“If you build it, they will come” is a line that works just as well for the ambitious MSC Cruises as it did for Kevin Costner’s character in Field of Dreams.
The Italian-owned line – whose fleet of ships counts screen star Sophia Loren as godmother – was only established in 2002. Fast forward to today and MSC has become the third largest cruise brand by capacity: it currently operates 23 vessels with more on the way.
While the outfit is best known for its glitzy, Swarovski-studded ships that are aimed at an international audience looking for lively entertainment, vessels in MSC’s earlier Musica and Lirica classes are smaller – and subsequently offer a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
MSC also has some of the most affordable cruise fares around with rates starting from as little as £40 per person, per day for an inside cabin.
However if you are feeling the urge to splurge, look to the Yacht Club – MSC’s upscale ‘ship within a ship’ concept that features superior suites, 24-hour butler service, and a private restaurant, lounge, and deck space.
Yet there’s no getting away from the fact that MSC is very much a mainstream cruise line offering a variety of bells and whistles (think Broadway-style shows, bowling alleys, a robotic bartender, and waterslides).
For a more exclusive experience, look to Explora Journeys – the new ultra-luxury arm of the MSC Group – whose two ships carry fewer than 1,000 passengers and feature fine art exhibitions, and marble-fitted bathrooms.
1. Where does it cruise?
The Switzerland-based line sails to almost every corner of the globe including the Caribbean – where it has a private island, the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – the Canary Islands, the Emirates, Europe, Asia, Africa and America.
Speaking of the latter, MSC is scheduled to set sail in Alaska – the USA’s largest and wildest state – for the first time in its history onboard MSC Poesia.
However, the emphasis is firmly on Europe, where the line is the market leader. Little wonder then that, during the summer months, most of MSC’s ships are based in the region. Signature cruises include seven-night sailings in the Western Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries that depart out of Southampton, thereby eliminating any airport stress.
And even in winter, when the lion’s share of cruise lines relocate their vessels to warmer locales, MSC keeps a couple of ships in Europe.
That being said, when Europe and North America are under the dark blanket of winter, MSC sends the majority of its ships to sunny South America, South Africa, the Gulf, and the Caribbean.
MSC also offers an annual round-the-world cruise – a multi-month journey that covers at least three continents and typically departs in January thereby offering Brits a ‘get out of winter’ card.
2. Who does it appeal to?
MSC tends to attract multi-generational groups who flock to the line for its five, age-specific kid-friendly programmes, family discos, Formula One simulators, sports tournaments and 4D cinemas. Little ones also benefit from a discount of up to 30 per cent on certain shore excursions, while under-twos go free.
The line also draws in multi-national guests from countries including North America, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the UK, Australia, Belgium, Scandinavia and France. As such, announcements on European sailings are made in multiple languages – which will either frustrate or delight.
But it’s not just multi-generational and multi-national passengers who are enticed – so too are those who are new to cruise and looking to test the waters and find out what MSC is all about on one of the line’s low-cost mini-sailings.
Solo travellers aren’t neglected either: MSC’s newest ships feature single cabins including interior studios and balcony studios – and there are often special promotions such as 50 per cent off the single supplement.
What unites the line’s guests is their love of mega-ships that bring Las Vegas glitz to the high seas. Make no mistake: MSC ships are no shrinking violets as audiences at their dazzling music and light shows can attest.
Should you need to escape the constant hustle and bustle, the MSC Yacht Club – a high-end ship-within-a-ship concept – offers a quieter environment.
3. MSC Cruises’ fleet
There are currently 23 ships in MSC’s fleet. These can be divided into six classes which are as follows: World, Meraviglia, Seaside, Fantasia, Musica and Lirica.
MSC World Europa (6,762 passengers); MSC World America (6,762 passengers); unnamed vessel (launching 2026); unnamed vessel (launching 2027)
Spanning 221 decks and divided into districts including an adults-only ‘Zen district’ and a ‘family district’, MSC World Europa – the first of the new World class – is the largest ship in the line’s fleet.
It’s packed with plenty of firsts from MSC’s inaugural microbrewery at sea – to a dedicated gin bar serving up some 70-plus craft gins and the Chef’s Garden Kitchen; the first-at-sea hydroponic garden restaurant, where edible plants are grown without soil; the line’s largest water park; and an alfresco promenade.
MSC World Europa is also the operator’s first to be powered by liquefied natural gas – making it the most environmentally advanced MSC cruise ship.
All five Meraviglia class ships feature a two-storey Mediterranean-style promenade packed with shops, bars and restaurants; the world’s first ‘virtual cruise assistant’, Zoe; and a futuristic MSC Starship Club that is manned by ‘Rob’ – the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea who can mix drinks and chat with passengers in up to eight languages.
Consequently, passengers can expect plenty of outdoor spaces such as an outdoor promenade deck, panoramic windows, an alfresco seating area at the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, and a plethora of pools.
You’ll also find all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from an MSC ship: a spa, casino, disco, water park with waterslides, a sports court and more.
4. Loyalty scheme
MSC Voyagers Club is a points-based programme that has six membership tiers: Welcome, Classic, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Blue Diamond.
Members earn points based on the length of their cruise(s) and choice of accommodation so a 14-night cruise staying in the MSC Yacht Club will earn you considerably more points than a short sailing, staying in an entry-level Bella cabin.
Points are then converted into perks such as priority boarding and disembarkation or a complimentary dinner in one of MSC Cruises’ speciality restaurants. Rewards improve as you move up the fleet.
5. Accessibility onboard
The line says: “Guests can inform MSC Cruises of any special requirements by filling in the relevant form.
“If you booked your cruise through a travel agency, the documentation should be sent directly to your travel agent.”
Add comment
Comments