msc cruises miami 2022

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MSC Cruises from Miami

Miami-based MSC Cruises fleet

• MSC Divina : Combines elegance and modern features with a real stone piazza, Broadway-style theater, and infinity pool.
• MSC Magnifica : Offers a classic cruising experience with a modern twist, featuring a wide range of entertainment and recreational activities.
• MSC Seascape : Features innovative design and entertainment options, including an expansive water park and a wrap-around promenade.
• MSC Seaside : Designed to bring guests closer to the sea with features like a sea-level promenade and beach-like condos.
• MSC World America : The newest and most innovative ship in MSC's fleet, offering a futuristic take on cruising with environmentally friendly technology.

MSC provides excellent dining options and entertaining pursuits for the whole family. In addition, there is the quality and convenience of a five-star hotel at an affordable price. So, whether you're interested in shopping, a fitness center, Broadway-style entertainment, or great food, MSC has a wide range of onboard services that will more than meet your needs.

• 2021 World Travel Awards
• 2020 Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers' Choice Awards
• Advanced emissions reduction systems
• Energy-saving technologies
• Waste management programs

Destinations

• Bahamas: Discover the enchanting allure of the Bahamas, where white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters invite relaxation and adventure.
• Eastern Caribbean: Experience the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Caribbean, from lush rainforests to idyllic beaches.
• Southern Caribbean: Venture to the Southern Caribbean to uncover hidden gems with less-traveled roads and intimate, peaceful islands.
• Western Caribbean: Embrace the dynamic spirit of the Western Caribbean, featuring ancient ruins, diverse ecosystems, and lively cultures.

MSC Cruises offers a variety of Caribbean itineraries available from Miami, ranging from 3 to 15 days.

• 3-day cruise
• 4-day cruise
• 7-day cruise
• 8-day cruise
• 10-day cruise
• 11-day cruise
• 14-day cruise
• 15-day cruise

Cruise Types

Nearly all cruises departing from Miami are roundtrip cruise.

• Roundtrip Cruise : Provide circular routes that return to the starting port—ideal for straightforward, return voyages.
• Mini Cruise : Brief, convenient escapes ideal for quick relaxation and first-time cruisers, usually spanning 3-5 days.
• Holiday Cruise : Festive voyages featuring seasonal themes, special events, and celebrations of Christmas & New Year suitable for all ages.

MSC Cruises Cruise Calendar from Miami

Explore the MSC Cruises Cruise Calendar from Miami, your go-to guide for planning an extraordinary adventure with MSC Cruises. This detailed calendar showcases departure dates for MSC cruises setting sail from PortMiami, offering a wealth of information to help you choose the ideal time for your voyage. Each clickable date links to specific cruise details, including ships, itineraries, and the various activities and amenities available onboard. Whether you're seeking a thrilling escape to the Caribbean, a relaxing retreat at sea, or a family-friendly adventure, this calendar is an indispensable tool for planning your next MSC cruise from Miami. Experience the magic of the Caribbean and beyond while enjoying the world-class service and entertainment that MSC Cruises is renowned for.

MSC Cruises from Miami in 2024

August 2024, september 2024, october 2024, november 2024, december 2024, msc cruises from miami in 2025, january 2025, february 2025, august 2025, september 2025, october 2025.

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14 Night Caribbean - Eastern Cruise

Contemporary and family-friendly cruising with distinct Mediterranean influences on everything from the line’s style and décor to cuisine and onboard entertainment

A cruise to the Eastern Caribbean with MSC Cruises offers something for everyone - from the beautiful scenery and excellent cuisine, to the exciting activities.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

• Msc Seascape - Passenger Capacity: 5,632 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2022 Last Refurbished: N/A

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Msc Cruises

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Msc Seascape

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Eastern Caribbean

Ports of Call

Miami, Florida , Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic , San Juan, Puerto Rico , Nassau, Bahamas , Ocean Cay, Bahamas , Falmouth, Jamaica , Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands , Cozumel, Mexico

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14 Night Caribbean - Eastern Cruise sailing on the Msc Seascape

Departure dates: aug 2024 - mar 2025.

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Sailing Map

*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include government taxes & fees. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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MSC Cruises

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MSC Cruises fleet

Msc world asia, msc world america, msc euribia, msc world europa, msc seascape, msc virtuosa, msc seashore, msc grandiosa, msc bellissima, msc seaview, msc meraviglia, msc seaside, msc preziosa, msc magnifica, review of msc cruises.

MSC Cruises Ltd (MSC Crociere, msccruises.com/en-gl) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Miami Florida USA (since 2024). the company is a fully-owned subsidiary of MSC Group/Mediterranean Shipping Company (1960-established, Geneva Switzerland-headquartered) currently ranked as the world's second-largest containership company (after Maersk).

MSC Crociere is the world's largest privately owned cruise company. 2020-Q4 statistics ranked MSC the world's 3rd-largest cruise shipowner (by combined fleet's passenger capacity ~13%), preceded by Carnival Corporation (39%) and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (24%).

The company's current management team is led by Pierfrancesco Vago (Executive Chairman), Gianni Onorato (CEO), and Emilio La Scala (President and Managing Director).

Ruben Rodriguez is MSC Cruises USA's current President. Effective April 30, 2025, he will retire from the post and will be succeeded by Lynn Torrent (MSC Cruises USA's current Executive VP & CCO/Chief Commercial Officer) effective May 1st/2025.

In 2021, MSC launched its travel brand EXPLORA JOURNEYS , with a separate fleet of smaller-sized luxury ships. EXPLORA JOURNEYS' main competitor in the European market is Viking OCEAN .

Between its official launch (2003) and July 2019, MSC served 20+ million passengers. MSC is also the world's fastest-growing cruise company, with a USD 20,5 billion investment plan (2017-2027) for building 17 new vessels and increasing its fleet to 29 vessels.

The parent company (MSC Group) was founded and owned by its current Chairman Gianluigi Aponte (1940-born). Since 2014, the company's President and CEO is his son - Diego Aponte, while his daughter (Alexa Aponte Vago) is the CFO. MSC entered the ship cruising market in 1988. MSC also owns Going2Italy (1982-founded Italian tour operator).

MSC's main competitor in the Mediterranean is Costa Cruises .

Company History

Founded by Achille Lauro as "Lauro Lines" (aka Flotta Lauro), MSC entered the cruise shipping business in the 1960s. Initially, MSC operated two ships - Achille Lauro (IMO 5390008, launched as "Willem Ruys") and Angelina Lauro (IMO 5264077, launched as "Oranje"). Angelina Lauro (1939-1979) burnt in St Thomas USVI in 1979. Achille Lauro (1947-1994) sank off Somalia'scoast due to onboard fire.

In 1985, Achille Lauro was hijacked by Palestinian Liberation Front members, and the accident resulted in decreased passenger numbers. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) purchased Flotta Lauro in 1989, and renamed it "StarLauro Cruises". Achille Lauro caught fire and sank in 1994. In 1995, the company changed its name to "MSC Cruises". Fleet's oldest liner - the 1982-built MSC Melody - was sold in November 2013 and scrapped in September 2018 (as MS Qing).

In 2014, MSC announced that its four Lirica-class boats are scheduled for refits and extensive drydock refurbishments under the company's "Renaissance Program" (budgeted USD 273 million). By this project, all four vessels (Armonia, Lirica, Opera, Sinfonia) were stretched/elongated by 25 m (80 ft).

Ship-reconstruction works were done at Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo Sicily , between 2014 (August 31) and 2015 (November 17).

Since 2021, all MSC cruise ship refurbishment projects have been conducted at Palumbo Malta Shipyard (co-owned by MSC / 50% stake). Palumbo Group's other shipyards are in France (Marseille) and Italy (Ancona, Naples, Savona).

Most of MSC's fleet operates in Europe (Mediterranean and Baltic). The company's other strong markets are the USA (Caribbean), Canada New England, East Asia, South America, South Africa. Because of the international passenger base, all shipboard announcements are generally read in Italian, Spanish, French, German and English. Onboard mealtimes are fixed, with assigned seatmates. Optional dining includes Lido buffet restaurant, sushi, and Italian eateries.

Globally, MSC owns and operates several cruise terminals - in the USA (Terminals AA/AAA, PortMiami Florida ), Italy (Palacrociere Terminals in Genoa and Civitavecchia-Rome ), Spain (Helix Cruise Center in Barcelona , and South Africa ( Durban Cruise Terminal ).

MSC liners offer standout evening show entertainment - from classical concerts and jazz to contemporary dance music and circus-type acrobatics. Voyages are typically priced at value-oriented levels, but the liners offer an unprecedented range of modern vacation travel amenities and services that cost extra, such as fees for port shuttle buses, a la carte restaurant menus, etc.

Company changes 2024

In January was announced that in November 2025 MSC starts year-round homeporting operations from Galveston TX (ship Seascape, 7-night roundtrips departing on Sundays). Also in January, MSC started homeporting in NYC New York (ship Meraviglia).

In mid-January, MSC Group moved its operational headquarters to Downtown Miami (Block 55 at Sawyer's Walk/Overtown). The new facility (130,000-ft2/12080-m2 sized office space) now houses the company's three divisions - MSC Cargo (container ships/logistics), MSC Cruises (passenger liners) and Explora Journeys (expedition ships).

In February as fleet's COO/Chief Operating Officer was appointed Elia Congiu (with MSC since 2013, previously Chief HR Officer/Human Resources).

In late-February was introduced the "Open Booking" program, allowing passengers on a current cruise to reserve a future cruise without committing to a specific vessel/itinerary/date. The initiative complements MSC's existing "Future Cruise" (onboard booking) program introduced in 2023. The new "Open Booking" option requires a reduced deposit payment (USD100/EUR100/GBP100 per person) while on board. The customer receives a certificate that allows up to 12 months period to choose the next MSC voyage. If the ship and departure date are selected within 60 days (of making the onboard open booking), the customer receives up to USD200/EUR200/GBP200 in OBC (onboard credit per stateroom). With a booking made within a year is received up to $100 in OBC. MSC's open booking is also transferable (can be gifted to a family/friend) before choosing the ship/departure date.

In February, on two ships (Virtuosa and Euribia) MSC banned smoking and vaping in the Casino (turning the gaming lounge into a smoke-free venue) while on two other ships (Seascape and Seashore) were added a separate smoking-allowed Casino Lounge.

In April was appointed Neil Palomba (with MSC since 1996) as MSC Cruises USA's Executive VP of Operations, managing MSC's USA-based fleet plus Ocean Cay Bahamas. As MSC Cruises USA's VP of Food and Beverage Operations was appointed Josef Jungwirth (previously employed by Sandals Resort International and RCI/Royal Caribbean International.

In May was expanded fleetwide the shipboard family program. The new activities and services include Extended Baby Care Services (for infants 6 months to 2 yo/in collaboration with Chicco), Doremiland Open House and Family Party (held once-per-cruise), new Family Game Shows (MasterChef at Sea Juniors, Break the Wall, MSC Dance Crew, plus two new - World Quest/geography-based trivia game, and Caravaggio/art-themed spy game), extended Teenagers Club Hours (12-17 yo/open between 10 AM-1 PM, and 3 PM-midnight on sea days, and 3 PM-midnight on port days), Guinness World Record Activities (families can participate in quiz shows and win prizes) and MSC Foundation Day (in collaboration with the MSC Foundation/marine conservation initiatives/1-hour sessions allow kids to learn about environmental topics).

Company changes 2023

In May MSC Foundation signed a partnership with NatureMetrics (provider of biodiversity monitoring data) for collecting data for marine species during voyages. By MSC's "eBioAtlas" project, the collected samples (from the seawater) are sent to NatureMetrics where they are analyzed using eDNA.

In June MSC signed a long-term agreement with Gasum Oy (1994-founded Finnish state-owned energy company) for the fleet's LNG bunkering operations in the Baltic. The deal was signed by Linden Coppell (MSC's VP of Sustainability & ESG/Environmental, Social and Governance) and Mika Wiljanen (Gasum's CEO).

MSC Explora Journeys (a total investment of ~EUR 3,5 billion) officially starts commercial operations in July 2023, with Explora I 's Maiden Voyage (July 17th).

In October was signed an agreement with Shell Western LNG BV (part of Shell plc/the world's second-largest oil and gas company/after ExxonMobil) to provide LNG for the ship Euribia. The deal was signed by Pierfrancesco Vago and Tahir Faruqui (Shell LNG's General Manager). Euribia's first LNG bunkering was in Port Rotterdam.

Since November 15th, the shipboard children's and teen's clubs (fleetwide/facilities for kids ages 12 to 17) operate with extended opening hours and longer live entertainment (8 hours daily). The company's expanded youth programming also includes more and new organized/supervised activities (sports, aquapark entertainment, kids-themed dinners, a different game show for teens every night/followed by a disco).

For 2023, MSC reported serving ~4,1 million cruisers (on 22 ships maintained by 46006 crew from 137 nationalities), 7669 operating days, 26,845167 million ALBDs (Available Lower Berth Days). Throughout 2023, MSC operated 385 itineraries (visiting destinations in 102 different countries) and offered 2150 different shore excursions.

Company changes 2022

In mid-March, MSC Group announced a partnership with Travelife Ltd for EXPLORA JOURNEYS' shore excursion program. "Travelife for Tour Operators" allows tour companies and travel agents access to the company's online management system (16x sustainability modules) with excursion checklists, planning tools, travel- and tourism industries' best sustainability practices examples.

In late-March, MSC became the Official Cruise Partner of "Formula 1".

In August, the entire MSC fleet received "ISO 21070:2017" certification (issued by the International Organization for Standardization) for marine environment protection. The certification specifies the onboard procedures regarding waste management practices (collection, separation, treatment, storage).

For winter 2022-2023 season (December thru April) MSC introduced fly-cruise packages from Brazil to the Caribbean. Via partnerships with Brazilian airlines, MSC provided Brazilian tourists with the opportunity to enjoy affordable 6-hour chartered flights from Sao Paulo (Guarulhos Airport) to Fort-de-France Martinique (Aime Cesaire Airport). In Martinique, they board the ship ( MSC Seaside ) for 7-day roundtrip Caribbean voyages and then fly back to Brazil. MSC's Brazil-to-Caribbean fly cruises are also inclusive of bus transfers (airport-cruise port-airport). The offer was available again for winter season 2023-2024 and again on MSC Seaside.

Company changes 2021

In June 2021 MSC officially launched its luxury brand " Explora Journeys ".

For summer 2021 season (July-October) MSC chartered flights (26000+ seats) to offer fly-cruise packages via partnerships with Europe's largest airlines including Iberia (Spain), Alitalia (Italy), Air France, Eurowings (Germany) and Neos (Italy). This way MSC guaranteed accessible airports and convenient flight times for accessing the homeports (embarkation ports) of 6x ships deployed in the Western Mediterranean (Grandiosa, Seaside), Eastern Mediterranean (Splendida, Orchestra, Magnifica), and the Baltic (Seaview). The package deals were also inclusive of airport-ship bus transfers and COVID health insurance (EUR 25 pp, by Europ Assistance).

On October 6, 2021, MSC opened bookings for Magnifica's Northern European winter 2021-2022 season - the company's first-ever winter season with deployment in the Baltic Sea. Starting on November 14th, the program offered 7-night roundtrips from all call ports in the itinerary (Hamburg, Ijmuiden-Amsterdam, Zeebrugge-Bruges, Le Havre-Paris, Southampton-London) and up to 12-hour port stays.

Company changes 2020

On July 30, 2020, MSC Cruises Ltd and Palumbo Group formed a 50-50 joint venture company to operate Palumbo Malta Shipyard (in Citta Cospicua). The Palumbo shipyard has 4x drydocks and will be used for refurbishments and general maintenance works on MSC ships (passenger and cargo) as well as on other cruise and ferry companies' vessels. The facilities will be updated, including with technologies to handle LNG-powered ships. The deal was signed by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman) and Antonio Palumbo (Palumbo Group's founder and Chairman).

In late-November 2020, MSC signed a long-term agreement with ABP Southampton for preferential docking rights. The deal starts in summer 2021 with the homeporting of MSC Magnifica at Southampton's newest/5th passenger terminal. By this agreement, every year MSC has to homeport at least one ship in Southampton.

Company changes 2019

In May 2019, MSC became the industry's first mainstream cruise shipping company with a permanent office in Canada (Mississauga, Ontario). MSC Cruises Canada's new office is served by 15 employees (full-time staff) led by Ian Patterson (Country Manager). With the Canadian office, MSC also launched two new websites - MSCCruises.ca (for consumers) and MSCbook.com/ca (for travel agents). Both websites debuted in English and were later upgraded with French language versions. MSC Cruises Canada has a bilingual call center and provides bilingual materials (brochures, flyers) for potential clients and travel agencies.

In early-December 2019, MSC signed with Japanet a 5-year sponsorship deal for V-Varen Nagasaki - Japanese professional football club owned by Japanet (TV shopping channel). As of 2020, the company also partners with the professional football clubs Chelsea FC ( London England ), Paris Saint-Germain FC ( Paris France ) and SSC Napoli ( Naples Italy ).

Company changes 2018

Since September 2018, MSC has an exclusive partnership with "Mohegan Sun" - Uncasville (Connecticut USA)-based casino/gambling complex operated by Mohegan Tribe and located on reservation land along Thames River. By this deal are matched MSC's loyalty program (Voyager's Club) with Mohegan Sun's Momentum program. Momentum members receive exclusive cruise perks (including booking discounts, priority embarkation-disembarkation, onboard amenities). MSC's shipboard casino program offers customers the chance to play on over 1300 different slot machines fleetwide, plus various table games. Onboard casino rewards also include specialty dining, spa treatments, booking discounts. Mohegan Sun loyalty program members receive the corresponding MSC status based on their current casino card levels.

In mid-October 2018, MSC planned to eliminate single-use plastics fleetwide by March 2019. The list of such items includes bags, cups, cutlery, toothpicks, aprons, stir pins, drink mixers, coffee lids. By the end of 2018, they will be replaced with 100% compostable and biodegradable substitutes made of renewable resources (corn-based polylactic acid, paper, bamboo, other organic materials. In addition, shipboard drinks are no longer served with straws.

In late-November 2018, MSC signed an exclusive partnership with Chelsea Football Club to become its official global cruise partner (January 2019 thru June 2024). The deal includes LED advertising at Stamford Bridge (football stadium in Fulham/west London). By the agreement, Chelsea FC representatives attended MSC Bellissima 's naming ceremony (March 2019) and on the new ship was also displayed Chelsea FC memorabilia.

In 2015, MSC ordered 4 newbuilds from STX France and Fincantieri Italy , with an option for 3 more units. The first two vessels were delivered in 2017 - Meraviglia (May) and Seaside (November).

On February 1, 2016, MSC announced it would build two "Meraviglia Plus"-class units, with max capacity 6300 passengers. The newbuilds ( Grandiosa /2019, Virtuosa /2021, Euribia /2023) have 200 additional cabins and are 16 m (50 ft) longer compared to Meraviglia-class (2444 staterooms). The last unit's/Euribia's construction started on June 28, 2021.

The first Meraviglia-Plus vessel was delivered in November 2019 (Grandiosa), the second - in February 2021 (Virtuosa). Meraviglia-Plus features include the first-at-sea Fine Art Museum with original artworks, an additional space allowing bigger indoor Promenade (length 111 m / 36 ft), two additional restaurants, and a larger outdoor LED screen (95x6 m / 280x20 ft). MSC signed an exclusive partnership with both Samsung (providing the technology) and Cirque du Soleil (live show programming).

In November 2017, MSC ordered 2 more (Seaside-EVO class) units from Fincantieri (contract value EUR 1,8 billion). They are bigger (16 m longer, 17330 GT-tons larger, capacity 467 more passengers) in comparison to Seaview-Seaside. Their deliveries were scheduled for 2021 May ( Seashore ) and 2022 November ( Seascape ).

In early-August 2018, MSC signed an agreement for EUR 1,5 billion (USD 1,74B) for financing both Seaside-EVO liners. The financing was via a partnership with a syndicate of lender banks (Unicredit, BNP Paribas, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti). Fully backing the credit line was the Italian export credit agency SACE SIMEST. With the addition of Seaside EVO, MSC had an unprecedented total investment of EUR 10,5 billion into 12 new vessels with scheduled deliveries by 2026.

On November 30, 2017 (during Seaside's launch) the company Marlink (world's largest independent satellite Internet provider) provided over 0,5 gigabit per second throughput on its Sealink VSAT network. Seaside's record-breaking Internet speed was enabled on Intelsat's new EpicNG satellites. Marlink is MSC fleet's provider of satellite Internet via optimized "cloud of bandwidth". As of 2017, Marlink had as part of its Sealink network 25 satellites and 32 overlapping beams.

On June 14, 2018, MSC signed with STX France shipbuilding order for the 5th Meraviglia-Class unit (delivery in 2023, dual-fuel LNG -powered engines ). With this order, MSC had 13 newbuilds under construction or on order (2017-2026), of which 5x LNG-powered. The announcement was made at St-Nazaire yard. The ceremony was attended by Bruno Le Maire French Minister of Economy and Finance) and Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC's Executive Chairman). The event celebrated 3 major milestones - Virtuosa's steel-cutting, Grandiosa's keel-laying and Bellissima's float-out. For the first time in the shipyard's history, 3 vessels of a single shipowner were simultaneously under construction.

On October 18, 2018, MSC signed with Fincantieri an MoA agreement for 4x EXPLORA class ultra-luxury expedition ships. The contract's total value was EUR 2+ billion. Compared to the company's "liner fleet", the EXPLORA units are smaller (GT 64,000 tons, 500 staterooms). The first boat enters service in 2023, and the remaining 3 will be launched one per year (2024-2025-2026). The signing ceremony was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO).

A curious fact is that Sophia Loren (1934-born Italian film actress) is MSC's traditional Godmother, naming each newbuild since 2003 ( MSC Lirica ).

(NEW) MSC Silenseas ships by STX France

On January 20, 2020, MSC and Chantiers de l'Atlantique (STX France) signed an MoU for the development of a sail-based (wind-powered) prototype of a cruise liner. The new class will be based on the Silenseas concept (introduced by STX France in 2018) that represents hybrid propulsion combining sails with dual-fuel marine engines.

MSC's new cruise vessel will be able to sail with min wind speed 15 knots (28 kph) and wind angle 50+ degrees. The currently considered design features GT tonnage 23,000, LOA length 210 m (689 ft), passenger capacity 300 (150 staterooms).

The sailing ship can reach speeds of 12 knots (14 mph / 22 kph) under sail in 15 knots (17 mph / 28 kph) winds. In winds over 15 knots, the vessel's propellers will be used, acting as a turbine that draws power from the sails. On Caribbean Sea routes, the new technology could reduce propulsion energy by 60%.

STX France's sail-ship design was developed for 3 vessel sizes, the biggest being 15,000 GT tons vessel with LOA length 190 m (620 ft) and 150 passenger staterooms. The French shipbuilding company started research in sail propulsion in 2009, Silenseas has technology patents (2009 and 2017) for the new sail. The unit is made from fiberglass, carbon and epoxy-resin panels. Similar is the concept of Peace Boat's new vessel Ecoship (built by Arctech Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland ).

STX France's new wind-power technology was trialed on the Ponant -owned superyacht Le Ponant , on which one of the existing sails was replaced and the new technology tested.

Shipboard safety

In October 2017, MSC Cruises installed on Meraviglia a modern "Man Overboard Detection System". The company also announced its plans to install such systems fleetwide.

This is an intelligent video capturing, image processing and analysis system that was tested and tuned on the cruise ship for over 25,000 hours, resulting in confirmed accuracy level of 97%. The real-time video data (provided by the ship's HD CCTVs) is monitored and analyzed in a central security center by 2 independent image processing systems, which significantly lowers false alerts.

When the alarm activates (in a man overboard case), light and acoustic signals notify the ship's security officer who can immediately review the recorded video and notify the Navigation Bridge crew to start a rescue operation.

MSC WORLD-Class liners

On April 6, 2017, during the Meraviglia ship's delivery ceremony at STX France shipyard (Saint-Nazaire) , MSC signed a new ship construction MoU ("memorandum of understanding") with STX France for a new series of 4 vessels (WORLD Class) at a total cost EUR 4.5 billion. The ship's order was signed on May 31, 2017.

WORLD Class MSC vessels are with a max capacity of 6761 passengers. The number of staterooms is 2632 ( passenger capacity 5264 lower berths). The building cost (per unit) is EUR 1,125 billion, the shipbuilder is STX France.

Each unit has Gross Tonnage/volume 215,863 (GT tons), LOA length 333 m (1093 ft), waterline beam/width 41 m/135 ft (max width 54 m/177 ft), height 75 m (245 ft), draft 9,2 m (31 ft).

Among these liners' key features are latest generation LNG-powered marine engines , new wastewater treatment plants, ultra-modern marine architecture with a Y-shaped superstructure (better panoramic views, significantly increased number of balcony staterooms), G-bow hull (vertically positioned / at a 90-degree angle, improving the vessel's stability and hydrodynamics/fuel efficiency), family-themed "villages", panoramic aft pool, glass-covered pool deck.

The first ships from the WORLD series were inaugurated in 2022 Dec ( MSC World Europa ) and 2025 April ( MSC World America ). The two optional vessels were ordered in November 2023 and scheduled for deliveries in 2026 May ( MSC World Asia ) and 2027 February (MSC World tbn). There is also an option for a 5th unit from this class.

In January 2016, MSC signed a partnership with Samsung for the latest technology equipment upgrade fleetwide. Among the provided by Samsung equipment are top-line flat HDTVs (for passenger cabins), LED screens and digital signage boards (in public areas), specialized medical equipment (for onboard hospitals), augmented reality mirrors, printing solutions.

In April 2018, the company introduced its new "Family Explorer Club" excursions program with expected over 250,000 children on cruises in 2018. The new tour program is designed to involve kids and their parents on custom-made shore excursions. The first boat offering this program was Divina. The new interactive land tour experiences are themed on the destination's history and each tour features a local historical character symbolic to that destination/city. Teams are equipped with digital explorer maps, detailed instructions for the mission, and kids receive stickers for every accomplished task. On these family-only tours, kids are booked half-price. Excursions usually start later in the morning and have a max duration of 4 hours.

MSC private islands (Sir Bani Yas, Ocean Cay)

In December 2015, MSC unveiled plans to develop an "unprecedented exclusive marine reserve island experience in the Bahamas". The USD 200-million project was launched in Nassau , where The Bahamas' Prime Minister and MSC's Executive Chairman signed a 100-year lease agreement, enabling MSC Cruises to occupy and develop the island - officially named Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve .

Ocean Cay was a 2-year long, USD 200 million project. The island is sized 95 acres / 38 hectares (0,38 km2 / 0,15 mi2) and is the world's only private marine reserve. It has a 3470 m (11400 ft) long beachfront across 6 beaches, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is the biggest Caribbean private island development done by a cruise company. An interesting fact is that when the MSC ship is berthed in Ocean Cay, all its onboard facilities and services (including the casino) stay open and operational. Ocean Cay Island is surrounded by 64 mi2 (166 km2) of protected waters with coral reefs and ~90 different fish species.

In June 2016, MSC officially announced the exclusive "beach oasis" for MSC cruiseship tourists on roundtrips from UAE ( Abu Dhabi and Dubai ) starting winter 2016-2017. The 2,5 km (1,5 mi) stretch of land on Sir Bani Yas Island features shaded cabanas, hundreds of palm trees and 2000+ sunbeds across 36,000 m2 (387,500 ft2) of sand beaches. Other facilities and amenities available on the island include food and drink bars, MSC Aurea Spa (wellness complex, massages), sports facilities (beach volleyball, tennis), family-kids playground area (with pergola / outdoor garden for parrents), Bedouin tent (selling hand-made local arts and crafts), lounge space (live music, full-service bar), exclusive beaches (with VIP areas and cabanas).

The MSC island development is on a smaller isle connected to the main island by wooden boardwalk allowing exclusive access to MSC passengers. MSC worked closely with ecologists and the Abu Dhabi Port Authorities for over 2 years to develop the island and support the ongoing preservation work. The isle is one of the region's largest wildlife reserves due to decades of conservation works and ecological investments to maintain its biodiversity. The "Arabian Wildlife Park" on the main island is home to over 13,000 endangered and indigenous animals, as well as millions of plants and trees.

The first cruise to Sir Bani Yas Island departed on December 3, 2016 (visiting the island on December 5th). Prices started from USD 720 per person (7-night itinerary on MSC Fantasia ). In July 2016, Costa Cruises announced that Sir Bani Yas Island will be added as a 1-day stopover (port of call) during season 2016-2017 on Costa neoRiviera . In 2017-2018, neoRiviera was replaced in Dubai by Costa Mediterranea . Costa passengers have access to a private (Costa exclusive) beach with VIP areas with cabanas.

Among the island's shore excursion options are jeep safaris in the wildlife park, sea kayaking, diving and snorkeling tours.

MSC Cruises Asia

In mid-January 2018, MSC announced a new partnership with China's largest online payment platform "Alipay". The deal offers mobile payments fleetwide - on all MSC vessels deployed in Asia. It allows customers to pay for onboard purchases. In November 2017, the Alipay option was introduced on MSC Lirica. Next ship with Alipay technology was MSC Splendida - homeported in Shanghai China since May 2018.

Since May 2017, all Costa Asia -managed cruise vessels (of all Carnival Corporation brands) allow use Alipay payment services onboard. The partnership between Carnival Corporation and Ant Financial Services Group (a subsidiary of Alibaba, China's biggest online trading company) enables Chinese cruise passengers on all Carnival Corp ships in Asia to pay for onboard services and products using their Alipay (mobile payment platform) accounts. Among these onboard services and products are shopping, tours/excursions, food, and drinks. These expenditures are added to the passenger's cabin folio, then cleared via his/her Alipay account on a nightly basis.

(NEW) MSC kids programming

In November 2019, on Grandiosa (fleet's flagship) MSC introduces a new kids' entertainment program featuring hundreds of hours (per week) of themed activities. For children and teens is allocated up to 700 m2 (7535 ft2) of shipboard space with separate rooms for different age groups. The activities include virtual gaming (consoles and arcade machines), large aqua parks with slides, treasure hunts, trivia games, themed parties, supervised playgrounds (indoor and outdoor).

Starting with Grandiosa, MSC now offers 3 new activities for children (MSC Dance Crew, The Drone Academy, Spy Mission) plus a new web series targeting teenagers.

• "MSC Dance Crew" is developed via partnership with FremantleMedia - the company behind the TV show franchises "The X Factor", "Idols" and "Got Talent". The new music competition experience is based on teams of 12-17-year-old children battling to win the title "dance crew of the year".
• "The Drone Academy" is via partnership with The Department ( London UK -based event agency). The high-tech drone racing activities take place in the ship's Sportsplex and happen at night due to flicker effects and the glowing drones. Teens (battling in teams) are previously trained on drone piloting. The race is at the 390 m2 (4200 ft2) sized arena and includes navigating 15 obstacles in the fastest time possible.
• "Spy Mission" is MSC's first activity where kids play a central role. They are led through different scenes (throughout the ship) to unravel storylines, follow clues and solve the mystery in order to win prizes.
• "Cabin 12006" is MSC's new teen-targeting web series tha follows "Kelly and Kloe Onboard" - run for 3 years (2016-2019) with 5+ million views online. Filming the "Cabin 12006" episodes is currently underway on Bellissima (March 2019-inaugurated).

MSC wedding cruise deals

Since 2015, MSC Cruises has a new cruise wedding program available on Caribbean itineraries. The program offers onboard marriages (also ashore) in several Caribbean port destinations, including Nassau Bahamas, Bridgetown Barbados, Grand Cayman Island, Falmouth Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico, San Juan Puerto Rico, Philipsburg St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie St Thomas, and also Miami (on the embarkation day only).

MSC partnered with the wedding-planning company "The Wedding Experience" and offers cruise wedding packages with prices starting from USD 1600 (onboard) and USD 2200 (ashore) weddings. MSC's basic wedding package includes a pre-cruise event manager, a ceremony coordinator, 1 bottle of Champagne, 1 cake for two, 1 bridal bouquet, 1-hour photo session.

Event planners work with the couples to handle all the details (weddings and vow renewals). Also provided are wedding consultants and ceremony coordinators. Onboard / ashore receptions and ceremonies offer various options - video/photo packages, fresh flowers, themed music, food and drink packages, also specialty items (personalized stationaries for invitations) and ground transportation for ashore events.

Couples booking groups of 13 or more cabins receive a complimentary balcony stateroom. Couples booking groups of 30 or more cabins receive a complimentary suite. Complimentary Yacht Club stateroom is offered for 50 or more booked cabins. Onboard ceremonies can be attended by up to 150 non-cruising guests.

MSC Cruises' first ship to offer onboard weddings was MSC Divina.

MSC cruise booking and cancellation policy changes

In July 2017, MSC changed the company's cruise booking policy. It now requires final payments to be made 30 days earlier - from 60-days to 90-days prior departure.

• Cancellations made 89-61 days prior departure result in losing the non-refundable deposit.
• Cancellations between 46-60 days prior departure result in paying 50% of the original price.
• Cancellations between 16-45 days prior departure result in paying 75% of the original price.
• Cancellations made 15 days or less prior departure result in paying the full cruise price.

Since April 2, 2019, tips (gratuities) are included into MSC cruise fares for all UK and Ireland passengers.

On February 1, 2019, MSC officially revealed the in-cabin digital assistant ZOE. The technology ("cruise industry first") was developed by Harman International (US-based company, fully-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics). Harman International has developed digital audio solutions for major corporations (Including Google, Microsoft, Amazon).

• ZOE is an artificial intelligence device (voice-enabled, with advanced voice recognition software) available in all passenger staterooms.
• ZOE speaks 7 languages, answers cruise-related questions, provides info on shipboard services-activities-facilities, makes reservations and bookings.
• The digital device features far-field microphones, top-quality speaker, quad-core processor (for fast response times), direct phone connection (through Bluetooth). The system can also upgrade its own database to answer previously unanswerable questions.
• Passenger data (including itinerary/tour and shipboard preferences) is stored in Cloud Storage system and used on the next scheduled voyage.
• The device (sized ~15 cm) can be activated whenever passengers choose. A waiver must be signed to agree for their personal data to be stored.

Starting with Bellissima (2019), ZOE will be available on all newbuild MSC liners - including Grandiosa (2019) and Virtuosa (2020) - and introduced fleetwide over 2019-2024.

"MSC for Me" - fleetwide Digital Innovation Program 2017-2018

Each of the MSC cruise ships is fitted with thousands of connectivity points, digital access points, iBeacons (Bluetooth) and hundreds of interactive digital screens throughout the ship. In all staterooms are implemented RFID (radio-frequency identification) and NFC (near-field communication) access technologies.

The new program is implemented fleetwide but was first introduced on MSC Meraviglia . The ship, launched in June 2017, was fitted with a total of 114 Interactive screens, 244 info screens, 31 virtual screens, 81 video wall monitors, 3050 iBeacons, 700 WAPs (wireless access points), 1200 CCTV cameras.

MSC digitalization program's main features are:

• The apps implement facial recognition technology and interactive/smart bracelets by Samsung.
• Digital Concierge app - passengers can reserve/book onboard services, restaurants and shore excursions in real-time. The app is real-time and 24-hour, connecting MSC customers to the company's experienced staff online.
• Capture - virtual reality tool to preview the cruise itinerary, create personal photo galleries, online sharing.
• Organizer - a cruise planning tool used at mobile devices. It provides detailed information and also allows pre-booking (tours, theatre seats, dinner table, etc) before ship embarkation (pre-cruise booking) and while onboard (realtime cruise planner).
• Navigation - Interactive map (way finder) provides advice (scheduled events, opening hours, etc) and directions while on the ship. The app also allows real-time kids monitoring (via bracelets).
• TailorMade - digital advisor for personal recommendations based on the passenger's preferences (interactive gaming, gambling, culinary, recreational, entertainment, etc).
• Passengers can always opt out of all these connected ("Internet of things" / IoT) services offered.
• All passenger staterooms are fitted with door locks with built-in keypads (Samsung SHS-1321 NFC Ring).

MSC fitness cruise packages

Since 2017, MSC Cruises offers an upgraded fleetwide onboard wellness experience via a partnership with TechnoGym. It is part of the company's cruise fare-inclusive offers that can be chosen upon booking.

• The new program starts with an online questionnaire determining the customer's specific wellness goals, aspects of a healthy lifestyle (exercises, healthy diet, weight loss).
• The new wellness program is linked with the company's fitness-themed cruises . It also includes one-time personal trainer consultation. Personal training sessions are available onboard at extra cost.
• Also included are themed shore excursions (jogging, hiking, cycling), fitness classes (hula hooping, barre, yoga, Pilates).
• Resistance bands and workout mats are provided on the ship for in-cabin use.
• TechnoGym workout gear and laundry service for the exercise clothing are provided on the ship.
• Healthy food menu options are available in the ship's main dining rooms and Lido buffet restaurants.
• Deals are also inclusive of a medical evaluation with the ship's doctor (blood pressure, EKG, lipid panel).
• The new "Wellness Experience" program is operated with a total of 5 fitness cruise packages available for booking. Pricing starts from USD 930 pp (7-night itinerary, Interior Stateroom).

FREE Birthday cruise

In 2017, MSC started offering a new "free cruise deal" for customers celebrating their birthday. in case your birthday falls during select cruises, it is complimentary.

• MSC's free cruise offers are on itineraries in Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic), Asia (Arabian Peninsula /Dubai), Caribbean (West Indies, Cuba). Longer itineraries are available through World Voyages .
• Booked passengers can extend their free birthday cruise and combine itineraries into B2Bs (back to back cruises) from 14 to 22 nights.
• Bookings must have at least one paying passenger and only one free birthday passenger. The birthday of the passenger must fall on one of the itinerary days, but excluding the arrival and departure days.
• Such offers are usually promotions, subject to selected availability and valid for lower cabin categories only (usually excluding Suites).

MSC's "Dolphins Fan Cruise"

MSC Seaside ship's itinerary March 17-24, 2018 (7-day Caribbean and Antilles roundtrip from Miami to Nassau Bahamas, St Thomas USVI, St Johns Antigua) was officially themed "Dolphins Fan Cruise". This special voyage was the result of the 3-year partnership between MSC and the NFL team. The sports-themed voyage will be hosted annually over the next 3 years (2017-2020). The 2018 voyage's prices started at USD 700 per person (balcony cabin rates based on double occupancy).

During these sports cruises, passengers have the opportunity to interact in person with team alumni. The list of pre-scheduled onboard activities includes:

• Meet team's legends Joe Rose, Kim Bokamper, Nat Moore, Patrick Surtain, Sam Madison, Terry Kirby.
• Take autographs from the alumni, and get a photo with the team's cheerleaders.
• Cheer alongside team's cheerleaders and hype up the crowd with the mascot TD (The Dolphin).
• Enjoy special performances by cheer squad and the mascot.
• Get to know former players during Q&A sessions.

On April 28, 2018, the ship hosted the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders for the team's annual calendar photo shoot, with special onboard show programming.

• Via company's "Save & Sail" summer promotion, potential MSC cruise customers had the chance to book a balcony stateroom on the "Cheerleaders voyage" starting at USD 650 pp. The off-promo prices started from USD 1098 pp (Inside Cabin rates with double occupancy).
• Cheerleaders cruise itinerary (April 28 - May 5) was a 7-day roundtrip from Miami to St Maarten Island, Puerto Rico and Bahamas (Nassau).

MSC virtual reality ship tours

Samsung and MSC developed a cutting-edge virtual reality tool for touring MSC cruise liners. The new technology was announced during at Expo Milano 2015 (May 1 through October 31, 2015).

With this innovative technology, MSC made available to the company's top European sellers (travel agencies) a powerful tool for introducing the brand to potential customers. The technology is based on Samsung's "Gear VR" headsets (powered by Oculus) plus a custom-built software app. Potential MSC passengers can walk through any cruise ship in the fleet without setting foot on board. The tool allows "walking" through 6 key onboard areas (including staterooms, restaurants, pools, theatre / also watching a show). The 360-degree sensory experience even brings aromas in the air (when observing an onboard restaurant) - such as fresh-baked bread, fresh fruits, chocolate.

The virtual cruise ship tour technology uses software and hardware by AxedGroup. The virtual ship tour app runs on Samsung Galaxy Note phones. Other experiences include tours of new (prototype) MSC ships *currently under construction).

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, MSC suspended its North American fleet's passenger shipping operations (all US-homeported liners) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through May-June 2021.

European operations resumed in 2020 on August 16 (Grandiosa) and October 19 (Magnifica) but all voyages were eventually canceled. MSC had its fleet fully operational by June 5th, 2022.

Next are listed MSC's first scheduled departure dates by ship/region/homeport - ARMONIA (April 10, 2022/Mediterranean from Venice), BELLISSIMA (July 2021/Red Sea from Jeddah Saudi Arabia), DIVINA (Sept 16, 2021/Bahamas from Port Canaveral), FANTASIA (Nov 7, 2021/Mediterranean-Genoa), GRANDIOSA (Jan 24, 2021/Mediterranean-Genoa), LIRICA (April 12, 2022/Med-Aegean-Athens), MAGNIFICA (June 20, 2021/Adriatic-Greece from Venice), MERAVIGLIA (Aug 2, 2021/Caribbean from Miami), MUSICA (June 5, 2022/Mediterranean from Monfalcone), OPERA (April 24, 2022/Mediterranean-Genoa), ORCHESTRA (June 5, 2021/Adriatic-Greece from Venice), POESIA (April 30, 2022/Med-Baltic repositioning/Rome-Rostock), PREZIOSA (Sept 23, 2021/Mediterranean-Genoa), SEASHORE (Aug 9, 2021/Mediterranean-Naples-Messina-Valletta-Barcelona), SEASCAPE (Nov 19, 2022/ Maiden Voyage /Transatlantic from Rome to NYC New York), SEASIDE (May 1, 2021/Mediterranean-Rome-Genoa), SEAVIEW (July 3, 2021/Kiel Germany), SINFONIA (March 26, 2022/Mediterranean from Venice), SPLENDIDA (June 12, 2021/Adriatic from Trieste), VIRTUOSA (May 20, 2021/UK-British Islands from Southampton), WORLD EUROPA (Dec 21, 2022/ Maiden Voyage /Red Sea from Dubai).

• In early-January 2021 MSC planned to start Mediterranean cruises (with Grandiosa) scheduled between January 24 and March 21. The 7-day itinerary (leaving on Sundays from Genoa) visited Civitavecchia, Palermo, Naples and Valletta (Malta), with embarkation available in all the Italian ports.
• MSC USA's pause (ex-Florida cancellations) affected 3 ships - Meraviglia and Armonia (from Miami) and Divina (from Port Canaveral).
• MSC South America 2021-2022 winter program was canceled (due to Brazil's new policies/ordinance 657) affecting 4 ships (Sinfonia, Orchestra, Preziosa, Splendida).
• LIRICA's Mediterranean 2021 season (7-day roundtrips from Ancona and Venice) was canceled and the liner restarts operations in 2022 (April 11/Aegean from Athens).
• MUSICA's South Africa 2021-2022 program (from Durban) was canceled.
• OPERA's Red Sea 2021-2022 program (from Dubai) was canceled.
• PREZIOSA's 2021 Baltic season (Baltic-Norway from Hamburg) was canceled.
• MSC's 2021-2022/winter South America (Preziosa, Seaview) and Arabia-Dubai (Fantasia) programs were canceled.

All affected bookings received full refunds in FCC (future cruise credit), including on prepurchased through MSC packages and services. With rebooking (made by December 31, 2021) was offered a 125% refund in FCC. Available for rebooking were all departures thru April 30, 2022. Optionally was offered a 100% monetary refund.

Itinerary of MSC Cruises

This section provides a concise review of MSC's current and future cruise itinerary program. The company operates regularly scheduled voyages in Europe (Mediterranean, UK, Baltic), the Caribbean (ex-Florida USA departures), South America, South Africa, Asia, Arabian Gulf.

Currently, MSC has no plans for ship deployments in Alaska, except via the sister brand Explora Journeys .

MSC's Grand Voyages are seasonally offered relocation voyages including Transatlantic crossings (Europe-USA-Caribbean, Europe-South America), Suez Canal (Mediterranean-Arabia/ Dubai UAE ), Mediterranean-Baltic-UK, Europe-South Africa. Cruises to Nowhere MSC offers in South Africa.

Note: An extensive ship relocation schedule you can see at RepositionCruises.com

With its newbuilds , MSC attracts a large number of retirees during winter and targets families with kids during summer and the school holidays. The company's smaller liners offer longer and more exotic itineraries but lack modern kids' facilities as they are tailored to older travelers.

In 2025, MSC starts homeporting in Galveston Texas USA (ship Seascape).

Middle East 2024 Arabian Gulf voyages

MSC Opera 's Arabian/Red Sea deployment in winter 2024-25 (from Dubai) was canceled and replaced with a Canary Islands deployment. In the Canaries, MSC Opera had scheduled 7-night itineraries (November 3, 2024, through March 16, 2025) visiting 6 call ports. Departing roundtrip from  Santa Cruz de Tenerife , the ship visits  Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ,  Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) ,  Funchal (Madeira) ,  Santa Cruz de la Palma , and  Arrecife (Lanzarote)  before returning back to Tenerife. MSC's new Canary Islands itinerary offers flexible homeporting options allowing boarding in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Sundays), Las Palmas (Mondays), Madeira (Thursdays or Fridays) and Arrecife (Saturdays).

MSC Orchestra  is introducing a new Middle East cruise itinerary from  Safaga  in Egypt, featuring 20 seven-night sailings to  Jeddah ,  Aqaba for Petra  in Jordan,  Sharm El-Sheikh , and  Cairo .

Cruises from China

In May 2018, MSC Splendida started service on the Chinese market following its 2017 drydock refurbishment . The China-based ( Shanghai ) itinerary program included destinations in Japan, Korea, China.

MSC offers cruises in China since 2016 (with MSC Lirica ), followed by the deployments of Splendida (2018) and Virtuosa (2022).

In 2024 (April thru September), in China are deployed the MSC ships Bellissima and Splendida. Itineraries are based on homeporting in/roundtrip departures from Shanghai and Shenzhen/Shekou . Bellissima starts from Shenzhen on June 29th, and has scheduled 8x voyages (2- to 5-night in length) visiting Hong Kong and Japan (Okinawa, Yaeyama Islands, Miyako Island). In July-September (2024) Bellissima has scheduled 8x voyages (4- to 6-night) leaving out of Shanghai and visiting Japan (Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Osaka, Okinawa, Shimonoseki).

MSC Caribbean 2024-2025 itineraries

Caribbean and the French Antilles

• 2024/Seascape (PortMiami): 7-night Eastern Caribbean (Ocean Cay and Nassau Bahamas, San Juan, Puerto Plata Dominicana) 7-night Western Caribbean (Ocean Cay, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios Jamaica)
• 2025/Seascape (Galveston TX, departing on Sundays): 7-night Western Caribbean (Mexico's Costa Maya and Cozumel, and Honduras's Roatan Island)
• Meraviglia (Port Canaveral): 3- to 7-night (Nassau and Ocean Cay, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Belize City)
• Divina (PortMiami): 3- to 10-night (Ocean Cay, Belize City, Roatan Honduras, Costa Maya, Ocho Rios, Cartagena Columbia, Colon Panama, Puerto Limon Costa Rica)
• Seaside ( Fort-de-France, French Antilles ): 7-night (Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe, Castries St Lucia, Bridgetown Barbados, St Georges Grenada, Kingstown St Vincent)

Western Mediterranean

• Grandiosa . 7-night (Genoa, Civitavecchia/Rome, Palermo Italy, Valletta Malta, Barcelona Spain, Marseille France)
• Virtuosa : 7-night (Genoa, La Spezia/Florence, Naples, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Marseille
• Lirica (Genoa) 11-night (Civitavecchia, Messina Sicily, Lindos/Rhodes, Heraklion/Crete, Limassol Cyprus, Haifa Israel) 10-night (Ceuta, Malaga, Barcelona, Alicante, Tangier and Casablanca/Marrakech Morocco, Marseille)

South America

• Seashore (Brazil). 7-night (Maceio Salvador & Buzios Brazil)
• Seaview (Rio de Janeiro) 3- to 8-night (Buzios, Ilhabela, Ilha, Grande/Angra dos Reis, Ilheus & Salvador Brazil, ports in Uruguay & Argentina)
• Fantasia (Santos, Brazil) 3- to 7-night (Buzios, Ilha Grande/Angra dos Reis Brazil, Montevideo & Punta Del Este Uruguay, Buenos Aires)
• Armonia (Itajai/Santa Caterina, Brazil) 7-night (Ilhabela Brazil, ports in Uruguay & Argentina)
• Musica (Bueno Aires) Ilhabela, Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Ilha Grande/Angra dos Reis Brazil

South Africa

• Sinfonia (Cape Town) Mossel Bay, Walvis Bay and Ludertize (Namibia).
• Orchestra (Durban) Pomene & Portuguese Island/Inhaca Archipelago (Mozambique), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Cape Town (South Africa)

Middle East

• World Europa (Dubai) 7-night (Abu Dhabi/Dubai, Sir Bani Yas, Dammam/Al Ahsa Oasis Saudi Arabia)
• Opera (Dubai) Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Muscat, Khasab (Oman); 22 separate 7-night sailings in 2023-2024, starting from Dubai and covering ports like Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island,  Khasab in Oman  or  Fujairah in the UAE , the  Omani capital Muscat , and returning to Dubai.
• 17 new 7-night voyages in the Arabian Gulf by  MSC Virtuosa  from Dubai , taking passengers to  Doha in Qatar , the newly added  port of Manama in Bahrain ,  Abu Dhabi ,  Sir Bani Yas Island  in the UAE, and back to Dubai. 
• MSC Orchestra  is offering a new itinerary during the winter 2023-2024 season. Departing from  Safaga in Egypt , she sails on 20 7-night sailings to destinations like  Jeddah  in Saudi Arabia,  Aqaba for Petra  in Jordan, a newly introduced port of call at  Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt ,  Sokhna Port  for  Cairo in Egypt , and back to Safaga. International guests have embarkation options at Safaga, Jeddah, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Sokhna Port.

In 2025 debuts World Europa's sistership MSC World America and both are homeported in  Miami . Out of PortMiami, World America operates on two 7-day roundtrip itineraries - Eastern Caribbean (to  Puerto Plata Dominicana ,  San Juan Puerto Rico , and  Ocean Cay Bahamas ) and Western Caribbean (to Mexico's  Costa Maya  and  Cozumel Mexico ,  Isla Roatan Honduras , and Ocean Cay). World America's Maiden Voyage departs Miami on April 12, 2025 (Eastern Caribbean).

Winter 2025-2026 itineraries from the USA

In May 2024, MSC unveiled an expansion of ex-USA operations planned for winter 2025-2026 season.

The program is based on four homeports and seven ships leaving roundtrip from three states - Florida ( Miami  and  Port Canaveral ), New York ( NYC ) and Texas ( Galveston ).

Season's key highlight is the debut of MSC Grandiosa ship in Port Canaveral - the first USA-based Meraviglia-Plus class vessel. Grandiosa offers alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, while MSC Seashore ship (also from Port Canaveral) offers short breaks (3- and 4-night) to The Bahamas ( Nassau and Ocean Cay ).

In 2025, MSC starts operations from Texas (Galveston) with MSC Seascape ship offering 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries.

MSC World America ship (launched April 2025) embarks on its first season from Miami.

The other two USA-based MSC ships are MSC Divina (from Miami) and MSC Meraviglia (from New York City to Florida-Bahamas).

Summer 2026 Mediterranean itineraries

From May to October 2026, MSC Cruises' fleet of 9 elegant ships offers journeys to iconic destinations as well as off-the-beaten-path gems, blending relaxation, exploration, culture, and entertainment seamlessly.

• Valencia, Spain , entices with its vibrant port city charm, historical richness, and lively nightlife. Guests can explore cobblestone streets steeped in Spanish heritage, indulge in culinary delights like tapas and paella, and bask in the beauty of Playa de Las Arenas beach.  MSC Fantasia  and  MSC Seaside  offer 7-night itineraries departing from Valencia and Genoa, respectively.
• Livorno, Italy , a coastal gem in Tuscany, boasts historical marvels, fascinating museums, and mouthwatering seafood. From Livorno, travelers can easily visit Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, or marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. MSC Fantasia and  MSC Grandiosa  offer 7-night itineraries departing from Livorno and Valencia, respectively.
• Barcelona, Spain , thrives during the summer months with its festivals, beaches, and cultural attractions. From world-class museums to the architectural wonders of Gaudí, Barcelona promises a vibrant experience.  MSC Seaview  and  MSC World Europa  offer 7-night itineraries departing from Barcelona and Genoa, respectively.
• Palermo, Italy , the capital of Sicily, blends Norman architecture, Baroque churches, and bustling markets. Exploring its labyrinthine streets reveals a rich tapestry of history and culture. MSC Seaside and MSC Grandiosa offer 7-night itineraries departing from Genoa and Livorno, respectively.
• Ibiza, Spain , renowned for its beauty and nightlife, offers more than just revelry. From the charming Ciutat d’Eivissa to the stunning views atop Montserrat, Ibiza captivates with its diverse offerings.  MSC Musica  and MSC Seaside offer 7-night itineraries departing from Civitavecchia and Genoa, respectively.
• Cadiz, Spain , the oldest city in Western Europe, boasts a rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and delectable cuisine. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the nearby Donana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  MSC Orchestra  offers 10-night itineraries departing from Genoa that include a stop in Cadiz.
• Naples, Italy , a vibrant city on the southern coast, enchants with its historic treasures and proximity to Pompeii and the island of Capri. Guests can explore ancient ruins or bask in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. MSC World Europa, MSC Grandiosa, and  MSC Divina  offer 7-night itineraries departing from Genoa, Livorno, and Civitavecchia, respectively.
• Cannes, France , epitomizes glamour and Mediterranean allure, boasting pristine beaches, upscale boutiques, and the renowned Cannes Film Festival. Exploring the city’s old town, Le Suquet, offers a glimpse into its rich history. MSC Musica and MSC Seaview offer 7-night itineraries departing from Civitavecchia and Barcelona, respectively.

MSC Cuba cruises from Havana

In January 2016 MSC became the first major cruise line to homeport in Havana, with MSC Opera (sailing to Jamaica, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands) while MSC Armonia operated on 8-day/7-night itineraries, visiting ports in Central America and the Caribbean:

• 8-day roundtrip from Havana visited Roatan (Honduras), Belize City (Belize), Costa Maya (Mexico), Isla de la Juventud (Cuba)
• 8-day roundtrip from Havana visited Montego Bay (Jamaica), George Town (Grand Cayman) and Cozumel (Mexico).
• Both itineraries were combinable into a 14-night roundtrip Havana back-to-back cruise .

Cuban itineraries on MSC Opera were roundtrips from Havana .

Note: According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuba-born Americans were denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government to allow ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba cruises in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-minute JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

IMPORTANT: On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled cruise itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.

(NEW) PortMiami MSC Terminal AAA

In July 2018, Miami-Dade County and MSC signed an agreement for extended preferential berthing rights and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the building of a new Cruise Terminal AAA at Port Miami .

Port Miami is MSC's exclusive homeport in the USA. The new agreement extended the existing Saturday preferential MSC berthing rights also to Sundays. Additionally, the new cruise terminal (completed in October 2022) was projected to be able to accommodate MSC's largest World Class ships (carrying up to 7000 pax).

As of November 2019, MSC Cruises' largest ship, MSC Meraviglia joins the other 3 ships at PortMiami.

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The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

The MSC Cruises fleet has grown enormously in recent years. As recently as early 2017, the line had just 12 ships in operation. But it's been adding new cruise vessels at a blistering pace, and it now operates 22 vessels. Three more are on the way in the next few years.

As a result of the growth, MSC Cruises recently passed Norwegian Cruise Line to become the world's third-biggest cruise brand when measured by passenger capacity. Only Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are bigger.

Like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival, MSC Cruises operates a wide range of ship styles and designs. The line's newest ships are among the largest ever built by any line. Eight MSC Cruises vessels rank among the world's 20 biggest cruise vessels . But not all MSC Cruises ships are supersized. MSC Cruises also operates quite a few relatively smaller, intimate vessels.

For more cruise guides, reviews and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Indeed, four MSC Cruises ships are less than a third the size of its biggest ship (the recently unveiled MSC World Europa ) and rank among the smallest of cruise ships operated by the major mass-market lines. That means you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the perfect MSC Cruises ship for you.

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options is that the 22 ships in the MSC Cruises fleet can easily be bunched into just six groups of vessels that have similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

These six groups, made up of ships constructed around the same time to the same basic design, are known in cruise industry lingo as "classes," and each has its own look and feel.

An introduction to MSC Cruises ships

As noted above, MSC Cruises is now the world's third largest cruise line, after several years of rapid growth. Not including pulldown bunks and pullout sofas, the line's 22 ships have 77,832 berths — about 24,000 more than Norwegian's fleet. And the growth won't be slowing anytime soon. Three more giant new MSC Cruises vessels are on order for delivery over the next few years that will add another 15,000 berths.

At its current pace of growth, MSC Cruises soon could pass Carnival to become the world's second-biggest line.

The grand dame of the MSC Cruises fleet is its recently unveiled MSC World Europa. At 215,863 tons, it's the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever built and the first of a new series of so-called World Class vessels that are nearly as big as Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships and soon-to-debut Icon Class ships (the world's biggest cruise ships).

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

The next-biggest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet are its also-recently-unveiled Meraviglia Class vessels: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia. Similar in design, these five ships aren't quite as big as MSC World Europa, but they're right up there when it comes to size, amenities and passenger capacity.

MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia, which debuted in 2019, 2021 and 2023, respectively, are a tad longer than MSC Bellissima and MSC Meraviglia and are considered a subset of the class known as Meraviglia Plus. They each can hold 4,842 passengers at double occupancy — 6,334 passengers if every last pulldown bunk and pullout sofa is filled.

The other two Meraviglia Class ships, which date to 2019 and 2017, respectively, can carry more than 5,600 passengers with every berth filled.

In addition to these five giants, MSC Cruises also operates four large Seaside Class ships that each have a total capacity of 5,336 to 5,632 passengers.

Add those in, and MSC Cruises operates 10 of the world's 35 biggest cruise ships.

The line also operates four somewhat smaller Fantasia Class vessels that can each hold around 4,400 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an MSC Cruises ship

Together, the 14 World, Meraviglia, Seaside and Fantasia Class vessels make up MSC Cruises' big-ship fleet. The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are considerably smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,700 to 3,200 passengers.

The eight smaller ships, which in general are the line's older ships, allow MSC Cruises to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of the World Class or Meraviglia Class vessels, although even the biggest MSC Cruises ships are still designed to be able to call at most ports around the world.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of MSC Cruises fans who are willing to give up some onboard amenities in exchange for intimacy. They're also usually less expensive on a per-day basis.

In addition to all of the above, MSC Group — the line's parent company — has announced plans for yet another class of big ships to start arriving later this decade, though there have been few details released. MSC Group also is developing a series of small luxury vessels that'll operate under a separate brand to be called Explora Journeys.

World Class

Ships in class: MSC World Europa (2022); MSC World America (coming in 2025); unnamed (coming in 2026); unnamed (coming in 2027).

Size: 215,863 tons.

If you love nothing better than a big, bustling resort with every sort of amusement known to humans, this is the MSC Cruises ship class for you. Currently, only one ship is sailing, but another will debut soon, with two more on the way.

While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class and Icon Class vessels (the world's largest floating megaresorts), the World Class ships are not far behind in grandeur and amenities. They are bigger and more amenity-filled than any vessel you'll find at such rival big-ship lines as Norwegian, Carnival and Princess. Only Royal Caribbean has ships of the same scale.

Unveiled in the final days of 2022 (so close to year's end that we considered it a new vessel for 2023 when we listed the year's most exciting new ships ), MSC World Europa can hold up to 6,762 passengers — almost as many as can fit on Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class vessels — and that's a big deal.

This is the first time in the 14-year history of the record-breaking Oasis Class series that a vessel has come close to the Royal Caribbean ships in passenger capacity or size. MSC World Europa offers a major new option for cruisers who love being on the biggest, most amenity-packed vessels.

At 215,863 tons, MSC World Europa is about 4% to 8% smaller than the five Oasis Class ships. But by one measure, it's even bigger. MSC World Europa is 21 decks high — three decks higher than the Oasis Class vessels.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking the right cruise for you

As for its onboard offerings, MSC Cruises took a page from Royal Caribbean's playbook by breaking down the public areas of MSC World Europa into districts. They include an adults-only "Zen district" and a separate "family district" that houses as many as 10 new kids' facilities. There also is a central interior promenade with entertainment, shops and bars.

Additionally, MSC World Europa has six pools and 14 hot tubs, making it one of the most pool-covered ships at sea. The watery offerings include an Aquapark with multiple waterslides that integrate virtual reality technology. There is also a family sun deck.

MSC World Europa has 13 dining venues, including the new-for-the-line Chef's Garden Kitchen (an outlet focused on microgreens) and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. In a twist, the ship has three separate buffet restaurants, each with its own ambiance.

Drinking spots include a two-deck English-style pub dubbed Masters of the Sea Pub, which serves beer made on board. There's also a new gin bar, a first for MSC Cruises.

MSC World Europa is just the first of at least four World Class vessels that MSC Cruises plans to unveil over the next few years. The next ship in the series, MSC World America, is due in 2025 and is scheduled to be deployed in Florida . Two more World Class vessels are scheduled for completion in 2026 and 2027.

Seaside Class

Ships in class: MSC Seaside (2017); MSC Seaview (2018); MSC Seashore (2021); MSC Seascape (2022).

Size: 153,516 to 170,412 tons.

Looking for a megaship specifically designed for cruising in warm-weather locales such as the Caribbean? The ships in this class could be the answer.

The four vessels in MSC Cruises' Seaside Class feature layouts with lots of outdoor spaces for sunning, strolling and bar-hopping.

Each of the Seaside Class ships boasts an unusually broad, uncovered, outdoor promenade on Deck 8 that offers close contact with the ocean and a Miami Beach-like pool area at the back of the same deck that's surrounded by loungers. Another pool and lounge area at the top of each ship is connected to the lower pool area by glass-enclosed elevators.

The latter pool area at the top of each of the ships is, notably, topped by dual zip lines that run from funnel to stern — at 345 feet the longest at sea. A third pool area is located at the top of the ship toward its center (this one with a closeable roof), and there's a fourth pool area in the ship's exclusive suite area, the MSC Yacht Club.

Put it all together, and the Seaside Class vessels have the highest ratio of outdoor space per passenger of any of the MSC Cruises ships, according to the line.

As is typical for the biggest megaships, Seaside vessels also have a wide range of restaurants, bars and lounges. Among nine distinct eateries are two main dining rooms, two buffet eateries, a pan-Asian restaurant, sushi bar, Teppanyaki eatery, American steakhouse and seafood restaurant. There are more than a dozen bars.

Related: Don't miss these loyalty perks when sailing with MSC Cruises

All of the ships also have a water park with waterslides and a hanging bridge feature, a sports court, Formula 1 race car simulators, virtual arcade games and bowling and an XD cinema (featuring 3D movies plus immersive special effects, such as moving seats).

In addition, each of the vessels has a large spa, casino, disco, theater and library with a pool table.

Measuring 153,516 to 170,412 tons, the Seaside Class ships are a tad smaller than the biggest MSC Cruises ships (see the World Class, above, and Meraviglia Class, below).

MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview can carry 4,132 passengers at double occupancy (5,336 passengers with every berth filled).

MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape are slightly bigger versions of the first two ships in the series that are part of a subclass called Seaside EVO (EVO stands for "evolution"). They each can hold 4,540 passengers at double occupancy (5,877 with every berth filled).

Meraviglia Class

Ships in class: MSC Meraviglia (2017); MSC Bellissima (2019); MSC Grandiosa (2019); MSC Virtuosa (2021); MSC Euribia (2023).

Size: 171,598 to 181,541 tons.

Until late 2022, these were the biggest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, and they're still giant by any standard. If you're a fan of big, bustling resorts that are loaded with all sorts of amusements, they should be on your short list among MSC Cruises vessels, along with the World Class ships.

Nineteen decks high and 1,036 feet long, the first two ships in the Meraviglia Class — MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima — are chock full of 30 bars, lounges, eateries and snack outlets (so many there's little chance you'll get to them all on a single sailing).

The next three ships in the series — MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia — offer even more outlets. They are slightly stretched versions of the first two ships, a subclass of the series known as Meraviglia Plus.

All five of the vessels are built around a grand interior promenade that's home to restaurants, bars and shops. The promenade is covered in an innovative "digital sky" made with LED screens.

All of the ships also have a giant pool deck, a water park and a sprawling amusement area with race car simulators, a flight simulator and an XD cinema.

What you won't find on the Meraviglia Class ships is intimacy. These are vessels that can carry as many as 6,334 passengers when every berth is filled. They each operate with up to 1,704 crew members. That means you could be sharing your vacation with more than 8,000 people.

Fantasia Class

Ships in class: MSC Fantasia (2008); MSC Splendida (2009); MSC Divina (2012); MSC Preziosa (2013).

Size: 137,936 to 139,400 tons.

Back in 2008, when the ships in this series began debuting, they were among the biggest cruise vessels in the world, and they still are relatively large by cruise ship standards — if not quite as big as the latest MSC Cruises ships.

While no longer on the list of the top 20 biggest cruise vessels — indeed, they barely crack the top 60 these days, thanks to a flood of bigger ships in recent years — they offer a classic big-ship experience with lots of restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions.

On each of the Fantasia Class ships, you'll find five separate pools (including one with a retractable roof that is perfect for rainy days), 12 whirlpools, a waterslide, XD cinema, sports court, squash court, Formula 1 race car simulator and extensive children's program areas.

In addition, each of the vessels has a large spa, casino, disco, outdoor cinema and multiple showrooms, lounges and bars.

One notable difference between the Fantasia Class ships and the new Meraviglia Class and Seaside Class ships is that they have fewer dining options. You'll find two main restaurants on each of these vessels, a main buffet, a separate self-service food area with pizza and an American-style steakhouse.

At 137,936 to 139,400 tons, the Fantasia Class ships are about 36% smaller than the line's new MSC World Europa and its coming World Class sisters, a significant step down in size. They're about 23% smaller than the Meraviglia Class ships.

They also carry significantly fewer passengers than the World Class and Meraviglia Class ships. MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida carry 3,274 passengers at double occupancy (4,363 with every berth filled). The slightly bigger MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa carry 3,502 passengers at double occupancy.

Musica Class

Ships in class: MSC Musica (2006); MSC Orchestra (2007); MSC Poesia (2008); MSC Magnifica (2010).

Size: 92,409 to 95,128 tons.

Not sure that you want to sail on a megaship with 6,000 people but still want a vessel with a good amount of features and activities? The Musica Class ships may be the perfect solution.

At 92,409 to 95,128 tons, the four vessels in the series are barely half the size of MSC Cruises' massive Meraviglia Class ships but still big enough that they have a lot to offer.

Each of the vessels has at least four places to eat including two main restaurants, a casual buffet and a sushi bar.

You'll also find two pool areas on each of the ships, whirlpools, a miniature golf course and a sports court. Each of the ships also has a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.

What you won't find on the ships, because of their smaller size, are the truly over-the-top family attractions that you'll find on bigger MSC Cruises ships such as giant waterparks with multiple slides and sprawling amusement areas with race car and flight simulators. If you can't live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, the Musica Class probably isn't for you.

You'll also find a far less diverse array of restaurants.

Each of the Musica Class ships holds a bit over 2,500 passengers at double occupancy (around 3,200 with every berth filled). That's less than half the number of passengers you'll find on the biggest MSC Cruises ships.

That makes them perfect for cruisers who want to get away from the sort of crowds that are on the biggest megaships without giving up too many of the amenities that big ships have to offer.

Lirica Class

Ships in class: MSC Armonia (2001); MSC Sinfonia (2002); MSC Lirica (2003); MSC Opera (2004).

Size: 65,542 to 65,591 tons.

Dating to the early 2000s, the Lirica Class ships are the smallest at MSC Cruises, and they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels.In general, they appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship than what you'll find on the big MSC Cruises ships. They also draw cruisers who care more about the destinations they visit on a cruise than onboard attractions.

Along those lines, MSC Cruises often sends some of its Lirica Class ships to South America, South Africa and the Middle East to operate destination-intensive itineraries with abundant port calls. The vessels also often sail voyages in the Mediterranean that are longer than the seven-night trips that are the norm at MSC Cruises. In both cases, the allure of the cruises has more to do with the ports the ships visit than the onboard experience.

The Lirica Class ships don't have the big water parks that are common on newer MSC Cruises ships. For the most part, their top decks are lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the early 2000s. All of them have at least two pools and two whirlpools.

Related: Is cruising right for you? Start by asking yourself these 7 questions

In addition to a main dining room and a casual buffet, each of the ships has an outdoor grill and pizza stand near its main pool area, as well as a sushi bar.

Each of the Lirica Class ships holds about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy (around 2,700 with every berth filled). That's less than a third of the passengers you'll find on the biggest MSC Cruises ships.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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OUR TOP DESTINATIONS

NORTHERN EUROPE FROM THE UK

The wonders of Northern Europe await you! Join us on an MSC cruise from Southampton  and enjoy an exciting experience : you will cross the most beautiful landscapes of Iceland , the immense glaciers of Greenland , the majestic Norwegian fjords and get to know the enchanting history of the Baltic States . Are you ready to live this unforgettable adventure?

MEDITERRANEAN

Choose MSC Cruises for an extraordinary trip in the Mediterranean ! Whether you prefer to explore the Western or Eastern Mediterranean , get ready to discover some of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites , crystal-clear turquoise waters and an internationally renowned culinary excellence . All this awaits you with a cruise in the Mediterranean.

MSC Cruises takes you to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean ! Dream beaches , where white sand and turquoise sea await you to swim , snorkel and relax while enjoying the view. Immerse yourself in the slow and contagious pace of local life, where locals will welcome you with a smile and let you discover the true essence of the Caribbean.

BARBADOS & SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

Set sail from Bridgetown with MSC Cruises and immerse yourself in the dynamic rhythms of the Southern Caribbean ! Explore islands where Creole beats fill the air and colorful traditions come alive. Hike lush rainforests, relax on pristine beaches , and snorkel in crystal - clear waters teeming with life.  Get swept up in the friendly island spirit and explore the vibrant culture of this tropical gem .  With flights included from London !

DUBAI, ABU DHABI & QATAR

A journey with an MSC Cruise to Dubai , Abu Dhabi and Qatar will take you where the desert sands meet dazzling cities ! Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Dubai , discover the rich heritage of Abu Dhabi and explore ancient souks of Qatar . From modern wonders to timeless traditions, this journey promises unforgettable experiences.

MAKE YOUR CRUISE EVEN MORE SPECIAL

Dining & Drinks

ALWAYS INCLUDED IN OUR CRUISES

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ITINERARIES

Get ready to dive into one of our pools, let your hair down at the themed parties, treat yourself to something delicious in one of our amazing restaurants, and much more!  

main features

Entertainment.

Whether you are trying your luck in the Med Pearl Casino , relaxing in the La Cabala Piano Bar , dancing in the Byblos Disco , enjoying a show in the Teatro dell’Opera , or browsing in the new walk-through shopping area, there’s never a dull moment on board.

Family & Kids

We’ve teamed up with expert partners like Chicco , LEGO ® and Namco® to create a series of superb new play areas for kids of all ages, including an exciting spray park, while teenagers can enjoy virtual reality gaming and their own exclusive clubs.

Fitness and Relaxation

There are plenty of options for fitness and fun on board, with a double pool complex complete with whirlpool baths , a gym, power walking track, minigolf, shuffleboard, sauna, Turkish bath and the MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre offering superb massages.

CABINS & SUITES

• Surface approx  13 sqm, Balcony approx 3 sqm, deck 9-10
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

Choose the cabin type that best suits you:

• Balcony Aurea (best ship positions, surface approx 13 sqm, deck 9-10 )
• Junior Balcony (surface approx 13 sqm, deck 9-10 )

The image is representative only

Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category)

• Surface approx 12-22 sqm, deck 7-10
• Window with sea view
• Relaxing armchair
• Premium Ocean view (surface approx 22 sqm, deck 9 )
• Junior Ocean view (surface approx 12-13 sqm, deck 7-10 )
• Junior Ocean View with obstructed view (surface approx 12-13 sqm, deck 7 )
• Surface approx 12-13 sqm, deck 7-10
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request*)

*Cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility have single beds only.

RestaurantS & BUFFET

La caravella restaurant, l'approdo restaurant, le vele buffet restaurant, il patio bar, bars & lounges, aroma coffee bar, cotton club, lo spinnaker bar, la cabala piano bar, byblos discoteca, piazza di spagna, sottovento pub, med pearl casino, gelateria italiana, vitamin bar, {{deckplaninfoheader}}.

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• 7. Rigoletto
• 8. La Traviata
• 10. Turandot
• 12. La Bohème
• 13. Minigolf
• Junior Interior
• Junior Ocean View with obstructed view
• Junior Ocean View
• Premium Ocean View
• Junior Balcony
• Deluxe Balcony Aurea
• Deluxe Suite Aurea

B: Cabin with bathtub

• All cabins have one double bed convertible to two single beds, except in cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility (H). • 3rd bed available in all categories except for Junior Ocean View with obstructed view, Premium Ocean View, Junior balcony. • 4th bed available in Junior Interior and Junior Ocean View • Our ships offer the possibility of combining 2 or 3 connecting cabins based on the ship class. Call our Contact Center to choose the best accommodation for you. Ship configuration, data and descriptions may be subject to change depending on the season and on the destination and must be verified at the time of booking.

• Gross tonnage: 65,591 tons
• Number of passengers: 2658
• Crew members: 728
• Number of cabins: 1070, incl. 5 for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility
• Length / Beam / Height: 274,9 m / 28.8 m / 54 m
• Maximum speed: 20,3 knots

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MSC Cruises Drink & Bar Menus With PriceS – UPDATED

Last Updated on June 12, 2024

We spent a lot of time on a recent voyage with MSC Cruises trying to decipher the MSC drink menus and drink packages. We are posting the entire range of MSC drink menus to accompany the information recently published comparing the drink packages. These menus will also help people with the MSC Easy drink package better understand what’s included!

MSC Cruises Gratuities on Bar / Drink Purchases

Onboard bar purchases will incur gratuities, automatically added to all purchases : 15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentina), and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuities on North America itineraries. If you purchase a drink or beverage package, the price of the package includes the gratuities and you will not pay anything additional!

MSC Drink Menus

Ship wide drink list with prices *updated 2024 menus*.

This is the shipwide menu for bars, pool areas, main dining rooms, and lounges. This menu does not apply to specialty restaurants that have their own specific menus.

Master Wine List – Available in main dining rooms

This list is what is generally presented in any dining area or main dining room on MSC ships.

MSC Champagne Bar Menu

For MSC cruise ships with a Champagne Bar, this menu is presented, but they often have a full bar as well.

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Brass Anchor Pub

The pub features quite a few beer options but pay attention to the prices if you are planning on using a drink package. Additionally, there are paid items to eat at certain times.

• TRY IT : We’ve created an MSC Drink Calculator to see if buying a beverage package is worth it on your next cruise!

For people who have chosen the Easy Package or get it free with their cruise fare, there is a separate menu:

A word about the drinks on MSC Cruises

If you plan on enjoying your cruise without purchasing a drink package, you’ll see by the above menus that the prices of drinks really aren’t terrible compared to other cruise lines. However, a drink package is now more commonly included as a perk or incentive when booking a cruise with MSC . Even if there is a slight upcharge for an included Easy Package for you’re next cruise, you’ll likely find that it’s well worth it given that it includes bottled water, sodas and specialty coffee which is uncommon with most cruise lines.

Learn more about the MSC drink packages that are available and how they are used.

You might also be interested in…

MSC Cruises Dining Packages Explained – Are They Worth It? What to Know Before You Go!

MSC Dining Packages - Everything to know! The “dining experiences” offered by MSC include a single meal at a specialty restaurant for lunch... Read This

MSC Cruises Drink Packages & Prices (UPDATED)

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Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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27 Comments

Hello, how are you? I made a summary between the Easy and Easy Plus packages

Easy • You can only drink Heiniken beer • If you want to drink rum, vodka, whiskey, gin, tequila (You cannot choose a brand) • If you want wine you can choose between Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel Rose, Cabernet or Merlot but the house wine, do not choose by brand. • It is not valid for specialized restaurants, that is, if one goes to one specialized in pasta or Mexican, it is paid outside the plan. • If someone wants to buy a drink that is more expensive, they pay the difference. • The minibar is paid separately • Tips are included

Easy Plus • You can choose a greater variety of beers, rum, vodka, gin • You can choose brands of wine • This package can be used in specialized restaurants. • If someone wants to buy a drink that is more expensive, they pay the difference. • Minibar is paid separately • Tips are included

Thomas, Yep! This basically points out the main differences. Thanks!

Hi, how are you? We are going in January on MSC Armonia for 7 nights. Will you have the same menu but with the Easy Plus package? I want to see what the difference is with the Easy.

I understand that in the Easy Plus you can choose a wider variety of cocktails, choose other brands of spirits, wine, beer and better coffee.

Can you help me please Regards

Hi Thomas, you can see the easy plus menu on this page about MSC Drink Packages . But just know that you can order from any menu. I hope this helps! Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks for this ! Do you know if the basic drink package covers say a bourbon and coke drink ?

You know, that’s a good question. Our travel buddies were ordering generic like rum & coke – Vodka Tonic, etc… but didn’t ever hear anyone order any basic Bourbon. BUT They did seem to have something included in the easy / basic package for all alcohol types, so I can only assume they have a bourbon. If not, you only pay the difference in price if what you want isn’t included in the Easy package. The few times I have done that, it’s only been $2 or so for better drinks.

Hi Phil, yesterday I sent a small message about the MSC transfer between Milan Malpensa Airport and Genoa Port. A small modification: we should get from Milan to Genoa in the morning of June 22, not June 21, so I would like the information (timetable, etc.) by the 22 of June.Sorry for the modification.Thanks in advance for your reply: Agnes

Hi Agnes – I’m unfortunately not famliar with how MSC Handles busses or shuttles from the Milan airport 🙁 – but I do know the transport is usually only on the morning of the cruise for when they DO offer shuttles. If you’re arriving early, you’ll be on your own to get to Genoa and it’s a few hours by train. The trains are generally pretty reliable an on time, but give yourself plenty of room to work with. You can use Rome2Rio (link) and plan a route or hire a private car (expect to spend 200 euro to get there though!). Here’s a link to private services on Viator

Hi! We have a cabin (Seaside from Genoa – 7 nights) for 4 people: 2 adults, 2 children, we have Easy Package for all four people. By definition, children do not drink alcoholic beverages, but my question is, is ice cream(for the children) included in Easy Packae? Thanks in advance: Agnes

Hi Agnes, I think if you call MSC, they will downgrade the kids to a soft drink package and save you money. As for icecream, it was available at the outside cafe at no charge but it will not cover the specialty ice cream / Gelato at Philippe Maury & Venchi Chocolate

Does the prices in the drinks menu include the gratuity? Or we have to add the 18% to know the total price?

Lizette, If you don’t have a drink package, and you are purchasing the drinks one by one, then you’ll pay the gratuity on top of the price you’re seeing. I believe the gratuity has just increased to 18% from 15%

We are two people traveling on MSC Meraviglia. Looking at these prices (some of them equal to or better than any hotel or Pub), I don’t think we are going to spend $560 (2 non-alcoholic packages) on water, coffee, and sodas in our 10-day cruise.

I agree- The prices really aren’t bad compared to other cruise lines! The packages make the most sense when they’re included as a promotion in the base fare at a discounted rate. I have friends that recently did a 2 week cruise with MSC and the drink packages were as much as the cruise. They declined and ended up spending a fraction of what the drink package would have been. Definitely worth doing the math!

how can i find out what brands of scotch are included in the easy plus package

Hi Bill & Susan, You can see the main menu above (first menu) and page 7 has “whisky” …. which they’ve sort of put all scotch and whisky together.

Remember it’s anything up to $10 per drink, so there are quite a few basic options available.

It’s explained on another page here that the Easy Package includes drinks up to $7.50, but I don’t see these drinks listed in the menu provided above, only the $9 ones. Did I miss something? Or is it $7.50 plus a 20% gratuity so it is $9.00 as listed on the menu which also includes the tip.

Hi Cory – If you look at the menu at the top of this page – and flip to the first page of the menu, it has the drinks up to 7.50 which are included in the “easy” package. MSC Generally has a menu for drinks that are part of the “Easy Package” and not all have a price associated with them (They’re just included). The $7.50 amount has been established since they now allow you to get a drink that is more than the $7.50 limit by paying the difference. I hope that makes sense!

Thanks! Don’t know how I missed that. I did the calculation and for our group of mostly light or non-drinkers, the packages don’t make financial sense when everybody has to get the same package, especially when we are going to be in port during most days and will get paid drinks there.

Sure! If you’re light drinkers, MSC Often has a promo for Easy or Easy plus as part of a cruise fare. I find that is the best way to go when it’s available since it covers everything from premium coffee & bottled water, etc. Not sure if you saw our MSC Drink Calculator (here) . This might help as well!

I noticed one can order bottles of wine pre cruise to be delivered to your stateroom. The prices for which seemed reasonable at @$32. My question is can you get a bottle at a bar on board and take it to your room or would there be a corkage fee?

Hi Kim! If you get the bottles onboard where they are available, you’ll pay a gratuity but not a true “corkage” fee by just taking them back to your room. So Expect to pay whatever their automatic gratuity / service charge is – but nothing else.

Hi. Are these prices in australian dollars?

Hello! The prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted (sometimes we post prices in Euro, but it’s clearly stated).

Your not in Alice Springs anymore, mate!

Are these also the same prices if you were to buy the drinks a la carte?

Hi Josh – Yes, this is the ship-wide price list even if you’re paying for the drinks 1 at a time. For package customers, it’s a reference as to what the package will cover more than anything.

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The 7 best cruise ships for kids

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Kids can make or break your family cruise. If they’re bored and hate the food options, they will loudly and repeatedly express their displeasure. Pick the wrong cruise ship, and parents will feel as trapped as if they were stranded on a deserted island … with biting crabs underfoot.

The best cruises for kids take advantage of ships with endless fun for the under-18 crowd, plentiful dining that appeals to both young palates and bottomless teen tummies, accommodations and ship services that keep families in mind, and opportunities to meet and hang out with peers. No matter your family size or price range, you can find some incredible vacations at sea that will have kids exclaiming, “Best cruise ever!” by the end of the week.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s  cruise newsletter .

Find the top ship for your next trip with our list of the seven best cruise ships for kids (and their parents).

Disney Wish

No one is surprised that kids are highly entertained on a Disney cruise — but what might be surprising is how much there is for adults to do and enjoy , too. That’s especially true on the new Disney Wish , which debuted in the summer of 2022.

Disney Wish has four kids clubs divided by age, but the main Oceaneer Club for 3- to 12-year-olds has an all-new and exciting grand entrance. Kids get to enter the club by slide — and once inside, can explore the club’s spaces themed to “Star Wars,” fairy tales, Marvel and Disney Imagineers.

Along with the kids club on Disney Wish, junior cruisers will find two movie theaters with first-run Disney movies, Broadway-caliber shows featuring Aladdin and the Little Mermaid and dining experiences themed around Arendelle from “Frozen” and the Worlds of Marvel .

In addition to a “Star Wars-” themed bar and adults-only fine dining restaurants, adults will appreciate the little touches on Wish that make family cruising easier — split bathrooms in most cabins, a drop-off nursery, a splash area for toddlers and restaurant staff members who will offer high chairs and puree baby food.

Disney Wish sails short three- and four-night trips from Port Canaveral , Florida (near Orlando) that include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island , with its family beach, supervised child care, splash pad and strollers to borrow.

Related: How to save money on the cost of a Disney cruise  

A nearly identical sister ship, Disney Treasure , will debut in 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

It hasn’t even launched yet, and we’re already confident that Royal Caribbean ‘s new Icon of the Seas , soon to be the largest ship afloat, will be one of the top cruise ships for kids. Kids will never be bored on a ship with a six-slide water park, wild ropes course, surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, sports court and Surfside — a half deck of play spaces and restaurants devoted to little kids and their families.

Kids (and parents) who like a good show can gasp as ice skaters land jumps on a rocking ship, and acrobatic divers flip and splash in the AquaTheater, now up high on the ship under a glass dome. Don’t miss pizza and parades on the Royal Promenade, Icon’s indoor shopping strip.

The ship will also have innovative new family cabins and suites, some with separate kids’ rooms, to better accommodate guests of all ages. The Ultimate Family Townhouse will be a massive three-floor living space with a screening room, karaoke machine, in-suite slide and a backyard that leads out to the Surfside family neighborhood.

Related: 5 best Royal Caribbean ships for kids

Icon of the Seas will sail weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning in January 2024.

Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore has a more grown-up vibe than many of the family-focused ships on our list, but its onboard attractions make it a huge hit with teens. Its top decks lure older kids with one of the biggest go-kart tracks in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and an open-air laser tag arena ideal for shooting matches under the stars. A huge virtual reality playground features rides and games that blow the standard cruise ship arcade out of the water.

Note to parents: Cruiselong passes for the go-kart race track , virtual reality games and laser tag do not come cheap. Be prepared to pull out your wallet to keep the teens happy.

At night, teens can feed their growing bodies with tacos, hibachi and barbecue, plus 24/7 burgers and comfort food at The Local. Afterward, they’ll agree to be seen in public with their parents at a show as cool as “Choir of Man.” It’s an easy concession, as they know they can always escape to the teen club, Entourage, to hang out with the cool kids late at night.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Norwegian Encore spends its summers in Alaska and winters in the Caribbean, with a handful of Panama Canal and Pacific Coast sailings in between.

Carnival Celebration

Passengers and crew members on Carnival Cruise Line ships come ready to meet new friends or share a laugh, a story and a drink with their shipmates. Social kids will fit right in and love the line’s huge, new ship Carnival Celebration . They can make friends at the Family Harbor Lounge, Camp Ocean and Dr. Seuss Bookville; older kids will enjoy the teen and tween clubs conveniently located near Guy Fieri’s burger stand and the video arcade.

Carnival Celebration and its near-identical twin fleet mate, Mardi Gras , are the only cruise ships boasting a top-deck roller coaster called Bolt. (That is until a third sister, Carnival Jubilee, debuts in late 2023.) A ride here is Instagram gold and the ultimate bragging rights for kids on vacation. The coaster dominates the Ultimate Playground area of the ship, where young cruisers can challenge their new friends to miniature golf, waterslide races, basketball and ropes course domination.

Kids who love a good food court can meet up with friends or family at several no-fee, casual eateries, including Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant and a trio of Street Eats venues featuring dumplings, meat on a stick and loaded French fries. All-hours pizza and ice cream will keep the whole family fueled up for the interactive “Family Feud Live” show.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Carnival Celebration sails weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami. Its sister Mardi Gras sails similar Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando). Carnival Jubilee will be based out of Galveston, Texas, and offer seven-night Western Caribbean cruises only.

Sun Princess

It may seem odd that two of our top ships for kids haven’t debuted yet. However, like Icon of the Seas, Princess Cruises ‘ new 4,300-passenger Sun Princess will be heads and shoulders above the rest of the fleet in terms of family entertainment. If you’re booking a multigenerational family cruise for 2024 or beyond, you will definitely want to keep this ship in mind.

Sun Princess will be the first Princess cruise ship to feature an expansive upper-deck activity zone that kids will love. Named Park19, it will feature nine fun-in-the-sun activities spanning three decks. The attractions include the Sea Breeze Rollglider (imagine a safer version of hang-gliding from an elevated track), a climbing structure with obstacles and a slide, a ropes course, a splash zone and a sports court.

Inside the ship, Firefly Park will have drop-off kid programming and family play spaces for kids 6 months to 7 years old. Tweens and teens will each have their own hangouts, Neon Grove and The Underground, with cozy lounge furniture and plenty of video and other games.

Related: Which cruise ship cabin category should your family book?

Sun Princess will split its time between Mediterranean cruises out of Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Piraeus (the port for Athens) and Barcelona as well as Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale.

MSC Seascape

MSC Cruises ‘ MSC Seascape is a floating megaresort with something for every type of kid. The ship stands out from its sisters because of its Robotron amusement park-style ride . Three riders at a time buckle into seating attached to a robotic arm, which then twists and turns to fly the riders over the ship and sea.

Water babies will make a break for the Pirates Cove Aquapark, with slides, a splash zone and a rope bridge. Other kids might spend their parents’ money on more virtual fun, indulging in F1 race car simulators, VR motorcycle racing, a 4D movie theater and a video arcade. Family groups can split into teams for sports court competitions or participate in organized games that rely on the latest technology to challenge guests of all ages.

The ship’s Lego-themed Doremi Land kids club has dedicated spaces for babies, kids and teens. The 7,567-square-foot space includes two Lego rooms (one for little kids to play with Duplos, the other with regular Lego bricks for older kids); the area also includes three spaces for teens — a gaming area (with VR options), a hangout with ping pong and foosball and a dance club.

Related: 7 cruise lines where kids sail free

And let’s not forget the line’s amazing pizza (including dessert versions slathered in Nutella) that families are sure to love.

MSC Seascape sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

AmaWaterways’ AmaLea

The typical river cruise draws a lot of retirees — except when Adventures by Disney partners with AmaWaterways. The two travel companies have created a river cruise vacation that is fun for grown-ups and kids.

AmaLea is one of the ships AmaWaterways custom-built for these family cruises. Certain twin balcony cabins sleep three, and suites sleep four to accommodate kids, with connecting cabin options for families who need more space. Unlike many river ships, AmaLea has a pool, as well as a surprise kid hit — giant outdoor chess.

While other ships sail the Seine and Rhine rivers, AmaLea travels the Danube through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Adventures by Disney makes the most of your time with shore excursions planned to entertain kids and adults, with options for supervised kid activities while parents head out on more grown-up tours. Your family might meet farm animals in Hungary, play hide-and-seek in a palace’s labyrinth maze in Austria and hang around in a treetop playground in Germany.

Related: Best river cruises in Europe

On board, kids’ menus are available, and the occasional pajama party whisks kids away for pizza and a movie while adults linger over dinner.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Caribbean Cruises

With over 30 captivating ports of call on our Caribbean cruises, MSC Cruises invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey to experience white-sand beaches, lush greenery, and clear turquoise waters. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach or delve into the rich history of Mexico's ancient Mayan ruins on our Western Caribbean voyage from Galveston. Seek serenity amidst the lush landscapes of Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest on an Eastern Caribbean cruise departing from Miami or Orlando. For those yearning for exotic adventures, discover the allure of Aruba, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barbados, and savor authentic Creole cuisine amidst the stunning waterfalls of Guadeloupe on our Southern Caribbean expeditions. Your dream Caribbean getaway awaits with MSC Cruises. Discover a natural paradise when you visit Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the only private island marine reserve in The Bahamas making it one of the best Caribbean islands. Late-night and overnight stays mean more time to enjoy nature at its best with seven pristine beaches surrounded by protected marine life during the day, and dance on the sand after the sun sets with the lighthouse LED show as your backdrop. Discover the best MSC Caribbean Cruises have to offer when you book a cruise to the Caribbean on one of our award-winning ships sailing out of Florida and Texas.

Cruises From $199 From Miami, Orlando, or NYC on Select Sailings

departure Ports

View all caribbean & the bahamas ports.

• Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Belize City, Belize
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Castries, Saint Lucia
• Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) , United States
• Costa Maya, Mexico
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Falmouth, Jamaica
• Fort de France, Martinique
• George Town, Cayman Islands
• Isla de Roatan, Honduras
• Key West (Florida), United States
• Kingstown, Saint Vincent
• Miami, United States
• Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Oranjestad, Aruba
• Orlando (Port Canaveral), United States
• Philipsburg, Saint Maarten
• Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe
• Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
• Progreso, Mexico
• Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
• Road Town (Tortola) , British Virgin Islands
• Roseau, Dominica
• Saint George, Grenada
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• St Johns, Antigua and Barbuda
• Willemstad, Curacao

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