also, the cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, and Europe can be rather expensive. The information is broken down below:- Book 2016-2017 Caribbean Cruises from $449 per person and get up to $400 shipboard credit and a free beverage package
- Balcony Staterooms from $799 on Mediterranean Cruises if booked before May 31, 2015
- Caribbean: $379-$1,049 per person
- Europe: $1049-$,2345 per person
Extra Charges
Beverages are not included in the cruise fare and dining options are fairly limited. Offshore excursions cost extra. There is an automatic 15 percent hotel service charge tacked on daily to cover service by hotel staff. Other services that cost extra include:- Photographer
- Casino
- Video games
- 4D cinema (MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia and MSC Magnifica) and F1 simulator (only on MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia)
- Golf simulator (only on MSC Sinfonia)
- Bowling (only on MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica)
- Internet stations
- Hairdresser
- Barber
- Beauty salon
- Turkish bath
- Sauna and massages
- Laundry and ironing.
The Bottom Line
Was this content helpful?
Yes
No
Penny Huntsville, AL
We sailed on the MSC Divina last November. The price for the cruise was the determining factor, and I wanted to compare it to Costa. My husband and I both enjoyed Costa more because the food was better on Costa (to our taste), the staff was much friendlier on Costa, and the activities on board were more fun on Costa. We did think the Divina was beautiful, our cabin steward was very nice, the cabin was very comfortable, the F1 experience was a blast (once you found it), and the ship had plenty to offer. I actually think that MSC was trying to Americanize their offerings, and many of the crew did not speak English. I would sail on them again, if the price was right.
11 years ago
Jess Hackettstown, NJ
We went on the MSC Divina this past July. Having on so many cruise ships and cruise lines before, I have observed the MSC to be chaotic. People are cutting the lines when you are trying to get the food. It is hard to get seats and nobody seems to be willing to help you. The same with service- hardly anyone is willing to get things for you or not motivated to do so.
Service is below par as well as the food. Also, some employees have body odor which is a complete turn off and which I have not experienced in the American run cruise lines.
Employees are not trained to be people friendly. They meet you in the hallways and most of them do not greet you much less help you.
Also the dining room in the evening is rushed if you are in the first seating group. You cannot really take your time as they will inform you that you have to leave because they have to prepare for the second seating. This was my first experience to being told to leave even with cruises that have fixed times.
One thing that was good was their entertainment. The shows were excellent and the bands in the lounges were really good.
Even water is being doled out like soda. We were allowed only 1 bottle of water per room during dinner. Everything you have to pay for.
I will not cruise with them again.
11 years ago
JR Boca Raton, FL
Divina: The ship was great and beautiful . The shows and the music around the ship was excellent. The food ok very small portions , The service was the worse that I have had on any cruise ship. The Headwaiters don't know how to instruct or teach these guys how to serve or understand the guest. Customer service one of the worse, had a problem went down to complain and they seem not to care.
11 years ago
Carlos Noda Miami, FL
Seating issues in the main dining room first night. Dirty glasses and silver wear.
did not like the Idea of Co-ed saunas
not enough adults only areas unless you reserved and paid for it extra. The Jacuzzis' area we being used as a water park for the kids. totally unacceptable.
Food was average. I expected more from an Italian cruise line. We paid for an upgraded brunch to be served some of the same food being served in the buffet line. Just presented differently. also a language issue with the staff very difficult to under stand
11 years ago
gina zalewski Centereach, NY
I would think twice before i ever book with them again! food was ok Not what i expected for an Italian cruise line Entertainment was great when they had it There wasnt anything going on by the pool Staff was friendly and helpful ship was kept clean But overall nothing over the top with the choices of food especially on the dinner menu.
11 years ago
Judy Saint Petersburg, FL
Food was just so-so. Hard to find the selections you wanted. Cruisers on ship were rude. Ship is way too big. Room was very nice, no complaints there. The room steward was excellent. Overall, would never go on MSC again.
11 years ago
Pam Windermere, FL
Clean ship, staff were nice. Food at dinner was horrible.
11 years ago
