MSC Cruises: The Complete Insider Guide

01The Fleet

Newest · 6,700 guests

World Class

World Europa & World America (2025)LNG-powered, most advanced MSC ships. World America homeports in Miami. Luna Park indoor theme park, The Harbour waterfront promenade.

Flagship · 4,500–5,600 guests

Meraviglia Class

Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa, Euribia, Seascape96m LED sky screen promenade (the “Galleria”), Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows. The backbone of MSC’s fleet.

Beach Condo · 4,100–5,600 guests

Seaside Class

Seaside, Seaview, SeashoreOutdoor-focused design with wraparound waterfront promenade. Miami-based. Great for Caribbean warmth.

Classic · 1,700–3,900 guests

Fantasia / Musica / Lirica

European-based for Mediterranean, Northern Europe. Smaller, more intimate. Budget-friendly.

02What’s Included vs. What Costs Extra

Included in Your Fare

All of this comes with your cruise

🍴 Main dining room — set time or flexible on newer ships

🍲 Marketplace Buffet — huge, diverse options

🛏 Room service — basic menu free

🏊 Pool deck, entertainment & shows

🎪 Cirque du Soleil on Meraviglia class — 1 show included, additional $$

👶 Kids clubs (Baby/Mini/Junior/Young) — ages 0–17, FREE

💪 Fitness center

Costs Extra

Budget for these add-ons

🍷 Drink packages (Easy/Premium ~$50–70/day) — highly recommended

🍴 Specialty dining — Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay seafood, HOLA! tacos ($20–50)

🌐 WiFi packages

🌊 Shore excursions

🧖 Aurea Spa

👑 MSC Yacht Club — luxury ship-within-a-ship

🃏 Casino

03Preparing for Your Cruise: The Timeline

Your advisor will track every window and deadline for you — here’s the big picture.

1

At Booking

Pay deposit. Create MSC account (MSC for Me). Download MSC for Me app. Consider MSC Yacht Club for luxury upgrade.

2

90 Days Before

Purchase drink and dining packages (best pre-cruise pricing). Book specialty restaurants. Reserve spa treatments.

3

60 Days Before

Book shore excursions. Reserve Cirque du Soleil shows (Meraviglia class). Book kids clubs for specific age groups if desired.

4

14 Days Before

Complete online check-in via MSC for Me app. Upload passport docs. Select boarding time. Set up onboard account.

5

Embarkation Day

Arrive at scheduled time. MSC Yacht Club guests get priority VIP boarding. Drop luggage. Complete safety briefing on app. Head to buffet — staterooms ready ~2pm.

04Dining & Entertainment

Included Dining

Main Dining Room Multi-course dinner nightly

Marketplace Buffet Huge, diverse options

Eataly (select ships) Casual Italian, some items free

Room Service Basics free

Note

European-influenced dining Multi-course, leisurely pace. Don’t rush it.

Specialty & Shows

Butcher’s Cut (steakhouse, $$$)

Ocean Cay (seafood)

HOLA! (Mexican tapas) Newer ships

Kaito Sushi & Teppanyaki

Shows & Entertainment

Cirque du Soleil at Sea Meraviglia class — genuinely world-class

Broadway-style productions Live music nightly

MSC Yacht Club

The One Pool, Top Sail Lounge Exclusive restaurant, butler, priority everything — luxury within the ship

05Insider Tips

1 Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is their stunning private island in the Bahamas — white sand, crystal water. Cabana rentals sell out fast.

2 MSC Yacht Club is the best luxury-within-mainstream concept — private pool, restaurant, lounge, butler, priority everything. Worth it for a special occasion.

3 MSC is European-based — expect European dining pace (longer meals), international clientele, and a more cosmopolitan vibe than US-based lines.

4 The Galleria LED ceiling on Meraviglia class ships is spectacular at night — grab a drink and watch the sky show.

5 Cirque du Soleil at Sea is REAL Cirque — not a watered-down version. One show is included, additional performances cost extra.

6 Kids sail free on most bookings (3rd/4th guest) — MSC is one of the best family value lines.

7 Drink package is highly recommended — à la carte drinks add up fast, especially European-style cocktails.

8 MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program is generous — status matches from other lines available, ask your advisor.