NCL vs MSC
Both are contemporary lines, so the choice comes down to atmosphere, ships and where you want to sail from.
| Feature | Norwegian Cruise Line | MSC Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Contemporary | Contemporary |
| The vibe | Flexible and lively, with a Las Vegas-meets-resort feel; dinner whenever you want, in whatever you packed. | Modern, stylish and international, with a Mediterranean flair and an upscale enclave for those who want it. |
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| Fleet size | 21 (as of March 2026) | 23 (as of October 2026) |
| Founded | 1966 | 1988 |
| Parent company | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings | MSC Group (Mediterranean Shipping Company) |
| Gratuities | NCL adds a daily service charge of $20 per person per day for most cabins and $25 per person per day for suites and The Haven. Children under 3 are exempt. A 20% gratuity is added to bar purchases and some specialty venues. (as of 2026-10-13) | MSC adds a daily service charge of $17 per adult per day on voyages to and from the US. Sailings priced in euros carry a charge of 12 euros per day, and children aged 2 to 11 pay half the adult rate on most cruises. (as of 2026-10-13) |
| Dress code | Resort casual every night. There are no formal nights; some sailings have an optional dress-up evening. Swimwear is not appropriate in the restaurants, and main dining rooms and specialty restaurants ask for a neater resort-casual look at dinner, so pack a pair of slacks or nice jeans and a collared shirt or sundress. | Casual by day and smart casual at dinner. Most weeklong cruises include one or two gala or elegant nights when many guests wear cocktail attire or a jacket, though it is not strictly enforced outside the main dining room. |
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| Loyalty program | Latitudes Rewards | MSC Voyagers Club |
| US/Canada homeports in our guides | 13 | 4 |
Both sail to: Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Canada & New England, Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Northern Europe & Baltic, Norwegian Fjords, Transatlantic.
Both depart from: Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Seattle. Pricing the same week on both is the fastest way to decide.
Questions people ask
Is NCL or MSC better for families?
NCL: Splash Academy is the included kids' club (ages 3 to 12, grouped by age) and Entourage serves teens. MSC: Kids' clubs are included and split by age, and teens get their own spaces.
Which has higher gratuities, NCL or MSC?
As of the dates we last checked, NCL: NCL adds a daily service charge of $20 per person per day for most cabins and $25 per person per day for suites and The Haven. Children under 3 are exempt. A 20% gratuity is added to bar purchases and some specialty venues. MSC: MSC adds a daily service charge of $17 per adult per day on voyages to and from the US. Sailings priced in euros carry a charge of 12 euros per day, and children aged 2 to 11 pay half the adult rate on most cruises. Lines change these, so we confirm current amounts in every quote.
Do NCL and MSC sail from the same ports?
Yes. Both sail from Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Seattle, which makes it easy to compare the same week on both lines.
Price NCL and MSC side by side
Tell us your dates and who's going. We'll quote the same trip on both lines with the full price, taxes and fees included.