one day only msc cruise

• Cruise Deals

MSC Cruise Deals

Cruise search, special cruise offers.

Royal Caribbean

• 60% OFF 2nd Guest + Kids Sail FREE + Specialty Dining for 2 + FREE GRATUITIES or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruise Line

• 70% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE At Sea + BOGO Airfare + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America

• Up to 40% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guests FREE + Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit

Princess Cruises

• Up to 35% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guest FREE + Up to $1,785 Onboard Credit

Celebrity Cruises

• Up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE Amenities Included: FREE Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Featured Cruise Deals

Other cruise options.

• Last Minute Cruise Deals
• Land Tour Deals
• View Golf Vacations
• Shop by Destination
• Shop by Cruise Line
• Cruise From Port Near You
• Holiday Sailings
• Luxury Cruises

MSC Cruise deals provide guests an opportunity to embark on some of the most unique voyages visiting impressive destinations throughout the world. MSC cruise line also offers the most seaview balcony staterooms in the industry, ensuring your experience is as memorable as possible. MSC cruises boasts a fleet of the most modern ships at sea with comfortable staterooms, state-of-the-art technology and forward-thinking progress and standards in environmental stewardship.

Delightful dining options range from casual comfort foods and healthy choices to chef-prepared delights, each night will be an exciting culinary experience. Beyond all of this, the entertainment options onboard are second to none with high-tech production shows, live music, Aquaparks, youth programs, Virtual Reality and simulation experiences, plus many more options every day and night of your trip. Research and compare MSC Cruise deals now and book the cruise of your dreams.

Featured MSC Cruise Deals

• Exclusive Rates: Must Call to Book
• The offers above may be combinable with your MSC Voyagers Club Rewards Benefits, call for details

Best MSC Cruise Deals by Destination

• Cruises starting at $199 from Miami, Orlando, or NYC
• Add Drinks Now and Save + Kids Sail Free
• Cruises from $249 on Escape to Sea Fares + Kids Sail Free
• Military & Civil Service Rates - Must call to book
• Cruise Only + Up to $250 per stateroom

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Modal title

The MSC Preziosa, made a big splash with kids, featuring one of the longest waterslides at sea.

The Doremi Castle Aqua Park will include a pathway of water features with sprays, fountains, water pistols and an automatic drenching bucket. But the highlight will be the Vertigo water slide, which launches from the 18th deck and offers a 394-foot-long ride, including one 30-foot translucent portion that extends over the side of the ship, giving riders a direct, but fleeting, look down to the water. The slide will have colored sections so riders are treated to a strobe affect while they hurtle through the enclosed tube at speeds up to 20 feet a second. The minimum height for each rider is 47 inches, and the maximum weight, 330 pounds.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS

• Forgot Password?

Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers.

Register with Cruise.com to get access to:

• Exclusive Rates
• Special Amenities

Login to Your Account

There was an error! Please re-enter your credentials and try submitting the form again.

Reset Your Password

Please enter the email associated with your account so that we may send you a link to reset your password.

An email was sent to the address provided with instructions on how to reset your password.

Oops! There was an error with the email you provided.

Last-minute Cruise Deals

It's never too late for a great deal.

When the urge to travel strikes unexpectedly, MSC Cruises is here to offer an unbeatable choice of last-minute cruise deals ! You've dreamt of visiting that city that's topped your wish list for years or you've told yourself for months you deserve a relaxing getaway, yet you've hesitated? Not any longer! Our amazing last-minute cruise deals mean there are no more excuses holding you back.

Late cruise deals are truly irresistible and may not be available for long , so we advise you to book as soon as possible to secure a cruise at the best price. From the last cabins available on our itineraries, or those set aside specifically for last-minute travellers there is always something tailored for you!

A last-minute cruise also means planning a stress-free trip. Set off in comfort from your nearest port and sail to incredible destinations.  

Book your last-minute cruise

Final call for your dream cruise, where will a last-minute cruise take you.

Fancy setting sail on last-minute holiday but not sure which horizons to head for? Let MSC Cruises inspire you with an astonishing range of destinations. Whether you are attracted by the historic cities of the Mediterranean or the irresistible wild nature of Northern Europe  there's a late cruise deal departing soon with destinations perfectly matched to your travel aspirations!

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises prides itself on providing an unparalleled onboard experience, featuring world-class entertainment, delectable dining options, and luxurious accommodations. With more balcony cabins than any other line, their fleet of state-of-the-art ships boasts an impressive array of amenities, including sparkling swimming pools, rejuvenating spas, and exciting onboard activities for the perfect holiday

One of the standout features of an MSC Cruises is their commitment to sustainability. They've implemented a range of environmentally conscious measures to reduce their carbon footprint, including energy-efficient lighting and water treatment systems, eco-friendly cleaning products, and waste reduction and recycling programs, many of their newest ships are powered by LNG.

With our selection of exclusive MSC Cruises Smart Packages, travellers are in for a real treat, and at unbeatable prices that won’t break the bank – guaranteed.

Destinations

With over 209 ports of call and more than 1,600 excursions available around the world, MSC Cruises offer the kind of experiences that a traveller’s dreams are made of.  Sailing year-round in the Mediterranean and Caribbean , MSC’s three centuries of maritime know-how means there’s no better way to experience these parts of the world. But the ship doesn’t stop there. Seasonal itineraries are also available in northern Europe , South America, South Africa, the Canary Islands and Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. Still not enough? Why not see the best the entire globe has to offer onboard an MSC world cruise? 

MSC Cruises literally cover the globe and each port they sail to offers an array of fantastic shore excursions for you to discover, returning home with no stone unturned is practically guaranteed. Why not visit iconic sites with multi-lingual guides or go on dedicated excursions that suit everyone, from groups to families, and get those horizons well and truly expanding? And the best bit: you get all the highlights, without the stress of planning and organising them yourself! Savour every second and have the holiday of a lifetime, wherever your adventure takes you.  

DAZZLING DINING

With over 140 different meals served on board every day, fine dining and excellent service in the main restaurants, casual dining at their buffets and the chance to sample some truly incredible speciality restaurants, there really is something to suit every taste on an MSC cruise. And with food that looks as good as it tastes, we reckon you’ll reach for your camera before the knife and fork.   

With pizza, pasta, bread and pastries, along with signature Mediterranean dishes, all made fresh on board daily, guests can gorge on lovingly crafted fare day and night. Elsewhere, you’ll find incredible cuisine inspired by the destinations visited by your ship.

Bratwurst from Germany one day and classic Spanish paella the next? Sounds good to us.  MSC’s fleet of ships are also home to a wide choice of speciality restaurants too. From the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and L’Atelier Bistrot, a French fancy complete with its own art gallery, to Teppanyaki and Kaito Sushi Bar offering up authentic Asian flavours ready to delight all manner of appetites. Whatever you’ve got your stomach set on, a diverse range of sumptuous and exotic flavours await.  

And for sailors with a sweet tooth, Italian maestros Venchi and French celebrity chocolaterie Jean-Phillipe Maury have some incredible treats in store that make for a real foodie finale to your dining experiences.  

Hibernate in Style

On an MSC cruise, every wish, whim and want is catered to – right down to where you’ll be staying. And that means there’s plenty of choice for budgets of all kinds. The cabins on the MSC cruise line ships are designed with comfort and elegance in mind. They offer a range of options to suit every traveler's needs, from cozy interior cabins to spacious suites with balconies. The decor is tasteful and modern, with a focus on creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Each cabin comes equipped with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and air conditioning. The beds are comfortable, and the linens are of high quality. The cabins are well-maintained, and staff are attentive to guests every need. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or a comfortable home base for your adventures at sea, the cabins on the MSC cruises are sure to exceed your expectations.

Experiences That Delight

Onboard MSC, your room is more than just a room, it’s an Experience, and all four of them are designed to make your time at sea as special as you want it to be.

And speaking of an Experience, MSC Cruises offer a whole host of options to suit the needs of all passengers and to ensure an experience of a lifetime!

Divine Entertainment

Get ready for some seriously epic nights onboard MSC Cruises! With an incredible range of entertainment options, the night never ends on these luxurious ships. You'll be blown away by the stunning theatrical performances that bring Broadway-style shows to life right before your eyes! And if that's not enough, you can dance the night away to live music, or hit up the vibrant nightclubs for some serious after-hours fun.

But the party doesn't stop there - the bars onboard MSC Cruises are equally impressive, with something to suit every mood and taste. From trendy cocktail bars to stylish lounges, there's a perfect spot for every kind of night owl. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just living your best life, MSC Cruises will keep the good times rolling well into the night. So, get ready to dance, drink, and make unforgettable memories.

Fun For All

On an MSC cruise, there’s no shortage of things you and your family can have a go at. Built to get the excitement levels going, their selection of round-the-clock entertainment features everything from pulse-racing outdoor activities and immersive 4D cinemas.

Out on deck, MSC Cruises has some of the best swimming pools at sea with slides that mean adrenaline junkies of all ages cant fail to feel satisfied. Fancy something more adventurous? How does zip-lining across the length of your ship sound? Or try traversing their Himalayan Bridge, a daring stroll that takes place 60 metres above sea level! Your adventure awaits onboard.

FEEL OHH LALA

Prefer something a little more serene on your MSC Cruise? Get some zen like relaxation in the MSC Aurea Spa, a place where your stresses slip away amidst soothing treatments, relaxing massages, and innovative new therapies. With over 20 types of authentic Balinese massage and a whole host of beauty treatments PLUS a thermal area where you can wind down before an evening of great food and show stopping entertainment, it is the perfect place for some ‘you’ time.

If breaking a sweat is your thing, then exercising at one of MSC’s sport and fitness facilities, with panoramic views surrounding you, should spur that extra mile, rep or stretch on.  For those wanting to maintain their fitness regime whilst onboard, a session with one of the MSC personal trainers in the state-of-the-art Technogym® is a must!

Or if the outdoors is more your thing, then a jog or power walk around the ships open decks taking in the outstanding sea views is sure to leave you feeling that fitness high!

MSC Promotions

MSC Cruises is offering an amazing promotion that allows you to upgrade your drinks package to Premium Extra at the time of booking, starting from just £35per day. Not only that, but you can also take advantage of special prices on outside cabin upgrades from £99 per person or balcony upgrades from £199 per person on select sailings. This offer gives you the opportunity to experience premium drinks and upgraded accommodations without breaking the bank, making your cruise holiday even more enjoyable. Don’t forget when you book with Cruise Nation you will also save up to 30% on our MSC Cruises Smart Packages and most include flights and a FREE stay in your destination. 

So if you're looking for a holiday that combines dazzling luxury and adventure, look no further than MSC Cruises. With their fleet of state-of-the-art ships, you can explore some of the world's most breath taking destinations in style. From the stunning beaches of the Caribbean to the ancient ruins of the Mediterranean or even the captivating ports of Northern Europe, your MSC Cruise will take you on a journey you'll never forget. And with this special promotion, you can enjoy premium drinks and upgraded accommodations at a fraction of the cost. So don't wait, book your MSC Cruises holiday with Crise Nation today and discover the beauty of the world with the comfort and style of MSC Cruises.

Terms & Conditions Apply During the SALE period you can get MSC's Premium Extra Drinks Package from £35pppd. Please note to receive the drinks promotion you will need to PHONE us to book your cruise holiday via our call centre*  All bookings made online are made on Full Board basis only, no drinks package will be included. The special price from £35pppd Drinks package is based on a 7nt cruise and cannot be added to any booking made online after purchase and is based on 2 persons sharing a cabin. Cabin upgrades are from based on Ocean view, Other conditions & terms may apply. Beverages and liquors may be substituted based on availability and itinerary. Cruise Nation Prices shown include relevant savings and discounts E&OE.

The mystery letters in MSC Cruises stand for Mediterranean Shipping Company.

The Mediterranean Shipping Company that MSC stands for is also the parent company which owns the line, and it’s been that way since 1988.

While the line previously included hair straighteners in its list of banned items along with electric blankets, clothes irons and steamers, MSC have now relaxed their stance, and guests are welcome to bring along their own hair straighteners.

Although your MSC cruise will feature a wide array of accommodation, restaurant-style dining in the main restaurant and buffet, top-notch entertainment and activities, stuff for kids to do, and even a trip to its Ocean Cay private island, you’ll have to pay extra for:

• Port excursions
• Drinks packages
• Dining packages for speciality restaurants
• Certain specialty shows
• Spa and wellness treatments
• Internet packages
• Certain onboard activities

Fancy one of MSC Cruises’ drinks packages while you’re on your hols? With five of them to choose from, there’s plenty of options, whatever your tipple of choice is. Here’s how much each of them costs…

Easy Package

From around £29 per day , the Easy Package includes:

• Selected cocktails
• Non-alcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks
• Spirits including whisky, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, brandy – one brand per type
• House wines including red, white, sparking, and rose
• Draft and bottled Heineken
• Soft drinks from the fountain, canned soft drinks, fruit juices by the glass and bottled
• Bottled mineral water
• Classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, caffe latte, hot tea, and hot chocolate)
• Beverage gratuities

Easy Plus Package

Including all beverages priced up to €9/$10, the Easy Plus Package starts from roughly £40 per day and includes the same offers as the Easy Package, along with:

• Selected frozen and classic cocktails
• Fresh fruit cocktails and protein shakes
• Well spirits, liqueurs and cordials
• Selected draught and bottled beers
• Selected wines by the glass
• 10% discount on bottles of wine

Premium Extra Package

Including all beverages priced up to €14/$16, the Premium Extra Package starts from around £52 per day and includes the same offers as the Easy Plus Package, along with:

• Selected Premium and International cocktails
• Fresh fruit and protein cocktails
• Premium brand spirits, liqueurs and cordials
• Wide selection of fine wine by glass
• Champagne by glass
• Wide variety of classic and specialty hot drinks
• 25% discount on bottles of wine and champagne

Alcohol-Free Package

From around £20 per day , the Alcohol-Free Package includes:

• Non-alcoholic cocktails
• Energy drinks
• Sodas by glass and bottle
• Flavoured water
• Wide range of hot drinks
• Soft serve ice cream
• Beverage gratuities included

Minors Package

From around £15 per day , the Minors Package includes:

• Soda by glass and bottle

If you’d prefer to fly to your cruise, then absolutely, certain MSC itineraries include flights. For more information, as well as our range of unbeatable, can’t-find-them-anywhere-else deals, check out our page on fly cruises .

Tap water is free of charge on MSC cruises, however bottled water will cost £2.50 for a 500ml bottle – it’s free if you’ve opted for one of their drinks packages.

If you’re hoping to bring along a bottle of your favourite booze, then unfortunately, we have some bad news.

You won’t be allowed to bring alcohol onboard during embarkation. If you’re purchasing alcohol on port to bring onboard, then your items will be held for safekeeping and delivered to passengers’ staterooms on the final evening of the cruise.

If you’re purchasing alcohol from any of MSC’s duty-free shops onboard, it will also be retained until the end of the cruise.

Guests can make use of any of the following internet packages during their time at sea…

• The Social Package: Perfect for people who love to keep their friends and family updated back home, the Social Package provides day and night access to popular social media sites, and starts from €3.90 per day / €14.90 for a full seven-day cruise.  
• The Surfer Package: Want to keep track of the latest news? Need to know how your team’s getting on? Or can’t quite switch off from your work emails? The Surfer Package is for you. Starting from €9.90 per day / €29.90 for a full seven-day cruise, it also includes the same access to social media sites the Social Package offers.  
• The Streamer Package: For those who want unrestricted access to the Internet all day, every, the Streamer Package provides full access to both the web and social media, along with audio and video at the highest possible quality. Prices start from €19.90 per day / €59.90 for a full seven-day cruise.

All MSC cruise ships have a minimum of 2 US and 2 European plug sockets, while cruise ships in the Meraviglia, Meraviglia Plus and Seaside class also have USB sockets available.

Additional MSC FAQs

The MSC Voyagers Club allows loyal customers to discover a brand new world of incredible, life-changing privileges each and every time they cruise with the line. The more points you collect, the more luxurious and exclusive the perks including discounts on onboard amenities, free gifts, priority boarding, priority boarding and whole heap more!

Want in on all this good stuff? Of course you do! To be part of the lucky few, you can become a member over at MSC Cruises’ official site – provided you’ve sailed with them since 2006 or have a confirmed booking with the line.

Been checking out the deck plans for MSC’s ships and noticed that you can’t find a deck 17 on any of them? There’s a good reason for that. Just like we consider the number 13 unlucky over here, Italians feel the same way about the number 17 – and since MSC is all about cruising Italian-style, they’ve skipped this ill-fated figure to avoid any mishaps when at sea!

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

MSC Cruises: The Complete Guide

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Cruising is a huge industry, so it makes sense that the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) — which started out shipping cargo — got in on the venture in 1988 with the purchase of its first cruise ship. Since then, the company has been steadily growing, adding new ships and destinations to its thriving cruise line.

Although it’s headquartered in Switzerland, you’ll find MSC cruises all over the world, including throughout the United States. Let’s take a look at MSC’s cruises, where they sail and what to expect when you’re aboard.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

About MSC cruises

Here’s a quick overview of some of MSC’s key features.

Package types: There are three levels of experience to choose from on MSC. Bella is the least expensive, while Fantastica allows you to get free in-room breakfast and select your room type. Aurea is MSC’s top-tier package and includes access to exclusive amenities, as well as additional discounts and dining privileges. 

Cabin type s : On MSC ships you’ll find the standard cruise ship cabins, including interior, ocean view, veranda and various types of suites. 

Main U.S. routes: MSC has only a handful of departure ports from within the U.S. Most of its routes depart from Miami to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.   

Points currency and loyalty program: The loyalty program of MSC is called the Voyager’s Club. Points are earned for the cruises you take and the money you spend while on board. 

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

MSC cruise destinations

You can find MSC cruises all over the globe, including the Caribbean, Canada, New England, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Northern Europe, South Africa, South America and Asia. There are also worldwide cruises that sail to several regions around the globe.

MSC's worldwide cruises come in as the longest trips, with itineraries lasting as many as 127 nights. Meanwhile, the cruise line's shortest options include weekend trips to the Bahamas sailing for just two nights.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

MSC cruise prices

The reviews of MSC Cruises will likely mention the price of your trip, which is often cheaper than comparable trips on other popular cruise lines. Of course, the total cost will vary based on the trip duration, time of year and what kind of room you select. The least expensive options you’ll find are on short Mediterranean cruises, which can cost as little as $119 per person.

Prices are also affected by the dates that you’re traveling. A three-night cruise to the Bahamas can cost as little as $149 per person, but that same trip can cost up to $349 per person during periods of high demand.

As you’d expect, the most expensive cruises on MSC are the longest. For example, the 127-night World Cruise costs $21,929 per person.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

What is the best MSC ship?

There are a total of 23 ships in MSC’s fleet. According to U.S. News, the best MSC ship is the MSC Bellissima. Launched in 2019, the ship boasts a full-sized bowling alley and multiple pools, along with an array of restaurants, a spa and live entertainment. The ranking was calculated using a mix of user reviews and health ratings.

What is the newest MSC ship?

The MSC World Europa, MSC’s newest ship, officially debuted at the end of 2022 in Qatar. This ship features more than 2,600 cabins, 33 restaurants and six swimming pools.

What’s included in an MSC cruise

MSC’s cruise packages are on par with other mid-tier cruise lines. No matter what package you purchase, all food and entertainment is included, as is access to the main parts of the ship. This includes pools, the buffet restaurant and a nightly seated dinner.

If you purchase a higher-end package, you’ll be able to enjoy more amenities. The Fantastica experience, for example, includes free room service delivery for breakfast. The top-tier Aurea package includes complimentary room service for all meals.

Neither Wi-Fi nor specialty drinks are included as part of the base price, but they can be purchased separately. The drink package has a range of options, including non-alcoholic drinks such as soda and different types of alcohol.

» Learn more: How to plan a cruise in 6 steps

MSC loyalty program: Voyager’s Club

Voyager’s Club is the loyalty program for frequent MSC cruise passengers. There are four levels in the program, and each has its own benefits.

Voyagers Club levels

The Voyager Clubs levels are Classic, Silver, Gold and Diamond.

How to earn: Classic membership is earned by going on at least one MSC cruise or having a confirmed booking on an upcoming cruise. This tier is for members who have between 1 and 2,199 points.

Best benefits: 5% discount on future cruises, discounts on packages.

How to earn: Earn 2,200 to 4,299 points. 

Best benefits: $50 onboard credit per person on cruises booked at least nine months before departure, double points for cruises booked more than 12 months in advance.

How to earn: Earn 4,300 to 9,999 points.

Best benefits: One hour of complimentary thermal area access, priority disembarkation, complimentary photos. 

How to earn: Earn 10,000+ points.

Best benefits: Complimentary tasting dinner, one free dance lesson, complimentary slippers and bathrobe, priority embarkation and disembarkation.

How to earn Voyager Club points

There are two ways to earn Voyager Club points. First, you’ll earn a set amount of points for taking a cruise — the specific amount will depend on the length of the cruise and the experience level you choose. Second, you’ll earn points for the activities you pre-purchase and for any onboard expenses that you incur.

Wi-Fi is not included in MSC’s basic fare. There are different packages available to those who are sailing which can be purchased before you travel or during your cruise. MSC doesn’t publish its Wi-Fi package pricing online, but for example, you can expect to pay around $270 for a two-device upgraded Wi-Fi package on a seven-day cruise with MSC Seascape.

MSC cruises are not entirely inclusive, though they do provide a lot with your base package. This includes your cabin, food, live entertainment, port stops and coffee, tea and water. They don’t include specialty drinks such as soda or alcohol, nor do they include Wi-Fi or any port excursions you’d like to go on.

MSC Cruises reviews will let you know that MSC allows passengers to add on a drink package to their cruise. The price will vary depending on your actual cruise, as well as the type of package that you choose. There are five types of packages available: Easy, Easy Plus, Premium Extra, Alcohol-free and Minors.

Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $88 per day for any drink packages that you purchase.

Whether or not you’ll need a COVID vaccine or COVID test while sailing on MSC cruise lines will depend on where you’re going. For cruises leaving from the United States, you don’t need either. However, you will need to provide other personal information, such as your name, address and date of birth.

(Top photo courtesy of MSC)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

19 Essential MSC Cruise Tips That I Use Everytime (Freebies, Money Saving & More)

I’ve cruised with MSC 5 times and in this post, I will share with you my top tips. These tips will help you to save money, maximise your time onboard and even get a few freebies.

This article is based on my experience cruising on the MSC Meraviglia, Virtuosa, Preziosa, Seaview and World Europa.

I took my first cruise with MSC in 2012, my most recent was last month.

Match Your Loyalty Status For Freebies!

If you have a loyalty status with another cruise line or some hotels, MSC will match it. This means that you’ll be bumped up their loyalty program and will receive perks as if you had cruised with MSC before.

I matched my Norwegian Cruise Line status before my first MSC cruise and ever since I have received perks like free speciality meals and chocolates.

It’s well worth doing and isn’t difficult, all you have to do is fill in a form.

To see the full list of which programs MSC match and how to apply, check out this post: MSC Status Match – What Is it And is it Worth Doing? A Step-by-Step Guide

Book Theatre Shows as Soon As Possible

If the ship that you are sailing on requires theatre shows to be booked, book them on embarkation day on the mobile app or touch screens around the ship.

Not all MSC ships require theatre shows to be booked.

Most shows are shown a couple of days each but even still on the big ships, there isn’t capacity for everybody to go to see every show.

On my last cruise on the MSC World Europa, there was one show that I wasn’t able to see because it was sold out.

If you don’t manage to get a booking you can still show up to the theatre shows but you will be let in after everybody who has booked, this means that you might not get a very good seat and if you are in a big group you wouldn’t be able to sit together.

You are always able to cancel the theatre shows if you decide later that you don’t want to go.

Have an Open Mind About The Food – Try What MSC Is Good At!

I do feel that MSC get some unfair complaints about their food. That said the quality has improved a lot since my first MSC cruise in 2012 so perhaps some of the reviews I’ve seen are out of date.

You can’t go on an MSC cruise and expect the food to be the same as an American and British cruise line, personally I quite like that. It is different, but to me that doesn’t mean worse.

MSC are a Mediterranean cruise line and the things that they are best at are pasta, pizza and CHEESE. They also serve a lot of seafood and they make their own pizzas every day and mozzarella too.

To see the food that I’ve eaten on past MSC cruises, including menus, check out this post: Everything I Ate on my MSC Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review

On every ship, there will be at least a buffet and a main dining room where your food is included and on some ships there are lots of other options like grab-and-go burgers, poolside food etc.

Be Prepared to Be Asked About Speciality Dining and Drinks Packages!

MSC are a budget cruise line and because of that they sell their cruises cheaply and rely on onboard spend. This means that you will be asked a lot if you want to buy speciality dining packages or drinks packages.

Just a polite no thank you will do but you may have to say it multiple times per day.

On most other cruise lines they would only do this on embarkation day, but on MSC cruises it does happen every day and can get annoying.

The same happens with the photographers and you’ll be asked if you want photos a lot, again just politely say no and keep walking.

I do feel bad for the crew, but I really don’t want any photos taken!

Learn to Ignore Extra Safety Drills (Yes Really)

MSC are unlike other cruise lines in that they have guests that embark and disembark most days, what this means is that there are likely to be multiple safety drills.

On some cruises, for example, those out of the US this doesn’t happen, but in most of Europe, it does.

The safety drill, or muster drill is a legal requirement for everybody boarding a cruise but do be aware that you only have to do it once. If you hear announcements about a drill later in your cruise that is for other guests who have embarked.

To learn what happens at a safety drill, check out this post: What is a Muster Drill on a Cruise? Everything You Need to Know (REVIEW of Traditional and Virtual Muster Drills)

The same goes for disembarkation day, you’ll see luggage in the corridors on many days of your cruise.

If The Dates Don’t Work, Move It!

If you’re looking to book an MSC cruise but can’t get a certain day off work, or the flights to a place are expensive consider moving it a day forward or back.

You’ll embark in a different port but it doesn’t matter on an MSC cruise.

My personal favourite port to board MSC cruises at in Europe is Barcelona as it’s not far from the airport and I like staying in Barcelona pre-cruise.

MSC cruises don’t usually include flights or transfers as standard but if you book through a travel agent they’ll be able to sort this out for you, the agents I recommend can be contacted here .

Book Your Excursions Independently To Save Money

When I visited Genoa on my last cruise MSC were selling a trip to the Aquarium for €50 per person. The aquarium is within walking distance so I booked my tickets myself and they were around €30 each.

I don’t enjoy cruise line excursions anyway because you are grouped together with 20 or 30 other people.

If we had visited the aquarium on the excursion we would have had a set amount of time in there but because we went by ourselves we could leave whenever we wanted.

I usually use websites like Viator to find and book independent excursions:

Free cancellation.

300,000+ experiences.

Make memories around the world.

Reserve now, pay later.

The risk of booking your own excursions is that you do have to get yourself back to the ship on time but I have been on excursions where guests have wandered off and got lost.

Even booking with the cruise line isn’t a guarantee that you’ll get back to the ship on time.

Just make sure that you leave yourself lots of time, I’m always onboard an hour or two before sail away.

Download MSC’s App

If you are on an MSC cruise ship that uses the MSC for me the app I’d recommend downloading it from your phone’s app store as soon as possible.

It is free to download and use, all you need is an internet connection to download it.

In the app, you will find the daily schedule and lots of other useful things like the days menus. Most menus are viewable through QR codes and having the app just makes everything easier.

MSC’s app also has a free chat feature so you can chat to the other people in your cruise group.

Check Your Onboard Spend as You Go

When you spend money on a cruise it’ll be added to what is called your onboard account. You can check this on the cruise lines app and it is well worth keeping an eye on this as you cruise.

It will stop you from having any nasty surprises at the end of the trip and if there are any problems, for example, if you had been charged for something by mistake, you can sort that out while onboard.

I’ve been on cruises in the past where I’ve been charged for drinks despite having a drinks package and because I noticed I was able to get it fixed quickly.

Bring a White Dress/White Outfit

On most MSC cruises there will be a white night at some point. The white dress code isn’t enforced at all but it is good fun and a good percentage of the passengers do take part.

GRACE KARIN Women’s Sleeveless V-Neck A-line Dress

This one is from Amazon and I love it because: – It has two layers so it isn’t see through. – It’s very comfy and perfect for ‘white night’ which most cruise lines have!

I have seen other themes on MSC cruises like 60s 70 and 80s-themed parties.

It’s a little more tricky to pack for these, and they don’t always happen but if you have space in your suitcase, why not bring something along?

Change Your Dining Time if You Don’t Like it

MSC mostly have fixed dining where you will be assigned either early or late. If you book the cheapest ticket called a Bella cruise fare you have the lowest priority when it comes to dining times.

They’ll assign the people who paid more first then you’ll get the time you asked for if it is left.

That said, I have been given late dining on multiple MSC cruises and have always been able to change it to early dining without any problem.

If this is the case just head to the main dining room on the first day and there will usually be someone there who can change it.

Normally, they will change it from the next day, so we would eat in the buffet or another restaurant on the first day.

MSC do have some flexible dining for guests paying the highest cruise fare.

I changed my dining time on this cruise:

Don’t Expect Other Guests to Understand You

If you are taking a cruise with MSC there is a high chance that the other guests will speak Italian, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, you name it.

English is the main language onboard and if you speak English only that is no problem, all of the crew speak English and all of the menus/paperwork is in English, that said that doesn’t mean that other guests will understand English.

It is amazing how much you can communicate without language though, it’s easy to tell if somebody is saying ‘thank you’ or ‘after you’ just with gestures, if in doubt just smile.

I like hearing everybody speaking other languages, it reminds me that I am far from home.

Make Sure You Get Your Loyalty Perks

As mentioned earlier I matched my Norwegian status to MSC and as a result, I get a free speciality meal. Nobody ever tells me that when I cruise though!

Make sure if you do have a loyalty status with MSC that you get what you are due, sometimes the gifts/freebies will arrive throughout the cruise so don’t be alarmed if they aren’t there on the first day but for things like the free speciality meal you will need to go there and book it yourself.

On my last cruise, I just walked up to one of the restaurants and said:

“Hello, can I use my free speciality meal here?”

The waitress was lovely, she said yes, explained what we could have on the menu and that the bill would be €0.

At the end of the meal, I had to sign to say that I agreed to the charge which does always amuse me. I love paying that price for a speciality meal!

Avoid The Casino if You Don’t Like Smoke

On MSC cruise ships there is usually an area in the casino where guests can smoke and most ships also have a smoking bar or other areas where guests will be smoking.

I’m sure it’s something to do with the demographic of the passengers but MSC do have more smoking areas than most British or American cruise lines. I don’t mind it, but know many who do.

On some ships, there may be a lounge that is only accessible through the casino.

Even If It’s Cold – Go Swimming!

Don’t be put off if the temperature outside is cool, MSC heat their outside swimming pools.

The worst part is getting undressed and walking to the pool but I always find it nice when I am in there, then of course you do have to get back out.

MSC have lifeguards stationed at all of their pools when they are open and I’ve always found they are much quieter if it is cold, on my last MSC cruise I had a pool to myself and my own personal lifeguard!

The pools are usual open into the evenings and this can be a good time for a swim as most people head off for dinner.

Get Travel Insurance With Missed Port Cover

On my last MSC cruise, we missed a port because of bad weather and I didn’t mind because I had travel insurance with missed port cover. This means I get a cash lump sum for every port I miss.

Cruise-specific travel insurance is essential for any cruise, if you just listen to one tip please make it this one. It isn’t worth the risk.

Never ever ever ever cruise without travel insurance! Even if you are just cruising to the Caribbean from the USA, you NEED insurance. Compare quotes (for free) here: – USA – UK

Assign Your Credit Card and Check in Pre-Cruise

MSC’s website has an online check-in function which makes embarkation much faster. On my last cruise, I went from entering the terminal to boarding the ship in 8 minutes, all thanks to the fact that I had checked in online.

During the check-in process, you provide information about your passport and can add a credit card to your account which your onboard spend will be charged to.

You are also able to assign a card on the ship at one of the machines and you can load physical cash onto your card if you’d prefer that.

Print Your Luggage Tags at Home

When checking in you’ll also be given your luggage tags, printing these saves time.

If you can’t it isn’t a problem but the first thing you’ll have to do when you get to the cruise port is queue up to get your tags, attach them and hand them to the right person.

If you’re on a big MSC cruise ship there can be 5000+ people boarding so these lines can get long!

I always print my tags at home and I put them in these plastic luggage label holders, I find that stops them from breaking which means that they make it to my cabin.

In the past, before I used these I had one suitcase get so wet all the ink melted on the tag which wasn’t ideal!

Prebook Drinks Packages if You Want One

When you take a cruise there are two options, you can either pay as you go with the drinks like you would a bar on land or you can buy a drinks package.

The drinks package means you pay a certain amount per day and then are allowed drinks up to a certain cost.

It’s always cheaper to prebook the package than to buy it on the ship.

On my last cruise, the alcohol package pre-cruise was the same price as the non-alcoholic onboard!

Before You Go

I recently took a cruise on one of the older ships the MSC Preziosa, to find out how that was check out this article next:

MSC Cruise Review – in Europe (Food, Service, Entertainment and More)

Wondering how MSC compare to the big American cruise lines? Check out this post:

We Took The Same Cruise With MSC and Royal Caribbean: Differences and Comparison

Free Insiders Cruise Line Guide

Ever wondered how the mainstream cruise lines compare? Cruise lines won’t tell you this, but I will.

This FREE guide shows you everything you need to know to find your perfect cruise line.

Whenever I take a cruise I order a print of my trip. It uses the real satellite data from the cruise and is always a great conversation starter!

I'm building an impressive collection...

Code EMMACRUISES will get you 10% off

Enter your email address below:

15 Things You Need To Know Before Cruising With MSC

Sharing is caring!

Stepping onto my first MSC cruise, I was prepared for a different cruise experience. I found myself in a state of uncertainty, unsure if I would fall in love with the experience or be left disappointed.

Since MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line, the onboard experience is somewhat different from that of most mainstream cruise lines. These differences lead to a lot of uncertainty around MSC, which causes many cruisers to wonder if they would enjoy the experience.

While MSC Cruises may be different, the experience is undeniably enjoyable. However, there are some key aspects that every cruiser should be aware of before embarking on their first MSC cruise.

In this post, I share everything you should know before you take your first MSC cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruise, this will help you know what to expect on an MSC cruise.

15 Things To Know Before Cruising With MSC

1. the food on msc is different from other cruise lines.

If you’ve been on contemporary mainstream cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, or Carnival, you’ll find MSC’s dining experience different. In particular, MSC cruise ships have fewer casual dining options.

Onboard MSC, you can eat in the buffet, main dining room, or specialty restaurants. Unlike other mainstream cruise lines, there’s no pool-side grill, cafe or included casual fast food options disbursed around the cruise ship.

Throughout the day, the main place to eat is in the buffet. However, the buffet onboard MSC is good and plentiful, serving a variety of classical American dishes, Italian dishes, fresh fruit, and other healthy options. There’s also MSC’s famous pizza, which lives up to the hype.

Furthermore, the buffet has a kids-only section, serving children’s food options at a lower counter height.

Before we went on our MSC Seascape cruise, we heard some mixed reviews and criticisms of the food onboard. However, in our experience, the food was quite tasty, and there was always a wide variety of choices.

2. MSC Safety Drill

MSC’s safety drill is done a little differently from most other cruise lines. This is important to know as it’s one of the things you’ll need to do on embarkation day.

Nowadays, most cruise lines have a virtual or e-muster drill, which includes watching a safety video on a cell phone via the cruise line app, as well as a check in at the muster station. It’s fast and efficient.

However, this is just one thing that is different about boarding day on an MSC cruise.

On MSC cruises, you must watch the safety video on your stateroom TV, then use the in cabin phone and call #881 to confirm this is done. You’ll also need to check-in at your muster station and have your cruise card scanned.

This is definately something I wish I knew before I went on my first MSC cruise. It only takes an extra few minutes, but it’s important to be aware.

3. Elevators

MSC Cruises has a different elevator system than traditional cruise lines. Instead of pressing a button to go up or down, you press which floor you’d like to go to on a screen outside of the elevator, and then it will assign you an elevator.

Although this elevator system differs, I have seen a similar elevator system on Carnival Venezia and the brand-new Sun Princess .

The elevators are different and takes some time to get used to. While sometimes we felt like we waited longer than on other cruise ships, it is fast and efficient when the cruise ship is quiet. The best part is that an accurate waiting time is indicated.

4. Bring a White Outfit

When you cruise with MSC, packing a white outfit is important. During your MSC cruise, you’ll have a white party, during which everyone will dress in white. The white night begins at dinner and ends with a deck party!

One of the most memorable aspects of our MSC cruise was the white night event. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people had packed their best white outfits , ready to join in the fun. 

The fact that every cruise passenger participated, from the youngest to the oldest, created a sense of unity and made the white night even more special.

Our cruise was filled with a variety of themed parties, from a tropical party to the glow party. Each one was a unique experience, offering a different atmosphere and style of entertainment. 

These themed parties are a must-attend and a fun time for everyone.

Related: 25 Gorgeous White Dresses to Wear on a Cruise

5. Guests Speak Many Different Languages

When you sail with MSC, be prepared for guests to speak different languages. Compared to American cruise lines, MSC passengers come from all over the world.

During our cruise, I heard people speaking English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Portugese, Mandarin and more. Although you may hear many unfamiliar languages, this created a unique cruising experience.

At times, you may be in an elevator, and you’ll hear 5 different languages being spoken. For the most part, cruise passengers understand English. However, it’s not the first language for many people on an MSC cruise.

Rest assured, the crew onboard MSC is fluent in English, ensuring smooth and effortless communication throughout your cruise vacation.

Related: Why We’re Excited for the New MSC World America

6. Status Match

The MSC Status Match program allows cruise passengers to receive comparable or even better loyalty benefits than they would receive on other cruise lines. 

To receive the benefits, you must join the MSC Voyagers Club. Once approved, you will receive an immediate 5% discount on any future MSC cruises, onboard discounts for spa services, photo packages, Wi-Fi, complimentary gifts, and other valuable savings.

If you have a high status on another cruise line, you’ll definitely want to apply for the MSC Voyagers Club. They offer some great benefits that are worth taking advantage of.

7. MSC Cruise Ship Hot Tubs Aren’t Actually Hot

Something that is very different on an MSC cruise is the hot tubs. To our surprise, the hot tubs onboard were not hot!

Instead, the hot tubs were lukewarm at best, which wasn’t exactly our cup of tea. When checking the various hot tubs around the cruise ship, we came to find out that this was the norm, unless you were at the spa.

If you like a very warm or hot traditional jacuzzi style hot tub, you might be dissapointed.

8. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Private Island

If you’re taking a Caribbean cruise with MSC, there’s a good chance that your itinerary will include Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island , and it is a perfect place for an amazing beach day.

When you visit Ocean Cay, you’ll have free beach access and lounge chairs, and your drink package works on land. Furthermore, if you’ve purchased the ship’s Wi-Fi, you will get Wi-Fi on the island.

The private island consists of eight different beach areas, each offering a unique ambiance. You’ll also find several bars, a charming lighthouse, and an included dining when you where you can eat a delicious barbecue buffet lunch.

Related: 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Cruise Private Islands

9. MSC For Me Wristband

In addition to a cruise card, MSC has an optional wristband wearable device available at an extra charge. The MSC For Me waterproof wearable device has some similarities to the  Princess Medallion  or The Band on Virgin Voyages .

With the MSC Wristband, you can get into your room and get drinks instead of using your cruise card. However, you do still need to use your cruise card to get on and off the cruise ship in ports of call.

The MSC For Me Wristband is available for guests to purchase onboard most newer MSC cruises. However, The MSC Wristband is provided free of charge for Yacht Club and Aurea members.

10. Bars Serve Espresso and Specialty Coffee

MSC offers a unique feature that you won’t find on other cruise ships – specialty coffee and espresso served at all the bars. As a coffee lover, I really enjoyed this feature.

Rather than having to go to a cafe in the atrium or promenade (like on other cruise ships), on MSC you can order a coffee at any of the bars. This was super convenient, as I never had to wait in long lines to get my morning coffee.

11. Certain Activities Cost Extra

It’s important to note that certain activities have an additional charge onboard MSC cruise ships. Attractions like Robotron and the Formula 1 Racing Simulator have an extra charge.

However, there are also many fun activities that are free or included. For example, on our recent MSC Seascape cruise, the Pirates Cove Aqua Park and 4 water slides were included.

You’ll also find a kid’s club, sports court and other included activities and entertainment options that the whole family can enjoy.

12. There Won’t Be Many Americans on European Sailings

Since MSC is a European cruise line, they are much more popular in Europe than they are in North America. So, if you’re thinking of booking an MSC cruise in Europe, something to know is that Americans won’t make up the majority of passengers.

Typically, MSC sailings in Europe attract more Europeans than Americans. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it can be a different cruise experience than other American cruise lines.

For example, announcements are likely to be in several languages, the entertainment may rely on music and visuals, so as to appeal to the multiple languages of the guests.

While MSC is growing rapidly in the USA and attracting more American and Canadian passengers for Caribbean and other North American sailings, MSC’s European cruises will feel a bit different.

Related: 10 Things I Wish I knew Before Going on my Mediterranean Cruise

13. Different Booking Process

It’s important to know that MSC has a different booking process and offers three different types of cruise experiences at different price points.

Bella is your introductory package, Fantastica is the mid-tier package, which includes choosing your own dining time and a few perks, and Aurea includes spa access and other perks.

Before booking your cruise, it’s important to consider which package aligns with your budget and vacation style. We, for instance, found the Fantastica package to be a perfect fit for our needs and thoroughly enjoyed our cruise.

14. MSC Yacht Club

MSC Yacht Club is for those who want the ultimate cruise experience. You’ll have access to private dining venues, an exclusive sun deck, and 24-hour butler service when you’re a Yacht Club member.

You’ll also get priority check-in and check-out, the premium drinks package, the premium Wi-Fi package, and a dedicated concierge.

While we didn’t have the opportunity to experience the MSC Yacht Club on our recent MSC cruise, we were captivated by this exclusive retreat. In fact, we’ve heard from many cruisers who have tried MSC Yacht Club and say they could never go back!

It’s a testament to the fact that the MSC Yacht Club offers a transformative experience that can truly enhance your cruise vacation.

15. The Pizza Lives Up to the Hype

Since MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line, they are known for having some of the best cruise pizza at sea. As a pizza lover, I have to admit that MSC really does have a great pizza!

The pizza they served had large slices, was freshly made, and they offered a variety of tasty flavors. When you sail with MSC, you have to give their pizza a try.

Bonus: Download The MSC App

If you have an upcoming MSC cruise, remember to download the MSC App!

On the MSC App, you can view your daily activities and dining times, book excursions, dining reservations, and spa appointments, and access your spa treatments. It’s best to download the app in advance, as the Wi-Fi may not be great at the cruise port.

Video: Our First MSC Cruise Wasn’t What We Expected. Here’s Why

Related & Popular Posts:

• 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
• 20 Best Things To Do & See on MSC Seascape
• 17 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
• 25 Best Cruise Dresses: Amazon Ladies Resort Wear
• Best MSC Cruises For Families & Kids
• 12 Ways to Store More in Small Cruise Cabins
• 27 Things People Forget to Pack for a Cruise
• 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Cruise Private Islands
• 7 Money Saving Cruise Secrets I Wish I Knew Sooner

Final Thoughts On Things To Know About Cruising With MSC

MSC Cruises is one of my favorite cruise lines as it has a great variety of activities and a fun nightlife, and they offer a unique cruising experience.

As someone who has taken over 35 cruises, cruising with MSC was a better than I expected. The price was competitive and the experience was in line with what we would expect from a contemporary cruise line.

Although MSC may not be for everyone, it is worth trying. You never know, you may just love it!

Have you taken an MSC Cruise, or would you consider it? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

MSC Cruises may be the biggest cruise line you've never heard of — assuming you're an American.

While the Switzerland-based company is the third-biggest cruise line in the world, it has far less name recognition among Americans than big U.S.-based lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line . That's because, until recently, MSC Cruises mostly catered to Europeans. A large percentage of its customers came from countries such as Italy, Germany, France and Spain.

That's all changing now — and in a big way.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

As it expands its fleet at a rapid pace , MSC Cruises is massively building its footprint in North America in an effort to woo more Americans. As recently as 2017, the line only had a single vessel based in North America. Now it's up to three ships sailing out of U.S. ports, and by the end of 2023, that number will have shot up to five.

All the North America-based ships are marketed heavily to Americans, and the line has tailored some of the features and activities on the vessels to a North American crowd.

Like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises has been building big resortlike vessels that offer every sort of amusement known to humans, from giant water parks to race car simulators. It currently operates eight of the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world — one of which (MSC Meraviglia) now calls North America home with year-round sailings out of New York City.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you? A guide to the most popular lines

3 things TPG loves about MSC Cruises

• Its affordability
• The incredible array of activities on its ships
• The status match it offers with its loyalty program

What we could do without

• Onboard announcements in five languages (on overseas sailings)

The MSC Cruises fleet

MSC Cruises has grown enormously in recent years. As recently as early 2017, the line had just 12 ships in operation. But it's added new ships at a rapid pace over the past six years and now operates 22 vessels, more than any other major line besides Royal Caribbean and Carnival. It also has three more giant new ships on the way in the next few years.

If that sounds like too many ships to get your head around, note that all 22 of the vessels in operation, as well as the three on order, fall into six distinct classes . The ships within each of the classes have similar sizes and onboard attractions. If you know one ship in the class, you know them all.

Related: MSC Cruises ships from newest to oldest — a complete list

As a result of its rapid growth, MSC Cruises recently passed Norwegian to become the world's third-biggest cruise brand when measured by passenger capacity. Only Royal Caribbean and Carnival are bigger.

Not including pulldown bunks and pullout sofas, MSC Cruises' 22 ships have 77,832 berths — about 21,000 more than Norwegian's fleet. At its current pace of growth, MSC Cruises could soon pass Carnival to become the world's second-biggest line.

As noted above, the MSC Cruises fleet includes eight of the world's 20 biggest cruise vessels — MSC World Europa , MSC Euribia , MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia , MSC Bellissima, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape . Built in the last six years, these eight ships aren't quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class vessels (the world's biggest cruise ships), but they're right up there when it comes to amenities and passenger capacity.

The grande dame of the MSC Cruises fleet is its recently unveiled MSC World Europa. At 215,863 tons, it's the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever built and the first of a new series of so-called World Class vessels that are nearly as big as Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships.

The next-biggest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet are its recently unveiled Meraviglia Class vessels: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia. Similar in design, these five ships aren't quite as big as MSC World Europa, but they're right up there when it comes to size, amenities and passenger capacity.

MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia, which debuted in 2019, 2021 and 2023, respectively, are a tad longer than MSC Bellissima and MSC Meraviglia and are considered a subset of the class known as Meraviglia Plus. Each can hold 4,842 passengers at double occupancy (or 6,334 passengers if every last pulldown bunk and pullout sofa is filled).

The other two Meraviglia Class ships, which date to 2019 and 2017, can carry more than 5,600 passengers with every berth filled.

In addition to these five giants, MSC Cruises also operates four large Seaside Class ships. Each has a total capacity of 5,336 to 5,632 passengers.

Add those in, and MSC Cruises operates 10 of the world's 35 biggest cruise ships, plus four somewhat smaller Fantasia Class vessels that can each hold around 4,400 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Together, the 14 World, Meraviglia, Seaside and Fantasia Class vessels make up MSC Cruises' big-ship fleet. The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are considerably smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at 2,700 to 3,200 passengers.

The eight smaller ships, which in general are the line's older ships, allow MSC Cruises to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of the World Class or Meraviglia Class vessels, although even the biggest MSC Cruises ships are still designed to be able to call at most ports around the world.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of MSC Cruises fans who are willing to give up some onboard amenities in exchange for intimacy. They're usually less expensive on a per-day basis, too.

In addition to all the above, MSC Group — the line's parent company — has announced plans for yet another class of big ships to start arriving later this decade, though few details have been released. MSC Group is also developing a series of small luxury vessels that'll operate under a separate brand called Explora Journeys.

Destinations and itineraries

MSC Cruises sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in Europe, where it's the biggest cruise operator.

In a typical summer, the line will deploy the vast majority of its ships in the Mediterranean or northern Europe. In recent years, the line has also kept at least a couple of ships in Florida in summer for voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. This year, the line had two ships based in Florida for summer sailings to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, plus one ship sailing out of New York City for the summer.

During winter, MSC Cruises typically will add more ships to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. (For winter 2023-2024, it expects to have six in the region.) It'll also typically send four or five ships to South America in winter and often deploys vessels in winter to South Africa and the Middle East.

For winter 2023-2024, it'll have one ship in South Africa. The line's Middle East deployment this year has been cut back due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Additionally, MSC Cruises often offers an around-the-world cruise in winter on a single ship.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an MSC Cruises ship

In North America, MSC Cruises ships have generally sailed out of Miami , but the line recently added Port Canaveral and New York City as home ports, too. The line also offers cruises from the Caribbean islands of Barbados, Martinique and Guadeloupe, and in a major development, the line opened its first private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , in the Bahamas in 2019. It's a major stop for many MSC Cruises itineraries in the region.

In Europe, major MSC Cruises hubs include Southampton, England; Copenhagen; Kiel and Hamburg in Germany; Ancona, Venice, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, Bari and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) in Italy; Barcelona, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca in Spain; and Marseille, France.

Who sails MSC Cruises?

MSC Cruises is increasingly known for having big, bustling megaships that'll appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. In other words, if you're the kind of person who loves staying on property at Disney World or at a giant Las Vegas resort , this could be the line for you.

The bigger MSC Cruises ships offer vacationers a ton of options for dining (some vessels have more than a dozen distinct places to eat dinner or at least grab a quick bite) or entertainment. They're lively and fun.

They also have an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions — everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to sprawling amusement areas with race car simulators, flight simulators and XD cinemas (more on all this below). That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. Families are a big part of MSC Cruises' business.

But it's not just families that flock to MSC Cruises.

The line's ships are designed to offer something for everyone, and they thus appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers (the line has added solo cabins on its newer ships and occasionally runs promotions for solo travelers). They also draw customers from a wide range of the income spectrum.

At one level, MSC Cruises ships have a for-the-masses feel. However, overlaid across many of the line's ships are high-end suites, upscale restaurants and luxury services — most notably the suites and amenities in the exclusive, upscale MSC Yacht Club areas found on some vessels (more on that later). As a result, the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers.

The demographic profile of MSC Cruises ships can be markedly different depending on where the vessels are based. On Caribbean sailings out of Florida, you'll find that a large percentage of passengers are English-speaking North Americans.

MSC Cruises voyages in Europe are often heavily filled with Europeans speaking Italian, German, Spanish and French, as well as some English speakers. In Europe, the line offers onboard programming in all five of these languages (all crew members speak English no matter where the ships are sailing).

Reality check: Due to the diverse origins of passengers on European sailings, the line typically makes announcements in all five of the aforementioned languages. This can result in extraordinarily long announcements at times, which can be a distraction to some cruisers. The good news is that on sailings out of U.S. ports, only safety announcements are made in all five languages. Other announcements are in English only.

Cabins and suites

MSC Cruises offers a wide range of accommodations on its ships. On its newest vessels, you'll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless "interior" cabins that measure as little as 172 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to suites more than five times that size that sprawl across two decks.

Still, MSC Cruises doesn't offer the sort of truly giant suites (more than 1,000 to 2,000 square feet) you'll find on some Norwegian and Royal Caribbean ships.

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and they can be quite impressive.

The biggest suites on MSC Grandiosa, which launched in 2019, span two levels and offer around 635 square feet of interior space, plus another 237 square feet of outdoor balcony space.

On more than half of MSC Cruises' ships, many of the top suites are part of an exclusive, keycard-accessed area called the MSC Yacht Club . Billed as an upscale "ship within a ship" and aimed at luxury travelers, the MSC Yacht Club is at the very top of vessels and comes with a private lounge, a pool, sunning areas and even its own restaurant.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

MSC Yacht Club accommodations also come with 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge.

Solo cabins (called interior studios) measuring just 127 square feet can be found on the line's seven newest vessels.

Insider tip: Passengers can use the interactive TVs in cabins to browse information, find out about daily events and activities, check bills and book services. On some ships, MSC for Me interactive wristbands can open your cabin door and also allow you to book services or make contactless payments for items on board.

Restaurants and dining

While a few of MSC Cruises' smallest ships have relatively limited dining venues, many of the line's vessels offer a wide range of choices.

On the line's recently unveiled MSC Euribia, for instance, there are nearly a dozen distinct eateries, as well as a number of bars and lounges that serve at least small bites. MSC Seashore has five specialty restaurants that feature waterfront, outdoor seating on the ship's boardwalk.

Every vessel has at least one or more main dining rooms and a casual buffet where meals are included in the fare.

For dinner in a main dining room, you must either have My Choice dining with the Aurea experience (a flexible dining option where you dine whenever you want) or classic dining (where you have a fixed table and time for dinner).

Nearly every ship also has at least one — and sometimes quite a few — extra-charge venues. Among the most common across the fleet is the American-style steakhouse Butcher's Cut, which is found on more than half the line's vessels. There also are sushi bars on more than half the line's ships, with varying names like Kaito Sushi and Galaxy Sushi.

The line's newest ships have teppanyaki restaurants, too, and passengers on MSC Cruises' Seaside Class ships, as well as MSC Meraviglia and MSC Splendida, can dine at a Mediterranean-style seafood restaurant.

Several of the line's newest vessels, including MSC Grandiosa and MSC Bellissima, also have the French cuisine-serving L'Atelier Bistrot.

Entertainment and activities

MSC Cruises offers a broad range of entertainment and activities on its ships. As noted above, the line's biggest vessels offer multiple entertainment venues, from Broadway-style theaters to spaces for circus-like performances; all manner of deck-top attractions; large casinos; and full-service spas. Plus, you'll find multiple bars, lounges and nightlife spots.

Theaters and shows

Like other megaship lines, MSC Cruises is known for big, glitzy theater productions performed in onboard theaters that are as state-of-the-art as anything you'll find on Broadway.

On the line's newer ships, such as MSC Euribia, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Grandiosa, there are main theaters that hold nearly 1,000 people. They offer as many as six different full-scale theatrical productions during a typical voyage, with multiple showtimes for each production and a range of styles. You'll find original Broadway-style musicals, piano concerts and even operas.

Some MSC Cruises ships have high-tech, multipurpose entertainment spaces that serve as comedy clubs and karaoke bars but can also transform into music venues. Dubbed the TV Studio & Bar on some ships, these spaces also house radio and TV broadcasting equipment, and they can host games, quizzes and talent contests aired live on TV sets in cabins.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of MSC Cruises ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Every MSC Cruises ship has a casino, and on the line's larger vessels, they are big operations. Le Grand Casino on MSC Grandiosa, for instance, has 164 slot machines, 12 table games (including blackjack, roulette and poker) and its own bar.

The five Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus Class vessels also have soaring interior mall-like spaces called Gallerias with bars, restaurants and retail shops, as does the new MSC World Europa.

Many of the Gallerias, for example, are home to an innovative chocolate bar and boutique created by well-known French patissier and chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury.

The Gallerias on the five Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus Class vessels — MSC Euribia, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima — are topped with one of the most stunning features found at sea: a dazzling "digital sky" made with curving LED screens that offer regular light shows during the day and evening. There's something similar on MSC World Europa.

The bigger MSC Cruises ships also have interactive game zones with such attractions as Formula One racing simulators, immersive XD cinemas, arcade games and even full-size bowling alleys.

For something more soothing, all MSC Cruises ships include spas. These can be quite big on the larger vessels, with expansive thermal areas and a wide choice of treatments and services.

Insider tip: Passengers can get information about onboard entertainment and restaurants (and make reservations) on the interactive screens found around MSC Cruises vessels.

Top-deck attractions

The top decks of MSC Cruises ships offer pools, hot tubs and plenty of lounge space, plus some spectacular family-focused fun zones — on the line's newest ships, at least.

On the line's Meraviglia and Seaside Class ships, top-deck amenities include sprawling back-of-the-ship water parks with multiple waterslides, ropes courses and watery play areas for the little ones.

Some ships even have zip lines — the longest at sea.

Additionally, the main pool areas on the newest MSC Cruises ships are among the biggest and most stunning at sea. Some of the line's ships also have adults-only pools topped with glass ceilings that can be opened on warm days.

Children's programs

MSC Cruises has some of the most extensive children's programs at sea, with dedicated clubs and activities for children as young as a couple of months old through the age of 17.

On most ships, the line offers programming for five distinct age groups.

For the very youngest cruisers, there's Baby Club, a program for babies and toddlers up to the age of 3. The line partnered with baby care brand Chicco to develop dedicated Baby Club play areas on every ship with toys, games and music and rhythm activities. You can leave your toddlers at the clubs, which have dedicated staff, or stay and play with them.

MSC Cruises ships also have a dedicated Mini Club (ages 3 to 6) and Junior Club (ages 7 to 11) with age-appropriate activities. Designed in partnership with the Lego Group, the Mini Clubs offer games, events and activities such as arts and crafts. Junior Clubs have a Masterchef at Sea Juniors competition, plus acting, dancing and singing activities.

Related: New MSC Cruises ship in New York is bigger than the city's biggest hotel

MSC Cruises ships also have Young Club, a tween program (ages 12 to 14) that includes sports tournaments, high-tech games and other activities.

Then there's Teen Club (ages 15 to 17), which hosts disco parties, karaoke parties and Wii, Xbox and PlayStation 4 tournaments. On MSC Grandiosa, teens even get the chance to pilot a drone through an obstacle course during an activity called the Drone Academy, and the ship holds a teen dance competition designed in partnership with the company behind "The X Factor."

Kids and teens clubs on newer MSC Cruises ships can also access cutting-edge equipment like 3D printing machines, virtual reality devices and 3D product scanning, all of which are used in activities.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need either a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. Passports must be valid for at least six months.

For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. It's important that the name on your reservation is listed exactly as it appears on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

MSC Cruises adds an automatic service charge of $16 per person to final bills on sailings out of U.S. ports. Sailings with pricing in euros have a 12 euro charge ($13.13 at current exchange rates). Children 2 to 11 pay half the adult rate on most cruises. Children under 2 are not charged for service.

Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars for cruisers who do not have a drinks package. If you buy a drinks package, the gratuity charges for drinks is folded into the package price when you book it. A 15% service charge is also added to items in minibars, salons and spas.

Related: Tipping on a cruise ship: Everything you need to know

MSC Cruises has been rolling out Wi-Fi with speeds so fast that you'll be able to watch Netflix from your room on your mobile device. Unlike some lines, though, MSC Cruises doesn't offer flat-fee pricing for Wi-Fi. Instead, MSC Cruises charges by the number of devices you use and how you want to use the internet (think: browsing, texting, sending emails or video streaming).

Basic packages for browsing start around $72 for one device with unlimited data. A two-device plan with unlimited data for browsing costs about $109. There's also a four-device browsing plan for about $223. If you're looking to stream video along with other internet uses, you'll need a streaming plan. These start around $100 for one device and can be as high as $313 for a four-device plan.

Unlike other cruise lines, MSC Cruises does not let passengers switch their internet plan from one device to another during the cruise, even if they're only using one device at a time. Make sure you sign up for the Wi-Fi plan on the device you intend to use it with. If you'll want access on both your phone and your tablet, you will need a two-device plan.

Passengers can chat with friends and family on board ships even if they don't have an internet package by downloading the MSC for Me app to a smart device. The app also lets you book services on board.

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike some lines, MSC Cruises doesn't allow passengers to bring their own alcohol on board.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including electronic cigarette smoking) is allowed in a limited number of designated areas on ships, with the primary smoking area on ships being an outdoor pool area that varies by ship and is indicated by signage. Smoking is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 fee.

Unlike some lines, MSC Cruises does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships. Vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry-cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

All vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins.

For cruises in the Caribbean, South America and South Africa, as well as on MSC Grand Voyages going to Europe and to Australia, the onboard currency is the U.S. dollar.

On cruises in other parts of the world, the onboard currency is the euro. All vessels operate on a cashless system with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a Cruise Card (or, on the newer ships, an MSC for Me wristband) that you can use to make purchases.

Drinking age

You must be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol on sailings in the U.S. and the Caribbean. The drinking age on sailings everywhere else in the world is 18.

During the day, there's no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination and you're bound for the top deck, that means dressing for the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to put on when you go inside) are just fine.

On most evenings, the line recommends "smart casual" dress, meaning summery dresses for women and a lightweight jacket for men. On select days, the line also holds Gala evenings on its ships where the dress code can be more formal. For Gala evenings, if dining in a main dining room, the line suggests a tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit and tie for men and a dressy outfit, formal gown or cocktail dress for women.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

MSC Cruises loyalty program

MSC Cruises has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the MSC Voyagers Club , that has four tiers ranging from Classic (requiring 1 point) to Diamond (10,000 points).

Members earn points based on the length of the cruises they take and which "experience" they book on those sailings. There are four different "experiences" you can book on an MSC Cruises sailing, each with different inclusions and price points. The most basic "Bella" experience will get you fewer points than the top "MSC Yacht Club" experience.

For a sailing of under five nights, for instance, your earnings would range from 200 to 800 points depending on the experience you book. For cruises that are five to nine nights in length, you'd earn from 500 to 1,500 points depending on the experience.

Every person in your stateroom will earn points for the cruise. You can also earn points with onboard spending and any bookings you made before embarkation. You'll earn 100 points for every $150 in prepaid and onboard expenses.

Know, though, that there are a couple of key caveats. Only the Voyagers Club member who makes the final payment for the onboard expenses will receive those points. For prepaid expenses, points will be equally distributed among the cabin occupants.

Say, for example, the total amount of prepaid onboard services that apply to all cabin occupants before the cruise is $600. If there are four cabin occupants, the spending for the points calculation of each member will be $150, which is equal to 100 points.

As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Classic) doesn't bring all that many truly valuable rewards. By far the most alluring benefit at this level is the 5% discount that members get when booking future sailings (note that this discount is not valid on Tandem and MSC Grand Tours). That's real savings every time you book a cruise.

The real perks begin at Diamond status, which brings a free dinner in an extra-charge restaurant, priority embarkation at the start of a cruise and priority disembarkation at the end of a cruise.

Unlike with most cruise line loyalty programs, you won't automatically keep your status forever with MSC Cruises. Once achieved, your status is good as long as you take a cruise at least once every 36 months. If you don't, not only will your points disappear, but your entire account will be erased, requiring you to re-enroll and start all over again.

That's the downside of the MSC Voyagers Club. However, the program also comes with one very big upside: MSC Cruises will let you status match your way to top-tier Diamond status based on your status level with any of more than two dozen other loyalty programs — not just those run by competing cruise lines but also those operated by Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton. It's very rare in the cruise world.

How much does an MSC Cruises voyage cost?

MSC Cruises is known for some of the most affordable ships at sea. It's not uncommon to find MSC Cruises voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from under $75 per person, per night, including all taxes and fees — at least in the offseason.

For instance, at the time of publication, four-night sailings from Miami to the Bahamas in September 2024 start at just $249 per person, not including taxes and fees of $100. That works out to just $87.25 per person, per night, with taxes and fees, for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

As you might expect, pricing for ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September, October and parts of November.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board an MSC Cruises ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet and a few other amenities — unless you've paid up for a more inclusive package.

When pricing cabins, MSC Cruises offers one of four main "experiences," each of which comes with different inclusions and varying price tags. The basic "Bella" experience includes your room, dining in the main restaurants and buffet, and access to all the included features of the ship, such as kids programs and theater shows.

Note that if you book the Bella experience, you cannot select a specific cabin. You can only choose between the broad categories of inside, ocean-view or balcony cabin, and a cabin is later assigned to you.

One step up is the more expensive "Fantastica" experience, which adds room service and breakfast delivered to your cabin, priority choice of dinner sittings, access to additional kids activities and classes, and more. At this level and above, you can pick a specific cabin when booking.

With the even pricier "Aurea" experience, you'll get complimentary access to the spa's thermal area, priority boarding and other perks. The Aurea experience also comes with access to My Choice dining and an exclusive sun deck area that on many ships features an exclusive bar and hot tubs.

Then there's the MSC Yacht Club experience, mentioned above, which is the ultimate in onboard living. Even with its higher price tag, the MSC Yacht Club still provides great value for its wide range of perks, such as unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club areas, including premium spirits and minibar items.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their 1st cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to the MSC Cruises website to book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise (there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process: trust us) we recommend you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises. A good travel agent will quiz you about your interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They also can help if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure MSC Cruises is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all about the line's various cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see them firsthand.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your purchase when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which earns 2 points per dollar spent on travel (and dining).

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Bottom line

Long a major player in Europe, MSC Cruises is growing fast in North America with a lineup of big, new, amenity-filled ships.

If you're a megaresort lover, you'll feel right at home on MSC Cruises' new World, Meraviglia and Seaside Class vessels, which rival the biggest vessels of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian for their array of onboard amusements.

You'll also love their affordability. Among the world's biggest ships, they offer some of the lowest pricing. You'll be sharing your vacation with hordes of other people, of course — as many as 6,000 on some MSC Cruises vessels. However, even the biggest MSC Cruises ships have quiet nooks where you can escape the crowds.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Worth It? Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages

Sailing on MSC and ready to really go on vacation? Then you might start with a drink package . Instead of worrying about the price of your bar bill, you can pay one set daily fee and get your drinks included for the entire cruise.

On the surface, the MSC drink packages are pretty simple. You pay the daily cost, and you get to drink your fill of whatever you want. However, with any drink package there are always a lot of options, fine print, and caveats.

To help you sort through the details and make sure you get the right deal for you, we’ve covered all the ins and outs of MSC’s drink packages below. This includes how to figure if the package is worth it for your cruise.

In This Article...

What Drink Packages Are Offered on MSC?

Following a revamp in late 2021, MSC has a total of five drink packages. Of these, three are alcoholic packages and two are non-alcoholic.

Alcoholic Packages MSC offers several different options for those wanting to drink their fill of cocktails and beer on the ship. This includes the Easy Package, the Easy Plus Package, and the Premium Extra Package.

Easy Package: This deal offers selected drinks aboard the ship. Your options are somewhat limited, but it does include some beers, well cocktails, house wines, soft drinks, juices, bottled mineral water, and coffees. (A sample of the included drinks is shown later in this article.)

Easy Plus Package: A step above the Easy Package is the Easy Plus Package. This package offers drinks up to $10 per glass. Here you’ll find a much wider selection with cocktails, wines, and beers, as well as sodas, juices, energy drinks, and more.

Premium Extra Package: MSC’s top-of-the-line package is called Premium Extra. With this package (which is also the most expensive) you get drinks by the glass up to $16 each. This package is the most similar to drink packages found on other lines where you have the widest number of options across the ship. If you want a beer, cocktail, wine, specific brands of liquor, water, coffee, energy drinks, juices, and more, it’s almost surely included in this offer.

Non-Alcoholic Packages MSC also has two non-alcoholic packages that feature drinks across the ship that don’t have alcohol. This includes non-alcoholic cocktails, soda, energy drinks, juice, water, coffees, tea, and even ice cream. They are known as the Alcohol-Free Package and the Minors Package . These appear to have the same beverages offered, but a cheaper price for those under 21 sailing from the United States. 

How Much do MSC Drink Packages Cost?

Each of the packages has a different cost, ranging from as little as $21 per day to $104 per day at last price check. Note that prices can change at any time. You’ll see the latest prices when you book your cruise.

The most recent pricing we’ve seen is:

• Easy Package: $49 per person, per day
• Easy Plus Package: $64 per person, per day
• Premium Extra Package: $88 per person, per day
• Alcoholic-Free Package: $30 per person, per day (21+ years old); $21 per person, per day (3-20 years old)

As well, you receive a 15% discount if you purchase the package before sailing. That means you can save a substantial amount if you simply pre-purchase the package ahead of time versus waiting until on the ship. 

One note: Unlike other cruise lines, MSC does not charge a gratuity on top of the price of the package. So the price you see is that you pay each day.

Is Gratuity Included? Do I Need to Tip More?

Yes, gratuity is included in the cost of the package, according to MSC. So the price you see is the price you’ll pay.

And once at the bar, you don’t have to worry about additional charges or gratuity. It is already taken care of. You can tip more if you feel generous, but it’s not expected or required.

You should note that if you use the package to buy a drink while in port, you may be charged tax on the purchase.

Do I Have to Buy the Package For Each Day of the Cruise?

Yes. MSC requires guests who want the package to buy it for every day. You can’t purchase for single days. So if your cruise is a week, you’ll be charged for seven days, whether you have 10 drinks in a day or don’t drink anything at all.

Keep this in mind when considering the drink package. If you have a cruise with several days in port, you’ll still pay for the package even if you are off the ship and don’t use it (with the exception of Ocean Cay, where the package works on the island).

Also note that the package is not charged for debarkation day when your cruise arrives back home.

Does Every Person in a Cabin Have to Buy It If One Person Does?

Yes. MSC says that all guests sailing in a cabin must purchase the drink package if one person does. According to the terms posted on MSC’s website :

“Packages must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, and who are traveling together and wishing to dine at the same table. This includes minors, for whom the Minors Package must be booked. Packages are not obligatory for infants under three years of age.”

This is likely designed to limit sharing (one person buying the package and then getting drinks for someone without the package).

It’s important to note that this extends to kids as well. So if you are traveling with a minor that is three years or older, then you will have to purchase the non-alcoholic beverage package for them. There is a $21 cost for those under 21 years old. 

Kids under three don’t have to get a drink package.

What’s Included/Not Included in the Packages?

Each package is different in what it does and does not include. You can view the complete list of what’s included for each package on MSC’s website .

Here’s a breakdown for each:

Easy Package (select drinks) Includes one brand of draft beer (Heineken) and/or bottled Miller Lite, well cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails, house wines, soft drinks, juice, bottled mineral water, coffees, and hot chocolate.

Note: The Easy Package can’t be used in specialty restaurants. No drink packages can be used in MSC’s “signature venues,” which it says include “Venchi 1878 establishments, Lavazza Coffee Shops, Jean Philippe Chocolate, Coffee, Crepes & Gelato, Starship Club, Hola! Tacos & Cantina.”

Easy Plus Package (Up to $10 per drink) The Easy Plus Package includes everything in the Easy Package above, but has more options given the higher price ceiling. You’ll find a wide array of beers (around 20 beers, compared to two in the Easy Package), more cocktails, more wine by the glass and liquors. Specialty coffees, energy drinks, and canned soft drinks are also included. As well, drinks in specialty restaurants are available with this package.

Premium Extra Package (Up to $16 per drink) If you want the traditional drink package experience where you get your run of practically anything on the ship, then the Premium Extra Package may be ideal for you. It covers drinks on the ship up to $16 per glass. So you get any beer on the ship (as with the Easy Plus offer), most liquor brands, cocktails across the menu (including high-end cocktails), specialty coffees, juices, energy drinks, and more.  

Alcoholic-Free/Minors Package If alcohol isn’t your thing or you are sailing with kids, then you might be interested in the non-alcoholic package. It offers non-alcoholic cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

This package doesn’t apply to the specialty restaurants, unless it’s for a minor whose group purchased the Easy Plus or Premium Extra alcoholic package.

Does the Drink Package Work on Ocean Cay?

Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island ( see our complete guide to the island here ), and yes, the MSC drink package works on Ocean Cay just as it does on the ship.

Since cruises aboard MSC from Florida typically include a stop here, it’s an extra day that you can get your money’s worth from buying the drink package. Simply head up to any of the numerous bars on the island and place your order.

One thing to keep in mind is that the menu on the island may be slightly different than what’s found on the ship.

Is There a Daily Limit on How Many Drinks I Can Get?

There is no mention of a daily limit on drinks mentioned with the packages. That said, if you appeared overserved, then don’t be surprised if the cruise line decides to refuse service.

Be sure to mix in some waters with those margaritas during your cruise!

I Bought the Free Drinks & Wi-Fi Offer. Which Drink Package Do I Get?

Currently, MSC is running an offer with drinks and wi-fi included with your cruise. In the case that you book this, you will be provided with the Easy Plus Drink Package (which offers drinks up to $10 per glass).

What Drinks Are Available With the Easy Package? What About Drinks $10 and Under for Easy Plus?

While the Easy Package is attractive at just $49 per day, many people wonder what alcoholic drinks are available. This used to be for drinks priced $6 or under. Now MSC labels the package as including “select drinks.”

According to the chart on MSC’s website, this includes a “draft beer” and Miller Lite, house wines, well drinks, as well as classic cocktails, mixed drinks with well spirits.

To give you a better idea, of what that means, below is a menu with low-priced simple mixed cocktails like a Moscow Mule, Long Island Iced Tea, Mojito, and more that would be available. These are the sort of drinks that would be included. Take a look:

As for beers, most are priced at $7.50, but you can get draft Heineken with the Easy Package. 

Your options are much greater under the Easy Plus Package that includes drinks up to $10. Here you get a much wider selection of beers and cocktails, as well as the ability to get drinks with name-brand liquors. For example, beers like Budweiser, Dos Equis, Sam Adams, Guinness, and Blue Moon are included (along with many more).

As well, you get more liquor brands as well. Just one example is that while the Easy Package offers well whiskey, the Easy Plus package offers brands like Crown Royal, Jim Beam, and Johnnie Walker. You also get more cocktail choices, like Contemporary Classics:

As for the $10 limit, that seems to have the largest impact on the cocktails and wines by the glass. There, the limit does come into play on some more unique/high-end cocktails and more expensive wines. For instance, the cocktails shown below would not available with the Easy Plus Package, but are with the highest-end Premium Extra Package:

What if I Buy a Drink Above the Dollar Limit for the Package?

Say you really want to try the Mango Mojito — priced at $13 — but only have the Easy Plus Package that’s good for drinks up to $10. Do you have to pay full price?

On MSC, you are given a discount and only pay the difference between the per drink allotment and the menu price. So in this case, you would only pay $3 for the higher-priced drink.

The discount is $8 per drink for the Easy Package, $10 per drink for the Easy Plus Package, and $16 per drink for the Premium Extra Package.

Who Is Each Package Best For?

Not sure which package is right for you? The three options are very different, which can make things a little confusing.

Easy Package: The most restrictive package, we’d suggest this offer for people who don’t mind a smaller number of options. The unique, fancy cocktails aren’t included, but you can get classics like Rum & Coke, or a Moscow Mule. House wines, fountain sodas and premium coffee are also included. So if you aren’t a big alcohol drinker or don’t need a lot of variety, then this package might be good for you.

Easy Plus Package: This package is best for beer drinkers and those who favorite mid-tier liquors. One of the biggest differences between the Easy Plus and Easy Packages is the beer lineup. The lower-tier Easy Package has only two alcoholic beers included. The Easy Plus offer has more than 20 included. 

As well, there are more name-brand liquors available for drinks, including Jameson, Tito’s, Captain Morgan, 1800 Reposado, and dozens more. However, some menu options (specifically cocktails) are over the $10 per glass limit, restricting choices somewhat. Even so, you’d still be able to find something that you like given the number of choices.

Premium Extra: If you’re looking for the classic drink package experience where you have nearly everything on the ship included, then you’ll want the Premium Extra. Not only do you get what’s included in the Easy Plus Package, but there are also more liquor brands included. As well, you have the greatest number of cocktail options included, as well as the most wines by the glass. It definitely offers the most options, making it better for those who like “higher end” drinks.

The cost for MSC’s highest-tier package ($88 per person, per day) is in line with what many other cruise lines charge for their packages.

Is the MSC Drink Package Worth It?

For some people the drink package is a great way to save money. For others, it can be a waste as you’ll spend more than you would otherwise. In general, we think many people that buy an MSC drink package will get their money’s worth due to the relatively affordable cost — although the price has increased recently, making the deal a little less attractive than it used to be.

Before you buy the package, it’s important that you do the math and think about how you will use it.

The first thing to do is figure out what sort of drinks you’ll want on the cruise and how many per day.

Beer drinker? Most beers run about $7-8 each. If you plan to drink five a day, then that’s $35-$40, compared to the $64 per day for the Easy Plus Package (price before the cruise) that’s needed to purchase them.

Cocktail prices vary widely, with some well drinks being $7-8, but many more options available in the $10-14 range.

But you also don’t want to forget other drinks that you might have, including non-alcoholic drinks. To give you an idea of what things cost, we have general prices below that we’ve seen:

• Beers: ~$7-$8
• Cocktails: ~$7-$16 
• Soda: ~$3.50
• Juice: ~$3.50
• Energy Drinks: ~$4.50-$5
• Bottled Water (Spring & Sparkling): ~$3.25-$6.50
• Coffees: ~$3.00-$5

Beyond considering how much you will drink each day, consider the number of ports of call on your cruise. Remember that you can’t use the package while off the ship, unless you are visiting Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island. There, you can use the package on the ship while it is in port.

If you’re the sort of person who likes to get out and explore, then that’s a lot of time that you won’t be able to use the package.

Finally, remember that if one person buys a drink package, then everyone in the cabin has to buy it. So if you are a couple and one person drinks and the other doesn’t, then it’s going to be much harder to get your money’s worth.

The drink package rule also applies to kids that are three years and older. Be sure to add in these costs when making your decision on if the package is worth the money.

To help you plan, we put together a drink package calculator that you can use to estimate what you’ll spend.

Have more questions about MSC’s drink package? Let us know in the comments below.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, cruise line drink package calculator, worth it 15 cruise drink package questions & answers to know, what to do on a cruise 70 fun things to do on the ship, the beginner’s guide to hooking up on a cruise, sex on a cruise: what to know before you get down, worth it princess cruise drink packages explained (prices, what is included, and more), 109 comments.

Hi! Thank you for putting this together. This is the most detailed and comprehensive information out there.

How much is going to cost me to get a glass of wine for my dinner?(I don’t have any liquor plans)

It will depend on the wine, but expect it to run $8-$20 per glass.

Is there kosher wine on the menu?

That I’m not sure about!

Thanks for your article. Some questions for you about easy package: 1) Include alcoholic aperitives? (Bacardi Breezer and similars) 2) Include any cocktel with chocolate licor or any licor of chocolate or cream similar to Bayleys? Thanks for all!

Does MSC offer any non-alcoholic beverage (water, juice, soda) as part of the price? What happens if you don’t buy the drinks package? Is there any beverage included as part of the rate?

There is a 15 drink limit only for alcoholic beverages on Princess.

My partner mostly drinks prosecco. What level of package do we need to gdt so the prosecco is included?. I am happy to drink whatever is going 😉

How much are the ice creams and soft drinks for?

I am looking at the MSC Australia website. It says the easy plus package is $560 per adult. Is this Australian currency or USD

Could you provide the 2023 price list for alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks in order to figure out if is worthed or not to buy any of the beverage packages?

Headed on MSC in a couple of weeks. Will offer some update soon after!

There is a liquor store available on a ship. Can we purchase and consume?

No. The duty-free store that sells alcohol will package it up and hold it for you until the last night of the cruise.

If one of the guests in the room is pregnant could they get the nonalcoholic and the other person get the drink package? I know I will probably need to call just curious if it’s an option or no because the same room

You’ll need to call, but at least with other cruise lines this is usually possible.

On Princess all adults must purchase a beverage package in the same cabin even if its a soda or coffee package to go with another guest beverage package.

We have booked a cruise that includes the Easy Plus drinks package. I will probably pay the additional amount for the Premium Extra Package…. Will my wife have to upgrade also? She is more than satisfied with drinks on the Plan included?

Oh, that one I’m not sure about. If you find out, would you mind sharing what happened?

Good Day (once again), We have an Easy-Plus package, can you tell me if the drinks in the mini-fridge in our room are included with our drink package. Thank you

They are not.

We are leaving this Sunday on a 7-night MSC cruise. We prepurchased the Easy Plus Package. My travelling partner is concerned that the well drinks will not be of good enough quality. Do you have any way of checking which brands are included in each of the higher level packages? Thanks.

Sure, check out this page:

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/on-board/dining-drinks/drink-comparison-chart

Hello, thank you very much for the info. Just 1 quick question, I know the drink package works on Ocean Cay, but just to make sure, does the easy plus package works w/ the smiling fish and coffee bar (specifically the coffee bar)?

Hi, is it true that there’s a limit of how many times you can drink with the drink package? I heard 15 times per day??

On Carnival/Princess, there is a 15 drink limit. We know of no such limit for MSC.

Tanner, if my drink package includes up to $15 alcohol and I order $17 alcohol, will I be charged the difference in price or the full $17?

That I’m not sure about. I will be sure to ask the next time I am on MSC!

I have seen a few youtubers in the recent sailings confirming that MSC does it differently. It charges full price, not the difference.

I personally has never sailed w/ MSC before, but do have a sailing coming up in a few months, I can double check.

Thank you so much for posting the individual prices on drinks, Tanner. You’ve helped me decide not to get a drink package. Makes no sense being off the boat at excursions all day! Am I understanding this correctly- I’m cruising to Spain, Italy, and France and if I buy a local wine during the day, I can’t come back and enjoy it on my very expensive balcony in my very expensive room at night because they will confiscate said wine until the end of the cruise? (side eye on this).

That’s my understanding, however, rules may be different in Europe!

Can we buy a bottle of wine per day or do we need to pay by the glass?

Which drinks package applies from South Africa to Venice if anyone knows?

Can you bring non alcoholic drinks on board that you purchase in port? (Ie. Juice/soda) Is there a fridge in the room to keep drinks?

To my knowledge, MSC doesn’t allow you to bring on beverages. So if you bring them, they will be held until the end of the cruise and returned. There should be a small fridge in your cabin.

Hi there, what drinks are included in the free drinks and wifi package?

We have an Easy Plus Package included with our cruise, and have prepaid the “Hotel Service Charges”. Will we still have to pay the 15% Bar Service Charge every time we have an alcoholic drink over and above what is included in the package price?

No, that 15% is already included.

We’re about to go on our cruise in a couple weeks and have one question I haven’t seen yet. While coming from different places across the US and even out of the US, we’re meeting up with five other couples that are family or friends. We’ve been able to arrange us being grouped for dinners together. One couple in the group believes this means ALL parties (2 per cabin) would be forced to buy the same drink package. Any idea?

Did you all buy your cruise as one group or separately? I would think that the requirement to buy the package if another person does would apply only to those in the same cabin, or at most those who bought the cruise together. So if all the couples purchased cabins apart from each other, I doubt you’d have to all get the package.

We all booked individually and have our own booking numbers. I have tried talking to MSC on the phone and get disconnected when the initial people can’t answer without speaking to someone else. I haven’t received any calls back either, pretty sure all my information is in front of them on their computer screen. Anyway, too late to book a drink package at this point so I’ll have to wait until we board to ask in person. I will update this thread to help any others that have the same question.

If all of you are going to seat at the same table all of you must have the same drink package. You can find this exactly information at msc website.

Any updates on this Brad? Thx!

I believe its house wine in the package. I would be nice to know what is there house wine

Does MSC check your bags before boarding after a shore excursion?

Yes, every cruise line checks when you return to the ship.

Which brand is the energy drink thats included in the package? thank you.

Not sure on that one. Will check the next time onboard.

REd Bull 250ml

Do any of the packages include the cabin mini-bar? If not, is there price list available?

MSC says the mini-bar is not included in any packages.

Hello. If I have the easy plus drink package it seems to cover drinks up to $9. If I want a more expensive drink a time or two, does MSC allow you to get it with the package and pay the difference?

I believe MSC has a different policy that means the entire drink costs extra. So a $12 drink costs $12, not $3. However, that might have changed.

So just to be 100% clear, you don’t have to buy a drinks package with them, you can just purchase as you want if you aren’t a big drinker?

That’s correct.

I would check into this. I did some research, and it appears that you can purchase dinks on the ship. You have a gratutity added to the price. The drinks package has this already included. Trust me, they do not want to leave money on the table. If someone wants to buy something from them, they will allow it. Again, I would reach out directly to MSC to ask just to be sure.

What about if i want just rum nd no coke, thats the tricky part. They put more coke than rum and the the drink is undrinkable.

This may be where finding a bartender, tipping them well at the beginning of the cruise, and then going back to visit them may help get a drink mixed how you like it!

Can you take you bring your drink in the pool? And can you drink while sitting down watching a show on the auditorium?

Sure. In fact, there are bars at the pool.

If you have the Easy or Easy Plus drink package, and you want to get a drink on the premium list, do you have to pay the full list price? Or do you get any sort of discount?

I believe it is full price, however, not 100%. Haven’t done it personally and heard conflicting things.

This was really helpful, thank you! I was wondering can one person in the room get the easy package and the other person get the easy plus package? Or do they both have to get the higher option?

What drinks are included with NO package purchase?

Basic drinks like water, tea, coffee and flavored drinks.

hi, great read thank you just a few questions if you buy a drink either water coffee or beer can you bring to your room? how do they know what package you are on do you have a card? if you buy no package and just buy as you go do you have to tip? is water free any where on the ship with out any package or is it only by bottle and has to be paid for ? surely they have to supply water ? thanks again

– Yes, you can bring drinks back to the room – Your card may have a sticker on it, or when they scan it, the drink package will show up – If you buy as you go, a gratuity will automatically be applied to the menu price – You can get water around the ship. The easiest place is the buffet, but you can also get a glass from the bars.

Would it be easier to either bring a refillable bottle with you or just purchase a bottle of water and then refill it? Also, I read that the water is mineral water. So, wouldn’t that be different from distilled or spring? Would kids balk at the taste?

I’d suggest just bringing a refillable bottle. Holds more than the little cups you get at the buffet and you don’t have to head to a bar for a bottle each time.

I read that the kid’s package also includes soft server ice cream. Is that true? Also, when can you choose the drink packages (how many days after you reserve your cruise)?

Yes, it included soft-serve ice cream.

Are you not able to reserve? How long is your cruise? I’ve had the same issue and a call to MSC told me that you couldn’t buy a package before if the cruise was under 4 days long. (Mine is 3 days).

It’s not showing up, but maybe it’s because the cruise isn’t until March of 2024. So, they are probably waiting to publish the packages closer to sailing.

Can you purchase a drink package on a 3 day cruise

Yes, should be available.

no-minimum 4 days to be able to buy a drinks package

Thanks a lot for this complete review on the drinking package. Just realized they are not worth it. Saved me a lot of money. =)

I think the biggest part that may not make it worth it is having to get a drink package for the kids. My kids don’t drink soda or energy drinks. I don’t think it’s worth it for us, but we have until May to figure that out.

There are 3 of us sailing, The Mrs with me and the Grand daughter.We are not interested in the drinks packages for ourselves but can we purchase the kids one just for the Grand daughter. T.I.A

This is the most detailed and probably up-to-date breakdown of MSC drink packages I have seen. Makes a lot of sense now and I know what I’m getting myself into now. Thank you!

If you buy the Easy Package and you want to buy a $10 drink, can you? If so, are you charged $10 or the difference, $4?

Our understanding is that MSC charges the full price for a drink over the package limit. So in your example, you’d be charged $10.

Thanks for this great information. The most complete and concise explanation and comparison.

Drinks like Mud Slide, Bahama Mama, Miami Vice are they the Easy or Premium package?

You’ll want the higher package. The drinks on the Easy Package largely consist of simple two ingredient cocktails like rum and Coke, Cape Cod (cranberry vodka), etc.

Hello, so i know that each person in the cabin has to order a drink package. Will my husband be able to buy the Premium drink package, myself the Easy drink package and our daughter (19) the soda package? Regards, Rhonda

I believe you and your husband will need to get the same level drink package. Since your daughter is under 21, she can get the soda package.

When I was looking at ordering the drink package, it made me select the same drink package for me and my wife. They kids had to get the minors package.

What kinds of wines are included in the easy package.

Great question. I just looked through all the photos of menus taken onboard and don’t see a wine list anywhere.

I do notice that MSC makes no mention of wine in the Easy Package, but they do in the Premium Package. It could be that you need to have the Premium Package to have wines included.

i see in the basic non alcholic package it references coffee isnt coffee free in the buffet room

Yes. It likely means premium coffees.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Carnival VIFP Club: How It Works, Benefits, and More

Should you buy carnival’s ‘faster to the fun’ deal here’s when it’s worth it, the 8 closest beaches to the cozumel cruise port, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

• Don't Miss Out on Exclusive Halloween Cruise Deals !
• Get exclusive cruise deals on MSC Poesia Mediterranean Cruises for 2024
• Get exclusive cruise deals on MSC Sailings from New York
• Get exclusive cruise deals on MSC Euribia Northern Europe Cruises for 2024
• Get exclusive cruise deals on MSC Cruises from Miami and Port Canaveral
• Discover Exclusive Offers and Special Deals on MSC Cruise Deals
• Deal of the Week
• 120-Day Tracker
• Sign In With Google

• Top Cruise Destinations
• All Cruise Destinations
• Top Departure Ports
• All Departure Ports
•  Ocean Cruises
•  River Cruises
•  Cruise Length
•  2 to 3 nights
•  4 to 6 nights
•  7 to 9 nights
•  10 to 13 nights
•  14 and more nights
• All Cruise Lines
• Cruise Booking
• Cruise Articles
• MSC Cruise Tips

How Much Does It Cost to Go on an MSC Cruise?

Planning to go on a cruise but confused about which one to choose? MSC Cruises sails across the world. Check out how much it costs.

Book MSC Cruise

MSC Cruises is one of the most luxurious family cruise lines that sail across the globe. It has been in this business for several years and is recognized as the world's third-largest cruise company. Since it is one of the ruling cruise lines, many people obviously prefer the MSC cruises over the rest. If you are planning to travel on MSC cruises, check out how much it costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Go on an MSC Cruise in 2023?

A trip cost on the MSC cruises can vary as per your cruise ship, trip duration, and the kind of rooms you choose.

1. MSC Virtuosa

If you are starting your journey from Southampton and taking MSC Virtuosa to Le Havre for one night, your fare can be as low as $59. However, this can change depending on the kind of rooms you choose. Virtuosa has 19 decks; you can choose your stay from Deck 5 to Deck 19. Each of these decks has several restaurants to relish good food in a world-class ambiance.

• Interior Rooms : $59 per night 
• Ocean View Rooms: $99 per night
• Balcony Rooms: $139 per night
• Suite Rooms: $229 per night

2. MSC Fantasia

Those planning a Northern Europe voyage from Kiel to Copenhagen on MSC Fantasia can choose to stay from a wide range of accommodations. Generally, these costs are inclusive of accommodation and access to certain dine-in restaurants, on-deck activities, and entertainment options. Furthermore, since this ship is suitable for families, you can also expect various teen and kids-appropriate activities. One can also enhance their cruise experience by booking off-shore activities while confirming their booking. Typically, these charges are not always included in the general fare.

• Interior Rooms: $69 per night

3. MSC Lirica

A trip to Marseille from Genoa on MSC Lirica can cost around $59 and go up to $199 per night. MSC Lirica is another lavish and elegant ship that offers guests the utmost comfort and hospitality. There are abundant intimate spaces for you to enjoy with your loved ones. Lirica also has an underground Broadway Theatre for your entertainment. However, the ship has recently enlarged its restaurant and buffet areas to accommodate more guests.

• Interior Rooms: $59 per night
• Ocean View Rooms: $89 per night
• Balcony Rooms: $149 per night
• Suite Rooms: $199 per night

4. MSC Musica

Another popular cruise ship from the MSC cruise line is Musica. It also travels from Genoa to Marseille, so if you are planning a trip to the same destination, you can also consider MSC Musica. This has recently launched an eco-friendly cruise ship. You can choose from the four types of accommodation available on the ship. Additionally, there is a theatre, disco, casino, lounge and bar, art gallery, boutiques, etc. You must check which of these are included in the fare.

5. MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra is a huge vessel that can accompany over 3000 guests and 900+ crew members. This ship has sixteen decks in total, and on each deck, you can find accommodation, dining areas, activity zones, etc. If you want to add further excursions, you may have to pay extra along with your basic fare. MSC Orchestra sails to many destinations, and its rate changes accordingly. Here is the room rent for a trip from Cape Town to Durban.

• Interior Rooms: $149 for three nights
• Ocean View Rooms: $239 for three nights
• Balcony Rooms: $339 for three nights
• Suite Rooms: $829 for three nights

Related:   Is MSC Cruises' Yacht Club Worth It ?

Apart from these five MSC Cruise ships , there are seventeen more vessels. You can choose any of them for your upcoming cruise trip. MSC Cruises is a huge name in the industry. You can call it a combination of luxury, elegance, and new-age technology. Even with a last-minute plan, our MSC cruise deals have you covered. Book your dream cruise now!

*All rates are based on availability and are subject to change.

How much are daily gratuities on Celebrity Cruises?

Book Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruise Line does not allow its passengers to tip attendants onboard. Celebrity Cruises appreciates all its attendants for their services through gratuities. The [...]

July 09, 2024

What islands are included in a Western Caribbean cruise?

Book Western Caribbean Cruises Western Caribbean cruises are undoubtedly one of the most blissful cruises out there. Besides having luscious cuisines, the Caribbean is blessed with 700 islands [...]

November 07, 2023

How many days do you need in Galapagos?

Book Cruises to Galapagos Deciding on the number of days to stay is essential whenever planning to visit a place. This is because, depending on this decision, you can plan your itineraries [...]

July 18, 2024

How to Keep Your Data Safe When Cruising?

Book A Cruise Now Whether you are on land or at sea, cybercriminals are opportunists. They are always looking out for the tiniest mistake on your part, which gives them access to your private [...]

December 29, 2023

Cruise Inquiry

Our cruise experts will help you to plan your perfect cruise vacation!

* I consent to receive communications by email or phone. I understand I may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in all communications. Please proceed to the Privacy Policy page or read our Terms & Conditions to understand how your data might be used.

MSC Cruises Drink Packages & Prices (UPDATED)

 On a recent MSC Cruise, I booked an aft balcony with a special rate that included the “Easy Package”. I really had no idea what to expect since I never booked an MSC Cruise with a beverage package in the past.

Upon embarking, I was told by staff how the Easy Package didn’t include much and couldn’t be used at a specialty dining restaurant. With that information, I paid a nominal upgrade on the spot to the “Easy Plus” package to make sure I had more choices and that I could use the package while dining in every restaurant.

So is a drink package on MSC worth it? Let’s find out!

About the drink packages:

MSC Cruises offers a variety of drink packages for their cruises, including the “Easy” package, “Easy Plus” package, “Premium Extra” package, an Alcohol-Free package for minors, and a Minors package. The packages range in price and offerings, with the Easy Plus package allowing for more choices and access to specialty dining restaurants. Recent changes include gratuity now being included in the pricing. It’s important to understand what each package includes and excludes before making a decision.

Quick things to know:

• MSC Cruises offers various drink packages like the “Easy,” “Easy Plus,” “Premium Extra,” Alcohol-Free, and Minors package.
• Prices range from $19/day for the Minors package to $85/day for the Premium Extra package.
• The Easy Plus package offers more options and includes access to specialty dining restaurants for an additional cost (best value)
• Drink package prices include gratuity
• Drink packages CAN BE USED on Ocean Cay
• If your package doesn’t cover the drink cost, just pay the difference!
• The Mini bar in the cabin is not included in any package
• Everyone in the cabin needs to purchase the same drink package (excluding minors)

MSC Drink Package Prices

Depending on which you choose, you can get a package for as little as $19/day (Minors) – but the most popular package is the Easy Plus Package which starts at $61/day. The good news is that MSC Is running quite a few promotions that INCLUDE the Easy Plus Package ! Take a look at their promotions here.

What do the drink packages on MSC cruises cost?

We’ll be posting accurate European prices shortly, as they have also changed recently.

MSC Cruises Drink Packages Compared (NEW 2024 prices)

There are 5 drink package options that MSC Cruises offers on its ships including the “Easy” package, “Easy Plus” package, “Premium Extra” Package, and the Alcohol-Free Package (with a different price for minors and adults)

• See : MSC Cruises Bar & Drink Menus with Prices

Easy Drink Package

The “ Easy Package ” is the most basic alcoholic beverage package on MSC Cruises with a cost of $46 per day per adult and is sometimes offered at no charge as a promotion. (This package is $49 per day on short cruises of less than 6 nights and is even more expensive if purchased onboard)

Liquor choices that go into mixed drinks are generic and sometimes off-brand.

The upside to this beverage package is that it also includes bottled water, soft drinks & juices as well as espresso, coffee cappuccino, and other hot drinks (tea, hot chocolate, etc.) With many cruise lines when purchasing a drink package, they often exclude bottled water and coffee drinks. 

So if you are a heavy coffee drinker and enjoy bottled water with a few beers throughout the day, this is likely your good choice. 

This is the package that was included on my Meraviglia cruise with the base cruise fare. Initially, this seemed like a good option as it covers the basics, but some restrictions were inconvenient enough to make me upgrade to the Premium Plus.

An important exception to the Easy Package!

  You CANNOT use the Easy beverage package in any of the specialty restaurants . So if you want a gin & tonic at dinner, you’re out of luck. Even more bizarre, bringing a beverage to dinner is specifically prohibited forcing you to purchase any drinks regardless of price for the time you are in a specialty restaurant. 

MSC Easy Drink Package Menu & What’s Included

The Easy drink package entitles you to any beverage up to $7.50 ( sort of ). For your convenience, menus throughout the ships have a section specifying what’s included in the easy beverage package. However even though some beer prices by the bottle are $7.50 or less, those are EXCLUDED from this package. Strange, right?

For beer, with the Easy Drink Package, the only option is Heineken Draft or sometimes Miller Light, and the wines are off-label or inexpensive brands only marked as “chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel Rose, Cabernet, or Merlot (Plus a random label of sparkling wine or Prosecco). So if you’re not picky, this package may be sufficient. 

Martini | Gin or vodka, dry vermouth, olive or lemon peel Manhattan | Whisky, red vermouth, Angostura bitters Daiquiri | Rum, lime juice, sugar syrup Cosmopolitan | Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime Sidecar | Brandy, triple sec, lemon juice Screwdriver | Vodka, orange juice Margarita | Tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, lime juice Moscow Mule | Vodka, lime, ginger beer Cape Cod | Vodka, cranberry juice Mimosa | Sparkling wine, orange juice Gin Fizz | Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, soda Pink Lady | Gin, lemon juice, grenadine Sea Breeze | Vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice Caipiroska | Vodka, diced lime, sugar Blue Hawaiian | Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream Tequila Sunrise | Tequila, orange juice, grenadine Bloody Mary | Vodka, tomato juice, salt, pepper, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce Long Island Iced Tea | Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, cola Mojito | Rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar, soda Piña Colada | Rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice Strawberry Daiquiri | Rum, strawberry purée, sweet & sour mix

Alcohol-free cocktails included

Nojito | Lime, fresh mint leaves, sugar, Mojito mix, club soda Magic Island | Pineapple, orange and lemon juice, grenadine, Sprite Cuddle on the Beach | Peach purée, orange juice, cranberry juice Royal Punch | Passion fruit purée, pineapple juice, cranberry juice Fruit Smoothie | Orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, fresh banana, guava juice, mango purée Coco Colada | Fresh pineapple, coconut cream, pineapple juice, milk Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri | Strawberry purée, sweet & sour mix, sugar syrup

Beer Included in the MSC Easy Drinks Package

Heineken draft beer (ONLY)

For this package, even though bottled beers are less than the price cap of $7.50, they’re specifically excluded. Mindblowing, right? It just adds to the confusion about the MSC Drinks packages.

Sodas Included in the Easy Package

Sodas by the glass, Fruit juices by the glass, Still or sparkling mineral water

Other beverages included

Espresso, Decaf espresso, Cappuccino, Decaf cappuccino, Caffè latte, Glass of milk, Hot chocolate, Hot tea

Is the Easy package worth it?

That really depends. If you drink basic cocktails such as Gin & Tonic, Bloody Mary, Screwdriver , etc, and aren’t picky about the liquor used, the Easy Package may work for you. 

Easy Plus Drink Package

The Easy Plus Package cost is $61 per day , ($64 for shorter cruises of 6 days or less) but you can upgrade from the Easy package for about $23/per day per person

With this beverage package, you can order drinks in specialty dining restaurants as well as anything included in the above Easy package. There are caveats, more on that later.

Any beverages up to $10 are included in this package which gets you all of the beer options, more wine options, and some frozen drink options that aren’t available in the most basic drink package.  There is also a larger range of liquor brands, cordials, and martinis available at this price point.

The Easy Plus Package is the most common drinks package because it includes just about everything that a typical drinker would order. Even better, this package can be used in specialty dining restaurants as well. With recent changes to the beverage packages, the cruise line now allows you to order a drink that is not included in the package and only pay the difference (plus gratuity)

This is what we ultimately upgraded to from our included Easy Package. It was well worth the upgrade not only for the more inclusive offering, but for the simplicity of not having to think about what we were ordering and if it was included.

In addition to the Easy Package, you can also order the following:

Cocktails included:.

Sapphire Martini Bombay Sapphire gin, Martini dry, olive or lemon peel Appletini Absolut Classic and Absolut Vanilia vodka, apple sour liqueur, sweet & sour mix Royal Manhattan Crown Royal, Martini Rosso, Angostura bitters Cuban Daiquiri Bacardi Superior white rum, lime juice, sugar syrup Absolut Cosmo Absolut Citron vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, Rose’s lime Spanish Sidecar Cardinal Mendoza brandy, Cointreau, lemon juice, sugar syrup Screwdriver Made in USA T ito’s vodka, orange juice Classic Margarita Jose Cuervo silver tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, lime juice Dutch Mule K etel One vodka, lime, ginger beer Absolut Cape Cod Absolut Classic vodka, cranberry juice Mimosa Blossom Absolut Mango vodka, Galliano, orange juice, prosecco Bombay Fizz Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, soda Ultimate Pink Lady Beefeater London Dry gin, lemon juice, pomegranate syrup Caribbean Breeze Ketel One vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, lime Masters of the Sea Caipirinha Premium cachaça, diced lime, sugar Blue Hawaiian Punch Bacardi Superior white rum, Malibu coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream Aperol Spritz Aperol, prosecco, club soda, orange slice Jalisco Sunrise Jose Cuervo silver tequila, orange juice, grenadine Absolut Bloody Mary Absolut Classic vodka, tomato juice, salt, pepper, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce Ultimate Iced Tea Smirnoff vodka, Bacardi Superior White rum, Beefeater gin, Jose Cuervo silver tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, cola Bacardi Mojito Bacardi Superior white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime, sugar, club soda Mudslide Absolut vodka, Kahlúa coffee liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, heavy cream Baileys Alexander Baileys Irish Cream, dark crème de cacao, cream

Frozen Drinks:

Mango Tropical Trooper Cruzan mango rum, peach schnapps, triple sec, mango juice, fresh mint Rock Lobster Malibu coconut rum, banana liqueur, grenadine, fresh banana, pineapple and orange juice, Gosling’s Black Seal rum Ultimate Piña Colada Bacardi Superior white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, fresh pineapple B.B.C Bailey’s Irish Cream, Bacardi Superior white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, fresh banana Original Strawberry Daiquiri Bacardi Superior white rum, strawberry purée, sweet & sour mix Miami Vice Miami’s hottest drink: half Strawberry Daiquiri and half Piña Colada Frozen Toblerone Bailey’s Irish Cream, macadamia nut syrup, Swiss white chocolate syrup, cream

Beer Included in the Easy Plus package:

Miller Lite USA Budweiser USA Bud Light USA Coors Light USA Michelob Ultra USA Heineken Netherlands Corona Extra Mexico Dos Equis Mexico Red Stripe Jamaica Stella Artois Belgium

Samuel Adams USA Yuengling Lager USA Newcastle Brown Ale England Blue Moon USA Beck’s Germany Peroni Nastro Azzurro Italy Pilsner Urquell Czech Republic Guinness Pub Draft Ireland Angry Orchard Apple Cider USA Heineken 0.0 Netherlands

MSC Easy Plus Package Menu

This is an example of the Easy Plus menu from within the MSC mobile app. Just know that you are entitled to anything up to $10. See the complete list below.

Receive Our Monthly CruiseLetter

Including cruise reviews, travel tips, and cruise deals

Premium Extra Package

This drinks package allows you to purchase any beverage up to $16 , however, it comes at a high cost of $85.00 / day per person (this can be as much as $104/day if you are on a short cruise and purchase onboard). You can upgrade from a lower-cost beverage package for the difference in price, i.e. if you have the easy package, for approximately $43/day you can upgrade to this Premium package.  (Note: Prices have changed as of March 1, 2023, and this information reflects the newest pricing)

While this package covers most top-shelf liquor, there are still quite a few wines and drinks that are more than $16, so it’s not as inclusive as other cruise lines’ most premium drink packages.

MSC Premium Extra Drink Menu

Most premium liquors can be purchased with this package including Grey Goose, Aviation Gin, Belvedere, etc. (see the menu below). However, there are still plenty of drinks that are strategically priced above $16, making this package far from all-inclusive. Additionally, most of the champagne and decent wine on board is significantly more than the limit allowed by this package. It’s hard to make sense of this package unless your tastes are squarely within the more premium liquor brands included.

A bonus of these drinks packages is the discounting on bottles of wine (25%), but the reality is good bottles of wine are generally only available at The Butchers Cut Steakhouse, so unless you are dining there regularly, that benefit is minimal. 

In addition to the Easy Package & Easy Plus Package, you can also order the following beverages:

Drinks included in the premium extra package:.

Aviation Martini Aviation gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, fresh lemon juice Hemingway Daiquiri Zacapa 23Y rum, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur Santa Teresa Manhattan Santa Teresa 1796 rum, orange bitters, red vermouth Gold Rush Woodford Reserve bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup MSC Signature Martini Disaronno liqueur, Grey Goose vodka, Licor 43, lemon peel Mule Le Poire Grey Goose Le Poire vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer Shanghai Margarita Patrón Silver tequila, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, fresh ginger zest Chili Passion Caipirinha Premium caçhaca, lime, raw sugar, hot chili sauce, passion fruit, jalapeño

Ultimate Mai Tai Appleton Estate rum, Bacardi Superior white rum, Disaronno liqueur, pineapple and orange juice, sweet & sour mix, grenadine Purple Rain Bacardi Superior white rum, Finlandia vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, sweet & sour mix, grenadine Coco Loco Bacardi Oakheart spiced rum, Malibu coconut rum, Piña Colada mix, mango purée, fruit punch Jamaican Paradise Appleton Estate rum, Malibu coconut rum, Jose Cuervo silver tequila, Midori melon liqueur, blue curaçao, sweet & sour mix Miami Beach Iced Tea Bacardi Superior white rum, Beefeater gin, Smirnoff vodka, Cuervo silver tequila, blue curaçao, sugar syrup, Sprite Sunset Beach Malibu coconut rum, raspberry liqueur, orange and pineapple juice, grenadine Tropical Tease Midori melon liqueur, Malibu coconut rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice Emerald Mariachi 1800 Reposado tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, passion fruit syrup, pineapple juice Mango Mojito Bacardi mango rum, mango purée, fresh mint leaves, lime, club sod a

You ONLY pay the difference in price for a beverage not included in your MSC DRINK package

You can now get a credit towards any drinks not included in your MSC Drink package!. The credit towards a drink is $8 per drink for the Easy Package, $10 per drink for the Easy Plus Package, and $16 per drink for the Premium Extra Package.

For European cruises the credit you get is 7 Euro for the Easy Package, 9 Euro for the Easy Plus and 14 Euro for the Premium Extra package on MSC.

Alcoholic-Free and Minors Package on MSC Cruises

You might be interested in the non-alcoholic package if you’re not a drinker or when traveling with children. This package offers non-alcoholic cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. This package doesn’t apply to specialty restaurants unless it’s for a minor whose group purchased the Easy Plus or Premium Extra alcoholic package. So be prepared to pay for your soda when dining at the Butcher’s Cut, even if you have this package.

These prices will vary if booked on the ship on the day of sailing. Usually by an additional 10% or more. Short sailings are considered anything less than 7 days.

This table of prices is pretty mind-numbing and takes the fun out of figuring out what package is right. Why there are different prices for different lengths of cruise is bizarre and just another way that MSC tends to overcomplicate everything.

• Read : More about MSC Cruises
• See : MSC Bar Menus

In Summary, My experience with the MSC Drink Packages

Originally, I thought the Easy package would be sufficient for our cruise, but discovering the limited beverage options and the fact that you cannot use the package in specialty dining restaurants, we chose to upgrade to the Easy Plus.

Overall this was a good choice, because of the wider variety of options and the ability to use in a specialty restaurant. However, it’s important to know – that when using the Easy Plus in a specialty restaurant like Butcher’s Cut, you must order off of the wine/drink menus in that restaurant!

If your favorite glass of wine isn’t available in the restaurant, you are forbidden to bring anything from an outside bar, which really makes no sense. This is something that they do NOT TELL YOU when upgrading from Easy to Easy Plus on the ship.

Normally this wouldn’t be a big issue except there were very few options on beverage menus that were covered by the Easy Plus package.

Drink Calculator – Are drink packages worth it on MSC?

Let’s find out if getting a drink package is worth it or not by using our handy drink calculator! Simply choose the package you plan on purchasing and estimate how many drinks per day you might consume and see if you “break even”

• Choose the package type you are considering. We’ve entered the package price per MSC Cruises but you can adjust the daily charge if you are getting a promo on the package price.
• Enter the number of cruise days
• Estimate your consumption of each type of beverage. We’ve put the average beverage prices based on the Drink Menus, but you can adjust this if you know you like more expensive drink options.

Easy Package includes:

Specific drinks listed on the easy drink menu (found here).

These drinks are sort of “vague” in some respect, so definitely look at the MSC Drink Menus article , where there is a unique menu for the Easy Package.

The Easy Package covers all of the above served in the bars, buffet and main restaurant as well as Ocean Cay and other exclusive destinations. This package CANNOT be used in specialty restaurants.

Easy Plus Package includes:

Bottomless beverages priced up to $10 all day long.

The Easy Plus Package can be enjoyed in the bars, buffet, main restaurant and specialty restaurants , Ocean Cay, and other exclusive destinations.

Premium Extra Package includes:

Premium beverages priced up to $16.

The Premium Extra Package can be enjoyed in the bars, buffet, main restaurant, and specialty restaurants as well as Ocean Cay and other exclusive destinations.

Estimate Your Daily Consumption:

Each field contains the average price found on most MSC ships in US Dollars.

Remember! Any drink not within your package limit, you pay the overage cost plus the service charge! If you tend to drink nicer wines or cocktails, you can adjust the average price of each beverage in the corresponding boxes! This helps give you a more accurate idea of your possible spending. (15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentine) and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuity on North America itineraries.)

Each field contains the average price found on most MSC ships. For the Premium Extra package, all drinks up to $15 are included. If you tend to drink nicer wines or cocktails, you can adjust the average price of each beverage in the corresponding boxes – Remember, for anything over the included price, you pay the difference plus a service charge or gratuity (15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentine) and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuity on North America itineraries.)!

You haven’t broken even on the Easy Package yet!

You BROKE EVEN on the Easy Package!

You haven’t broken even on the Easy PLUS Package yet!

You BROKE EVEN on the Easy PLUS Package!

You haven’t broken even on the Premium Extra Package yet!

Other MSC Drink Package Helpful Information

MSC Cruises Drink & Bar Menus With Prices (2024)

MSC Cruises Drink & Bar Menus With PriceS – UPDATED We spent a lot of time on a recent voyage with MSC Cruises trying... Read This

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Monthly Cruise Digest?

35 Comments

On MSc how much doe sit cost if you buy a beer or a soda pop per purchase since i do not drink much alcohol at all and maybe two sodas a day

Wayne – You can get a beer for about $7.50 and a soda for $3.00-$3.50 + gratuity. You can see the MSC drink menus here

How do you know if the drink you order is within the 10$ limit on the easy plus package? Do the bartenders tell you? I would hate to get a bill for the extra few dollars if not covered. Thanks!

Hi Robin, They are very good about telling you right away if anything you order isn’t in the package, but the menus are also scattered around everywhere, and you’ll quickly learn what types of drinks are extra. I found that the selection of drinks wasn’t incredibly huge, so I knew fast what they had that I liked, and which were going to cost a little more.

I don’t drink alcohol but would like the occasional soda. Is it possible to purchase just individual drinks without the packages?

Hi Peter, Absolutely! If you take a look at the MSC Drink Menus (here) – on the first menu, flip to the last page. You’ll see the list of sodas and other beverages. It’s definitely not worth a package with the occasional soda.

Hi! Sailing in a couple days. Just want water and maybe a MOCKtail or 2 for a day. I wasn’t clear on how much mineral water is included per day or how to access. No soda, tea or coffee for me. The calculator did not offer the nonalcoholic package so wanted your recommendations- I do need to drink alot of water. Can I bring any sealed bottled water aboard? Is there gratuities on bottled water as well and how big are the bottles? Thanks in advance!

Hi Amy – Good point on the calculator – we’ll fix that and add the non-alcoholic package! At about $28 per day for the non-alcoholic package and a water being about $3.25 + gratuities, You’d end up needing to buy about 7 bottled waters per day to “break even”. (They are the large 17 oz sizes you’d get in a restaurant, so it’s a pretty good value) The non alcoholic cocktails are included as well and are usually about $7 to my recollection, but here’s the menus for MSC Drinks . (the first menu flips through to all the non-alcoholic in the back of the menu) – About bringing water, etc. MSC Is one of the only cruise lines that literally allows no beverages to be brought on the ship. Enjoy your cruise! I hope this helps.

We are looking at doing a cruise with our teens in the spring. We don’t drink alcohol, so is it worth buying a drink package? We would like access to sodas, juices, anything non alcoholic, so wondering if you’d advise to get a drink pkg or not. Thanks!

Hi Diana – Basic tea, coffee, water is included in the fare but soda, specialty coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages aren’t included. There IS an Alcohol free package for $28/day per person +/- which is quite a bit less than the other drink packages. HOWEVER, MSC Often does a promo with the “easy” package or “easy plus” as a perk for a bit of an extra charge. Doing the math, you’ll often find that the little higher rate on a cruise that includes the drink package is far less than buying the package separately. For example, on a 7 day booking I looked and the all included fare was about $37/per person per day more expensive and the drink package was included as well as wifi and onboard credit. More benefits for less money for sure! SO be sure to check that pricing and use our drink calculator for MSC (here) to see if you even drink enough soda/non-alcoholic things to make it worth it.

Your calculator doesn’t take into account that they add a 15% gratuity to each drink, and the package includes the gratuity.

Hi Brad, thanks for the comment, we’ll make a change to the formula to include the gratuity in the calculations!

Is there a time limit in between each drink? Like a waiting period of 10/15 minutes?

Hi Sarah – There is not. We would often try a drink of the day or some specialty, hate it, and immediately order something else.

Hope this helps!

I want to get the easy drinks package but my husband cant drink due to Ill health. Do MSC take this into consideration or will we have to both buy same package.

Hi Karen – Normally with a medical notice from a doctor, the second person doesn’t have to purchase an alcohol package. HOWEVER, MSC rules change… sometimes depending on who you speak to. My experience with this is that they will request you purchase the EASY package for yourself and the NON ALCOHOLIC package for your husband. But it will have to be done by phone, and whether they ask for medical proof will likely depend on who you speak to at the time. I had friends traveling with us that were in your exact situation and they were not asked for proof but were in fact told the non drinking person has to purchase a non-alcoholic package.

Is Redbul available at no additional cost in the easy plus package?

Yes, my recollection is that energy drinks were included with the Easy Plus!

So for my wife who does not drink any alcohol is the minor package the best? Based on the menu the easy plus package covers a variety of beers is that correct vs only Heineken on the easy package.

Hi Jason, they (MSC) will likely require the Alcohol-Free Package as I believe the Minors package is truly teens and below. They’re basically the same thing, you’re just getting penalized for being a grown up 🙂 – That said, the Easy Plus package you are considering does cover all of the beers. There wasn’t a beer served that wasn’t covered by the Easy Plus. And yes, Heineken is the only thing available on the Easy Package. So if you’re a beer drinker, it’s worth looking at the Easy Plus. BUT! Keep in mind, the specials that MSC runs sometimes include the beverage packages and it may be cheaper to go ahead and book with those specials rather than cruise only and adding an Alcohol-Free Package + Easy Plus package. Even if your wife doesn’t take advantage of the alcohol, she can have all of the non-alcoholic beverages she wants and in the end the total price may be less on the promotion. Hope this helps!

If you purchase a non-alcoholic drink package, do you pay the difference for an alcoholic drink or the full price?

Hi Tom – The non alcoholic package won’t work to apply anything towards an alcoholic beverage purchase. However if you have the most basic beverage package (Easy), you can pay the difference for drinks that are more expensive than what is covered by the Easy (this is new for 2023)

Thank you, kind of what I thought. I’d have to to go easy plus since the easy package is not inclusive of some of the non-alcoholic drinks I would like.

Interesting! I’m curious about what non-alcoholic drinks you like that wouldn’t be included in the Easy Package? In our experience, everything non-alcoholic was included in the Easy Package (but there may be something I’m missing!) 🙂

What to do if one person drinks and other doesn’t on the same cabin?

Typically everyone of age in the same cabin must have the same drink package. The cruise line will make an exception for medical reasons. Mostly they don’t want one person getting the package and sharing the drinks with their cabin mate 🙁

Thank you for all of this information. It is very hard to navigate all of this from MSC website. I am not a big drinker so I wasn’t sure if the packages were necessary. Your drink calculator is very helpful . If you could answer a question: there are no frozen drinks on the easy drink menu. Does that mean there is no option for frozen margaritas?

Hi Claudia, I’m glad this information helped! We were able to get frozen drinks without a problem, as long as the liquor type was in the basic package. They didn’t distinguish between frozen or on the rocks with things like Margaritas and Daiquiris.

We are sailing to Rome from Durban 20th April and have bought 18 of the 18 unit packages, my question is does a unit mean a short and a mixer, ie, rum and coke or it that 2 units.

Hi Jennifer, we’ve done both Europe & USA cruises on MSC – and in our experience, a rum and coke was in fact a single drink. I know in Europe, it’s common to sell the mixer separate, but that does not seem to be the case on MSC Ships. I hope this helps & enjoy your cruise!

My husband and I are booked to sail from Durban in April on msc Orchestra 25 day cruise to Genoa. Please can you advise if drinks packages are on offer on the ship or if we pay per drink and are soft drinks free? If we pay per drink can you email prices so that we can work out a budget, many thanks.

Hi Ann! When you login to your MSC account you should see a way to pre-purchase the packages. If you wait until you get on the ship, they will be about 20% more expensive! We did the “easy” package which covered sodas, specialty coffee, bottled water, and quite a few basic drinks, but upgraded on another trip to the Easy Plus which gets you better beverages and allows you to use the package in the specialty restaurants (which you can’t with the basic Easy package). We put together a handy drink calculator for MSC (See the drink calculator) so you can estimate your budget based on how you normally consume. This will let you know really fast if you’re going to make the drink package worth it! I hope this helps.

Their top package used to include everything but full bottles of wine. Last time on Miraviglia it included everything on the champagne bar menu including $20 drinks. On the Seaside it used to cover the specialty chocolate drinks and gelato. Mildly disappointed. Used to be the best package. Bartenders loved it because they could make the high dollar stuff most people won’t try

I feel your disappointment! When we were on the Meraviglia , the whole drink package was so confusing that even some of the staff weren’t sure what to include or not. I had hoped they’d simplify it, but the new packages with prices were just released, and it’s still a head-scratcher.

It will be our first time on a cruise. Reading your tips is being mind and eye opening. We will make sure to have every single detail well calculated before we proceed. Thank you! Great website!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

Card Accounts

Business Accounts

Other Accounts and Payments

Tools and Support

Personal Cards

Business Credit Cards

Corporate Programs

Personal Savings

Personal Checking and Loans

Business Banking

Book And Manage Travel

Travel Inspiration

Business Travel

Services and Support

Benefits and Offers

Manage Membership

Business Services

Checking & Payment Products

Funding Products

Merchant Services

MSC Yacht Club

Welcome to a world of ultimate luxury at the MSC Yacht Club. Accessible only by key card, guests will enjoy lavishly appointed accommodations and refined service, private dining, lounge and pool areas, free drink package, access to the Thermal Suite, and more exclusive benefits. Discover a ship within a ship, a place where you can savor exclusivity and privacy in a world of choice. Indulge in the luxury of a private club while enjoying access to a myriad of recreation and entertainment possibilities that the ship has to offer. Lavishly appointed suites, exclusive 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge are just the beginning of these exclusive cruise experiences. The MSC Yacht Club also boasts a range of superb private areas, from the elegant Top Sail Lounge, stylish restaurant, and the One Pool Deck complete with private swimming pool, whirlpool baths, sun deck and bar.

Platinum Card Members®, share a few details about your dream trip and we’ll contact you to plan the rest.

You might also be interested in:

Venture to landmark cities and hidden gems alike aboard Seabourn’s fleet of sophisticated and intimate resorts at sea.

*Terms and Conditions

Cruise Privileges Program Cruise Privileges Program (“CPP”) benefits are valid only for new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel. CPP benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card. CPP benefits are non-transferable. Participating cruise lines and program benefits are subject to change. The benefits of an onboard credit and amenity are valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights and require double occupancy; the eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked; the total cost of the CPP booking must be paid using an American Express ® Card in the eligible Card Member's name. Onboard credits and amenities cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated; blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. Onboard credits and amenities may not be available to residents outside of the 50 United States. Onboard credits and amenities apply per stateroom, with a three-stateroom limit per eligible Card Member, per cruise. For new CPP bookings with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $100 for inside and outside staterooms, $200 for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms, and/or $300 for suites. For new CPP bookings with Cunard, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $300 for all Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms category EF or higher, and/or Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms category FA or higher. For new CPP bookings with Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, Windstar and Explora Journeys, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit of US$300 for all stateroom categories. For new CPP bookings, Centurion Members receive an additional US$200 onboard credit on Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea. Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise; credit amounts in local currency may vary due to foreign exchange rates; credits are subject to cruise line terms and policies; credits cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities, or other similar charges. Any unused portion of a credit is non-refundable and is not redeemable for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Onboard amenities vary by participating cruise line and are not available on Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos, and Silver Discoverer. Onboard credits and amenities are not available on Celebrity Cruises Galapagos sailings.

Extra Membership Rewards ® points: CPP-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel; separate airfare and other charges associated with such bookings are not eligible. CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card (described above). The extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after completion of the CPP cruise. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms .

Platinum Destinations ® Vacations Platinum Destinations ® Vacations (“PDV”) benefits are valid only for new bookings made with participating suppliers through American Express Travel. Participating suppliers and PDV benefits are subject to change. Benefits cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated. Benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). PDV bookings must be made using the eligible Card and eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. PDV-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on PDV bookings; separate airfare and other charges associated with PDV bookings are not eligible. Extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account within 8-12 weeks after completion of the PDV travel. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms.

Membership Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards ® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.

The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/travelterms .

California CST#1022318; Washington UBI#600-469-694

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri 08:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 12:00, Sun & Public Holidays Closed

MOBILITY & MEDICAL

MSC Cruises and its staff have always been attentive to the needs of their guests, and constantly strive to offer the best possible service, meeting international accessibility standards.

For information on the assistance provided on board and at our port terminals, please consult the sections below.

You can also find information related to special needs in the General Booking Conditions , the Conditions of Carriage  and in the FAQ  section.

On Board Medical Center

Our onboard medical facilities meet or exceed the standards for cruise ship medical centers adopted by CLIA and include basic diagnostic and treatment abilities, however the ship’s medical centers are not required to be and are not equipped to the same standards as a land-based hospital. They are staffed by full-time registered doctors and nurses, including paramedics on some ships. In addition to twice-daily clinic hours, medical staff are available 24 hours a day in an emergency.

Our Medical Centers are intended to provide acute care for illness and accidents that may occur while on holiday and not to provide long-term care for patients with chronic illnesses or as a substitute for regular health care. The medical staff on board is not available for daily care unless you are hospitalized in the ship’s medical Center. You must be able to care for yourself, including dressing, eating, and attending the ship's safety drills. " If you cannot care for yourself independently in these areas, please make arrangements to ensure you can do so.

If guests become ill or injured during the voyage and the diagnostic and/or care needs exceed the capabilities of the on-board medical Center, guests will be transferred to medical facilities ashore.

Charges for medical services rendered on board are added to your shipboard account, and an itemized account will be provided to submit to your insurance company.

Please note that many health insurance plans do not cover the cost of medical care at sea, in foreign countries, or for air evacuation unless this has been specifically arranged. Guests are encouraged to obtain travel medical insurance before travel to be reimbursed for services rendered.

To inform us of your special need or special requirement, please fill in the form at the following link Special Needs Form

Cabin Facilities

Accessible cabins, fitted out especially for guests with disabilities and/or reduced mobility, are available on every ship in the fleet. Guests requiring an accessible cabin can request it at the time of booking.

The accessible cabins are larger and offer more space for movement than regular cabins, and come with extra facilities and equipment to meet special needs.

Check the facilities available on your preferred ship: MSC Armonia , MSC Bellissima , MSC Divina , MSC Fantasia ,  MSC Grandiosa, MSC Lirica , MSC Magnifica , MSC Meraviglia , MSC Musica , MSC Opera , MSC Orchestra , MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa , MSC Seaside , MSC Seaview , MSC Sinfonia , MSC Splendida , MSC Virtuosa .

Reduced Mobility

All decks, public areas and tenders are designed to be as accessible as possible for guests with reduced mobility. There might be ports or tender services you may not access with a mobility device.  In addition, there are varying numbers of specially fitted-out cabins available on each ship in the fleet. For safety reasons, guests requiring assistance may be requested to travel with a carer, depending on the specific route.

Wheelchairs are available on board our ships, for the use of guests during embarkation and disembarkation only, or in case of emergency. Guests that require constant use of a wheelchair or any other form of support must bring their own equipment with them. It is the responsibility of the guest to check with the relevant producers/suppliers that this equipment is safe to take on board and use on a cruise ship, and to organise both its delivery to the departure terminal in good time for embarkation, and its collection at the end of the cruise.

For detailed information on the ports of call and excursions suitable for passengers who experience mobility problems, read the relevant pages in this section, and once on board check the accuracy of the information provided.

Visual Impairments

MSC Bellissima , MSC Divina , MSC Euribia , MSC Fantasia , MSC Grandiosa ,   MSC Meraviglia , MSC Preziosa , MSC Seascape , MSC Seashore , MSC Seaside , MSC Seaview ,   MSC Splendida , MSC Virtuosa , MSC World America (from 2025)  and MSC World Europa   have Braille signs in public areas, in lifts and at the entrance to the cabins; all the ships have deck indicators in the lifts and fully accessible public areas, decks and tenders. For their safety, and depending on their level of disability, guests may be requested to travel with a carer or service dog.

Hearing Impairments

Guests with partial hearing disabilities can travel alone, only if they request the installation of a TDD System kit in their cabin. This kit, available in limited numbers on all ships, includes light and vibrating devices, a text phone and an analogue alarm clock.

Service Animals

Suitably trained and certified guide dogs are allowed on board all ships, assuming that they are in a good state of health and possess all necessary documents for entering the foreign countries visited during the cruise.

The guest is personally responsible (with the aid of the carer if applicable) for the custody, feeding and general care of the animal during the whole stay on board.

MSC Cruises SA does not permit guests who be more than 23 weeks pregnant at any time during the cruise to sail onboard. This is for maternal and fetal safety, as specialist obstetric and neonatal care is not available on board.

Pregnant guests who will be 23 or less than 23 weeks gestation  at any time during the cruise will need to submit a letter from their obstetrician/gynecologist confirming the following:

• Ultrasound confirmed expected date of delivery (EDD)
• That the pregnancy is low risk
• That the guest is fit to sail on board a ship with no immediate access to specialist obstetric or neonatal care

Letters should be sent by email to Special Needs at the moment of the booking and at least 2 weeks before sailing date. A copy must be presented at check-in on the day of embarkation.

Guests undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment can travel as normal, bringing with them all medicines and equipment that may be required during the cruise. 

Equipment and machinery for haemodialysis treatment will only be carried on board by specialized independent companies on certain routes. For further information on this service, please contact your travel agent.

Children with Special Needs

Children with special needs have normal access to all on-board services and facilities. Although the entertainment staff do not offer a childcare service, they are trained to provide a wide range of entertainment aimed specifically at children. Please note that no one-to-one supervision service is offered on board our ships.

All children, including those with special needs, are assigned to a certain entertainment area depending on their age. If necessary, children or young people with special needs can be placed in a lower age group (with the agreement of their parents), or they can take part in specific activities, together with their parents if required.

Special Diets (Gluten Free, Kosher & Halal Meals, Vegetarian & Vegan Meals)

MSC Cruises S.A. makes every effort to accommodate our guests' dietary requirements whenever possible.

We keep special dietary needs in mind when planning our menus and serving our meals.

MSC Cruises S.A. is aware that some foods may cause an allergic reaction in certain guests due to intolerance of some ingredients such as the 1 4 major recognized allergens listed in the Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011; therefore, guests are invited to inform the Company of any such allergy at the time of booking but not later than 30 days prior to sailing (by duly filling out the Special Needs form). We further ask guests to report such allergy or intolerance to Reception - Guest Service and the Maître d’hôtel in the Main Dining Room upon first boarding the ship and prior to consuming any food or beverage onboard. Although there are several options at our various restaurants, special dietary and food requests can be accommodated in our main dining rooms only.

Despite our efforts, we cannot exclude the possibility of cross contamination between foods. We recommend our guests who are aware of allergies or intolerances always bring with them their emergency medications as prescribed by the doctor to be able to react in case of any allergic reaction.

When booking a tour with a meal included or when dining at Ocean Cay, please remember to always communicate your allergy/intolerance to the appropriate staff. For medical reasons or for infants, guests can specifically request some food to be blended onboard. Guests can also bring their special sealed food on board, following written approval from the Company. Products to be taken onboard should respect EU food labelling / packaging regulations, should not have imminent expiry date, once open should be consumed as per instruction on the label. Inside your cabin you find a cooler, which is not a fridge, therefore it cannot be used for storing food. It is recommended to bring with you freezing bags. No homemade food is allowed. The onboard personnel is not authorized to store or manipulate (cook, heat ect) food that our guests bring on board.

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

Cruise Embarkation

Your check-in process begins at the check-in time shown on your cruise ticket. A dedicated check-in slot is assigned to you by default by MSC Cruises, but it could be changed during the web check-in, choosing from those available. Please note, if you arrive before your dedicated check-in slot opens you may be requested to wait outside of the terminal building. In the event you arrive after your dedicated check-in slot closes you may be denied embarkation. Check-in and boarding close 2 hours before the ship’s departure . The ship’s departure and arrival times shown on your ticket or in the MSC for ME app are estimated and might differ from those indicated, which is why it is essential you adhere to your check-in slot. Before arriving at the port, please ensure that all personal details shown on the embarkation form in your e-ticket are checked and correct. You will be required to show your embarkation form (on paper or digital version) or your personal QR code before boarding. Don’t forget/leave your and your companions IDs and Visa (if required) in the hold luggage. Showing ID and Visa (if require) at the check in is mandatory.

At the terminal

1. Deliver your luggage to the designated staff, who will then have it sent directly to your cabin. All bags must be labelled with the luggage tag you will find in the cruise ticket beforehand with your name and surname, the name of the ship, the cabin number and the date and port of departure. Luggage will be delivered directly to the cabin. The expected delivery timeframe is from late afternoon through the evening. We recommend that you bring any items you will need on embarkation day and evening in your carry-on bag, such as a change of clothes, swimwear and any medications. 2. Proceed to check-in area with all personal travel documents required for the cruise, show staff the embarkation form or your personal QR code either on your cruise ticket or via the MSC for Me app. Staff will check your personal documents and they will take your security picture, if you have not already done so via the MSC for Me app or through the web check-in  (if available).

MSC Yacht Club: Upon arrival, as an MSC Yacht Club guest, you shall proceed to the MSC Yacht Club luggage drop off area (where available) identified with the MSC Yacht Club branded gazebo. While your luggage is processed, refreshments and snacks are available for you to enjoy in the designated MSC Yacht Club lounge. Following swift check-in procedures, our attentive butler team will ensure your seamless passage through security to the ship, where you will be escorted directly to the Top Sail Lounge. Your embarkation check-in time can be found on your cruise ticket. However, as an MSC Yacht Club guest, you have the flexibility to check in at your convenience, aligned with the ship’s operational schedule and at least 2 hours prior to the ship’s departure. Please note, actual ship timings may vary from the itinerary due to operational requirements such as adverse weather or local authorities' stipulations. 3. Proceed to the security control. Please note that staff may search you and/or your luggage and confiscate any articles that could represent a safety risk. 4. Board the ship where staff will scan your embarkation form or your personal QR code and then proceed to your cabin.

5. Go to your cabin. You will find your Cruise card hanging on your door - it will serve as your cabin key, can also be used to pay for products and services on board.

MSC Yacht Club: As an MSC Yacht Club guest, you are personally escorted on board to the Top Sail Lounge. Here, our Concierge greets you and provides a brief introduction and personalized recommendations to enhance their cruise experience. While awaiting your suite, you can begin enjoying the exclusive private venues: sipping cocktails in the Top Sail Lounge or at the MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar outside, savoring your first gourmet lunch at the MSC Yacht Club restaurant, or relaxing by the One Pool, taking a refreshing dip, or sunbathing on one of our numerous sunbeds.

6. Activate your Cruise Card for onboard purchases. (See the Onboard Payment  section below for further information on how to do this.)

7. Take part in the obligatory safety drill.

Fly & Cruise Embarkation

- departing from genoa, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

The Perfect One Day In Brisbane Itinerary(2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: September 9, 2024

Only have one day in Brisbane? Here is our perfect Brisbane itinerary that includes the city’s major highlights in one, action-packed day!

Brisbane is Queensland’s charming sun-soaked capital, renowned for its stunning riverfront, year-round pleasant weather, eclectic arts scene, and laidback, friendly atmosphere.

It’s the largest city in Queensland and is packed with incredible things to do. You can admire a heritage building one minute and then hand feed kangaroos the next. You can even have beach time right in the heart of the city!

For anyone who loves culture, adventure, and relaxation, Brisbane is a must-visit. And if you only have a day to spare, don’t fret, for it’s entirely possible to spend one day in Brisbane.

Here’s what to do in Brisbane for a day!

Table of Contents

Explore South Bank

Visit the queensland art gallery & gallery of modern art, lunch at queen street mall, visit brisbane city hall, wander around the brisbane botanic gardens, cruise the brisbane river, visit the lone pine koala sanctuary, stop by the iconic story bridge, sunset at kangaroo point cliffs, dinner at fortitude valley, drinks at a rooftop bar, have more than 1 day in brisbane, how to spend one day in brisbane, australia.

One day is enough to discover Brisbane’s highlights, including its best attractions, vibrant culture, and diverse culinary scene.

From enjoying breakfast in trendy cafes and strolling through the lush South Bank Parklands to cruising the Brisbane River and savouring the nightlife in Fortitude Valley, exploring Brisbane in one day allows you to discover the best of the city.

Day 1 in Brisbane

Start your day with a classic Australian breakfast and morning coffee. You’ll find some of the city’s best breakfast cafes at the West End or New Farm areas.

For a delightful breakfast in Brisbane’s West End, check out The Gunshop Café , renowned for its mouthwatering dishes like corn fritters and house-made ricotta pancakes.

In New Farm, try King Arthur Café, which focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their innovative breakfast options are a hit, such as the green breakfast bowl and spiced cauliflower toast.

After breakfast, it’s time to explore! Begin your adventure at South Bank , a bustling riverside area perfect for a relaxing stroll. Wander through the lush parklands to admire the beautifully landscaped gardens and keep your eyes peeled for street art and independent boutiques.

Also be sure to snap a photo of the iconic Brisbane sign, which is decorated in vibrant colors and sits against the backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers.

Take the Wheel of Brisbane, an iconic landmark rising 60 metres above ground. This is the best way to enjoy breathtaking city views! Other South Bank sights you may see include the public green space of the Epicurious Garden or the charming Nepalese Peace Pagoda.

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing dip, head to Streets Beach , an inner-city, man-made beach where you can cool off and unwind.

Next, head to the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art , conveniently located just a short walk from South Bank. This renowned art gallery houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from Australia, Asia, and beyond.

Spend an hour or two exploring the diverse exhibits, which include paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works.

Next on your one day in Brisbane city, head to Queen Street Mall for lunch. It’s Brisbane’s premier shopping and dining destination. Here, you’ll find many eateries specialising in traditional Australian fare of vegemite, meat pies, and lamingtons. There are also international cuisine and other options to satisfy your taste buds!

After a hearty meal, take some time to browse the shops at Queen Street Mall and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The Brisbane City Hall is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Brisbane CBD. Walk through the impressive King George Square towards the city hall to admire its stunning architecture, featuring a blend of classical and modern styles.

Get inside, where you’ll find the Museum of Brisbane. This iconic Queensland museum showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage through various exhibits and displays. Take the elevator ride to the top of the clock tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Brisbane’s CBD.

Catch a bus to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha, one of Australia’s most beautiful city botanic gardens.

Walk around to admire the meticulously landscaped gardens, featuring a diverse array of plants. Spend time at the tropical dome, where you’ll find exotic flora in a rainforest-like environment. Don’t miss the serene Japanese Garden, a tranquil spot designed with traditional elements such as stone lanterns, a teahouse, and a koi pond.

Looking for more fun activities? How about a Road trip from Brisbane to Cairns !

Spending 1 day in Brisbane, Australia wouldn’t be complete without a scenic cruise along the Brisbane River !

After exploring the Botanic Gardens, head back to the city by bus and board a river cruise. This relaxing boat ride is a relaxing way to see Brisbane’s attractions from the water.

As your boat glides along the river, you’ll pass by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Story Bridge and the dramatic Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

After your river cruise, take a short trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary , one of Brisbane’s top attractions. Here at the world’s largest koala sanctuary, you can get close to the adorable and unique Australian wildlife.

Aside from koalas, you’ll encounter kangaroos, wombats, and more. The sanctuary is only open until 6:00 PM, so you’ll have enough time to enjoy a quick visit in the afternoon.

On your way back to the city, stop at the Story Bridge, another iconic structure to see while visiting Brisbane. Walk along the scenic pedestrian path at its base and enjoy spectacular views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline.

If you’re seeking thrills, try the Story Bridge adventure climb . This thrilling activity allows you to ascend the bridge and experience breathtaking panoramic views from the top. It’s not for anyone with a fear of heights, but the Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a fabulous activity to include during your one day in Brisbane!

For an unforgettable evening during your 1 day in Brisbane, head to Kangaroo Point Cliffs. This is where you can experience some of Brisbane’s most breathtaking sunset views. Find a comfortable spot along the cliffs and settle in for a few hours to watch the city transform beautifully as the golden glow of the setting sun bathes the skyline and river in warm hues.

For dinner, head to Fortitude Valley in the Central Business District. This is Brisbane’s live entertainment and dining hub, where you’ll find an array of excellent dining options, especially along the bustling James Street. If you want to splurge, there are plenty of fancy restaurants for fine dining. You’ll also find casual eateries specializing in local fares.

After dinner, spend some time strolling around the area. Check out some bars and live music venues to experience Brisbane’s vibrant nightlife as well!

If you still have energy left after an epic day in Brisbane city, end your day with a nightcap at a chic rooftop bar. You can treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail while enjoying the sparkling city lights and the lively atmosphere. This is the perfect way to unwind and soak in the final moments of your one day in Brisbane, Australia.

Read more: Best Day Trips From Brisbane

24 hours in Brisbane can go by in a flash, so we highly recommend planning for at least a few days in the city to really immerse yourself in its wonders. It’s one of the most famous Australian cities, so there is no shortage of things to do!

Other fun activities that didn’t make it into this one-day itinerary include making dinner plans at the Howard Smith Wharves, touring the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, or catching a show at the Brisbane Powerhouse .

With a few days in Brisbane, you can venture outside the city center on a day trip! Head up to the Sunshine Coast and try the walking trails through lush greenery in the Glasshouse Mountains, or mingle with wildlife at the famous Australia Zoo.

Or head out of South Brisbane down to the Gold Coast, which is jam packed with beaches, entertainment, and culture. You can also book a day tour to a stunning offshore island in Moreton Bay , such as Moreton Island or North Stradbroke Island. There are plenty of amazing day trips from Brisbane to choose from!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Brisbane to Cairns Drive – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

The Ultimate Guide on How to Spend One Day in Sydney [2024]

20 AWESOME Things to Do in Airlie Beach [2024 Guide]

Related Posts

The ultimate travel guide to the tasman peninsula [2024], 8 amazing things to do in kangaroo island, australia, the 10 best things to do in uluru [2024 guide], the 17 best things to do in port stephens, nsw [2024], leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Residential Customers
• Business Customers
• About Swisscom
• My Swisscom
• Entertainment
• Swisscom blue News & E-Mail
• Swisscom blue TV
• Swisscom blue Cinema
• Swisscom myCloud

New trends Cruise expert reveals his insider tips

Carlotta Henggeler

Are cruises only for senior citizens? Not in the eyes of Dario Cremona. The 24-year-old from Aargau wants to show that young people can also enjoy life at sea. The cruise expert reveals his tips.

08.09.2024, 12:04

08.09.2024, 12:36

No time? blue News summarizes for you

• Dario Cremona discovered his passion for cruises as a child.
• Today, he works as Product Manager for cruises at Knecht Reisen, where one of his aims is to get young people excited about cruises.
• Despite environmental criticism, Cremona emphasizes that cruise ships are increasingly using more environmentally friendly technologies such as LNG and hybrid drives as well as AI-supported route optimization.
• Current trends in the cruise industry include smaller ships with more personalized experiences and new, exotic itineraries such as from South Africa to destinations in the Indian Ocean.

Dario Cremona (24) from Aargau now has 60 cruises to his name.

Cremona still remembers the moment when the MSC Fantasia loomed up in front of him at the port of Genoa: "When I stood in front of this huge ship as a young boy, I was bitten by the cruise bug."

The Mediterranean trip was the starting signal for Cremona's passion and vocation. He never lets go of cruises. Privately, he writes about news, trends and background information on the industry on his travel blog "cruise-experience" ; professionally, he is Product Manager Ship Travel at Knecht Reisen.

Dario Cremona has set himself a goal: To make cruises appealing to a younger target group. blue News met the cruise ship expert in Zurich for an interview.

What fascinates you about cruise vacations?

On the one hand, it's the size of the ships and the nautical aspect. It's absolutely fascinating that such a gigantic ship physically floats. You travel from port to port and there is always a lot to see and discover. Life on board is also very different to a hotel or a city break, with up to 100 nationalities coming together on the ship with guests and crew. You come into contact with all these people and can make friends.

You have a mission: you want to get younger travelers excited about cruises. Why is that?

In general, cruises are burdened with many prejudices. These range from the issue of environmental protection to the misconception that cruises are only of interest to older people. With all the innovations from the industry, I would like to form a counterbalance and claim that cruises can definitely be attractive to young people, for example through new entertainment options and the interaction of guests on board. Younger people in particular can travel the world for a reasonable price and afford a trip to Asia or the Caribbean, even if they have a smaller wallet.

What new attractions are there?

The MSC World Europa, the largest ship in the MSC fleet, is the shipping company's first LNG-powered (liquefied natural gas ) ship and offers extensive entertainment options, including an aqua park and seven pools. The "Icon of the Seas", the world's largest cruise ship, impresses with the largest water park at sea, a surf simulator, an ice skating rink and a replica of Central Park. Both ships offer innovative experiences that go beyond the traditional cruise experience and are particularly attractive to young adventure seekers.

Climate activists criticize cruise ships, saying they are unsustainable for the environment. How do you counter this?

This is clearly a difficult issue. Other means of transport are also confronted with this criticism, which have not yet reached their destination and have not yet met the requirements. In the cruise sector, it has to be said that they use the most advanced technology in the entire shipping industry.

What does that mean in concrete terms?

New ships are being equipped with LNG tanks that can also use bio-LNG - from organic waste. There are now also hybrid cruise ships that are also powered by electricity. Artificial intelligence is also already being used, for example to optimize routes. Currents are taken into account to determine the optimal route, which saves fuel. In addition, scrubbers, i.e. special filters, are installed in the ship's funnels to filter out soot particles.

Interesting, I didn't know that.

If you calculate these efforts down to the individual passenger, the footprint is smaller than that of a merchant ship that ships our goods around the world. This industry is not yet as advanced as the cruise ship industry in terms of environmental protection measures. You can put it into perspective: We have 350 cruise ships worldwide and around 40,000 merchant ships that transport our goods from A to B. In other words, cruise ships make up one percent of all ships.

Only recently, locals in Spain, Italy and Malta protested against mass and cruise tourism. Are there any new efforts by the shipping companies?

It is regrettable that locals in cities such as Venice or Malta are being displaced by mass tourism. But who should bear the responsibility for regulation - the shipping companies or the state? Opinions differ here. The shipping companies could plan their routes better, but when popular destinations such as Santorini allow up to eight cruise ships a day, the shipping companies rarely say no. This is where state authorities are called upon to set new standards, as is the case in Dubrovnik, where only two ships a day with a maximum of 5,000 passengers each are allowed to dock.

What does this mean?

This regulation forces shipping companies to look for alternative routes, which leads to a better distribution of tourism - a development that would also be necessary for low-cost airlines, some of which land at these destinations every minute.

What are the new trends in the industry? What are your tips?

The trend in the cruise industry is towards smaller ships with fewer passengers, as many customers have learned to appreciate quieter and more personal experiences during the pandemic. More and more travelers prefer immersive journeys with longer stays in places like Istanbul or choose sailing ships and yachts for a more exclusive experience, for example along the Amalfi Coast. And until ten years ago, I would never have thought that cruises from South Africa were technically possible. Today, there are not only cruises from South Africa, but also to destinations in the Indian Ocean such as the Seychelles and in Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Itineraries such as Singapore to Bali with a side trip to the Komodo Islands allow for experiences that would otherwise be difficult to access.

More videos from the resort

More on the topic.

They even had to pay a fine Cruise ship abandons family - 30,000 francs gone