15 Essential MSC Cruise Tips First-Time Cruisers Should Know
Things to Know Before Cruising MSC…
If you’ve cruised before with lines like Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Carnival Cruise Line, you might notice that sailing with MSC Cruises feels a little different. And honestly, that’s part of the charm.
MSC is a European cruise line with ships sailing all over the world, and they often deliver incredible value compared to many competitors. But because the experience has a slightly different rhythm, knowing a few insider cruise tips ahead of time can make your cruise smoother and more enjoyable.
After sailing with MSC ourselves on 5 different occasions, here are 15 helpful tips we wish we knew before cruising with MSC.
So what is different about MSC Cruises?
1. You Can’t Reserve Specialty Dining Until You’re Onboard
Unlike many other cruise lines, MSC typically doesn’t allow specialty dining reservations before the cruise.
Once you board, head straight to the dining reservations table. Ask any of the staff that is very visible during embarkation where it is. If you purchased a dining package, it’s a good idea to make reservations early on embarkation day to get the best time slots especially for Butcher’s Cut (bone marrow appetizer, wedge salad, lamb chops and lava cake pictured below).
2. Drinks Are Handled by Two Different Servers
Dining service on MSC works a little differently than most cruise lines.
Your main dining room servers will take care of things like:
Water
Soft drinks
Beer
Wine
But if you want cocktails or specialty bar drinks, another staff member from the bar team usually comes by to take that order.
Pro tip:
Let your server know you’d like to order from the bar so they can send someone over quickly.
3. MSC Is a Very International Experience
MSC is one of the most globally diverse cruise lines at sea. On any given sailing, you may hear several languages spoken around the ship.
Announcements are often made in multiple languages, and entertainment and activities are designed for an international audience. If you enjoy meeting travelers from all over the world, this is actually one of the most fun parts of the experience.
4. Download the MSC App Before You Sail
The MSC for Me app is extremely helpful once you’re onboard.
You can use it to:
Check the daily schedule
Book dining
See showtimes
Chat with other guests without wifi (we love this feature!)
Manage reservations
It becomes your digital cruise planner during the trip. We have sailed with MSC 5 times and have never received a paper schedule, so the app is essential.
5. Embarkation Day Is the Best Time to Book Shows
Entertainment shows on MSC ships can fill up quickly.
As soon as you board:
Open the app
Browse available shows
Reserve your seats for the week
This helps avoid disappointment later in the cruise. Even if you have a reservation for the main theater shows, they ask you to arrive to the show at least 15 minutes before start time. At 15 minutes till, they open the standby line and your reservation is not valid anymore.
6. The Drink Packages Offer Excellent Value
MSC drink packages are often one of the best values in cruising. Their drink package includes a lot of things other cruise lines do not include with a regular drink package.
Packages usually include:
Cocktails
Wine by the glass
Beer
Soda
Specialty coffee
Smoothies
Bottled water
Sparkling water (usually San Pelligrino)
Compared to many other cruise lines, the price-to-value ratio can be very strong, especially if drinks are included in your booking promotion. Your drink package also works on their private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
7. The Main Dining Room Menu Works Differently
MSC offers a rotating menu, but it may not feel quite as customizable as some American cruise lines.
Typically:
There’s a set menu each evening
A few always-available options (steak, chicken and salmon)
Multiple courses like appetizer, pasta, entrée, and dessert
You can order multiple appetizers and desserts, but extra entrees will cost $5.00 each (except for the pasta).
The experience often feels a little more like a European restaurant meal.
Caribbean Snapper with pineapple salsa and okra on Tropical Night in the main dining room
8. Why the Pizza on MSC Cruises Is Some of the Best at Sea
This is one thing MSC is famous for.
Because the line is headquartered in Italy, the pizza onboard is some of the best you’ll find at sea. It’s made fresh throughout the day and night, and many cruisers consider it the best pizza of any cruise line. Do NOT get the thick crust square pizza on the buffet. Keep looking until you find the pizza oven and the traditional round pizza. It is usually located all the way in the back of the buffet. This pizza is usually available until 1 or 2 am.
9. The Buffet Layout Is Different
MSC buffets are usually large and spread across multiple stations, most with duplicate sections.
If one area looks busy, walk a little farther down or go the opposite side and you’ll usually find the same food with a much shorter line.
10. Entertainment Has a European Style
MSC shows are visually impressive with great performers, but the format is different from Broadway-style productions you might see on other lines.
Expect things like:
Acrobats
Opera singers
Dance performances
Visual production shows
They’re often shorter and more variety-style. They seem to be stepping up their entertainment game, so we are excited to see what is in store for the future. The MSC Grandiosa is an example with Michael Jackson and Tina Turner tributes as well as 2 Cirque-style shows on board.
Le Cabaret Rouge on the MSC Seashore
11. Yacht Club Is a Whole Different Level
If you’re looking for a premium experience, the MSC Yacht Club is MSC’s luxury “ship-within-a-ship” concept.
It includes:
Private restaurant
Exclusive pool deck
Butler service
Priority boarding
Exclusive section and restaurant on the private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
Many cruisers say it offers luxury cruise perks at a lower price than other premium suites programs. If you have been wanting to try a luxury experience, MSC yacht Club is probably your most affordable option!
12. Status Matching Can Unlock Great Perks
MSC offers one of the best status match programs in cruising.
If you have loyalty status with:
Airlines
Hotels
Other cruise lines
You may qualify for perks through the MSC Voyagers Club like:
Discounts
Welcome gifts
Priority boarding
Members-only events
Complimentary specialty dining
13. European Coffee and Chocolate Culture Is Strong
Coffee lovers will appreciate MSC’s coffee options.
Specialty coffee bars serve:
Espresso
Cappuccino
Latte
Italian pastries
It’s a nice upgrade from the basic drip coffee often found on other ships. A lot of them are included in the drink package. The Brooklyn Cafe on the MSC Seashore will probably be your favorite spot on board. There are also chocolate shops on board. Sign up for the chocolate tasting if you are lucky enough to get a spot! It cost around $20, but you got a lot for the cost and a fun demonstration. The chocolates and gelato on board are an extra cost.
14. MSC Often Offers Incredible Cruise Deals
One of the biggest reasons cruisers try MSC is the value.
Between promotions that include:
Drink packages
WiFi
Kids sail free offers
Lower base fares
Choice of different levels of amenities (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and Yacht Club)
MSC cruises can sometimes be hundreds or even thousands less than comparable sailings on other lines. Also be sure to ask for military discounts.
15. Ocean Cay is a Chill Experience
MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, is very different than other cruise lines. It is also what keeps bringing us back to MSC. It seems like they are charging for most loungers/umbrellas now, but compared to other cruise lines the cost is not bad. Usually $35 for 2 loungers and an umbrella.
Ocean Cay has:
Multiple beach experiences-choose from calm lagoons to open ocean beaches to rocky shorefront perfect for snorkeling
2 included buffets plus complimentary food trucks positioned around the island
Your drink package works on the island
NO waterslides or big attractions
There are rental activities such as jet skis and kayaks, but you can also just languish on the beach all day. A bar, buffet or food truck is never far away. Don’t miss the lighthouse bar and seating area! The lighthouse show happens twice at night and is awesome to watch from the beach or from your stateroom balcony!
Final Thoughts
Cruising with MSC Cruises can feel a little different at first, but once you understand the flow of the ship and how things work, it can be an incredible value and a really fun experience.
If you go in with the right expectations, and use our tips, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy everything MSC has to offer.
Ready to Plan Your MSC Cruise?
If you’re thinking about trying MSC for your next cruise, we’d love to help you find the perfect sailing.
At Michael and Tiffany Travels, we help cruisers:
Find the best deals
Choose the riContact usght ship and itinerary
Plan group cruises and hosted sailings
👉 Contact Us today and let’s start planning your next awesome cruise adventure!
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