Friday, April 12, 2024

MSC Cruises: What To Expect Onboard This Fast-Growing Cruise Line

what is msc cruise line

On more than half of MSC Cruises' ships, many of the top suites are part of an exclusive, keycard-accessed area called the MSC Yacht Club. Billed as an upscale "ship within a ship" and aimed at luxury travelers, the MSC Yacht Club is at the very top of vessels and comes with a private lounge, a pool, sunning areas and even its own restaurant. We are the world’s third-largest cruise brand as well as the leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa, with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. We are also the fastest-growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, we are part of MSC Group, the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage.

Worth It? Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages

Aurea also offers flexible dining and access to a dining area specifically reserved for those classes. On most ships, Aurea guests have a dedicated outside space that is restricted to only guests at this level. During the busy winter season, MSC Cruises might have four or five ships sailing the turquoise Caribbean waters. Larger, newer ships such as the MSC Meraviglia and  MSC Seashore offer tons of onboard activities, easily comparable to the flashiest Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or Carnival ships. Step into the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive private sanctuary available to you on MSC Cruises.

MSC Seaview

This package is for adults 21 and older and includes all drinks by the glass. These packages are available at all onboard bars, the self-service buffet, and included restaurants. Prospective cruisers have four options (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and Yacht Club), each increasingly more expensive, but with more inclusions and a better range of cabins to choose from. The MSC Yacht Club is a ship-within-a-ship concept that allows guests to have access to their own secure area. This entitles guests to their own restaurant, pool, bar, lounge (with drink package included), their own elevators, and priority embarkation.

Seaside Class

Spain Deports 65 Bolivians Who Arrived on MSC Cruise Ship - The Maritime Executive

Spain Deports 65 Bolivians Who Arrived on MSC Cruise Ship.

Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

As recently as 2017, the line only had a single vessel based in North America. Now it's up to three ships sailing out of U.S. ports, and by the end of 2023, that number will have shot up to five. While the Switzerland-based company is the third-biggest cruise line in the world, it has far less name recognition among Americans than big U.S.-based lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line. That's because, until recently, MSC Cruises mostly catered to Europeans. A large percentage of its customers came from countries such as Italy, Germany, France and Spain.

Gastro Outbreak Hits Luxury Cruise Ship

For instance, at the time of publication, four-night sailings from Miami to the Bahamas in September 2024 start at just $249 per person, not including taxes and fees of $100. That works out to just $87.25 per person, per night, with taxes and fees, for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals. Unlike other cruise lines, MSC Cruises does not let passengers switch their internet plan from one device to another during the cruise, even if they're only using one device at a time. Make sure you sign up for the Wi-Fi plan on the device you intend to use it with. If you'll want access on both your phone and your tablet, you will need a two-device plan. Still, MSC Cruises doesn't offer the sort of truly giant suites (more than 1,000 to 2,000 square feet) you'll find on some Norwegian and Royal Caribbean ships.

As part of its expansion into North America, the 23-ship cruise line has invested $350 million into building the largest passenger cruise terminal in the US, which will be able to accommodate 36,000 passengers per day. MSC Cruises offers multiple drink packages that range in price from $17 per person per day for a kid’s drink package to $79 per person per day for a package that includes all drinks by the glass (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Plus, if you’re sailing on MSC during a holiday, you’ll get to experience a special Martha Stewart 3-course holiday meal. These are available during Easter, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. This package is for adults 21 and older and includes drinks up to $12 each. It’s valid onboard including the specialty restaurants and at Ocean Cay.

Can I bring my own alcohol or soda onboard an MSC cruise ship?

In addition to all of the above, MSC Group — the line's parent company — has announced plans for yet another class of big ships to start arriving later this decade, though there have been few details released. MSC Group also is developing a series of small luxury vessels that'll operate under a separate brand to be called Explora Journeys. As recently as early 2017, the line had just 12 ships in operation. But it's been adding new cruise vessels at a blistering pace, and it now operates 22 vessels. Among the world's biggest ships, they offer some of the lowest pricing.

what is msc cruise line

CARIBBEAN & ANTILLES

Measuring 184,011 gross tons, MSC Euribia is one of the biggest cruise ships in the world — only 10 cruise vessels are bigger. That's the almost-as-new MSC World Europa, which debuted in December 2022. At 215,863 gross tons, MSC World Europa is the sixth-largest cruise ship in the world. Like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises has been building big resortlike vessels that offer every sort of amusement known to humans, from giant water parks to race car simulators. It currently operates eight of the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world — one of which (MSC Meraviglia) now calls North America home with year-round sailings out of New York City. That’s why we are dedicated to making each of our cruises a voyage of discovery and unforgettable emotions for every guest.

World Europa is bigger and bolder than previous MSC ships, featuring a water park, arcades and sports facilities, a looping dry slide, and a Y-shaped promenade. The focus on MSC ships has long been keeping guests of all ages entertained inside the ship, with multiple restaurants and entertainment venues on all their vessels. This means that vast promenade decks are not a common feature on the fleet. Specific amenities vary by ship, but as an example, Owner's Suites on MSC World Europa offer floor-to-ceiling windows and walk-in closets. These accommodations on both the line's Seaside and World Class vessels also feature bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs, as well as private whirlpool tubs and separate living room areas. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your purchase when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which earns 2 points per dollar spent on travel (and dining). The biggest suites on MSC Grandiosa, which launched in 2019, span two levels and offer around 635 square feet of interior space, plus another 237 square feet of outdoor balcony space.

Only the Voyagers Club member who makes the final payment for the onboard expenses will receive those points. For prepaid expenses, points will be equally distributed among the cabin occupants. MSC Cruises has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the MSC Voyagers Club, that has four tiers ranging from Classic (requiring 1 point) to Diamond (10,000 points). For cruises in the Caribbean, South America and South Africa, as well as on MSC Grand Voyages going to Europe and to Australia, the onboard currency is the U.S. dollar.

All five of the vessels are built around a grand interior promenade that's home to restaurants, bars and shops. The promenade is covered in an innovative "digital sky" made with LED screens. The next three ships in the series — MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia — offer even more outlets.

This is the first time in the 14-year history of the record-breaking Oasis Class series that a vessel has come close to the Royal Caribbean ships in passenger capacity or size. MSC World Europa offers a major new option for cruisers who love being on the biggest, most amenity-packed vessels. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. When pricing cabins, MSC Cruises offers one of four main "experiences," each of which comes with different inclusions and varying price tags. The basic "Bella" experience includes your room, dining in the main restaurants and buffet, and access to all the included features of the ship, such as kids programs and theater shows.

They are slightly stretched versions of the first two ships, a subclass of the series known as Meraviglia Plus. Measuring 153,516 to 170,412 tons, the Seaside Class ships are a tad smaller than the biggest MSC Cruises ships (see the World Class, above, and Meraviglia Class, below). If you love nothing better than a big, bustling resort with every sort of amusement known to humans, this is the MSC Cruises ship class for you. Currently, only one ship is sailing, but another will debut soon, with two more on the way.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What is Mid-Century Modern Style? Everything to Know

Table Of Content A house that’s truly out of the box Open floor plans How to Decorate Your Home in Mid-Century Modern Style What is Mid-Cent...