MSC Cruises is quickly growing into a major player in the U.S. cruise market. By the end of 2025, the cruise line will have four departure ports across the country and have the largest cruise ship sailing outside of Royal Caribbean.
That’s not to mention sponsorship of the U.S. Formula 1 race in Austin, Texas, and even a Super Bowl commercial.
In other words, more and more people are going to be sailing MSC, and for many, it will be the first time ever aboard the cruise line.
Having sailed MSC multiple times, we can tell you that there’s a lot that’s familiar about the cruise line. But it also has some features that definitely make it stand apart from the rest of the industry. With that in mind, here are some tips we’ve discovered to make your next (or first!) cruise on MSC even better.
Scan Your Card to Setup Your Onboard Account Early
Every cruise line we’ve been on always asks for a credit card at check-in. It is scanned and linked to your account. At the end of the trip, your card is automatically charged after you leave.
But on MSC, it’s been different. Passengers complete the process themselves. You can either do it online ahead of time or once actually on the ship. If you wait until you are on the ship, several terminals are set up around the ship where you will insert the credit card you want to use for payment to link to your onboard account.
It’s on you to make sure your account is all squared away with a payment method. If you forget, then you’ll have to go see Guest Services to settle your bill before you are allowed to leave the ship. In one case we saw a passenger about to leave the ship and he was turned around to settle up his account.
Take Advantage of Late-Night Stays at Ocean Cay
If you sail on MSC, there is a good chance that your cruise will stop at their private island, Ocean Cay. To us, this is one of the top cruise line islands. It’s large, with tons of space for everyone and some of the most beautiful sand and water you’ve ever seen.
But one of the most unique features is that due to the close proximity to Miami, many cruises sailing from that port will have extended or even overnight stays on the island. Surprisingly, the vast majority of people don’t take advantage. The island is nearly empty once the sun goes out. We think you should take advantage of the evenings on land. It’s a great time to enjoy the quiet and dark without big crowds.
One evening we went to the far side of the island and just watched a thunderstorm in the distance. It was an experience we’ve never had on a cruise before as most trips depart early in the evening and are at sea during the night.
The Drink Package Extends to Ocean Cay
Speaking of Ocean Cay, one tip you’ll want to know is that the drink package you buy on the ship also works when on the island.
Typically drink packages don’t work in ports of calls. Some lines allow them to be used on their private destinations, but certainly not all. For example, Carnival doesn’t allow them to work on their islands.
But with MSC, you can use it just like you would on the ship. There are bars available all around Ocean Cay so you never have to go far to get an adult beverage.
Do Not Miss the Pizza
One of our tastiest tips on sailing MSC is to not miss the pizza. You’ll find it in the buffet. It’s fresh, free, and some of the best pizza we’ve had at sea or on land.
We think it’s due to the company’s roots in the Mediterranean where pizza is serious business. No matter the reason, when many cruise lines have pizza that can taste like cardboard with tomato sauce on it, MSC’s is legitimately good.
Some of the types of pie can be a little different from American tastes as they are authentic. Still, we highly suggest taking advantage when you can to grab a fresh slice.
Be Ready for Waivers Before Activities
One very different thing that we’ve noticed on MSC is that the cruise line seems to be “waiver happy.” For most physical activities on the ship, you have to sign some sort of a release.
For instance, we trekked up three flights of stairs to ride a waterslide only to be told that we had to sign a waiver back on the pool deck and get a wristband before we could ride.
Another morning we went to the gym and had to sign a waiver before we could work out. Truth be told the waivers take only a minute to fill out, but they are a bit of a pain when you’re ready to have fun and have to sign a legal form.
There’s a Surcharge for Second Meals
One of our favorite tips on most cruise lines is that you can order multiple entrees in the dining room at no extra charge. So if you haven’t gotten enough to eat or just want to try something different, you normally can do so for free.
One tip to know is that this isn’t the case on MSC. Their policy is “for guests who wish to order a second dish or more on specific dinner menu sections, an additional surcharge of $5 will be applied.”
It’s still a good deal, but something you should know about. If you haven’t gotten your fill in the dining room, you can always just hit the buffet after dinner if you don’t want to pay.
Always Rent an Umbrella on Ocean Cay
We mentioned that we are big fans of Ocean Cay. With tons of space for everyone, it’s a beautiful spot that also gives you a chance to relax without feeling like you’re elbow to elbow with other passengers.
One drawback, however, is that there isn’t a lot of shade around the island. Trees were planted when it was created and still need time to grow. There are beach chairs to use for free, but while they have a spot to set an umbrella… you have to rent an umbrella if you want shade.
When we last visited the cost was about $20. Frankly, if you want to spend more than an hour on the beach, then you need to rent one. The bright days and the sun reflecting off the sand and water are no joke. We don’t like having to pay extra just for a little shade, but $20 for some relief is well worth it.
What Will Feel Different
Of all the cruise lines you’ll sail, we think MSC might have the most unique feel. Yes, there is a lot that’s familiar (more on this in a moment), but also a lot that just feels different so be prepared.
In our opinion, many of the venues around the ship feel generic. For instance, most cruise lines have venues that are essentially brands of that cruise line. We’re talking about places like Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival or Lime and Coconut Bar on Royal Caribbean with their own distinct identity.
We recently sailed on an MSC ship that included a sports bar… named “Sports Bar.” And the other venues around the ship can have a similar feel.
Entertainment often feels like it’s more European in that it has a cirque-style “acrobatic” feel that will focus less on Broadway-style performances. Still impressive and entertaining, but definitely doesn’t feel like other cruise lines.
What Will Feel the Same
There are definite differences with MSC versus other lines but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s a total departure. So much of the cruise will feel the same, but often as a lower price than competitors.
Want to sit on the pool deck, sip a cold drink and soak up the sun? There’s plenty of that. Apart from Ocean Cay, you’re going to visit the same ports as you would on other lines. How about dinner in the dining room followed by an impressive show in the theater? Sure, that’s there too. And there’s always a little late-night gambling in the casino.
So yes, MSC is definitely different from other lines but so much of your experience is actually going to feel similar if you’ve taken a cruise aboard a different cruise line.
What to Know About Different “Experiences”
It seems like everywhere in travel there are additional upgrade options (for an additional charge, of course). When you book your cruise on MSC, there are three “experience” levels you can choose — Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea.
Bella is the lowest-tier and the one we choose when sailing. Essentially it’s the barebones fare where your room is assigned (no issue with us) and there are fees to change your booking.
The Fantastica experience costs more ($70 per person on a recent check) and includes a free cruise change and the ability to choose your room. Room service also has no delivery charge. To us, Fantastica is not worth the extra money.
Finally, the Aurea experience ($270 per person on a recent check) also gives you a welcome package of prosecco and chocolate and access to the spa’s thermal lounge.
To us, the Bella experience seems to provide the basics without the upcharge. We decline the upgrades.
Be Careful of Single Device Wi-Fi
If you’ve sailed before and bought wi-fi, then you know the typical package allows one device at a time. But you can switch across devices. So you can login on your phone to check your texts and then switch over to a laptop to get a little work done.
On our most recent MSC trip, this was NOT the case. Instead, the first device you logged into was your device for accessing the internet for the rest of the trip. We were not able to switch between devices.
Keep this in mind if you get the wi-fi. If you know you’re going to need to work on the computer or want to stream video on a tablet, don’t connect to another device first.
More on Sailing MSC:
- What I Wish I Knew Before I Sailed an MSC Cruise (How it’s Different)
- Ocean Cay (MSC’s Private Island): Complete Visitors Guide
- Is MSC a Good Cruise Line? What to Know From Someone That’s Sailed
