Swarovski Crystals and Non-Stop Energy: What is an MSC Cruise Really Like?

By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated:

14/07/26

MSC Preziosa berthed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

When you are looking at the global cruise market, there is one major player that has grown faster than almost anyone else: MSC Cruises. From relatively modest beginnings, it has shot up to become the third largest cruise brand in the world and an absolute giant in Europe and South America. They are famous for building some of the biggest, most visually striking mega ships at sea, blending sleek European style with non stop, high energy entertainment.

We have followed their journey with a lot of interest. While they offer an incredibly modern fleet, MSC is a cruise line that often splits opinion among British cruisers. In this article, we are diving into what MSC Cruises is really like: the history, the design of these massive vessels, what is included, and where it sits in terms of value for money.

History

The origins of MSC Cruises trace back to 1988 when the Aponte family, led by Gianluigi Aponte, acquired Lauro Lines, a traditional Italian cruise company. The line was rebranded as MSC Cruises, and what followed over the next few decades was one of the most ambitious expansion plans the travel industry has ever seen.

The early days started quietly with just a few smaller ships operating primarily in the Mediterranean. However, the turn of the millennium marked a massive push towards modernisation. In 2003, the company launched its first newly built ship, MSC Lirica, which kicked off a rapid era of growth.

The real breakthrough came with the introduction of the MSC Musica class in 2006, followed by the groundbreaking MSC Fantasia class in 2008. These ships set entirely new standards for the line, introducing the concept of the MSC Yacht Club: an exclusive, premium "ship within a ship" concept offering private lounges, pools, and butler service for guests looking for a luxury upgrade.

Today, MSC operates a giant global fleet. Following the launch of mega ships like MSC World Europa and MSC World America, the line is pushing heavily into eco-friendly maritime engineering, utilizing cleaner LNG power as they continue to expand their massive global footprint.

Prefer to Watch?

Our FIRST IMPRESSIONS and EMBARKATION of MSC PREZIOSA - DAY 1 VLOG!

In the first episode of our MSC VLOG series we have an amazing embarkation experience from the Horizon Terminal in Southampton. We explore the ship and are really surprised by the onboard buffet. On our first evening onboard we dine in the Golden Lobster MDR and experience an Italian Show in the Platinum Theatre.

The Galleria on MSC Virtuosa, featuring the ship’s impressive indoor promenade

Ship Design and Layout

If there is one thing MSC knows how to do, it is making a visual statement. The design language across their modern fleet is incredibly glamorous. Walking onto a Meraviglia or World class ship, you are immediately greeted by their signature Swarovski crystal staircases, gleaming chrome, and highly polished public spaces.

On the Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus class ships, the social heart is a spectacular indoor Mediterranean style promenade, covered by a giant, animated LED sky dome that changes throughout the day. It is an amazing space filled with boutiques, bars, and crêperies.

However, because these ships are so large and pack in thousands of guests, navigating them during peak times can sometimes feel a bit chaotic. While the flow around the main indoor promenades works well, popular areas like the buffet decks and theater exits can experience serious bottlenecks.

Outside, the pool decks are expansive and resemble floating resort hotels, complete with brilliant aqua parks for families. If you love a ship that feels bustling, ultra modern, and incredibly grand, MSC delivers that in spades.

Sign up to our Newsletter

Join the Tom & Dom Travel community and get honest cruise reviews, travel tips, destination inspiration, and behind-the-scenes updates delivered straight to your inbox.

As a welcome gift, you'll receive our FREE Printable Cruise Packing Guide to help you prepare for your next adventure.

Whether you're planning your first cruise or your fiftieth, subscribe today and travel smarter with Tom & Dom.

om from Tom and Dom Travel in the Golden Lobster Main Dining Room aboard MSC Preziosa

Dining on MSC Cruises

Dining on MSC is an area that has historically seen a mix of feedback, particularly from British and American travellers who are used to a more traditional style of cruise catering. Because MSC is a truly international line with a heavy European influence, the flavors and service pacing are distinctly continental.

Across the fleet, you will find:

Main dining rooms with rotating evening menus
Massive, multi station marketplace buffets
A selection of casual pool grab and go spots
Premium speciality restaurants, including American steakhouses and Kaito Sushi

The buffet is a major strong point for variety, especially if you love authentic Mediterranean food. The freshly made pizza onboard is widely considered some of the best at sea, and their live mozzarella-making stations are a fantastic touch.

The main dining room experience can be a bit hit and miss. The food is generally good, but service can sometimes feel rushed or impersonal due to the sheer volume of guests the galley teams are catering for. For a special occasion, booking into a speciality restaurant like the Butcher's Cut steakhouse is well worth the extra cover charge, offering a much quieter atmosphere and top-tier food quality.

A selection of alcoholic drinks available as part of the MSC Premium Drinks Package

Packages and Value for Money

MSC is heavily positioned as a value-driven cruise line. Their base cruise fares are often incredibly competitive, making them one of the most affordable entry points for mega ship cruising. However, to get the best value out of your holiday, you need to understand how they bundle their extras.

Instead of just choosing a cabin, MSC uses an "Experience" booking system:

Bella Experience: The lowest priced, basic fare with standard cabin allocation.
Fantastica Experience: Offers better cabin locations, more flexibility with bookings, and room service options.
Aurea Experience: Includes priority boarding, access to a private solarium, and a complimentary spa package.

When it comes to drinks, MSC offers various Easy, Easy Plus, and Premium Extra packages. Booking these as a bundle before you sail represents brilliant value for money compared to paying per drink onboard. If you choose to pay as you go for things like Wi-Fi, daily service charges, and beverages, your final onboard bill can mount up incredibly quickly. The sweet spot with MSC is always to secure an all-inclusive cruise deal at the time of booking.

Entertainment and Activities

If you sit on the side of wanting non stop action, MSC is a brilliant choice. The scale of entertainment onboard their larger vessels is immense.

The main theaters host West End style production shows that rely heavily on visual storytelling, acrobatics, and music. Because the guest list is so international, the main shows are cleverly designed to transcend language barriers, meaning you will see a lot of incredible dancing, singing, and cirque style acts rather than stand up comedy or dialogue-heavy plays.

Away from the main stage, the ships are packed with high tech activities. You will find full scale bowling alleys, F1 driving simulators, 4D cinemas, and massive arcade zones. For families, MSC has an award-winning partnership with Lego, offering some of the best kids' club facilities and youth programmes at sea. The atmosphere in the evenings is incredibly vibrant, with live music, high energy dance classes, and themed parties keeping the lounges buzzing until late.

A live entertainment performance in the main theatre on MSC Preziosa

Final Thoughts

MSC Cruises offers a spectacular, high tech, and visually stunning holiday option that represents some of the best budget friendly value in the entire industry. They build magnificent ships that are destinations in their own right, packed with brilliant features that will keep families and modern travellers entertained from morning to night.

While the international dining style and the sheer scale of the passenger numbers might not suit those looking for a quiet, traditional British cruise experience, it is a fantastic option if you go in with the right expectations. Secure yourself a bundled drinks and Wi-Fi deal, enjoy the incredible design, and dive into the non stop energy of a truly global cruise line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MSC Yacht Club and is it worth the money?

The MSC Yacht Club is a premium "ship within a ship" concept located at the front of the vessel. It features exclusive key-card access to a private lounge, a dedicated restaurant, an exclusive pool deck, and 24-hour butler service. If you love the amenities of a massive ship but want the quiet luxury of a small ship, it represents fantastic value for a premium holiday experience.

How does the dining flexibility work on MSC?

Depending on the booking experience you choose, you will either be allocated a traditional fixed dining time (early or late seating) in the main dining room, or enjoy flexible "My Choice" dining if you book an Aurea cabin or Yacht Club suite. The buffet is open for the vast majority of the day and night as a casual alternative.

Are drinks packages included in the initial price?

Standard base fares do not include alcoholic drinks or speciality coffees. However, MSC frequently runs popular promotional deals in the UK market that bundle the "Easy Drinks Package" and Wi-Fi into the initial cruise fare, which is by far the best way to secure good value.

What is the atmosphere like onboard an MSC cruise?

The atmosphere is highly international, energetic, and fun. You will hear multiple languages being spoken, and the entertainment reflects that global audience. It is a very lively environment, making it perfect for families, couples, and groups who enjoy a buzzing resort style holiday.

With all the high-energy entertainment, can you still find quiet spaces on an MSC ship?

Yes, but you have to pick your timing. While the central atriums (home to those famous Swarovski crystal staircases) and pool decks are loud, high-energy hubs, you can easily escape the noise. Heading to the top-deck solariums, the thermal suite in the spa, or the forward observation lounges during the day offers a completely serene, quiet atmosphere. For a guaranteed quiet haven, booking the MSC Yacht Club gives you exclusive access to private, tranquil lounges and decks away from the main crowds.

About the Authors

We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.

Thanks for reading, and happy cruising.