Think you’ve scored a great deal with MSC Cruises? Or have you? Maybe you’ve just made a classic booking mistake that is common on MSC ships. The cruise line’s flashy promotions and confusing cabin options attract thousands—but plenty of cruisers end up frustrated, stuck with lousy dining times, noisy cabins, and unexpected bills.
After spending hours checking out countless cruise forums, rants on Reddit threads, and chatting to seasoned travelers, I discovered the 16 top booking mistakes that pop up again and again. Some are minor annoyances. Others? They’ll ruin the trip before you’ve even boarded.
Read on to discover how to ensure your MSC cruise is a dream vacation. I’ll show you how to cruise smarter, cheaper, and stress-free.
Booking an MSC Cruise and Expecting Luxury or Adults-Only Experience
It’s a mistake many North American cruisers make—book with MSC cruises and expect opulent luxury or a calm, relaxing sailing. In reality, MSC ships are skewed toward families, with a ton of onboard activities for kids. Some describe the cruise experience as more European holiday park than a serene retreat.
Of course, the glossy MSC brochures showcase fancy staircases, modern ships, and incredible prices—what’s not to love? But many comments on Reddit complain about how noisy and busy the ships can be. Others shared how they expected a vibe like Princess or Celebrity Cruises and felt let down.
The MSC cruise experience is perfect if you’re traveling with children or multigenerational groups. Kids’ clubs are open late to allow adults to party into the early hours.
If you’re hoping for personal pampering, quiet lounges, and calm pool decks, book a Yacht Club suite or look elsewhere. And be prepared to hear announcements in multiple languages.
Bottom line: Book MSC for family fun and value, not luxury and quiet relaxation. Also, check out my article on the best and worst cruises for families to see where MSC ranks.
Not Looking Into the Different MSC Cabin Experiences
Cruisers make mistakes booking an MSC cruise because they don’t fully understand the cabin experience. Make a blunder during the booking process, and you may be left without fancy perks you thought were included in the cabin type. MSC has three experience levels—Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea.
I read a few comments on Reddit threads about travelers assuming all cabins came with flexibility. It was only after booking a balcony cabin with the Bella Experience that they discovered they couldn’t choose their room or dining times. On the flip side, Fantastica and Aurea offer small touches that make a massive difference.
To help you out, here’s a quick guide to MSC levels of experience:
Bella: This is the cheapest ticket type and is available for inside, outside, and balcony cabins. It’s a no-frills package with a guaranteed cabin type. Thinking of choosing Bella? Expect a cabin in the worst location of the ship with obstructed views in oceanview or balcony cabins.
Fantastica: The ‘experience’ is available in all cabins and suites, and you can choose your preferred cabin and location. Breakfast room service is included, along with discounts on packages.
Aurea: The most flexible experience and comes with priority boarding, a choice of cabins, a welcome bottle of Prosecco, dining anytime, and access to the Top Exclusive Solarium.
MSC also has the Yacht Club, which is their “ship-within-a-ship” concept and provides the most luxurious and refined onboard experience.
I’ve seen countless comments from people who booked Bella to save money but spent their cruise feeling restricted. The experience level you pick shapes the entire trip.
My advice? Don’t fall into the pitfall of picking the cheapest fare. Read the fine print and consider what flexibility and perks are worth to you.
Choosing a Bella Fare Without Understanding the Limitations
Don’t make the mistake of opting for the cheapest MSC experience if you’re expecting perks and top-notch service. Without a doubt, Bella offers the most affordable cruise fares and budget-friendly options, but with strings attached. Here’s the deal: no cabin choice, no free breakfast in the cabin, and back of the line for upgrades.
Many cruisers on Cruise Critic lament about choosing Bella and then being in a noisy location with obstructed (i.e., zero) views and awkward dining times. One shared that they expected a free upgrade, but instead, they were stuck next to a noisy crew area for the seven-day cruise.
Sure, Bella seems like a bargain. But for just a little more—I’m talking $60 to $120 per person—Fantastica gives you flexibility and less frustration. Unless you genuinely don’t care, skip Bella. You’ll thank yourself later.
Letting MSC Pick Your Cabin Without Checking the Risks
Guaranteed cabins always come with a risk. Basically, the cruise line assigns you the dregs of what’s left in terms of cabin location. From reports, it seems that MSC always dishes out the worst cabins to Bella cruisers. Even the MSC website says: “You could be assigned a cabin with an obstructed view or promenade view.”
Cruisers in Facebook users often complain about getting cabins with lifeboat views or hearing scraping chairs late at night. One post I read was about a couple placed above the nightclub—they didn’t sleep all week.
Want to choose the best cabin on MSC cruise ships? If so, book the Fantastica experience.
Missing the Chance to Prepay Gratuities
Here’s where many cruisers slip up: not prepaying gratuities during the booking process. Gratuities on MSC aren’t automatically added to the cost of drinks, specialty dining, or spa treatments. From what I’ve read online, cruisers get a nasty surprise on their final bill.
Some MSC cruisers shared on forums that they were shocked to see hundreds of dollars in gratuities added to their onboard account. Others shared that they wished they’d prepaid gratuities to avoid dealing with them post-cruise.
Save yourself the sticker shock. Prepay your gratuities upfront and cruise worry-free.
Skipping MSC’s Status Match — It’s an Easy Win
Got loyalty status with another cruise line? If so, don’t regret not signing up for the MSC Status Match Program. This unique perk in the cruise industry matches your loyalty status with other cruise lines, hotels, or airlines. Priority boarding, welcome gifts, drink packages, and other premium packages are all yours, just for signing up for MSC’s Status Match Program.
Frequent cruise travelers mention kicking themselves for missing this perk. On the contrary, a cruise blogger shared that their Diamond Level with Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor program earned them Voyagers Gold Club status in a snap.
MSC Status Match is a no-brainer—it’s quick, easy, and costs nothing to get fast-tracked to the Voyagers Club and VIP treatment on MSC ships.
Picking the Wrong Cabin Type or Location Can Spoil the Cruise Experience
Seasoned cruise passengers will tell you that cabin choice can make or break the vacation. Midship cabins are popular because they experience the least motion. But what if you’re stuck under a noisy buffet or beside an elevator bank? You don’t want to slip up and have a cruise vacation full of regrets.
One cruiser on MSC Virtuosa shared that they booked a midship cabin on Deck 14, assuming it was a safe choice. However, the noise started at 6 a.m. the following day when they were woken by chairs getting scraped along the pool deck. Other passengers commented that they thought a front-facing cabin would be perfect, only to suffer from motion sickness in rough seas.
The best advice is to study deck plans to check for cabins with obstructed views, above or below noisy venues, or close to high-traffic areas. To help make the best choice, why not check out my article on the MSC Best and Worst Cabins as Ranked by Real Cruisers?
Overpaying Onboard for Dining, WiFi, and Excursions
It’s a mistake on any cruise ship to wait until being onboard before booking activities, dining, and other premium packages available. They are always cheaper if you book them before your cruise departure.
Reserving Specialty Dining
It’s a big mistake to wait until you’re on the ship to book specialty restaurants. MSC often offers pre-cruise discounts through its app and website. Onboard, you’ll pay full price and sometimes 20 percent more. You also risk missing out entirely if all slots are booked.
One cruiser shared on Cruise Critic that they splurged on Butcher’s Cut onboard, only to realize the pre-book price was much cheaper. Another traveler shared how, by not snagging the Dining Experience packages early, they missed out on bonuses like free wine.
Purchasing WiFi Packages
MSC WiFi packages aren’t cheap. So, don’t fall into the trap of waiting until you board to buy a package—you’ll pay significantly more. Some cruisers shared how they spent over $50 extra to get connected because they forgot to pre-purchase WiFi. And the usual advice to get connected in port didn’t work as WiFi in some places was patchy at best.
One cruiser shared their frustration when they found out about MSC’s family WiFi bundles only after paying double for individual plans onboard.
Book your WiFi package online before the cruise. Look for deals and choose a plan that matches your device needs.
Booking Cruise Ship Shore Excursions
Be sure to include booking excursions in your cruise planning to save money. Like specialty dining, they are more expensive onboard and may be sold out. Several Reddit threads mention travelers stuck with last-choice cruise excursions or missing out on bucket-list experiences entirely.
You can save money by booking privately rather than cruise ship-organized excursions. Just remember: the cruise ship won’t wait if you’re delayed getting back to the cruise port. And don’t forget to keep your devices set to ‘ship time,’ not ‘local time.’
Insider tip: Voyagers Club members lock in a five percent discount plus $50 in onboard credit when you book an MSC cruise at least 12 months in advance.
Boarding Without the MSC App Already Installed
Don’t leave until the last minute to download the MSC For Me app. I’ve heard about some cruisers waiting until they board before trying unsuccessfully to download it. All that happens is you miss out on early bookings and key updates. Also, if you’re held up during check-in, having the app on your phone lets you use it to make reservations.
Several passengers shared on forums that they didn’t have the app set up correctly and couldn’t use the mobile check-in feature. This meant they spent extra time in line.
Other handy features of the MSC For Me app are personalized notifications, cruise planning, expense tracking, and connecting to a handy wearable wristband. You can also use it to keep in touch on board with others in your travel party.
Leaving Credit Card Setup Until You’re Onboard
All cruise lines require connecting a credit card to your onboard account. Although MSC ships let you do this onboard, you’ll waste a good part of your first cruise day. Some cruisers shared that they spent an hour in line just to register their card, while others with pre-set accounts breezed through.
Add your credit card info online before you sail. It’s one less hassle on embarkation day.
Do you want to make the most of your first day on board? If so, check out my article: 9 Things Savvy Cruisers Do in Their First Hour Onboard.
Not Realizing How the Season Can Affect Your Cruise
Depending on where and when you sail with MSC, you could be in for a rough ride or packed shore excursions.
Sailing with MSC in the Caribbean between June and November is hurricane season. Of course, you can snag cheap deals, but you’re at risk of disruption. One couple posted online that they sailed between hurricanes Helene and Milton, and it was a nerve-racking time.
However, there’s a flip side. Cruisers on MSC Armonia got an extra two days on board as the ship steered clear of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. But this turned into disappointment for other passengers whose following seven-day cruise was cut to five days.
Thinking of cruising European countries in July and August? Expect packed cruise ships and busy cities on shore excursions. Some cruisers complained on Cruise Critic that popular tourist destinations are difficult to enjoy because of the volume of visitors.
Overlooking Travel Requirements for Your Itinerary
It sounds basic, but it happens. Passports, visas, vaccinations—missing paperwork can get you denied boarding.
I’ve seen forum posts from devastated travelers who forgot to check visa requirements for specific ports. One family shared that their entire cruise was lost because they didn’t secure the necessary documents.
Always double-check travel requirements for every country on your itinerary.
Booking Excursions at Ocean Cay Leaves Cruisers Disappointed
All MSC Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises from Miami, Orlando, and New York City stop at Ocean Cay—MSC’s private island. While spending a day on a paradise island sounds idyllic, some cruisers felt let down by the shore excursions. Comments range from overpriced snorkeling gear to the beach looking like a construction site and a lack of sun loungers.
Unlike Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, which has zip lines and a waterpark, Ocean Cay only has beach activities. Many suggest holding off booking excursions, disembarking early, bringing your own snorkel gear, and grabbing a sun lounger before they’re all snapped up. Disappointed guests describe the food offering as “underwhelming at best,” and free options close at 2 p.m.
Arriving at the Cruise Port on Departure Day — Risky Mistake!
It’s a mistake on any cruise line to fly on the morning of your cruise, as it can cause one of the biggest travel mishaps of your life. Weather delays, missed connections, lost baggage, or traffic can leave you scrambling to the cruise terminal. Worse still, the ship may sail without you.
Cruise forums are full of advice from cruise ship passengers to fly to the embarkation port a day beforehand, enjoy a relaxing night in a hotel, and arrive at the cruise port in plenty of time for departure. A group of 16 passengers shared how a four-hour flight delay caused them to miss the ship by 30 minutes. No refunds, no cruise trip, just shattered vacation dreams.
What about travel insurance? You must check the small print because not all travel insurance policies cover delays that cause you to miss the cruise departure.
When booking your cruise, check out MSC’s Fly & Cruise deals. You can book flights and arrange transfers to the port, guaranteed that you’ll get on board even if flights are delayed. MSC’s website states: “In case of flight delays, your cruise will not be lost.”
Book Smarter, Sail Happier with MSC Cruises
MSC can offer serious value — but only if you know how to book it right. A little upfront research saves a lot of frustration later. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll cruise with confidence, comfort, and maybe even a few extra perks.
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