MSC Cruises is a Swiss-based cruise company of Italian origin and one of the companies operating the most cruises in the Mediterranean. This page lists the MSC cruises currently available — from the Mediterranean and Greek Islands to Northern Europe and the Caribbean — with the ship name, number of nights, and starting price per person.
Which MSC Ships Are Available?
The most frequently featured ships in the tours currently available are MSC Magnifica, MSC Divina, and MSC Euribia; MSC Fantasia, MSC Seaview, MSC Preziosa, MSC Orchestra, and MSC World, one of the company’s newest ships, are also included on itineraries. Ships differ in size and amenities: larger ships have water parks, theaters, and numerous restaurants, while smaller ships offer a more peaceful experience.
Which Routes Can You Explore with MSC?
Western Mediterranean itineraries combine Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona, Naples, Genoa and Marseille. Northern European and Baltic itineraries depart from Copenhagen, calling at Warnemünde, Gdańsk, Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn and Stockholm. Aegean–Adriatic sailings that call at Marmaris and Corfu are also available.
Duration and Price
Most MSC itineraries are 7 nights long, with options ranging from 5 to 12 nights, as well as longer world cruises. The per-person price varies according to cabin type and date, and starts in the 1.037-euro range.
MSC Yacht Club and Cabin Types
In addition to inside, ocean-view, and balcony cabins and suites, some MSC ships feature MSC Yacht Club suites in a separate area on board. Prices and included services vary by cabin type; each tour page lists the cabin options separately.
Visa
Most ports are in the Schengen Area (Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Malta); Turkish citizens need a multiple-entry Schengen visa covering the Schengen countries visited by the ship.
What Is Included on the Ship?
MSC cruises include cabin accommodation, meals in the main restaurants and buffet, evening shows, swimming pools, a gym and kids’ clubs. Drinks packages, speciality restaurants, spa services, internet packages and shore excursions at ports are charged separately. An onboard service charge is applied per person, per night; whether it is included in the price is stated in the inclusions/exclusions list for each cruise.
Boarding and Port Days
Check-in on embarkation day usually takes place in the afternoon; passports and any required visas are checked during boarding. On port days, the ship docks in the morning and departs in the late afternoon; passengers are responsible for returning to the ship before departure. Sea days are spent enjoying onboard activities. The onboard currency is the euro on most Mediterranean cruises, and purchases are charged to the cabin card.
When to Go?
May–June and September–October are the most comfortable months for Mediterranean cruises; July and August are hot and crowded. Northern Europe and Baltic cruises operate from May to September. The best time for Caribbean cruises is from December to April.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Is an MSC Cruise?
Most of the currently available itineraries are 7 nights, with options ranging from 5 to 12 nights.
Are Meals Included on the MSC Ship?
Meals served at the main restaurants and buffet are included in the price; drinks packages and specialty restaurants cost extra.
Where do MSC cruises depart from?
Western Mediterranean programs usually depart from Rome, Barcelona or Genoa, while Northern Europe programs depart from Copenhagen; there are also MSC sailings departing from Istanbul.
Is a Visa Required?
This varies depending on the ports on the route; Schengen visas are required for Mediterranean and Northern European routes.