MSC Cruises: A Complete Guide Based on Real Experience
We’ve sailed with MSC across different ships and itineraries, and over time one thing becomes clear: What makes a cruise feel smooth isn’t just what’s included — it’s how you approach it.
This guide brings together the most useful tips and practical advice for sailing with MSC Cruises, based on real experience.
Before You Book Your MSC Cruise
Before booking, it’s worth understanding that even within the same cruise line, the experience can feel quite different depending on what you choose.
Cabin Types
Inside cabins
The most budget-friendly option. A good choice for winter sailings or port-intensive itineraries where you won’t spend much time in the cabin.
Ocean view cabins
Natural light without the cost of a balcony.
Balcony cabins
A great option for summer sailings or scenic itineraries such as the Fjords or Alaska. Also, ideal if you enjoy quieter moments like sail away.
Suites / Yacht Club
More space, priority services and access to exclusive areas.
In practice, the right choice depends less on price and more on how you expect to use your time on board.
Bella, Fantastica, Aurea or Yacht Club
Bella → Lowest price, fewer inclusions
Fantastica → Adds flexibility, including breakfast room service
Aurea → Free access to the Top Exclusion Solarium & thermal area in the MSC Aurea Spa and My Time Dining (no fixed dining slot)
Yacht Club → “Ship within a ship” with butler, concierge, private areas, premium drinks and WiFi included
These options don’t just change what’s included — they change how your days on board feel.
MSC drinks packages: What to know
The best time to book your drinks package is at the time of booking with a heavily discounted Premium Drinks Package if included at the booking stage.
- Prices increase closer to departure
- Onboard prices are typically higher
- If one adult has a package, the second adult must have the same
- Children will have a non-alcoholic package
If you think you’ll use it, it’s worth deciding before booking rather than leaving it until you’re on board.
Before You Travel : What to organise in advance
Once booked, you can manage everything via the MSC for Me app, available to download free from the App Store or Google Play. https://www.msccruises.co.uk/msc-for-me
From there, you can:
- Browse and book excursions
- Reserve speciality dining
- Purchase WiFi packages
- Buy the Fun Pass (arcade, bowling, VR, etc.)
- Complete Check-in
- Check your booking details
Booking these in advance is not just about price — it avoids spending valuable time organising things once you’re already on board.
MSC Cruises Embarkation Day
You’ll be given an embarkation time to help manage the flow of passengers.
At the terminal:
- Documents are checked
- Luggage is handed over (with tags attached)
- You receive your cruise card
Your cruise card is:
- Your cabin key
- Your onboard payment method
- Your ID while on the ship
Luggage can take a few hours to arrive, so keep essentials (and swimwear if needed) in your hand luggage.
Muster Drill : A quick but important step
All passengers must complete the muster drill on embarkation day. Typically, this involves:
- Watching a safety video in your cabin
- Confirming completion
- Visiting your assigned muster station to be scanned
- It’s straightforward, but worth doing early so it doesn’t interrupt your first evening.
Your First Hours On Board : The part most people underestimate
The first few hours can feel busy, especially if you board early and the ship is still filling up.
We usually prioritise:
- Booking theatre shows via the app
- Registering children for the kids club (queues build quickly later on)
- Setting up your onboard account/payment and setting a limit on our child’s card
- Checking dining time and restaurant allocation
- Turning off data roaming on your phone
- Exploring the ship layout
It might feel like a lot at the start, but getting these sorted early avoids spending the first evening queueing or trying to figure things out.
Life on Board an MSC Cruise
Dining
Buffet → open most of the day, flexible and casual
Main dining room → fixed dining times (unless Aurea)
Speciality restaurants → additional cost, more variety
If you’re not happy with your dining time:
you can request a change with the maître d’ onboard
there is usually a dedicated area for this on embarkation day
We’ve had to change dining times a few times, and it’s always been accommodated — but it’s much easier if you do it early in the cruise.
Portions can feel smaller than expected, but you can always order additional courses.
MSC Kids Club
MSC is particularly strong for families, and this is often one of the highlights for children. Clubs are divided by age group, with activities tailored accordingly.
On embarkation day:
- You’ll need to register your child.
- They’ll be linked to a check-in/out system (usually with a bracelet or linked to your cruise card)
Key things to know:
- Children are checked in and out securely
- Depending on age, some may be allowed more independence
- Activities run throughout the day (games, shows, sports, themed activities)
- There is flexibility — children can attend without strict scheduling
There are also options such as:
- Children dining together in designated areas in the buffet
- kids club staff taking the children back to the kids club after dinner or parents can sign them out directly after they’ve finished eating
In our experience, this is one of the strongest parts of MSC. Our daughter absolutely loves it — to the point where some evenings she was more interested in going back to kids club than staying with us.
Entertainment & Activities
There is a wide range of things to do onboard:
Theatre shows (book early via the app)
Pools, hot tubs and water park
Sports areas
Arcade, VR, bowling (Fun Pass applies)
Live music and bars
Themed Nights
On most 7-night cruises, there are usually a few themed evenings, such as:
- Gala Night
- White Night
- A lighter themed evening (e.g. Sunshine / Tropical)
These are completely optional — some people enjoy dressing up, others keep it simple. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, so it doesn’t need to feel like pressure.
Spending On Board
Everything is linked to your cruise card.
- You’ll need to register a payment method onboard
- Spending can be tracked via the app
- You can set limits for children
- It’s worth checking your account during the cruise rather than leaving it until the last day.
WiFi
- Access to the MSC app is free onboard
- Internet packages are chargeable
- Cheaper to buy before departure
Connection is via satellite, so:
- Good for messaging and basic use
- Less reliable for heavy browsing or streaming
Remember to switch off data roaming to avoid high charges at sea.
MSC Cruises Port Days & Excursions
Port days are often what people look forward to the most — but they’re also where trips can start to feel rushed if not planned properly.
You have three main options when it comes to exploring each destination:
Ship Excursions
These are organised directly through MSC Cruises.
- Generally more expensive than other options
- Structured and easy to follow
- Most importantly, the ship will wait for you if your excursion is delayed
This is the main reason many people choose them, especially in ports where distances or logistics are less predictable.
Third-Party Excursions
These are booked independently through external providers.
- Often more affordable
- Can offer smaller group sizes or more tailored experiences
- Some companies offer return-to-ship guarantees — but always check their terms carefully
Not all providers offer the same level of protection, so it’s worth doing a bit of research rather than booking purely on price.
Exploring Independently
This is usually what we tend to do most of the time.
- The most flexible option
- Allows you to move at your own pace
- Often gives a more relaxed and personal experience
That said, it does require preparation:
- Understanding distances from port to city centre
- Checking transport options in advance
- Being aware of local timings and logistics
Always check the last boarding time (not departure time), and make sure your phone or watch is set to ship time, especially when crossing time zones.
Timing & Planning
A common mistake is trying to fit too much into one port day.
We usually:
- Plan 1–2 key things per port
- Allow time to adjust plans
- Aim to be back on board at least 1–2 hours before boarding closes
This creates a much more relaxed experience and avoids unnecessary stress.
A Small but Important Detail
If you’re travelling independently and something delays your return (traffic, transport issues, etc.), the ship will not wait.
This is why ship excursions feel safer for some itineraries — and why realistic planning matters more than trying to see everything.
In practice, it’s not about choosing one option over another — it’s about understanding what each day requires and choosing accordingly.
MSC Cruises Disembarkation Guide
Before your final day:
- Your cabin steward will leave instructions and luggage tags in your cabin
- You’ll be assigned a disembarkation time and meeting point
The night before departure:
- Suitcases need to be packed, labelled and left outside your cabin
- this is usually around 10–11pm at the latest
- Keep a small bag with toiletries, nightwear and clothes for the morning.
Your final bill:
- If a card is registered, it’s usually settled automatically
- Otherwise, you can pay at reception or onboard machines
It’s best to check your account the day before, as reception can get very busy on the last evening.
On disembarkation day:
- you’ll need to leave your cabin early (around 8am)
- Breakfast is available
- You wait in your assigned area until called
Once called:
- Disembark
- Collect luggage
- Continue your journey home
Additional things to be aware of:
- Lifts are very busy that morning
- Stairs are often quicker
- Self-disembarkation is an option if you prefer to leave early
We’ve always preferred the standard process — it makes for a much more relaxed final morning. MS
A Final Thought
Cruising with MSC offers a lot — from entertainment and dining to family-friendly facilities.
But what really shapes the experience isn’t how much there is to do.
It’s how you structure your time around it.
If you’re planning a cruise
If you're planning a cruise with MSC and want to talk through which ship, itinerary or package makes sense for you — we're here.
As a bilingual travel agency with real experience sailing with MSC, we can help you put together something that actually fits how you travel.
No pressure — just a proper conversation.