Discover What Msc Cruises Company Has to Offer

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White MSC cruise ship sailing peacefully on the sea against a scenic coastline backdrop.
Credit: pexels.com, White MSC cruise ship sailing peacefully on the sea against a scenic coastline backdrop.

MSC Cruises is a global cruise line that offers a wide range of itineraries and experiences for travelers of all ages. With a fleet of 17 ships, MSC Cruises has something for everyone.

From the moment you step on board, you'll be treated to exceptional service and amenities. Their ships feature a variety of dining options, including fine dining restaurants and casual buffets.

MSC Cruises is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with kids' clubs and activities designed for children of all ages. Their ships also offer a range of entertainment options, from live shows to casino games.

Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, MSC Cruises has it all.

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the largest privately held cruise company in the world, acquired by the Mediterranean Shipping Company, which is also the company behind the "MSC" name.

MSC Cruises offers over 2,000 excursions and tours in 190 popular destinations worldwide, including Abu Dhabi, South Africa, and Northern Europe.

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Breathtaking view of Santorini's whitewashed buildings with a cruise ship in the Aegean Sea.
Credit: pexels.com, Breathtaking view of Santorini's whitewashed buildings with a cruise ship in the Aegean Sea.

The company's itineraries are recommended for those who enjoy a more European atmosphere and travelers interested in a mid-priced cruise experience.

MSC Cruises has a long history, with the company acquiring the European Vision and European Stars from Festival Cruises in 2004 and renaming them MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia.

In recent news, MSC Cruises announced a new partnership agreement with the New York Knicks in January 2023, which will see the company's branding featured during Knicks home games.

What Does "Msc" Mean?

The "MSC" in MSC Cruises stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company. This is a crucial piece of information for anyone considering a cruise with this popular line.

MSC Cruises is a subsidiary of the Mediterranean Shipping Company, which has a long history in the shipping industry.

The company has been in operation since 1970, and has since grown to become one of the world's leading cruise lines.

Who Owns Cruises?

MSC Cruises is owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company. This makes MSC Cruises the largest privately held cruise company in the world.

The Mediterranean Shipping Company has a significant presence in the global shipping industry, and it's no surprise that its cruise line is also a major player.

MSC Cruises has a reputation for offering high-quality cruises to destinations all around the globe.

History

Credit: youtube.com, MSC - Our History

MSC Cruises has a fascinating history that spans several decades. In 2004, the company acquired two ships, the European Vision and European Stars, from the bankrupt Festival Cruises, renaming them MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia.

These ships were relatively new at the time, which speaks to MSC Cruises' strategic approach to growth. The acquisition marked a significant milestone for the company.

In more recent news, MSC Cruises announced a partnership with the New York Knicks in January 2023. This deal includes promotional opportunities during home games.

Magnifica

MSC Cruises is known for its diverse range of itineraries, and the Magnifica is a prime example. It sails to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even embarks on the epic MSC World Cruise.

One of the standout features of the Magnifica is its ability to visit the Canary Islands and Madeira, which are a must-see for any island lover. These destinations offer a unique blend of Spanish and Portuguese cultures.

Credit: youtube.com, Msc Magnifica | Full Walkthrough Tour & Review | All Public Areas and Yacht Club | 4k Ultra

The Magnifica's Mediterranean itinerary is a great option for those looking to explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of the region. You'll have the chance to visit iconic cities like Barcelona and Rome.

With its variety of itineraries, the Magnifica is a great choice for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply relaxing on a beautiful beach, the Magnifica has something for everyone.

Luxury Cruise Experience

MSC Cruises offers a luxury cruise experience that's both elevated and affordable. With over 2,000 excursions and tours in 190 popular destinations, you'll have endless options to choose from.

MSC Cruises is the largest privately held cruise company in the world, ensuring a high level of service and quality. This European atmosphere is perfect for travelers looking for a mid-priced cruise experience.

You can expect a great value when booking an MSC cruise, as CruiseDirect guarantees the lowest prices. Even luxury suites like the MSC Yacht Club offer unbeatable deals.

Stunning aerial view of cruise ships in Miami harbor at sunset, showcasing city skyline and vibrant colors.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning aerial view of cruise ships in Miami harbor at sunset, showcasing city skyline and vibrant colors.

The MSC Yacht Club is a refined area on MSC cruise ships that offers personalized service and exquisite comfort. This is the ultimate luxury cruise experience, where every detail is tailored to your needs.

With the MSC Yacht Club, you'll enjoy 24-hour butler service, custom excursions, exquisite cuisine, after-hours shopping, and more. This is the vacation of a lifetime, and it's a click away with CruiseDirect.

Onboard Amenities

The MSC Divina features a real stone piazza, a Casino Veneziano, and a Broadway-size Pantheon Theater.

You'll find stylish and luxurious leisure facilities all around, including elegant Swarovski crystal staircases.

The Infinity Pool extends seamlessly out to sea, offering a unique and breathtaking experience.

Entertainment & Leisure

Onboard, you'll find a real stone piazza, which is a lovely spot to relax and take in the surroundings. It's a great place to meet up with friends or take a leisurely stroll.

The Casino Veneziano is a popular spot for those looking to try their luck. With its elegant atmosphere, it's a great place to pass the time.

Credit: youtube.com, What Onboard Activities and Amenities Can You Expect on an Ocean Voyage?

The Pantheon Theater is a Broadway-size venue that hosts a variety of shows and performances. You can catch a musical, play, or other entertainment option while onboard.

Swarovski crystal staircases add a touch of luxury to the ship, and are a beautiful sight to behold.

The Infinity Pool is a must-visit, especially for those looking to take in the breathtaking views of the ocean. It extends seamlessly out to sea, making it feel like you're floating on water.

Onboard Activities

Onboard activities are a great way to make the most of your time at sea. Whether you're traveling alone, with family, or with friends, there's something for everyone.

You can join in on a Family Deck Party, which features classic fair and carnival games, a jumping castle, gladiator and Zorb-Sumo matches, balloon animals, face painting, prizes, and more.

The Family Deck Party is a great way to get some exercise and have fun with the kids. It's also a great opportunity to make new friends and create lasting memories.

Giant Cruise Ship Sailing
Credit: pexels.com, Giant Cruise Ship Sailing

If you're looking to meet new people, consider attending the International Meet. This casual gathering offers a relaxed atmosphere for guests to meet travelers from various nationalities, and it's hosted with drinks and delicious food from the newly refreshed onboard menus.

There are also designated meetups for specific groups, such as the Veterans Get Together and the LGBTQIAP+ Get Together.

If you're a solo traveler, don't miss the Solo Guests Cocktail Party.

Restaurants and Buffet

You'll have a world of dining options at your fingertips, with a choice of distinct venues that cater to every taste.

The Galaxy Restaurant offers fusion cuisine, perfect for adventurous eaters.

MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy the exclusive Le Muse Restaurant, a private dining experience that's truly special.

Bars & Lounges

The bars and lounges onboard the MSC Divina are a must-visit. They offer a wide range of refreshments and relaxation options to suit every moment.

From stylish and luxurious leisure facilities to dedicated spaces for relaxation, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind. The Infinity Pool, for instance, extends seamlessly out to sea, providing an unparalleled view.

Credit: youtube.com, MSC Euribia - Bars & Lounges

The MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy the exclusive use of the Top Sail Lounge and The One Bar, offering privacy and a sophisticated atmosphere. These lounges are the epitome of luxury and exclusivity.

You can gather with friends for a pre-dinner drink or enjoy a refreshing cocktail at any time of day at the MSC Divina Bar. The bar offers handpicked drinks and fresh ingredients to satisfy your cravings.

The Sports Bar is a great place to catch the big game, enjoy quality entertainment, or simply relax with a cold beer or cocktail.

State Rooms & Suites

You'll find a range of accommodations to suit every need onboard, from interior and ocean-view options to balcony staterooms and spacious suites.

Interior and ocean-view staterooms offer comfortable king beds that can be converted into two single beds on request.

You'll have a sitting area with a sofa, a spacious closet, and a bathroom with a bathtub and/or shower.

Credit: youtube.com, Why I ONLY cruise in interior cabins (and why you should, too!)

Some suites have sealed windows, a luxury touch.

The MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite is an impressive 388 square feet, with a balcony that's approximately 172 square feet.

Other suites in the MSC Yacht Club range in size from 280 to 549 square feet.

You can expect to find a comfortable king bed, sitting area with a sofa, spacious closet, and bathroom with a bathtub and/or shower in your stateroom.

Some staterooms have a metal balustrade or half glass half metal balustrade.

Here's a breakdown of the stateroom categories:

Wi-Fi access is available in all staterooms, but comes at an extra cost.

Comfortable king beds can be converted into two single beds on request in many staterooms.

You'll also find a sitting area with a sofa, spacious closet, and bathroom with a bathtub and/or shower in your stateroom.

Ships and Capacity

The MSC Meraviglia is the largest MSC cruise ship, holding 4,500 passengers. It's a massive vessel that offers an incredible cruising experience.

Stacked shipping containers aboard MSC Hamburg at the bustling port of Hamburg.
Credit: pexels.com, Stacked shipping containers aboard MSC Hamburg at the bustling port of Hamburg.

MSC has a diverse fleet of ships, ranging in size and capacity. The MSC Sinfonia, for example, can hold a maximum of 2,163 passengers on board. The smaller ships in the fleet, such as the Musica Class and Lirica Class ships, carry around 3,000 and 2,000 guests respectively.

Some of the newer ships in the fleet are quite impressive, like the MSC World Europa, which is the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises' fleet, and the MSC Virtuosa, which has a total guest capacity of 6,334 passengers.

Here's a breakdown of the capacity of some of the ships in the fleet:

  • MSC Meraviglia: 4,500 passengers
  • MSC Sinfonia: 2,163 passengers
  • MSC Divina: 3,502 passengers
  • MSC Virtuosa: 6,334 passengers

Our Ships

Our fleet is constantly evolving, with new ships being added and existing ones being upgraded. We've got a modern fleet of vessels that offers a range of capacities, from around 2,000 guests to over 6,300.

One of the largest ships in our fleet is the MSC World Europa, which can accommodate 4,500 passengers. The MSC World Europa is also the first LNG-powered vessel in our fleet, introduced in November 2022.

Cruise Ship Roaming on Body of Water
Credit: pexels.com, Cruise Ship Roaming on Body of Water

We've also got the MSC Virtuosa, which is one of our latest ships and can hold 6,334 passengers. Its sister ship, the MSC Grandiosa, is slightly smaller with a capacity of 6,300 passengers.

The MSC Meraviglia is another large ship in our fleet, with a capacity of 4,500 passengers. It's not the largest, but it's still a significant size.

Here's a breakdown of the capacities of some of our ships:

Our ships come in different classes, each with its own unique features and capacities. The Seaside class, for example, includes the MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, both of which can accommodate over 5,000 passengers.

Sinfonia Capacity

The MSC Sinfonia is a large ship, capable of carrying a maximum of 2,163 passengers on board.

It offers a variety of cruises, including Southern Caribbean, SE Asia, European, Eastern Caribbean, New England, Hawaii Interisland, Mediterranean Sea, South Africa, and New Zealand Australia cruises.

One of the things that sets the MSC Sinfonia apart is its ability to accommodate a large number of passengers, making it a great option for those looking for a lively and social cruise experience.

Here are some of the specific types of cruises offered by the MSC Sinfonia:

  • Southern Caribbean Cruise
  • SE Asia Cruises
  • European Cruise
  • Eastern Caribbean Cruise Carnival
  • New England Cruise
  • Hawaii Interisland Cruise
  • Mediterranean Sea Cruises
  • South Africa Cruises
  • New Zealand Australia Cruise

Policies and Packages

Sunny harbor with cruise ships, clear blue sky, and a distant bridge.
Credit: pexels.com, Sunny harbor with cruise ships, clear blue sky, and a distant bridge.

Msc Cruises offers a variety of policies and packages to suit different needs and budgets.

Their "Flex Fare" policy allows passengers to pay a deposit upfront and then pay the remaining balance closer to the departure date.

This flexibility is especially useful for those who may have changed their travel plans or need to make last-minute adjustments.

Msc Cruises also offers a "Cancel and Rebook" policy, which allows passengers to cancel their booking and rebook for a future cruise within 12 months.

Bookings

MSC Cruises offers a variety of booking options, including the MSC Sinfonia. You can book a 3-Night Mediterranean Cruise, visiting destinations like Barcelona, Genoa, and Marseille.

One of the unique features of MSC Cruises is the MSC Yacht Club, which offers exclusive benefits, including 24-hour butler service and access to private facilities.

To book your MSC Sinfonia cruise, you can choose from itineraries like the 5-Night Mediterranean Cruise, visiting Venice, Split, Kotor, and Civitavecchia.

Cruise ship docked in picturesque Geiranger Fjord surrounded by lush mountains and clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Cruise ship docked in picturesque Geiranger Fjord surrounded by lush mountains and clear blue sky.

MSC Cruises also offers a range of packages and promotions, including 10% off shore excursions and the option to plant a tree with every cruise.

Here are some of the MSC Sinfonia cruise options:

Drinks Package Includes

The Easy Package includes alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water, and hot drinks like espresso and tea.

With the Premium Extra Package, you'll get all of the above plus a wider selection of premium cocktails, fine wines, and champagne.

The Alcohol-Free Package is a great option for those who don't drink, offering non-alcoholic and protein cocktails, soft drinks, flavored water, hot drinks, and soft-serve ice cream.

Drink packages on MSC cruises are subject to change, so be sure to check with the cruise line for the most up-to-date information.

BYOW on a Cruise

You can't bring your own wine on MSC Cruises, unless it's medically necessary, such as baby formula. This policy applies to all MSC cruise ships.

Large cargo ship MSC Sines R sails near Terneuzen, Netherlands with clear sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Large cargo ship MSC Sines R sails near Terneuzen, Netherlands with clear sky.

It's worth noting that MSC Cruises offers various drink packages, but these packages are subject to change and may not include all types of beverages.

If you're planning to bring your own wine on a cruise, it's best to check with the cruise line ahead of time to confirm their policy.

Ship Information

MSC Cruises has a modern fleet of vessels that's constantly growing and improving. The company has a sizable future global investment portfolio of new ships, ensuring that guests have a wide range of destinations to choose from.

MSC World Europa is the first MSC World Class ship, introduced in November 2022, and it's a game-changer with its unique Y-shape design and innovative technologies.

MSC World America is the second World Class ship, offering contemporary cruising in the Caribbean from Miami with new, immersive, and unique experiences at sea.

MSC World Asia, the latest innovative ship, will offer guests an opportunity to experience the art of cruising in the Mediterranean from December 2026.

Man with Lifebuoy on MSC Bellissima at Sunset
Credit: pexels.com, Man with Lifebuoy on MSC Bellissima at Sunset

MSC Virtuosa, delivered in February 2021, has a total guest capacity of 6,334 passengers and is a modern ship from MSC Cruises' Meraviglia-plus class.

The Meraviglia Plus Class fleet also includes MSC Grandiosa, which came into service in November 2019, and MSC Euribia, powered by LNG, which joined the fleet in 2023.

MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, delivered in 2017 and 2018 respectively, are part of the Seaside Class and can accommodate over 5,000 passengers each.

The Seaside EVO ships, such as MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape, have a capacity of 5,632 guests and offer a unique blend of indoor and outdoor areas.

The Fantasia Class ships, including MSC Preziosa and MSC Divina, can accommodate 4,345 guests each, while the Musica Class ships, like MSC Magnifica, carry around 3,000 guests each.

The Lirica Class ships, including MSC Sinfonia, have a capacity of around 2,000 guests each.

MSC Cruises' fleet is projected to grow to 24 cruise ships, with two new ships joining the fleet between 2025 and 2026.

Ocean Cay and Sustainability

Credit: youtube.com, MSC OCEAN CAY - BEHIND THE ISLAND

MSC Cruises is committed to sustainability, as evident in its Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve project, where $200 million was invested in restoring a 95-acre island in the Bahamas.

The island was previously used for mining white Aragonite sand, but after being abandoned, it required extensive restoration work to remove old equipment and bring it back to a functioning marine habitat.

The project involved the work of many scientists and was granted marine reserve status by the Bahamian government, officially naming it the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Cruises continues to work towards sustainability goals by investing in new technology, renewable fuels, and operational efficiency, as stated in its commitment to taking meaningful actions that have a long-term positive impact.

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve was established after MSC Cruises signed a 100-year lease for the private island in the Bahamas in December 2015. This lease allowed for the restoration and conversion of the island into a private resort.

Credit: youtube.com, Complete Guide to MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas

The island had previously been used to mine white Aragonite sand for decades, leaving behind old mining equipment that needed to be removed. MSC Cruises committed $200 million to the project.

The restoration required the work of many scientists to bring the area back into a functioning marine habitat. The site was granted marine reserve status by the Bahamian government.

The project was officially named the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and was set to open in mid-November 2019. Weather delays pushed the date to 5 December 2019.

Sustainable Cruise Ships

MSC Cruises is taking big steps towards a more sustainable future. They're committed to making a positive impact on the planet and are investing in new technology and design, renewable fuels, and operational efficiency.

Their future ships are being built with the environment in mind, starting with MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic, both LNG-fueled cruise ships set to enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively. These ships will be built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique, a renowned shipbuilder.

MSC is also negotiating with other yards, including Finnish, Italian, and French ones, to build more sustainable cruise ships.

Here are some key details about MSC's future ships:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MSC a Carnival company?

No, MSC Cruises is privately owned by the Aponte family, not part of the Carnival Corporation. It remains a family-owned and operated cruise line since its inception.

Clara Donnelly

Writer

Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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