MSC Cruises may have started as a humble cargo company, but in 2025, it’s one of the most ambitious cruise lines at sea. With roots in the Mediterranean and a distinctly European flair, MSC has grown into a global cruise powerhouse. Today, its fleet of more than 20 ships sail to nearly every corner of the world — and more are on the way.
Although MSC’s heart remains in Europe, the cruise line has expanded aggressively into the North American market. In 2025, MSC World America — the line’s newest, biggest and most buzzworthy ship set sail from Miami. That marked MSC’s strongest move yet to appeal to U.S. travelers, offering familiar favorites like burgers and Broadway-style shows alongside elegant European-style design (and weights in the gym listed in kilos).
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Here’s everything you need to know before you book your MSC cruise, whether you’re dreaming of a two-night tropical escape or a four-month voyage across continents.
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What to expect on an MSC Cruise
MSC offers three main experience tiers:
- Bella: The most budget-friendly option with access to the ship’s core offerings.
- Fantastica: Adds flexibility in cabin selection, plus perks like breakfast delivered to your room.
- Aurea: The premium tier, with spa access, welcome drinks, flexible dining times and priority boarding.
All guests enjoy entertainment, access to pools and included meals in the main dining rooms and buffet.
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MSC cabin types
MSC ships feature the usual cabin categories:
- Interior: No windows, but perfect for budget travelers.
- Oceanview: A window to the sea.
- Balcony: Private outdoor space.
- Suites: Varying levels of luxury, some with hot tubs or access to private areas.
For the most upscale experience, consider MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive “ship within a ship” concept with private lounges, butler service and a dedicated restaurant.
Where MSC cruises sail
MSC Cruises sails to destinations across every continent (yes, including Antarctica on special sailings). You’ll find routes in:
- The Caribbean and Bahamas (from Miami, New York and Port Canaveral).
- Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
- South America and South Africa.
- Asia and the Middle East.
- Canada and New England.
- World Cruises (these span multiple months).
The shortest cruises last just two nights, while the 2025 MSC World Cruise spans 121 days and visits more than 50 destinations — a bucket list come to life.
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MSC cruise prices
MSC is often priced lower than other major cruise lines, especially for sailings in Europe. Here's a snapshot of approximate starting prices:
- 2-night Bahamas cruise: from $149 per person.
- 7-night Mediterranean cruise: from $329 per person.
- 121-night World Cruise: from $22,000 per person for an interior cabin.
Prices fluctuate based on travel season, cabin category and ship. MSC often runs promos with "kids sail free" offers, so families can save.
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How MSC's prices compare to a land hotel
MSC leans hard on value, especially when you compare it to a similar, land-based vacation.
According to figures MSC provided, a one-night Caribbean and Bahamas stay for two in an MSC Yacht Club suite — including private-area access, a 24/7 butler, a premium drink package, meals, Wi-Fi and entertainment — averages about $910, versus about $1,419 for two at an all-inclusive five-star Bahamas resort (e.g. Sandals Royal Bahamian). At that level, the cruise wins.
At the mainstream level, a land hotel can actually be cheaper, but only kind of. MSC pegs a balcony cabin at about $406 a night for two (food, drinks, Wi-Fi and entertainment included) against about $248 for an ocean-view room at a three-star Bahamas hotel (e.g. the British Colonial in Nassau). But whereas the cruise costs more up front, cruise rates bundle your meals, drinks, shows and a new port each day. Factor in food for both people — plus activities to keep you entertained — and a land vacation can quickly become far more expensive.
Booking flexibility
MSC is one of the more flexibile cruise lines when it comes to your reservation. You can hold a sailing with a deposit starting at $99, and the line promises fixed pricing — the fare you book is what you pay, even if fuel costs rise. Its Fantastica, Aurea and Yacht Club fares also come with a free cruise change: Up to 30 days before departure, you can move to another sailing or destination within 90 days of your original date, with no change fee. MSC also sells coordinated Fly & Cruise packages (flights, transfers and the cruise in one booking) and its own travel insurance. (Terms are current as of June 2026.)
What is the newest MSC ship?
Launched in April 2025, MSC World America is the latest and flashiest addition to the fleet. Sailing year-round from Miami, this next-gen ship is a sister to MSC World Europa — and it’s fully tailored for American tastes.
Expect thrills like:
- A multi-story dry slide called The Jaw Drop.
- Multiple waterslides.
- The world's first Eataly at Sea.
It won't hold the "newest" title for long, though. MSC World Asia, the third ship in the World Class, is due to debut in December 2026 with an Asian-inspired design, sailing the Mediterranean. A fourth, MSC World Atlantic, follows in 2027 and will be aimed at the North American market.
What's the best MSC ship?
While “best” is subjective, the MSC Bellissima continues to rank highly thanks to its immersive experiences, shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea (on select sailings), bowling alleys, and diverse dining.
For American cruisers, MSC World America is shaping up to be the fan favorite — blending MSC’s Euro style with homegrown comforts.
What’s included (and what's not)?
Included in every fare:
- Main dining rooms and buffet meals.
- Live entertainment (think acrobatic shows and concerts).
- Pools, hot tubs, and kids' clubs.
Not included:
- Wi-Fi (available in packages).
- Alcohol and soda (buy a drink package to save).
- Specialty dining like sushi bars and steakhouses.
- Gratuities, which vary by region but are typically added to your onboard account.
If you purchase a higher-end package, you’ll enjoy more amenities. The Fantastica experience, for example, includes free room service delivery for breakfast. The top-tier Aurea package includes complimentary room service for all meals.
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MSC loyalty program: Voyager’s Club
Voyager’s Club is the loyalty program for frequent MSC cruise passengers. There are four levels in the program, and each has its own benefits.
Voyagers Club levels
The Voyager Clubs levels are Classic, Silver, Gold and Diamond.
Classic
- How to earn: Classic membership is earned by going on at least one MSC cruise or having a confirmed booking on an upcoming cruise. This tier is for members who have between 1 and 2,199 points.
- Best benefits: 5% discount on future cruises, discounts on packages.
Silver
- How to earn: Earn 2,200 to 4,299 points.
- Best benefits: $50 onboard credit per person on cruises booked at least nine months before departure, double points for cruises booked more than 12 months in advance.
Gold
- How to earn: Earn 4,300 to 9,999 points.
- Best benefits: One hour of complimentary thermal area access, priority disembarkation, complimentary photos.
Diamond
- How to earn: Earn 10,000+ points.
- Best benefits: Complimentary tasting dinner, one free dance lesson, complimentary slippers and bathrobe, priority embarkation and disembarkation.
How to earn Voyager Club points
There are two ways to earn Voyager Club points. First, you’ll earn a set amount of points for taking a cruise — the specific amount will depend on the length of the cruise and the experience level you choose. Second, you’ll earn points for the activities you pre-purchase and for any onboard expenses that you incur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MSC have free Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is not included in MSC’s basic fare. There are different packages available to those who are sailing which can be purchased before you travel or during your cruise. MSC doesn’t publish its Wi-Fi package pricing online, but for example, you can expect to pay around $270 for a two-device upgraded Wi-Fi package on a seven-day cruise with MSC Seascape.
Is MSC all-inclusive?
MSC cruises are not entirely inclusive, though they do provide a lot with your base package. This includes your cabin, food, live entertainment, port stops and coffee, tea and water. They don’t include specialty drinks such as soda or alcohol, nor do they include Wi-Fi or any port excursions you’d like to go on.
How much is the MSC drink package?
There are five cruise drink packages that cover various beverages. Prepaid pricing ranges from $17 to $79 per person today. Prices vary depending on the destination, and are listed below in prices per person, per day.
The non-alcoholic child package is $17.
The non-alcoholic adult package ranges from $23-$29.
The Easy Package is $35.
The Premium Package ranges from $47 to $62.
The Premium Plus Package ranges from $66 to $79.
(Top photo courtesy of MSC)
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