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The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

MSC Cruises may be the biggest cruise line you've never heard of — assuming you're an American.

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.

That's all changing now — and in a big way.

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As it expands its fleet at a rapid pace , MSC Cruises is massively building its footprint in North America in an effort to woo more Americans. 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.

All the North America-based ships are marketed heavily to Americans, and the line has tailored some of the features and activities on the vessels to a North American crowd.

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.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you? A guide to the most popular lines

3 things TPG loves about MSC Cruises

• Its affordability
• The incredible array of activities on its ships
• The status match it offers with its loyalty program

What we could do without

• Onboard announcements in five languages (on overseas sailings)

The MSC Cruises fleet

MSC Cruises has grown enormously in recent years. As recently as early 2017, the line had just 12 ships in operation. But it's added new ships at a rapid pace over the past six years and now operates 22 vessels, more than any other major line besides Royal Caribbean and Carnival. It also has three more giant new ships on the way in the next few years.

If that sounds like too many ships to get your head around, note that all 22 of the vessels in operation, as well as the three on order, fall into six distinct classes . The ships within each of the classes have similar sizes and onboard attractions. If you know one ship in the class, you know them all.

Related: MSC Cruises ships from newest to oldest — a complete list

As a result of its rapid growth, MSC Cruises recently passed Norwegian to become the world's third-biggest cruise brand when measured by passenger capacity. Only Royal Caribbean and Carnival are bigger.

Not including pulldown bunks and pullout sofas, MSC Cruises' 22 ships have 77,832 berths — about 21,000 more than Norwegian's fleet. At its current pace of growth, MSC Cruises could soon pass Carnival to become the world's second-biggest line.

As noted above, the MSC Cruises fleet includes eight of the world's 20 biggest cruise vessels — MSC World Europa , MSC Euribia , MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia , MSC Bellissima, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape . Built in the last six years, these eight ships aren't quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class vessels (the world's biggest cruise ships), but they're right up there when it comes to amenities and passenger capacity.

The grande dame of the MSC Cruises fleet is its recently unveiled MSC World Europa. At 215,863 tons, it's the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever built and the first of a new series of so-called World Class vessels that are nearly as big as Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships.

The next-biggest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet are its recently unveiled Meraviglia Class vessels: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia. Similar in design, these five ships aren't quite as big as MSC World Europa, but they're right up there when it comes to size, amenities and passenger capacity.

MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia, which debuted in 2019, 2021 and 2023, respectively, are a tad longer than MSC Bellissima and MSC Meraviglia and are considered a subset of the class known as Meraviglia Plus. Each can hold 4,842 passengers at double occupancy (or 6,334 passengers if every last pulldown bunk and pullout sofa is filled).

The other two Meraviglia Class ships, which date to 2019 and 2017, can carry more than 5,600 passengers with every berth filled.

In addition to these five giants, MSC Cruises also operates four large Seaside Class ships. Each has a total capacity of 5,336 to 5,632 passengers.

Add those in, and MSC Cruises operates 10 of the world's 35 biggest cruise ships, plus four somewhat smaller Fantasia Class vessels that can each hold around 4,400 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Together, the 14 World, Meraviglia, Seaside and Fantasia Class vessels make up MSC Cruises' big-ship fleet. The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are considerably smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at 2,700 to 3,200 passengers.

The eight smaller ships, which in general are the line's older ships, allow MSC Cruises to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of the World Class or Meraviglia Class vessels, although even the biggest MSC Cruises ships are still designed to be able to call at most ports around the world.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of MSC Cruises fans who are willing to give up some onboard amenities in exchange for intimacy. They're usually less expensive on a per-day basis, too.

In addition to all 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 few details have been released. MSC Group is also developing a series of small luxury vessels that'll operate under a separate brand called Explora Journeys.

Destinations and itineraries

MSC Cruises sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in Europe, where it's the biggest cruise operator.

In a typical summer, the line will deploy the vast majority of its ships in the Mediterranean or northern Europe. In recent years, the line has also kept at least a couple of ships in Florida in summer for voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. This year, the line had two ships based in Florida for summer sailings to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, plus one ship sailing out of New York City for the summer.

During winter, MSC Cruises typically will add more ships to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. (For winter 2023-2024, it expects to have six in the region.) It'll also typically send four or five ships to South America in winter and often deploys vessels in winter to South Africa and the Middle East.

For winter 2023-2024, it'll have one ship in South Africa. The line's Middle East deployment this year has been cut back due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Additionally, MSC Cruises often offers an around-the-world cruise in winter on a single ship.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an MSC Cruises ship

In North America, MSC Cruises ships have generally sailed out of Miami , but the line recently added Port Canaveral and New York City as home ports, too. The line also offers cruises from the Caribbean islands of Barbados, Martinique and Guadeloupe, and in a major development, the line opened its first private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , in the Bahamas in 2019. It's a major stop for many MSC Cruises itineraries in the region.

In Europe, major MSC Cruises hubs include Southampton, England; Copenhagen; Kiel and Hamburg in Germany; Ancona, Venice, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, Bari and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) in Italy; Barcelona, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca in Spain; and Marseille, France.

Who sails MSC Cruises?

MSC Cruises is increasingly known for having big, bustling megaships that'll appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. In other words, if you're the kind of person who loves staying on property at Disney World or at a giant Las Vegas resort , this could be the line for you.

The bigger MSC Cruises ships offer vacationers a ton of options for dining (some vessels have more than a dozen distinct places to eat dinner or at least grab a quick bite) or entertainment. They're lively and fun.

They also have an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions — everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to sprawling amusement areas with race car simulators, flight simulators and XD cinemas (more on all this below). That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. Families are a big part of MSC Cruises' business.

But it's not just families that flock to MSC Cruises.

The line's ships are designed to offer something for everyone, and they thus appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers (the line has added solo cabins on its newer ships and occasionally runs promotions for solo travelers). They also draw customers from a wide range of the income spectrum.

At one level, MSC Cruises ships have a for-the-masses feel. However, overlaid across many of the line's ships are high-end suites, upscale restaurants and luxury services — most notably the suites and amenities in the exclusive, upscale MSC Yacht Club areas found on some vessels (more on that later). As a result, the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers.

The demographic profile of MSC Cruises ships can be markedly different depending on where the vessels are based. On Caribbean sailings out of Florida, you'll find that a large percentage of passengers are English-speaking North Americans.

MSC Cruises voyages in Europe are often heavily filled with Europeans speaking Italian, German, Spanish and French, as well as some English speakers. In Europe, the line offers onboard programming in all five of these languages (all crew members speak English no matter where the ships are sailing).

Reality check: Due to the diverse origins of passengers on European sailings, the line typically makes announcements in all five of the aforementioned languages. This can result in extraordinarily long announcements at times, which can be a distraction to some cruisers. The good news is that on sailings out of U.S. ports, only safety announcements are made in all five languages. Other announcements are in English only.

Cabins and suites

MSC Cruises offers a wide range of accommodations on its ships. On its newest vessels, you'll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless "interior" cabins that measure as little as 172 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to suites more than five times that size that sprawl across two decks.

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.

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and they can be quite impressive.

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.

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.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

MSC Yacht Club accommodations also come with 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge.

Solo cabins (called interior studios) measuring just 127 square feet can be found on the line's seven newest vessels.

Insider tip: Passengers can use the interactive TVs in cabins to browse information, find out about daily events and activities, check bills and book services. On some ships, MSC for Me interactive wristbands can open your cabin door and also allow you to book services or make contactless payments for items on board.

Restaurants and dining

While a few of MSC Cruises' smallest ships have relatively limited dining venues, many of the line's vessels offer a wide range of choices.

On the line's recently unveiled MSC Euribia, for instance, there are nearly a dozen distinct eateries, as well as a number of bars and lounges that serve at least small bites. MSC Seashore has five specialty restaurants that feature waterfront, outdoor seating on the ship's boardwalk.

Every vessel has at least one or more main dining rooms and a casual buffet where meals are included in the fare.

For dinner in a main dining room, you must either have My Choice dining with the Aurea experience (a flexible dining option where you dine whenever you want) or classic dining (where you have a fixed table and time for dinner).

Nearly every ship also has at least one — and sometimes quite a few — extra-charge venues. Among the most common across the fleet is the American-style steakhouse Butcher's Cut, which is found on more than half the line's vessels. There also are sushi bars on more than half the line's ships, with varying names like Kaito Sushi and Galaxy Sushi.

The line's newest ships have teppanyaki restaurants, too, and passengers on MSC Cruises' Seaside Class ships, as well as MSC Meraviglia and MSC Splendida, can dine at a Mediterranean-style seafood restaurant.

Several of the line's newest vessels, including MSC Grandiosa and MSC Bellissima, also have the French cuisine-serving L'Atelier Bistrot.

Entertainment and activities

MSC Cruises offers a broad range of entertainment and activities on its ships. As noted above, the line's biggest vessels offer multiple entertainment venues, from Broadway-style theaters to spaces for circus-like performances; all manner of deck-top attractions; large casinos; and full-service spas. Plus, you'll find multiple bars, lounges and nightlife spots.

Theaters and shows

Like other megaship lines, MSC Cruises is known for big, glitzy theater productions performed in onboard theaters that are as state-of-the-art as anything you'll find on Broadway.

On the line's newer ships, such as MSC Euribia, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Grandiosa, there are main theaters that hold nearly 1,000 people. They offer as many as six different full-scale theatrical productions during a typical voyage, with multiple showtimes for each production and a range of styles. You'll find original Broadway-style musicals, piano concerts and even operas.

Some MSC Cruises ships have high-tech, multipurpose entertainment spaces that serve as comedy clubs and karaoke bars but can also transform into music venues. Dubbed the TV Studio & Bar on some ships, these spaces also house radio and TV broadcasting equipment, and they can host games, quizzes and talent contests aired live on TV sets in cabins.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of MSC Cruises ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Every MSC Cruises ship has a casino, and on the line's larger vessels, they are big operations. Le Grand Casino on MSC Grandiosa, for instance, has 164 slot machines, 12 table games (including blackjack, roulette and poker) and its own bar.

The five Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus Class vessels also have soaring interior mall-like spaces called Gallerias with bars, restaurants and retail shops, as does the new MSC World Europa.

Many of the Gallerias, for example, are home to an innovative chocolate bar and boutique created by well-known French patissier and chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury.

The Gallerias on the five Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus Class vessels — MSC Euribia, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima — are topped with one of the most stunning features found at sea: a dazzling "digital sky" made with curving LED screens that offer regular light shows during the day and evening. There's something similar on MSC World Europa.

The bigger MSC Cruises ships also have interactive game zones with such attractions as Formula One racing simulators, immersive XD cinemas, arcade games and even full-size bowling alleys.

For something more soothing, all MSC Cruises ships include spas. These can be quite big on the larger vessels, with expansive thermal areas and a wide choice of treatments and services.

Insider tip: Passengers can get information about onboard entertainment and restaurants (and make reservations) on the interactive screens found around MSC Cruises vessels.

Top-deck attractions

The top decks of MSC Cruises ships offer pools, hot tubs and plenty of lounge space, plus some spectacular family-focused fun zones — on the line's newest ships, at least.

On the line's Meraviglia and Seaside Class ships, top-deck amenities include sprawling back-of-the-ship water parks with multiple waterslides, ropes courses and watery play areas for the little ones.

Some ships even have zip lines — the longest at sea.

Additionally, the main pool areas on the newest MSC Cruises ships are among the biggest and most stunning at sea. Some of the line's ships also have adults-only pools topped with glass ceilings that can be opened on warm days.

Children's programs

MSC Cruises has some of the most extensive children's programs at sea, with dedicated clubs and activities for children as young as a couple of months old through the age of 17.

On most ships, the line offers programming for five distinct age groups.

For the very youngest cruisers, there's Baby Club, a program for babies and toddlers up to the age of 3. The line partnered with baby care brand Chicco to develop dedicated Baby Club play areas on every ship with toys, games and music and rhythm activities. You can leave your toddlers at the clubs, which have dedicated staff, or stay and play with them.

MSC Cruises ships also have a dedicated Mini Club (ages 3 to 6) and Junior Club (ages 7 to 11) with age-appropriate activities. Designed in partnership with the Lego Group, the Mini Clubs offer games, events and activities such as arts and crafts. Junior Clubs have a Masterchef at Sea Juniors competition, plus acting, dancing and singing activities.

Related: New MSC Cruises ship in New York is bigger than the city's biggest hotel

MSC Cruises ships also have Young Club, a tween program (ages 12 to 14) that includes sports tournaments, high-tech games and other activities.

Then there's Teen Club (ages 15 to 17), which hosts disco parties, karaoke parties and Wii, Xbox and PlayStation 4 tournaments. On MSC Grandiosa, teens even get the chance to pilot a drone through an obstacle course during an activity called the Drone Academy, and the ship holds a teen dance competition designed in partnership with the company behind "The X Factor."

Kids and teens clubs on newer MSC Cruises ships can also access cutting-edge equipment like 3D printing machines, virtual reality devices and 3D product scanning, all of which are used in activities.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need either a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. Passports must be valid for at least six months.

For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. It's important that the name on your reservation is listed exactly as it appears on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

MSC Cruises adds an automatic service charge of $16 per person to final bills on sailings out of U.S. ports. Sailings with pricing in euros have a 12 euro charge ($13.13 at current exchange rates). Children 2 to 11 pay half the adult rate on most cruises. Children under 2 are not charged for service.

Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars for cruisers who do not have a drinks package. If you buy a drinks package, the gratuity charges for drinks is folded into the package price when you book it. A 15% service charge is also added to items in minibars, salons and spas.

Related: Tipping on a cruise ship: Everything you need to know

MSC Cruises has been rolling out Wi-Fi with speeds so fast that you'll be able to watch Netflix from your room on your mobile device. Unlike some lines, though, MSC Cruises doesn't offer flat-fee pricing for Wi-Fi. Instead, MSC Cruises charges by the number of devices you use and how you want to use the internet (think: browsing, texting, sending emails or video streaming).

Basic packages for browsing start around $72 for one device with unlimited data. A two-device plan with unlimited data for browsing costs about $109. There's also a four-device browsing plan for about $223. If you're looking to stream video along with other internet uses, you'll need a streaming plan. These start around $100 for one device and can be as high as $313 for a four-device plan.

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.

Passengers can chat with friends and family on board ships even if they don't have an internet package by downloading the MSC for Me app to a smart device. The app also lets you book services on board.

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike some lines, MSC Cruises doesn't allow passengers to bring their own alcohol on board.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including electronic cigarette smoking) is allowed in a limited number of designated areas on ships, with the primary smoking area on ships being an outdoor pool area that varies by ship and is indicated by signage. Smoking is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 fee.

Unlike some lines, MSC Cruises does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships. Vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry-cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

All vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins.

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.

On cruises in other parts of the world, the onboard currency is the euro. All vessels operate on a cashless system with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a Cruise Card (or, on the newer ships, an MSC for Me wristband) that you can use to make purchases.

Drinking age

You must be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol on sailings in the U.S. and the Caribbean. The drinking age on sailings everywhere else in the world is 18.

During the day, there's no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination and you're bound for the top deck, that means dressing for the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to put on when you go inside) are just fine.

On most evenings, the line recommends "smart casual" dress, meaning summery dresses for women and a lightweight jacket for men. On select days, the line also holds Gala evenings on its ships where the dress code can be more formal. For Gala evenings, if dining in a main dining room, the line suggests a tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit and tie for men and a dressy outfit, formal gown or cocktail dress for women.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

MSC Cruises loyalty program

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).

Members earn points based on the length of the cruises they take and which "experience" they book on those sailings. There are four different "experiences" you can book on an MSC Cruises sailing, each with different inclusions and price points. The most basic "Bella" experience will get you fewer points than the top "MSC Yacht Club" experience.

For a sailing of under five nights, for instance, your earnings would range from 200 to 800 points depending on the experience you book. For cruises that are five to nine nights in length, you'd earn from 500 to 1,500 points depending on the experience.

Every person in your stateroom will earn points for the cruise. You can also earn points with onboard spending and any bookings you made before embarkation. You'll earn 100 points for every $150 in prepaid and onboard expenses.

Know, though, that there are a couple of key caveats. 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.

Say, for example, the total amount of prepaid onboard services that apply to all cabin occupants before the cruise is $600. If there are four cabin occupants, the spending for the points calculation of each member will be $150, which is equal to 100 points.

As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Classic) doesn't bring all that many truly valuable rewards. By far the most alluring benefit at this level is the 5% discount that members get when booking future sailings (note that this discount is not valid on Tandem and MSC Grand Tours). That's real savings every time you book a cruise.

The real perks begin at Diamond status, which brings a free dinner in an extra-charge restaurant, priority embarkation at the start of a cruise and priority disembarkation at the end of a cruise.

Unlike with most cruise line loyalty programs, you won't automatically keep your status forever with MSC Cruises. Once achieved, your status is good as long as you take a cruise at least once every 36 months. If you don't, not only will your points disappear, but your entire account will be erased, requiring you to re-enroll and start all over again.

That's the downside of the MSC Voyagers Club. However, the program also comes with one very big upside: MSC Cruises will let you status match your way to top-tier Diamond status based on your status level with any of more than two dozen other loyalty programs — not just those run by competing cruise lines but also those operated by Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton. It's very rare in the cruise world.

How much does an MSC Cruises voyage cost?

MSC Cruises is known for some of the most affordable ships at sea. It's not uncommon to find MSC Cruises voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from under $75 per person, per night, including all taxes and fees — at least in the offseason.

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.

As you might expect, pricing for ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September, October and parts of November.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board an MSC Cruises ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet and a few other amenities — unless you've paid up for a more inclusive package.

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.

Note that if you book the Bella experience, you cannot select a specific cabin. You can only choose between the broad categories of inside, ocean-view or balcony cabin, and a cabin is later assigned to you.

One step up is the more expensive "Fantastica" experience, which adds room service and breakfast delivered to your cabin, priority choice of dinner sittings, access to additional kids activities and classes, and more. At this level and above, you can pick a specific cabin when booking.

With the even pricier "Aurea" experience, you'll get complimentary access to the spa's thermal area, priority boarding and other perks. The Aurea experience also comes with access to My Choice dining and an exclusive sun deck area that on many ships features an exclusive bar and hot tubs.

Then there's the MSC Yacht Club experience, mentioned above, which is the ultimate in onboard living. Even with its higher price tag, the MSC Yacht Club still provides great value for its wide range of perks, such as unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club areas, including premium spirits and minibar items.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their 1st cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to the MSC Cruises website to book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise (there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process: trust us) we recommend you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises. A good travel agent will quiz you about your interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They also can help if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure MSC Cruises is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all about the line's various cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see them firsthand.

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).

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Bottom line

Long a major player in Europe, MSC Cruises is growing fast in North America with a lineup of big, new, amenity-filled ships.

If you're a megaresort lover, you'll feel right at home on MSC Cruises' new World, Meraviglia and Seaside Class vessels, which rival the biggest vessels of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian for their array of onboard amusements.

You'll also love their affordability. Among the world's biggest ships, they offer some of the lowest pricing. You'll be sharing your vacation with hordes of other people, of course — as many as 6,000 on some MSC Cruises vessels. However, even the biggest MSC Cruises ships have quiet nooks where you can escape the crowds.

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• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up

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10/05/2024 - 01/11/2026, departure port, cruise ship, number of nights.

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Find a Cruise on MSC Cruises

with a cruise advisor

Cruising with MSC

Swiss cruise line MSC Cruises sets itself apart from other brands with its refined onboard experiences and eclectic selection of facilities, including adults-only pools and bar areas, Balinese spas and 4D cinemas. The line's 22 ships (with one more on the way) cater to a variety of travelers sailing throughout destinations in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Canada and New England, Bermuda, South America, northern Europe and more. Voyages frequently last between two nights and 120 nights for MSC’s World Cruises, which take place once per year on various vessels. MSC's ships carry anywhere from 2,620 (the Armonia ) to 6,762 (the World Europa ) passengers at full capacity, with approximately one crew member for every three passengers.

Although MSC's ships differ in size, the whole fleet receives praise from previous passengers for its sophisticated ambiance and the value of its itineraries. Travelers can choose from three package experiences – Bella, Fantastica or Aurea – which will determine what their cruise fare will cover. At a minimum, meals in the main restaurants and buffet are included in the price of the voyage, as are several ship activities. Food options vary by ship, though most MSC restaurants feature globally inspired cuisines.

Meanwhile, MSC entertainment includes evening concerts, live shows, parties and contests, while shore excursions cover everything from touring around Mykonos, Greece , to exploring Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios,  Jamaica .

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re looking for an easy-to-access beach experience on a Caribbean sailing, select an itinerary that stops at MSC Cruises private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. This island is easy to visit from the ship even with mobility issues thanks to trolleys and beach wheelchairs you can access, and it’s located in the Bahamas near Bimini. – Holly D. Johnson, Contributor

Book an MSC Cruises cruise deal with GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Pros & Cons

Wide array of Caribbean and European itineraries to choose from

Loyalty club members save 5% on most sailings

Appeals to travelers from Europe as well as the U.S.

Beverages, including soft drinks, are not included in cruise fare

Shore excursions cost extra

Limited dining options compared to other lines

• Expert Rating » 3.3
• Traveler Rating » 3.8
• Health Rating » 4.5

MSC Cruises has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 5 in Best Cruise Lines for Families
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MSC Cruises Ships

MSC Euribia

MSC Bellissima

MSC Meraviglia

MSC Grandiosa

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MSC Virtuosa

MSC World Europa

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MSC Seashore

MSC Fantasia

MSC Preziosa

MSC Seaside

MSC Armonia

MSC Magnifica

MSC Sinfonia

MSC Splendida

MSC Orchestra

Before You Book

• Note: To see MSC Cruises' updated deposit, cancellation and rebooking policies, visit its website .
• To confirm your reservation, a deposit is required. Full payment must be received 75 days prior to departure for cruises lasting four nights or less, 90 days prior to departure for cruises of five to 14 nights and 110 days prior to departure for cruises of 15 nights or more. If you book less than 75, 90, 110 or 120 days prior to sailing (depending on the length of the cruise), full payment will be requested at the time of booking.
• The "Children Cruise Free" policy applies to kids younger than 18 (may be based on specific sailing and availability).  
• If you choose to cancel, you may lose your deposit or face percentage penalties, depending on the sailing and when you cancel. Refer to MSC's website  for the full cancellation policy. 
• Passengers with special needs should fill out the Special Needs Form  at the time of booking. At the latest, MSC must be notified two business days before departure.
• If your cruise is canceled by MSC for technical or weather-related reasons before the voyage begins, you will be refunded the full fare or given the option of rebooking on a future cruise. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you have elite status with another cruise line and want to enjoy some added perks with MSC Cruises, this line lets you apply for a “status match” ahead of time. Getting your status matched can help you qualify for 5% off all cruises after your first sailing, plus complimentary gifts, priority disembarkation, complimentary specialty dining and more depending on your status level. – Holly Johnson, Contributor

Before You Board

• You must check in and be on board at least two hours before departure. The time you board the ship will be listed on your cruise ticket.
• You can check in online and collect your e-tickets up to 24 hours prior to your embarkation date. Visit MSC's web check-in page  for more information.  
• All luggage should be labeled with the passenger's name, ship name, cabin number and the date and port of departure, and MSC Cruises provides luggage tags for all passengers with this information. Two suitcases and two handheld pieces of luggage are permitted per person (as long as that does not exceed eight pieces of luggage per stateroom).
• While you cruise international waters, MSC requires passengers to carry all necessary travel documents – such as passports, required visas and immigration documents– where necessary.
• You can book shore excursions in advance on MSC's website . Deadlines for prebooking shore excursions vary by itinerary.
• Passengers cannot prebook specialty dining experiences ahead of time, but dining packages can often be booked online ahead of most sailings. These packages typically include two to three specialty restaurant meals in a single sailing, and unlimited specialty dining packages may be available.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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From the  British Isles  to  Scandinavia , via the  Baltic States , this extraordinary MSC Cruises voyage proposes fascinating and unusual itineraries to explore some of the most remote areas of the planet.

MEDITERRANEAN

Cruising the Mediterranean with MSC Cruises means coming within reach of the best in culture, tradition and monuments that have for centuries enriched its shores. This cruise offers the opportunity to visit and learn about countries and people facing this sea and their millenary history.

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Cruise to the Caribbean , one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world. Drift away to the sound of waves and perhaps indulge in some shopping and a spot of night life in trendy Miami or the mysterious Mexican Costa Maya .

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Discover our new and exclusive Bahamian destination: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve . Here you can spend a one-of-a-kind experience on an authentic Caribbean island, while connecting with the natural world, feeling the warmth of the Bahamian spirit and immersing in an eco-friendly environment.

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A journey with an MSC Cruise toward Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sir Bani Yas will immerse you in the region's mesmerizing blend of beautiful beaches, record-breaking attractions, and experiences like no other. Uncover the vibrant tapestry of Dubai's lifestyle , and immerse yourself in the world of luxury as you discover the city's opulent malls. Alternatively, soak in the city's vibrant nightlife scene and treat yourself to exquisite fine dining in one of Dubai's beautiful restaurants for a lavish experience.

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MSC Cruises

The Best and Worst MSC Cruise Ships: Full Ranking for 2024!

January 16, 2024

MSC Cruises, has a fleet of 21 impressive ships . A very high number that offers a wide range of choices for travelers. However, this variety can sometimes be confusing when trying to find the ideal cruise.

To better guide potential customers, I decided to create a ranking that orders ships from the best to the worst based on customer reviews gathered from major cruise websites. After calculating the average score, it emerged that MSC Bellissima , launched in 2019 as part of the Meraviglia class, is the most liked ship. In contrast, despite being one of the newest, the MSC Seascape ranks last according to customer reviews.

Let’s see every ship in detail!

Table of Contents

1. MSC Bellissima

Launched in 2019, Bellissima offers a sophisticated cruising experience with a focus on technology and comfort. Reviews often highlight the high quality of food at both the buffet and restaurants. However, there are mixed opinions on the adoption of overly technological solutions, such as the need to use the “MSC for me” app. Some reviews also note occasionally slow service and excessive crowding in the main venues.

From the opinions, it emerges that MSC Bellissima is the best ship in many aspects, most notably for its excellent cleanliness of the cabins and throughout the ship decks. Passengers also consider it the best ship in terms of size: not too big, not too small.

2. MSC Seaside

MSC Seaside, launched in 2017, is second in the list of the most appreciated ships. The idea of the ship is to emphasize its connection with the sea. Among its strengths is the wonderful outdoor deck that offers breathtaking and panoramic views of the sea and the ports visited. At the same time, as a downside, some customers said that the outdoor areas can’t be used in bad weather.

For this reason, cruisers consider it one of the best ships for cruises during the summer or for cruises in warm destinations.

3. MSC Sinfonia

MSC Sinfonia was lower in the ranking but climbed several positions after undergoing modernization works in 2015. The ship is loved because it has a more cozy and intimate environment, making it the preferred choice for guests who like smaller ships.

Reviews highlight the ease of moving on board and the more attentive service for the fewer passengers. However, the drawbacks include more limited entertainment options compared to larger ships.

4. MSC Seaview

Launched in 2018, Seaview offers an experience similar to Seaside, with a focus on outdoor areas. Therefore, its strengths include spacious outdoor decks, swimming pools, and numerous outdoor activities.

Some passengers found it a bit too crowded, and as with Seaside, good weather during the cruise is needed to enjoy all the best spaces.

5. MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia is a state-of-the-art ship with a spectacular LED promenade and a wide range of entertainment options. Guests have greatly enjoyed the variety of onboard activities available for all ages, from an excellent mini-club to adult entertainment. Everyone also liked the ship’s interior design, which was considered luxurious and elegant.

Like many larger ships, some negative reviews mention excessive crowding in common areas, but only during peak season.

6. MSC Divina

MSC Divina is one of those ships that is in the middle ground, neither too old nor one of the newest. Launched in 2012, it is renowned for its elegance and sophisticated design.

It has gained many points for the refined atmosphere onboard and a good selection of restaurants. In short, it is an excellent ship for those who are looking for a good ship without excesses.

7. MSC Preziosa

MSC Preziosa, launched in 2013, is the sister ship of the Divina I mentioned earlier. Being very similar ships, the customer ratings were almost identical. The only thing that changes is the interior decor in terms of colors and design. The spaces, however, remain mostly unchanged.

8. MSC Grandiosa

MSC Grandiosa was the first ship of the Meraviglia-Plus class, very similar to the Meraviglia class but with some improvements and a slightly larger gross tonnage. The ship is renowned for its imposing size and wide range of entertainment. On board, there are many restaurants and recreational activities. At the same time, the ship may seem a bit complicated, especially for inexperienced cruise passengers.

9. MSC Musica

Inaugurated in 2006, MSC Musica combines classic design with modern comforts. It is a medium-sized ship, so it has attracted positive reviews from those seeking relaxation. The atmosphere onboard is calm and relaxed, without crowds or large groups of people.

The flaws, however, are those that emerge with older ships. Being a 2006 ship, the years are showing, although it still appears well-maintained overall.

10. MSC Splendida

Splendida, the sister ship of Fantasia, offers elegance, comfort, and fun. Guests generally like the ship overall, finding it to be the right size and spacious. The entertainment on this ship has been particularly well-received, with guests reporting never feeling bored.

However, there are some criticisms regarding the food, perhaps explaining why this ship is only in the middle of the rankings.

11. MSC Virtuosa

Launched in 2021, MSC Virtuosa is one of the newest ships in the fleet. It stands out for its technological innovations and entertainment options, offering cutting-edge technology and a wide variety of fun activities.

However, like many other ships, its main drawback is overcrowding. Several customers have complained about long lines at both the buffet and reception.

12. MSC World Europa

The flagship, MSC World Europa, is at the twelfth position in the ranking of MSC Cruises’ best and worst ships. It is the newest ship, launched in 2022, and is inherently the most innovative with cutting-edge technology. The main criticism is the difficulty in moving around inside the ship, with some cruisers finding it too sprawling.

13. MSC Armonia

MSC Armonia is the oldest ship in the MSC fleet. It was launched in 2001 but renovated in 2014. Contrary to what some might think, the oldest ship is not necessarily the worst.

MSC Armonia has received good reviews for offering a more classic and intimate experience. The ship provides a welcoming and personal atmosphere that is perfect for those seeking a quieter cruise. The drawbacks are what you might expect: as the smallest ship, it has fewer restaurant and entertainment options than the larger ships.

14. MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore was the first ship of the Seaside EVO class, essentially an enhanced version of its sister ships Seaside and Seaview. Its strengths include more spacious cabins and excellent outdoor areas. However, like the other ships, the main drawbacks include overcrowded areas and sometimes a lack of good service.

15. MSC Fantasia

Launched in 2008, MSC Fantasia combines luxury and innovation. Although it was an excellent ship, several years have passed since its launch, and it’s starting to show signs of aging compared to newer ships.

However, the reviews still have a good rating and classify her as a good cruise ship.

16. MSC Magnifica

MSC Magnifica blends traditional style with modernity. Launched in 2010, it belongs to the Musica class but is slightly larger than its three sisters (Orchestra, Musica, and Poesia). Its positive points are the good mix of restaurants and entertainment activities, suitable for all ages. However, it lacks some features found in the newer fleet.

17. MSC Poesia

MSC Poesia launched just before MSC Magnifica (mentioned previously), is known for its calm environment, perfect for a stress-free cruise. The cabins are comfortable, and there’s a good variety of culinary choices onboard.

18. MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica is one of the older ships in the company’s fleet, but it was renovated in 2015. Despite the renovation, its age is pronounced, and some guests find it quite visible. It may be a good choice for travelers who are more focused on the itinerary and destinations than the ship itself.

19. MSC Orchestra

Launched in 2007, MSC Orchestra offers a good combination of relaxation and entertainment. Although not very large, it has a diverse selection of restaurants and bars and a well-structured entertainment program. However, cruisers have found the layout of the spaces sometimes confusing, and it may lack some of the attractions of newer ships.

20. MSC Opera

MSC Opera is almost at the bottom of the MSC ship rankings. Thus, cruisers consider it one of the worst ships. It’s relatively small, which might limit daytime activities or food options. It could be a good choice for experienced cruisers who know what they want and what to expect from a smaller ship.

21. MSC Seascape

Surprisingly, according to reviews, MSC Seascape, launched in 2022, is considered the worst ship of the cruise line.

Despite being a brand-new ship, passengers might have high expectations for new vessels and end up disappointed, even by minor flaws. Seascape is known for its revolutionary design; many passengers find it appealing. They also love the ship’s stunning interiors and the excellent entertainment and dining options. However, as with similar ships, criticism mainly comes from the overcrowding and the not-so-good service quality.

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44-Foot Whale Found Dead on Bow of Cruise Ship Coming Into New York

The endangered sei whale, usually found in deep waters, was discovered on the bow of a cruise ship as it arrived at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, marine authorities said.

By Livia Albeck-Ripka

As the cruise ship approached New York on Saturday, it was found to be carrying a grim, and unexpected, catch: The carcass of a 44-foot-long endangered whale, draped across its bow.

The whale, which marine authorities described as a sei whale, is known for its rapid swimming and preference for deep waters, far from the coast. Its body was discovered as the ship neared the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and the authorities were “immediately notified,” said MSC Cruises, which owns the ship.

A spokeswoman for the company said in an email that it had “comprehensive measures” in place to avoid such collisions, including training deck officers and altering itineraries in certain areas to avoid them. “We will continue to evaluate and update our procedures with our partners and the authorities,” she said.

Marine authorities said that they had towed the animal, estimated to weigh some 50,000 pounds, from the bow, and transferred it by boat to a beach in Sandy Hook, N.J., where they conducted a necropsy on Tuesday.

The investigation is continuing, but preliminary results — broken bones in the whale’s right flipper; tissue trauma along its right shoulder blade; a full stomach and decent layer of blubber — all pointed toward the animal having been in otherwise good health when it was likely struck and killed by the ship, said Robert A. DiGiovanni, the chief scientist of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, which is leading the investigation .

The whale was already “pretty decomposed” by the time scientists began the necropsy, he added, so they worked quickly to collect samples that could be tested for contaminants and other biotoxins that would indicate any other relevant health issues. “It looks like the animal was alive and it was hit by a vessel,” he said, noting that investigators had not ruled out other factors.

Mr. DiGiovanni said that his conservation group, which is federally authorized to respond to marine mammal strandings in New York, had dealt with more than 100 whales over the past several years, many of which had been entangled in nets or struck by vessels. Most of those whales were humpback and North Atlantic right whales, he added, noting that it was more uncommon to come across a sei whale.

Sei whales usually live in subtropical, temperate and subpolar waters and are named after the Norwegian word for pollock, “seje,” because the mammals are often found together with the fish. Their long, sleek bodies are usually dark blue or black with a cream-colored underside, and are often scarred by shark and lamprey bites.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the whales were commercially hunted for their meat and oil, decimating their population, which is now designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act .

Mr. DiGiovanni said that the death was a reminder that humans shared the open water with many other mammals. “When you’re out there, these animals might be there,” he said. “We need to make people more aware about how to operate around these animals.”

A spokeswoman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said by email that mariners along the East Coast were encouraged to slow down their vessels, stay alert, and report any sightings of dead, injured or entangled whales to the authorities.

Livia Albeck-Ripka is a Times reporter based in Los Angeles, covering breaking news, California and other subjects. More about Livia Albeck-Ripka

Fuzzy Brooklyn

Endangered sei whale dies near brooklyn cruise terminal in possible ship strike.

The federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the 44-foot-whale was found dead on the front of the cruise ship MSC Meraviglia in the Port of Brooklyn on May 4. 

It was not immediately clear how the whale died — it may have been killed when it was hit by the 1,036-foot-long ship, or may already have been injured or dead at the time of the strike.

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident, said spokesperson Andrea Gomez, and the whale was necropsied on May 7. In a Facebook post, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society — which is working with NOAA and other state and federal authorities on the case — said the necropsy found tissue trauma along the whale’s right shoulder blade and a fracture in the right flipper. The whale’s stomach was full of food when it died. 

An MSC Cruises spokesperson confirmed the whale was found on the bow of its ship as it approached the Port of New York, and said the company notified authorities immediately.

“ We are deeply saddened by the loss of any marine life,” the rep said. “We have comprehensive measures in place to help avoid collisions, such as training all our deck officers with the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) and we follow regulations designed to protect whales and other marine life. This includes altering itineraries in certain regions to avoid whales and we will continue to evaluate and update our procedures with our partners and the authorities.”

Sei whales , which can grow to be up to 60 feet long and have a lifespan of 50 to 70 years, used to be abundant in the U.S. and around the world, but up to 300,000 of them were killed by commercial whalers in the 19th and 20th centuries, according to NOAA.

Now considered endangered under the Endangered Species Act, scientists don’t know the exact number of sei whales living in U.S. waters — though an estimated 6,000 were reported to be living near the East Coast in the mid-2010s, according to NOAA. 

While whaling is now largely prohibited, human activity still poses a huge threat to sei whales and other whale species — ship strikes and fishing nets often kill or injure whales.

At least 16 large whales have died along the East Coast so far this year, according to the Associated Press, and 82 died in 2023.  According to a report by the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society , 11 whales were killed by suspected or confirmed ship strikes in New York and New Jersey last year, but none were sei whales. In 2016, a sei whale beached itself and died near the Brooklyn Army Terminal. At that time, an Army Corps of Engineers spokesperson told Brooklyn Paper it was “ unusua l” to find sei whales beyond The Narrows, unless they were caught and dragged in my a ship. 

Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, director of the Ocean Giants Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society, told Brooklyn Paper that little is known about sei whales in New York and New Jersey. But, he said, acoustic monitoring shows that the whales have a low-level presence in the area all year, with a peak in March through May. 

During a three-year whale monitoring project by the state’s Department of Conservation, two groups of sei whales were spotted in the New York Bight in 2018 and 2019. 

“While the investigation into the suspected cause of death for this sei whale is still on-going, the risks to large whales from ship-strikes remain a great concern in our region,” Rosenbaum said.

In an email, Gomez said NOAA encourages mariners traveling along the East Coast to slow down, stay alert, and report any injured or dead whales.

The MSC Meraviglia — the ship the whale was found caught on — docked in Red Hook for the first time last spring. It is the first cruise ship to launch from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal year-round.

About the Author

Kirstyn Brendlen

A New Jersey native and enthusiast, Kirstyn is Brooklyn Paper’s digital editor and a reporter covering northern Brooklyn from Greenpoint to Gowanus.

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Cruise ship drags dead whale into New York, prompting investigation

The collision with the 44-foot-long, endangered sei whale could have been avoided, experts said.

A cruise ship arrived in New York Harbor with a dead sei whale pinned to its bow, a revelation that has spawned a federal investigation and has led biologists to examine the whale’s carcass to determine the cause of death.

The MSC Meraviglia was returning Saturday from a Bermuda cruise when it sailed into the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal with the 44-foot-long sei whale affixed to its front. MSC, a Geneva-based cruise line, confirmed the incident “with deep regret” in a statement and said it had immediately notified authorities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating.

On Wednesday, the whale was towed to Sandy Hook, N.J., for a necropsy. According to NOAA, officials discovered broken bones in the right flipper, tissue trauma in the right shoulder blade region and a belly full of food. Biologists took samples for biotoxin and histopathologic analyses. NOAA spokeswoman Andrea Gomez said the tissue and bone samples can help biologists determine whether the whale died before the collision with the ship or because of it.

The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society is leading the whale examination. Results from the exam could take days to weeks, said Kathleen Collins, senior marine campaign manager with the International Fund for Animal Welfare .

Based on the findings released so far, Andy Rogan, science manager at Ocean Alliance , a whale research and conservation nonprofit, said the cruise ship probably caused the whale’s demise. If so, it would have been a sudden death.

“Whales are huge animals, but compared to a ship that size, it’s still a massive impact. So much weight and power is hitting that whale,” he said. “It’s almost certain that a ship strike killed that whale.”

According to NOAA, vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the biggest threats to sei whales, an endangered species that inhabits deeper waters off the coastline. Population figures are elusive, but NOAA documented roughly 6,300 sei whales between Florida and Nova Scotia from 2010 to 2013.

Sei whales are feeding during this time of year, and Collins said the whales eat on the surface, placing them in the potential bull’s eye for collisions with a ship’s bow. She said crew members and passengers might not have felt the bump because of the ship’s size. The MSC Meraviglia weighs 171,598 tons; sei whales weigh up to 50 tons.

“It really is a tragic case where this strike likely happened and everyone was oblivious until they came into port,” Collins said. “They likely don’t even know exactly where they struck the whale, either.”

NOAA urges boaters operating along the East Coast to cruise slowly, stay alert and report any sightings of right whales or dead, injured or entangled whales. In its statement, MSC said it follows comprehensive measures to avoid accidents with marine life, such as training deck officers with the Ocean Research & Conservation Association and adjusting itineraries in regions populated by whales.

Collins said voluntarily reducing vessel speeds can help avoid run-ins. However, she said, cruise ships and large tankers prefer to move briskly because they are on tight schedules.

Macinzie McFarland, a spokesperson for Cruise Lines International Association, said in an email that cruise ships take several measures to protect marine mammals, including whale observation training for crews and reducing vessel speed.

“The chance of mortality with a vessel strike goes down pretty substantially as you reduce the vessel speed,” Collins said.

Cruise lines also rely on technology such as underwater radiated noise management systems and specially designed hulls, propellers and noise suppression devices that minimize underwater vibrations. .

Marine outlets, agencies such as the Coast Guard and the Whale Alert app share information about whale sightings and locations.

Rogan said there is no “silver bullet” for ships to avoid whales, but advances in technology can help lower the threat. He said hydrophones can pick up whale acoustics, information that NOAA could then disseminate to vessels. At a recent workshop, Rogan said, he learned about infrared cameras that can detect whales within a 360-degree range, particularly in front of a vessel.

Rogan urged the public Thursday to share its outrage about the incident with government agencies and with the cruise line. Collins said she hoped the incident would inspire the cruise industry to act as a better steward in the waters it shares with vulnerable marine life.

The MSC Meraviglia, she noted, is headed next to Canada, a critical ground for North Atlantic right whales, including mothers and their newborn calves.

A previous version of this article misstated the maximum weight of sei whales. It is 50 tons, not 10 tons. The article has been corrected.

More cruise news

Living at sea: Travelers on a 9-month world cruise are going viral on social media. For some travelers, not even nine months was enough time on a ship; they sold cars, moved out of their homes and prepared to set sail for three years . That plan fell apart, but a 3.5-year version is waiting in the wings.

Passengers beware: It’s not all buffets and dance contests. Crime data reported by cruise lines show that the number of sex crimes has increased compared to previous years. And though man-overboard cases are rare, they are usually deadly .

The more you know: If you’re cruise-curious, here are six tips from a newcomer. Remember that in most cases, extra fees and add-ons will increase the seemingly cheap price of a sailing. And if you happen to get sick , know what to expect on board.

MSC Cruises adds attraction Royal Caribbean, Carnival don't offer

M SC Cruises has been expanding its presence in Florida, steadily adding more ships including some of its higher-end hardware. The company isn't as well known as its rivals including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian.

With cruises in the Caribbean selling very well, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian have been able to raise prices. In addition, Royal Caribbean and Carnival sell a la carte cruises with drinks and internet costing extra, at least on their namesake brands. 

Related: Carnival Cruise Line warns passengers about a pricey mistake

MSC has generally been offering lower prices and offers packages that include its mid-range beverage package, which includes well liquor cocktails, as well as multiple wines and beers. It's generally cheaper to get on an MSC ship with an adult beverage package and a single internet device than it is to get on any Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian ship with similar add-ons.   

Having sailed MSC multiple times, I've found lower prices to be its strongest offering. The food, at least in the free venues, has been inferior to Royal Caribbean, the company I sail with most often. Specialty dining has generally been better and the crew has the same dedication and friendliness offered by its rivals.

MSC Cruises does seem to listen to complaints because, over three sailings across the past two years, my most recent one seemed to address the food issues. The MDR offerings were still well below Royal Caribbean, but they're now closer to what Carnival serves.

MSC Cruises has a new U.S. flagship planned

MSC Cruises has been building its latest megaship, MSC World America, which will sail out of Miami. The new ship is a not so subtle attempt to rival Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Icon-class ships as well as Carnival's flagship Excel-class ships. 

To help its new ship stand out, MSC will debut a striking new onboard attraction.

"Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea, will debut exclusively aboard MSC World America when the ship enters service in April 2025. The ride structure will tower above the new U.S. flagship’s top deck, nestled in the heart of the ship’s Family Aventura district and beckoning thrill seekers who want a rush of excitement," the cruise line shared. 

The biggest challenge may be meeting passenger demand as the ride has a very limited capacity.

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"Cliffhanger’s four seats start off close to the deck before powered arms lift them into the starting position — up and out over the edge of the ship. From there, riders are propelled back and forth, high above the waterline and dangling 160 feet above the ocean below. The one-of-a-kind, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride will have guests feeling the wind in their hair as their view oscillates between the water below and the sky above," MSC Cruises added.

MSC expands its Florida presence

MSC Cruises will sail out of both Miami and Port Canaveral (as well as New York) for the summer 2025 season. That will include MSC World America sailing out of Miami which will also serve as home to MSC Seascape. 

"As the second in MSC Cruises’ trailblazing World Class, the ship will be MSC Cruises’ largest U.S.-based vessel and redefine the cruise experience for her guests. The LNG-powered MSC World America will offer 7-night sailings departing on Saturdays to both eastern and western Caribbean ports, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay," the cruise line shared.

MSC Seascape will sail from Miami offering a mix of 7-night itineraries in the eastern and western Caribbean along with new 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas and Ocean Cay. That puts the ship in competition with some of Royal Caribbean top-tier ships which are sailing short cruises that stop at its Perfect Day at CocoCay provate island. 

The cruise line seems to be following a similar playbook to Royal Caribbean.

"This marks the first time a Seaside EVO Class ship will offer short cruises from Miami. Select 3- and 4-night itineraries will stay overnight at Ocean Cay," according to the cruise line.

MSC Seascape's sister ship, MSC Seashore will spend the summer of 2025 in Port Canaveral.

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"From Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore will sail a range of itinerary options, including short 3- and 4-night escapes to The Bahamas. Some of the ship’s 7-night itineraries start out with two days at Ocean Cay followed by stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya," MSC Cruises shared.

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THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

• Boat Rentals
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Water Sports
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
• Submarine Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District Northern (SAO)
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

2. Moscow River Boat Tours

3. Sup-Club

4. Akvanavt Diving Centre

5. Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

6. CheapRussia Tours

7. Kite School Kiteclass

8. SUP Center

9. Erwin. Reka

11. Easy Russia Tour Guide

12. Lovely Russia Tours

13. Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre

14. Alfa Centr

15. Diving Club Divers

16. Sup Outdoor

17. MORE MOSCOW

19. Soho Sailing Style

20. Diving Center Crocodile

21. Mosparokhodstvo

22. Dive-Project

24. Kosinskiy Children Marine Club

25. Kayak Moscow

26. DIVECLUB CHE

27. FLOW Moscow

28. Moswake

29. Morskiye Volki

30. S-cruises

What travelers are saying

• CheapRussia Tours
• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• Lovely Russia Tours
• MORE MOSCOW
• Insider Moscow Tours
• Flotilla Radisson Royal
• Moscow River Boat Tours
• Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre
• Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium