Celestyal Cruises vs MSC Cruises

Why should we cruise with Celestyal?

We asked Celestyal why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Celestyal Cruises is a proudly Mediterranean cruise line specialising in authentic, immersive experiences across Greece, Türkiye, Italy, Croatia and throughout the Mediterranean. With a focus on destination-rich itineraries, Celestyal takes guests closer to the heart of the Mediterranean, with more time in port and fewer sea days. From iconic Greek islands to hidden gems, guests enjoy locally inspired cuisine, genuine Greek hospitality and carefully curated experiences — all delivered with a relaxed, friendly and authentically Mediterranean feel.

What destinations are Celestyal exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Celestyal from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Celestyal Cruises stands out as a destination-first Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean cruise line. Now also sailing the Arabian Gulf they are known for their port-intensive itineraries, mid-sized ships and a simplified Celestyal One fare concept designed to make total trip cost easier to predict. Compared with major cruise brands that compete on mega-ship attractions and "At Sea" entertainment, Celestyal is better for travellers who want to see more ports in less time, prioritise culture and sightseeing, and prefer a more straightforward inclusions story - while accepting fewer “floating resort” features onboard.

Who cruises with Celestyal?

An international mix of travellers, primarily couples and groups. Families are more common during school holiday periods.

What are Celestyal known for?

Destination-focused Mediterranean cruising, particularly Greece and the Greek Islands, with port-intensive itineraries, smaller ports and a relaxed Mediterranean onboard atmosphere.

Are Celestyal's fares all-inclusive?

Semi-inclusive. Celestyal One fares include accommodation, all main meals, selected snacks, non-alcoholic drinks during food service hours, essential WiFi, entertainment, onboard activities, port charges and gratuities.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees and other premium beverages, specialty dining, upgraded WiFi, spa and salon treatments and room service.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Port charges and onboard gratuities are included in Celestyal One fares.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Shore excursions are purchased separately, with discounted excursion bundles available.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Essential WiFi is included for every guest, with upgraded internet packages available for purchase.

Does Celestyal have a loyalty program?

No.

Is Celestyal a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Children are welcome and ships provide pools, sports courts, family activities and dedicated children's spaces, although Celestyal is more destination-focused than most of the large contemporary family cruise lines.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include live shows, music, dance lessons, arts and crafts, language lessons, quizzes, fitness activities, swimming pools and sports courts.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Both Celestyal ships have casinos offering table games and slot machines for guests aged 18 and over.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Casino gaming, video arcade games, spa treatments and other selected services and experiences incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Celestyal's ships?

Yes. Ships offer included main restaurants and casual dining alongside specialty restaurants that incur an additional charge.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Specialty dining is charged separately, with guests able to prepay CelestyalPay credit for additional food and drink purchases.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Filter coffee, tea, water and juice are available during the day, and free-pour soft drinks are included with meals in the main restaurants.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Do Celestyal sell any beverage packages?

No traditional beverage package is offered. Guests can prepay CelestyalPay credit, receive bonus value and use it towards alcoholic drinks and other premium beverages onboard.

Do Celestyal offer room service?

Yes. Room service is available for an additional charge. Complimentary in-room dining is included for selected premium suites.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Sozo Spa and salon services are available onboard, with treatments costing extra.

Are there gyms onboard Celestyal's ships?

Yes. Both ships have onboard fitness facilities.

Are fitness classes available onboard Celestyal's ships?

Yes. Group activities include stretching, aerobics, bootcamp, yoga, Pilates and other fitness classes.

Do Celestyal offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available onboard.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No

Do Celestyal offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry service is available, with complimentary laundry included for guests in the Stargazer Penthouse Suite.

Why should we cruise with MSC?

We asked MSC why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Our cruises are designed to enrich, delight and create unforgettable emotions that only the sea can create. We offer an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience, where you can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programmes and the latest user-friendly technology on board.

What destinations are MSC exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on MSC from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

MSC Cruises stands out for value, a distinctly European onboard atmosphere, and premium-upgrade options like the MSC Yacht Club. Compared with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and premium lines like Celebrity or Princess, MSC often delivers newer-ship experiences at sharper pricing while offering a more international feel - especially in the Mediterranean.

MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, is positioned as a calmer, nature-forward beach day rather than a thrill-park destination, and the line’s status match makes it easy for loyal cruisers to switch. For travellers asking “is MSC Cruises a good cruise line?”, the answer is yes - particularly read more for clients who want strong value, modern ships, and a cosmopolitan vibe; the key is aligning expectations on dining and onboard style to the specific ship and itinerary.

Who cruises with MSC?

An international mix of couples, families and groups, with a particularly strong European following.

What are MSC known for?

Large contemporary ships, a strong European and international atmosphere, extensive family facilities and entertainment, and the MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship luxury experience.

Are MSC's fares all-inclusive?

No, standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, most entertainment, pools, gym access and kids clubs.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Drinks, WiFi, shore excursions, specialty dining and gratuities cost extra unless included through a fare, package or MSC Yacht Club.

Are gratuities included?

Australian and New Zealand fares include gratuities. For North American's, gratuities (or as MSC refer to them - Hotel Service Charges) are not inclued in your cruise fare, unless you have requested to prepay them.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Shore excursions are an additional cost and can be booked individually or through selected excursion packages.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. WiFi is available across the fleet for an additional charge, with different internet packages available. Internet is included with MSC Yacht Club and selected loyalty or promotional benefits.

Does MSC have a loyalty program?

Yes. MSC Voyagers Club has Welcome, Classic, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Blue Diamond levels, with benefits including cruise discounts, onboard discounts, events and additional privileges at higher tiers.

Is MSC a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. MSC is particularly family-friendly, with extensive kids clubs, family accommodation, pools, waterparks and activities designed for children and teenagers.

Are any onboard activities included?

Most theatre shows, pools, selected waterparks, sports facilities, the gym, dance classes, quizzes, games, karaoke, parties and other scheduled entertainment are included. Exact facilities vary considerably between ships.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Casinos are available across MSC's ocean-going fleet, with gaming charged to the guest's onboard account.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes, depending on the ship, additional charges can apply for attractions such as bowling, 4D cinema, F1 simulators, zip lines and selected premium entertainment activities.

Are there specialty restaurants on board MSC's ships?

Yes. MSC ships offer specialty restaurants in addition to the included main restaurants and buffet, with venues varying by ship. Specialty dining generally costs extra.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Guests can pre-purchase individual specialty dining experiences or packages covering up to four specialty restaurants, depending on the ship.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Only limited beverages are included with standard fares. Complimentary options are generally available in the buffet, while soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other beverages normally cost extra unless covered by a drinks package or fare inclusion.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are generally additional with standard fares. Drinks may be included with promotional fares, MSC World Cruise dining inclusions or MSC Yacht Club.

Do MSC sell any beverage packages?

Yes. MSC offers Easy, Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free and Minors packages, with availability and inclusions varying by cruise.

Do MSC offer room service?

Yes. Fantastica and Aurea guests receive 24-hour room service with complimentary delivery, although individual food items may still be charged. Bella guests have more limited inclusions and may pay a delivery fee. MSC Yacht Club includes 24-hour room service.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. MSC Aurea Spa facilities are available across the fleet, with treatments, thermal areas and salon services generally attracting additional charges.

Are there gyms onboard MSC's ships?

Yes. MSC ships have onboard fitness facilities, with gym access included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard MSC's ships?

Yes. Fitness classes are offered, with some scheduled activities included and selected specialist fitness programmes attracting an additional charge.

Do MSC offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training sessions are available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do MSC offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid laundry services and multi-item laundry packages are available.