MSC Cruises (Mediterranean Shipping Company) is the largest privately-owned cruise line that originated in Italy. Their fleet of ships is expanding by at least 14 over the next 8 years so it’s likely you’ll be tempted to try a MSC cruise if you haven’t already.
International Entertainment
I was pleasantly surprised by the performances onboard MSC Musica that leaned more towards spectacular acrobatics and interpretive dancing over singing and acting. This is because MSC passengers (particularly on European cruises) is a mixed bag of several nationalities including British, French, Spanish, German and of course, Italian.
The Greatest Gelato & Coffee
A bad coffee in Italy is hard to come by and MSC would easy win best coffee at sea with a lot of passengers – including my family. MSC also sell a tea, coffee and water package which is sometimes offered complimentary at the time of booking if you’re lucky.
Further reading: Cruise bloggers share their top dining experiences at sea
Stylish Interior Spaces
It’s interesting how an MSC ship, with their classically simple blue and white exterior has some of the most elaborate and flamboyant interiors – mirrored walls, Swarovski crystal staircases, LED ceilings (MSC Meraviglia) and marble flooring. MSC ships are filled with so much light and colour the term ‘a feast for the eyes’ has never been more apt.
Family-friendly Activities
The Italian way revolves heavily around family and food, so it’s natural MSC has an award winning programme for their youngest cruisers employing even social media stars and YouTubers to inform their creative workshops.
They’ve also introduced MasterChef at Sea on MSC Seaview, including a Junior version to encourage the next generation to get hands on in the kitchen and encourage healthy eating. MasterChef at Sea will be rolling across the fleet in Spring 2019.
Further reading: #BlogCampOnboard and Exploring MSC Preziosa
Diverse Itineraries
One of the things that drew me to MSC initially was the variety of itineraries on offer in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. Their ships are based across the globe and in 2020 MSC Magnifica will be embarking on a 116 night World Cruise. MSC cruises has also strengthened its ties to the UK and has showcased many of its new ships in Southampton, including Preziosa, Meraviglia and Bellissima in March 2019 (watch this space!)
Cruises for all budgets
I’ve found MSC and Costa Cruises offer some of the most competitive deals for cruisers when comparing the price per night. For example my package deal on Musica included flights, 4-night hotel stay and a 6-night cruise for around £450 per person. You’re more likely to snag a bargain like this if you’re willing to go outside of peak season (I went late October) on a smaller/older ship like Musica.
Further reading: An Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Onboard MSC Musica
Have you cruised with MSC or are you tempted to try them? Let me know what attracts you to the company…
Msc cruises are different, they are Italian based, which is good if you like the food, many small courses, with one pasta dish. Getting on can be slow, it’s the Italian way. As you have said there is many nationalities on board, this leads to announcements is many languages, one after another, with English often last on the list. I’d often become worn out before the English was broadcast. The service is excellent, there is no waiting to be served in the bars. The entertainment can be a bit hit and miss, opera seemed like every other night in the theatre.
I was Gold class, but I think that has expired.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with MSC Stephen 🙂
We sailed on the msc slendida ship for my husband’s 50th Birthday and absolutely loved it.
We fell in love with the crew and the ship. Made us feel like we was a millionaire for a week.
We plan to come back and try the Meraviglia.
That sounds brilliant Anita, thanks for sharing. Meraviglia is a beautiful ship! 🙂
Si chiama meraviglia ma è veramente una bella meraviglia sono stata a febbraio la prima volta e sono stata contenta e ne farei ancora con questa nave
È grandioso, Maria! 🙂
We are booked to go in July 2021 with my parents on the MSC Maraviglia. We are looking forward to the cruise
Have a great cruise Caro!
We are planning to sail on MSC Grandiosa in July 2024. Staying in yacht club! So excited.
Amazing! Have a great time!