MSC Cruises vs Princess Cruises

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.

Why should we cruise with Princess?

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

Why Princess? Because you want to tell better stories. To immerse yourself in destinations near and far. To try new foods and encounter new cultures. To refresh your spirit and reconnect with those you love. Choosing a cruise line can seem tough, but Princess makes it easy. Because you want more than the usual cruise experience…you want to come back new. Discover what makes each port unique through the insights of local experts and crew members who sail with us to over 330 destinations.

What destinations are Princess exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Princess Cruises differentiates itself as a premium mainstream cruise line focused on elegant, destination-centred voyages, personalised service and innovative technology (MedallionClass). Compared with Carnival’s high-energy, budget style and Royal Caribbean’s action-packed ships, Princess offers a calmer, refinement-driven cruise experience ideal for couples, mature travellers and anyone who values service quality over onboard thrills. With broad global itineraries, excellent included dining and a top-rated loyalty program, Princess is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a comfortable, sophisticated cruise vacation that balances traditional read more cruising with modern amenities.

Who cruises with Princess?

A broad international mix of couples, solo travellers, families and multi-generational groups. Princess particularly appeals to mature travellers seeking a traditional premium cruise experience, while family programmes attract younger guests during school holidays.

What are Princess known for?

Premium cruising, destination-focused itineraries, Princess MedallionClass technology, Movies Under the Stars, strong Alaska programmes and a relaxed traditional cruise experience.

Are Princess' fares all-inclusive?

Princess Standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, entertainment, pools and fitness centre access.

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

Standard-fare guests generally pay extra for alcoholic and most specialty beverages, WiFi, specialty and casual dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, laundry, selected fitness classes, room-service delivery and OceanNow delivery. Crew gratuities also apply on most cruises outside Australia unless included through a package.

Are gratuities included?

For cruises departing from and returning to Australia or operating with AUD onboard, crew gratuities are included in the fare. On most other Princess cruises, daily crew appreciation is automatically charged unless included through Princess Plus or Princess Premier.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Princess Premier includes a shore excursion credit of between $100 and $300 per guest on eligible cruises, depending on the length of the cruise.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. MedallionNet WiFi is available for an additional charge with Princess Standard. Princess Plus includes access for one device per guest and Princess Premier includes access for up to four devices per guest.

Does Princess have a loyalty program?

Yes. Princess Captain's Circle has Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite tiers, with benefits progressing from preferential offers and onboard events to WiFi discounts, priority benefits, spa and shore excursion discounts and complimentary laundry at Elite level.

Is Princess a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Princess caters well for families and multi-generational groups, with family accommodation, youth clubs, pools, sports, movies and organised activities.

Are any onboard activities included?

Production shows, live entertainment, Movies Under the Stars, pools, hot tubs, quizzes, games, sports facilities, enrichment activities and fitness centre access are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Casino gaming, bingo, selected fitness classes, specialty activities, spa facilities and treatments, and some ship-specific experiences attract additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Princess' ships?

Yes. Specialty and casual dining venues vary by ship and can include Crown Grill, Sabatini's, The Catch by Rudi, Alfredo's or Gigi's, Kai Sushi and experiential dining. Charges apply outside Princess Premier.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Princess Plus includes four casual dining meals, while Princess Premier includes unlimited casual and specialty dining. Inclusions vary for some ships and departure dates.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Some basic beverages such as water, tea, coffee and selected juices are included. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other premium non-alcoholic drinks cost extra unless covered by a beverage package.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are additional on a Princess Standard fare. Princess Plus and Princess Premier include beverage packages covering drinks up to specified values.

Do Princess sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Beverage packages are available separately and are also bundled into Princess Plus and Princess Premier. Princess offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic package options.

Do Princess offer room service?

Yes. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Standard-fare guests generally pay a delivery charge, while delivery fees are waived with Princess Plus and Princess Premier.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Lotus Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, acupuncture, hair, beauty and salon services for an additional charge. Facilities vary by ship.

Are there gyms onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Princess ships have fitness centres with cardio and strength-training equipment, with general gym access included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Group classes such as yoga, Pilates, cycling and other fitness programmes are offered. Some classes attract additional charges or may be included through selected packages.

Do Princess offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Princess ships have self-service launderettes with washers, dryers and ironing facilities. A small charge generally applies.

Do Princess offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid laundry, pressing and professional cleaning services are available. Full-suite guests and Elite Captain's Circle members receive complimentary standard laundry and cleaning benefits.