The heritage of MSC Cruises stretches back to the 1970s when Gianluigi Aponte founded the Mediterranean Shipping Company with the purchase of a single ship. Since then the company has developed into a well-loved cruise line, boasting a mixture of traditional charm and refined elegance, coupled with a full range of activities for guests of all ages.
The fleet itself boasts facilities for singles, couples, and families. They are ideal for family cruises thanks to their cruises with reduced child prices and great activities onboard which are tailored to kids.
MSC Cruise ships come in a range of sizes, accommodating between 1,984 passengers with MSC Lirica, and up to 6,334 onboard MSC Virtuosa. So, whether you prefer a bustling ship with loads of new people to meet or something a little calmer, there is an MSC cruise ship for you. Take a look at the complete list below, in order of their guest capacity.
| CAPACITY | SHIPS |
| 5500 - 6500 | MSC Bellisima
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Grandiosa
MSC Virtuosa |
| 4500 - 5500 | MSC Seashore
MSC Seaside
MSC Seaview |
| 3500 - 4500 | MSC Preziosa
MSC Divina
MSC Splendida |
| 2500 - 3500 | MSC Musica
MSC Orchestra
MSC Poesia
MSC Armonia
MSC Sinfonia
MSC Magnifica
MSC Fantasia |
| 1900 - 2500 | MSC Lirica
MSC Opera |
MSC Cruise Destinations
MSC Cruises offer fly-cruises to the Mediterranean, the Canaries, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The cruise line can supply flight and cruise packages from Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester airports.
MSC Cruises Highlights
In addition to providing an excellent quality of service, MSC Cruises strive to offer their guests the very best in the way of onboard amenities. This relates to dining, activities, technology, comfort and childcare.
MSC Cruises ZOE
The nature of our fast-paced world means technology is becoming both more important and more advanced. MSC Cruises have long advocated the use of the latest technology, and in keeping with this have announced the arrival of their new voice-controlled personal assistant – ZOE. This small piece of equipment is fitted in cabins on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, and all future cruise ships in the fleet, and offers guests a mine of information regarding all aspects of their cruise. Simply say, ‘OK Zoe’, ask your question, and find out answers about cruise services or get guidance with booking an onboard service. ZOE is also paired up to your cabin TV and can be connected to your smartphone to enable listening to your own music or podcasts.
MSC Status Match Programme
If you’ve never sailed with MSC Cruises before, but are a past passenger of other cruise lines, MSC offers an extra 5% discount on your first cruise as part of their MSC Status Match programme. This can be combined with many hotel loyalty schemes.
MSC Voyager's Club
MSC guests also get exclusive member benefits and loyalty rewards by joining the MSC Voyagers Club after their first sailing. This scheme is ideal for anyone who loves cruising with MSC Cruises because the more you times you cruise, the more MSC Voyagers Club points you can accrue - which means more benefits to enjoy.
MSC Yacht Club (Luxury Cruising)
Some MSC cruise ships feature a stunning exclusive area of pure luxury known as MSC Yacht Club. Here, there are spacious suites, in which guests can enjoy a 24-hour butler and concierge service, a fully stocked complimentary mini-bar, priority boarding, as well as all-inclusive food and drink. There is also an exclusive lounge, restaurant, and pool area known as The One Sun Deck and Top Sail Lounge. This area is located on Deck 15 and 16 forward, the most prestigious part of the ship, offering stunning all-round views. A private lift to the marvellous MSC Aurea Spa and personal tailored shopping packages finish off this superb luxury cruising experience. Enjoy all this and more including complimentary drinks throughout the MSC Yacht Club area.
MSC Cruises Partner With Martha Stewart
Bringing guests closer to the most idyllic holiday imaginable, MSC Cruises have collaborated with beloved American homemaker, Martha Stewart. Martha has helped design some thrilling excursions, delicious onboard meals and some surprise gift packages. She says her partnership with MSC embodies the true celebratory nature of travel, exploration and discovery, offering passengers the chance to get closer to some glorious destinations in the Caribbean. Onshore experiences include tastings, cooking classes, ocean horse riding, garden tours, and lessons from local fishermen to name a few. Martha's additions are first available on MSC Seaside, and then MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, and MSC Meraviglia.