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19 Essential MSC Cruise Tips That I Use Everytime (Freebies, Money Saving & More)

I’ve cruised with MSC 5 times and in this post, I will share with you my top tips. These tips will help you to save money, maximise your time onboard and even get a few freebies.

This article is based on my experience cruising on the MSC Meraviglia, Virtuosa, Preziosa, Seaview and World Europa.

I took my first cruise with MSC in 2012, my most recent was last month.

Match Your Loyalty Status For Freebies!

If you have a loyalty status with another cruise line or some hotels, MSC will match it. This means that you’ll be bumped up their loyalty program and will receive perks as if you had cruised with MSC before.

I matched my Norwegian Cruise Line status before my first MSC cruise and ever since I have received perks like free speciality meals and chocolates.

It’s well worth doing and isn’t difficult, all you have to do is fill in a form.

To see the full list of which programs MSC match and how to apply, check out this post: MSC Status Match – What Is it And is it Worth Doing? A Step-by-Step Guide

Book Theatre Shows as Soon As Possible

If the ship that you are sailing on requires theatre shows to be booked, book them on embarkation day on the mobile app or touch screens around the ship.

Not all MSC ships require theatre shows to be booked.

Most shows are shown a couple of days each but even still on the big ships, there isn’t capacity for everybody to go to see every show.

On my last cruise on the MSC World Europa, there was one show that I wasn’t able to see because it was sold out.

If you don’t manage to get a booking you can still show up to the theatre shows but you will be let in after everybody who has booked, this means that you might not get a very good seat and if you are in a big group you wouldn’t be able to sit together.

You are always able to cancel the theatre shows if you decide later that you don’t want to go.

Have an Open Mind About The Food – Try What MSC Is Good At!

I do feel that MSC get some unfair complaints about their food. That said the quality has improved a lot since my first MSC cruise in 2012 so perhaps some of the reviews I’ve seen are out of date.

You can’t go on an MSC cruise and expect the food to be the same as an American and British cruise line, personally I quite like that. It is different, but to me that doesn’t mean worse.

MSC are a Mediterranean cruise line and the things that they are best at are pasta, pizza and CHEESE. They also serve a lot of seafood and they make their own pizzas every day and mozzarella too.

To see the food that I’ve eaten on past MSC cruises, including menus, check out this post: Everything I Ate on my MSC Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review

On every ship, there will be at least a buffet and a main dining room where your food is included and on some ships there are lots of other options like grab-and-go burgers, poolside food etc.

Be Prepared to Be Asked About Speciality Dining and Drinks Packages!

MSC are a budget cruise line and because of that they sell their cruises cheaply and rely on onboard spend. This means that you will be asked a lot if you want to buy speciality dining packages or drinks packages.

Just a polite no thank you will do but you may have to say it multiple times per day.

On most other cruise lines they would only do this on embarkation day, but on MSC cruises it does happen every day and can get annoying.

The same happens with the photographers and you’ll be asked if you want photos a lot, again just politely say no and keep walking.

I do feel bad for the crew, but I really don’t want any photos taken!

Learn to Ignore Extra Safety Drills (Yes Really)

MSC are unlike other cruise lines in that they have guests that embark and disembark most days, what this means is that there are likely to be multiple safety drills.

On some cruises, for example, those out of the US this doesn’t happen, but in most of Europe, it does.

The safety drill, or muster drill is a legal requirement for everybody boarding a cruise but do be aware that you only have to do it once. If you hear announcements about a drill later in your cruise that is for other guests who have embarked.

To learn what happens at a safety drill, check out this post: What is a Muster Drill on a Cruise? Everything You Need to Know (REVIEW of Traditional and Virtual Muster Drills)

The same goes for disembarkation day, you’ll see luggage in the corridors on many days of your cruise.

If The Dates Don’t Work, Move It!

If you’re looking to book an MSC cruise but can’t get a certain day off work, or the flights to a place are expensive consider moving it a day forward or back.

You’ll embark in a different port but it doesn’t matter on an MSC cruise.

My personal favourite port to board MSC cruises at in Europe is Barcelona as it’s not far from the airport and I like staying in Barcelona pre-cruise.

MSC cruises don’t usually include flights or transfers as standard but if you book through a travel agent they’ll be able to sort this out for you, the agents I recommend can be contacted here .

Book Your Excursions Independently To Save Money

When I visited Genoa on my last cruise MSC were selling a trip to the Aquarium for €50 per person. The aquarium is within walking distance so I booked my tickets myself and they were around €30 each.

I don’t enjoy cruise line excursions anyway because you are grouped together with 20 or 30 other people.

If we had visited the aquarium on the excursion we would have had a set amount of time in there but because we went by ourselves we could leave whenever we wanted.

I usually use websites like Viator to find and book independent excursions:

Free cancellation.

300,000+ experiences.

Make memories around the world.

Reserve now, pay later.

The risk of booking your own excursions is that you do have to get yourself back to the ship on time but I have been on excursions where guests have wandered off and got lost.

Even booking with the cruise line isn’t a guarantee that you’ll get back to the ship on time.

Just make sure that you leave yourself lots of time, I’m always onboard an hour or two before sail away.

Download MSC’s App

If you are on an MSC cruise ship that uses the MSC for me the app I’d recommend downloading it from your phone’s app store as soon as possible.

It is free to download and use, all you need is an internet connection to download it.

In the app, you will find the daily schedule and lots of other useful things like the days menus. Most menus are viewable through QR codes and having the app just makes everything easier.

MSC’s app also has a free chat feature so you can chat to the other people in your cruise group.

Check Your Onboard Spend as You Go

When you spend money on a cruise it’ll be added to what is called your onboard account. You can check this on the cruise lines app and it is well worth keeping an eye on this as you cruise.

It will stop you from having any nasty surprises at the end of the trip and if there are any problems, for example, if you had been charged for something by mistake, you can sort that out while onboard.

I’ve been on cruises in the past where I’ve been charged for drinks despite having a drinks package and because I noticed I was able to get it fixed quickly.

Bring a White Dress/White Outfit

On most MSC cruises there will be a white night at some point. The white dress code isn’t enforced at all but it is good fun and a good percentage of the passengers do take part.

GRACE KARIN Women’s Sleeveless V-Neck A-line Dress

This one is from Amazon and I love it because: – It has two layers so it isn’t see through. – It’s very comfy and perfect for ‘white night’ which most cruise lines have!

I have seen other themes on MSC cruises like 60s 70 and 80s-themed parties.

It’s a little more tricky to pack for these, and they don’t always happen but if you have space in your suitcase, why not bring something along?

Change Your Dining Time if You Don’t Like it

MSC mostly have fixed dining where you will be assigned either early or late. If you book the cheapest ticket called a Bella cruise fare you have the lowest priority when it comes to dining times.

They’ll assign the people who paid more first then you’ll get the time you asked for if it is left.

That said, I have been given late dining on multiple MSC cruises and have always been able to change it to early dining without any problem.

If this is the case just head to the main dining room on the first day and there will usually be someone there who can change it.

Normally, they will change it from the next day, so we would eat in the buffet or another restaurant on the first day.

MSC do have some flexible dining for guests paying the highest cruise fare.

I changed my dining time on this cruise:

Don’t Expect Other Guests to Understand You

If you are taking a cruise with MSC there is a high chance that the other guests will speak Italian, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, you name it.

English is the main language onboard and if you speak English only that is no problem, all of the crew speak English and all of the menus/paperwork is in English, that said that doesn’t mean that other guests will understand English.

It is amazing how much you can communicate without language though, it’s easy to tell if somebody is saying ‘thank you’ or ‘after you’ just with gestures, if in doubt just smile.

I like hearing everybody speaking other languages, it reminds me that I am far from home.

Make Sure You Get Your Loyalty Perks

As mentioned earlier I matched my Norwegian status to MSC and as a result, I get a free speciality meal. Nobody ever tells me that when I cruise though!

Make sure if you do have a loyalty status with MSC that you get what you are due, sometimes the gifts/freebies will arrive throughout the cruise so don’t be alarmed if they aren’t there on the first day but for things like the free speciality meal you will need to go there and book it yourself.

On my last cruise, I just walked up to one of the restaurants and said:

“Hello, can I use my free speciality meal here?”

The waitress was lovely, she said yes, explained what we could have on the menu and that the bill would be €0.

At the end of the meal, I had to sign to say that I agreed to the charge which does always amuse me. I love paying that price for a speciality meal!

Avoid The Casino if You Don’t Like Smoke

On MSC cruise ships there is usually an area in the casino where guests can smoke and most ships also have a smoking bar or other areas where guests will be smoking.

I’m sure it’s something to do with the demographic of the passengers but MSC do have more smoking areas than most British or American cruise lines. I don’t mind it, but know many who do.

On some ships, there may be a lounge that is only accessible through the casino.

Even If It’s Cold – Go Swimming!

Don’t be put off if the temperature outside is cool, MSC heat their outside swimming pools.

The worst part is getting undressed and walking to the pool but I always find it nice when I am in there, then of course you do have to get back out.

MSC have lifeguards stationed at all of their pools when they are open and I’ve always found they are much quieter if it is cold, on my last MSC cruise I had a pool to myself and my own personal lifeguard!

The pools are usual open into the evenings and this can be a good time for a swim as most people head off for dinner.

Get Travel Insurance With Missed Port Cover

On my last MSC cruise, we missed a port because of bad weather and I didn’t mind because I had travel insurance with missed port cover. This means I get a cash lump sum for every port I miss.

Cruise-specific travel insurance is essential for any cruise, if you just listen to one tip please make it this one. It isn’t worth the risk.

Never ever ever ever cruise without travel insurance! Even if you are just cruising to the Caribbean from the USA, you NEED insurance. Compare quotes (for free) here: – USA – UK

Assign Your Credit Card and Check in Pre-Cruise

MSC’s website has an online check-in function which makes embarkation much faster. On my last cruise, I went from entering the terminal to boarding the ship in 8 minutes, all thanks to the fact that I had checked in online.

During the check-in process, you provide information about your passport and can add a credit card to your account which your onboard spend will be charged to.

You are also able to assign a card on the ship at one of the machines and you can load physical cash onto your card if you’d prefer that.

Print Your Luggage Tags at Home

When checking in you’ll also be given your luggage tags, printing these saves time.

If you can’t it isn’t a problem but the first thing you’ll have to do when you get to the cruise port is queue up to get your tags, attach them and hand them to the right person.

If you’re on a big MSC cruise ship there can be 5000+ people boarding so these lines can get long!

I always print my tags at home and I put them in these plastic luggage label holders, I find that stops them from breaking which means that they make it to my cabin.

In the past, before I used these I had one suitcase get so wet all the ink melted on the tag which wasn’t ideal!

Prebook Drinks Packages if You Want One

When you take a cruise there are two options, you can either pay as you go with the drinks like you would a bar on land or you can buy a drinks package.

The drinks package means you pay a certain amount per day and then are allowed drinks up to a certain cost.

It’s always cheaper to prebook the package than to buy it on the ship.

On my last cruise, the alcohol package pre-cruise was the same price as the non-alcoholic onboard!

Before You Go

I recently took a cruise on one of the older ships the MSC Preziosa, to find out how that was check out this article next:

MSC Cruise Review – in Europe (Food, Service, Entertainment and More)

Wondering how MSC compare to the big American cruise lines? Check out this post:

We Took The Same Cruise With MSC and Royal Caribbean: Differences and Comparison

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SHE LOVES SHE TRAVELS

• Dec 17, 2019

What to Know Before Your First Cruise With MSC

Updated: Dec 7, 2023

With Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Cruises bursting into the American market over the last few years, more and more Americans are hearing about the company for the first time. The grand ships make a statement and are breathtaking docked in port but there are some things you’ll want to know before you board an MSC ship for the first time.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. For more information see my privacy policy here .

1. They’re Italian owned

The now massive cruise line company didn’t even start in the vacation business. Cargo is the main revenue source for MSC even to this day. Owned by only one family, MSC is the largest, privately owned cruise line in the world. The Aponte family built up from one small container vessel to eventual domination of the seas. The small family aspect is still prevalent everywhere around the ship.

Along with this, the Italian influence is everywhere. This sends off a completely different experience than what you may be used to living in an American market. Things sometimes are processed a bit slower. Communication is different, espresso breaks in the middle of the workday are not just a stereotype and humor may be more blunt and dry than what is common across the States.

2. You will be surrounded by different cultures

Sometimes we get so adjusted to our own habits it can be quite jarring when someone doesn’t abide by them. Some countries queue quite nicely while others don’t abide by the line-not because they think they’re more important, but they just don’t even consider why a line would be formed. Some nationalities are louder; some have smaller space bubbles and some drink more.

There will be things that others do that annoy you, but that is just life. Try to go in with an open mind and brush off things that might at first bother you. Then at the end of the day, you’ll realize you’re all there to dance, drink, enjoy the music, explore the ports, and relax. You might even make new friends and actually learn something cool and new about another culture.

First Time Cruising? Check out the 7 Things You don't want to forget to pack on your first cruise and download my FREE cruise packing checklist to make sure you don't leave anything at home!

3. Not everyone will speak your language

With all these cultures on board, you will run into quite a handful of people, guests, and crewmembers that don’t speak English as a first language. Let’s start, before you get scared, by clarifying that by speaking English, you will never be left in the dark. All crewmembers have to speak English in order to obtain the job; of course, this is not a requirement for people looking to vacation.

Maybe you’ll get into an elevator and be surprised to hear Italian, German and French and then by the time you get to the lounge the table next to you is singing along to the Spanish music.

Chances are that a lot of these people actually can speak English as a second language and they’re not trying to be rude by not speaking YOUR mother tongue.

Take a deep breath, realize how cool it actually is to be surrounded by so many different languages. Maybe even practice some basic Spanish or Italian before you get on board to really make a fellow guest or crewmember smile. you may be surprised how easily you can make friends over a smile and a couple laughs despite language barriers.

(Check out How To Learn Any Language you Want for some basic advice on getting started with a new language!)

4. The safety drill and announcements will take longer

MSC ships, whether in the Mediterranean or not, will be filled with guests from all different parts of the world. This again means guests speaking all different languages. Though English is still the major language on board, there will be social hosts and announcements to help cater to the other official languages on board.

Before you moan and complain that it takes longer to get through the safety drill, think about how you’d feel if you couldn’t speak a certain language.

Every one ignores that you have no idea what is going on. No one addresses your questions even though this drill is the most important safety thing you’ll do all week. Solely because you come from 80 percent of the world who doesn’t speak English as a first language? That in no way makes you less important, does it?

MSC is an Italian company after all if it weren’t for English coming on board, we would have never been able to have this wonderful European cruise experience in the first place.

5. You won’t get your drinks instantly

European service is much different than American service. Note how I didn’t say worse, but different. Sometimes you’ll wait longer than what you may be used to to get service. Then all of a sudden your server or bartender appears and you have a wonderful conversation with them about their home life, their family, how they like working on the ship. You’re not the only person with those questions.

Before you butt in and say maybe they shouldn’t be talking about their personal life while they’re working…their work life is their personal life. While you’re vacationing for just a week, they live on board to make sure you have that amazing vacation you’ve been dreaming of. The next day, they come back and know your name and your drink preference-DESPITE building relationships with thousands of other new passengers that same week.

The service isn’t created instant in order to turn tables. You’re not at McDonald's; you’re on a high-end cruise line that typically leans towards quality before rushed and sloppy work. I promise the more kind you are with the servers and bartenders, the more likely it’ll be for them to throw you a free drink or try to make that complicated American cocktail you just love that they’ve never even heard of in their country somewhere on the other side of the world.

6. Your food may be lukewarm

MSC prides itself at staying true to their Italian heritage especially when it comes to food. (I mean what is the first thing you think of when you think of Italy?) Although they still try to cater to some American styles of eating-especially in the buffet-what you will find in the restaurants is Italian and Mediterranean authentic food all the way through.

Pasta is al dente. Soup is never made boiling hot. Desserts consist of coffee and pastries instead of triple, chocolate, stuffed explosion brownies. Remember that in every culture food is cooked, served and consumed differently. With MSC you will never have to doubt if your food is authentically Italian or not. It will be.

Check Out My Tik Tok for more Cruise Ship Dining Hacks :)

The pizza is absolutely incredible, but you may not find pepperoni. You’ll find margarita, herb or many other more popular Italian styles. Don’t expect your food to taste “American” because you’re not on an American cruise line anymore. How cool is it that you have the chance to discover so many cultural foods off AND ON the ship.

7. Theatre shows have their own style

How funny is a joke once it needs to be repeated again? Not as funny as the first time for sure. Now, how funny is a joke once it needs to be told five more times? Absolutely tiresome and frankly, probably a bit annoying.

Let’s acknowledge once more how many languages you will be surrounded by. Imagine constantly translating everything you say into five other languages. Although an impressive feat you will see throughout some activities, for example, bingo since money is on the line, you will not see this on the main stage.

You may get lucky and have some types of stand-up shows for your specific language, but the main theaters and shows for the evening will accommodate something every language speaker can appreciate-music, acrobatics, and dance.

With this being said, the main shows in the theatre are absolutely incredible. The theatre dancers, singers, and special talent specialize in all different kinds of styles and shows. You will not leave an MSC ship without hearing an Italian or French love song…without seeing a beautiful Caribbean salsa…without the feeling of togetherness after the final goodbyes from the cast in the theatre.

8. The ships are jaw-droppingly gorgeous

The allure of the ships themselves is magnificent. From their sleek outside figures to the very purposefully, decorated lounges inside, MSC ships carry their own style and modern presence. The breathtaking Swarovski staircases in the atrium onboard the bigger ships act as a perfect backdrop during formal nights. Each lounge has its own personality and every ship go-er will find one that suits them best.

9. There will be a lot of dancing

You will rarely find a quiet lounge as music and dancing is such a big part of the culture onboard MSC. You will find quickly that there are parties suited to every type of musical preference all hosted by an energetic and lively entertainment team! If you cruise in the Caribbean, expect a lot of island vibes and sexy bachata lessons. If you cruise in the Mediterranean you might be happy to join in on the flamenco classes.

No matter what season you decide to cruise through, you’ll find the perfect nights and themes just for you. Gatsby, ’70s and '80s, Country, Mediterranean…the ability for the musicians onboard to cater to so many different styles of music is impressive, to say the least.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Entertainer Onboard a Cruise Ship

10. They are a big family

If you invest even just a slight bit with the crew or interact with them in any way at all, you will make genuine relationships. Your server, entertainers, musicians, chefs…well they all left their blood families at home for far longer than you can imagine. Compliment them and love on them when they deserve it. Pay attention to them and watch how well they take care of you. Watch how quickly and giddily they accept you into THEIR ship family. Yes, you are on vacation, but this is their home.

I promise, it’s such an international and loving family and you will be privileged to be a part of it.

11. You will have one of the most memorable vacations of your life

If you have an open mind to cultural differences around you and genuinely are there to have a good time-heck I’d even bargain even if you weren’t there for a good time, you will have one of the best vacations of your life aboard an MSC ship.

Your taste buds will dance right along with your feet late into the nights. When your vacation comes to an end you’ll be sad to leave not only the glorious ship but also the beautiful people on board that make the ship come to life.

Have you ever cruised with MSC? What ship did you vacation on and what did you think?

If you enjoyed this article, want to learn more about MSC, or cruising and travel in general, make sure to subscribe to get all the latest news to your inbox for free! Follow me on Instagram or head to my "About" page and send me a message if you have any cruise or travel related questions! I love to share more about my Life Onboard a Cruise Ship :)

Before you book that next cruise, make sure to check out 15 Things to Know Before Your First Cruise and 10 Things NOT to Ask a Crewmember to avoid the worst questions out there, as well!

As always, God Bless and I hope to see you somewhere around the world.

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MSC Cruises ships from newest to oldest — a complete list

What's the newest MSC Cruises ship? It can be hard to keep track, as MSC Cruises has been rolling out new cruise ships in quick succession over the past few years. However, it's a good thing to know if you're in the market for an MSC Cruises voyage.

The newest MSC Cruises ship is typically also the MSC Cruises ship with the most bells and whistles and the most up-to-date cabins, restaurants, bars and attractions. It's what you want if you want the very latest and greatest in a vessel for your MSC Cruises vacation.

Right now, the newest MSC Cruises ship is MSC Euribia . It just debuted in June. Although it's barely a couple of months old, it'll soon be supplanted as the newest MSC Cruises vessel by another new MSC Cruises ship, MSC World America , which is scheduled to begin sailing in April 2025.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other relatively new MSC Cruises ships include MSC World Europa, MSC Seascape , MSC Seashore and MSC Virtuoso. All began sailing in just the last three years.

In all, MSC Cruises operates 22 cruise vessels — up from 17 in 2020. On average, the line comes out without about one new ship a year, though its rollout of ships has been rapid the past few years. MSC Cruises typically keeps vessels in its fleet for around 20 to 25 years before retiring them from the fleet. The oldest MSC Cruises ship, MSC Armonia, is 22 years old.

In general, the newest MSC Cruises ships are far bigger and much more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave a lot of activities in an MSC Cruises cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to vessels built in the last decade or so.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

The oldest MSC Cruises ships — those built in the early 2000s — are less than a third the size of the line's newest vessels and have far fewer venues on board.

The newest MSC Cruises ships are particularly known for being bustling, activity-packed ships.

Here, every MSC Cruise ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:

1. MSC Euribia

Maiden voyage: 2023 Size: 184,011 gross tons Passenger capacity : 4,810

2. MSC World Europa

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 215,863 gross tons Passenger capacity : 5,200

3. MSC Seascape

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 170,400 gross tons Passenger capacity : 4,540

4. MSC Seashore

Maiden voyage: 2021 Size: 170,412 gross tons Passenger capacity : 4,540

5. MSC Virtuosa

Maiden voyage: 2021 Size: 181,541 gross tons Passenger capacity : 4,842

6. MSC Grandiosa

Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 181,541 gross tons Passenger capacity : 4,842

7. MSC Bellissima

Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 171,598 gross tons Passenger capacity : 4,488

8. MSC Seaview

Maiden voyage: 2018 Size: 153,516 gross tons Passenger capacity : 4,132

9. MSC Seaside

Maiden voyage: 2017 Size: 153,516 gross tons Passenger capacity : 4,132

10. MSC Meraviglia

Maiden voyage: 2017 Size: 171,598 gross tons Passenger capacity : 4,488

11. MSC Preziosa

Maiden voyage: 2013 Size: 139,400 gross tons Passenger capacity : 3,502

12. MSC Divina

Maiden voyage: 2012 Size: 139,400 gross tons Passenger capacity : 3,502

13. MSC Magnifica

Maiden voyage: 2010 Size: 95,128 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,518

14. MSC Splendida

Maiden voyage: 2009 Size: 137,936 gross tons Passenger capacity : 3,274

15. MSC Fantasia

Maiden voyage: 2008 Size: 137,936 gross tons Passenger capacity : 3,274

16. MSC Poesia

Maiden voyage: 2008 Size: 92,627 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,550

17. MSC Orchestra

Maiden voyage: 2007 Size: 92,409 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,550

18. MSC Musica

Maiden voyage: 2006 Size: 92,409 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,550

19. MSC Opera

Maiden voyage: 2004 Size: 65,591 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,150

20. MSC Lirica

Maiden voyage: 2003 Size: 65,591 gross tons Passenger capacity : 1,984

21. MSC Sinfonia

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 65,542 gross tons Passenger capacity : 1,984

22. MSC Armonia

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 65,542 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,199

What is the newest MSC Cruises ship?

The newest MSC Cruises ship is MSC Euribia. As noted above, it just debuted in June, and it's currently sailing in Europe.

Measuring 184,011 gross tons, MSC Euribia is one of the biggest cruise ships in the world — only 10 cruise vessels are bigger. However, it's not the biggest MSC Cruises ship. That's the almost-as-new MSC World Europa, which debuted in December 2022. At 215,863 gross tons, MSC World Europa is the sixth-largest cruise ship in the world.

What is the oldest MSC Cruises ship?

The oldest MSC Cruises ship is MSC Armonia. Unveiled in 2001, it's not just the oldest MSC Cruises ship but one of the smallest MSC Cruises ships, too — far smaller than the newest MSC Cruises vessels. Measuring just 65,542 gross tons, it's just a third the size of the largest MSC Cruises ship (MSC World Europa) and has far fewer venues.

MSC Armonia and three other similar sisters in the MSC Cruises fleet (known as the Lirica class of ships) don't have the big water parks that are common on newer MSC Cruises ships. For the most part, their top decks are lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the early 2000s.

MSC Armonia and its sister vessels (MSC Sinfonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Opera) also have fewer restaurants, bars and lounges than newer MSC Cruises ships.

What new MSC Cruises ships are coming?

MSC Cruises currently has three new cruise ships on order — all sister vessels to the line's new MSC World Europa. The first to arrive will be MSC World America in 2025, which is scheduled to be deployed in Florida . Two more of the so-called World-class vessels are scheduled for completion in 2026 and 2027.

The World-class vessels are being built at the giant Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

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

In addition to the above, MSC Group — the line's parent company — has announced plans for yet another class of big MSC Cruises 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 to be called Explora Journeys.

What is the newest MSC Cruises ship available for booking?

MSC World America is the newest MSC Cruises ship that you can book right now. While the ship isn't yet sailing, its initial sailings scheduled for April 2025 already are on sale, as are future sailings through October 2025. The two other MSC Cruises ships on order for delivery in 2026 and 2027 have yet to open for bookings.

What is the newest class of MSC Cruises ships?

The World class is the newest class of MSC Cruises ships. It'll be made up of at least four vessels, only the first of which (MSC World Europa) is already sailing.

At 215,863 gross tons, MSC World Europa is the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever built and the sixth biggest cruise ship in the world from any line. The next three ships in the series will be of a similar size.

Unveiled in the final days of 2022 (so close to year's end that we considered it a new vessel for 2023 when we listed the year's most exciting new ships ), MSC World Europa can hold up to 6,762 passengers — almost as many as can fit on Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis-class vessels — the world's largest cruise ships.

What's the difference between newer and older MSC Cruises ships?

Newer MSC Cruises ships are generally bigger than older MSC Cruises ships — sometimes much bigger. As a result, they have room for a lot more onboard venues and attractions than the line's older vessels.

The new MSC World Europa, for instance, has a whopping six pools and 14 hot tubs, making it one of the most pool-covered ships at sea. The watery offerings also include an aquapark with multiple waterslides that integrate virtual reality technology. There is also a family sun deck.

In addition, MSC World Europa has a stunning array of 13 dining venues, including the new-for-the-line Chef's Garden Kitchen (an outlet focused on microgreens) and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. In a twist, the ship has three separate buffet restaurants, each with its own ambience. You'll also find lots of venues for entertainment and pampering on the ship, including a large casino and an equally large spa.

In short, the new MSC World Europa is like a giant floating version of the megaresorts you find in the Orlando area or Las Vegas, and it appeals to people who like a megaresort experience.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises

The oldest ships in the MSC Cruises are less than a third the size of the newest MSC Cruises ships and lack many of the above features. They have a much more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships, and they hold far fewer people. While World-class ships are being built to hold nearly 7,000 passengers with every berth full, the line's four oldest vessels (known as the Lirica class) are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at maximum occupancy.

That makes them a good choice for someone who wants to try MSC Cruises but isn't eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet thus appeal to a subset of MSC Cruises fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these MSC Cruises loyalty perks

In addition, because of their size, the oldest ships at MSC Cruises are able to operate 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 MSC World Europa.

Note that all MSC Cruises ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest MSC Cruises vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.

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11 Important Differences Between MSC Cruises and Other Major Lines

MSC Cruises may not be huge in North America just yet, but that’s quickly changing. While the big three cruise lines — Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean — may get most of the headlines, MSC is actually just as large and even larger than some of those names.

Seemingly until the past few years, however, MSC hasn’t focused as heavily on the United States. That definitely isn’t the case going forward. Today, it offers cruises from Miami, Port Canaveral and New York, with more homeports on the way.

As well, the line is expanding its fleet. It made a mark with the introduction of the MSC Seaside in the U.S., followed by MSC Seascape more recently, but that’s just the start. The line currently boasts the largest cruise ship in the world outside of Royal Caribbean with its MSC World Europa. That will be joined by MSC World America in 2025.

In other words, if you haven’t been tempted by an MSC cruise yet, it could be a different story in the near future.

Having recently sailed on MSC, as well as sailing the other major cruise lines regularly, we can tell you that there are some major differences between this line and its competitors.

Differences Between MSC and Other Major Cruise Lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Etc.)

MSC Is Less Expensive Than Most Lines If you’re searching for a cruise aboard MSC, the first thing you are likely to notice is the price of your trip. We’ve priced thousands of cruises over the year and MSC offers many of the cheapest trips we’ve seen; often times even less than Carnival, which is known as a budget-friendly line.

For example, a week cruise aboard the MSC Seascape (a relatively new ship) from Miami in July 2024 can be had starting for just $749 per person.

Comparable trips during that time run more than $900 aboard Carnival Celebration sailing from Miami. Sailings on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas for a week in July from Miami start at $2,207. 

MSC doesn’t have a lock on cruise deals, but it does offer a lot of affordable choices. Rates are even less expensive if sailing outside of summer or holidays.

Fewer Included Restaurants Like other cruise lines, MSC also has a mix of included restaurants and specialty restaurants where you will pay extra to dine. 

What’s different with MSC is that the amount of included restaurants — and the number of restaurants in particular — are sparse. 

This isn’t every ship, but on those we’ve sailed, only the buffet and main dining room have been available with the cruise fare. All other restaurants (of which there were only a handful) cost more.

Compare that to a line like Carnival that includes spots like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana, and more restaurants with the cruise fare.

Ocean Cay (MSC’s Private Island) While all the major cruise lines have their own private islands, only MSC has Ocean Cay. Just 65 miles from Miami, MSC poured $300 million into converting the island from a former sand excavation site into a tropical paradise. It’s a must-see. ( Read our complete guide to Ocean Cay here .)

What makes it so special are the beaches and water. It features multiple massive beaches, giving plenty of room for everyone to have their own space. In addition, the water is an electric blue that’s some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen.

While some cruise lines have created wild island that almost look like a cartoon with all the attractions, Ocean Cay is more subdued, with more space, and fewer visitors each day. If you’re wanting a relaxing beach day, this is it. 

Not as Tech Savvy There’s no doubt that technology has come a long way in cruising. These days you can do everything online from checking in to buying excursions to navigating the ship via the cruise line app.

And while MSC has come a long way in the past few years regarding integrating technology into cruising, it still has some room to improve.

For instance, when we checked online prior to the cruise, we encountered numerous errors trying to do basic things like add a credit card to the account. Anytime we did make a change or added information, it would automatically send out an entirely new booking confirmation to our email.

Lower Gratuity (Service Charge) Amounts Of all the major cruise lines, MSC has the lowest automatic service charges of any line we’ve seen. Over the past several years gratuity amounts — the daily charges that go to people like your room steward and the dining staff — have crept up among most cruise lines.

These days it’s usual to pay $16 per person, per day for these charges. Book a suite, and the charge is usually higher — closer to $20 per day. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, charges $25 per day for people in suites and $20 per person, per day, for other rooms. 

MSC charges a relatively low $14.00 per person , per day for passengers that are 12 years and older. Kids aged 2-11 are charged just $7.00 per night (typically kids are charged full price on other lines).

Room Stewards In our experience with MSC, the room stewards are much less noticeable than what you’ll find on other cruise lines.

We’re used to meeting the room steward on the first day of the cruise, and then seeing them regularly each day coming to and from the room. On MSC, we only spotted him a time or two during the cruise.

Even so, our room was regularly cleaned. In fact, we actually prefer not having to constantly bump into a room steward and make small talk on our way in and out of the cabin.

Evening Entertainment on the Ship In a world where cruise lines are pushing the envelope everywhere to make your experience bigger and better, MSC is decidedly old-school in some respects — like your evening entertainment.

Most cruise lines seem to be pushing toward full-scale production shows. Norwegian Cruise Lines, for example has productions of Footloose and Kinky Boots on some of its newer ships. Royal Caribbean offers big budget programs and even aqua shows on its Oasis-class ships.

In comparison, MSC is different. A handful of ships feature Carousel Productions at Sea (similar to Cirque du Soleil), but not all. In our experience, the entertainment is more of things like a “variety show” featuring singing, dancing, and acrobatics. For instance, one cruise had a new take on Peter Pan that included contortionists, circus acts, and a juggler. Another show was a dedication to Michael Jackson, complete with an impersonator and full dance numbers.

Frankly, the talent level on these programs has been amazing, and the shows have been a big hit. However, they’ve struck us as a big departure from what we’ve seen on other lines.

Pizza For pizza to be pointed out as a difference with other cruise lines, you know the pie on MSC must be pretty good.

We’re big fans of “good” pizza. What we’ve found, however, is that these dishes usually aren’t that great on many cruises. Frankly, the pizza on many ships is usually a bit bland and has a cardboard taste that you’d find at a cheap buffet.

Maybe it’s because MSC has roots in Italy, but they take their pizza seriously. It’s on par with anything you’d find at a popular pizza joint (and much better than chain restaurants). Best of all, it’s free at the buffet. You can also get an entire pie made to order and delivered to your cabin for $6-$10.

Drink Package Options Most cruise lines have a single drink package… or maybe a regular package and a high-end package. Meanwhile, they all have one thing in common — they are pricey. Most drink packages start around $60 per day and go up from there.

MSC does things a bit differently, offering three different options:

• Premium Extra

What’s the difference? Each package gives you drink options up to a certain dollar amount. The Easy package offers drinks up to $8 each, the Easy Plus package offers up to $10 each, and the Premium Extra gives you any drink up to $16 per glass.

Prices run from about $50-$90 per person, per day if booked ahead of time. This gives you a cheaper option than you’ll find on most other cruise lines with the Easy package. 

Linking a Credit Card to Your Account One difference between MSC and other cruise lines definitely struck us as odd, and that’s how you attach payment to your onboard account.

Every cruise line we’ve been on always asks for a credit card at check-in. It is scanned and linked to your account. At the end of the trip, your card is automatically charged after you leave.

In our cruise with MSC, passengers completed this process themselves — either online ahead of time or once actually on the ship. Several terminals are set up around the ship where you will insert the credit card you use for payment to link to your onboard account.

It’s on you to make sure your account is all squared away with a payment method. If you forget then you’ll have to go see Guest Services to settle your bill before you are allowed to leave the ship.

Be Prepared for Lots of Waivers If you sail MSC, then be prepared to sign waivers for things you don’t have to on other cruise lines.

Should you do some of the more extreme things on other cruises, it’s likely you have to sign something. For instance, the Flowrider surf simulator on Royal Caribbean requires you to complete a form before you can enjoy.

MSC takes it to another level. On the cruise line if you want to lift weights or run on the treadmill in the gym, you’ll need to sign a waiver. Want to ride one of the waterslides? Yes, there is a form to complete before you can do so.

Not Completely Different Than Other Lines (Tons That’s Familiar) 

We don’t want to give the impression that MSC is an absolutely unfamiliar experience or completely different than sailing any other line. If you’ve sailed a cruise before, there’s a lot that you’ll know and love.  

Want to sit on the pool deck, sip a cold drink and soak up the sun? There’s plenty of that. How about dinner in the dining room followed by an impressive show in the theater? Sure, that’s there too. And what about a little late-night gambling in the casino? Of course.

However, it’s the details surrounding life onboard that might stand out if you’re used to some of the other lines in U.S. cruising.

More on Sailing MSC:

Worth It? Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages

• MSC Gratuities (Tips/Service Charge): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work
• Ocean Cay (MSC’s Private Island): Complete Guide & Things to Know

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, feeling brave msc debuts “cliffhanger” — a swing that takes you 160 ft. over the water, carnival vs. msc: 11 major differences between the two cruise lines, msc cruises sailing from texas starting 2025, reviewed: msc cruise wi-fi service (speed, reliability, cost, & more), ocean cay (msc’s private island): complete guide, tips, & things to know.

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What’s your cruise personality?

Find your cruise personality

We’ve been thinking about an article on “Cruise personalities” for quite a while now, but we’ve been apprehensive.  After all, we certainly would not want to inadvertently discourage someone from trying a different cruise line based on our generalizations. And while we do think there is validity in the notion that cruise lines have personalities, there are so many variables. In addition to that is the fact that it’s all subject to personal perception.  

What we decided to do instead is explain some of these variables in a video , and then have a little fun with OUR take on cruise personality.  When we first started looking at cruises, we would sometimes hear things like “that line is for partiers, or this line is for singles or seniors”.  That kind of generalization is what I mean by personality. Ultimately, this notion is born out of the idea that you should find the line that best matches your personality.

Before we get into the cruise personality quiz, you should also know that the lines do try market and position themselves as distinctive in certain lifestyle areas. For example, Disney obviously wants to be the Family & kids line, and Carnival ’s “The Fun Ship” campaign speaks to this as well. Other examples include Celebrity ’s attempt to appeal to spa travelers and Royal Caribbean ’s fitness push. These efforts to carve out niches can definitely affect perception; but what we are more interested in are the generalities cruisers themselves determine. 

With that said, let’s have some fun. We stitched that all our information together into a quiz. Now is it scientific? No, of course not. Is it accurate? In a word, no. Should you base any decision on the results. Nope.  Alright, so the thing is worthless. Why should you try it? Because it’s fun, and we made it just for you. So check it out.

Dying to know your cruise personality? Click the start button to answer the question below:

What's your cruise personality, connect with us.

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CRUISE ACTIVITIES

• Family Game Show  - this is a competition for the whole family with dance, music and selfie challenges dedicated to Kelly & Kloe On Board, MSC Cruises’ original web series created for kids and families. Don’t forget to visit the website www.kellyandkloe.com!
• Family Disco  - who’s going to be the best dancer of the night? The whole family is invited to join the Youth Staff for a special disco time!

Visit our on-board 4D Cinema* for a chance to enter a world of adventure without having to leave the comfort of your seat. Enjoy a unique cinematic experience, full of surprising features and visual effects.

Available on: MSC Seaview , MSC Seaside , MSC Meraviglia , MSC Preziosa , MSC Divina , MSC Splendida , MSC Fantasia , and MSC Magnifica

Type of service: Charges apply

Riding Difficulty: Medium

*Regulations: Min. Height admitted: 39 inches / 100 cm, Max. Weight admitted: 350 Lbs / 159 Kg

ROBOTRON offers the breath-taking thrill of a rollercoaster at sea combined with a personalised DJ music experience. It is a state-of-the-art robotic arm with an attached gondola that seats three guests. Flying 53 metres above the sea, ROBOTRON* provides a unique 360° view of the horizon flipping riders upside down and in different directions for an adrenaline-pumping ride.

Available on:  MSC Seascape Type of service: Charges apply

Riding Difficulty: Hard

*Regulations: Min. Height admitted: 34 inches / 100 cm, Max. Weight admitted: 350 Lbs / 159 Kg

For a bit of quiet time on board your ship, check out the Billiard Room & Library to play a civilised game or read in peace amid a haven of tranquillity and calm. With the clicking of the balls and low-key conversations as the only sounds you’ll hear, it’s the ideal place to unwind.

Billiard Room & Library available on: MSC Seaview .

Billiard Room available on: MSC Seaside  and MSC Magnifica .

Our casinos are elegantly designed, featuring games for all types of players. You’ll be able to try your hand at Roulette or Blackjack, challenge yourself at one of our Poker tables, or choose among a variety of slot machines. Available on:   all MSC Ships

Strike! That’s what you want to hear every time the bowling ball barrels down the alley. See whether you have the knack and play against your family and friends to crown the bowling champion in your midst. Bowling available on: MSC Grandiosa , MSC Bellissima , MSC Seaview , MSC Seaside  and MSC Meraviglia .

Mini Bowling available on: MSC Magnifica , MSC Divina , MSC Splendida  and MSC Preziosa .

While away a few enjoyable hours of game play at the Arcade on board the ship. Pit your wits and skill against those of your friends in any number of typical arcade options, including video games, pinball and more. Great fun guaranteed.

Available on:   all MSC Ships   

Our amazing on-board MSC Formula Racer* delivers an adrenaline-pumping virtual-reality race, with you in the driver’s seat of a racing car. Go head to head against other racers and thrill to the feel of engines gunning. Huge fun for the young and the young at heart, regardless of who wins the race.

Available on MSC Grandiosa , MSC Bellissima , MSC Seaview , MSC Seaside , MSC Meraviglia , MSC Divina , MSC Splendida , MSC Fantasia  and MSC Preziosa   

*Regulations: Minimum Height admitted: 63 inches / 160 cm, Maximum Weight admitted: 264 Lbs / 120 Kg

• Tennis Tournament - if you've got a killer backhand then why not enter our onboard tennis tournament? It might not be Wimbledon but it'll serve up a great workout and possibly a taste of glory, too
• Soccer Tournament - can you kick it? Yes you can! Sign up for the onboard soccer tournament and show off your skills. Your team needs you, so get involved. Volleyball Tournament - unleash your competitive side in our very own onboard volleyball tournament. Quick reactions and impressive reach could lead you and your team to glory!
• Basketball Tournament - ready to shoot some hoops? Then enter our onboard basketball tournament. Get involved and prepare for glory!
• Ping Pong Tournament - pick up a paddle and prepare for battle! The ping pong tournament is on and you're invited. Ready for the challenge? See you there!
• Table Soccer Tournament - if you're a fan of football in the miniaturized form known as foosball why not enter today's tournament? Just remember the golden rule - no spinning!

Available on: all MSC ships Type of service: Included

Live the thrill of flying at high altitudes through our cutting edge Flight Simulator*. You’ll experience the amazing feelings and views as if you were at the controls of a real plane!

Available on: MSC Meraviglia  only

We organise various daytime and evening Theme Parties on board. You may wish to bring bright fun clothes for the Sunshine Party and something white for the White Party.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Included

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a star in our on-board talent competition, The MSC Factor? Then come and showcase what you can do in the most exciting talent show at sea. Whatever your specific talent may be, don’t be shy – come and show the world what it’s been missing.

The world's best-loved food show awaits you on the MSC Cruises fleet! Experience the adrenaline-fuelled creativity of an extraordinary on-board cooking competition for adults and junior guests.

A start-of-the-cruise event celebrating the ship's departure, led by the Entertainment Team and Dancers in a spectacular Costume Parade.

Fun-packed festive celebrations with a Bavarian flair - decorations, costumes, games, music and of course beer. There’s even a Master of Beer competition and a 6-metre-tall inflatable beer mug.

Longest dry slide at sea – the Venom Drop @ The Spiral* – an 11-deck high stainless-steel masterpiece, unique in the cruise industry.

Available on: MSC World Europa

*Regulations:

Min. Age admitted: 8 years old, Min. Height admitted: 48 inches / 120 cm, Max. Height admitted: 78 inches / 200 cm, Max. Weight admitted: 400 Lbs / 181 Kg

The Fun Pass is your all-access pass to the Amusement Area, the most thrilling place onboard.

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MSC Cruises' Latest Sale Has Voyages Starting at $179 — When to Book

The sale is running until April 18.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering monumental savings on sailings to warm weather destinations starting at less than $200 per person.

The sale, which was extended and must be booked by April 18, offers cruises starting at just $179 per person, according to MSC. The sale rate is based on double occupancy and does not include the taxes, fees, or port expenses.

Travelers who take advantage of this deeply-discounted rate can sail on three and four night journeys from Miami for just $179, or from Orlando starting at just $189, MSC shared with Travel + Leisure .

“It’s a great opportunity, whether you’re curious about cruising for the first time or you’re an avid cruiser looking to book your next sailing,” Koreen McNutt, the senior vice president and commercial sales officer for MSC Cruises USA, told T+L. “These quick getaways let guests discover everything we have to offer from world-class onboard entertainment and outstanding family programming to a variety of delicious dining venues and wonderful amenities. Plus, these short cruises all visit our private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with beautiful white-sand beaches and pristine water brimming with vibrant marine life.” 

The sale also includes MSC’s cruises from Galveston , which the company plans to introduce as its newest homeport in the United States in 2025. The cruise line expects to sail 7-night trips to Mexico and Central America on the MSC Seascape out of Galveston, which start at just $459 per person during the sale.

In addition, MSC is offering savings on its newest ship, the MSC World America , which the company plans to launch next year complete with a thrilling over-water swing ride, 13 different restaurants, an 11-deck-high dry slide, and more. Cruises on this ship start at just $649 per person as part of the sale.

“Cruising offers an unbeatable value proposition for vacations and we’re offering more itinerary options from a larger selection of embarkation ports than ever before, which makes it even easier for more people to discover what MSC Cruises is all about,” McNutt added.

Beyond the cruise fare, MSC is offering the option for travelers to add a drink package and Wi-FI to their booking starting at just $329.

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

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7-Night Cruises From $409

Get ready to experience Cliffhanger, where thrill seekers meet the only over-water swing ride at sea, exclusive to MSC World America. Sailing from Miami, April 2025.

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Welcome to Your Own Private Island

MSC Yacht Club

Step into the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive private sanctuary available to you on MSC Cruises. Here, you can discover elegance with luxury suites offering a 24/7 butler service. Enjoy curated menus in a private restaurant and unwind on the secluded pool deck. An elevated experience awaits you on a vacation that’s a step above.  Learn More.  

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A cruise ship stuck in Barcelona resumes sailing after passengers accused of having fake visas were removed and investigated by authorities

• A cruise ship carrying 1,500 passengers was stuck in Barcelona because of a visa dispute.
• Spanish authorities suspected that the visas of 69 Bolivian passengers were fake.
• The passengers are being held on another boat while authorities investigate. 

A cruise ship carrying 1,500 passengers was stuck in port in Barcelona after Spanish authorities investigated 69 Bolivian passengers.

The police believed that the Bolivian passengers' visas were fake and are investigating, Spanish police authorities told news agency Efe .

The MSC Armonia cruise ship set off from Brazil and was due to continue through the Mediterranean, with some passengers switching over in Barcelona, Efe reported.

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The delay has meant that planned stops in France, Greece, and Croatia have been canceled which has caused some disgruntled passengers to leave the boat early, Reuters reported.

Barcelona was meant to be the final destination for the Bolivian passengers. However, the ship had to stay in port until the situation was resolved.

In a statement shared with Business Insider, MSC Cruises confirmed that the cruise would resume sailing on Thursday.

"Thanks to the cooperation with the Spanish authorities, the group of Bolivian guests has been disembarked and will now follow the immigration process as required by law. We are fully assisting with this process," they said.

The spokesperson confirmed that the passengers' visas were found to be not valid for entry and that the Spanish authorities are investigating.

The passengers' will be held on another boat while Spanish authorities decide whether they will be deported or granted asylum, Reuters reported, citing the government's regional delegation in Catalonia.

Solange Duarte, a Bolivian diplomat in Barcelona, told the AP that she had received reports that some of the Bolivian passengers had been duped into obtaining fake visas.

MSC Cruises is one of the world's largest cruise lines, known for its long luxury trips that can set sail for months at a time.

Its new four-month-long world cruise, which will set off in 2026, is expected to cost passengers between $15,800 and $38,210 per person, depending on their cabin.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

T ransatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

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Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

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Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

Spain to deport dozens of Bolivians whose false visas held up cruise ship in Barcelona

Spain on Thursday will deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in the northeastern port of Barcelona

MADRID -- Spain will on Thursday deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in the northeastern port of Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false.

The Spanish government’s office in Barcelona said 65 of the 69 Bolivians who arrived will be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. The plane will be paid for by MSC Cruises, which owns the ship in which they arrived from Brazil.

Four members of a family with Spanish relatives will be allowed to enter Spain .

Spanish authorities said the Bolivian passengers had false visas to enter the European border-free Schengen area, an ID-check-free travel zone comprising 29 European countries.

The Bolivians’ visa problems meant that the cruise ship with more than 1,000 passengers was stuck for two days in Barcelona and unable to continue on its route in the Mediterranean Sea until the situation was resolved.

The cruise ship set sail after the Bolivians were temporarily accommodated in another boat while police interviewed them.

MSC Cruises said last week the Bolivian passengers’ documentation appeared correct upon boarding in Brazil.

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Swing ride 160 feet above the water coming to MSC Cruises' new ship in 2025

MSC Cruises’ new ship will have a swing set on board – but not the kind you’d find on a playground.

Cliffhanger, a new ride launching on forthcoming U.S. flagship MSC World America next year, will allow guests to swing out over the ocean 160 feet above the water, the cruise line revealed Tuesday. The four-seat ride uses mechanical arms to lift guests beyond the 22-deck ship’s edge, where they are propelled back and forth.

The line is billing the attraction as the only over-water swing ride at sea. MSC Cruises USA President Rubén A. Rodríguez said Cliffhanger is a “natural next step,” following attractions on its other ships like Seascape’s Robotron .

“It’s the first time we’re taking thrill-seekers out past the deck and over the water, and we know they’ll love it,” he told USA TODAY in an email. There will be an added charge for the ride, but pricing details were not yet available.

Cliffhanger will be part of Family Aventura, one of seven districts on the 2,614-stateroom ship. The area also features The Harbor, an outdoor park area with a high ropes course, a playground inspired by the lighthouse at the line’s private Bahamas destination Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and more.

Other districts on the ship include Galleria, home to dining venues, shopping and games “at the heart of the ship,” and Zen Area, an adults-only zone at the vessel’s stern where guests can enjoy music, catch some sun and take a dip in twin pools, according to an earlier news release .

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you?

World America will debut in April 2025 and spend its inaugural season sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].