The Questions Everyone Asks -Answered by a Frequent MSC Cruiser

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Thinking about booking an MSC cruise but have questions?

You are definitely not alone.

Before sailing MSC for the first time, people want to know everything from “Is the food good?” and “Do I need a drink package?” to “What should I wear to White Night?” and, perhaps most importantly, “Why are MSC reviews so mixed?”

After multiple MSC cruises aboard MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside and MSC Seascape, I’ve learned that MSC can be a little different from the North American cruise lines many of us are accustomed to.

And that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

So instead of simply repeating the official rules, I’m answering some of the most frequently asked MSC cruise questions based on what we’ve actually experienced onboard.

Quick Answers on MSC

I can answer quick and easy and leave you hanging or you can skip this section and head to my in-depth responses to the questions on your mind about MSC Cruises. e

1. Is MSC Cruises a good cruise line?
   Yes. MSC offers beautiful ships, strong itinerary choices and an international onboard experience.
2. Is MSC good for first-time cruisers?
   Yes, but it helps to understand that MSC has a European style and can feel different from North American cruise lines.
3. Is the MSC drink package worth it?
   It depends on how much you drink and how many days you’ll spend off the ship.
4. Does MSC have a 15-drink limit?
   MSC’s current alcoholic beverage packages have a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per person during each 6 a.m.–6 a.m. period. Additional alcoholic drinks can then be purchased at menu price.

keep reading for the juicy details….

Is MSC Cruises a good cruise line?

For me, the answer has been yes — otherwise we, meaning Kent and I, wouldn’t keep going back!

MSC is a European cruise line, and I think understanding that before you board makes a difference. Especially on Mediterranean sailings, you’ll hear multiple languages, meet passengers from all over the world and notice some differences in dining, service and the overall rhythm of the cruise.

We’ve sailed MSC in both Europe and North America, and no two cruises have been exactly alike.

My biggest advice?

Don’t board expecting MSC to be Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. Let MSC be MSC.

The beautiful ships, international atmosphere, itineraries and value are some of the reasons we’ve continued sailing with them.

Why are MSC cruise reviews so mixed?

This may be the MSC question I see more than any other.

MSC seems to inspire some very strong opinions online.

My experience has been much more positive than many of the reviews would lead you to believe. That doesn’t mean everything has been perfect, but after sailing several MSC ships, I’ve learned that expectations matter.

MSC operates differently from some North American cruise lines. Dining can feel different. Service can feel more European. Mediterranean cruises can have guests embarking and disembarking at different ports rather than having one massive turnover day.

If you’re flexible and enjoy an international travel experience, those differences can actually become part of the fun.

Is the food on MSC Cruises good?

Food is incredibly subjective, but we have always found plenty to enjoy.

And let’s talk about the pizza.

MSC pizza deserves its own fan club.

The buffet offers lots of choices, while the main dining room gives you a more traditional sit-down dinner. We’ve also enjoyed trying the specialty restaurants available on different ships.

My advice is not to judge the entire food experience by one meal. Explore the ship, try different venues and definitely don’t skip the pizza or the bread or the fresh mozza.

Is the MSC drink package worth it?

This is going to depend entirely on how much — and what — you drink.

MSC changed its beverage packages for the Summer 2026 season, so make sure you’re looking at current information rather than an old Facebook post or YouTube video.

The package can cover much more than alcohol, including things such as coffee, soft drinks, water and other beverages depending on your package.

One important change: MSC now has a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per person during each 6 a.m.–6 a.m. period with its alcoholic beverage packages. After reaching 15, additional alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the regular menu price.

For us, I look at what we realistically drink during a cruise and compare that with the package price. OK that’s not the whole truth, I may look at it but, ultimately when I book a cruise I make sure that the drink and Wi-Fi packages are included in the price.( that’s my biggest tip/hack to offer)

Remember that port-intensive Mediterranean cruises can mean spending most of your day off the ship.

Do both people in an MSC cabin need a drink package?

Generally, guests sharing the same cabin need to purchase the corresponding beverage package, with an appropriate non-alcoholic/minors package for underage guests.

There can be specific conditions and exceptions, so this is one MSC rule I would verify for your particular booking rather than relying on someone’s experience from a cruise two years ago.

MSC’s beverage-package rules have changed, and they may change again.

Are gratuities included on MSC?

There are two different things people often mean when they ask this.

MSC has a Hotel Service Charge, and there can also be gratuities associated with individual onboard purchases.

Gratuities are already included in MSC’s prepaid and onboard beverage packages. If you’re buying individual drinks rather than using a package, an automatic gratuity can apply.

Check your booking documents for the Hotel Service Charge applicable to your particular cruise and itinerary.

What is dining like on MSC?

Your dining arrangements depend partly on the experience and dining option you’ve booked.

This is another area where first-time MSC cruisers can get confused because they expect it to work exactly like another cruise line they’ve sailed.

Check your cruise card and the MSC for Me app once onboard so you know your assigned restaurant and dining arrangements.

And if something doesn’t look right, ask. We’ve learned that it’s much easier to address a dining issue at the beginning of the cruise than spend the week being frustrated by it.

What should I wear on an MSC cruise?

During the day, think comfortable cruise wear: sundresses, shorts, linen, bathing suits and cover-ups around the pool.

Evenings are where I have a little more fun.

MSC recommends dressier clothing for Gala evenings, but you don’t have to arrive looking like you’re headed to the Met Gala.

That said, if you’ve followed me for a while, you already know I will never turn down an excuse to wear the dress.

I’ve worn everything from linen sets and sundresses to tulle and long gowns on our cruises.

Cruising is one of those wonderful places where you can dress up as much as you want.

Does MSC have a White Party?

YES — and pack the white outfit.

MSC is known for its themed parties, and White Night/White Party is one of the events I always plan an outfit around.

We’ve had a lot of fun getting dressed up together for MSC’s theme nights.

My advice is to pack at least:

• one white outfit
• one dressier Gala-night look
• comfortable daytime clothing
• good walking shoes for port days
• a light layer for cool evenings and air-conditioned spaces

Theme nights can vary by ship and sailing, so check your onboard schedule.

Is embarkation on MSC complicated?

It doesn’t have to be.

Complete your check-in before you travel and pay attention to the embarkation time shown on your cruise documents.

MSC advises passengers to arrive during their assigned check-in slot. Arriving too early can mean waiting outside the terminal, while arriving after your check-in window can create much bigger problems.

I also keep our cruise documents and passports somewhere easily accessible rather than buried in a suitcase.

And remember: never put your passport, medication or anything you need immediately into your checked cruise luggage.

What is different about an MSC Mediterranean cruise?

One of the biggest surprises for North American cruisers is that a Mediterranean MSC itinerary may not have the same obvious “Day One” feeling throughout the entire ship.

Passengers can embark and disembark at different ports along the itinerary.

On our European MSC cruises, I actually enjoyed the international atmosphere. You’re travelling through Europe, so having that experience continue onboard makes sense to me.

It also means announcements may be made in several languages.

You’re not hearing the same announcement five times because something has gone wrong. You’re on an international ship!

Should I book MSC excursions or explore independently?

We’ve done plenty of exploring while cruising, and my answer is: it depends on the port.

If the attraction is a significant distance from the ship or transportation is complicated, a ship excursion can provide peace of mind.

If we’re docked somewhere that’s easy to explore independently, I love having the freedom to wander.

The non-negotiable rule when exploring independently is knowing your all-aboard time.

Ship time wins.

That incredible little café you discovered isn’t quite as charming when you’re watching your cruise ship sail away without you.

Is Wi-Fi worth buying on MSC?

For most people who simply want to disconnect, maybe not.

For a content creator? That’s another story.

I often need internet access to post, check messages and keep up with work while we’re travelling, so Wi-Fi matters more to me than it might to someone who wants a completely offline vacation.

MSC offers Wi-Fi onboard its ships, but packages and capabilities can vary. Check exactly what your package allows before purchasing — particularly if you want to stream video rather than simply browse, message and use social media.

Are MSC balcony cabins worth it?

For me?

That balcony is part of the cruise.

Morning coffee overlooking the ocean. Sailing into a new port. Golden hour. Watching the coastline disappear after sailaway.

And yes, apparently using the balcony to film yet another outfit transition.

On a very port-intensive itinerary you may spend less time in your cabin, so an interior or ocean-view cabin can be a great way to save money.

But personally, I love having that private outdoor space.

Is MSC good for kids and families?

MSC is very family-oriented, and you’ll often see multigenerational families onboard.

Kids and teens have dedicated programming, although specific activities and facilities depend on the ship.

One thing parents should check carefully is MSC’s current minors and infant policies, particularly for longer sailings, because age requirements can vary depending on the itinerary.

What is the MSC Voyagers Club?

MSC Voyagers Club is MSC’s loyalty program.

You earn status and benefits as you cruise, and we’ve found that loyalty status can add some worthwhile perks as you move through the levels.

I’m currently MSC Diamond, so this is an area where I’ve seen firsthand how returning to the same cruise line can pay off.

Does MSC offer status matching?

Yes — and this is one MSC feature I always tell experienced travellers to investigate.

MSC has a Status Match program that may match qualifying loyalty status you already hold with another cruise line, hotel or tour operator.

Once approved, members currently receive a 5% discount on future MSC cruises along with benefits associated with their Voyagers Club tier.

If you’re new to MSC but not new to travelling, check status match before your cruise.

Is MSC Diamond status worth it?

I’ve reached Diamond with MSC, and I appreciate the additional recognition and benefits.

But I wouldn’t choose a cruise solely because of loyalty status.

The itinerary, ship, cabin and price still matter more to me.

Think of Diamond benefits as the extra layer on top — especially if you’re already enjoying MSC and know you’re likely to cruise with them again.

What do I wish I’d known before my first MSC cruise?

Probably this:

Stop comparing every little thing to another cruise line.

Every cruise line has something it does particularly well.

We’ve cruised on different lines, and I don’t need MSC to become another cruise line for me to enjoy it.

Learn how MSC works. Download MSC for Me. Check your dining arrangements. Read the Daily Programme. Pack for the theme nights. Give yourself time to explore the ship.

And don’t spend your entire vacation searching for tiny things to complain about.

You’re on a ship.

You’re travelling.

Someone else is making dinner.

Life is pretty good.

Would I cruise MSC again?

Considering how many MSC cruises we’ve already taken, I think you know the answer.

Absolutely. Plus true confession my next one is already booked. Trying out the MSC Orchestra through the Greek Islands.

We’ve sailed MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside and MSC Seascape, and each ship and itinerary has given us a slightly different experience.

There are still MSC ships I want to try and destinations I want to explore.

For me, that’s part of the fun of cruising: even when you return to a cruise line you know, there is always another ship, another port and another adventure waiting.

My best advice for your first MSC cruise

Go into it with an open mind.

Read your booking carefully. Don’t rely on outdated information online. Download the app. Pack something white. Bring the dress you’ve been saving for “someday.”

And eat the pizza.

Definitely eat the pizza.

Have another MSC question? Drop it in the comments. If I’ve experienced it on one of our cruises, I’ll tell you what it was really like.

MSC policies, packages, pricing and onboard experiences can change and may vary by ship and itinerary. Always verify current policies with MSC Cruises before sailing.