MSC vs NCL and Royal

[dpepper64]

We have never been on a MSC cruise but have been on many NCl(7) and Royal (3) but are interested in a MSC cruise.  Can anyone help us with comparing them.  Would love any advice on MSC weather its worth a try.

 

[joeyancho]

We recently took our first MSC Cruise. We have cruised Norwegian, Royal, Carnival, and princess. We enjoyed MSC very much. The often maligned food was very good. Service was outstanding. If you have cruised Norwegian and Royal you will find the experience similar. I would say it is more on par with Royal than Norwegian.   We would not hesitate to cruise with them again.

Edited November 23, 2021 by joeyancho

[Two Wheels Only]

Which MSC ship(s) are you interested in and which NCL/Royal ships do you prefer?

 

Are you typically a suite/Haven guest on the other lines?

Which dining venues were your favorites on the other lines?

 

Any info would help with the compare/contrast. 

[shipgeeks]

 

Are you considering sailing from US, or Europe, or?

If you are mainly used to NCL, with anytime dining and a casual atmosphere, be aware that on MSC, anytime dining is only available to Aurea and Yacht Club passengers, and overall there is more formality, especially when non-US passengers are aboard.

We loved our MSC cruises, but perhaps not for everyone.  Please tell us more about your preferences and expectations.

[mscdivina2016]

3 hours ago, dpepper64 said:

We have never been on a MSC cruise but have been on many NCl(7) and Royal (3) but are interested in a MSC cruise.  Can anyone help us with comparing them.  Would love any advice on MSC weather its worth a try.

 

Having done all 3, I prefer NCL, but MSC offers nice ships, and good pricing. Where they fail is they have the worst customer service. You have a problem? Don't count on it being fixed. You don't like it? They will tell you to cancel.

 As others have pointed out. Where are you looking to go? What length? Those can be major factors.

[Markanddonna]

I was sold on MSC at the beginning because they matched our top NCL status to their highest, Diamond program. That no longer happens...

 

MSC passengers tend to dress up a bit more but casual dress is very common. 

 

Their entertainment tends to be more visual because of the many nationalities aboard. They also do one opera night.

 

The food is similar on all three ships. MSC pizza in the buffet is excellent!

 

Some MSC ships are very crowded during inclement weather. They also offer free saiing for kids and therefore they sometimes have MANY children aboard.

 

You typically won't find the typical friendly sort who want to speak English. The passengers come in with their own families and groups.  On NCL and RCL, you walk down the cabin hallways and others will smile and greet one another. That doesn't happen on MSC.  

 

Many MSC cruises stop at various ports to also pick up passengers. It is like a big ferry in Europe, not as much in Caribbean. Because of this, you don't really get to know many passengers.

 

I like MSC because they are a great value and nice experience.

 

[dpepper64]

We are looking at the Caribbean.  We usually book a Balcony room.  We always book a couple extra night in the speciality  dinning.  We enjoy shows as well as the casino.  

[shipgeeks]

It might be worth checking out a chart of the different "experiences" on MSC: Bella, Fantastico, Aurea, and Yacht Club.  There are different benefits to each.  For example, we wanted set dining, and we don't use room service.  So Bella was a good fit for us, and we got a very nice balcony cabin.

We enjoyed the shows.  Very different from RC, in that they are less language-dependent.  Less Rock or Broadway, and more Cirque de Soleil-style.

[perakcruiser]

12 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

Some MSC ships are very crowded during inclement weather. They also offer free saiing for kids and therefore they sometimes have MANY children aboard.

 

You typically won't find the typical friendly sort who want to speak English. The passengers come in with their own families and groups. 

Yes, this is important for people who are not familiar with MSC. MSC is family cruising, especially in the Med. So one maybe want to avoid Italian, French and German school holidays. 

 

I love to see these big Italian families in the MDR aged 1 to 95, all dressed up for Gala and the 5 year old boy dressed best, better than me on my wedding or university graduation ceremony 😄

 

But don´t worry, you will be not added to such a table, in the MDR the guests are grouped by their language and families with kids usually have their own tables. 

 

[pvpollock]

18 hours ago, dpepper64 said:

We are looking at the Caribbean.  We usually book a Balcony room.  We always book a couple extra night in the speciality  dinning.  We enjoy shows as well as the casino.  

I've been on Royal, NCL, and MSC.  Just on Meraviglia out of Miami with extended family, went on Seaside 2 years ago out of Miami.

 

You can't beat the pricing, MSC gives kids free or steep discounts.  For just adults, the pricing is often cheaper than NCL or Royal sales as well.  They seem to be wanting to break into the US market and are willing to do it on price.

 

The Seaside trip was one of their early attempts in the US, they had all their announcements in 6 languages which literally took a few minutes to run through them all.  Last month on Meraviglia it was just English.  I feel that NCL and Royal are similar to MSC, but that MSC seems a bit more European which I take as "nicer and bit more upscale in nature".  Americans like myself can be a bit brash, so we want the highest waterslide that lands you in a bumper car rink that transforms into the biggest/coolest thing at sea.  I loved the shows on the Seaside, but I didn't get to see more than a magic show on Meraviglia because my unvaccinated kids weren't allowed in some venues.  The ships are very beautiful and well done, service is great on MSC once on board but to be honest dealing with them prior to booking is very challenging at times.  This is their Achilles heel

 

The casino was nice, my mother liked the slots and there were always open seats at the table games which ran $10 minimums but $5 at "Happy Hour" times.  No craps unfortunately.

 

Personally, I rank them close together and would not hesitate to go on MSC again if the price was good, the ship a newer one, and the itinerary one that I can enjoy

[Nunagoras]

Many thanks to all the others that have stepped down to answer. I don't want to repeat myself to all of them, once they're all true, but let us to see it from another perspective:

 

Really all that depends on what you really want. Never gone with NCL, only with RCI on the Oasis class, and it is the Oasis class distinctiveness that makes me to think so.

 

If what you really want is top notch 5* entertainment and activities on a ship that is really the destination, then nothing beats the RCI's Oasis class. The nearest MSC has to that is their Meraviglia class, but without the gone Cirque du Soleil at Sea, that runs at a very distant position, to let alone the rest of the fleet. MSC used to be very low key on entertainment and activities. And as most have previously said very visual considering the audience.

 

So, now: If you want to know different places at an affordable price at a nice standard European mainstream hotel, then MSC might to be for you. They're very international in nature and despite their relatively bad costumer service fame, they're usually very reliable to deal with.

 

Product wise, outside the Oasis class distinctiveness RCI and MSC do felt for me more similar than different, IMHO. MSC ships felt slightly better maintained and slightly more clean than RCI. MSC won slightly the MDR food, IMHO. RCI won hands down the entertainment as previously stated. No surprise they also won hands down on the buffet offerings given the added operational space. RCI cabins are larger at the same category, but MSC ones felt more roomier for the available space and better decorated.

 

Service is more reserved or European style on MSC.

 

Hope to have helped a little bit. You'll have a great time either way! Have a nice day!...

Edited November 24, 2021 by Nunagoras

[perakcruiser]

56 minutes ago, Nunagoras said:

The nearest MSC has to that is their Meraviglia class, but without the gone Cirque du Soleil at Sea, that runs at a very distant position, to let alone the rest of the fleet.

Well, I have not seen it, but people are quite euphoric about the "Carousel Productions at Sea" that have replaced Cirque du Soleil. 

 

58 minutes ago, Nunagoras said:

MSC used to be very low key on entertainment and activities. And as most have previously said very visual considering the audience.

I could not disagree more. MSC used to be the benchmark for music entertainment and their opera performances were close to what you get in a (not so famous) Italian opera on land! I have seen shows that were and will be not matched by any other cruise line. Having said that, it´s a thing of the past. High key entertainment is gone. Three years before on the Armonia they only had a one mezzo and one tenor left, they were great, but I would not be surprised if after covid NOTHING is left. It is now this low key visual broadway musical stuff like the other cruise lines do, can be entertaining too, but totally other level.

[Nunagoras]

2 hours ago, perakcruiser said:

Well, I have not seen it, but people are quite euphoric about the "Carousel Productions at Sea" that have replaced Cirque du Soleil. 

 

I could not disagree more. MSC used to be the benchmark for music entertainment and their opera performances were close to what you get in a (not so famous) Italian opera on land! I have seen shows that were and will be not matched by any other cruise line. Having said that, it´s a thing of the past. High key entertainment is gone. Three years before on the Armonia they only had a one mezzo and one tenor left, they were great, but I would not be surprised if after covid NOTHING is left. It is now this low key visual broadway musical stuff like the other cruise lines do, can be entertaining too, but totally other level.

If one loves those classical quartets or pianists that were usual on the main atrium areas plus the Opera shows or the Michael Jackson tribute show, then I agree with you, and they're sadly nearly gone... On the newer ships its all family related activities and very visual appealing stuff... I would prefer that "good ole days" entertainment schemes as well... And those were what I called "low key entertainment" compared to the likes of RCI.

 

Have a nice day!...

Edited November 24, 2021 by Nunagoras

[tedbearz]

For sailings in the Caribbean, are most of the people sailing aboard Americans or European or Latin American ? Trying to get a feel for the vibe of the ship.

[Nunagoras]

5 hours ago, tedbearz said:

For sailings in the Caribbean, are most of the people sailing aboard Americans or European or Latin American ? Trying to get a feel for the vibe of the ship.

Before the Covid it used to be a very international crowd in nature, even for US sailings. Several friends of mine have done them coming here from Europe and they were far from the unique ones. Now, I suppose things might to be somewhat more balanced, but actually it may vary sailing by sailing. Have a nice day!...

[NMsunset]

Hi Tedbearz-

As another said, pre-pandemic was ~60-70% non-USA citizens. But on US holidays that was not the case. 

We were on a 7 night in February this year, out of Miami, and it was ~40-50% non-US folks.

Depends on the ship/dates... but MSC does have the most diversity in it's passengers. For some like me, that is a plus, for others it is a negative.

 

If you like traveling abroad, especially in EU, then MSC will be fine. If you want it to be like the "other" cruise lines...you should just book those.

 

Cheers!

[morpheusofthesea]

Well, I guess one thing has certainly changed on MSC, the opera evening is now called Amore. With just the best highlights of the most popular operatic songs with a finish of Bocelli's "Time to Say Goodbye". It got a standing ovation at both the early and late seatings in February and March (we knew exactly which performances to repeat and saw twice in the same evening). The shows are all 45 minutes (that is still the same). In February there were 2400 guests and 3 shows each night, March 2900 and two shows each evening. Coast to Coast was also a medley of popular (and not so popular) US  songs with a finale of Springsteen's "Born in the USA", which also garnered a standing ovation. These were cases of some mass euphoria from having been deprived for so long from our cruising, no doubt.

[morpheusofthesea]

Those of us that are critical of this or that cruise line are living in the past. The enthusiasm of the entertainers on board both Celebrity and MSC has been inspiring and must be the same in the entire entertainment cruise industry. Now is the time to cruise, before it all wears off and the 'Pumpkin Coach' turns back into just another pumpkin.

[perakcruiser]

16 hours ago, tedbearz said:

For sailings in the Caribbean, are most of the people sailing aboard Americans or European or Latin American ? Trying to get a feel for the vibe of the ship.

That depends mainly if the cruise is sold as "Cruise & Fly" by MSC in Europe. If yes, most are Europeans, if not certainly it is opposite.  

[cheeseheads4ever]

Save yourself the anxiety and stress. Book another cruise line. Until they get customer service that can actually help you it will be sheer torture to deal with them. If you have a problem forget about it. Once they have your money they could care less about you. They will change your room number without letting you know. Have no answers or help when you call to try to work anything out. 
You may get lucky and not have to change anything but if you do.. prepare for a major root canal..

[sverigecruiser]

1 hour ago, cheeseheads4ever said:

Save yourself the anxiety and stress. Book another cruise line. Until they get customer service that can actually help you it will be sheer torture to deal with them. If you have a problem forget about it. Once they have your money they could care less about you. They will change your room number without letting you know. Have no answers or help when you call to try to work anything out. 
You may get lucky and not have to change anything but if you do.. prepare for a major root canal..

 

I have heared that their customerservice is bad in the US and have no reason not to believe that.

 

Here in Sweden their customerservice is excellent. They have been very helpfull.

Edited April 23, 2022 by sverigecruiser

[morpheusofthesea]

8 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

Here in Sweden their customer service is excellent. They have been very helpful.

We have found the same to be true. DW says sometimes when one calls customer service every rep should  answer the phone  "Can I help you ?" Instead of "What's your problem today?"  Which we sense means something is going on behind the scenes, but so far we have had all problems (log-in) resolved rather quickly on the phone. Our TA warned us not to reply to ANY e-mails about the wrong cabin assignments sent on our confirmations. That it was just their internal way of billing and she would take care of it. Had five bookings with cabin changes that might have 'upset our applecart', but we followed her advice and all turned out fine a few weeks later.

[Oxo]

Many of the comments are right on. MSC and any other cruise line are very much alike.

The biggest difference I have found is the Food. I rate it not as good as any other cruise line. Quality, preparation, presentation and variety is not as good as the other cruise lines. That is my opinion after cruising on other cruise lines and even MSC in Europe and the Caribbean.

 

Entertainment is very good and very different  It is not Broadway type but still very good and they have entertainment every night. More great single singers who are some of the best we have seen on any cruise line. Do not expect what RCI has such as water shows or ice skating shows. Children would possibly enjoy other cruise lines such as NCL or RCI than MSC due to the different children type options.

 

Ships are very clean, classy, but smoke is very European. Too much all over the place. European women do not always wear a top on the pool deck. So, if you are not familiar with this, don't be shocked. Different categories of service such as Bella, Fantasia, Aurea, etc. Only anytime dining in Aurea or YC. Why, not allow it regardless of category? 

 

Staff really tries to give you the best service, however, just like all the other lines, MSC is short staffed, too. Guest Services is very limited on answering questions as is the Internet and Main Office/Customer Services. Depends on who you talk to and you may receive many different answers.

 

The Specialty Restaurants are priced different when you purchase a  package. You don't get to select from the entire menu, only from a small portion of the menu. 

 

Cruise Prices are good, but you can do well on other cruise lines, too.  

 

Would I cruise MSC? Yes, in fact I have 2 MSC cruises booked this year. No one cruise line is the best or the worst. Try it for yourself and see what you think. No one can tell you this or that. I have had great experiences on MSC and poor experiences. 

 

They are expanding and very fast. They are trying to get into the American market and should be there. They have been in the Caribbean since 2006 that I know of. Our first experience was on the MSC Lirica. 

 

Read the good and the bad. Then throw them out and say....

My money, only I can decide if it is good or bad. If it is for me or not.

I personally believe you will not be disappointed. 

Stay Safe and Happy Cruising!

 

 

[girlcruiser]

On 4/24/2022 at 11:37 AM, Oxo said:

Many of the comments are right on. MSC and any other cruise line are very much alike.

The biggest difference I have found is the Food. I rate it not as good as any other cruise line. Quality, preparation, presentation and variety is not as good as the other cruise lines. That is my opinion after cruising on other cruise lines and even MSC in Europe and the Caribbean.

 

Entertainment is very good and very different  It is not Broadway type but still very good and they have entertainment every night. More great single singers who are some of the best we have seen on any cruise line. Do not expect what RCI has such as water shows or ice skating shows. Children would possibly enjoy other cruise lines such as NCL or RCI than MSC due to the different children type options.

 

Ships are very clean, classy, but smoke is very European. Too much all over the place. European women do not always wear a top on the pool deck. So, if you are not familiar with this, don't be shocked. Different categories of service such as Bella, Fantasia, Aurea, etc. Only anytime dining in Aurea or YC. Why, not allow it regardless of category? 

 

Staff really tries to give you the best service, however, just like all the other lines, MSC is short staffed, too. Guest Services is very limited on answering questions as is the Internet and Main Office/Customer Services. Depends on who you talk to and you may receive many different answers.

 

The Specialty Restaurants are priced different when you purchase a  package. You don't get to select from the entire menu, only from a small portion of the menu. 

 

Cruise Prices are good, but you can do well on other cruise lines, too.  

 

Would I cruise MSC? Yes, in fact I have 2 MSC cruises booked this year. No one cruise line is the best or the worst. Try it for yourself and see what you think. No one can tell you this or that. I have had great experiences on MSC and poor experiences. 

 

They are expanding and very fast. They are trying to get into the American market and should be there. They have been in the Caribbean since 2006 that I know of. Our first experience was on the MSC Lirica. 

 

Read the good and the bad. Then throw them out and say....

My money, only I can decide if it is good or bad. If it is for me or not.

I personally believe you will not be disappointed. 

Stay Safe and Happy Cruising!

 

 

Actually 2004 I was on he inaugural Caribbean cruise on the opera in I think fall 

2004 even then there were lots of bitching but I had a great time.  Sadly post Covid everyone has lousy client service they lost a lot of staff and you can get a different answer from each staff member for each question.   And then of course there is the wait times!! 

[xcell]

MSC CSR is terrible hence why most travel agency (big box) do not affliate themselves with them (at least in Canada).

 

Personally, the prices for MSC is lower than RCCL, and NCL but we only started to do MSC because of the YC. YC is priced better than NCL Haven and RCCL really doesn't have anything similar (i.e. a ship within a ship concept).

 

Food is subjective -- I am happy with someone just serving me.  I like YC's drink package better than RCCL and NCL -- if in the YC, no need to show your card, just order you drink and go.

 

I was very nervous when I first went on NCL being loyal to royal but was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it.  For the right price, try MSC at least once and then decide on your own because we all can tell you pros and cons but you need to try it yourself (book the YC and you will enjoy it).