MSC Cruises vs Royal Caribbean

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?

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 Royal Caribbean?

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

Royal Caribbean International is known for driving innovation at sea and has continuously redefined cruise holidays since its launch in 1969. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel and pushes the envelope of what is possible on a cruise ship. Onboard, the global cruise line has debuted countless industry 'firsts' – such as rock climbing, ice skating and surfing at sea – to capture the imagination of families and adventurous holiday-makers alike. Throughout, guests sail on exciting itineraries to some of the world’s most-popular read more destinations and enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging service.

What destinations are Royal Caribbean exploring this season?

Who cruises with Royal Caribbean?

Families and couples, including semi-retired and retired travellers.

What are Royal Caribbean known for?

Entertainment-packed ships, state-of-the-art onboard experiences and thrills.

Are Royal Caribbean's fares all-inclusive?

No.

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

Budget for alcoholic beverages, WiFi, specialty dining, shore excursions and selected onboard activities or experiences.

Are gratuities included?

Yes for Australian and New Zealand guests only.

Are shore excursions included?

No.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Charges apply.

Does Royal Caribbean have a loyalty program?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs.

Is Royal Caribbean a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Royal Caribbean is a genuinely family-friendly cruise line with comprehensive children’s programs and facilities for families, including accommodation for large groups.

Are any onboard activities included?

Sports courts, rock-climbing walls, waterslides, surf riders, language, dance and craft classes, select onboard thrills, skydiving simulators, observation capsules and on some ships - games spaces and ice-skating rinks. Activities vary by ship.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Specialty onboard seminars may incur a charge. Video arcade games incur a fee, and some onboard thrills may offer only one complimentary use. Some themed dinners and in-suite movies also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Royal Caribbean's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are available; charges apply and the range may differ between ships.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Basic non-alcoholic drinks are included for free in your cruise fare, but specialty non-alcoholic beverages like soda, mocktails, and premium coffee cost extra unless you buy a drink package.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased.

Do Royal Caribbean sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Packages are available for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Do Royal Caribbean offer room service?

Yes. A convenience charge applies to each order except continental breakfast items. Grand Suites and higher categories do not pay the convenience fee.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available and charges apply.

Are there gyms onboard Royal Caribbean's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Royal Caribbean's ships?

Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although selected special training classes may incur additional charges.

Do Royal Caribbean offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do Royal Caribbean offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.