MSC Cruises

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has its own approach to cruise holidays, shaped by its fleet, onboard atmosphere, accommodation, dining, entertainment and destination programme. For UK passengers, comparing the cruise company is only the first step: the ship itself can make a major difference to the holiday. Two vessels operated by the same company can have very different layouts, facilities, cabin choices and onboard atmosphere.

This MSC Cruises guide is designed as a comprehensive starting point for researching cruises for 2026, 2027 and beyond. We cover the company’s fleet, ship classes, accommodation, dining, entertainment, family facilities, wellness, accessibility considerations, destinations and practical points to check before booking. Published fleet information can change as new ships enter service, vessels are refurbished or ships move between seasonal deployments, so the final details for a particular sailing should always be checked with the cruise line.

The 25-ship fleet at a glance

The fleet currently represented in our guide contains 25 ships, including ships already sailing and announced vessels where the cruise line has published them as part of its fleet programme. Each vessel has its own page below. Use those pages to move from a broad company overview to the practical details of an individual ship.

Cruise style and onboard atmosphere

The right cruise line depends on what you want from the holiday. Some passengers prioritise family attractions and a large choice of entertainment; others are more interested in dining, enrichment, quiet spaces, service, traditional cruising or a particular destination. Ship size also matters. Large ships can offer an extensive range of venues and activities, while smaller ships can provide a different sense of scale and may suit travellers who prefer fewer passengers and a more intimate environment.

It is also worth considering how much time you expect to spend on board. An itinerary with frequent port calls puts more emphasis on destination planning, while longer sea days make pools, lounges, entertainment, fitness, dining and other onboard facilities more important. A ship that looks appealing in a brochure may not necessarily suit your preferred balance of port time and sea time.

Accommodation and cabin choices

Most modern cruise lines offer a choice of inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite accommodation, but the layout, size and benefits can vary substantially. When comparing fares, check the precise cabin category, deck, location and occupancy. Some passengers prefer a central cabin to reduce movement, while others prioritise a balcony or a particular view. Families should check whether cabins connect and whether the occupancy and bedding arrangement works for everyone travelling.

Premium and suite accommodation can include additional space or access to dedicated facilities, depending on the company and ship. Accessibility is another important consideration: passengers who require step-free access, adapted bathrooms or particular bed arrangements should discuss those needs before booking rather than assuming that all cabins are equivalent.

Dining, drinks and what is included

Cruise fares can bundle different elements, so comparing only the headline price can be misleading. Check which meals, restaurants, drinks, room service, Wi-Fi, gratuities and entertainment are included in the fare. Speciality restaurants, premium drinks and certain onboard services may carry extra charges. The exact inclusions can also vary between fare types on the same ship.

Dining preferences can influence your choice of ship. Passengers who enjoy variety may want several speciality restaurants and casual venues, while others may prefer a traditional dining-room experience. Families may prioritise flexible dining times and casual food, while couples may focus on speciality restaurants, quieter lounges or longer evening dining experiences.

Entertainment, family facilities and sea days

Sea days are when a ship’s facilities become especially important. Depending on the vessel, facilities may include theatres, live music venues, cinemas or show lounges, pools, sports courts, fitness centres, spas, casinos, shopping areas, children's clubs, teen spaces and specialist attractions. Newer large ships often have more headline attractions, whereas older or smaller ships may offer a more traditional cruise experience.

Families should check age ranges, opening times and whether children's facilities are included. Couples and adults travelling without children may want to identify quieter areas, adult-only spaces, wellness facilities and evening venues. Passengers with mobility considerations should look at deck layouts and the distances between cabins, restaurants, theatres and lifts.

Destinations and departure ports

The same cruise line can offer very different holidays depending on where the ship is deployed. Mediterranean cruises can combine historic cities, islands and beaches; Norwegian Fjords itineraries focus on dramatic scenery and scenic cruising; Canary Islands voyages provide winter sunshine and island-hopping; Caribbean cruises combine beaches, culture and water activities; Alaska offers glaciers and wildlife; and Northern Europe can combine major cities with scenic coastlines.

For UK travellers, Southampton is especially useful for no-fly cruising when the chosen ship and itinerary operate from the port. Fly-cruise itineraries provide access to a wider range of regions but add flights, transfers and travel-day planning. Always check passport, visa, travel insurance and entry requirements for every destination on your itinerary.

How to compare ships within MSC Cruises

Start with the itinerary, then compare the ship. Look at the number and type of sea days, departure port, cabin category, dining arrangements, entertainment, family facilities, pools, wellness, Wi-Fi, drinks and gratuities. Consider the total holiday cost rather than simply the cruise fare. A slightly higher fare can sometimes include items that would otherwise be purchased separately, while a lower fare may leave more extras to pay on board.

Our individual ship pages are intended to make this research easier. Select a vessel below to explore its profile, then return to our cruise deals, destination guides and cruise-type pages to compare the wider holiday options.

Important information before booking

Ship facilities, itineraries, dining venues and entertainment can be changed by the cruise company. Refurbishments, weather, operational requirements and itinerary changes can affect what is available on a particular sailing. Prices and availability are also dynamic. Treat this website as a research and comparison resource and check the cruise line’s current information and final booking terms before paying a deposit.

Explore every MSC Cruises ship

Choose a ship below for the individual guide.