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MSC Excursions

Find your excursions.

Visit what’s important – you won’t miss a thing Quality - all tours provided by certified partners Expert multilingual guides – all carefully selected No Stress – let us take care of everything Safety – the highest safety standards Dedicated excursions – for everyone 

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MSC Shore Excursions

One of the many pleasures of a cruise is discovering new and interesting places, for yourself, with friends or family. It’s why we have re-designed our MSC Shore Excursions, allowing you to safely and smoothly go ashore to explore, discover and enjoy new experiences. Let’s go! 

Whether you prefer adventure, nature, culture or history, we’ve designed something for you and the whole family.

From Culture & History and our breathtaking Scenic Routes , to our Active & Adventure tours and the discovery of Natural Wonders, to Sea & Sun’s relax, our Something Special experiences and our Accessible Tours, you can enjoy the treasures of each destination in your preferred way. We’ve also established the Excursions Explorer Package and MSC Bike Adventours, which are unique to our line and available on selected MSC Cruises' itineraries. 

Choose your MSC Cruise Excursion online and take advantage of our pre-boarding rates. Bookings can be made up to 4 days prior the cruise departure date. 

For full Terms and Conditions, please  click here

WHY AN MSC EXCURSION?

Choose MSC Excursions Because

Quality and Value

Experience the highlights of each destination on meticulously planned excursions, guided by skilled and qualified local tour guides*. 

Comfort and Convenience

From transportation to and from the ship, to seeing the sights, our tours are designed to make your day of exploring as carefree as possible. Just select the tour of your choice and let us take care of all the details. 

Peace of mind

When you choose an MSC excursion, you can relax in the knowledge that all our tours are operated by carefully selected partners who can easily make contact with your ship throughout the day.

* Tours can be provided in 5 languages (ENG-DEU-FRA-ESP-ITA) and depends on the availability of guides. The final language will be confirmed on board during the cruise

Active & Adventures

Head ashore in search of adventure! Opportunities for sport and fun range from trekking and snorkelling to kayak tours and 4x4 vehicle adventures.  The active choice.   Book now the new Bike Tour available!

Explore the city centre with a guided tour and soak up the local scenery with a comfortable coach ride. The easy way to get to know your destination.

Culture & History

Learn all about the history and culture of your destination, with visits to must-see locations and guided tours of key sites. The ideal route to local knowledge.

Scenic route

Admire your destination in total comfort, with a scenic coach tour taking in the best views and the main places of interest. The relaxing road to discovery.

Take your children on a journey of discovery, with a special programme for kids. The perfect family trip.

Natural wonders

Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery and discover the fascinating flora and fauna of your destination. Your passport to the wonders of the natural world.

Something special

Pursue your interests in new places! From gastronomic tours and guided shopping trips to religious visits, there’s a world of pastimes and passions to explore.

Sea & Sun

Treat yourself to some pure relaxation, basking on a beautiful beach or enjoying the stunning views on a scenic boat trip. A winner for sea and sun lovers.

Easy & Accessible

Leisurely explore the best each destination has to offer, in small groups, on tailor-made itineraries for slow walkers and people with limited mobility. Find out more !

Easy & Accessible Excursions

Explore each destination at your own pace

From slow walkers , to  wheelchair  and  scooter  users  who wish to leisurely explore each destination, Easy & Accessible Excursions are designed to help you visit and discover each destination in  total comfort!

EXCURSIONs TO OCEAN CAY MSC MARINE RESERVE

Nature made it Beautiful, we made it Unique

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The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

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

While the Switzerland-based company is the third-biggest cruise line in the world, it has far less name recognition among Americans than big U.S.-based lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line . That's because, until recently, MSC Cruises mostly catered to Europeans. A large percentage of its customers came from countries such as Italy, Germany, France and Spain.

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

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

As it expands its fleet at a rapid pace , MSC Cruises is massively building its footprint in North America in an effort to woo more Americans. As recently as 2017, the line only had a single vessel based in North America. Now it's up to three ships sailing out of U.S. ports, and by the end of 2023, that number will have shot up to five.

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

Like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises has been building big resortlike vessels that offer every sort of amusement known to humans, from giant water parks to race car simulators. It currently operates eight of the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world — one of which (MSC Meraviglia) now calls North America home with year-round sailings out of New York City.

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

3 things TPG loves about MSC Cruises

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

What we could do without

• Onboard announcements in five languages (on overseas sailings)

The MSC Cruises fleet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

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

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

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

In addition to all the above, MSC Group — the line's parent company — has announced plans for yet another class of big ships to start arriving later this decade, though few details have been released. MSC Group is also developing a series of small luxury vessels that'll operate under a separate brand called Explora Journeys.

Destinations and itineraries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who sails MSC Cruises?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cabins and suites

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

Still, MSC Cruises doesn't offer the sort of truly giant suites (more than 1,000 to 2,000 square feet) you'll find on some Norwegian and Royal Caribbean ships.

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

The biggest suites on MSC Grandiosa, which launched in 2019, span two levels and offer around 635 square feet of interior space, plus another 237 square feet of outdoor balcony space.

On more than half of MSC Cruises' ships, many of the top suites are part of an exclusive, keycard-accessed area called the MSC Yacht Club . Billed as an upscale "ship within a ship" and aimed at luxury travelers, the MSC Yacht Club is at the very top of vessels and comes with a private lounge, a pool, sunning areas and even its own restaurant.

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

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

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

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

Restaurants and dining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entertainment and activities

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

Theaters and shows

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

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

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

Other interior attractions and activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top-deck attractions

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

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

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

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

Children's programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to know before you go

Required documents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unlike other cruise lines, MSC Cruises does not let passengers switch their internet plan from one device to another during the cruise, even if they're only using one device at a time. Make sure you sign up for the Wi-Fi plan on the device you intend to use it with. If you'll want access on both your phone and your tablet, you will need a two-device plan.

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

Carry-on drinks policy

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

Smoking policy

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

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

Electrical outlets

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

For cruises in the Caribbean, South America and South Africa, as well as on MSC Grand Voyages going to Europe and to Australia, the onboard currency is the U.S. dollar.

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

Drinking age

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

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

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

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

MSC Cruises loyalty program

MSC Cruises has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the MSC Voyagers Club , that has four tiers ranging from Classic (requiring 1 point) to Diamond (10,000 points).

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

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

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

Know, though, that there are a couple of key caveats. Only the Voyagers Club member who makes the final payment for the onboard expenses will receive those points. For prepaid expenses, points will be equally distributed among the cabin occupants.

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

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

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

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

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

How much does an MSC Cruises voyage cost?

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

For instance, at the time of publication, four-night sailings from Miami to the Bahamas in September 2024 start at just $249 per person, not including taxes and fees of $100. That works out to just $87.25 per person, per night, with taxes and fees, for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

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

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

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

When pricing cabins, MSC Cruises offers one of four main "experiences," each of which comes with different inclusions and varying price tags. The basic "Bella" experience includes your room, dining in the main restaurants and buffet, and access to all the included features of the ship, such as kids programs and theater shows.

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

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

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

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

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

How to book

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

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

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

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your purchase when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which earns 2 points per dollar spent on travel (and dining).

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Bottom line

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

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

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

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up

Planning a Cruise: Follow This Timeline for Booking Dinner and Activity Reservations

Mark your calendar! Here's when you need to make reservations for specialty dining, entertainment, and other activities on board nine major cruise lines. 

By Gwen Pratesi

March 22, 2024

Timing is everything when it comes to planning a cruise vacation.

Once you’ve decided on the ship and itinerary and have made the down payment, the next step is knowing when to book excursions, specialty dining reservations, spa treatments, and other activities. 

Getting that right—or wrong—can significantly affect the quality of your trip. 

After all, you don’t want to miss out on some of the main reasons you selected this cruise, including dining in the best restaurants at sea and taking bucket-list excursions. Managing the booking timeline is critical. 

Can some things wait till the last minute?

If you book your cruise close to the sailing date or wait until the last minute to reserve your specialty dinners and excursions, you may be out of luck. Cruises are more popular than ever  and spots fill up fast, so while you can wait until you’re on board the ship to make reservations, it’s best to book everything as far in advance as possible—preferably as soon as bookings open.

If your first choice is not available, go ahead and lock in your alternative and ask to be put on the wait list for the desired restaurant or excursion. It’s not unusual for frequent cruisers to latch on to open spots and then finalize their schedules as they get closer to departure. You can always cancel, provided you do so within the allotted time frame, which is typically 48 to 72 hours ahead for most reservations. 

People often change their minds, so dinner reservations and tours frequently become available once you’re on the ship.

What is the reservation timeline for your cruise?

Below is a basic timeline for when you can book excursions, specialty dining, and other activities for nine of the major cruise lines. 

With most lines, you can make reservations for shows and onboard games and activities (such as go-karts and roller coasters) once you’re on the ship. With a few other lines, you’ll want to make advance reservations for such activities, like Disney Cruise Line’s Royal Court Royal Tea Party. We’ve noted the ones to book ahead. 

We’ve also included the final payment date in the timeline. If you miss that deadline, it’s possible you could forfeit your deposit and other payments and even lose your long-awaited cruise. 

Be sure to check with the individual cruise lines for cancellation policies on dining reservations, excursions, spa treatments, land packages, and other activities; each company has different policies. Additionally, you’ll want to verify the dates below with the cruise of your choice as things are subject to change. 

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian ’s 19 ships sail to more than 400 destinations around the world. Look for cruises in the Caribbean on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua , set to launch in spring 2025. Here’s a booking timeline for this popular mainstream choice. 

When a reservation is confirmed : You can book passes for the adults-only (18 years and older) Mandara Spa’s Thermal Suite and adults-only Vibe Beach Club once you’re confirmed for the cruise—and up to 4 days before departure. 

One year ahead : Guests can book shore excursions up to one year in advance of a sailing. An updated list of excursions is available approximately 6 months before the first sailing of the itinerary in each cruise destination. 

130 days ahead : Guests staying in suites, such as Garden Villas and accommodations in  The Haven , Norwegian’s luxury area, can pre-book specialty dining reservations .

125 days ahead : Guests in Club Balcony staterooms can pre-book specialty dining reservations.

120 days ahead : Final payment is due on all sailings, including for guests staying in The Haven.

Guests staying in all other stateroom categories on voyages 7 days and longer or 6 days or fewer that are holiday sailings can pre-book dining reservations.

90 days ahead : Guests staying in all stateroom categories on sailings 6 days or fewer can pre-book dining reservations.

26 days ahead : Guests in The Haven as well as members of Norwegian’s Latitudes loyalty program (in any stateroom category) can pre-book entertainment .

21 days ahead : Guests in all other stateroom categories, including suites, can pre-book entertainment.

Royal Caribbean International

If you’re sailing on one of Royal Caribbean ’s 28 ships—including the line’s newest vessel and the world’s largest cruise ship afloat, Icon of the Seas —use this timeline as a guide to planning your cruise. You’ll want to make reservations as far in advance as possible if you’re sailing with up to 7,600 other passengers.

8 months to one year ahead : Guests can make specialty dining reservations as far in advance as one year before a voyage, and up to 48 hours before departure. But according to a Royal Caribbean press rep, sometimes specialty dining reservations don’t open until around 8 months before a sailing. The company is surprisingly nonspecific on this point, given the size of the ships and all the resulting competition for dining spots. 

90 days ahead : Final payment is due for cruises 5 days and longer.

75 days ahead : Final payment is due for cruises 1 to 4 nights in length.

30 days ahead : Guests can make reservations for shows. Oasis and Icon class ships require reservations for all production shows. On Quantum class ships, reservations are required for two ‘70s-themed shows. 

Up to 2 days ahead : Make reservations for spa treatments and other activities up to 48 hours before sailing.

On the ship : You can still snag reservations for shows once you’re on board.

Carnival Cruise Line

91 days ahead : Final payment is du e for voyages 6 to 9 days in length; 10 days or longer; and any Alaska, Panama Canal, Europe, Transatlantic, and Transpacific sailings. 

76 days ahead : Final payment is due for voyages 2 to 3 days in length as well as 4- to-5-day sailings.

After paying the full deposit : Guests can book shore excursions up to 2 days prior to departure. 

Pre-cruise :  Make reservations for specialty dining venues up to 48 hours before sailing. 

Holland America Line

Holland America ’s fleet of 11 vessels visits more than 98 countries and 470 ports around the world. One of the line’s top destinations, Alaska, offers many popular shore excursions, so you’ll want to reserve those as soon as you book your cruise. 

When a reservation is confirmed : Book specialty dining, excursions, spa treatments, and other activities right away. If the excursions aren’t available yet to book, keep checking back online for updates. 

75, 90, or 120 days ahead : Depending on the voyage, the final payment is due for the cruise. Most payments are due 90 days before departure. 

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ’ 17 ships, including the new Sun Princess , visit more than 330 destinations across all seven continents. You’ll want to start planning your vacation as soon as you’ve made the final payment to secure your top pick for shore excursions, dining, and other activities on board the ship.

After booking your cruise : Members with Platinum status in the Princess loyalty program, Elite Captain’s Circle, can make dining reservations right after booking a cruise. 

120 days ahead : Final payment is due for sailings of 25 days or more in length, including world cruise segments and the full world cruise.

Guests on extended voyages and the world cruise can access dining reservations after the final payment is made. 

Make reservations at the Lotus Spa from now up to 7 days prior to departure.

12 weeks ahead :  Book shore excursions through the Cruise Personalizer service from now up to 5 days before departure. 

90 days ahead : Final payment is due for all cruises up to 24 days in length.

Guests can access dining reservations for these voyages after the final payment is made. 

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity ’s 13 Edge, Solstice, and Millennium class ships will expand in November 2025 with a new Edge class ship, Celebrity Xcel . 

9 to 12 months ahead : You can book excursions through your online account or in the Celebrity Cruises app.

Make specialty dining reservations from now up to 72 hours before departure. 

6 months ahead : Book spa , salon, med spa, fitness, and acupuncture appointments. 

90 days ahead : Full payment is due for the cruise.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises will have 23 ships in its fleet next year, with the addition of MSC World America in spring 2025. If you’re sailing on the new ship or on any of MSC’s itineraries, you’ll want to mark these dates on your calendar. 

120 days ahead : Final payment for World Cruise is due.

110 days ahead : Final payment is due for voyages 15 nights or longer.

90 days ahead : Final payment is due for sailings 5 to 14 nights in length.

75 days ahead : Final payment is due for sailings of 4 nights or fewer.

60 days ahead : Pre-book specialty dining, entertainment, excursions, and spa treatments from now up to 48 hours before departure.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers reservations for onboard activities and shore excursions based on the level of accommodations and frequent cruisers' status in the Castaway Club loyalty program. Disney’s detailed cancellation policies vary by activity, so read them carefully. 

130 days ahead : Concierge guests can book onboard activities by phone with the Shoreside Concierge service. 

123 days ahead : Concierge guests and Pearl Castaway Club members can book onboard activities online.

120 days ahead : Final payment is due for cruises 6 nights and longer. 

Platinum Castaway Club members can book onboard activities online.

105 days ahead : Gold Castaway Club Members can book onboard activities online.

90 days ahead : Final payment is due for cruises lasting 5 nights or fewer.

Silver Castaway Club Members can book onboard activities online.

75 days ahead : First-time guests can book onboard activities online.

30 days ahead : Reservations are open for all guests for character meet-and-greets. (Concierge guests can request to make a reservation before this.)

Among the onboard activities you can book in the windows mentioned above: 

• • Adult dining venues
• • The nursery
• • Beverage seminars
• • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• • Goofy’s Sports Deck
• • Olaf’s Royal Picnic
• • Royal Court Royal Tea Party
• • Professional photography
• • Photo packages
• • Port adventures
• • Select fitness center offerings
• • Hook’s Barbery
• • Senses Spa & Salon
• • Untangled Salon

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages ’ three adults-only ships each accommodate up to 2,762 passengers—or “sailors,” as the line likes to refer to its guests. While you can make dining reservations in advance, Virgin offers walk-in and day-of reservations at all eateries. 

135 days ahead : Passengers with accommodations in the line’s RockStar Quarters have early access to book “Shore Things,” aka shore excursions. 

120 days ahead : Final payment is due for all cruises.

At this point, guests booked in any level of cabin can reserve excursions through a travel agent, on the Sailor app, or with the Sailor Services Crew. 

60 days ahead : Mega RockStar and RockStar Quarters passengers can make dining reservations with a First Mate travel advisor or through the Virgin Voyages app.

45 days ahead : Guests booked in any other type of cabin can make dining reservations with a First Mate advisor or through the app.

On the ship : Fitness classes and spa appointments are only available to book via the Virgin Voyages app once you’re on board the ship.

Related : Dining on a Cruise: The 10 Best Tips and Tricks

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When Are Excursions Available for Booking?

By tymike , December 9, 2019 in MSC Cruises

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I am booked on the Meraviglia in October, 2020 and am hoping to book a cabana on Ocean Cay.  

When does MSC open up bookings for 'excursions' like the cabana?

I looked in excursion T & C and searched CC to no avail.

Thanks so much!

Link to comment

Share on other sites, lovemycruisetoo.

I think we might be on the same cruise because I can’t find any either.  

Hi lovemycruisetoo!

The only excursions that show for Ocean Cay are wave riders and a climb to the top of the lighthouse.

It seems strange that booking cabanas isn't available.  Perhaps we have to have been paid in full to book?  Just a guess....

5 hours ago, tymike said: Hi all, I am booked on the Meraviglia in October, 2020 and am hoping to book a cabana on Ocean Cay.   When does MSC open up bookings for 'excursions' like the cabana?   I looked in excursion T & C and searched CC to no avail.   Thanks so much!

  I would assume now.

We got an email from MSC  on Novmnber 7th so held a cabana. I assume there are not many of those. Our cruise is the last week of September. Go to their website and look under 'manage your booking'.

It will be listed under excursions.

11 hours ago, tymike said: Hi lovemycruisetoo! The only excursions that show for Ocean Cay are wave riders and a climb to the top of the lighthouse. It seems strange that booking cabanas isn't available.  Perhaps we have to have been paid in full to book?  Just a guess....

Tymike, that is exactly what I see. Our cruise is 10/22/20 and we’re in the YC and haven’t received any email about excursions.  I just got off a Mera Canada cruise October and had all my excursions booked early.   

Shippy, we also have Mera booked for 9/6/20 and only Sydney,  Halifax and New York have excursions listed.  Nothing for Reykjavik, Belfast, Southampton which I’m waiting for.   

I’ll just keep checking. 

2 hours ago, lovemycruisetoo said: Tymike, that is exactly what I see. Our cruise is 10/22/20 and we’re in the YC and haven’t received any email about excursions.  I just got off a Mera Canada cruise October and had all my excursions booked early.    Shippy, we also have Mera booked for 9/6/20 and only Sydney,  Halifax and New York have excursions listed.  Nothing for Reykjavik, Belfast, Southampton which I’m waiting for.    I’ll just keep checking. 

   Our cruise is 9/26/20 on the Seaside. We have not paid in full and will not for a couple of months.

But, we did have to pay in full for the cabana. Did not mind because they said we could cancel up to a week before sailing. The cabana does show confirmed on our booking.

 That is good for us but do NOT like the policy in general. I know there is a limited number of cabanas. People can book them & hen cancel which would take them out of inventory. Especially since you do not have to pay for your cruise yet !

    Also, there was no map of the layout of the cabanas like some other cruiselines have so you can actually pick the one you want. It is just ocean view or beach & I guess they will just assign one at random when we get there.

I am interested to know the cabana locations and how the location is assigned.  I see the location of the yacht club (Ocean View and beachfront) but I can't tell where the deluxe ocean cay and ocean cay cabanas are located (which beach).  For those who have been to OC and had a cabana did they just assign one to you or were you ever offered a choice of cabana?

Hey tymike, you skipping out on NCL too?

4 hours ago, dexddd said: Hey tymike, you skipping out on NCL too?

Hi there!   Well....only sort of!  We have two cruises booked on NCL (because I had two certificates to use in a hurry!).  We sailed on MSC for the first time last summer and really enjoyed it.  Our upcoming cruise in October is in the YC for the first time and I think we will be so hooked based on what I've read.

Prices on NCL have gone insane, so there's that as well.   🙂

8 hours ago, lovemycruisetoo said: Tymike, that is exactly what I see. Our cruise is 10/22/20 and we’re in the YC and haven’t received any email about excursions.  I just got off a Mera Canada cruise October and had all my excursions booked early.    Shippy, we also have Mera booked for 9/6/20 and only Sydney,  Halifax and New York have excursions listed.  Nothing for Reykjavik, Belfast, Southampton which I’m waiting for.    I’ll just keep checking. 

Yes!  We are cruising together and also in the YC!  Truly excited!

We are paid in full so I'm keeping an eye out for any emails and will be checking the website regularly.

Does anyone know how many cabanas there are  or if you can book by calling MSC?  I know that means being on hold forever  but it may be worth it?

Any specific phone number for excursions?

Thanks everyone....as always!

So, I now need some help figuring out some jibberish that is listed at the bottom of the excursion page of "Manage My Booking".  There are lots of numbers/letters and then a line that reads:  "???MXC--PREPAID--RESTRICTION__YCMCO???"

Any insight what this means??  It literally reads like that.

FWIW: my booking is through the casino department.  I upgraded to YC and paid totally full price for the final four days of the cruise as the casino booking only 'covered' an inside cabin for a seven day cruise.  So paid the difference between an inside for the first seven days then full price for the remainder of the cruise.

Could how we booked affect the timing to secure excursions?

Thanks again....

Tymike, we did our first MSC YC and loved it.  P+ on NCL (mostly Haven) but like dexddd said, we’re skipping out. Done with their ridiculous non-ending sales 😫 , price increases and charges for almost everything while they take away all the free activities.   

I now have 2 MSC’s booked, one Aurea Duplex suite and our YC in Oct. and looking to book 2021 as soon as they’re open.   

I emailed my PCC at MSC to ask when they will open excursions and she said they are there on the website and gave me a link that didn’t work.  After 2 or 3 emails back and forth, she told me she advised her Shorex department of the issues some were having. I asked her if there is a direct phone line to them to book directly but haven’t heard back yet.    

I also noticed some jibberish when I tried to see what excursions were available but haven’t a clue what any of it means.  Will keep you posted if and when I hear anything.  

Lovemycruisetoo....how do you get a PCC at MSC?  I don't have one, most likely because I've only been on one MSC cruise to date.

I also have multiple NCL cruises behind me.  All in suites and two in Haven (one in the DOS which I booked after being laid off for almost two years and getting my job back...and I booked it before the ship was finished!  Crazy!!)  But I feel like NCL has changed so much in the nine years since my first ever cruise (NCL Dawn from Boston to Bermuda) and it's disappointing when I see how they have upcharged everything.

Can your PCC book the cabanas for you?

Tymike, when I first booked back in June 2018 for the first MSC ex NYC to Canada 10/8/19 I just called the 800 number. The guy I spoke to was so helpful that I asked him if I could contact him for any questions as this was my first non NCL cruise where I was used to having a great PCC.   After a few months when I emailed him about something, another consultant answered that he left the company and she would take over the booking.  I just continued with her as I have her email and have been happy with her. Only thing is they have no direct telephone number so everything is thru email first and then I arrange a time when she calls me to finalize the booking.   

I don’t know if they can book the cabanas, sorry. 

Thanks so much for the information for the MSC  PCC info.

 I too have an excellent PCC with NCL and have had the same one since our second NCL cruise.  I'm sorry for him that I may not book again with things being what they are with NCL.

We have fourth YC coming up in March.  Done with FDR's death by a thousand cuts.  We too Plat Plus but only had one cert expiring in one year I recently offloaded for trade for a newer cert IF NCL can ever earn back our suite business.

You'll love it in YC, much more consistent good treatment VS NCL overworked crew.  The only real downside is size and variety of rooms VS NCL.

8 hours ago, dexddd said: We have fourth YC coming up in March.  Done with FDR's death by a thousand cuts.  We too Plat Plus but only had one cert expiring in one year I recently offloaded for trade for a newer cert IF NCL can ever earn back our suite business.   You'll love it in YC, much more consistent good treatment VS NCL overworked crew.  The only real downside is size and variety of rooms VS NCL.

FWIW, I am also Plat + on NCL and have jumped over to MSC! I booked my first YC1 - and it's so much less expensive sailing solo than on NCL - I just cancelled my 2020 cruise with NCL...deck 9 aft balcony on the Breakaway (my first non-Haven/suite since my second cruise with them).  I always thought I would sail exclusively with one cruise line, but my TA convinced me to spread my wings! I'll be on the Seaside out of Miami with (gasp 🤯 ) different stops in the Caribbean!! If all goes well, I may try a new line after this one! 

On our Canadian cruise this past October, we missed a port and was given not only our port fees back, but also $300.00 refundable OBC in addition to the $50.00 we got before we even left NY because we had to leave Quebec 12 hours early. First time I got off a ship with more money than I got on with 😁 . That’s what will keep me with them because they know how to treat their customers.  

What do you get from NCL when they miss a port? Or shorten your cruise by two days?You’re told that we signed a contract that says they can do whatever they want.  I have only sailed NCL since 2010 and have done 16 cruises. My 17th and last one with them is this February 2020 and only because it’s paid for. All I can say is, it’s their loss, not mine. 

13 hours ago, NayRN said: FWIW, I am also Plat + on NCL and have jumped over to MSC! I booked my first YC1 - and it's so much less expensive sailing solo than on NCL - I just cancelled my 2020 cruise with NCL...deck 9 aft balcony on the Breakaway (my first non-Haven/suite since my second cruise with them).  I always thought I would sail exclusively with one cruise line, but my TA convinced me to spread my wings! I'll be on the Seaside out of Miami with (gasp 🤯 ) different stops in the Caribbean!! If all goes well, I may try a new line after this one! 

Hi Nay, recognize you and your years here on the boards.  Good luck on your first MSC.  We did two Seaside this year and had a great time.

Yeah, then you get a few cheerleaders saying you agreed to the contract but those are fewer and fewer.  The latest is the Star where people in April getting revised routes just past final payment.  They know Star will still be having issues that far out?  If so, do the right thing VS sending letter after final payment.

Seeing quite a few familiar NCL regulars here now.  Thinking the silent majority is voting with wallet.

Although I'm a new cruiser on MSC (one cruise to date and another in the fall) I do love being optimistic that their product will outdo what I've seen happening on NCL over the last nine years since my first cruise on the Dawn.  The cutbacks in service, offerings on board included, and the crazy increases in prices with NCL has been nothing less than totally disappointing and frustrating.

We truly enjoyed our cruise on the Armonia last summer (Aurea Experience) even though we were prevented from visiting Cuba.  I think that says a lot about what MSC offers, especially because we booked that cruise in order to visit Cuba.  I'm very excited to be in the YC  next fall!

I plan to call MSC tomorrow to see when I might be able to book a cabana on Ocean Cay.  I'll let everyone know what I find out...

Thanks Tymike!  Hope you can find out something. 

Just off the phone with MSC (the phone prompt for YC reservations).  The rep stated that reservations can only be made six months in advance.  Does anyone have a different experience with when they could book a cabana?

He also said he had "no idea" what the jibberish on my "manage my booking" meant.

Wish I had better/different/feeling more reliable news!

On 12/12/2019 at 5:15 PM, tymike said: Hi all... Just off the phone with MSC (the phone prompt for YC reservations).  The rep stated that reservations can only be made six months in advance.  Does anyone have a different experience with when they could book a cabana? He also said he had "no idea" what the jibberish on my "manage my booking" meant. Wish I had better/different/feeling more reliable news!

   We booked & paid for our beach front YC cabana a few weeks ago & our cruise is not until the end of next September.

We went on the MSC website under 'manage your cruise'

The cabanas were listed under the excursions. Our final payment for the cruise itself has not been made.

With such a limited number of cabanas available, if people wait until 6 months before their cruise, there will probably be no availability 

Thank you Shippy...

I was afraid of this. 

I feel like the cabanas are a fixed 'excursion' on Ocean Cay and there's no reason they shouldn't be listed under 'Manage Your Cruise" on the website.  I'm only offered the wave runners and the lighthouse climb as of today and I'm paid in full.  And that's under "Manage My Cruise".  

I guess I'll call again and be more firm that others have booked cabanas in advance and ask how to secure one.

Or...I can be very happy with an umbrella for $13 !  Whatever happens will be great!  It's a vacation....right?

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The best cruise booking perks — and which ones are actually free

These days, if you book a cruise and don't get drinks, tips or other perks thrown in for free, you're leaving money on the table.

In order to incentivize travelers to book a cruise in advance and to choose them over a competitor, many cruise lines run promotions that allow you to pick a perk — or sometimes get a whole host of included freebies. Especially during " wave season ," the booking-heavy period between January and March, you want to maximize the free stuff you get when you reserve a cabin.

Norwegian Cruise Line's long-running " Free at Sea " promotion, MSC Cruises' "Drinks & Wi-Fi Included" and Royal Caribbean 's "Kids Sail Free" deals are among the perks-promising promotions you're likely to see. Before you choose your favorite freebie or happily take them all, you will want to read the fine print and make sure your "free" bonus is actually worth what you'll be paying for it.

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

You read that right — some supposedly free cruise booking perks come with associated fees. Other times, what you get for free isn't exactly what you were led to expect by the promotional copy on a cruise line's homepage. By accepting the offer, you might actually be out more money than you intended.

Don't have time — or strong enough reading glasses — to search through all that fine print? Below, we list the most common "free" cruise booking perks you'll encounter and alert you to what you are actually getting and paying when you take that bonus offer.

Open-bar packages

Open bar on a cruise ship is not like your college friend's debauched wedding. You don't get all the drinks for free; instead, you're gifted a beverage package . For heavy drinkers, that's still a huge perk, but be aware of what you're actually getting.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an Unlimited Open Bar Package as a free cruise booking perk (with a soda package subbed in for the second guest on the reservation if they are under 21). The package only covers select spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, soda and juice valued at up to $15 per drink. Exclusions include Starbucks drinks, room service, bottled water, minibar drinks, energy drinks and "super premium brands."

And here's the kicker: Passengers who say yes to Norwegian's "free" bar package are required to pay gratuities of 20% of the package's retail value, which comes to $21.80 per person, per day. For a weeklong cruise, your "free" beverage package will cost $152.60 per person. For most vacationers, that's far less than their normal bar bill and still a good deal. For occasional drinkers, however, it may be more than you want to spend on alcohol.

Related: Are cruise line drinks packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

Free cruise Wi-Fi

Free onboard internet access is another cruiser favorite because cruise Wi-Fi can be amazingly expensive. Lines such as Norwegian and MSC Cruises have been known to lure cruisers with the option of free Wi-Fi. You can stay in touch with family, flaunt your vacation photos on social media and even check your stocks without worrying about paying sky-high satellite connectivity rates.

The good news is that free Wi-Fi is actually free. The less stellar news is that access may be limited. MSC Cruises offers free Wi-Fi on one device per passenger (on up to two devices per cabin); Norwegian limits its bonus to one device at a time for the first two passengers in a cabin.

Norwegian only gives a limited number of free minutes (150 minutes per person on weeklong cruises, for example), and streaming is blocked. MSC also blocks streaming and won't let you switch your plan from one device to another even if you will only be online on one at a time.

And if a mountain is blocking your ship's line of sight with the satellite, no one is getting any Wi-Fi — no matter what they paid.

Related: How can I get Wi-Fi on a cruise for free?

Onboard credit

Onboard credit is essentially a cruise ship gift certificate that you can spend in multiple ways on board: visiting the spa, booking tours, buying drinks, shopping for souvenirs, and so on. It's truly free — no taxes or tips involved. You can hit the shops worry-free.

That doesn't mean there aren't caveats you should consider. MSC Cruises is currently offering up to $400 in onboard credit, which is a generous offer. However, the fine print indicates that only passengers booked in suites or the pricey Yacht Club on 10-night or longer sailings get the full amount. A balcony cabin on a weeklong cruise only receives $100 onboard credit per cabin — which might buy one person in your cabin a cheap tour or spa treatment.

If you fail to spend the credit, you will not get it back in cash. And let's be honest: You are unlikely to spend exactly the amount given. More likely, you'll be tempted into buying something more expensive on board and using the credit as a discount. (Such as the time I used a $50 credit to book a $129 spa treatment that I wasn't planning to treat myself to … until I got the credit. This means that the cruise line's $50 offer convinced me to spend $79 I didn't intend to give it.)

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren't)

Free specialty dining

You can spend a ton of dough checking out all the cool specialty restaurants on modern cruise ships, so it's a great booking bonus when cruise lines offer a couple of meals on the house. Choose the priciest restaurant you can to get the most value from this perk.

Norwegian cruisers should be aware that, as with its "free" beverage packages, Norwegian charges passengers a 20% gratuity on their complimentary dining perk. A weeklong cruise comes with one or two free meals (based on cabin category and only applicable to the first two passengers in a cabin) and a charge of $11.80 to $19.80 per person in tips for wait staff.

Also, note that additional main courses and select premium dishes will incur an additional fee. This isn't an all-you-can-eat-free deal.

Related: The best meals you can have at sea

Free shore excursions

If you don't sail a high-end line, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Viking , you will pay for all your tours in port — unless you select a booking promotion that includes free tours. Many tours can top $100 per adult, so a freebie sounds like an amazing money-saver.

On a line such as Oceania Cruises , that's definitely true. Its "simply MORE" fares currently offer up to $1,600 per cabin to spend on shore excursions however you want. You can certainly find value in that offer.

However, Norwegian Cruise Line only offers the first person on a reservation $50 in shore excursion credit per port. And that person cannot use the credit to book tours for another person or purchase equipment rentals on private islands. As you won't find many tours priced under $50, you'll likely be paying extra to take advantage of this offer.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Free kids or 3rd and 4th passenger fares

Cruise fares are priced based on double occupancy (assuming two passengers in a cabin), so third and fourth passengers sharing the room and sleeping in bunk beds or pullout sofas are bonus revenue for cruise lines. Therefore, the third and fourth passenger fares are typically lower than the first two passengers and are often thrown in for free as a booking bonus. (From the cruise line's point of view, it's worth it to comp that extra person, who will then spend money on food, drinks and tours on board.)

When cruise lines offer "kids sail free" promotions , they're not offering a free adjoining cabin to house your sullen teenagers with their own bathroom. No, these promos only apply to kids sailing as third and fourth passengers in your room. It's still a fabulous deal if you were planning on sharing accommodations anyway.

Do note that whether you're cruising with kids , Grandma or your best friends as the third and fourth passengers in your room, you will likely still have to pay taxes and port fees for their "free" cruise.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Prepaid gratuities

Many cruisers don't realize that cruise lines put automatic gratuity charges on their final bill, which can add $100-plus to each passenger's cruise fare. You could request to have the charges removed, but as they're factored into crew paychecks, I strongly urge you not to do that. However, it's definitely a bonus when cruise lines offer free prepaid gratuities and take care of tips, so you save money.

Currently, we could not find a cruise line offering a free gratuities promotion. However, should you see one around Black Friday or wave season, know that this perk is a true freebie to you. It's a win-win if the crew gets paid but not out of your pocket.

Related: 9 times you do not need to tip on a cruise

Free cabin upgrade

Everyone dreams of paying for an inside cabin and getting bumped to a suite, gratis. Keep dreaming, folks. I've yet to see a free upgrade promotion that is so generous. However, you can get an arguably better room without paying extra when cruise lines run free-upgrade promotions.

In general, cruise cabin upgrades fall into two types: upgrades within cabin types (from a cheaper balcony cabin to a more expensive one) or from one cabin type to the next (from an ocean-view cabin to a balcony). Occasionally, you will see this presented as "book a balcony cabin for the price of an ocean view."

Azamara 's recent "Double Stateroom Upgrade" sale offered a veranda cabin for the price of an inside or a veranda-plus cabin for the price of an ocean view. Such a generous promotion is the exception, not the norm.

The fine print of Carnival's mid-December "Triple The Perks Early Saver Sale," on the other hand, clearly stated that upgrades were "in like to like categories only (interior to interior, ocean view to ocean view, and balcony to balcony)."

You'll definitely need to dig into the terms and conditions to figure out what exactly a given upgrade offer will get you. If you are upgrading within a cabin class, you're essentially getting a more desirable location as decided by the cruise line (usually on a higher floor and more centrally located). You might or might not agree with the line on what constitutes a better room within the same category.

Sometimes you can pick the location of the upgraded room; other times, you book the lower-priced cabin, and the cruise line moves you where it sees fit. If you are picky about location, don't accept a free upgrade that doesn't allow you to pick your cabin number.

Also, know that upgrades are not guaranteed. If the higher-category rooms have sold out, you will forfeit that aspect of your perk package.

Related: How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade

Bottom line

Even if certain free cruise booking bonuses are actually just discounts, they can still represent significant savings on your final vacation price.

It's wise to time your cruise booking to coincide with a generous promotion. Just watch out for supposed freebies that result in your paying more than you would have without the perk. If the bonus offer isn't worth it to you, cruise lines will generally let you opt out of unwanted perks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Mon - Fri 8:00am - 7:00pm Sat 9:00am - 1:00pm (AES/DT) Closed on Public Holidays.

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All great travel adventures begin in New York

Visit the Big Apple and then cruise from New York on board of MSC Meraviglia to the warm Caribbean and Bermuda or to the fascinating New England and Canada. MSC will take care of everything, including your hotel accommodation, excursions in the Big Apple,  transfer to MSC Meraviglia. All you have to do is enjoy this incredible cruise travel experience you’ve always dreamed of.

STAY IN New York FOR 3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR CRUISE

Not a quick hint! Your taste of the Big Apple lasts up to 3 days!

If you’re planning a cruise to Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, then make your holiday extra-special by starting in with an additional 3-night pre-stay in a hotel in New York!

We’ll take care of all the details, from your hotel booking to your transfer to the ship. MSC Cruises staff will even be on hand at the hotel to provide useful local information and help you organize your time.

HOTEL & CRUISE PACKAGES IN NEW YORK

Staying in 4-star hotel accommodation, you’ll have a superb opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries before you set sail, so you’ll be ready to enjoy your cruise to the full from the moment you embark. What’s more, your 3-night stay gives you plenty of time to explore the city properly, and to help you do that with maximum ease and total peace of mind, an ashore excursion is included in our offer.

Enjoy New York with the help of our professional tour guide. Our included excursion will give you the opportunity to visit some of the city’s most important sites. You will experience the vibes of  the different neighborhoods and landmarks in Manhattan, discovering the thousand facets of the Big Apple.

Check our FAQ section for more information.

choose-the-best-cruise-destinations-from-new-york

CHOOSE THE BEST CRUISE DESTINATIONS FROM NEW YORK

Discover Bahamas, Bermuda, New England & Canada on our 6 to 12-night cruises

NEW YORK, PORT CANAVERAL (ORLANDO THEME PARKS), NASSAU - BAHAMAS, OCEAN CAY MSC MARINE RESERVE

Depart from New York for your 7 or 8-night cruise to the gorgeous Bahamas. Start your adventure in Port Canaveral (Orlando) and have fun in the infamous Orlando Theme Parks before sailing for Nassau , the fantastic capital city of Bahamas. Here you can enjoy a day on incredible sunny beaches, such as Cable Beach, Paradise Beach or the exclusive Blue Lagoon Island. Expect the best from your sea adventures in Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve island.

Looking for an immersive experience of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve? With our Virtual Tour 360°   you can experience our white sandy beaches islands as you were there!

CARIBBEAN & BERMUDA

NEW YORK, KING'S WHARF – BERMUDA, MIAMI, OCEAN CAY MARINE RESERVE, NASSAU - BAHAMAS

In addition to the stunning Bahamas, you can also add a Bermuda experience to your fantastic cruise vacation. Get the best from your Bermuda cruise with three nights at King's Wharf. Visit the cities of Hamilton and St. George, part of UNESCO heritage.

In St. George, visit King's Square with its Town Hall. North of the city, you will be able to visit the Unfinished Church, reminiscent of the skeleton of a Gothic cathedral. From St. George you can also reach visit Cooper's Island An area of wild charm opened to the public in 1995, when the US Navy left the island.

NEW YORK, KING'S WHARF – BERMUDA

Set off from New York on a Bermuda cruise. With its three days at King's Wharf, you can discover Bermuda's hidden treasures in all its beauty. From the UNESCO sites of Hamilton and St. George to Cooper's Island and fantastic seabed, this itinerary is your greatest choice to experience the best from your Bermuda discovery.

Additionally, with our excursions you can choose to discover Bermuda in a unique way, by kayak or Segway.

exclusive-cruise-itineraries

EXCLUSIVE CRUISE ITINERARIES

Check the best cruises

PORT CANAVERAL (ORLANDO THEME PARKS), NASSAU - BAHAMAS, OCHO RIOS – JAMAICA, Oranjestad - Aruba, Willemstad - Curacao, Puerto Plata - Dominican RepUBLIC, NEW YORK

FIND YOUR CRUISE

New York - King's Wharf (Bermuda) - Newport - Boston - Saint John - Portland - Sydney - Charlottetown

New York -Newport - Boston - Saint John - Portland - Sydney - Charlottetown

discover-msc-meraviglia

discover msc meraviglia

Get ready to dive into one of our pools, let your hair down at the themed parties, treat yourself to something delicious in one of our amazing restaurants, and much more!  

excursions-to-new-york

EXCURSIONS TO NEW YORK

- what does the nyc excursion package include .

accommodation-in-new-york

ACCOMMODATION IN NEW YORK

- which hotel will be included in my reservation.

Your package will include hotel and breakfast in one the following hotels:

• Riu Hotel New York
• Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan
• Hotel Riu Plaza Times Square
• Park Central Hotel

terms-&-conditions

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Terms and conditions.

For more information please refer to our Booking Terms and Conditions which you can find on our website at www.msccruises.com.au

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