I can almost feel the ocean breeze on my face as I write this article – dreaming of the next adventure on a budget-friendly MSC Cruise. But why are they so affordable?
I’ve done some digging and I’m excited to share with you the secrets behind MSC Cruises’ affordability.
From their fleet to their cabin options, food and drinks offerings, entertainment and activities, and even their gratuities and tipping policies, I’ll provide you with all the information you need to know before booking a cheap MSC Cruise.
As someone who has a subconscious desire for freedom, I understand the importance of finding a cruise that offers value for your budget without sacrificing quality and experiences. So let’s dive in and uncover the secrets of cheap MSC Cruises.
- MSC Cruises are cheaper than the average cruise, with prices around 25% lower.
- The low space-to-passenger ratio allows for more passengers to be accommodated on each ship.
- Cheap deals are offered on older ships, with smaller, older ships being the cheapest.
- The price listed for MSC Cruises is usually based on a Bella Inside cabin, with the cost of upgrading to a different cabin type and/or experience being extra.
Value for Budget Travelers
I’ve heard that MSC Cruises offer great value for budget travelers. It makes sense considering they are usually at the top of the list for cheap cruise deals and cost around 25% less than the average cruise. As someone who loves to travel but also needs to stick to a budget, I am always on the lookout for deals that will allow me to explore new places without breaking the bank.
MSC Cruises seem to fit the bill, offering a range of affordable options that would allow me to see some of the best destinations around the world while still keeping within my budget. One thing that I appreciate about MSC Cruises is their focus on budget-friendly excursions. While some cruise lines offer expensive, exclusive tours, MSC Cruises offer a range of options that are accessible to travelers on a tight budget.
This means that I would be able to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in the world without having to worry about spending too much money. Overall, I think that MSC Cruises are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to travel the world without breaking the bank.
Fleet Overview
With 17 ships in their fleet, MSC Cruises offer a range of options for passengers to choose from.
The newest vessels, such as the MSC Virtuosa, boast modern amenities and facilities like water slides, zip lines, and robot bartenders. These ships are larger and more spacious, making them ideal for longer sea-intensive itineraries that offer plenty of onboard entertainment and activities.
On the other hand, the older ships in the fleet, such as the MSC Armonia, may not have as many facilities but are still a great option for budget-conscious travelers. These ships are better suited for port-intensive itineraries, where passengers spend more time exploring various ports of call rather than being on the ship.
Additionally, older ships often offer cheaper deals, making them an attractive option for those looking to save money on their cruise vacation.
Cabin Choices and Experiences
When choosing a cabin on MSC Cruises, I found that there are various options available, ranging from budget-friendly inside cabins to luxurious suites with balconies and sea views. The cabins on MSC Cruises are grouped into experiences: Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea, each with different perks and prices. The Bella experience is the most basic and affordable, while the Aurea experience is the most luxurious and expensive.
To give you a better idea, I have created a table below that outlines the different cabin options, experiences, and onboard perks:
| Cabin Type | Experience | Onboard Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Cabin | Bella | Room service at an additional cost |
| Sea View Cabin | Bella, Fantastica, Aurea | Room service included |
| Balcony Cabin | Bella, Fantastica, Aurea | Priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges |
| Suite | Bella, Fantastica, Aurea | Butler service, access to private restaurant and sundeck |
It’s important to note that the price listed for MSC Cruises is almost always based on a Bella Inside cabin, with the cost of upgrading to a different cabin type and/or experience being extra. So, if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, be prepared to pay a premium. However, with a little research and planning, you can still find great deals on cabin upgrades and onboard perks.
Food and Drink Options
Let’s explore the mouth-watering cuisine and drink options available on MSC Cruises. The food on MSC Cruises is a mix of Italian, Mediterranean, and international dishes. Guests can choose to dine in the main dining room or visit the buffet for free, or pay extra to eat at one of the specialty restaurants.
The portions in the main dining room may be small, but it means less food waste. However, the food quality can be hit or miss, with some dishes being delicious while others are not appetizing. While the food on MSC Cruises is tailored to the nationalities of the guests, there are not many options for guests with dietary restrictions.
Vegan menus are not available, and there are no labels for vegan or dairy-free options. However, there is always something for vegans to eat. The all-inclusive drink packages offered by MSC Cruises can be expensive, but there are free options available during breakfast time, including water, coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, milk, and fruit juice.
Drink prices on MSC Cruises are similar to other cruise lines and are more expensive than on land.
Entertainment and Activities
I really enjoyed the variety of entertainment and activities offered on my MSC cruise. There was always something to do, from watching shows and live music performances to participating in trivia and game shows. The cruise line also offered optional activities that cost extra, such as wine tastings and cooking classes. I particularly enjoyed the production shows, which featured impressive choreography and costumes.
However, I did notice that daytime entertainment on MSC Cruises was lacking compared to other cruise lines. Many activities, such as dance classes and fitness sessions, required extra payment. Additionally, some shows and activities also required an extra charge. Despite this, I still had a great time and felt that the entertainment and activities offered by MSC Cruises were of good quality.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Variety of entertainment options | Daytime activities require extra payment |
| Impressive production shows | Some shows and activities require an extra charge |
| Optional activities available at an extra cost | – |
| Good quality entertainment overall | – |
Guest-to-Crew Ratio
Moving on from the entertainment and activities on MSC Cruises, let’s talk about the guest-to-crew ratio. It’s worth noting that MSC Cruises have a higher guest-to-crew ratio than many other cruise lines, with an average of 3.4 guests for each crew member. This means that the workload on each crew member is quite high, which can sometimes impact the guest experience.
Despite the high workload, MSC Cruises crew members work hard to ensure that guests have a pleasant experience on board. However, due to the high number of guests, it’s not always possible for crew members to chat with guests or collect glasses promptly. This can sometimes lead to longer wait times for drinks and a shortage of sun loungers, which can be frustrating for guests.
Here are some additional points to consider when it comes to the guest-to-crew ratio on MSC Cruises:
- Crew members may not always have time to enforce the cruise lines’ rules.
- Crew members rely on gratuities to supplement their wages, so it’s recommended that guests don’t opt out of gratuities.
- Despite the high workload, MSC Cruises crew members still manage to provide a good level of service to guests.
Service and Gratuities
It’s important to note that gratuities are included in the cruise fare for some guests on MSC Cruises, but others will pay up to $14 per person, per day, as crew members rely on these to supplement their wages and provide good service, as the guest-to-crew ratio is quite high. tipping culture varies from country to country, but it’s important to remember that crew members work tirelessly to ensure that guests have a pleasant experience on the ship. It’s not uncommon for guests to overlook the importance of tipping, but it’s a crucial aspect of the service industry and it’s important to show appreciation for the hard work that is put in.
To better understand the tipping culture on MSC Cruises, we can look at the breakdown of gratuities for different experiences and cabin types:
| Experience/Cabin Type | Gratuity Included? | Additional Gratuity Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Bella Inside | Yes | No |
| Bella Ocean View | Yes | No |
| Bella Balcony | Yes | No |
| Fantastica Inside | Yes | No |
| Fantastica Ocean View | Yes | No |
| Fantastica Balcony | Yes | No |
| Aurea Suite | Yes | Yes |
It’s important to note that while gratuities are included for some experiences and cabin types, additional gratuities may be required for others. It’s always a good idea to check with the cruise line to understand the tipping policies and to ensure that crew members are fairly compensated for the hard work they put in.
Luxury vs. Mainstream
Exploring the differences between luxury and mainstream cruises, it’s interesting to see how MSC Cruises fits into the spectrum. While not a luxury cruise line, MSC Cruises does offer something akin to a luxury five-star hotel. The newer MSC Cruises ships have the best decor and facilities, and the MSC Yacht Club is like a ship within a ship. However, MSC Cruises is very much mainstream in its appeal, offering good value for budget travelers.
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MSC Cruises has a new luxury brand called Explora Journeys, which offers all-inclusive, high-end cruises with a focus on sustainability.
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MSC Cruises cabins offer a choice of budget and luxury accommodation, with a choice of inside cabins, sea view cabins, balcony rooms, and suites. However, the price listed for MSC Cruises is almost always based on a Bella Inside cabin, with the cost of upgrading to a different cabin type and/or experience being extra.
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MSC Cruises offer a variety of cuisine from Italy, the Mediterranean, and around the world, with options to dine in the main dining room or buffet for free or pay extra to eat in a specialty restaurant.
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MSC Cruises have a low space-to-passenger ratio, allowing them to pack more passengers into the available space on each ship. This can result in long waits for drinks and lunch in the main restaurant taking up to two hours.
Explora Journeys
I’ve been reading about a new luxury brand called Explora Journeys, which offers high-end cruises with a focus on sustainability. The brand is owned by MSC Cruises, but it offers a different experience than what MSC is known for.
Explora Journeys ships are smaller and cater to a maximum of 264 passengers, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience. The amenities are also top-notch, with spacious suites, private balconies, and a 24-hour butler service.
What sets Explora Journeys apart from other luxury cruise lines is their pricing strategy. Instead of charging a high price upfront, they offer an all-inclusive package that covers everything from meals to excursions. This allows guests to enjoy the luxury amenities without worrying about additional costs.
Additionally, Explora Journeys’ focus on sustainability is a unique selling point that appeals to the growing number of environmentally conscious travelers. Overall, Explora Journeys seems to be a promising addition to the luxury cruise market, offering a more sustainable and affordable option for those seeking a high-end experience.
Ship Decor and Facilities
As we previously discussed, MSC Cruises has a new luxury brand called Explora Journeys, but let’s talk about the ship decor and amenities on their mainstream cruises.
MSC Cruises has a variety of ships in their fleet, with the newer ones boasting modern decor trends and top-notch facilities. The MSC Virtuosa, for example, has a stunning LED domed ceiling on the promenade and a futuristic digital art installation in the atrium. The decor is sleek and contemporary, featuring a mix of neutral tones and pops of vibrant colors.
On the other hand, the older ships like the MSC Armonia have a more traditional decor with a touch of elegance, but with limited amenities.
When it comes to ship amenities, MSC Cruises has a lot to offer. Their newer ships have more entertainment options, including water parks, bowling alleys, and virtual reality experiences. They also have a range of dining options, from the main dining room to specialty restaurants featuring world-class cuisine.
The MSC Yacht Club is a unique feature, offering a private area for guests with a dedicated butler, exclusive access to facilities, and a private pool. However, some activities and amenities may come at an extra cost, so it’s important to check the fine print before booking.
Overall, MSC Cruises provides a good balance between cost and quality, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Off-Season and Inside Cabins
During my research, I found that choosing to take an MSC Cruise in the off-season and opting for an inside cabin can significantly reduce the cost of the trip.
Off-season cruising usually means traveling during the months when school is in session, such as September or January, as opposed to peak season, which is from June to August. This is because there are fewer people traveling during these months, and cruise lines offer lower prices to entice travelers.
In addition, the weather may not be as sunny or warm during these months, but this can be advantageous for those who prefer cooler temperatures or who want to avoid crowds at tourist destinations.
Another way to save money on an MSC Cruise is to book an inside cabin. While the inside cabins may not have a view of the ocean or a balcony, they are usually the cheapest cabin option.
This can be a great option for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship or on shore excursions. However, it is important to note that inside cabins may feel cramped and claustrophobic for some, and they may not have as many amenities as the higher-priced cabin options.
Overall, choosing to cruise in the off-season and booking an inside cabin can be a great way to save money on an MSC Cruise, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Space-to-Passenger Ratio
Exploring the space-to-passenger ratio on MSC Cruises reveals how they’re able to offer cheaper prices compared to other cruise lines. MSC Cruises packs more passengers into the available space on each ship, which means that the space optimization is at its peak.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that passenger comfort is compromised, as MSC Cruises has carefully planned their ship’s layout to maximize every inch of space available. To achieve this, MSC Cruises has designed their ships with smaller cabins and public spaces.
The cabins are smaller than those on other cruise lines, but they’re still comfortable and functional. The public areas, such as bars, restaurants, and lounges, are also smaller, but they’re designed to be cozy and inviting. MSC Cruises has also made sure that every space on the ship is used to its full potential, which means that there are no wasted areas.
This allows them to offer cheaper prices, as they’re able to accommodate more passengers on each ship without compromising on the overall experience.
Older Ships and Port-Intensive Itineraries
Honestly, the older ships on MSC Cruises are so outdated that they make me feel like I’ve traveled back in time, but they are perfect for port-intensive itineraries where I spend most of my time off the ship. These older ships lack the bells and whistles of the newer ones, but they make up for it with their affordability. Plus, they are easier to navigate due to their smaller size, which is a bonus for those who get lost easily.
While MSC Cruises may be cheap, there are concerns about the company’s environmental impact. However, MSC has made strides in recent years to improve its approach to sustainability. For example, the company has implemented a program called "Save the Waves"to reduce its environmental footprint, which includes reducing waste, managing energy consumption, and using eco-friendly cleaning products. Despite these efforts, there is still room for improvement, and I hope that MSC continues to make sustainability a priority in the future.
| Pros | Cons | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable | Outdated ships | MSC vs Other Cruise Lines |
| Easy to navigate | Limited activities | MSC vs Luxury Cruise Lines |
| Good for port-intensive itineraries | Small cabins | MSC vs Budget Cruise Lines |
| Variety of cabin options | Inconsistent food quality | MSC vs Other Budget Cruise Lines |
| All-inclusive drink packages available | Long waits for drinks | MSC vs Other All-Inclusive Cruise Lines |
Nationality of Guests and Cuisine
I’ve noticed that the nationality of the guests on MSC Cruises heavily influences the cuisine offered on board. The food is tailored to the preferences of the guests, with a focus on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. This means that the food served on MSC Cruises may not always be to everyone’s taste, especially if you’re not a fan of these types of cuisine. However, there are usually enough options available to satisfy most palates.
Here are some additional things to know about the cuisine on MSC Cruises:
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The food on MSC Cruises isn’t labeled as vegan or dairy-free, but there are always options available for those with dietary restrictions.
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The portions in the main dining room are small, which can be a good thing if you’re trying to avoid overeating or food waste.
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There are options to eat for free in the main dining room or buffet, or you can pay extra to dine in a specialty restaurant.
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The food can be hit or miss, with some dishes being delicious while others aren’t as appetizing.
Extra Fees and Drink Packages
I gotta admit, the extra fees on drinks and activities can add up quickly on MSC Cruises. While the all-inclusive drink packages can be worth it if you plan on indulging in some alcoholic beverages, the cost of these packages has increased over time. Drink package pricing varies depending on what drinks are included and where the cruise takes place.
If you plan on drinking a lot during your cruise, it may be worth it to purchase a drink package, but be sure to do the math first to make sure it’s worth the cost.
In addition to drink packages, there are also other hidden fees on MSC Cruises. Many things that are included in the cruise fare with other cruises have an extra fee on MSC Cruises. Some shows require an extra charge, and many activities require extra payment.
Lunch in the main restaurant can take up to two hours, and there may be long waits for drinks. While MSC Cruises offer good value for budget travelers, it’s important to be aware of these extra fees and costs before booking your cruise.
Are there any self-service laundry facilities on MSC Cruises?
Unfortunately, there are no self-service laundry facilities on MSC Cruises. Instead, laundry services are available, but they come at a cost and can be quite expensive. It’s best to pack enough clothes for the duration of the cruise.
How do MSC Cruises tailor their food to the nationalities of their guests?
MSC Cruises cater to guests’ dining preferences by tailoring their cuisine to their nationalities. The food can be hit or miss, but there’s always something for everyone. MSC doesn’t offer vegan menus, but they accommodate vegans.
What are some optional activities that cost extra on MSC Cruises?
There are many extra activities available on MSC Cruises, such as exclusive experiences, excursion packages, and entertainment options. Pricing varies, but discounts may be available. Onboard amenities cater to all budgets.
Can guests bring their own drinks on board MSC Cruises?
Unfortunately, guests cannot bring their own drinks on board MSC Cruises due to their BYOB policy. However, they offer alcohol packages with discounts, and corkage fees for wine brought on board for special occasions.
How does the service on MSC Cruises compare to other cruise lines?
In my experience, the service on MSC Cruises is generally good but not exceptional. Guest satisfaction may depend on individual expectations and preferences, but compared to other cruise lines, MSC may lack the wow factor in terms of service.