MSC Cruises

One of the best things about Mediterranean-style cruising is that you can enjoy all of the culinary treasures associated with Italy and her neighbouring countries while at sea. The fantastic food available onboard MSC Cruises' magnificent fleet is a huge cruise holiday highlight. Meals are included in the cost of your cruise and you have the opportunity to enjoy gourmet speciality dining at a supplement.

MSC Dining Times

MSC Cruises offer three flexible dining styles to choose from:

• Classic- ideal for traditional cruisers, the Classic Dining Style offers fixed pre-set dining for the entirety of your cruise. Classic diners will keep the same table, dining room, staff and dining companions every evening.
• Flexi- for adaptable dining, Flexi allows you to select a preferred dining time slot or time range for your cruise, but with the option to make changes up until 4 pm each day. Flexi dining depends on your chosen MSC Experience level.
• My Choice- arrive at any time during available dinner hours, with priority access at Flexi restaurants.

MSC Included restaurants

MSC Cruises' main dining venues range from laid back buffet style (open 20 hours a day) to classic and contemporary formal dining with waiter service and set dining times. Poolside snacks, room service, and takeaway-style foods are also available. You'll find expertly prepared Mediterranean and international fare from MSC's skilled chefs in a range of venues onboard.

MSC Yacht Club provides an exclusive haven onboard MSC Cruises Fantasia Class ships. The 'ship within a ship' experience offers luxurious gourmet dining and a private sun deck.

Speciality Dining

Each ship features speciality dining venues where you can enjoy quality, gourmet dining for a fee. Sample a varied selection of cuisines including International, authentic Italian, sensational Japanese, Asian fusion and even Tex Mex. Sweet treats including delicious pastries accompanied by excellent Italian espresso or cappuccino can also be enjoyed across the MSC Cruises fleet.

Don't worry if you don't speak Italian – menus and wine lists are also printed in English and the crew are English speaking. But by all means, feel free to experiment with your Italian pronunciations!

Speciality dining venues featured on MSC Cruises ships include:

• Eataly- explore, taste, buy and learn about traditional Italian cuisine in this relaxing venue. The fun play-on-words name lets you know you're in for a treat as you eat your way through Italy's best bits.
• Tex-Mex and Steakhouse- spice up your sailing with some fiery Mexican fare or fill up with hearty Texan classics in this fun and eclectic dining venue. Cool beers and cocktails are also on the menu.
• Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and Sushi Bar- a stylish sushi venue offering authentic Asian cuisine prepared live on the spot. Diners will be delighted by the live cooking and delicious Asian-fusion food on offer.

MSC Room Service

MSC Cruises offers a comprehensive 24/7 room service, bringing all its delicious dining and best bites straight to your stateroom or suite. Pizza delivery is a must for a cosy night in. Small additional room service fees may apply.

Special Diets with MSC

All guests are treated equally with MSC Cruises and special dietary requirements are carefully considered throughout the fleet. Gluten-Free menus are available from breakfast through to dinner. Vegetarian options and pre-prepared Kosher meals are also available.

MSC Cruise ships have everything you need to make your evenings onboard just as memorable as your time spent on shore excursions.

Shows

On select ships, guests have the unique opportunity to experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil at sea. There are also original, Broadway-style productions available on all MSC ships, meaning that you don’t have to go all the way to New York to experience the wonders of the theatre.

Parties

There are lots of ways to celebrate during your cruise. The popular Sailaway Party out on deck is always a hit with guests of all ages, while the white party is an excellent occasion to dress up and enjoy a special live performance from the ship’s own theatre cast.

Bars and lounges

With so many bars to choose from on an MSC Cruise, you can find your favourite spot or go somewhere different every evening. Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, sophisticated cocktails or a laid back pint of beer, there’s somewhere for you.

If you’d like to step up the romance of your evening drink, why not head to one of the outdoor bars where you can sip on your drink and take in the stunning views and breathtaking sunsets.

With MSC Cruises there are plenty of stimulating activities onboard for children, including a fun-packed club at sea designed especially just for them. The clubroom contains a wide range of fun and games, so there’s never a dull moment for any child on an MSC Cruise. MSC staff will be on hand to entertain your children from 9 in the morning until 10 in the evening.

MSC Kids’ Clubs

Children are welcome to participate in the clubs and areas designed for their specific age range. The children are divided up into appropriate age groups to make sure they have the best time possible, with friends of similar ages.

• 3-6 years- Mini Club is aimed at children aged 3-6 years onboard all ships and on all cruises. The Mini Club Staff organise activities, shows and games (arts & crafts, baby dance, painting courses, treasure hunts, mini Olympics etc) which the children need no encouragement to participate in. Children under the age of 3 are able to attend Mini Club, but only when accompanied by a parent or guardian who must remain with the child at all times.
• 7-11 years- Junior Club is for kids aged 7-11 years, offering dedicated activities, sports, parties, games and shows. Here there are plenty of opportunities for kids to have fun and make friends while mum and dad relax elsewhere.
• 13 years and over- Teen's Club is designed for young cruisers over 13 years of age. There are specialised entertainers to organise fun activities for teenagers such as treasure hunts, group 'missions', talent shows, the Virtual World Arcade, trivia and dance contests. There's even a newspaper in which they can write and draw about their preferred activities.
• Kid's Discos- After the day-time fun is finished, the evening parties for mini cruisers as well as the adults. Teens Club Live holds exciting events including music, live shows, and Latin and group dancing.
• Babysitting- babysitting services aboard MSC Cruises in the evening and during the day are available for a fee, which is payable onboard. Please consult with the MSC Cruises staff onboard for cost and availability – it is advised that you should book babysitting early on to avoid disappointment.

MSC Cruises & The LEGO Group

MSC Cruises have teamed up with The LEGO Group as one of their entertainment partners. Colourful play areas are onboard to keep any child entertained from 3- 11 years of age, where activities are organised such as team games and LEGO Vertical Play Wall challenges. 7 - 11-year-olds will love the LEGO Tech Experience, where they can free play LEGO games on gaming technology. Once every cruise, the LEGO Experience Onboard entertainment event is hosted where there are special parades, shows and the opportunity for children to become a Junior LEGO Master Builder.

MSC Food for Kids

Kids and families are well catered for on MSC Cruises ships with plenty of tasty options to choose from for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dedicated children's menus have been carefully curated so that mini cruisers can enjoy the international cuisine on offer. Fun Time Dinners and Generation Dinners for kids and teens are organised by the entertainment staff to give parents a bit of a break and the Happy Dinners scheme offers a speedy dining service which escorts kids to the Miniclub when they have finished eating. Find out more about MSC Cruises' childcare.

MSC Cruises leave no corner of the world unexplored. Offering fly-cruises to the Mediterranean, the Canaries, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, you can discover some of the most incredible destinations the planet has to offer in ease, comfort and style.

What's more, MSC even has its own exclusive Bahamian destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, allowing guests the unique opportunity to connect with nature and relax in an eco-friendly environment. During your time on this slice of paradise, you'll be spoilt for choice for things to see and do. Bursting with soft white sand, vibrant green palm trees and glistening lagoons, this island lets guests lay back and relax, enjoy delicious cuisine and soak up the sunshine. However, if you're not quite content with lounging about all day, you can also try your hand at snorkelling and kayaking, amongst other watersports.

The cruise line can supply flight and cruise packages from Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester airports, making your holiday as stress free as possible.

Spa and fitness

MSC Cruises like to make sure that their guests make the most out of their holiday experience, and what better way to do so that by taking advantage of the fantastic spa, beauty and fitness facilities available on every ship. Boasting the popular MSC Aurea Spa, Medi Spa Centers, a thermal area, beauty and hair salons and barber shops, every guest can leave feeling relaxed and pampered.

In addition, there are plenty of ways to stay fit and active. Whether you’re up for some competition with a five-a-side football match or a turn on the squash or tennis courts, or you’d rather have a more intensive workout at the well-equipped gym, there’s an exercise spot for everyone. If you’d prefer something a little more leisurely, there’s even a minigolf course and a power walking track where you can get in your daily steps while you take in the incredible ocean views.

Recreation

When it comes to activities out on deck, MSC Cruise ships have lots to offer. The swimming pools are always a popular choice for taking a refreshing dip or lounging about in the sun, while the waterpark is a winner amongst the younger guests. For thrill seekers, some ships even boast the Himalayan Bridge, an 80m sky walk suspended 60m over the sea, or even a zip line.

Inside the ship is just as fun as the decks, with everything from bowling, to cinemas to an arcade. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities such as clothes shops, an art gallery and duty free shops where you can pick up all your favourite brands at unbeatable prices.

Healthcare Worker Discount

To say thank you to all those who put their life on the line to help us during the coronavirus outbreak, MSC are offering a discount of up to 50% on cruise fares for healthcare workers and their families. Those eligible are NHS and private health workers, front line and back office workers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and those working in research labs. Available on MSC sailings departing until the end of 2021 which have been booked before 30th April 2021, browse MSC's Thank You Discounts and book the holiday of your dreams at a fantastic price as a reward for all your hard work.

Onboard an MSC Cruise

When booking with MSC Cruises you will be asked not only to consider the kind of cabin or suite you'd like to stay in, but also what kind of holiday you are looking for. This is because the cruise line offers four different 'Experience' types; each one with a different unique focus which can enhance your time onboard.

Guests can choose from the following experience types:

• Bella- includes comfortable cabins, buffet and main restaurant dining, kids clubs, entertainment and activities
• Fantastica- includes all of the Bella benefits, as well as additional activities for kids, Room Service and breakfast delivered to your cabin and priority choice of dinner setting
• Aurea- includes all Fantastica benefits as well as an unlimited drinks package, a massage, any time dining, priority boarding and access to private sundecks
• MSC Yacht Club- luxury cruising

MSC Suites

Upgrade your cruise holiday with MSC by treating yourself to a stay in one of their many suites. Whether you're travelling alone, as a family or on a romantic getaway with your partner, you're sure to find a room which perfectly matches the level of luxury you're looking for. Favourite suites include:

• Duplex Suite- split over 2 levels, guests will find a living area with a private veranda, boasting its own whirlpool, on the first level, and a spacious bedroom on level 2.
• Grand Suite- with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area and balcony, this is the perfect option for a larger group travelling together.
• Royal Suite- featuring not only separate living and sleeping areas, but also a dining room and large balcony with a whirlpool, you'll forget you're at sea in the spacious Royal Suite.

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.

Alternatively, 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 Yacht Club

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 For Me

MSC for Me is an innovative digital experience that can be enjoyed onboard MSC’s Meraviglia and Seaside Class ships. Fuelled by technology and inspired by people, MSC for Me provides guests with five services meticulously tailored to enhance the onboard experience.

MSC for Me features include:

• Navigation- Browse everything onboard and sail through the ship as well as the sea. Use the kid's locator to keep track of your family onboard.
• Concierge - Attention day or night, when you need it with an online booking service.
• Capture - Virtual and Augmented Reality. Preview excursions before you book. Stay connected with chat.
• Organiser - Book activities and manage your personal agenda onboard.
• TailorMade- A personal welcome created for you wherever you go.

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.

Gratuities

As of 2nd April 2019 MSC Cruises have changed their gratuities policy so the cost is included in the cruise fare. This means that there is no need to take the cost of tips into account when budgeting for your MSC Cruise.

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.