MSC Cruises receives mixed reactions from cruise passengers. Many describe their surprise at low-cost cruise fares and their amazement when stepping onboard and seeing the flashy interiors and the Swarovski staircase. But then confusion sets in when they have to pay for bottled water and eat the lackluster offerings at the buffet and Main Dining Room.
MSC ships get plenty of things right. The Yacht Club nails affordable luxury. And cruise itineraries on European sailings feel carefully curated, not copy-pasted. But thread after thread on Cruise Critic, Reddit, and social media have cruisers ranting about slow service, surprise charges, and policies that catch first-time cruisers off guard.
Is sailing with MSC Cruises bold and beautiful and the best-value cruise experience in the industry? Or is it a baffling experience that will have you scratching your head, wondering what it was all about? This article breaks it down—is an MSC cruise a dream deal, or is it worth the drama?
Things You Wouldn’t Believe MSC Cruises Gets Spot-On
You’ve heard the complaints about MSC—but here’s something few people will tell you. Surprisingly, the cruise line does a few things so well that it puts the big guns in the cruise industry to shame. I’m talking glammed-up interiors, flexible, value-for-money drink packages, and spectacular productions.
Ship Design That Turns Heads – Surprisingly Glam for a Budget Line
The second you walk into the atrium on an MSC ship, it doesn’t feel like a “budget” cruise. Between the Swarovski crystal staircases, LED-lit promenades, and glass-walled lounges, it’s got that high-end hotel energy—without the high-end price tag. Even the elevators sparkle. It’s dramatic, sleek, and proudly European.
Cruisers on forums constantly say the same thing: “We weren’t expecting this level of design.” MSC’s Meraviglia and Seaside-class cruise ships are loaded with wow-factor touches. The Galleria LED dome runs light shows that make it feel like you’re walking through a Paris art gallery.
OK, you’re not getting zip lines or roller coasters on MSC. You’re getting ambiance, elegance, and photo ops that’ll make your friends think you paid double.
Deals, Discounts, and Deep Value – Why MSC Is a Wallet-Friendly Win
It’s hard to beat MSC cruises on price— it has some of the best deals in the industry. Cruisers frequently comment about getting five or seven days for around $400 per person. And European sailings? Some of the best value deals in the Mediterranean. Bundle that with their kids-sail-free deals, and families get a bigger break.
Seasoned cruisers on Reddit say that MSC is usually their go-to line when they want a great deal on a nice ship. Compared to Royal Caribbean and Carnival, MSC runs more frequent promos that include drinks packages, WiFi, or onboard credit. One cruiser shared, “I booked a seven-night cruise for less than my last Vegas weekend. Loved it!”
Yacht Club Bliss – Private Luxury Without the Price Tag
Ever wanted The Haven (Norwegian Cruise Line) or The Retreat (Celebrity Cruises) but couldn’t stomach the hefty sticker price? MSC’s Yacht Club is your golden ticket for great value luxury at sea. The ship-within-a-ship concept gives you a private restaurant, pool deck, 24-hour butler, premium beverage package, WiFi, and priority everything.
Cruisers rave about the peace and opulent surroundings. One called it “the best-kept secret in cruising,” while another said, “It felt like a boutique hotel floating on a megaship.” On Cruise Critic, seasoned travelers compare it favorably to premium lines at half the cost. If you want exclusivity, elegance, and zero crowds—without selling your house—Yacht Club delivers.
One of the best perks of the Yacht Club is exclusive access to the private Ocean House Beach on Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
Waterparks That Actually Impress (and Wear the Kids Out)
Many first-time cruisers on MSC ships, especially the newer ones, are pleasantly surprised by the onboard waterparks. Some say, “Some of the best waterparks at sea!” Depending on the ship, kids and teens can enjoy water cannons, multiple slides, aqua tubes, and flumes. Great family fun!
The MSC Seaside and other newer MSC ships have a waterslide with a clear loop that extends over the edge of the ship and a forest-themed adventure park. Others have virtual reality-enhanced features. Parents consistently praise MSC’s waterparks, with some saying that their kids “couldn’t get enough of the racing slides on MSC Seaside.”
Visual Spectacle – Shows That Dazzle
MSC entertainment productions get rave reviews from passengers for their full-on sensory experiences. Many ships offer Broadway-style musical productions in the Broadway Theatre. Thrilling, immersive performances combine acrobatics, dance, LED lighting, and live music to create one-of-a-kind productions.
Cruise ship passengers are often surprised by how much they enjoy the entertainment. One forum comment called the shows “unexpectedly mesmerizing,” while another said, “I couldn’t understand the story, but I couldn’t look away either.” For example, shows on MSC Meraviglia run three times a day, each lasting for 40 minutes. It’s theatrical flair with a Euro twist.
Unique Ports, Not the Same Old Stops
MSC doesn’t just copy the standard Eastern or Western Caribbean loop. Their European sailings hit lesser-known gems like Trieste, Brindisi, Tarragona, and Valletta—places that feel more “local” than “touristy.” Cruisers often say MSC opened their eyes to ports they wouldn’t have picked on their own.
On North American sailings, MSC itineraries hit all the popular Caribbean islands, including the ABC islands, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Cruise ships also stop in Mexico, Key West (Florida), and Canada.
Also, most Caribbean sailings include Ocean Cay—MSC’s private island. Some say stepping off the ship is like stepping into paradise, with quiet beaches and a low-key vibe. There’s also a focus on nature and sustainability. But don’t expect waterslides, wave pools, or a floating bar like CocoCay.
Some cruisers love the chill atmosphere; others find it underwhelming or wish there was more to do.
Global Vibe – Multinational, Multilingual, and Different
MSC offers a truly international atmosphere, especially on its European cruise sailings—something you won’t get on most cruise lines. Sailing in the Mediterranean, Norwegian fjords, and the Baltic Sea, you’ll hear multiple languages spoken onboard, see menus with five translations, and share a dinner table with guests from across the globe.
Some cruisers mention the multilingual announcements can get a bit long, but it makes sense when you’re sailing with a European crowd. After all, French, Italian, or Spanish-speaking cruisers would likely complain if announcements weren’t available in their language. Cruisers sailing from Port Canaveral say announcements are usually only in English.
MSC cruise sailings deliver a unique onboard vibe with cultural experiences you won’t find on most other mainstream lines.
Loyalty Match Hack – Status Without the Waiting Game
MSC Cruises S.A. offers the MSC Voyagers Club, a loyalty program that stands out from its competitors with its status match program—totally unique in the cruise industry. Show MSC your status with another line—or even Hilton, Marriott, or Delta—and boom, you’re getting perks on your first cruise. No years of loyalty. No extra spend. No hoops. Straight into the same loyalty perks you get on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.
One cruiser shared their delight at getting onboard perks on their first MSC cruise because of their Hilton Gold Status. MSC’s loyalty match feels like skipping the line with a VIP badge you didn’t even know you had—unlike other lines where you have to earn every perk.
Spotless Ships, Everywhere
Regardless of what you think of MSC cruise ships, cleanliness is one area where they cannot be faulted. Many cruise passengers say the ships are among the cleanest they’ve been on. It seems that restrooms are always stocked, surfaces are clean, and the crew is cleaning at all hours of the day.
One cruiser shared on Reddit, “I was on MSC Seascape, and there was a surprise health inspection. The Captain later announced that the ship scored 98 out of 100.” Another cruise passenger said, “Not once on the seven-day sailing did anything feel worn or dirty.” Even on older ships, hygiene and maintenance aren’t issues.
Flexible Drinks Packages that Offer Value Across the Board
MSC cruises have some of the best-value drink packages in the cruise industry. To start with, they have three tiers of alcoholic beverage packages on European cruise sailings. In North America, the Premium Package is comparable to Carnival Cruise Line’s highly rated drink offerings. Plus, MSC doesn’t charge extra for gratuities—they’re included in the price.
Many MSC passengers say that typical drink packages feel like you’re paying for drinks you don’t use. Some even say they end up drinking more onboard to “get their money’s worth.” A cruiser on Cruise Critic shared, “I didn’t feel ripped off for once. I was able to have a couple of drinks a day and coffees without feeling I’ve overspent on the package.”
Especially when sailing in Europe, MSC drink packages are ideal for casual drinkers and for those who appreciate the generous 15-drinks-per-day limit.
Eco-Friendly Moves – Sustainability Is More Than a Buzzword
Let’s face it—cruising isn’t exactly the most eco-friendly way to spend a vacation. In this regard, MSC is doing more than other cruise lines to promote more sustainability at sea. For example, the MSC World Europa is LNG-powered and has an advanced wastewater system and a zero single-use plastics policy.
Ocean Cay, their private island, doubles as a marine reserve with coral restoration projects in progress.
Cruisers who care about impact are starting to take notice. “It felt good knowing the ship I was on wasn’t wrecking the sea it sails on,” one Facebook commenter said. It’s not perfect, but compared to lines that barely mention sustainability, MSC’s moves feel real.
8 Areas Where MSC Cruises Disappoint
It’s not all plain sailing on an MSC cruise ship. And despite providing excellent onboard services and amenities in some areas, others leave cruisers frustrated. What are passengers saying about their onboard experiences? Let’s discover why MSC doesn’t float everyone’s boat.
Chaos Before You Cruise – Embarkation Is a Mess
Unfortunately, the cruise experience for many passengers hits rocky waters before they’ve stepped on board—during embarkation. On ports in the U.S., cruisers describe poor signage, long lines, and staff who seem as confused as passengers. Others described it as a “total free-for-all.” For some cruisers who are used to Royal Caribbean’s smooth process, the experience hits hard.
Unless you’ve booked the Yacht Club, you’ll have to be patient and go with the flow. One cruiser advised, “Keep the mindset that MSC is a discount cruise line, so not everything will be perfect. Once on board, there’s a lot of fun and value.”
Who’s in Charge Here? Customer Service Feels Hit-or-Miss
Poor service seems to be a common thread on Cruise Critic, Reddit, and Trustpilot comments. Passenger complaints range from poor pre-cruise support to unanswered emails and calls not getting returned. Onboard, it’s a mixed bag. Some passengers praised the “fantastic staff,” whereas others seemed underwhelmed by the lack of personal attention.
As one cruiser put it, “Service onboard was OK, but we didn’t expect much considering the cruise was so cheap.” For a line with such polished ships, the service gap catches people off guard—especially first-timers expecting that warm, Disney-style vibe.
Tech Trouble: The App That Barely Works
MSC For Me app promises to give cruise passengers a “carefree holiday at no extra charge.” But for some, the cruise line app just gets their stress levels up. Cruisers report glitches when booking shows, checking balances, or linking accounts. Others say it’s pretty useless before boarding but works well onboard.
For example, on Trustpilot, a passenger shared, “The app was showing excursions in duplicate, and we ended up with duplicate bookings we couldn’t cancel.” Cruisers on Cruise Critic say that it’s useless for making theater reservations or seeing what’s happening in the week.
Nickel and Diming Everywhere – Even Water
MSC attracts travelers with cheap cruise fares, but the cost of onboard factors can pile up fast. Want tap water with your meal in the MDR? Some say you must pay for it. How about some soft-serve ice cream by the pool? That will show up on your onboard bill. However, it seems that the buffets have a water dispenser.
The bottom line seems to be: Nothing on board above the basics is included. One cruiser shared that on 50+ cruises, none had felt so “nickel and diming” as MSC. Of course, you’re getting the cheapest fares in the industry, and the onboard pricing system is more European than North American.
Meh Meals – Food Isn’t Always Cruise-Worthy
The buffet and Main Dining Room get mixed reviews from passengers. Some say that although the buffet is huge, the selection isn’t that great. Others talk about long lines forming during peak times with cruisers waiting for food. However, one strong point stands out—the ships serve some of the best pizzas at sea.
Maybe it’s a North American–European thing. European guests highly rate the buffet, whereas North American travelers seem disappointed.
As one cruiser shared, “I remember what I paid for the cruise and adjust my expectations accordingly. Therefore, I’ve never been disappointed with MSC.”
Cold Vibes – Don’t Expect Disney Smiles
A common complaint is that MSC service leans toward efficiency rather than outgoing and bubbly. It’s not bad service, just a different vibe—more European hotel than theme park charm or Carnival-style friendliness. Some cruisers feel the lack of warmth is a letdown, and others call it “refreshingly no-nonsense.”
Nothing to Do? Daytime Activities Are Sparse
If you’re expecting packed sea-day schedules with trivia, dance classes, and pool games every hour—MSC might feel empty. Activities exist, but they’re limited and often poorly advertised. One cruiser said, “We kept checking the daily planner and gave up. It was mostly sales pitches.”
Compared to Royal Caribbean or Carnival, MSC’s daytime atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed. That works for some, but if you like staying busy between meals and ports, the lull can feel like a letdown.
Too Many People, Not Enough Space
MSC ships are big, but sometimes they don’t feel that way. MSC World America and MSC World Europe are among the top ten largest cruise ships in the world. But on older vessels, passengers talk about packed elevators, loungers that vanish by 9 a.m., and problems finding a seat at the buffet during peak hours.
Many say that on busy sailings, the ships can feel overcrowded, even though they may not be fully booked. One cruise industry expert noted that MSC has one of the highest passenger-to-crew ratio in the industry. This also impacts service, with fewer crew members for each passenger.
So, you’ll enjoy plenty of glam onboard, but you may also experience the squeeze.
The Beauty and Frustrations of MSC Cruises
MSC isn’t the cruise line for everyone, and that’s OK. Once you know the quirks, you stop noticing them. What you’ll remember is the glam, the value, and maybe—just maybe—that you cracked cruising’s best-kept secret.
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