When it comes to planning a cruise, choosing the right experience can make all the difference in creating a memorable and enjoyable vacation. MSC Cruises offers three distinct experiences for guests to choose from: Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea. Each package comes with its own set of benefits, prices, and upgrades, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before making a decision.
As someone who values their freedom and wants to make the most of their vacation, it’s important to consider all the options and benefits before choosing an MSC experience. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea, and help you make an informed decision about which experience is right for you.
From exclusive access to the spa and sundeck to loyalty points and upgrading options, we’ll cover all the information you need to know to choose the perfect MSC experience for your next cruise.
So, let’s dive in and explore what each experience has to offer!
- MSC Cruises offers three experiences: Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea, each with different benefits and prices.
- Bella is the standard package with no extra cost, while Fantastica is an upgrade with benefits like a cabin in a better location and more flexible booking terms.
- Aurea is MSC Cruises’ top package with exclusive access to areas of the ship, priority boarding, and discounted spa treatments, but some perks have been removed since 2022.
- Guests should carefully consider their circumstances and the cost before upgrading to Fantastica or Aurea, as loyalty points are earned regardless of the experience chosen.
Experiences Offered
I learned that MSC Cruises offers three experiences: Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea. Each experience has different benefits and prices. To help guests choose the right experience, MSC provides a comparison chart on their website. This chart outlines the differences between the experiences, including accommodation locations, dining options, and additional perks.
When choosing the right experience, guests should consider their budget, the length of their cruise, and their desired level of luxury. The Bella experience is perfect for those who want a standard cruise package with no extra cost. The Fantastica experience offers an upgrade for an extra cost with benefits like a better cabin location and more flexible booking terms. The Aurea experience is MSC Cruises’ top package, which includes access to exclusive areas of the ship and discounted spa treatments.
With these options, guests can choose the experience that best suits their needs and preferences.
Benefits of Bella
Accommodation in the Bella experience includes cabins in less-desirable areas of the ship, but guests still have access to all of the ship’s amenities. This means that despite the lower cost, guests can still enjoy the pools, gym, sports facilities, and kids club at no extra charge. However, it’s important to note that the cabin locations may not be ideal for everyone, as they are often on lower decks or near the engine room.
In terms of dining options, guests in the Bella experience can dine in the buffet or main dining rooms, with no option to choose their preferred dining time. While the food and drink offered are still of high quality, guests who prioritize flexibility and choice in their dining experience may want to consider upgrading to the Fantastica or Aurea experiences.
Overall, the Bella experience is a great option for guests who want to enjoy a cruise without breaking the bank, but don’t necessarily need all the additional perks and amenities offered in the higher tier experiences.
Benefits of Fantastica
Upgrading to the Fantastica experience may be worth it for guests who want first choice of dinner sittings, as this upgrade allows for more flexibility and convenience during meal times. With the Fantastica upgrade, guests can choose their preferred dining time and enjoy the convenience of a reserved table in the main dining room. This is especially beneficial for families with young children or those who prefer to dine at a specific time.
In addition to dining flexibility, the Fantastica experience also offers the convenience of choosing your own cabin and more choice of where to book your room. This means that guests can select a cabin in a better location, such as one with a view or closer to the amenities they plan to use the most. The table below outlines some of the key differences between the Bella and Fantastica experiences to help guests decide which option is best for them.
| Bella Experience | Fantastica Experience | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Cabins in less-desirable areas of the ship | Choosing your own cabin | ||
| Dining | Dining in the buffet or main dining rooms | Preferred dining time and reserved table in the main dining room | ||
| Activities | Use of the ship’s pools, gym, sports facilities, and kids club each day for no extra cost | Seeing shows in the theatre at no charge | ||
| Booking Terms | Standard booking terms | More flexible booking terms | ||
| Price | Standard cruise package with no extra cost | An upgrade for an extra cost | A discount for booking early or booking multiple cabins together |
Benefits of Aurea
The top package offered by MSC Cruises is the Aurea experience, which provides guests with exclusive access to areas of the ship and priority boarding. Here are some of the perks that come with this package:
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Spa access: Aurea guests have access to the Thermal Area of the spa throughout their cruise. They also receive discounts on spa treatments, making it a great option for those looking to indulge in some relaxation and pampering.
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Exclusive sundeck: Guests staying in Balcony cabins or Suites can enjoy an exclusive sundeck that is reserved only for Aurea guests. It’s a great place to soak up some sun and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the crowds.
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Price comparison: While the Aurea experience comes at an extra cost, guests can compare prices of cruises from all travel agents and have them beat the best-price guarantee. This makes it easier to get the best deal and enjoy the perks of the Aurea experience.
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Loyalty perks: Guests can also earn loyalty points regardless of the experience they choose. These points can be used to get discounts and other perks on future cruises, making it a great option for those who plan on cruising with MSC again in the future.
Upgrading Options
Honestly, I was hesitant to consider upgrading my cruise package, but after learning about the exclusive sundeck and discounted spa treatments that come with the Aurea experience, I can’t imagine not taking advantage of these luxurious perks.
Upgrading to the Aurea experience may be worth the extra cost for those who want to indulge in the finer things during their cruise. The private sundeck and Thermal Area of the spa are exclusive to Aurea guests and provide a serene and relaxing space to escape the crowds. Additionally, the discounted spa treatments allow for an even more indulgent experience, making the Aurea package a great option for those looking for a truly luxurious escape.
Of course, before upgrading, it’s important to consider the cost comparison and loyalty program benefits. The price to upgrade from Bella to Aurea varies depending on the cabin type and can change over time, so it’s important to do some research and compare prices before making a decision.
However, it’s worth noting that loyalty points are earned regardless of the experience chosen, which can lead to discounts and perks on future cruises.
Overall, the Aurea experience offers unique benefits that can make for an even more enjoyable and indulgent cruise experience.
Considerations Before Upgrading
Before making a decision on which cruise package to select, I need to carefully consider my budget and desired level of luxury. The cost benefit analysis must be done before upgrading from the Bella to the Fantastica or Aurea package.
While the Fantastica package offers benefits like a better cabin location and flexible booking terms, the perks have been reduced since 2022. Upgrading to Aurea may be worth it for guests who want access to an exclusive sundeck and flexible dining times, but the package no longer includes free Easy drink and Wellbeing packages. Instead, guests receive a welcome package with prosecco and chocolates in their room on departure day, a 20% discount on a prepaid specialty dining package, and a 40% discount on a dedicated spa prepaid package or a 10% discount on any other spa treatments.
It is important to note that loyalty points are earned regardless of the experience chosen. However, the price of upgraded experiences is payable per person and usually only applies to adults in the cabin. Thus, guests should consider their circumstances and the cost before upgrading to Fantastica or Aurea.
Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each package and determine which one best fits individual preferences and budgets.
Other Information and tips
When considering a cruise with MSC, it’s important to know that loyalty points can be earned regardless of which experience package is chosen. This means that even if you opt for the Bella experience, you can still earn points towards future cruises.
Additionally, guests can compare prices from all travel agents and have them beat the best-price guarantee, which ensures that you get the best deal possible for your chosen experience.
If you’re wondering why MSC Cruises are cheaper than other cruise lines, the founder of Cruise Tips recommends reading her article on the topic. However, it’s important to note that while MSC may offer cheaper prices, they have also reduced some of the perks of their Fantastica and Aurea packages since 2022.
So, while upgrading to a higher experience package may offer some benefits, it’s crucial to consider your circumstances and the cost before making a decision.
MSC Yacht Club and Loyalty Points
Now that you know about the other information and tips related to MSC Cruises, let me tell you about the MSC Yacht Club and loyalty points.
The MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive area of the ship that offers a luxurious experience for guests. It includes a private lounge, restaurant, and pool area, as well as a dedicated butler service. The MSC Yacht Club is only available on select ships and is ideal for guests who want an upscale experience.
In addition to the MSC Yacht Club, guests can also earn loyalty points through the MSC Voyagers Club. These points can be used to receive discounts and perks on future cruises, such as cabin upgrades, onboard credit, and free drinks. The more points you earn, the more benefits you can receive. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy additional perks on your next MSC cruise.
So, if you’re planning on taking multiple MSC cruises in the future, be sure to sign up for the MSC Voyagers Club and start earning loyalty points today.
What is the minimum age requirement for accessing the spa and private sundeck in the Aurea experience?
To access the spa and private sundeck in the Aurea experience, guests must be at least 16 years old. This minimum age requirement ensures a more luxurious and relaxing atmosphere for adults, providing them with an exclusive space to unwind and escape.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with the upgraded experiences?
There are additional charges for upgrading from Bella to Fantastica or Aurea, which vary depending on cabin type and can change over time. However, the benefits and perks of each experience may make the upgrade costs worth it for some guests.
Can guests in Bella experience choose their own dining time or location?
Back in the day, Bella guests couldn’t choose their dining time or location. But now, customized dining and room location are available options for Bella guests at no extra cost. Enjoy the freedom to make your vacation your own.
Are there any restrictions on the use of leisure facilities for guests in the upgraded experiences?
Leisure facility access limitations vary depending on the upgraded experience perks. For example, Aurea guests have access to an exclusive sundeck and spa, but children are not allowed. Guests should consider their preferences before upgrading.
What other special treatments or perks are offered in the MSC Yacht Club?
The MSC Yacht Club offers exclusive perks like a private lounge, pool, and butler service. Compared to other cruise line upgrades, it’s more affordable and luxurious. It’s worth considering for those who want a VIP experience at a reasonable price.