MSC Cruises is a Swiss-Italian global cruise line founded in 1988 in Naples, Italy, as part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately held cruise company and operates in Geneva, Naples, Genoa, and Venice. The company has two divisions: cargo and passenger. The cargo division handles a thriving overseas shipping business, while the passenger division controls the privately owned cruise line. MSC Cruises was established in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte after years in the banking industry. MSC is currently the largest cargo shipper in the world and a world leader in container shipping. MSC’s transport and logistics solutions connect communities, customers, and international business partners worldwide. MSC Cruises’ fleet includes ships, deck plans, cabins, and on-board entertainment. MSC stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company, but in cruising, it means “MSC.”
📹 Top 20 MSC Cruises Questions Answered! Everything you need to know about MSC
Planning an MSC cruise? This European cruise line offers amazing deals and cruises to over 100 destinations. In today’s video …
Is MSC Cruises owned by Royal Caribbean?
MSC Cruises is part of Mediterranean Shipping Company, or MSC, based in Switzerland but owned by Italy’s Aponte family. MSC is also the world’s largest container shipping company.
Which is the biggest MSC ship?
What is the biggest MSC Cruises ship?. The biggest MSC Cruises ship is MSC World Europa. At 215,863 gross tons, it’s the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever built and the sixth biggest cruise ship in the world from any line.
Unveiled in the final days of 2022 (so close to year’s end that we considered it a new vessel for 2023 when we listed the year’s most exciting new ships), MSC World Europa can hold up to 6,762 passengers — almost as many as can fit on Royal Caribbean’s giant Oasis-class vessels, the world’s largest cruise ships.
What is the smallest MSC Cruises ship?. The smallest MSC Cruises ships are MSC Armonia and its sister vessel MSC Sinfonia. Built with the same specifications, the two ships measure just 65,542 tons a piece — just a third the size of the biggest MSC Cruises ship (MSC World Europa).
What is MSC biggest ship?
MSC Cruises – MSC World Europa: 215,863 gross tonnes With 215,863 gross tonnage, she can house more people than any other ship in the MSC fleet: up to 6,762 passengers across 2,633 cabins spread over 22 decks, in addition to 2,138 crew.
Cruise ships have evolved into giant vessels, even eclipsing aircraft carriers. So, what are the top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world?
The Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World. Modern cruise ships continue to grow in size, with the biggest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, launching at the start of this year, and her sister ship the Star of the Seas expected to surpass her in size.
Both of these ships are operated by Royal Caribbean International, which operates five of the ten largest cruise ships in the world. Carnival Corporation, arguably the biggest cruise company in the world,features three times on the list through its subsidiaries P&O Cruises and Costa Cruises.
Is MSC a high end cruise line?
In the MSC Yacht Club, you can enjoy an all-inclusive luxury cruise experience with a wide range of exclusive privileges, starting with 24-hour butler service, dedicated priority check-in and check-out, and a 24-hour dedicated concierge. Drinks are also included with the Premium Extra Drink package, not only in the MSC Yacht Club but also throughout the ship. This allows you to enjoy your favorite beverages at various locations such as the buffet, main restaurant, specialty restaurants, and onboard bars. Wi-Fi connection is available for the entire duration of the cruise with the Browse Cruise package for two devices per person.
Gourmet dining awaits at the private MSC Yacht Club restaurant, with flexible dining times. The Top Sail Lounge offers nightly live music, while the Panoramic Top Sail Lounge provides a bar, afternoon tea service, and light food selection for 20 hours a day.
All MSC Yacht Club suites are situated on the foredecks of the ship to ensure you exceptional comfort with room service available 24/7. You can benefit from unlimited access to the thermal area in the MSC Aurea SPA for your complete relaxation. You can also take advantage of spa discounts, specialty restaurant packages, open-air sports facilities, Kid’s Club, aquapark, and diverse programs of Broadway and Las Vegas-style theater shows.
Who is the owner of MSC?
Captain Gianluigi Aponte Who Owns MSC Shipping Company? MSC shipping is an independent and family-owned company. Established in 1970 by Founder and Group Chairman, Captain Gianluigi Aponte, MSC is now lead by his son, Group President, Diego Aponte.
We build long-term partnerships with our customers because we share their passion for transporting cargo safely, efficiently and sustainably around the world.
There are many cogs in the wheels of global trade. What happens if something goes wrong? The COVID-19 pandemic has put global supply chains under untold pressure. We’re proud of our people’s resilience and flexibility, and of our ability to innovate and problem-solve for customers at this exceptional time.
A Network Developed for Customers. The personal touch is important to us, and our local presence ensures that you can talk directly to our people for tailored solutions:
Is MSC cheaper than Royal Caribbean?
MSC’s prices are a lot cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s, among the lowest in the marketplace. One of the major reasons people have been giving MSC Cruises a try is their incredibly low prices. That’s what drew me to them as well, and talking to fellow guests on my MSC sailings, many have decided to give the European cruise line a try because of the significant value they offer.
Whether it is an inside cabin or a more spacious balcony suite, I have found the MSC prices to be more competitive. My best deal ever was a 4-night cruise on MSC Divina. I was able to get the fantastic price of $185 per person, which included Wi-Fi and drinks.
During my most recent cruise, my husband and I wanted to splurge a little, so we booked a balcony suite on MSC Seaside, which was thousands of dollars cheaper than something comparable on Royal Caribbean. We had such an amazing time and are already looking at another MSC cruise, which is about half the cost of similar cruises on Royal Caribbean.
Which MSC ship is the biggest?
What is the biggest MSC Cruises ship?. The biggest MSC Cruises ship is MSC World Europa. At 215,863 gross tons, it’s the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever built and the sixth biggest cruise ship in the world from any line.
Unveiled in the final days of 2022 (so close to year’s end that we considered it a new vessel for 2023 when we listed the year’s most exciting new ships), MSC World Europa can hold up to 6,762 passengers — almost as many as can fit on Royal Caribbean’s giant Oasis-class vessels, the world’s largest cruise ships.
What is the smallest MSC Cruises ship?. The smallest MSC Cruises ships are MSC Armonia and its sister vessel MSC Sinfonia. Built with the same specifications, the two ships measure just 65,542 tons a piece — just a third the size of the biggest MSC Cruises ship (MSC World Europa).
Has a MSC cruise ever sank?
In 1997, the vessel entered service for MSC Cruises as Melody. In 2009 she repelled a pirate attack off Seychelles. She ended her career as an accommodation ship Qing, during which she sank in storm at her berth, and was scrapped in 2019. Scrapped at Alang, India in 2018.
- 1982–1988: Atlantic
- 1988–1997: StarShip Atlantic
- 1997–2013: Melody
- 2013–2018: Qing
- 1982–1988: Home Lines
- 1988–1997: Premier Cruise Line
- 1997–2013: MSC Cruises
- 2013–2018: Sahara India Pariwar
- 1982–1988: Home Lines
- 1988–1997: Premier Cruise Lines
- 1997–2013: MSC Cruises
Is MSC a real cruise line?
From weekend getaways to family cruise vacations, a world of discovery awaits with MSC Cruises. Choose from 23 modern cruise ships sailing to over 250 of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations that offer something for every traveler. Swim and snorkel in turquoise waters on a Caribbean cruise, relax on the beaches of Bermuda or The Bahamas (including our private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve). Ready to venture further? Embark on a European cruise in the Mediterraneanor Northern Europe, or check another dream destination off your list in South America, South Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
On board, enjoy a choice of daily activities, family entertainment, and world-class dining. And for a unique luxury travel experience, the MSC Yacht Club is a ship-within-a-ship that features private access, 24-hour butler service, exclusive venues, and more. Set sail on our newest and most sustainable cruise ships, and take part in environmentally friendly shore excursions, all which contributes to our long-term goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Choose from many cruise deals and cruise packages available, and experience the difference of exploring the world by cruise ship.
What is the best MSC ship?
#1. MSC Euribia. MSC Cruises. #1 in Best MSC Cruises. … #2. MSC Bellissima. MSC Cruises. #2 in Best MSC Cruises. … #3. MSC Meraviglia. MSC Cruises. #3 in Best MSC Cruises. … #4. MSC Divina. MSC Cruises. #4 in Best MSC Cruises. … #5. MSC Grandiosa. MSC Cruises. #5 in Best MSC Cruises. … #6. MSC Seascape. MSC Cruises. … #7. MSC Virtuosa. MSC Cruises.
What MSC ship is best?
#1. MSC Euribia. MSC Cruises. #1 in Best MSC Cruises. … #2. MSC Bellissima. MSC Cruises. #2 in Best MSC Cruises. … #3. MSC Meraviglia. MSC Cruises. #3 in Best MSC Cruises. … #4. MSC Divina. MSC Cruises. #4 in Best MSC Cruises. … #5. MSC Grandiosa. MSC Cruises. #5 in Best MSC Cruises. … #6. MSC Seascape. MSC Cruises. … #7. MSC Virtuosa. MSC Cruises.
📹 10 Things Cruisers MUST Know Before Trying MSC Cruises
As the fastest-growing cruise line in south Florida, there is a lot to learn about MSC Cruises. Certain parts of your cruise vacation …
After cruising 20 times on Royal, 1 Norwegian, 1 Carnival, we decided to try MSC. We now have cruised 7 times with MSC. Here is our take. The ships and the decor are stunning. Toned down colors. Toned down decor. I always felt on Royal it was the same marketing as McDonald’s. The MSC ships are just classier. The cabins. Same. Just a level up compared to the other cruise lines. The Yacht Club suites. They are just beautiful. The yacht club is a exclusive area. 2 or 3 decks. Separated by your key card or wrist band. Your own pool. Your own restaurants. Butler. Drinks included. WiFi included. Basically you’re own area of the ship just for yacht club guests. The food. Ok. First off NO cruise line has ever wowed me on this. I think it has to do with they cook NOTHING with a flame on the ship. Electric everything. Even the grill for your Filet. MSC food is not horrible. But yes, a little plain. EXCEPT the pizza. That was excellent. The private island Ocean Cay. For those of you that miss CoCo Cay before they turned half of it to a water park, well Ocean Cay is your ticket. Equally stunning but much more natural. Nope no pool. Only the ocean. I found the food on the island much better than the ship. Island massages. Snorkeling, all of it available. Service has been very good. I feel the language barrier is tougher on MSC but that could be me. Overall MSC will be the least expensive. Probably the biggest bang for the buck. I believe the yacht club is the way to go with all the things that are included.
Thank you thank you. We watched your article last night. You mentioned the loyalty rewards match program. We are platinum on Carnival. My wife completed the online information on MSC and this morning we received notification that they moved us to Gold on MSC. Wow. Wow. Wow. Thanks so very much. We are following you now and we look forward to our first MSC cruise in a couple of weeks. You are awesome
We took the Meraviglia cruise out of canaveral about 3 weeks ago. The ship is really beautiful. We usually do RC so it was a change. And there are some differences but we enjoyed it. The overnight stay at their island was cool Beach party at night. Usually you have to be back on the ship. Bars are to small so they put some ‘pop up’ bars around the ship. They have a big screen by the pool but isn’t used much. I’m used to some articles or movies. They had one movie over the 4 days I think. The ceiling LED display in the promenade was really cool. We would go again
Most people fail to realize that even though gratuities are automatically placed on your sign and sail receipt, they are NOT mandatory. You can opt out and pay what ever you deem necessary to each worker during your stay instead of letting the cruise line force you to pay a predetermined amount. Tipping culture has conditioned people to tip or be shamed. The cruise lines use this as leverage to charge “automatic” gratuity fees. This not only serves as a means to pad their profit margin by not paying their workers a livable wage but also to shame their customers into mitigating their unfair compensation policies. Being an accountant for 2 major cruise lines, I know that only 20 – 25% of the pool of gratuity payments actually go to the workers. The rest is kept by the cruise line as miscellaneous profit to be paid for expense accounts and bonuses. Also, note that cruise lines charge a gratuity fee for EVERYTHING you purchase outside of your inclusive package .\r \r One executive at Royal Caribbean, told me that the gratuity system is set up to pay for executive bonuses. An executive at Carnival told me that it was a “fools” tax for the customer. Cruise spokespeople like to mention the hard work of the crew and if you don’t agree to pay the gratuity that you are cheating the workers out of a living. DON’T BELIEVE THIS NONESENSE. The bulk of the gratuity is going to the executives; not the workers.\r \r So, the next time you book a cruise and see the option to “pre-pay” for gratuities or see it on your final bill, you will know that only a small portion of it is actually going to the worker and that you are indeed paying a “fools” tax.
In 2020, I was supposed to sail with MSC Cruises which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. After getting the runaround from MSC Cruises, I ended up getting my money back by disputing the charges on my credit card. The people I talked to on Facebook, the people who paid with their debit card had a harder time disputing the charges and some couldn’t dispute the charges at all. My advice is no matter what cruise line you sail with, always pay with a credit card, never with a debit card, since it is easier to dispute charges on your credit cards.
Just returned from The Seascape and what amazing service! What i enjoyed is the drink Package works on the island and was able to get a drink for me and my wife without her being present with her cruise card. And was able to get multiple drinks to take back to seat or beach chair instead of having to get up and down.
Great article, you explained a lot. I had the Seashore booked June 2020, we know how that worked out. I’m thinking of booking summer 2025. As far as peoples comments about the food quality, I’ve definitely seen a drop since the restart as opposed to before. No matter which cruise line, weather from personal experience or friends.
This is me, my husband, mom,sisters, cousin, neice, first time saling on the MSC. There are three other buses that are meeting us at the New York Port. For an 8 day and 7 night. We can’t wait to cruise. Some of my family and friends said that they love the MSC Ship’s. I will give a review after my trip. Bon voyage.
Hey Alanna!! So excited you got to try out their new ship… Dad and I where on the Seashore before Divina in August! We are taking Divina again in April and Divina again next April as a Transatlantic to Rome! The newer ships are on par with the RC or NCL or Carnival ships we are used to. Where the elevators goofy on Seascap? The thing where you tell it what floor you want and it tells you what elevator to take… lol everyone hated that
I think its important to note when buying the specialty dining packages you can only choose from a limited menu which might not have what you wanted as an option (for ex. the butchers cut-you can only order filet mignon, sirloin and lamb chops, so if you wanted a tbone or ribeye you are out of luck and have to pay an additional fee on top of what you paid for the package). I’ve heard this from numerous previous cruisers.
We are sailing in a few days, thanks to your article I learned that I won’t be able to use multiple devices for the internet like on other cruise lines, we received browse internet level service for free with our cruise price. I like to keep my phone with me during the day and use that and at night use my iPad, so I guess I’ll need to purchase a 1 device browse and stream package to accomplish this at a charge of $119.94 each for the 2 of us
Great article ! We are doing five MSC cruises between April and January of 2024, and really looking forward to all of them. In fact, we will be doing two weeks on the new World Europa in June in the Mediterranean!! My wife and I are more of the laid back types, but will join in on the fun when we get the urge – white parties, theme nights…. Question : when you and your husband cruise, what type of cabin do you prefer ? Do you base your choice on the area you are cruising in, like the Caribbean or Mediterranean? We generally book interior cabins, but for the June cruises, we purposely choice infinite ocean view cabins. With these, we can open the windows halfway down, and it resembles a balcony cabin, without the attendant cost. Keep up the good work ! BTW, you both have a gorgeous daughter, reminds us of our eldest when she was young ❤
Thank you for this very informative article. We are booking our first cruise with MSC, we saw that the restaurant menus are on the MSC App, but do they also provide paper menus in the restaurants upon request? We’re not big fans of smartphones and don’t like the idea of having to bring our phones to a restaurant to read the menu. Thank you
Well I’m an American and this will be our first cruise on msc! We’re leaving in march and I’m hoping to have a great time. I also want to say I don’t know what American you’ve been talking to that acts entitled, but that’s not people in family or any of my friends. You must be referring to those who flaunt their PRIVILEGE!
I figured out why the staterooms are so inexpensive…they up charge for almost everything you might want to do on the ship..I am a Senior and will travel in the inside suite in the yacht club since we want peace and quiet, the shows and good food and we not interested in most of the activities..my son plays golf and will take a three day stop in Bermuda cruise where he can play golf and the rest of us will go to the beach or ride in the golf cart and just enjoy the scenery
If you are sampling a lot of different cruise lines you should buy 100 shares of CCL, NCLH and RCL. This will get you free onboard spending. $125 to $300 depending on the length of the cruise. Each of these large companies owns other cruise lines. You get the shareholder perk on the other lines they own. You should buy the shares soon. Earning season is coming and I expect the shares of NCLH and RCL to go up when they report for the 3rd quarter. CCL was up, they report first. Yes, MSC is great, but privately owned with no perks. Serious cruisers need to own some of the company. Don’t get excited about their cruiser loyalty programs, that is small stuff, just marketing. Actually own shares to see the real perks. Make money by owning their casinos, less risky and smarter than gambling.
My family and I are going on Seascape in June. I was under the impression on MSC website that the theater stuff is free, but after I paid for the trip I’m finding out it is extra. Is there any shows that are free? Is there any welcome aboard informational stuff in the theater? My wife and I went on 2 cruises, but that was 25years ago. Seems like now every cruise line nickles and dimes you.
Went on MSC in December 2022 first 7 days were good empty ship, drinks were good cruise price was cheap, bowling buffet was good pastries are very good, problems came after we bought 2 excursions, first one was good but for second they never warn us to rewind the clock and we missed it;o(, i bought 2 bottles of rum on ship and when i came to airport customs said they not packaged correctly and took them away. Last, person jumped from her room at 5am on last day and killed herself as result lots of people missed their planes home!
How was disembarkation for everyone? I had to wait for over 2 hours. I also think the ship was super crowded with no chairs at pool at 7:30am. I loved the ship staff was great and food was better than i expected. I didn’t like the small amount of restaurants available as well especially when on a long cruise 🙂
At 2:00 you said that you take the loyal status from the other cruise line then ask MSC to match, but you did not tell/show clearly (how, step by step), “check with MSC”, how ? where ? when ? I search the MSC cruise wed site and I could not find where they specify the “Matching loyalty status”. Can I do it at the port while do the embarkation ? How many day before my trip I have to do it ? How the MSC verify the other cruise loyalty status ?
This will be my first time on MSC the drink package does everybody have to buy a drink package? I only drink soda no alcohol so told me that everyone has to purchase a drink package and also. attending the drill read somewhere you have to go to your room and watch a article get a certain number then go to your monster station use the wheelchair so they shut the elevator off. How do I get downstairs to my monster station the first day is always crazy. Specially, with the elevators.
Thank you in advance for your reply could you send me the link I think if I understood correctly you have a article that will show the daily planner on the MSC cruise from morning to night so you’re able to see all the activities that they offer all day long is that correct? I patiently wait you reply and Link if you have it thank you
Great article. First ever cruise booked for September on Seaside. What’s your recommendation on tipping on board, removing the prepaid gratuities, etc? I’ve read mixed reviews and opinions. Also, we aren’t planning any extras like specialty dining. But we’d like a drink or 2 daily. Is the drink package worth it? I’ve read that unless you drink 6 drinks/day, it’s a waste, but that was for other cruise lines. Lastly, do we ever get free WiFi like at the ports of call? How much is the WiFi package?
If I only have my iPhone on a MSC internet plan can I still use ExpressVPN on the ship? If I change the VPN location or just get a different IP address from the VPN will they cut off my internet access on that device? I will definitely use the VPN while in port so my IP will change then. I did not have any such problems on a recent NCL cruise.
I’m thinking they want you to review your bill before you go even though you attached a credit card because they probably can’t charge it until everything is said and done and by then you may have maxed out your card booking a trip to Fiji with an over the water bungalow or something. So they need to make sure they have a valid payment method. Again, not different from a hotel but their technology or rules based on port of originó for the ship May vary. I do like that you can associate a card and just charge as needed unt the last day.
Good information! A few questions: I am confused with your comment about carrying all your past cruising cards with you on-board the MSC or any other cruise line. Why does MSC need a record of all my sailings? Is the waist band reusable from one MSC sailing onto another? If yes, what is the process of reactivating the waist band when getting on your next MSC sailing? What is the process of adjusting or removing the gratuities that are automatically added per day in case of bad service? Thanks.
If you have already paid for your cruise, is the internet package available to get for another person? I have the internet for 1 deuce. That was completely different from what the travel agent said….grrr Also I tried to make a reservation for the shows and there isn’t any way to make a one via the app
Hello – I don’t know if I didn’t notice an answer to my question – or if the issue wasn’t addressed, but I’d like to dig into the drinks packages in more depth. On Celebrity Cruises you just pay a few extra dollars for drinks that cost a bit more than what your classic package allows … but what does MSC do if you have an Easy Package and then order a drink that costs more ?? Do they charge you for the entire price of the more expensive drink, or do they just charge you for the difference between the maximum of 6 € and what the drink normally costs ?
Hello, thank you for all your tips and I just subscribed too. But I wanted to clarify on one thing. I was talking to the customer service at MSC Cruises today (4/25/23) and they said I can get one internet package and can share among my devices. They said simply log off from one and log on to the other. If that’s true, your information here is not accurate or old? Or is it ship specific? I will be on Meraviglia in May. May I ask when was it that happened? I want to make sure that I’m covered but I also wanted to make sure that I don’t have to overpay. I always buy 1 and manage to switch between devices on other cruise lines. I am assuming that since your article was posted 3 months ago, it’s not that an old info. Thank you in advance!
Great information Alanna! We normally cruise Carnival or RCCL however MSC is making a big presence in Port Canaveral. We decided to give MSC a try and will be sailing on the Seaside April 27th on a short 3-day cruise. We call it a test cruise. We are Diamond level with Hilton hotels rewards program so a few months back I went through the process and MSC matched this so we are now Diamond level on MSC. The catch 22 is you must cruise MSC once every 12 months to hold that reward level. It will be a learning curve for us cruising MSC however I’m much more relaxed about it perusal this article. Yes, this Pirate subscribed!
Alanna, NO FREE WATER IN DINING ROOM. On MSC Armonia 6 months ago, was told on our first night at dinner in the dining room that we had to pay for any water, (not special water, not soda water, just plain water) No water was provided free of charge. We were told there was water available free only in their buffet area, and if we wanted to dine in the dining room, would have to be purchased. The only way water was served was in small bottles bought for 3-4 Euros individually or as part of a drinks package. I assumed this must be some mistake, as no other cruise line charges for water that I’ve ever cruised with. This was not the basic Bella experience, but the next tier up, Fantastica package we had booked. Never again
Just returned from a week-long Mediterranean on the MSC SeaShore and felt compelled to share my experience. As I sit down to reflect, the taste of the subpar food still lingers. The buffet chaos resembled a war zone rather than a dining hall. To top it off, the ship sounded more like a busy highway than a tranquil cruise. There were also long elevator waits – we ended up taking the stairs most of the time. As for the crowd, it was a mixed bag of loud, rude passengers. To crown it all, there were raucous parties going on until 2 AM, with intoxicated folks roaming the hallways. The beauty of the Mediterranean deserved a better on-board experience. Can’t recommend this one. 😔