MSC Cruises

'Cruise Circle says...'

The MSC Cruises fleet, made up of 21 cruise ships, is the world’s youngest fleet and ideal for all types of cruises from busy and active family holidays to relaxing couples’ holidays. All of the ships in MSC Cruises fleet include features such as children’s facilities, swimming pools, hot tubs, fitness centre, spa, top-quality speciality restaurants and attentive service staff throughout the cruise. The ships are designed to offer different experiences so have been divided into five classes: Meraviglia, Seaside, Fantasia, Musica and Lirica.

The extraordinary features of the Meraviglia class make for a perfect experience at sea in every season. Expect authentic dining options,  out-of-this world entertainment such as the exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea Carousel lounge and more.

Perfect for a sunny climate are the Seaside class of ship, design innovations include a unique waterfront promenade that circles the ship, lined with outdoor bars, restaurants and spaces for relaxation. 

The Fantasia class ships are grand, impressive and family-friendly; Formula 1 simulators, 4D cinemas, infinity pools and stylish adults-only areas.

Slightly smaller, the Musica class ships offer a sophisticated, diverse experience with a waterfall in the foyer, sushi bars and comfortable cabins.

Much smaller, the Lirica class offers a boutique cruising experience on newly-renovated ships. 

Customise your cruise by selecting Bella, Fantastica or Aurea experiences. For something special, MSC's Yacht Club experience is a ship-within-a-ship concept, allowing you to enjoy small, luxury ship services like 24-hour butler service and exclusive pools and restaurants, but with the choice of entertainment & dining only found on larger ships. 

Who goes on MSC Cruises cruise ships?

MSC Cruises is one of the most diverse cruise lines you can sail on with a multicultural mix of Italians, Brits, Spanish, Germans and French in the Mediterranean, with more North Americans in the Caribbean (but still lots of Italians and Spanish-speaking passengers), and a big local market in South Africa and South America. You'll also come across all ages. The lively night scene means these ships work well for teens and younger cruisers, while the decent kids' clubs (particularly on the newer ships) and the clever arrangements of clustered family cabins mean a lot of families travel during school holidays.

Do I have to dress up on a MSC Cruises cruise?

Yes, a little. The usual dress code is informal during the day and smart-casual at night -- think nice trousers and shirt for men and nice pants/skirts with blouse or cocktail dress for women. There's usually one gala night per cruise, when black tie or dark suit and tie are encouraged for men, as is a formal dress for women. This is not enforced, but people do make an effort.

Is everything free on MSC Cruises cruises?

No, unless you're in one of the Yacht Club suites, and even then, not everything is included. MSC sells its cruises through a somewhat bewildering array of packages: Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and Yacht Club. All include your accommodation, meals in specified restaurants and big-stage entertainment, along with basic coffee and tea, and select juices at breakfast and lunch. Beyond that, perks and inclusions vary by which package you've purchased, with Bella having no additional inclusions and Aurea featuring unlimited beverages. The Yacht Club has the most inclusions, with extra dining venues for eating, spa thermal suite passes and most beverages (plus access to a personal butler and a dedicated Yacht Club lounge and pool).

What are MSC Cruises's most popular activities?

The action onboard an MSC ship is nonstop, with cruisers flocking to participate in pool games, sports contests, shopping promotions, trivia, karaoke and filling the nightclubs until late. On newer ships, high-tech arcade games are all the rage, including a 4D cinema, laser maze, F1 simulator and bowling. Many MSC cruisers are also just as happy to park themselves by a pool and stay there all day, and when the ship is in port, you'll find the vast majority of cruisers off the ship on ship-sponsored or independent tours.