MSC Cruises has exploded in popularity over the last few years. With new megaships, a private island in the Bahamas, aggressive U.S. deployment, and the much-talked-about Yacht Club suite enclave, it’s hard not to consider MSC for your next cruise.
If you’re new to cruising, or even new to MSC Cruises, you might be wondering if MSC is a good cruise or a gamble.
Many cruisers find that MSC can be great value with interesting itineraries, accessible prices, and a popular Yacht Club suite experience. However, it’s also one of the most polarizing mainstream lines when it comes to food and entertainment consistency.
In this article, we will break down what MSC does well, and where guests say it falls short. Use this guide to determine if MSC is a good cruise line for your next vacation.
MSC’s diverse itineraries are a highlight
MSC’s strength has always been European-based itineraries, including Mediterranean, Canaries, and Northern Europe.
However, the cruise line has rapidly expanded in North America with new homeports and year-round deployments. In addition, MSC Cruises’ private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, is a popular port stop on most Caribbean sailings.
Fans of MSC often praise the cruise line for variety and value in its itinerary options, particularly if you’re flexible on sail dates.
Additionally, MSC is tailoring new ships specifically for U.S. travelers, such as incorporating comedy clubs, sports bars, grab-and-go dining, and more shade on pool decks. This broadens the appeal for Americans who want European flair without losing familiar comforts.
MSC has a fast-growing, modern fleet
MSC keeps adding capacity, and the cruise line has been rapidly expanding. The newest vessels in MSC’s expanding World Class lineup are LNG-powered megaships earning strong reviews for their design and sustainability.
MSC World Europa, which debuted in 2022, introduced bold architectural features and cutting-edge green technology, while MSC World America, which debuted in 2025, brought those same innovations to the U.S. market with new dining concepts, entertainment options, and a layout tailored to American travelers.
Additional vessels are scheduled through 2030, which is a clear sign of long-term investment in newer vessels, improved efficiency, refreshed venues, and more itinerary options.
Pricing and drink packages that feel attainable
MSC Cruises is popular for many travelers because of the price. Cruise fares and beverage packages often undercut the competition.
While final pricing varies by ship and season, many cruisers report that MSC’s packages are priced lower than many rivals on comparable sailings.
If you don’t need top-shelf brands or you mainly drink coffee, soft drinks, beer, or wine, MSC’s drink packages can be an excellent value versus paying à la carte. Just remember onboard service charges and any per-drink price caps.
MSC Yacht Club has better suite accessibility
If you want the perks of a luxury cruise experience without abandoning big-ship amenities, MSC Yacht Club is a great option.
The MSC Yacht Club is the cruise line’s “ship-within-a-ship” concept with high-end amenities, such as 24/7 butlers, private lounge, exclusive restaurants, private sundeck, priority embarkation, and the Premium Extra drink package included ship-wide.
Reviewers frequently rate this area as one of the best values in mainstream cruising, as it’s often cheaper than equivalent suite enclaves on other cruise lines.
On many sailings, MSC Yacht Club gives you a premium cruise experience while letting you still enjoy the big-ship amenities, such as the waterparks, shows, and venues aboard.
For readers who are curious about a higher-end experience but still conscious about spending, this is a benefit of cruising with MSC.
Entertainment can feel limited
MSC’s entertainment has inconsistent reviews across its fleet. Shows are often shorter and more visual with language-neutral storylines to serve an international audience.
This means you’ll find fewer Broadway-length productions and more acrobatics, dance routines, and multi-language shows. Fans appreciate the variety, while others call it “underwhelming” compared with the more lavish shows on US-based cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line).
If entertainment is make-or-break for your cruise, research the specific ship’s lineup before booking.
MSC’s food can be hit or miss
Food is one of the most polarizing topics when discussing MSC Cruises. You’ll see reviews that range from praise for “phenomenal pizza and pastries” to frustration over “bland buffets and inconsistent main dining room meals.”
On most sailings, MSC’s Italian and European-inspired dishes, like fresh pasta, risotto, and thin-crust pizza, earn the highest marks. The cruise line does Italian cruisine best, reflecting its Mediterranean roots.
Guests often comment that the pastries, breads, and espresso are excellent, while items aimed at American palates, like burgers and steaks, sometimes fall short of expectations.
Dining quality also tends to improve on newer ships and within specialty venues.
Restaurants like Butcher’s Cut, Hola! Tacos, and Kaito Teppanyaki receive stronger reviews for both service and consistency. In contrast, main dining rooms can vary from ship to ship, and buffets sometimes draw criticism for crowds, long lines, repetition, and lack of seasoning.
Service style can play a role, too. European cruises often follow a more leisurely dining pace, while U.S.-based itineraries are adapting to faster service and more familiar options.
If dining is important to you, plan for one or two specialty dinners on older ships, and lean into Mediterranean dishes in the main dining room. This is where MSC most often shines, delivering flavors that remind guests why the line’s culinary roots run deep in Europe.
The cruise line’s private island is beautiful, but offers limited amenities
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve consistently wins points for beautiful beaches and clear water.
The main critiques are about shade and extras. Many guests rent umbrellas (because of limited free shade) and note long walks if you pick a far-flung beach.
If you’re set on Ocean Cay, pick a beach near Seakers Food Court for buffet access, or Lighthouse Bay for more shade.
International experience onboard can vary
One of the most unique aspects of sailing with MSC is that the onboard experience feels different depending on where you cruise.
The cruise line’s roots are firmly European, as the cruise line is based in Switzerland and Italy. In this way, its service culture, announcements, and dining style often reflect that heritage.
On European sailings, the atmosphere tends to be distinctly multilingual and cosmopolitan. You’ll hear announcements in five or six languages, and dinner seatings are later, often starting around 8:30 or 9 p.m., to mirror local customs.
Guests come from all over the world, and the result is a dynamic, worldly crowd that feels very different from a typical North American sailing. Bar menus, entertainment, and even buffet selections may reflect regional influences.
Expect leisurely meals, plenty of espresso, and a social, continental rhythm to each day.
By contrast, U.S.-based MSC cruises have been evolving toward American preferences. Ships homeported in Miami, Port Canaveral, and Galveston now feature faster-paced service, more casual snack options, and entertainment styles that appeal to English-speaking audiences.
Who should sail with MSC Cruises?
MSC Cruises is a great fit for travelers who want newer ships with higher-end designs without paying premium fares. The cruise line attracts guests who value Ocean Cay beach days and convenient departures from Miami, Port Canaveral, or Galveston.
It’s also an excellent choice for those wanting to splurge on a suite experience. MSC’s Yacht Club delivers a semi-luxury experience at a relative bargain.
Families often find MSC particularly appealing, thanks to its generous “Kids Sail Free” promotions and expansive children’s areas featuring LEGO partnerships, water parks, and themed events that make it easy to keep everyone entertained.
MSC is a great choice if you:
- Want newer ships with eye-catching design at accessible prices
- Enjoy Caribbean or Mediterranean itineraries with plenty of sea days and private island stops
- Are interested in the Yacht Club, offering a premium experience at a mainstream price
- Travel with kids or extended family and value flexible, family-friendly pricing
MSC might not be your best match if you:
- Expect Broadway-caliber shows or large-scale licensed productions every night
- Are highly food-focused and prefer consistent gourmet dining across all venues
- Dislike multilingual announcements or a strongly international onboard atmosphere, especially on European sailings
In short, MSC shines for cruisers seeking style, value, and flexibility, but may not be ideal for those who prioritize top-tier entertainment or fine dining above all else.
So, is MSC a good cruise line?
MSC can be a good cruise line, but only if you set expectations correctly and choose the right ship and itinerary. With its expanding fleet, varied itineraries, and accessible prices, many cruisers are intrigued by MSC.
If you’re a budget-conscious cruiser or traveling with your family, MSC could be worth a try. Those wanting a higher-end suite experience can also find more accessible prices for the MSC Yacht Club.
Itinerary-focused cruisers who are more concerned about destinations compared to the onboard experience could also find MSC to be a good option.
However, if high-end entertainment and consistent dining are your biggest priorities, you might prefer a premium competitor.
