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?
Africa Asia Caribbean Europe & Med Northern Europe South America Transatlantic United Arab Emirates More...MSC snapshot
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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.
Recent MSC reviews
Thankfully Hannah booked our group a table for the whole stay for dinner. The stops and excursions on the other hand exceeded our expectations. Corfu/ Izmir/ Istanbul/ Bari - wow. Great food/ history/ and views to be in awe of. Though it was cold in late March/ early April - much preferred as not overflowing with people, and got to see everything we wanted. Our holiday was spectacular. MSC Ship was pretty average, but I am bias having only been on one other ship (Royal Caribean) which was stunning. However - our holiday alone was stunninggg... great memories.
MSC's most popular trips this month...
Why should we cruise with NCL?
We asked NCL why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
No schedules. No stipulations. Just award-winning entertainment and diverse dining options from the only cruise line built for versatile vacationing. NCL's award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Add a wide range of superb dining options and spectacular entertainment and you'll experience your best holiday ever.
What destinations are NCL exploring this season?
Alaska Asia Australia & New Zealand Canada & New England Caribbean Central America & Panama Europe & Med Greek Islands More...NCL snapshot
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The low down on NCL from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stands out for its relaxed “Freestyle Cruising” style - more flexibility, fewer formalities, and a resort-like onboard vibe. NCL’s Free at Sea inclusions can add strong value for travelers who want drinks, some specialty dining, Wi-Fi and shore credits bundled into their booking, helping to make their total trip costs easier to predict. If you want a cruise that feels casual, choice-rich and good-value, Norwegian is often an excellent option; if you want the most family attractions, a more traditional cruise atmosphere, or a more premium “quiet luxury” feel, competitors like Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America read more or Celebrity may be a better match.
Who cruises with NCL?
Couples, solo travellers and families; freestyle cruisers who like to holiday on their own schedule.
What are NCL known for?
Freestyle Cruising with no fixed dining times, award-winning entertainment and top-deck innovation including racetracks at sea.
Are NCL's fares all-inclusive?
No.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Guests need to pay for shore excursions, WiFi, specialty dining, spa and salon services, selected onboard activities, some entertainment and certain beverages and services.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand passengers. They are not included for North American passengers.
Are shore excursions included?
No.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes, charges apply or is included in NCL’s Free At Sea™ package.
Does NCL have a loyalty program?
No. Latitudes Rewards only.
Is NCL a family friendly cruise-line?
Yes. NCL are a popular family option with family-friendly accommodation, comprehensive youth programs and family-friendly amenities.
Are any onboard activities included?
Sports court games, outdoor pools and hot tubs, select onboard presentations, the ropes course and ziplining.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes, except on Pride of America.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Specialty onboard seminars, go-kart sessions, laser tag, video arcade games and bowling incur additional charges.
Are there specialty restaurants on board NCL's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are available and charges apply. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add premium beverages, specialty dining, shore excursion credit and Wi-Fi.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
Yes. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add specialty dining.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
No.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No.
Do NCL sell any beverage packages?
Yes. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add premium beverages, specialty dining, shore excursion credit and Wi-Fi.
Do NCL offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service is available; charges apply for alcohol orders.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard NCL's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard NCL's ships?
Yes. Charges apply.
Do NCL offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No.
Do NCL offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent NCL reviews
I liked the variety of food at the buffet and at Indulge. Dined at Hudson twice, it was very nice, beautifully decorated, gracious service - no one ever made me feel uncomfortable as someone dining solo.
Shore Excursions - Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway (I was on a waitlist - which never “officially” cleared, but there were some available seats at the last minute so I got on. I’d recommend booking those excursions ASAP) Cork — ship had to skip that port of call b/c stormy weather. Halifax - I went on excursion to Peggy’s Cove - cute, very New England, enjoyed a delish lobster roll.
Service - Cabin steward was efficient, friendly, helpful. Staff at dining establishments also very nice. Buffet got crowded but seating could always be found in the Palomar. Some of the staff for booking excursions or dealing with wi-fi were somewhat disorganized so definitely follow-up on questions or issues.
Downside: Ehe upselling! Starting from when I booked, all through the cruise. e.g. I missed getting daily itineraries and notices on paper delivered to my cabin - encouraged to always check on-line, but that wasn’t always up to date. Yes, it saves paper, but somehow the promos for pricey spa services and “art” auctions etc *were* delivered on paper to the cabin. I could barely hear announcements from the Captain but the announcements from the cruise director about opportunities to buy buy buy were always loud and clear. A friend had sent me a gift for the cruise — a 12-pack of bottled (actually canned) water, which I never received. And then it took weeks to get a refund (alto NCL reps kept calling back — to try and sell her a cruise). The nickel-and-dime-ing is annoying, but it’s probably the same on many other cruise lines.
Overall, I’ve learned to ignore the upselling, and enjoyed the cruise. I’d do it again (if the price hadn’t tripled since last year). There is an active FB group for NCL passengers, lots of reviews pros/cons there.
The $450 for the Internet cafe was expensive and the cheap, food and beverage package at $900 American dollars was outrageous - but at least it saved us the compulsory tip of 20% on every drink purchased.. The food on the ship was plentiful and filling but nothing special and the specialty restaurants at an additional cover charge of $120 American for the one specialty we took, was overpriced and over valued. And $610 USD for simple medical services that in Australia would've cost about $30 was a rip off and a packet of common antibiotics which in Australia would cost $24, was on the ship, $240 that is 8 USD s a pill!
And the crowning disappointment was with the one shore excursion we decided to buy from Norwegian. Immediately we paid for it my knee gave way making it impossible to do the walking on that tour, but there was no chance of getting a refund, - so that was another $140 American wasted. The cruz director and his deputy were absolutely hopeless and at the morning television presentation they told us little about what we should be doing that day but comprised mainly banal chatter between the two of them that we only watched once because we couldn't believe how bad it was. We saw mention of a turndown Service which never occurred in our mini suite, and the movies offered were awful.
But on the positive note, their tender operations were better than other lines, and nearly all of their wait staff were helpful and friendly although some had very little understanding of English. The couple of production shows were very ordinary and most of the entertainment seemed to consist of single or duo artists, or the cruz director interviewing and embarrassing guests, or yet another Trivia, which of course would cost the cruz company next to nothing! We would only cruise Norwegian again if it was the only ship going where we wanted to go at the time we wanted.
