Is MSC Cruises Right for You? Here’s What Most People Get Wrong

George and Dan
Apr 29
3 min read

When you start looking into cruises, it doesn’t take long before MSC Cruises pops up.

Glitzy ships. Big promotions. Tempting prices. But here’s the thing – a lot of what people think they know about MSC isn’t quite right.

So, is MSC Cruises right for you? Let’s break it down properly – and clear up a few myths along the way.

Check out what's included on an MSC Cruise here.

What Most People Get Wrong About MSC Cruises

'It’s a budget cruise line'

You’ll often hear people say MSC is the ‘cheap option’.

Yes, MSC can be very affordable – especially compared to British lines like P&O or luxury ones like Cunard – but it’s not just a budget line.

MSC offers different experiences depending on how much you want to spend.

For example:

Bella Experience is their entry level – simple cabin, no frills.
Fantastica Experience gives you a few extras like better cabin locations and free room service.
Aurea Experience brings added perks like premium seating areas and a spa package.
Yacht Club is their luxury ‘ship-within-a-ship’, with private areas, personal butlers and inclusive drinks.

So, no – MSC is not just ‘budget’. It’s what you make of it.

'The food isn’t very good'

Honestly? The food on MSC ships can be a bit hit and miss if you go in expecting British pub grub or American-style dining. But here’s the thing – MSC is an Italian cruise line. Their food is Mediterranean, lighter, and often very European in style.

Image left a burger served in the inclusive main dining room and image right tacos in the extra cost Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

You’ll find fresh pastas, pizzas, lots of seafood, and lighter desserts like panna cotta and gelato. If you love Italian and European flavours – you’ll love it. If you want big roast dinners and full English breakfasts every day, you might feel a bit underwhelmed.

Top tip: Try the speciality dining! Their steakhouse, sushi bar, and tapas restaurants are usually excellent.

'It’s too busy and chaotic'

MSC ships are lively – absolutely. They attract a very international crowd (British, Italian, German, French, Spanish, American, you name it). That mix of cultures means it can feel louder, more energetic, and less structured than some of the British lines.

If you’re after a completely quiet, traditional cruise, MSC probably isn’t your best bet. But if you like the idea of a buzzing ship with lots of families, music, and late-night entertainment – it’s brilliant.

Good to know: The newer ships like MSC World Europa are massive, so there’s always somewhere quieter if you need a break.