The history of MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises, launched in the 1970s by the Mediterranean Shipping Company, quickly established itself as a leader in the cruise industry. Starting out with a small merchant ship, the company has expanded rapidly and now focuses on passenger transport with a modern fleet.
The company initially focused on the Mediterranean, before extending its itineraries to a variety of global destinations. MSC Cruises offers cruises to the Caribbean, the Middle East, Northern Europe and Asia, as well as round-the-world cruises.
The MSC Cruises fleet is renowned for its large-capacity ships, combining elegance and modernity. Each ship is equipped with the latest technologies to enhance the onboard experience, including state-of-the-art entertainment and mobile applications to facilitate passengers' stay.
MSC Cruises also stands out for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, notably with the construction of ships powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) such as the MSC World Europa, MSC World America and MSC Euribia, underlining its commitment to more environmentally-friendly tourism.
MSC Cruises ships
MSC World Europa and MSC World America
Launched in 2022, the World Europa is an innovative ship with a futuristic silhouette. It is the first MSC ship to run on LNG. Her sister-ship the World America, commissioned in 2025, also runs on LNG.
MSC Virtuosa
The MSC Virtuosa, launching in 2021, offers high-profile shows, a variety of dining options and a wide range of activities for young and old, including a water park, a Formula 1 simulator and an arcade.
MSC Fantasia
The MSC Fantasia, launched in 2008, boasts a large number of cabins with private balconies, a wide range of dining options and unique entertainment, including a 4D cinema and a racing simulator.
MSC Seaside and sister-ships
MSC Cruises' Seaside-class ships are very open to the outside world and offer vast promenade areas. The MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape , launching in 2021 and 2022 respectively, are upgraded versions of the MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, launched in 2017 and 2018.
MSC Euribia
Launched in 2023, the MSC Euribia is an ultra-modern, comfortable family ship. Its hull features a fresco symbolizing MSC Cruises' commitment to the oceans. Powered by LNG, it is the second ship in the fleet to use this fuel after the MSC World Europa.
Why choose MSC Cruises ?
MSC Cruises operates one of the most modern fleets in the world. Its ships are equipped with the latest technologies in terms of environmental protection and entertainment (high-tech theaters, giant screens, slides or thrill rides...).
All MSC ships are equipped to welcome babies, children and teenagers. They benefit from numerous play areas, as well as children's and teen clubs organized by age group (0 to 17) and supervised by professional entertainers. To offer the best possible services to its young passengers, the company has also entered into partnerships with leading children's brands such as Chicco and LEGO.
Choose the MSC Yacht Club complex to enjoy a spacious, elegant suite with personal butler, private solarium and gourmet restaurant.
MSC Cruises destinations
Mediterranean
Sail the Mediterranean with MSC Cruises, discovering Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, southern France, the Balearic Islands, Spain, as well as Greece and its picturesque islands. Mediterranean cruises offer a variety of landscapes, sunny beaches, a rich historical heritage and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Caribbean & Antilles
MSC's Caribbean cruises invite you to discover tropical gems such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, the Bahamas and Barbados, Martinique and Guadeloupe, offering an exquisite blend of heavenly beaches, vibrant cultures and breathtaking scenery.
MSC Cruises has its own private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay. Eight white-sand beaches and a variety of water sports such as diving, snorkeling and sea kayaking await visitors. MSC's Ocean Kay private island also features private cabanas for relaxation.
Middle East
MSC Cruises' Middle East cruises include captivating ports of call such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity.
World Cruises
MSC Cruises' Round the World cruises offer a unique experience for those who aspire to immerse themselves in a variety of cultures, marvel at awe-inspiring natural vistas and experience unparalleled moments in renowned destinations around the world.
Most popular departure ports with MSC Cruises
To explore the Caribbean, cruises mainly start in Miami and Port Canaveral in the United States.
Mediterranean cruises often depart from the ports of Marseille in France, Genoa in Italy and Barcelona in Spain.
For Middle East cruises, Dubai is the main departure point, followed by Abu Dhabi and Doha. MSC cruises exploring Northern Europe and the Norwegian fjords depart from Copenhagen, Hamburg or the port of Warnemünde. Finally, transatlantic crossings and round-the-world cruises depart mainly from the port of Marseille.
MSC Cruises offers "Fly & Cruise" packages including flights for many itineraries. When air transfers are not included, cruise.us offers competitively priced packages for easy access to your cruise's port of departure.
When should you cruise with MSC Cruises?
Winter is the ideal time to cruise the Caribbean. Departures are from the United States, notably Miami and Port Canareval, as well as from ports such as Fort-de-France and Pointe-à-Pitre.
In summer, we recommend the Mediterranean or the Greek islands and the tranquility of Northern Europe.
A Mediterranean cruise is an excellent choice in spring and autumn. These seasons also offer transatlantic cruises.
MSC Cruises' social and environmental commitment
MSC Cruises is firmly committed to eco-friendly cruising. In 2022, the company launched the World Europa, its first ship to use LNG, a transitional fuel cleaner than marine diesel, followed by the Euribia in 2023 and the World America in 2025.
Previous vessels are regularly upgraded, with exhaust gas cleaning systems significantly reducing atmospheric emissions.
MSC ships are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as freshwater production plants, wastewater treatment plants, waste management systems, energy recovery devices and use LED lighting and low-consumption appliances. This rigorous environmental policy has enabled MSC to reduce its carbon emissions by 33.5% between 2008 and 2019. The company holds ISO 50001 certification for energy performance and ISO 14001 for environmental management.
What services are offered on board MSC Cruises ships?
Eating on board MSC Cruises
With MSC Cruises, you travel on a full-board basis. The main restaurants and buffets included in the cruise price offer a wide range of Mediterranean and international dishes, with varied menus every day. Buffets serve Mediterranean and international dishes, snacks and light options.
MSC Cruises also offers additional specialty restaurants, such as Butcher's Cut Steakhouse for premium meats, Kaito Teppanyaki and Kaito Sushi Bar for Japanese gourmets, and the Ocean Cay seafood restaurant. Guests of the luxury MSC Yacht Club complex enjoy exclusive access to a private gourmet restaurant.
MSC caters for special dietary requirements by offering vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher and halal meals. These options are available on request and require prior booking.
Beverages during your cruise
MSC Cruises offers 5 beverage packages. These packages are valid in the main restaurants, buffet and bars, but cannot be used in specialty restaurants or Signature locations.
- Easy package: this package includes a selection of wines served by the glass, draught beers, cocktails and mocktails, as well as non-alcoholic and hot drinks.
- Premium Extra package: this package offers a wide range of premium alcoholic beverages, including spirits, beers (bottled, craft, draught), glasses of wine and champagne, and various non-alcoholic beverages. It also includes a discount on the purchase of bottles of wine and champagne on board.
In addition to these alcoholic packages, MSC also offers two non-alcoholic options:
- Minors package: this package is designed for children and teenagers up to the age of 17, or 20 for cruises in North America and the Caribbean.
- Non-alcoholic package: This package includes mineral water, flavored water, energy drinks, a selection of soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages, plus hot chocolates.
Rooms and activities on board
Aboard MSC Cruises ships, travelers can choose from a variety of staterooms, from interior cabins to elegant suites. Ships are equipped with cabins adapted for people with reduced mobility. For families or groups, double or quadruple cabin configurations are available, guaranteeing flexibility and comfort.
The MSC Yacht Club, available on selected ships, takes the cruising experience to the next level. This exclusive complex offers spacious suites with personalized services such as 24-hour butler service, priority check-in and check-out, and special access to reserved areas on the ship. Yacht Club guests enjoy benefits such as complimentary beverages in all Yacht Club areas, complimentary access to the MSC Aurea Spa thermal suite, and an MSC for Me bracelet for a carefree cruising experience. A gourmet restaurant and a private terrace with solarium and whirlpool are dedicated to them, offering unrivalled tranquility and comfort.
On board MSC Cruises, passengers can enjoy a wide range of entertaining and relaxing activities suitable for all ages: 4D cinema, a golf simulator, bowling, a variety of shows, as well as swimming pools and aquatic activities. For well-being, fitness centers and spas are available, as well as sports facilities: fitness room, multisport fields... The company offers children's and teenagers' clubs with activities supervised by professional entertainers. MSC Cruises enriches the travel experience with an extensive selection of shore excursions, inviting travelers to dive into the exploration of captivating destinations.
Frequently asked questions about MSC Cruises from our customers
How to dress for an MSC cruise?
On board MSC ships, we recommend that you bring casual, sporty clothes for everyday life, on-board activities and excursions. Remember to bring warmer clothes, as days and evenings at sea can be cool, even in summer.
For less formal evenings, a more elegant outfit is recommended, such as a dress for women and a jacket for men. For gala evenings, the dress code is as follows: evening wear, dark suit and tie for men, and smart dress or cocktail dress for women. MSC sometimes organizes themed evenings, such as 60s and 70s parties, or a white evening.
What is the official currency on board MSC Cruises ships?
For cruises to the Caribbean, South America and South Africa, as well as for MSC Grand Voyages to Europe and Australia, the currency accepted on board is the US dollar.
For cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the West Indies, Dubai, the Emirates and Oman, as well as MSC Grand Voyages departing from Europe, the currency used on board is the euro.
Are pets accepted on board MSC Cruises ships?
Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed on board.
What is the minimum age for cruising with MSC Cruises?
There are no age restrictions for taking part in an MSC cruise.
Does the company offer a children's fare?
Children under 12 can travel free of charge (except port taxes) provided they share a cabin with two adults.