MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the cruise arm of the Swiss-based, family-owned Mediterranean Shipping Company, the container shipping giant. It began in 1988 and has grown into one of the largest cruise brands in the world, with a young fleet of big, modern ships. In the US it is a major player out of Miami, Port Canaveral and Galveston, with seasonal sailings from other US ports, and MSC World America, one of the largest ships at sea, joined the fleet in 2025 based in Miami.

The onboard style mixes international and American tastes. Ships are glossy and design-forward, with long indoor promenades, LED domes on some ships, big pool decks and a busy schedule of shows, music and family activity. Guests come from many countries on European sailings, while US-based ships lean American. The MSC Yacht Club is a private, keycard-access ship-within-a-ship with its own restaurant, lounge, pool deck and butler service.

MSC suits value-focused families (kids often sail free or at reduced fares on select sailings), couples who want a modern big ship, and travelers who like the idea of a Yacht Club suite experience for less than a luxury line. Travelers who expect American-style service patterns and menus at every turn, or who want a small-ship feel, may want to look elsewhere.

The vibe: Modern, stylish and international, with a Mediterranean flair and an upscale enclave for those who want it.

What MSC does best

MSC World America

One of the largest cruise ships in service, based in Miami, with themed districts and a broad mix of dining and family areas.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

MSC's private Bahamas island is a reclaimed former industrial site turned into beaches and a marine reserve, and MSC drink packages are valid there.

MSC Yacht Club

A private suite area with its own restaurant, lounge, pool deck and 24-hour butler service on most of the fleet.

Modern fleet

About half of MSC's fleet has been delivered since 2017, including the Meraviglia, Seaside and World classes, so many US sailings are on recent ships.

Alaska from Seattle

MSC started Alaska cruises from Seattle in 2026, adding another big-ship option in the region.

Dining

Included dining covers the main dining rooms (with assigned seatings or flexible options depending on fare) and a large buffet that is open long hours. Specialty restaurants vary by ship and typically include a steakhouse such as Butcher's Cut, Kaito teppanyaki and sushi, and Mexican or Italian concepts, all at extra cost. MSC Yacht Club guests eat in their own included restaurant. Pizza and gelato are a point of pride on board.

Entertainment and activities

Nightly production shows in the main theater, live music around the promenade, a casino and late-night dance clubs. Some Meraviglia-class ships have hosted Cirque du Soleil at Sea productions in a dedicated venue. Newer ships add bowling, simulators, waterslides and, on the World class, thrill features. European sailings feature multilingual entertainment.

Families and kids

Kids' clubs are included and split by age, and teens get their own spaces. MSC frequently runs promotions where children sail free or at reduced fares on select sailings when sharing a cabin with two adults (port taxes still apply). Family cabins and connecting rooms are common on newer ships, and waterparks and splash areas are standard.

Dress code

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.

Gratuities and drinks

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. (Published rates as of 2026-10-13; source. Lines change these, so we confirm the current amount in every quote.)

Tap water and buffet basics are included. The Premium Extra package covers beer, wine and Champagne by the glass, spirits, cocktails, sodas, juices, energy drinks, specialty coffees and bottled water, with drinks above a price cap requiring you to pay the difference and alcoholic drinks limited to 15 per person per day. Everyone in the cabin or traveling group must buy a package if one person does. Packages are valid at Ocean Cay. Alcohol-free and minors' packages are also sold.

Loyalty program: MSC Voyagers Club. Tell us your number when you request a quote so past-guest offers and status perks are applied.

Private destinations

• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Specialist tips for booking MSC

• Compare fare types (MSC sells several tiers that bundle different extras). Sometimes the tier with a drink package and Wi-Fi costs less than adding them separately.
• If you are booking for kids, look for MSC's kids-sail-free promotions on select sailings; you still pay port taxes and fees for them.
• The MSC Yacht Club is the line's standout product. If you want suite perks, a Yacht Club cabin often delivers more than a regular suite on a bigger brand.
• Download the MSC for Me app before boarding. It handles online check-in, your daily program and onboard reservations.
• Ocean Cay is a short sail from Miami, so it shows up on many three- and four-night itineraries. Book cabanas or beach activities early if you want them.