MSC Cruises is an award-winning cruise line with a high-standard, modern fleet featuring the personal attention and friendliness of an international crew, together with world-famous hospitality. With a full range of activities for guests of all ages, MSC is perfect for singles and couples, as well as being ideal for family cruises thanks to great onboard entertainment tailored to kids. What's more, with a fleet ranging in size from mid-sized ships to larger vessels, 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. MSC Cruises also places a focus on environmentally conscious cruising and sustainability, with the aim for a more sustainable future of cruising. Whether you're looking for an MSC UK cruise sailing from Southampton to a fly cruise, MSC has it all.
It’s time to take advantage of MSC Cruises’ Wave Sale, an incredible chance to save big on cruises to the Caribbean and Mediterranean throughout Summer 2025; save up to £460 per person on select sailings, and book the holiday of a lifetime with MSC Cruises today!
17 January 2025
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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 Cruises offer three flexible dining styles to choose from:
MSC Cruises' main dining venues range from laid back restaurant (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.
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:
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.
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.
Onboard MSC Cruises, there is a wide range of original, Broadway-style productions available, meaning that you don’t have to go all the way to New York to experience the wonders of the theatre.
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.
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.
Discover our recent blog - Cruise Ship Entertainment - How to Plan Your Evening to find out more!
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.
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.
For the foreseeable future, you’ll be excited to learn that MSC Cruises has teamed up with The LEGO Group to bring bricktastic fun to its impressive fleet of ships. Colourful play areas onboard will keep any child entertained, with activities aimed at children ages 3-11, and team-based games will let everyone in the family get in on hte fun. Children ages 7-11 will also particularly love the LEGO Tech Experience on select MSC Cruises ships, where they can freely play all the latest LEGO video games on gaming platforms. On top of all this, the exciting LEGO Experience Onboard event is hosted once every cruise sailing; this is where there are special parades throughout the ship, LEGO-themed shows at the entertainment venues, and even the chance for younger guests to become Junior LEGO Master Builders!
MSC Cruises takes this one step further on MSC World America, though – which is set to sail in 2025. Elevating this partnership with The LEGO Group, MSC World America will feature a fully-themed LEGO Parade – a much larger offering than the parades on other MSC cruise ships – alongside the LEGO Family Zone and a new LEGO Family Game Show. With fun for all the family, these LEGO experiences will be bigger and more bricktastic aboard MSC World America – giving everyone to tap into their inner master builder with the colourful fun of LEGO.
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. From MSC cruises UK sailings, to 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 (find out more about it on our blog - 10 Must-Visit Cruise Line Private Islands), 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.
As well as offering MSC cruises UK sailings, MSC can supply flight and cruise packages from Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester airports, making your holiday as stress free as possible.
MSC Cruises have a wide selection of different shore excursions available. Varying in duration and destination, there is a shore excursion for everyone regardless of your preferences. For example, if you’re looking for one that includes the chance to get close to nature and wildlife, MSC Cruises’ “Protectours” are perfect.
Featuring local wildlife expert guides and a huge selection of experiences around the world, these excursions aim to be both environmentally and ecologically sustainable. If you ever wanted to see how you can give back and help save baby sea turtles in the Caribbean, ride horseback in Iceland or discover how the bee population in Corfu can thrive, these extraordinary excursions are bound to impress!
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.
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.
Available on almost every ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, MSC Yacht Club improves the remarkable experience on offer aboard these luxurious cruises even further with a host of additional benefits and services. With premium spacious suites available, attentive butler services available 24-hours a day, and exclusive access to venues designed solely for MSC Yacht Club guests, you’ll enjoy a truly elevated experience with MSC Yacht Club with MSC Cruises.
Of the many benefits you can enjoy, MSC Yacht Club also affords you complimentary refreshments in MSC Yacht Club venues, included Wi-Fi internet packages, and both discounts to spa treatments and unlimited access to the MSC Aurea Spa thermal suite. Although, if you book into an MSC Yacht Club suite with a private whirlpool hot tub, you might not necessarily need to take advantage of that!
For more, like details on MSC Yacht Club’s priority embarkation privileges or laundry benefits, check out our updated blog that answers this all-important question: Is MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club worth it?
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:
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. Find out more on our blog - A Quick Guide to MSC Cruises’ Voyagers Club.
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. (Terms and conditions apply.)
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:
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.
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.
MSC Cruises' drinks packages have something for all tastes, from non-alcoholic to alcoholic options. To find out more information about the drinks packages currently on offer, see our blog - A Guide to MSC Cruises Drinks Packages.
MSC Cruises have brought in sustainability measures in an effort to help preserve both the ocean and the world around us. The most recent measures include:
Find out more by reading our blogs - How New Technology Will Make Cruising More Sustainable and Why Shore Power Will Revolutionise the Cruising Industry.
In February 2024, MSC Cruises announced a new Open Booking programme that’s available for guests sailing aboard its fleet. With this programme, you can book a future cruise whilst on your MSC getaway, without having to worry about committing to a particular itinerary, ship or sailing date.
To secure your next sailing, you can put down a deposit, which may be available at a reduced rate, whilst onboard your MSC sailing. You’ll then receive a certificate, stating that you’ll have 12 months to select a preferred sailing date for your future cruise.
A big benefit of using MSC Cruises’ new Open Booking programme is that all guests will receive onboard credit! This makes MSC one of the best cruise lines to book onboard with at the moment. If you book your future cruise within 60 days of booking it onboard, you’ll receive up to €200 onboard credit (per cabin). Although, this depends on when you book, what cruise you book, and the stateroom you've chosen.
The Open Booking programme also makes for a great gift for loved ones, as it can be used before the sail date or ship is chosen!
By 2026, MSC Cruises will see its fleet of ship’s emissions reduced by up to 15% – thanks to the introduction of a new itinerary planning tool, OptiCruise.
Developed alongside research company OPTIMeasy, this tool will be used to achieve the optimum efficiency while sailing by effectively planning the route of each itinerary, all while continuing to offer the same level of service and depth of destinations MSC Cruises’ itineraries currently offer.
Prototyped on MSC Bellissima over a 12-month period, this technology will be applied to upcoming itineraries across MSC Cruises’ fleet, with itinerary planning typically taking place roughly two years before a sailing. Another step towards MSC Cruises’ goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, this system will improve the operational efficiency of the cruise line as a whole by a significant amount and better-prepare it for future improvements.
Overall, very happy with the cruise and the ship.
A fabulous first cruise, well and truly spoilt.
It was my first time on a cruise and it was even better than I imagined, with rich programs and delicious food.
We had a wonderful time in the MSC Yacht Club; everything was perfect. Shows both in the theatre and the carousel lounge were great.
Cabins onboard MSC Cruises' ships are fitted with the standard two-pin European sockets, so you will need to bring adaptors to use your own electrical equipment such as chargers and hair straighteners if you have UK-standard cables.
MSC Cruise ships offer plenty of onboard activities and entertainment, much of which is included in your cruise fare. Features you'll have to pay for include the Cirque du Soleil shows, Arcade Games, Bowling, Zip-Line, 4D Cinema, Casino and the F1 Simulator.
Tips/gratuities with MSC Cruises are now included in the price of the cruise fare.
Yes, MSC Cruises offer kid's clubs for all ages. MSC Miniclub caters for 3-6 year olds, the Juniors Club for 7-11 year olds, the Young Club for 12-14 year olds and the Teens Club for 15-17 year olds.
MSC Cruises strive to accommodate the needs of all passengers. In order to help them do this it is important to bring attention to any special needs at least two working days before departure - preferably at the time of booking. Simply state any concerns or requirements at the time of booking and we will send you MSC's Special Needs Form to be completed and sent back to us. Once this is done, we will pass the information on to the cruise line. Accessible cabins are available on all ships, there are signs in Braille on selected ships, TDD System kits are available for those with hearing impairments, and service animals with all required travel documents are allowed onboard.
Guests with dietary requirements are advised to inform their cruise consultant when booking. Here they will be asked to complete MSC's Special Needs Form to be sent on to the cruise line. It's a good idea to reiterate needs at reception when onboard, and mention to the Maitre d' when ordering.
Tea and coffee is usually available on sailings departing from the UK, and there is a selection in the buffet which you can help yourself to on all sailings.
If your cruise includes a stop in North America, no alcohol will be served to guests under the age of 21. On all other itineraries the age limit for alcohol consumption is 18.
24-hour room service is available to all guests, however those booking the Bella Experience will incur additional charges. It's possible to order from a broad menu of food at any time of day, including freshly-baked pizzas or romantic dishes such as strawberries dipped in chocolate.
No, but there is a restaurant open 20-hours per day.
MSC BabyCare Service is available for 1-3 year olds, between the hours of 1-2pm and 6-7pm. This enables parents to enjoy a lunch or dinner date, or simply some time to relax knowing that their children are in the care of attentive and qualified staff.
There are no specified facilities for children that have special needs, however MSC Cruises welcome all kids to join in the fun onboard. The dedicated crew will do their best to support children as much as possible but cannot offer one-on-one attention.
There are children's menus available in the main restaurants which have been carefully tailored to provide variety as well as nutrition. There is also a kid's corner where you can choose as much or as little as you want of each item.
There is a substantial amount of baby equipment available onboard, such as prams and baby backpack carriers, which can be booked at the Mini Club, high-chairs in the buffet and main restaurant, and bottle warmers in various locations across the ships.
There are no kids-only pools onboard but children are welcome in pools aside from the adult-only ones, as long as they are properly toilet trained and no longer wearing nappies. The Waterpark onboard MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, and MSC Meraviglia is especially child friendly.
