Get to Know MSC Cruises!

By: DeeDee Scruggs
October 2, 2023

Are you looking to experience ocean cruising in a new way? MSC Cruises may be a great option for you to do just that! Read on for an account of my experience sailing with them this spring...  

But first, who is MSC Cruises? MSC stands for the Mediterranean Shipping Company, which is how they entered the industry. Fun Fact: the shipping division is still operational today! They are a privately-owned European cruise line that has been sailing in the US since 2013. Still fairly new to the US cruise market, they have been gaining momentum as a top player in the industry adding itineraries departing several US ports on the east coast.   

I sailed with them this past Spring aboard the MSC Meraviglia out of Brooklyn, NY. It was a great experience! The food and service were great, and the ship was beautiful! One thing worth noting within MSC is that some details and inclusions in the cruise fare are handled a little differently. With MSC, you purchase experiences in tiers that will include certain amenities. The lowest tier includes your onboard stateroom along with meals at both the buffet and the main dining room, while other amenities are available at an additional fee. The highest tier is the Yacht Club experience that includes many luxurious amenities and unlimited drinks along with Wi-Fi on two devices. There are several other mid-tiers with different combinations of inclusions. When choosing your tier, make sure to consider pricing out all of the amenities you really want included before deciding on the tier that’s right for you. It is essential to use a travel advisor who has experience and training with MSC Cruises to help you navigate this different concept; and to ensure you get everything you want in your package while avoiding additional fees once onboard.   

Our itinerary included a stop at Ocean Cay, a private Marine Reserve owned by MSC Cruises. This beautiful island features several white sand beaches surrounded by azure blue waters. Most of the food on the island is included in your cruise fare and, if you have the beverage package, it covers your drinks on the island as well. Make sure to bring your room key since it acts as your payment method on the island as well. A shuttle is provided to take you to the different beach areas around the island. Most itineraries with stops on the island stay overnight. In the evening, there is a beach party with a laser show at the lighthouse! (The lasers are even safe for the marine life surrounding the island.) The beaches will close to swimming in the late afternoon or early evening so everyone can have the opportunity to freshen up for the beach party and have dinner.  

MSC is very environmentally considerate and are constantly updating their practices to be more environmentally friendly. The private island is a marine reserve and MSC does all it can to protect the oceans, reefs, and marine life. For example, their new ships use liquid natural gas which is more environmentally friendly. 

I will be sailing on the MSC Seaside in the Yacht Club tier in a few weeks. This was a reduced rate for my initial booking but then I bid to upgrade to the Yacht Club experience. My experience on the Meraviglia was a reduced rate as well. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to learn more about the MSC experience! You can also email me at deedee@wishesfamilytravel.com.