MSC

MSC

About MSC Cruises

As one of the world's largest cruise lines, MSC Cruises brings sophisticated European elegance and Italian hospitality to its modern, global fleet. Sailing from major hubs like Miami and Barcelona, the line is unique for its glamorous design, family-friendly focus, and innovative ships like the LNG-powered MSC World Europa.

MSC Poesia
MSC Preziosa

📚 History

MSC Cruises originated as the passenger division of the global shipping giant, Mediterranean Shipping Company, officially entering the cruise market in 1988 by acquiring the operator Lauro Lines. After a rebranding in 1995, a pivotal milestone began in 2003 with an ambitious investment plan to construct a completely new fleet, starting with ships like MSC Lirica. This rapid expansion introduced progressively larger vessels and cemented the brand’s signature European style on a global scale.

Today, MSC Cruises is the world's third-largest cruise brand, commanding a modern fleet of 24 ships, including the innovative MSC World Europa and MSC Seascape. The line operates globally, with a strong presence in Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. It offers a vast range of itineraries sailing from major hubs like Miami, Barcelona, and Rome.

⭐ What MSC is Known For

MSC Cruises is best known for bringing a distinct European flair to the mainstream cruise market with its fleet of modern, stylish mega-ships. Drawing on its Swiss-Italian heritage, the line is defined by sophisticated design and a glamorous onboard atmosphere, famously featuring elements like Swarovski crystal staircases and expansive indoor promenades. Ships such as MSC World Europa and MSC Seascape showcase this focus on creating a vibrant, resort-style experience at sea, heavily influenced by Mediterranean culture and cuisine.



A second key specialty is MSC Cruises' strong appeal to families, offering award-winning kids' clubs and activities developed through partnerships with brands like LEGO and Chicco. At the same time, the line caters to the luxury market with its highly-regarded MSC Yacht Club. This exclusive "ship-within-a-ship" concept provides a premium, all-inclusive experience with private lounges, a dedicated restaurant, and 24-hour butler service. This dual offering of family-centric fun and secluded luxury makes the line a versatile choice for its global itineraries departing from ports like Miami and Barcelona.

👥 Who Cruises with MSC

MSC Cruises attracts a distinctly international and diverse demographic, with a strong European contingent hailing from Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. The line is exceptionally popular with multi-generational families and couples across a wide age spectrum. While North American passengers are common on Caribbean itineraries departing from ports like Miami, the onboard ambiance remains cosmopolitan and multilingual.

The typical MSC traveler seeks a vibrant, high-energy, and value-focused vacation. They appreciate the modern, resort-style atmosphere of large ships like MSC World Europa and the extensive onboard activities, from elaborate stage shows to family water parks. This passenger is often budget-conscious but desires a stylish, contemporary cruise experience that offers a lively social setting and access to popular global destinations.

🛳️ Famous MSC Ships

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MSC World Europa

As the first ship in MSC's groundbreaking World Class, MSC World Europa is one of the largest and most environmentally advanced ships in the world. It is the fleet's first vessel powered by cleaner-burning Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and features a futuristic design with a stunning open-air promenade. The ship is also famous for The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, the longest dry slide at sea.

MSC Seaside

Known as "the ship that follows the sun," MSC Seaside introduced a revolutionary design meant to bring guests closer to the ocean. Its most notable feature is the unique waterfront boardwalk, the widest on any ship, which wraps around the vessel and is lined with places to eat, drink, and relax. The ship's structure was specifically created for warm-weather cruising in destinations like the Caribbean.

MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia was the first of its popular class and is celebrated for its two-deck indoor promenade, which is topped by a spectacular 80-meter-long LED "sky screen." This central boulevard serves as the social hub of the ship, featuring shops, restaurants, and bars. It was one of the key ships that helped establish MSC Cruises' year-round presence in North America, often sailing from Miami.

MSC Euribia

MSC Euribia is instantly recognizable and famous for its unique and vibrant hull art, a mural by artist Alex Flämig titled #SaveTheSea. The entire design symbolizes MSC Cruises' commitment to protecting the marine ecosystem. Beyond its exterior, it is one of the most environmentally advanced ships in the fleet, powered by LNG and featuring state-of-the-art green technologies.

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💰 Best MSC Cruise Deals

7 Night Port Canaveral to Port Canaveral cruise
January 31, 2026
MSC Grandiosa
S M L XL
Port Canaveral Nassau San Juan Puerto Plata Port Canaveral
$439
$63 per day
Inside
7 Night Port Canaveral to Port Canaveral cruise
January 24, 2026
MSC Grandiosa
S M L XL
Port Canaveral Nassau San Juan Puerto Plata Port Canaveral
$439
$63 per day
Inside
17 Night Portofino to Port Canaveral cruise
November 19, 2025
17 Night Grand Voyages Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.08/5)
MSC Grandiosa
S M L XL
Portofino Marseille Barcelona Las Palmas San Juan St. Thomas Miami Port Canaveral
$744
$44 per day
Inside
14 Night Port Canaveral to Port Canaveral cruise
January 24, 2026
MSC Grandiosa
S M L XL
Port Canaveral Nassau San Juan Puerto Plata Port Canaveral Nassau San Juan Puerto Plata Port Canaveral
$920
$66 per day
Inside
4 Night Port Canaveral to Port Canaveral cruise
January 11, 2026
MSC Grandiosa
S M L XL
Port Canaveral Ocean Cay Nassau Port Canaveral
$268
$67 per day
Inside

⏰ Last Minute MSC Cruise Deals

4 Night Miami to Miami cruise
September 28, 2025
MSC Seascape
S M L XL
Miami Nassau Ocean Cay Miami
$275
$69 per day
Inside
4 Night Miami to Miami cruise
September 14, 2025
MSC Seascape
S M L XL
Miami Nassau Ocean Cay Miami
$282
$71 per day
Inside
7 Night New York to New York cruise
September 28, 2025
MSC Meraviglia
S M L XL
New York Port Canaveral Nassau Ocean Cay New York
$427
$61 per day
Inside
4 Night Miami to Miami cruise
August 31, 2025
MSC Seascape
S M L XL
Miami Nassau Ocean Cay Miami
$289
$72 per day
Inside
11 Night Port Canaveral to Port Canaveral cruise
September 28, 2025
MSC Seashore
S M L XL
Port Canaveral Ocean Cay Costa Maya Cozumel Port Canaveral Nassau Ocean Cay Port Canaveral
$788
$72 per day
Inside

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about MSC

1. What's included in the cruise fare with MSC?

Your MSC cruise fare typically includes your cabin accommodation, meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, and access to many onboard activities and entertainment like shows and pools. Drinks like water, tea, and coffee in the buffet are often included, but specialty beverages, specialty dining, and excursions usually cost extra.

2. What dining options are available on MSC ships?

MSC ships offer a variety of dining options, including main dining rooms with set seating times or flexible dining, extensive buffet restaurants, and several specialty restaurants (usually at an additional cost) featuring cuisines like Italian, sushi, or steakhouse fare. Casual F&B options like pizzerias and gelaterias are also common.

3. What entertainment and activities are offered onboard MSC?

Onboard MSC, you can expect a wide array of entertainment, from Broadway-style shows in the main theater and live music in various lounges to casinos and nightclubs. Daytime activities include pool games, fitness classes, kids' and teens' clubs, and sometimes themed parties or enrichment lectures.

4. What is MSC's cancellation policy?

MSC's cancellation policy varies depending on how far in advance you cancel your cruise, the type of fare purchased, and the length of the cruise. Generally, the closer to the sailing date you cancel, the higher the cancellation penalty, potentially up to the full cruise fare; it's crucial to check the specific terms and conditions for your booking.

5. Are gratuities included or automatic with MSC?

With MSC, gratuities, also known as Hotel Service Charges, are automatically added to your onboard account daily per person to recognize the service provided by crew members. You can sometimes pre-pay these gratuities before your cruise, and in some markets or for certain packages, they might be included in the fare.

6. What are the age requirements for cruising with MSC?

MSC requires infants to be at least 6 months old to sail, or 12 months old for certain longer or more exotic itineraries. Passengers under 18 (or 21 for US departures/itineraries including a US port) must be accompanied by an adult in the same stateroom or a connecting one, and there are policies regarding unaccompanied minors.

7. Does MSC accommodate special dietary needs?

MSC generally accommodates various special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, or diabetic diets. It's essential to inform MSC or your travel agent of any dietary requirements at the time of booking, or at least well in advance of your sailing, so the culinary team can make necessary arrangements.

8. What documents do I need to cruise with MSC?

The required travel documents for an MSC cruise depend on the itinerary and your nationality. Generally, a valid passport is required for most international voyages, and some destinations may also require visas; always verify the specific documentation needed for your cruise well in advance of departure.


🛳️ Ships in the MSC Fleet

MSC operates a collection of ships of twenty-four cruise ships, covering eight distinct categories. The most seasoned vessel has been sailing for 24 years, and the most newcomer was launched in 2026.

Fantasia Class

Divina
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.67)
Passengers:
3,502
Built:
2012
Refurbished:
2021
Fantasia
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.87)
Passengers:
3,274
Built:
2008
Refurbished:
2023
Preziosa
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.66)
Passengers:
3,502
Built:
2013
Refurbished:
2021
Splendida
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.79)
Passengers:
3,274
Built:
2009
Refurbished:
2024

Lirica Class

Armonia
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.29)
Passengers:
1,950
Built:
2001
Refurbished:
2019
Lirica
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.35)
Passengers:
1,984
Built:
2003
Refurbished:
2021
Opera
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.31)
Passengers:
2,142
Built:
2004
Refurbished:
2022
Sinfonia
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.41)
Passengers:
1,950
Built:
2002
Refurbished:
2024

Meraviglia Class

Bellissima
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.58)
Passengers:
4,488
Built:
2019
Meraviglia
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.58)
Passengers:
4,488
Built:
2017

Meraviglia Plus Class

Euribia
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.84)
Passengers:
4,828
Built:
2023
Grandiosa
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.85)
Passengers:
4,888
Built:
2019
Refurbished:
2024
Virtuosa
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.74)
Passengers:
4,810
Built:
2021

Musica Class

Magnifica
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.65)
Passengers:
2,506
Built:
2010
Refurbished:
2024
Musica
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.60)
Passengers:
2,550
Built:
2006
Refurbished:
2024
Orchestra
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.54)
Passengers:
2,550
Built:
2007
Refurbished:
2021
Poesia
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.59)
Passengers:
2,550
Built:
2008
Refurbished:
2023

Seaside Class

Seaside
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.54)
Passengers:
4,134
Built:
2017
Seaview
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.63)
Passengers:
4,134
Built:
2018
Refurbished:
2023

Seaside Evo Class

Seascape
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.88)
Passengers:
4,540
Built:
2022
Seashore
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.86)
Passengers:
4,560
Built:
2021

World Class

Seaside
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.54)
Passengers:
4,134
Built:
2017
Seaview
CruiseSheet ShipScore™
(3.63)
Passengers:
4,134
Built:
2018
Refurbished:
2023

📊 Monthly MSC Pricing

Overall MSC is rather inexpensive compared to other lines. MSC sailings during the the peak season of summer are considerably more expensive than the the low season of winter. Check the graph below for the monthly average cost per day.

Jan
$101
Feb
$108
Mar
$117
Apr
$123
May
$143
Jun
$161
Jul
$178
Aug
$185
Sep
$157
Oct
$137
Nov
$108
Dec
$136

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