msc cruise line vs royal caribbean

MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean: Which big-ship line is right for you?

MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean — how do they compare? Both cruise lines are known for offering affordable cruise fares and onboard fun for passengers of all ages, although Royal Caribbean's prices can be considerably higher on its newer, more popular ships. Each has an extensive fleet that includes splashy megaships carrying more than 6,000 guests at full capacity and a wide range of itineraries in top cruise destinations such as the Caribbean and Europe.

There are, however, key differences in the onboard experience. Both cruise lines offer thrilling activities (just not the same kind), and each has its own approach to entertainment, kids clubs and dining.

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Which cruise line should you choose? Read on for a head-to-head comparison of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean. We'll cover each brand's onboard experience, itineraries and passenger profile to help you decide.

Meet the cruise lines: MSC vs. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has better name recognition than MSC Cruises among Americans. The Miami-based cruise line, known for its groundbreaking innovations, operates 26 vessels, including the five largest cruise ships in the world . Two more megaships will join the fleet in 2024, when Icon of the Seas , the first in a new class for the cruise line, and Utopia of the Seas , the line's sixth Oasis-class ship, will claim the first and second largest ship titles from two other Royal Caribbean vessels.

Italian-owned, Geneva, Switzerland-based MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group, the world's largest container shipping company. This fast-growing cruise brand has launched a dozen cruise ships since 2012.

The U.S. market was largely introduced to MSC between 2017 and 2022 when it debuted four Seaside-class ships designed primarily to sail to the Caribbean from Miami. One of its sales strategies? Kids under age 17 can frequently sail for free when staying in the same cabin with accompanying adults.

In 2025, the cruise line will christen MSC World America, a Miami-based megaship sibling of 2022's MSC World Europa . Both use cleaner-burning liquified natural gas (LNG) as fuel.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises | The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Size of ships

Neither Royal Caribbean nor MSC Cruises has a ship that carries fewer than 2,000 passengers at double occupancy — and their biggest ships accommodate more than three times that at full capacity.

Royal Caribbean's older ships (Vision, Radiance, Voyager and Freedom classes) carry 2,000 to 3,900 guests at double occupancy, while its newest (Oasis and Quantum class) accommodate 4,000 to almost 6,000.

The five Oasis-class vessels, to be joined by Utopia of the Seas in 2024, are the largest cruise ships in the world. They carry 5,700 guests at double occupancy and just over 7,000 at full capacity. They are distinctive for their split-hull design, allowing for interior-facing cabins, and themed neighborhoods, which help disperse foot traffic and make it easier for guests to navigate the ships' 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class vessels, introduced between 2014 and 2021, accommodate 4,180 guests at double occupancy and 5,500 at capacity. These five ships are distinguishable by the North Star sightseeing capsule that rises 300 feet above the sea.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

When Icon of the Seas sets sail, it will become the world's largest, as well as Royal Caribbean's first LNG-powered ship. Able to carry 5,600 guests at double occupancy and up to 7,600 at capacity, Icon of the Seas will feature eight neighborhoods and offer more cabins and suites that can accommodate four or more passengers than any other ship in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class ships, which carry about 3,900 passengers at double occupancy, and its Voyager-class ships, which accommodate 3,100, offer some of the thrilling activities of its larger ships. Its Vision-class ships, which date to the 1990s and accommodate 2,400 to 2,500 guests, feature notably fewer onboard attractions. Radiance-class ships are the smallest in the fleet, carrying 2,100 guests at double occupancy.

Those who prefer a ship that's not mega-size might want to consider Royal Caribbean's good-value Mediterranean, Caribbean and Alaska itineraries on its refreshed Radiance- and Voyager-class vessels.

MSC Cruises likes big ships, too. It has six vessels ranked among the Top 20 largest cruise ships in the world, including MSC World Europa, which comes in just behind Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class vessels. It accommodates 5,252 guests at double occupancy and 6,762 at capacity. World Europa features a Y-shaped design with a dramatic open-air atrium. It will be joined by sister MSC World America in 2025.

The next largest ships in MSC's fleet are its five Meraviglia-class ships, all introduced beginning in 2017. They carry 4,438 guests at double occupancy and as many as 6,327 at capacity. Both MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina are sailing U.S. itineraries out of New York and Miami, respectively.

The ships that U.S.-based cruisers are probably most familiar with are MSC's four Seaside-class vessels, which accommodate 4,132 passengers at double occupancy and 5,119 at capacity. They're almost identical (with close-to-identical names: Seaside, Seaview, Seashore and Seascape ) and have a high-energy vibe and a dazzling, multi-deck central atrium.

MSC's 12 older ships are divided among three classes — Lirica, Musica and Fantasia — and accommodate 2,000 to 3,500 guests at double occupancy. The Fantasia class's MSC Divina, launched in 2012, is perhaps best known to U.S. cruisers because it often sails itineraries to the Caribbean from Miami. The other ships are mainly based in Europe, South America and Asia.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

Traveling with kids? Perhaps even Grandma and Grandpa? Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are leaders in family cruising , with passengers ranging from young parents with preschool children to multigenerational families. Both lines also attract couples and groups of friends who prefer a lively cruise ship ambience and don't mind sharing their vacation with several thousand other passengers.

MSC and Royal Caribbean primarily appeal to value-focused guests seeking affordable cruise fares, but more-affluent cruisers can also book higher-priced suites featuring elevated amenities.

While both cruise lines attract travelers from around the globe, especially on Mediterranean and Asian itineraries, MSC's passenger base is more international, even on ships cruising to the Caribbean from Miami. MSC cruise ships make important safety and disembarkation announcements in multiple languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French and German), although all staff and crew speak English.

Figuring out which vibe appeals most to you — more North Americans (Royal Caribbean) or a predominantly international crowd (MSC Cruises) — can help you choose between these two megaship cruise brands.

Cabins and suites

Cabins on most mainstream cruise lines are designed more with functionality than flashy design in mind. Both lines feature windowless inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite accommodations.

Royal Caribbean has an enormous selection of room and suite categories — as many as 34 types on its newer ships — offering some pretty slick amenities. These range from interior staterooms with "Virtual Balcony" LED screens displaying views from outside the ship to two-level Loft Suites and even an Ultimate Family Suite featuring a gaming area and a slide from the sleeping area to the living room.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships feature balcony cabins without ocean views. That's because they overlook the bustling Boardwalk, an open-air interior dining and entertainment neighborhood, or the quieter Central Park.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Newer Royal Caribbean ships feature more balcony cabins and fewer ocean-view cabins than older ships. If booking an ocean-view, the aft- or rear-facing cabins on many ships are generally the most spacious.

Six Royal Caribbean ships (Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas) offer cabins designed for solo travelers . These range from a 101-square-foot Inside Studio Stateroom to a 199-square-foot Studio Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony.

Top-tier accommodations are known as Royal Suite Class and rank among some of the most spectacular suites in the mainstream cruise line sector. They are available on Oasis- and Quantum-class ships and range from relatively modest 290-square-foot Junior Suites to two-level, 1,800-square-foot Royal Loft Suites that rival a contemporary penthouse apartment. Priced well above other staterooms, these concierge-serviced suites appeal to wealthy travelers, especially those cruising with their families, who prefer the lively ambience of a large ship to a smaller luxury vessel.

The two-level Ultimate Family Suite — a more playful and colorful option for families with younger kids and a very generous budget — is available on Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas.

All Royal Suite Class guests enjoy access to exclusive venues, such as the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and a private lounge and/or sun deck. Additional amenities and VIP perks vary by Royal Suite Class category booked.

When Icon of the Seas debuts in early 2024, it will offer 28 different cabin and suite categories, including 14 completely new room types. This ship was designed with families in mind, and 80% of its staterooms will be able to be connected or offer enough space to accommodate larger families.

The closest MSC comes to matching Royal Caribbean's stateroom and suite offerings is aboard MSC World Europa, which debuted in late 2022 and features 19 stateroom categories, including seven new designs. The most impressive non-MSC-Yacht-Club accommodation on World Europa is the 377-square-foot Grand Suite Aurea with Terrace and Whirlpool.

The largest suites on most MSC ships are in the MSC Yacht Club , an exclusive enclave on newer MSC ships offering private spaces and added amenities. This includes the MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite with Whirlpool Bath, offering 840 to 1,119 square-feet of interior space with an 840-square-foot balcony, and the 495-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Whirlpool Bath, featuring a 301-to-334-square-foot balcony. MSC Yacht Club perks include a private lounge and restaurant, a private sundeck and butler service.

Because of World Europa's design, the ship also features four balcony cabin categories with a view of its interior promenade, similar to Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships.

Unlike World Europa, MSC's other newcomer, Euribia , doesn't feature any suites larger than 700 square feet, but its MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Whirlpool does offer 635 square feet of living space with a 248-square-foot balcony. For more outdoor space, choose the 624-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite with a 753-square-foot balcony.

For family-friendly accommodation, both ships offer a 269-square-foot Premium Balcony Aurea cabin, which features stationary bunk beds just inside the entry, a king-size bed, a pull-out double sofa and a larger bathroom with a bathtub and shower combo. This makes it ideal for a family of up to six. Some also feature a private whirlpool on the balcony.

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

For solo travelers, all five Meraviglia-class ships offer 129-square-foot Studio Balcony suites, which have the benefit of balcony access without a required single supplement.

Seaside-class vessels feature 16 stateroom and suite categories. The largest option is the 1,055-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite.

MSC Cruises' dining program is pretty basic. Passengers can expect to dine most nights in one of the complimentary main dining rooms. Most ships have several, and guests are assigned to one with dining times dependent on the "experience" guests purchase when they book. Bella and Fantastica passengers can request early or late seating, which will remain the same throughout the cruise, while Aurea guests can dine any time during open hours in their designated dining room with My Choice dining.

Guests on World Europa and Seaside- and Meraviglia-class ships can expect dining room menus to change each night and offer a good selection of globally inspired selections. MSC's food quality, presentation and portion sizes have improved with each new ship as the cruise line has adapted to U.S. customer feedback. Still, guests should plan to spend more time at the table, since MSC's service tends toward a slower European pace.

Marketplace, MSC's bustling buffet option, which on its newer ships can accommodate more than 1,300 guests at a time, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It features a selection of familiar yet often uninspiring hot and cold dishes and global specialties, with some of the best options being salads, pastas, pizza (mozzarella is made fresh daily) and desserts.

Related: Best cruise food: These are the 6 cruise lines with the best food at sea

Unfortunately, those are the only complimentary dining options onboard MSC ships. It's also worth noting that while the food quality is notably better in the restaurants on its newer ships, the free food options on older vessels, most of which offer cheap cruise fares, can be inconsistent and not very good.

MSC Cruises' specialty dining venues vary by ship, but typically there are three to five options. These can include Butcher's Cut for steaks and seafood, Kaito Sushi Bar and Kaito Teppanyaki for Japanese specialties, Hola! Tacos & Cantina for Latin-American-inspired street food, Ocean Cay for Mediterranean-style seafood and Indochine for Vietnamese classic with a twist. On MSC's newest ship, Euribia, French-bistro-inspired steakhouse Le Grill has replaced Butcher's Cut.

Guests can pre-purchase dining packages ranging from one specialty meal to unlimited specialty dining, although some menu items will incur a surcharge.

A note to chocoholics: MSC has partnered with both Italian chocolatier Venchi and U.S.-based French chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury to offer a wide selection of freshly made chocolates, baked goods, crepes and gelato. MSC World Europa and Seaside- and Fantasia-class ships feature Venchi while Meraviglia-class ships offer Jean-Philippe Maury. All these sweets, however, are available at an extra cost.

Royal Caribbean's dining scene, in contrast, offers plenty of choices. The cruise line has been a pioneer in onboard specialty restaurants and some of its ships, especially its newer ones, feature as many as 12 extra-cost specialty dining options. On a budget? Don't worry. Royal Caribbean also offers terrific complimentary casual dining venues in addition to its main dining room and Windjammer buffet.

Specialty restaurants vary from ship class to ship class, although a few such as Chops Grille (for steaks and seafood) are aboard most vessels. Other options include Giovanni's Italian Kitchen for family-style classics, Playmakers Sports Bar for casual snacks like burgers and chicken wings, Izumi for sushi and Japanese specialties, 150 Central Park for modern American fine dining and the recently introduced The Mason Jar for southern cuisine.

Passengers can purchase specialty dining packages at a discounted price prior to sailing.

In its main dining room, Royal Caribbean recently rolled out seven nights of new themed menus (French, Italian, Caribbean, Mexican, Mediterranean, etc.). The Classics section, offering selections such as grilled chicken breast and herb-crusted salmon every night, has been removed, although some of these favorites do appear at times on the new menus. This revamped format, with fewer choices, can limit options for picky eaters.

When booking, Royal Caribbean passengers must choose between traditional dining (either early or late seating for the entire cruise) or more flexible My Time Dining. With the latter, passengers can reserve a table of any configuration or show up at the main dining room and wait in line for a table.

Families with kids love Royal Caribbean's free casual eateries. These vary by ship, with Oasis- and Quantum-class vessels having the most. Options include Boardwalk Dog House for grilled frankfurters, Sorrento's for pizza, El Loco Fresh for tacos and burritos, Park Café for grab-and-go sandwiches and Vitality Café for healthy salads and wraps.

Onboard attractions

Big ships offer big thrills, and in the case of Royal Caribbean, these include some of the most memorable adrenaline rushes at sea.

On its Oasis-class ships, guests can scream their way down 10 decks of corkscrew spirals on the Ultimate Abyss slide, get soaked on The Perfect Storm waterslides or try simulated surfing with the FlowRider. Those without a fear of heights can tackle the rock climbing wall or zoom high above the Boardwalk neighborhood on a zip line. Other activities include ice skating, escape rooms, mini-golf, a carousel and pickleball.

Quantum-class ships offer an almost entirely different roster of exciting attractions, although the FlowRider and the rock climbing wall are consistent across the fleet. On board Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, active thrills include the sky-dive simulator RipCord by iFly, a two-level Seaplex with a sports court/bumper car rink and areas dedicated to Xbox, virtual reality gaming and laser tag. Quantum-class ships also have the North Star, a pod-like sightseeing capsule. But if you're looking for thrills on a waterslide, you won't find any on ships in this class.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Royal Escape Rooms (available on seven ships) are fun for the entire family (kids, however, must be 12 or older). A number of ships also feature Battle for Planet Z, a laser-tag game appropriate for kids ages 5 and older.

MSC's biggest thrills include Robotron , a top deck amusement park-style ride on Seascape that sends riders tumbling and swooping in seats attached to a moving "arm," and The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, a stainless-steel dry slide with a looping 11-deck drop on World Europa.

Most MSC ships have an arcade-style complex with some cool games and attractions, including Formula 1 race car simulators and an exhilarating XD Interactive Theatre where viewers strapped into hydraulic seats battle zombies, clowns and other menaces. All games cost extra.

MSC's ships are also known for their top-deck attractions, which include the longest zip line at sea (on Seaside and Seaview), elaborate Himalayan Bridge ropes courses (on Meraviglia-class ships) and an Aquapark with multiple waterslides (on both Seaside- and Meraviglia-class ships).

Related: The best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

Both brands' megaships also feature all the usual things designed for relaxation and fitness: lively casinos, spacious spas, fully equipped gyms and jogging tracks and multiple pools. They also host lively themed parties, such as the White Party on MSC and assorted decade-themed celebrations on Royal Caribbean.

As for bars and lounges, both offer a wide selection, including pool bars, piano and karaoke bars and sophisticated lounges. MSC's World Europa and Euribia have more than 20 places to imbibe, while Royal Caribbean's 10 largest ships each have a dozen or more — and Icon of the Seas will feature 15, including a few new concepts.

Kids activities

Both MSC and Royal Caribbean are family-friendly cruise lines offering plenty to keep junior cruisers occupied. Their ships have colorful and inviting kids clubs with dedicated staff as well as teen hangouts, gaming areas and organized activities.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program features expansive play spaces for kids ages 3-12 (the bigger the ship, the larger the kids' facilities). They can enjoy activities such as art and science projects, games and themed parties. The program is free during the day and early evening, but an hourly rate applies after 10 p.m.

The Royal Babies & Tots nursery accommodates little ones ages 6 to 36 months for drop-off (for an hourly fee).

Teens cruising with Royal Caribbean have plenty of options. They can hang out in The Living Room, dance or chill with new friends at the Fuel teen club or compete for the highest score at the arcade (at an added cost).

MSC's kids club, called Doremi, also focuses on games and activities by age group — Mini Club for ages 3 to 6, Junior Club for ages 7 to 11, Young Club for ages 12 to 14 and Teen Club for ages 15 to 17 — but its Baby Club (for kids under age 3) is complimentary.

The cruise line has a partnership with Lego, so creative kids who love to build will be thrilled. Mini Club participants can also partake in fun, family-inclusive events like the Doremi Disco, while Junior Club attendees can enter Masterchef at Sea Juniors or get in front of the camera with the Kelly & Khloe Onboard Green Screen Experience. Activities for Young Club and Teen Club attendees include sports tournaments, video gaming, dance competitions and karaoke.

Related: I got what I paid for: My cheap family cruise on MSC Seashore

Entertainment

What do Broadway musicals such as "Hairspray" and "Mamma Mia!", cover bands playing top hits of the '70s and '80s, high divers leaping into an onboard pool and multimedia spectacles in a dramatic 270-degree setting have in common? They're all in the entertainment line-up on Royal Caribbean's newest ships.

The cruise line is one of only two (the other being Norwegian Cruise Line ) to feature productions of hit Broadway shows on board — but you'll have to book an Oasis-class ship to enjoy one. Other ships offer high-energy production shows with musical and pop-cultural themes nightly. Game shows are also a Royal Caribbean thing, including some hilarious adults-only competitions focused on love and marriage.

Oasis-class ships offer two unique forms of entertainment: Thrilling high-dive performances in their aft AquaTheater and professional ice shows in Studio B. The latter space is also aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.

For something a bit edgier, the cruise line's Quantum-class ships feature Two70, a multi-level performance space where big-screen technology and daring acrobatics combine to create a unique kind of multi-sensory storytelling. These ships also have Music Hall, where cover bands channel the music of legendary rock bands like Bon Jovi and Journey.

Icon of the Seas will offer many passenger favorites plus exciting new venues like AquaDome, home to a next-level AquaTheater featuring state-of-the-art technology.

Related: Which cruise ship activities should you book ahead of time?

MSC certainly doesn't shirk its commitment to onboard entertainment. After dark, its ships' theaters and lounges buzz with vibrant musical productions and even fearless acrobatics. All of its Meraviglia-class ships feature The Carousel Lounge, which on the first four ships is a theater-in-the-round setting originally designed for Cirque du Soleil performances. It now houses themed variations on that genre, such as an illusionist-themed show.

MSC's newest ship, Euribia, however, has swapped high-flying theatrics for retro-inspired kicks with its reimagined Carousel Lounge. The space is now a sophisticated home for Big Band at Sea, a 19-piece orchestra with a genre-spanning playlist (although mid-20 th -century crooner classics best match the room).

Seaside-class ships have both a theater and a glittering multi-deck atrium with a stage, where live musical performances take place throughout the cruise.

And World Europa? This megaship features a new 300-seat multifunctional entertainment space call Luna Park Arena that hosts everything from movies and game shows to breakfast raves and stroller disco.

Itineraries

If cruising the world is on your travel agenda, perusing the itineraries offered by Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises will set your wanderlust in motion.

Royal Caribbean is the dominant cruise line in its namesake Caribbean region, cruising there from multiple U.S. ports year-round, but it also offers dozens of itineraries geared toward North Americans in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia and New Zealand. In all, Royal Caribbean's ships visit more than 300 ports of call on itineraries spanning three to 14 nights.

MSC Cruises has deep roots in the Mediterranean, where it cruises year-round with a predominantly European passenger base. Its global reach extends to Northern Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Arabian Gulf; these cruises also attract mostly international travelers.

The line has made inroads into the Caribbean and Canada and New England cruise markets, with sailings out of U.S. home ports with a higher percentage of American guests, but it doesn't yet cruise to Alaska. Across destinations, MSC's itineraries range from three to 20 nights.

One unique booking feature MSC offers in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe is the option for guests to embark in any port visited on a looping seven-night itinerary as long as they disembark in the same port.

For example, on a World Europa cruise that visits Barcelona, Genoa, Naples, Marseille and Messina, cruise fares are offered round-trip from each port. This offers flexibility, especially for Europeans, but it also means passengers embark and disembark daily. And since MSC makes all important announcements in six languages, hearing daily safety drills can quickly get tiresome.

Bottom line

Either of these cruise lines can be a good option for those seeking an action-packed, value-focused cruise vacation. Royal Caribbean may have the edge on innovative thrills, top-flight entertainment and a greater variety of included dining options, but MSC's newest ships mix budget-friendly fares, an international passenger base and far-reaching itineraries to offer their own recipe for affordable exploration.

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MSC vs. Royal Caribbean in the Caribbean

When it comes to cruising the Caribbean, both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have long and short itineraries sailing out of popular homeports on a variety of ships. But how do you decide which one is right for you?

Royal Caribbean likes to point out that “Caribbean” has always been in its name, so of course the cruise line is a historic mainstay in the destination. But relative newcomer MSC Cruises has been determined to call the Caribbean home, too, even as it prepares for the launch of its largest-ever ship, MSC World America , which will homeport stateside.

As an American-based company, Royal Caribbean has a larger presence with a dozen plus ships navigating the Caribbean Sea at any given time. By comparison, the European-based MSC has a smaller regional fleet, but it is making further inroads in the market from an expanding number of U.S. homeports.

Both lines should definitely be on your radar when deciding on a Caribbean cruise. To help you further decide which is the best choice for your Caribbean cruise, Cruise Critic has compared MSC vs. Royal Caribbean in regards to ship choices, cruise itineraries, the onboard experience and prices.

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The thing about cruise ships is they come and go, literally. Some will stay in a region year-round, but others will only sail there seasonally. That is to say, make sure whichever ship, or at least class of ship (sharing common sizes and features), you select is around when you plan to be.

Royal Caribbean favors big and bold vessels with loads of accommodation and attraction choices suited to discerning American buffet crowds seeking a sampling of everything, whether that be food or activities.

Meanwhile, MSC is a bit more sophisticated, exuding European elegance and a wider international clientele, for those interested in a Caribbean cruise with a touch of Mediterranean flair.

Service styles also differ accordingly. First, announcements and spoken language on Royal Caribbean will be predominantly in English while MSC’s may include several secondary and tertiary dialects. Royal Caribbean may seem more personal and friendly versus a certain MSC aloofness, although the line has made great strides in improving its onboard service over the years.

In terms of entertainment, Royal Caribbean skews towards a lavish big-theater style staging Broadway shows while MSC is more visual (think acrobats and magicians) to avoid any language barriers.

Another area where they vary is their ship-within-a-ship complexes that afford exclusive access to certain lounges, restaurants, bars and pool and sun decks for guests booked in the most top-tier accommodations (and even some more affordable options in the case of MSC).

The MSC Yacht Club (on all MSC ships) is often a contiguous example with all such accommodations and amenities perched high and up front overlooking the bow, whereas less delineated is Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class (only on Oasis-, Quantum- and Icon-class ships) of offerings amidship and spread elsewhere.

The MSC exclusives therein further include 24-hour access to a concierge and butler, as well as free in-suite mini-bars, select alcoholic and soft drinks in all Yacht Club dining venues and beyond, complimentary Aurea Spa thermal suite use, and priority check-in and debarkation.

Alternatively, Royal Caribbean’s is a tiered system offering a variety of perks to suite passengers depending on which type of suite they have booked. Entry-level suites get access to the suites-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant and more. Perks then elevate to the likes of suite sun deck access, high-speed internet, reserved theater seating and eventually Royal Genie (aka butler) service, a comped beverage package, included laundry and pressing, complimentary specialty restaurants and gratuities, etc.

As you might expect, it’s both lines’ older vessels that are the smallest and the newer ones that are the biggest, and a wide variety of experiences can be found on each. Travelers may opt for a medium-sized ship with a more relaxing onboard vibe or a truly giant behemoth with multiple exciting venues on seemingly every deck.

Royal Caribbean’s growing number of ships fit into seven distinct categories, or classes, ranging in passenger capacity from the 2,000s to the 7,000s, and each is usually represented in the Caribbean.

MSC, on the other hand, generally shows off its latest and greatest in the Caribbean to grow its American appeal. That includes vessels more in the way of 3,500 guests on up to the high 6,000s once the all-new MSC World America comes online.

The smallest Royal Caribbean ships are the Vision and Radiance-class vessels named after Vision of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas , respectively.

While there may be less to do on these vessels than on the line’s more contemporary ships that are filled with features and diversions, the classic cruise experiencefound on these "smaller" cruise ship is perfect for those looking for a more laid-back cruise holiday.

Royal Caribbean done a fine job of rolling out many of its recent amenities and restaurants that can possibly fit onboard, although cabins and suites in particular can feel dated on these older ships.

It’s on the Voyager and Freedom-class ships that Royal Caribbean really started rolling out the features. These ships first introduced the line’s signature shopping mall-esque Royal Promenade down the centerline of the ship, stretching from forward atrium to aft atrium.

The split superstructure also frames in multiple pools and whirlpools, adult-only Solarium, FlowRider surf simulators, rock climbing walls, water parks, mini golf and even an ice skating rink – not to mention a plethora of dining, drinking and shopping venues.

Taking the divided superstructure to the next level are the latest Oasis - and Icon-class ships, expanding to a themed neighborhoods concept of seven unique onboard zones, encompassing the brand’s Central Park full of al fresco restaurants, watering holes and other entertaining haunts.

Other areas to explore include the Entertainment Place, the Boardwalk and the Youth Zone, and bonus attractions extend to a zip-line, a growing number of water slides, a fully-functioning carousel and the outstanding AquaTheater.

And falling somewhere in between is the Quantum-class that introduced unique areas like the distinct entertainment and wake views of Two70, the craned North Star pod, and the onboard bumper cars, roller skating, circus classes and even a skydiving simulator.

As for MSC’s eight ship classes, in the Caribbean the line most features the Fantasia , Meraviglia and Seaside series, as well as the upcoming MSC World America for North American travelers --- though the line's smallest vessel, MSC Armonia, has made a few outings to the Caribbean as well in recent years.

Fantasia-class ships such as MSC Divina have fewer pools and adrenaline-pumping attractions, but do offer a Formula One racing simulator, as well as a 4D movie theater complete with some fun special effects. Other simpler activities stretch to trivia, dance lessons, sports tournaments and pool games, as might also be found on Royal Caribbean. Unique to MSC, though, is its wine blending program.

Bigger then is the Meraviglia class and its namesake MSC Meraviglia, with its own handsome take on a central Galleria not unlike Royal Caribbean’s core promenade, as well as Carousel Lounge at the stern similar to the competition’s Two70. On deck are also a sizable aqua park with water slides, requisite pools including a magrodome-covered one, inviting whirlpools and more.

MSC’s Seaside series, as its name implies, is more about scenic views and substantially more outward facing than Royal Caribbean’s mostly inward-focused vessels.

Not only do these have your usual aquatic features and water parks with an abundance of slides included, but so too do they feature a wraparound Waterfront Boardwalk with several outdoor restaurants, bars and other relaxing lounges. A portion is even glass-floored here as well as high above the stern at the so-called Bridge of Sighs.

A new entrant into the Caribbean arena for MSC is the smaller MSC Magnifica . Part of the Musica-class vessels, this ship adds more space per passenger even if it lacks some of the more enthralling bells-and-whistles, like elaborate waterparks and the MSC Yacht Club suite area .

Of course, the biggest MSC ship is yet to debut in North America. Once launched in 2025, MSC World America will more closely resemble Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships with its own split superstructure and high-adrenaline dry slide as well as water slides. There may even be a speakeasy bar to discover hidden among the crew passages, provided you manage to garner special access. The ship will offer Caribbean sailings once it enters into service.

The ship will be a sister to MSC World Europa, which debuted in 2022.

When it comes to Royal Caribbean and MSC, both lines have Caribbean itineraries offering a dizzying variety of ports with sandy beaches, water activities, jungle activities and rich colonial history. You won't, however, find lectures about your ports of call (unless you count the shopping talks) on either line, nor will any of the day's activities reflect the itinerary in a culturally-significant way. These lines are all about having fun in the sun.

With so many islands in the Caribbean, cruise travelers have several options when it comes to picking a Caribbean cruise itinerary, from Western and Eastern Caribbean to further voyages in the Southern Caribbean , and ranging in length from a quick weekend getaway to a week or even two.

Where the lines do start to specialize, however, is at their respective private destinations. In the Caribbean, only Royal Caribbean has docking privileges at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Labadee, Haiti; and only MSC can visit Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , also in the Bahamas.

Of course, they both frequent many other ports of call that are also shared with all varieties of cruise lines. Think Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Tortola in the Western Caribbean; Nassau, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and San Juan in the Eastern Caribbean; and Aruba, Barbados, St. Lucia, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique and Antigua in the Southern Caribbean.

Where the two lines differ are their itineraries (Royal Caribbean has more options, given the sheer amount of ships to select from) and regarding where they sail from (Royal Caribbean also has more option when it comes to homeports).

Besides Southern Caribbean itineraries that are farther from the U.S. mainland and require embarkation or disembarkation in, say, Puerto Rico, most circuits are scheduled roundtrip from the States.

Homeports available to Royal Caribbean guests include Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral and Tampa, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Galveston, Texas; Baltimore, Maryland and Cape Liberty, New Jersey. Select departures even run out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For its Caribbean itineraries, MSC sails from Miami and Port Canaveral in Florida, as well as New York City and Galveston, Texas.

What about pricing on Royal Caribbean vs. MSC Cruises sailings in the Caribbean? Quite frankly, pricing for Caribbean cruises from both of these lines can vary wildly, depending primarily on cruise ship (especially the vintage of the vessel), cabin category, voyage length and sail date.

It is difficult to compare pricing on MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean on a same for same basis for a couple of reasons. First, with Royal Caribbean plying the Caribbean with so many ships of different sizes and ages, pricing varies extensively, while MSC has fewer ships in the region.

Because of a tiered pricing system that MSC uses – which takes into account not only the sailing length and cabin category, but also the inclusiveness of the experience a cruiser wants to have – pricing can seem vastly different on the surface..

MSC's four tiers are: Bella, which offers the lowest price and no inclusions beyond what's typically included on any other mainstream cruise; Fantastica, which includes cabins in prime locations and chance to request early or late dining, specialty restaurant prepaid package discount and free room service during select times; and Aurea, which applies to the best balcony cabins and introductory level of suites and includes flexible main restaurant dining, priority boarding, prosecco and chocolate welcome, a spa package and specialty restaurant package discount, 24-hour room service and access to the adults-only Top Exclusive Solarium.

At the highest end of the MSC pricing spectrum is the MSC Yacht Club, which provides a fairly all-inclusive experience, with access to a private club (lounge, pool and restaurant included), priority check-in and check-out, butler and concierge service, premium beverage package, internet connectivity and thermal spa access.

Prices here are somewhat comparable to suite prices on Royal Caribbean, though what's included in the price tends to make the Yacht Club suites on MSC ships a better value. (Keep in mind, suite prices on Royal Caribbean ships vary widely by ship, as the newer ships have much more expansive – but also inclusive – suites, while older ships have smaller suites with few to no inclusions.)

Overall, Royal Caribbean has the largest variety of pricing between the two lines, but both offer inexpensive options, too. At the higher price points (namely suite accommodations), MSC frequently offers more value for the money, especially thanks to its MSC Yacht Club product.

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Royal Caribbean vs MSC Cruises

Monday, April 22nd

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Royal Caribbean
• Best for guests of all ages
• 27 ships in the fleet
• Some of the largest ships in the cruise industry: from 2,400 to 6,000+ passengers
• Exciting onboard activities can include rock climbing, ice skating, escape rooms, FlowRider and waterslides, and much more
• 300+ ports of call
• Two private islands: CocoCay (Bahamas) and Perfect Day (Labadee, Haiti)
• Great last-minute cruise deals
• Excellent safety record

Royal Caribbean International is a cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida, operating a fleet of 27 ships that sail to destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Alaska. The company offers innovative onboard experiences, such as Broadway-style shows, the Bionic Bar, and Virtual Balcony cabins, as well as a wide range of activities like ice skating and rock climbing while at sea. Royal Caribbean is suitable for guests of all ages and is well known for having some of the largest ships in the cruise industry, 300+ ports of call, and two private islands: CocoCay and Perfect Day. The company is also known for great last-minute cruise deals and having an excellent safety record. We recommend Royal Caribbean as one of the first places to search for your next cruise.

• MSC Cruises
• Best for budget-friendly, Mediterranean-themed, large-ship cruising in the Caribbean, Europe, and Mediterranean
• 23 ships in the fleet
• Private island in the Bahamas on some itineraries

MSC Cruises is an Italian-themed, family-oriented cruise line with a fleet of 23 ships that sail to destinations worldwide. They offer a wide range of itineraries, from short Caribbean cruises to longer world cruises. Caribbean sailings are one of their specialties, with budget-friendly fares often starting at $139 per person for a three-night Bahamas cruise. However, guests should be aware of additional costs for gratuities, drinks, and dining packages, and even for basics like choosing the stateroom or dining room seating time. While the low initial fares may seem like a bargain, fees for "extras" can add up quickly, so it's worth comparing MSC to other cruise lines before booking your sailing.

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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MSC vs Royal Caribbean: my opinion after I’ve tried both!

April 13, 2024

Hello Cruise Fans!

Today I am quite happy to write this article because we are going to compare two of my favorite cruise lines, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean .

If you don’t know yet, I am Italian, and as you can imagine I have been on many cruises with MSC.

However, I also tried Royal Caribbean and can already tell you that I found many differences between the two .

So let’s start right away with this MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean comparison!

Table of Contents

As a starting point, I wanna say that both MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean have impressive fleets .

In particular, Royal Caribbean is renowned for having some of the world’s largest ones , like the new Icon of the Seas (which is currently the largest cruise ship in the world).

Many of its ships have distinct neighborhoods and offer a wide range of activities, dining options, and entertainment.

Every class has its own unique features, for example, the Oasis Class has introduced the like zip line and the surf simulator. While, the Quantum Class ships, while slightly smaller, have introduced very technological features like the North Star observation capsule and indoor skydiving.

The Miami-based cruise line currently has a total of 28 ships that can carry from about 2,000 passengers to over 7,500 passengers. No other cruise line in the world can carry so many guests.

Additionally, the fleet continues to expand with 3 new ships already announced and joining Royal Caribbean in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

On the other hand, Italian-owned MSC Cruises expanded very quickly , it launched several large ships year after year.

The current fleet consists of 22 ships , many of which are among the largest in the world.

Many of them, such as those in the Meraviglia and Seaside classes, are known for their European-style glamorous design and impressive onboard features like LED domes.

The company also prioritizes environmental technology. The largest ship in the fleet, 2022’s MSC World Europa, uses cleaner-burning liquified natural gas (LNG) as fuel.

Furthermore, the MSC fleet is also constantly expanding. MSC World America, a 215,000-ton ship that will cruise from Miami, will arrive in 2025. While, for 2026, the arrival of MSC World Asia has already been announced.

Let’s now compare the cabin offers between Royal Caribbean and MSC. As you can imagine, there are quite a few differences in the design, amenities, and services that come with them.

Like on many cruise ships, Royal Caribbean cabins are categorized into 4 main types: inside cabin, ocean view cabin, balcony cabin, and suite.

Each type is carefully designed to maximize the comfort. For example, some newer inside cabins on ships in the Oasis and Quantum classes have virtual balconies that provide real-time ocean views on an interior screen.

Balcony cabins are the most popular and the most loved ones if you consider the comfort/price ratio. Many passengers love being able to take in the view and enjoy the outdoors while they sail.

Another very positive aspect of Royal Caribbean is the suites . They are spacious and offer additional perks like access to exclusive lounges and dining venues. In the highest suite categories, you even get a butler service known as the ‘Royal Genie’.

MSC Cruises offers a similar range of cabin categories. The main idea behind them is to merge a stylish design with technological features .

For example, on MSC you use MSC for Me , an app that helps you with all the services on the ship. You can book tables, reserve seats for the shows, check the daily program, chat with other passengers on the ships, and many other things.

Moreover, I personally love their Yacht Club suites that offer an “all-inclusive” cruise experience with access to private areas, including a dedicated lounge, pool, and restaurant.

In this aspect, I think that the level of luxury is comparable to Royal Caribbean’s suites, but MSC distinguishes for its unique Italian styling.

Time to compare one of my favorite parts of cruising: the food !

Royal Caribbean is renowned for its variety and innovative dishes across all fleets.

As you probably know, the main dining room offers a multi-course dining experience which is included in the cruise fare. The menus on Royal Caribbean change every night and usually let you taste various international cuisines.

For a more casual meal, every ship has a buffet that offers an extensive array of dishes. You’ll find the super classic hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, pizza, etc.

In addition to the complementary options, Royal Caribbean provides a good variety of specialty dining options such as Chops Grille for steak lovers, Izumi for sushi, and the Wonderland restaurant for those looking for a unique culinary adventure.

On the contrary, MSC Cruises emphasizes more on Mediterranean tastes in its dining offerings, with a strong focus on Italian cuisine among its various international options.

The buffets on MSC are massive and offer literally everything, from fresh fruit and salads to pizza and ethnic specialties.

Moreover, both cruise lines are meticulous with special dietary needs and offer gluten-free options and special dishes for allergies.

Let me add just a little personal opinion . I tried both and I must say that the food was very good in both cases.

For my taste, I preferred MSC, because the dishes are closer to my personal preferences (as you can imagine I eat a lot of pasta and pizza). But Royal Caribbean surprised me with the quality of ingredients and the excellent execution.

Below is a photo comparing the lobster of both companies. Regarding this specific dish I preferred Royal Caribbean but both were very good .

The Entertainment

I found that the entertainment type was quite different between the two cruise lines.

At the theatre, Royal Caribbean ships feature impressive Broadway-style productions , including famous musicals like “Mamma Mia!” and “We Will Rock You” along with original productions such as “The Gift” and “Spectra’s Cabaret”.

I liked the show’s quality, however, they have quite a few dialogues that can be boring if you don’t speak English.

On the other hand, MSC has more productions based on acrobatics and dance that are perfect for an international audience.

Also, in terms of fun Royal Caribbean definitely doesn’t disappoint. Some of the most loved activities include escape rooms, rock climbing walls, and zip lines.

While on MSC you can often find F1 simulators, bowling alleys, and small 4D cinemas.

The itineraries and the price

Now let’s talk about the itineraries because again there are several differences.

Royal Caribbean’s itineraries are quite varied but most of the cruises focus on regions like the Caribbean and Alaska . There are some cruises to Europe and the Arabian Gulf but in much smaller numbers.

On the contrary, MSC is expanding a lot in the states and has added several itineraries in recent years, but still its main focus at the moment seems to remain the Mediterranean .

One thing that I really like is that both companies have their own private island. Royal Caribbean has Perfect Day at CocoCay and MSC has Ocean Cay . Both of them are in the Bahamas and enhance the overall cruise experience.

In terms of the price, as I’ve already explained in this article, the cost of a cruise can significantly vary based on the destination, length, and time of year.

In general, I can say that MSC Cruises tends to be a bit cheaper . In particular, they have good family-friendly deals because kids sail free under certain conditions . This could lead to quite big savings for family vacations.

To conclude

In conclusion, as I have already repeated several times, both companies are great for a cruise .

I have tried both of them and always had a good time, in fact, I can tell you that they are my two favorite cruise lines ever .

Of course, personal preferences can vary between people…so if you have tried them let us know what you think through the comments below !

Thank you for reading the whole article, love you, Leo .

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What Is the Difference between MSC Vs. Royal Caribbean?

Find out what makes MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises different from each other so that you can make the best decision on your cruise experience.

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MSC and Royal Caribbean Cruises are very popular cruise lines known for providing splendid and extravagant experiences to travelers from all over the world. Both cruises offer a more regal setting to passengers, prioritizing experience and customer satisfaction over everything else.

MSC originates from Europe and provides travel across multiple places on the globe; it is also recognized as one of the fastest-expanding cruise companies in the world. Focusing on incorporating European elegance into its cruising experiences, MSC caters to a large audience. It is also labeled as one of the number-one cruises in Europe, South Africa, South America, and the Gulf.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is one of the oldest cruise companies in the world. It came into existence when three shipping firms formed an association. The cruise certainly started in Norway, but currently, all the main operations take place in Miami, Florida. Royal Caribbean is known to be the trendsetter in the cruise industry and to provide innovative and diverse experiences to its passengers.

Both cruises have great reputations, offering a wide range of activities and fun-filled events and a long list of destinations to choose from. It can get a tad bit confusing to understand what differentiates the two. Don’t worry, for we’re ready to provide you with assistance and help you understand why both cruise lines are different.

Differences between MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises

Taking into account the varying factors that can be used to draw comparisons between the two cruise lines, we’ve compiled a simple list that can help you understand the differences between the two. Hopefully, this can help provide you with better insight and assist you in making the right decision:

1. Size of the Ships:

Both cruises are known to feature some of the largest operating ships in the cruising industry. You won’t find any ships on either of the cruise line’s fleets that provide enough space for a minimum of 2,000 passengers at a time.

For MSC, even their smallest ship, Armonia , measures 902 feet, with 65,542 gross tons, while their biggest ship, World Europa , measures 1,093 feet and 215,855 gross tons. Royal Caribbean’s smallest ship, Grandeur of the Seas , measures 914 feet with a gross tonnage of 73,817, while their largest cruise, Wonder of the Seas , measures 1,188 feet with 236,857 gross tonnage.

2. Dining Facilities provided Onboard:

Royal Caribbean features a large variety of dining options made available for passengers, a lot of which are complementary and already included in the base cruise fares. With various dining rooms and even the renowned Windjammer buffet available, Royal Caribbean stands as a top pioneer in cuisine varieties. Some known mentions available on various Royal Caribbean cruises are Chops Grille, where you can find juicy steaks or Giovanni's Italian Kitchen meant to provide a hearty Italian meal. Are you craving some good old fried snacks? Don’t worry. Options like Playmakers Sports Bar are there to feed your cravings.

MSC might have fewer complementary food options available but still does not fall back on providing only premium-quality dishes. There are various dining main halls available that guests can expect to get allotted depending on their packages as well as the ability of the passengers to incur any extra dining costs. Also available with a buffet-themed system, guests can enjoy various cuisines, such as Italian, Japanese, and American, all at once. Providing some special mentions, restaurants like Hola! Tacos and Cantina are available for Mexican and Latin American cuisine, while Ocean Cay is suitable for those who wish to taste a little Mediterranean food.

3. Activities, Entertainments, and Events Onboard:

With Royal Caribbean, the varieties are never-ending. From live theatre to live music, as well as game nights, catering to all age groups, as well as adult-only events specifically catered for couples, there is nothing that you won't be able to find on Royal Caribbean cruises. The fleet of one of their most premium class, the Oasis class, features special live theatre performances of  well-known Broadway musical pieces like “Hairspray” and “Mamma Mia!.” They also feature high-end high-dive performances in the Aqua Theatre and even ice shows in Studio B. Royal Caribbean also features some of the largest and most thrilling waterslides, namely Ultimate Abyss slide and The Perfect Storm. Other famous activities available onboard Royal Caribbean include rock climbing, ice skating, and even ziplining at sea!

MSC does not fall behind in terms of entertainment, activities, and events, as they offer more nighttime events that are bound to keep you entertained all night long. With a large variety of musical productions, MSC provides only the best experience. The Meraviglia class features an all-rounder lounge called The Carousel. Originally made for Cirque du Soleil performances, it now features various other events following a similar lively theme. MSC’s latest addition, Euribia , features a redefined version of this lounge and is their first ship to feature a 19-piece orchestra band, always available to provide only the best music choices. In terms of activities, MSC offers more arcade-style activities and also features large amusement park-like rides. They feature Formula 1 simulator rides, as well as the longest zip line available on a cruise ship.

4. Passenger Capacity on both Cruises:

The passenger capacity on both cruise lines falls within the similar range, with the lowest passenger capacity falling around 2000+ passengers at double occupancy and around 5,000+ passengers on the higher end.

Royal Caribbean’s latest additions to its fleets even hold enough space for around 7,000+ guests at full capacity! This is one of the highest passenger capacities ever made available on any cruise ship. Both ships cater to a wide variety of crowds, ranging from solo travelers to couples, friend groups, and even large family groups. There is something for everyone.

5. Cabin Facilities:

Both cruises prioritize functionality over flashy and overdone interiors. A wide variety of cabin classes are available onboard, from windowless rooms to ocean views and even large-capacity suites.

Royal Caribbean offers around 34+ varieties of cabins for booking, all of which offer varying features and amenities to the guests. From ocean-facing cabins to family suite cabins that feature a gaming area and a slide that connects the sleeping area to the living room area (bound to keep the kids entertained.) There are even cabins available that feature LED screens inside that show the outside scene in perfect clarity. Don’t worry if you’re a solo traveler, as some of the cruises available under Royal Caribbean offer 101-square-foot and 199-square-foot studios just for you.

MSC features around 19+ varieties of cabins , ranging from the large 377-square-foot Grand Suite Aurea that comes with terrace access to balcony cabins that feature large balcony areas for maximum enjoyment. Some balconies feature a size of 248-square-foot and 753-square-foot balcony as well. It also features a 269-square-foot premium balcony Aurea cabin that boasts stationary bunk beds adjacent to the entrance, a king-size berth, a double sofa converted into a bed, and a larger bathroom offering a privacy zone with a shower and bathtub. This suite is the perfect choice if you wish to spend a relaxing vacation with your family.

6. Overall Costs of both Cruises:

The overall cost for both cruises varies depending on various factors, such as which ship, itinerary, or time of year you book, what package you opt for, and any extra costs that you may incur on board the cruise throughout your stay.

Related:   What Is the Difference between Carnival Cruise Vs. Royal Caribbean ?

Various things set MSC and Royal Caribbean apart, such as the attractions available on board or the cabin facilities, but one thing is for sure. Both cruise lines prioritize customer satisfaction the most and strive to provide only the best. Guests are bound never to get bored, whether it be day or night; there will always be something available to keep them occupied. Use CruiseBooking.com as your booking partner to find the best deals available in the market.

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Royal Caribbean Vs MSC Cruises (I cruised 3 times with each to see which is best)

This post may contain affiliate links. if you click one, i may earn a commission at no cost to you. as an amazon associate, i earn from qualifying purchases..

Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are among the biggest cruise lines in the world. And yet while they offer a similar style of experience onboard, there are enough differences to make them appeal to different groups of people, too.

I’m lucky enough to have cruised on several Royal Caribbean ships (Allure of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas) along with a few MSC ships (MSC Preziosa, MSC Virtuosa twice, and MSC Euribia) so I know what each cruise line is really like.

In this guide, I’ll explain everything about both cruise lines, including factual information and my own experiences, so that you can decide which of these two cruise giants is the best fit for you.

Royal Caribbean’s fleet of ships is the biggest in the world – there are 27 ships already sailing for the cruise line, and another two are currently under construction.

MSC’s fleet is smaller but not by much – 22 ships are sailing for the brand at the moment, and three more are under construction.

Royal Caribbean Ships

Royal Caribbean has eight classes of ships:

• Icon Class – the biggest cruise ships in the world accommodating up to 7,600 guests
• Oasis Class – six mega ships that can accommodate around 6,800 guests
• Quantum Ultra Class – two modern ships accommodating 5,500 guests
• Quantum Class – three ships accommodating 4,900 guests
• Freedom Class – three ships accommodating 4,400 to 4,900 guests
• Radiance Class – four ships accommodating 2,500 guests
• Voyager Class – five ships accommodating 4,000 guests
• Vision Class – four ships accommodating 2,400 to 2,700 guests

The oldest ship still sailing for Royal Caribbean is Grandeur of the Seas. She’s part of the Vision Class and she launched in 1996.

The newest ship in the fleet launched in January 2024, and is Icon of the Seas – not only the biggest ship in the fleet but the biggest in the world.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Ships By Age

MSC Cruises also has eight classes of ships:

• World Class – the biggest ships in the fleet, capable of accommodating almost 6,800 passengers
• Meraviglia Plus Class – three ships accommodating 6,300 passengers
• Seaside EVO Class – two ships accommodating 5,900 guests
• Meraviglia Class – two ships accommodating 5,600 guests
• Seaside Class – two ships accommodating 5,200 guests
• Fantasia Class – four ships accommodating 3,900 guests
• Musica Class – four ships accommodating 3,200 guests
• Lirica Class – four ships accommodating 2,700 guests

The oldest ship still sailing for MSC Cruises is MSC Armonia, which was first built in 2001 and joined the fleet in 2004.

The newest ship is the MSC Euribia, part of the Merviglia Plus Class, which launched at the end of 2023.

Read more: MSC Cruises Ships by Size, Age and Class

Which to Choose?

There’s not much between the fleets when it comes to the size of the fleets, or indeed the size of the ships.

Do you want to try a smaller, quieter cruise ship? Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class and MSC’s Lirica Class are good options.

Or do you prefer super-ships that are absolutely packed with features? MSC’s World Class isn’t quite as big as the Icon Class but both cruise lines have impressive options.

Ultimately it’s going to come down more to the food, entertainment, itinerary etc. So let’s discuss those…

Destinations

Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises offer a wide range of cruise destinations that guests can choose from.

Royal Caribbean tends to operate more in the Caribbean, while MSC’s European base means that there are more Mediterranean cruises available, but each cruise line has a good range of options further afield too.

Here’s a breakdown of all the cruise itineraries available for each cruise line:

Royal Caribbean Destinations

Royal Caribbean cruises sail from 35 destinations around the world, so you really aren’t short of options for beginning your sailing.

Most of those ports are in North America but there are several in Europe too, including Southampton – there’s always one ship stationed in the UK for the summer months for cruises to Spain and France.

Royal Caribbean has two private island locations that are included on cruises in the Caribbean – Labadee, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Both resorts are packed with fun things to enjoy, and are very popular with guests.

MSC Destinations

MSC is one of the only cruise lines that can outshine Royal Caribbean when it comes to departure ports, and it absolutely blows Royal away with choice – there are 66 ports available for you to cruise from if you want to enjoy an MSC cruise.

The reason for that is because MSC doesn’t just run cruises that have a set embarkation and disembarkation port. Instead, ships will run longer cruises, and guests can pick most ports from that itinerary to be the start and end of their cruise.

So a ship might be running a 21-day itinerary around all of the Med, but you might opt for a 7-day segment beginning in Southampton and ending in Barcelona. Whereas someone else might decide to join the ship in Lisbon a couple of days after you, and then cruise for 10 days until the ship reaches Rome, for example.

While it’s great for choice, it does mean that the ship is constantly busy with guests arriving and disembarking, and if you have a cabin next to a crew stairwell, it can mean that you often hear suitcases being moved around each night.

MSC has a private island in the Caribbean too, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. With significant investment and expansion in 2024, the island is a rival to the best that Royal Caribbean has to offer.

If you want to cruise the Caribbean or Europe, then both MSC and Royal Caribbean are good choices, though you’ll likely find more flexibility for dates in the Caribbean with Royal, and in Europe with MSC.

There are certain destinations exclusive to each cruise line too. Choose Royal Caribbean if you want to cruise to Australia, Alaska or Mexico, while MSC is the cruise line to choose if you want to see South Africa.

MSC is also a better choice if you want your sailing to incorporate multiple regions. While Royal Caribbean has cruises that cross the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, these are minimal and they don’t include many ports on either side of the oceans.

MSC’s Grand Voyages are longer sailings which typically combine two cruises with an ocean crossing. If you have the time available, then they are a wonderful way of exploring more regions without having to commit to a full world cruise.

Staterooms and Suites

When deciding between two cruise lines, accommodation can factor into the decision but it’s not often a deal breaker. The cruise lines both offer some unique options, though these aren’t available across their fleets.

Most of the cabins or staterooms on both cruise lines are made up of your typical options – inside cabins when you’re on a tighter budget, outside cabins when you want to enjoy a view of the ocean, balcony cabins if you want a private space to enjoy the view and the fresh air, and suites that have more space and come with a range of additional perks.

Both cruise lines have solo cabin options, though not across their entire fleet. You may be limited in your choice of ship if you want a dedicated solo cabin, but that could be better than paying a single supplement on another ship, where you’ll essentially pay the price of two people even though you’re sailing alone.

Be careful with MSC though, as there are some solo cabins that don’t even have a proper bed, but a sofa bed only!

Read more: MSC Cabins to Avoid

Royal Caribbean Staterooms and Suites

Here’s a look at some of the more unique accommodation options you can enjoy with Royal Caribbean:

Virtual Balcony Staterooms

An inside cabin is a good choice if you want to save money, and they’re great for people who like to sleep in the dark too – having no natural light, you can get into a really deep sleep at night! But there are a lot of people who aren’t as keen, especially since it can be hard to know what time of the day it is when you first wake up.

Virtual Balcony Staterooms solve that issue by having a screen on one wall that acts as a – you guessed it – virtual balcony. It projects a live view from the side of the ship, so it’s like you have a balcony in your room even though it’s just a flat wall.

You don’t get the fresh air of a balcony, or the benefits of actual sunlight, but it’s a nice way to enjoy a view without paying for a higher-cost balcony cabin of your own.

Interior Balcony Staterooms

Some of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships – the Oasis-class and Icon-class ships – are so wide that they have an open space running through the middle of the ship, with a boardwalk area and a park full of real, living plants.

And running up the sides of these spaces are balcony rooms that face the inside of the ship, instead of out to the ocean. They have their own private outdoor seating area, but your view is over the park or boardwalk instead.

They’re a good choice for anyone who wants a balcony but doesn’t want to pay the price for an ocean view, though you have to bear in mind that there are hundreds of cabins across from you that can see your room. Make sure you keep those curtains drawn when you’re getting dressed!

AquaTheater Suites

A really cool accommodation option on some of the bigger Royal Caribbean ships are the AquaTheater Suites. Available with one or two bedrooms, these are suites that have a balcony directly overlooking the ship’s AquaTheater – an outdoor performance space with high diving boards.

Essentially it’s a suite where you have a balcony theatre seat attached – giving you the best private view of the performances whenever you want them, and amazing views out to see too.

Ultimate Family Accommodations

Available on selected Quantum-class, Oasis-class and Icon-class ships, the Ultimate Family Suites and Ultimate Family Townhouses truly are something else if you’re cruising with kids.

These are rooms that feel like they were designed by children themselves – but it’s more than just bright colours. Think a staircase that doubles up as a piano, so that each step plays a note. Think a slide from the upstairs to the lower floor, because why not? Games consoles, popcorn makers, board games… 

Every element offers kids (and big kids) a thrilling vacation and that’s before you even explore the rest of the ship. 

MSC Staterooms and Suites

Here are some of the accommodation considerations with MSC Cruises

Bella, Fantastica or Aurea?

When you book an MSC cruise, you have the choice of three fares – Bella, Fantastica, or Aurea .

These fares will dictate which class of cabin you get – choose the cheapest Bella fares, and you’ll be assigned a cabin in one of the less desirable parts of the ship. This includes balcony cabins with metal railings, so you can only see over them when stood up.

Choosing Fantastica gives you more options, but the best cabins and suites are reserved for Aurea fares – so bear that in mind when choosing your cruise.

Read more: MSC Bella Vs Fantastica Vs Aurea

MSC Yacht Club

The MSC Yacht Club is the top-tier accommodations on an MSC ship, and is called a “ship-within-a-ship” concept. That’s because only MSC Yacht Club guests can access these exclusive areas on the ship, including private lounges and restaurants.

You get a long list of perks as part of the Yacht Club, including butler service and free drinks both in your suite and in the Yacht Club venues, but you have to weigh up whether they’re worth the additional cost.

Royal Caribbean has more innovative accommodation options, particularly if you’re not looking to book an expensive suite.

MSC’s Yacht Club is a fantastic concept, but it’s similar to the suite benefits you’ll get with Royal Caribbean, and some Royal Caribbean ships have a similar Suite Neighborhood area of the ship.

Royal Caribbean’s rooms have more variety but both offer comfortable and contemporary accommodation options.

When cruising, you’re going to be eating the vast majority of your meals on the ship, so the food options are extremely important when deciding on which cruise line is right for you.

Royal Caribbean Food

With Royal Caribbean, you’re guaranteed a huge range of options even on the smaller ships – though the biggest ships will truly blow you away with the variety on offer, with 20 or more dining venues alone – enough to try somewhere different for every meal of your holiday!

You’ll have the main dining room, of course, offering a changing menu of classic formal favourites, and the Windjammer buffet has an extensive range of casual items for snacks or for more relaxed meals.

There are complimentary options through the ship such as the popular Sorrentos pizzeria, which is open late. There are also a wealth of speciality options you can try, such as the relaxed Johnny Rockets burger restaurant that serves excellent milkshakes, and more formal restaurants like the Chops Grille steakhouse, the Izumi sushi restaurant, and Wonderland – a unique venue serving creative dishes that look as good as they taste.

With Royal Caribbean, the whole idea of dining is about choice – choosing when and where to dine, so that everyone has an amazing time and never feels limited in their options.

MSC offers a similar level of variety to Royal Caribbean, though not with quite as much choice – the bigger ships do have a lot of restaurant options but not quite as many as Royal’s fleet.

You’ll still have a main dining room, although depending on where you’re sailing the menu might be more Mediterranean-themed than it would be on a typical Royal Caribbean ship.

There’s a buffet for casual dining too, and a selection of speciality venues for steak or seafood. Casual burger and pizza options are available, though with less theming than you’d find on Royal Caribbean.

One cool feature is the option to have your kids taken to their own buffet area by the crew, if they’re in the kids’ clubs, so they can enjoy a bit of independence while you have a more formal dining experience.

If you want the best variety, then Royal Caribbean is definitely the way to go, especially on the biggest ships in the fleet. It’s not like MSC is boring, but there are just more options to choose from, and a lot more that have a fun theme too.

MSC has a reputation for its food not being as good quality as Royal Caribbean’s, too, and based on some of my past cruises (especially as a vegan) I would have agreed, but my most recent cruise on MSC Euribia had excellent options and fantastic quality – so perhaps the quality overall is improving.

Onboard Activities

Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises offer a range of activities for guests of all ages to enjoy onboard.

Royal Caribbean Activities

Royal Caribbean ships always have a wealth of things you can enjoy on the ship. The older ships tend to stick to more classical activities, such as dance lessons, bingo, quizzes and more but even the mid-size ships are packed with exciting activities, many of which you won’t find on other cruise lines.

Some of the activities you can try, depending on your ship, include:

• Ice skating
• Escape rooms
• FlowRider surfing simulators
• Skydiving simulators
• Rock climbing walls
• Epic dry slides across multiple decks
• Dodgems at sea
• Thrill-seeking water slides
• Bungee trampolines

Royal Caribbean’s fleet is aimed at all ages, and so there’s always something fun happening onboard. A Royal Caribbean cruise is as much about the ship as it is the destinations.

MSC Activities

MSC’s list of activities isn’t a million miles away from Royal Caribbean’s. It has the same traditional activities including sports, arcades, quizzes etc. But there are a few other unique options to enjoy too:

• 4D Cinemas 
• Formula One simulator (with full-size car to sit in)
• Flight simulators
• Robotic arm coaster ride
• MasterChef competitions (for adults and kids)
• The longest dry-slide at sea on MSC World Europa

MSC Cruises has some exciting activities to try, although the Robotron ride and the Venom Drop dry slide are exclusive to one ship each.

Royal Caribbean’s best activities tend to appear on multiple ships, so you’ve got more options to enjoy on each sailing.

Royal Caribbean edges it here, but if you don’t need your entire day to be packed with activities then an MSC cruise still offers plenty to enjoy.

Entertainment

Your cruise activities extend into the evening with both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, with a wide selection of entertainment options to choose from.

Royal Caribbean Entertainment

Royal Caribbean has a range of live entertainment across the venues on the fleet. The main theatre is where you’ll find Broadway shows – not just Broadway-style, but many ships feature actual renowned productions that you may already love, such as:

• We Will Rock You

These complement the in-house productions that you’ll enjoy both in the main theatres, the AquaTheaters, the ice-skating rinks and more. Some ships have karaoke bars, most have live comedians, and there are always bands performing songs in different bars around the ship.

MSC Entertainment

MSC’s entertainment doesn’t include licensed Broadway shows but the theatres do have Broadway-style entertainment, including some shows which may include big musical numbers you know and love. 

There’s plenty of variety too – it’s not just singing and dancing, but there are a lot of circus-style acts too, and magic. The entertainment is very family-friendly and I really enjoyed it on my latest cruise.

Both Royal Caribbean and MSC have great live entertainment around the ship, and it’s hard to pick one that’s better.

If you really enjoy live comedy, then Royal Caribbean will be a better fit – most MSC cruises don’t have a comedian on board because of the multilingual nature of the demographic. It’d take a long time for each joke to be translated!

Royal’s also better if you want to see a licensed Broadway show although check before you book, as shows can change and not every ship has one, it may have its own in-house productions instead.

Kids Facilities

If you’re travelling with kids, then you’ll also want to factor in the facilities and entertainment aimed specifically at them.

Royal Caribbean Kids’ Facilities

Royal Caribbean has the Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs for younger ages, starting from 3 years old. There are different age groups, so that kids are kept together with similar ages and can enjoy suitable activities. There’s a lot of educational fun to enjoy, with the Adventure Ocean Science Lab for experiments and the Imagination Studio for creativity.

The kids even get their own Adventure Theatre for movies and TV shows.

Teens have their own spaces, with activities including video game tournaments, pizza parties and more.

MSC Kids’ Facilities

MSC also has various kids club groups to entertain younger ones, and the cruise line has developed many of the activities in partnership with famous brands Lego and Chicco, so there are some great toys and games that young guests can take part in.

Teens get their own club too, with the latest VR games and cool hangout spots. MSC also has a Baby Club for guests under 3 years old, with dedicated facilities including music and rhythm games.

Both cruise lines are great for kids, but bear in mind that MSC’s kids’ clubs will be multilingual. I didn’t find that to be a problem, but if your kids are shy and may struggle to make friends anyway, just think about how they’ll do in a scenario where other children can’t understand them. Maybe they’ll be fine!

MSC also has better facilities for babies, so if you’re a younger family then I’d suggest MSC could be the cruise line to go for.

Cruiser Demographics

While the experience on both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises is not too dissimilar, the demographics are where you’ll find some of the biggest differences.

Royal Caribbean Demographics

Royal Caribbean attracts guests who are “adventure-seeking” and who are typically in their 30s to 50s. Many guests travelling with Royal Caribbean will be families, although younger families with parents in their 20s are less common as the cruises aren’t super-cheap.

You do get multigenerational families with grandparents too, as well as a number of couples and solo passengers.

Royal Caribbean ships are all primarily English-speaking although there are several ships based out of the US that will have a lot of Spanish-speaking guests too.

MSC Demographics

MSC’s cruises tend to be cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s, which means you can get a wider demographic onboard including younger families.

Guests are typically cruising more for the destinations too, seeking their adventures ashore, so while MSC ships have great attractions they are more of a bonus to the ports of call – guests are more interested in seeing the world.

MSC ships are multilingual, especially with so many ships and itineraries in Europe, so while the crew will understand English fine, there may be a lot of guests who don’t.

This tends to make for fun experiences in the kids clubs though, as children often work out ways of communicating even if they can’t speak each others’ language.

Understandably, budget will play a huge factor in deciding your cruise line, and there is a clear difference between the lines here too.

Royal Caribbean Prices

Royal Caribbean is not a luxury cruise line, but nor is it cheap either. Some of the smaller ships do have some good value itineraries, but if you want to cruise on a newer and bigger ship, you should expect to pay a premium for that.

As a guide, a 7-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas – which is one of the biggest ships in the fleet, but not the absolute biggest and newest – will typically cost you somewhere between £100/$130 and £130/$165 per person, per night for an Inside Stateroom.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…

MSC has a reputation for being a cheaper cruise line and that’s typically earned – most cruise fares are lower than they would be on Royal Caribbean, but the biggest ships could have equivalent fares.

Consider that many people feel that the MSC standard of service and food is a little below Royal Caribbean, though my most recent cruise dispelled that as a myth for me.

A typical 7-night cruise on one of the Seaside EVO Class ships in the Caribbean will cost between £80/$100 and £120/$153 per person, per night for an Inside Stateroom. But you can often find cruises as low as £30/$40 per night, if you’re flexible on dates and destination.

Suggested read: Why Are MSC Cruises So Cheap?

Don’t miss the latest MSC Cruises offers…

Bear in mind that, on cruises in Europe, you don’t have to pay gratuities on an MSC cruise, while you do with Royal Caribbean.

The Verdict

Royal Caribbean has long been viewed as a more premium cruise line than MSC and that’s broadly true – you’ll get more variety in your accommodation and dining options, there are more innovative facilities for daytime entertainment, and the evening shows are officially licensed productions that you may already know and love.

But MSC is definitely improving, and I certainly wouldn’t say it’s a lot worse than a Royal Caribbean cruise experience. If you get a good deal on an MSC ship then I’d definitely consider it, and even at comparable prices, I think MSC still has a lot to offer.

Related Posts:

• Disney Cruise Vs Royal Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean Vs Carnival
• Princess Cruises Vs Royal Caribbean
• Carnival Vs MSC Cruises

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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1 thought on “Royal Caribbean Vs MSC Cruises (I cruised 3 times with each to see which is best)”

There are a couple of things you have missed:

Customer service –

I’ve sailed with both MSC (3 times) and Royal Caribbean 7 times since the 1990s.

Royal Caribbean has fantastic responsive, customer service.

MSC customer services has a dreadful, unresponsive customer service, taking 3 months and longer to respond to even a minor query.

I’ve had 3 complaints with MSC (cancellation of all Brazillian ports on a TA, overcharging which took 3 months to get my money back, and the wrong deck plans on the MSC website meaning my solo cabin which I paid extra to choose was remote from all other solos).

Solo offering –

Royal Caribbean have solo meetings every evening in the same bar, so all solos know there will be someone to have a drink with or join for dinner.

MSC have one mid-morning solo meeting per 7-day cruise. As MSC pick up passengers at most ports if a solo is unfortunate to board on the day of the meeting they will have little chance of meeting other solos.

IMHO, for solos Royal Caribbean (and all the other cruise lines I’ve sailed with) are far superior to MSC.

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Royal Caribbean vs. MSC Cruises: Which Is Best for You?

By: Author Dan Bagby

Posted on Published: March 19, 2023

With so many cruise options in the market, it’s easy to get caught in analysis paralysis.

Once the go-to holiday for retirees and families, cruising has exploded in popularity for young couples and singles as well, and cruise providers are taking note. There are quite a few similarities between two massively popular cruise providers, Royal Caribbean and MSC, but there are also some key differences.

Which one is best for you, Royal Caribbean or MSC? Take a look at our side-by-side comparison to find out. 

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Royal Caribbean Overview

Perhaps one of the most widely recognized names in the industry, Royal Caribbean boasts a fleet of 24 of the largest cruise ships in the world. The biggest ship can carry over 5000 passengers, and its smallest ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, can hold well over 2000.

Royal Caribbean is a great choice for a romantic couples’ or honeymoon cruise. Whether you want to spend the entire trip relaxing on deck with a drink in hand, get your heart racing with adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining, or enjoy some pampering in the spa, the options are almost limitless. There are also plenty of itineraries and departure ports to choose from.

MSC Overview

Although European-based, MSC is still very popular in North America, particularly for its European itineraries. It is a luxury cruise operator that offers high-end, eclectic experiences at a surprisingly affordable price. 

MSC cruises are more low-key than Royal Caribbean cruises. Especially popular with families, MSC lets children ages 3-11 years old sail for free, and kids between the ages of 12-17 sail for a discounted fare. MSC’s largest ship can hold over 6000 passengers, while its smallest ship, called the MSC Armonia, can carry around 2500. 

Passengers can purchase packages, called “experiences” in MSC terms, on top of their base fare that let them customize their holiday. There are 3–Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea–and they include perks like priority dining reservations and the option to choose cabins. 

Guests can also choose a luxurious upgrade with the MSC Yacht Club, which grants members their own VIP section, private pool, dining options, free drinks, personal butler and concierge services, and priority embarkation and seating. 

Royal Caribbean vs. MSC Cabins

While their cabins might not meet the same luxury standards as some other higher-end cruise lines, Royal Caribbean’s rooms are comfortable and include thoughtful add-ons. They have especially creative family rooms. Far from simple, these are more like giant playhouses that include slides, games, and Lego-inspired walls. 

Couples on Royal Caribbean can enjoy peaceful cabins with modern furnishings, large windows, and private balconies. The cruise line’s largest suites are equipped with 4 beautiful bedrooms so groups can conveniently stay together without feeling cramped. 

Meanwhile, MSC accommodations vary from basic to extraordinary, depending on what kind of experience you go for. Not all cabins have balconies, and the ones that do can sometimes come with metal railings or other obstructions that block your view of the sea. 

The nicest suites come with separate sitting areas, walk-in closets, whirlpool bathtubs, and bathrooms with their own balconies. The Duplex Suite, which is only available on the MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima, is two floors high and includes 2 bathrooms. 

There are also studio rooms for solo travelers. They are small and only come equipped with a single bed which folds into a sofa during the day to make the suite roomier.  

Royal Caribbean vs. MSC Destinations and Itineraries

Both MSC and Royal Caribbean travel to popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and Europe , the coasts of North America, South Pacific islands, and South America . 

Although Royal Caribbean sails primarily to the Caribbean and Europe–offering cruises that average from 3 to 14 nights–they sail to almost every destination you can think of. Cruises to Australia , New Zealand , and Asia skyrocket in popularity during the North American winters. 

Royal Caribbean’s longest cruise, an epic round-the-world journey, is between 250-270 nights long and stops at over 60 countries. You can also book an Ultimate World cruise and explore your favorite corner of the world in detail over 60 nights. 

MSC has a strong European fanbase, and most of its sailings are concentrated around Western and Northern Europe. However, they’ve made considerable efforts to market themselves more to North American passengers, offering year-round itineraries in the Caribbean (including their own private island in the Bahamas , the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve). 

Seasonal MSC itineraries popular with European passengers sail to parts of Africa , Asia, and the Middle East including Dubai , Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Their World Cruise is considerably shorter than Royal Caribbean’s but visits many of the same places. 

Royal Caribbean vs. MSC Activities and Entertainment   

While you certainly can spend your days onboard relaxing, Royal Caribbean cruises are geared more toward folks who can’t sit still. Exciting activities include a surf simulator, giant rock climbing walls, sky-diving simulators, a zip-lining course, tall waterslides, a skating rink, and bumper cars .  

Royal Caribbean is one of the most family-friendly cruise operators out there, and they have plenty of activities available to keep kids and teens busy while parents enjoy a leisurely lunch or have a relaxing treatment in the full-service spa. During the evening, passengers can take in a show, try their luck at the casino, or dance at the nightclub. 

MSC has round-the-clock entertainment that rivals that of Royal Caribbean, with a few original extras thrown in like their video arcade, 4D movie theater, and innovative Diamond Bar and Library. Here you can enjoy a creative cocktail and a good book, perfect for folks who don’t like socializing in noisy nightclubs and crowded lounges. MSC ships also have a bowling alley, casino, theater for Broadway plays and musical acts, and a Formula 1 racetrack simulator. 

There is also a kids’ club and babysitting services available for no extra charge on MSC ships, which is a major perk for cruising families. MSC used to offer activities like language and cooking classes for older kids, but that’s no longer the case. 

Royal Caribbean vs. MSC Dining 

Meals at some of Royal Caribbean’s restaurants are included in your cruise fare, and there are additional dining packages you can purchase if you want some variety. (Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean’s biggest drawback is not offering all-inclusive cruise fares .)

Packages range, including one with 3 onboard restaurants and an unlimited dining package, which is a pretty sweet deal especially if sailing on one of the larger vessels. Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, has 20 different restaurants to choose from. Plus, the unlimited dining package includes lunch and you’ll score additional discounts on bottles of wine for the entirety of your cruise. 

Royal Caribbean drink packages can also be purchased but come with price limits, usually around $12-$13. If you order a more expensive drink, you’ll just pay the difference. Even if you don’t plan to drink every day, a drink package usually works out to be cheaper than paying as you go, and you can sometimes get a discount on a second drink package if you’re traveling with someone. Alternatively, you can always try to sneak your own alcohol onboard. 

MSC, on the other hand, includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their fare price, but only at 2 of the ship’s restaurants. Guests can choose between the buffet restaurants or the main sit-down option. Specialty restaurants and room service are available for an extra cost, and the all-inclusive fare doesn’t include drinks unless you get the Yacht Club upgrade. 

Purchasing any of the experience upgrades entitles you to discounts on the 5 available drink and specialty dining packages but only if you purchase them at the time of booking. MSC’s drink packages include alcohol-free and minor options, so unless you’re going to be drinking nothing but water on the cruise, a drinks package is definitely worth it. 

Royal Caribbean vs. MSC Cost

Prices for a Royal Caribbean cruise can fluctuate greatly depending on what time of year you go, what kind of cabin you want, and how many nights you book, but you can expect to pay between $150-$250 per person per night for a cabin with an ocean view balcony. That’s not including the cost of drinks, though, so unless you purchase a package, a Royal Caribbean cruise can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars per week for a family. 

MSC has much more affordable fares and offers generous discounts on their food and beverage packages, but figuring out which package to get and whether or not experience add-ons are worth it can be confusing. Working with a cruise travel agent saves you from doing all that math and can end up saving you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your cruise vacation. 

Royal Caribbean vs. MSC Clientele

Both Royal Caribbean and MSC cruises welcome a wide range of passengers, from couples of all ages to groups and solo travelers. They are both popular with families thanks to the kid-friendly environment, large selection of activities, and itineraries to every corner of the globe. 

While Royal Caribbean tends to have mostly American passengers, passengers onboard MSC cruises are typically European. However, MSC cruises are gaining popularity in North America, especially with budget travelers.

The main difference here is the overall vibe onboard. Royal Caribbean cruises are fast-paced, exciting, and loud, while MSC cruises are more low-key and relaxed. They don’t generally attract a party crowd. MSC cruises are far from boring but if you want a cruise experience that keeps you on your toes, Royal Caribbean might be the way to go. 

Now that you’ve read our comparison of Royal Caribbean and MSC, what do you think? Will you book a cruise with one of these companies? If you’re still not sure whether Royal Caribbean or MSC is best for you, check out our other articles comparing cruise lines: Norwegian vs. Royal Caribbean , Norwegian vs. Princess , Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity , Royal Caribbean vs. Princess , and Carnival Cruise vs. Royal Caribbean .

He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club. Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.

Yours Truly Chelsea

Royal Caribbean vs MSC Cruises: Which One Is Right For You?

February 29, 2024

Royal Caribbean vs MSC Cruises? Which cruise line is perfect for you? Read more here to find out the differences on things like pricing, private islands, drink packages and more!

Wanting to go on a cruise but not sure which cruise line is right for you? Maybe you’re stuck between Royal Caribbean and MSC or just want to learn more about them? This is the post for you!

In this post I am going to give an honest review of 13 different aspects of both cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are both cruise lines that sail around the world! They are very different but both have a lot to offer.

This post is going to help you decide which cruise line is a better fit for you and why!

This post is all about Royal Caribbean vs MSC Cruises.

The ships are extremely different in my opinion when it comes to these two cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean continues to top the charts and push the boundaries on what a cruise ship can have. They make the largest ships in the world.

Royal however is catered more to families with children, they have a lot more kid friendly areas and want you to have the ultimate family vacation.

Not to say that MSC doesn’t have things for kids to do because they do, just not a top priority in my opinion.

It seems Royal is trying to compete with Disney Cruise Line when it comes to the level of activities and trying to pull some of that clientele their way.

MSC on the other hand creates GORGEOUS, modern ships. I personally prefer the look of MSC’s ships but I don’t have kids right now.

MSC has stunning concepts like their Swarovski crystal staircases and the bridge of sighs. If you’re looking for a classier look to your ship, MSC will be the one for you.

They also have been creating HUGE ships so don’t count them out if you’re looking for the next big adventure!

When it comes to price MSC wins this category hands down.

Royal Caribbean for years has been a great example of a budget friendly cruise line. However, in 2024 they have raised their prices and do not plan on stopping.

With ship classes like the Icon class, they seem to be wanting to compete with Disney Cruise Line’s market. Disney is known to be a more expensive option compared to others like Royal and Carnival.

You can definitely still find some good deals on Royal but MSC has really been offering the most bang for your buck.

When I’ve looked at similar itineraries between the two cruise lines and either similar sized ships/age of ships, MSC has always been cheaper. If you want to go on vacation but budget is the most important aspect, I’d check out MSC Cruises.

When it comes to promotions, MSC currently has Royal Caribbean beat.

It’s important to note I am sailing from the US so I am comparing based on the promotions and pricing are for the US market which could differ depending on where you are looking at cruises from.

MSC Free Drinks & Wifi

MSC’s best promotion they have been running is the “free drinks and wifi” promo.

I do want to say just so those who haven’t cruised on MSC before know that this isn’t actually FREE. It is just a heavily discounted promotion compared to the price if you were to book those packages after booking your cruise.

You can’t see the price of the drink package and other add ons for MSC before you book so that factors into people trying to decide what is best for them as well.

An example I have from this promo is a 7 night cruise I booked with MSC. The free drinks and wifi add on while booking was $180/person more than just booking the cruise. (Which is an insanely low price for a drink package for 7 nights!!)

We ended up taking advantage of this and saw after booking JUST the drink package was $360/person and the wifi was $80/person so we ended up saving $520 just because we booked the promotion.

Royal Caribbean does not offer the same type of deal on their cruises.

Kids Sail Free

Both cruise lines do offer a kids sail free promotion.

However, Royal Caribbean does offer this promotion more often it seems than MSC does.

Onboard Credit

Royal and MSC offer onboard credit promotions at the time of booking. If you are looking to get some added spending money for free be sure to look and see if this is an option when booking your cruise.

You can also book your vacation with a travel agent and they might be able to get you additional onboard credit.

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POPULARITY:

When it comes to which market in the world the cruise lines are more popular in, these two cruise lines are most popular in different areas.

Royal Caribbean has status in the US as a top player for a family friendly, mostly affordable cruise line. They have a huge reputation and are well loved among American cruisers.

MSC however, has been in the American market for a little bit but is still trying to break into it to be considered on the same playing field as their counterparts here in the US. They are largely popular in Europe and have tons more ports there/more ships.

Currently, MSC cruises out of Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), New York City (Brookyln) and is adding Galveston to the mix in 2025.

On the other hand, Royal currently sails out of 14 US ports.

I’m excited for the future personally seeing how MSC will continue to expand into the US market.

The staff on both cruises lines in my opinion are fantastic! Cruise ship staff are some of the nicest, hardworking people I have ever met in my life. I respect them so much for the work they are doing.

I have seen people in the US complain some about the staff on MSC, but I think it is just a cultural difference than what US crusiers are used to on lines based more in America.

Royal Caribbean’s staff is over the top nice and helpful and they may want to make conversation with you at the dinner table.

Whereas MSC’s staff is still super helpful, will get you what you want but is a little less social and that’s really just a cultural difference that does not affect how I feel about the level of service.

I think Royal has a slight lead on food over MSC.

If you look up MSC right now in the US you will see TONS of negative reviews, most of which are based on the food.

I have cruised with MSC and will say that while I didn’t like their food as much in the buffet and some of the main dining food wasn’t great, there were still SEVERAL stand outs that were really good!

READ: MSC Cruise Food: My Honest Review Of Everything I Ate On My 7 Night Cruise

Food that MSC does really well are their freshly baked breads, bakery items such as banana bread, desserts (SO good) and their pizza. Their pizza is honently the BEST at sea. No comparison to Royal’s at all.

Royal Caribbean food in my opinion tastes a little bit better (on most ships) and they usually have more options in the buffet.

READ: Royal Caribbean Cruise Food: What I Ate On My 5 Night Cruise

Either way, don’t let the bad reviews of food on MSC deter you because I have cruised on both and would eat with no problems on either cruise line.

ENTERTAINMENT:

If you’re comparing the two I would say Royal Caribbean has better entertainment on their ships.

This is not to knock MSC’s shows though because the ones I have been to have been great. Like I’ve mentioned, they’re very popular in Europe so I think their entertainment has been catered to that type of clientele and the US is a little different.

One thing that makes Royal Caribbean stand out is their aqua shows on Oasis class ships and higher. They really are amazing.

At the end of the day you’re still going on a cruise, there are tons of entertainment options to choose from and there is something for everyone.

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

Customer serivce is where Royal Caribbean absolutely SHINES.

I am referring to the customer service before you go on your cruise. The type of service you’re getting when you call and/or email the cruise line.

I have never had a bad experience with Royal’s customer service. They are very knowledgable, kind and truly try to find you any answer you need.

MSC on the other hand seems to have a third party customer service line you are calling into with employees that don’t seem to know much about the cruise line at all. At least when you’re calling from the US.

It can be kind of frustrating if you have an issue because it will be hard to get it resolved but I can see MSC improving on this the longer they are expanding into the US market.

The rooms on both cruise lines are pretty comparable. Staterooms don’t differ too much across all lines unless you’re getting a high level room like a suite.

Some older ships will have dated decor and newer ships will be more modern with more outlets and storage as those are common complaints among cruisers they have tried to improve on.

I do want to say I think MSC’s rooms are a little nicer but that’s just personal preference.

LUXURY CRUISING:

Both cruise lines have their own definition of what they offer to cruisers who want to spend a bit more money to elevate their experience.

Royal Caribbean

Royal has 3 different suite classes: Sea, Sky and Star class.

Depending on your ship and level you could have access to specific restaurants, lounges, your own concierge and special chairs on pool decks. Read more about their suite class here.

MSC Cruises

If you’re looking for luxury on MSC look no further than their Yacht Club experience!

Like Royal, MSC offers a butler service and private restaurants. I do think Yacht Club gets you a little more for your money but you should try both for yourself and see what you think!

Yacht Club guests have more private sections on MSC ships, including their own pool, which would be a nice perk. Read more about Yacht Club here.

PRIVATE ISLAND:

I have not personally been to Royal Caribbean’s private island in Haiti so I will only being comparing Perfect Day at CocoCay and MSC’s Ocean Cay.

They are both as well in the Bahamas so it’s a better location match up to compare.

I absolutely love both of these islands but they are VERY different vibes.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

CocoCay has SO much to offer! This island has several different sections:

• Coco beach club (added cost)
• Oasis lagoon
• South beach
• Chill island
• Harbor beach
• Thrill waterpark (added cost)
• Spashaway bay
• Hideaway beach (adults only and added cost)

They also offer several different restaurants, included and paid. It really is a great mix of an awesome pool and beach day with some thrills if you want to add them on.

It’s a great island for families where you’ll never run out of things to do or places to see.

Ocean Cay on the other hand is a completely different type of day. If you’re looking for a more relaxing, gorgeous beach day then this is the island for you!

Ocean Cay is comprised of 8 different beaches. They have a lighthouse show at night and offer overnight stays at their island, which Royal does not do.

They do not have any pools on this island. It is truly just a stunning beach day with some shops, bars and food.

Read more about Ocean Cay: 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MSC’S PRIVATE ISLAND: OCEAN CAY

• You do not need to spend money on either island to have a great time but you definitely can add on a shore excursion or other options if you want to.
• Each cruise line’s drink package works on their private islands which is a nice bonus!

DRINK PACKAGE:

Drink package types:.

Royal Caribbean offers 3 different types of drink packages whereas MSC offers 5.

Royal Caribbean has a soda package , refreshment package (sodas, water, specialty coffees, mocktails, bascially everything except alcoholic drinks) and a deluxe beverage package (every type of drink you could want, includes alcohol).

MSC has 3 alcoholic packages: easy , easy plus & premium extra . They also have an alcohol free package & a minors package .

Read more about MSC’s drink packages, what they include and if they’re worth it:

Everything You Need To Know About MSC Cruise Drink Packages

If you are wanting the deluxe beverage package that Royal Caribbean offers and are sharing a room with someone of drinkage age, you are both required to purchase it.

Pro Tip: The only exception to this rule is if you call customer service and tell them the other person does not drink alcohol due to medical or religious reasons. They still will make you buy the refreshment package though.

They do not allow you do purchase just one online though, you have to call.

If you want the refreshment or soda package however everyone in the room is not required to buy it.

MSC however is very strict on their rules so if one person wants a particular drink package not only does the other person have to buy a drink package but they have to get the same level as the one the first person wants.

You can’t get an easy package and a premium extra package in the same room.

You might be able to call customer service like Royal and try but their customer service is a third party service that doesn’t seem to know much about the cruise line’s rules.

The only exception is if you have a minor in your room then they are required to get the minors package.

For the most part, Royal’s drink packages are going to cost a lot more than MSC’s. If you’re looking to save some money then MSC is probably the way to go.

Like stated above, MSC also offers “free drinks and wifi” promotions, whereas Royal does not.

I’ve bought the wifi on both cruise lines and they both seem pretty comparable. It is cruise ship wifi so it’s not going to work perfectly, but it does the job for the most part.

Royal used to have 2 wifi packages and now they just have their higher option.

MSC has 2 options available for wifi.

Both cruise lines are adding Starlink to all of their ships though to improve the wifi even more.

This post was all about Royal Caribbean vs MSC Cruises.

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Comparing MSC vs Royal Caribbean Cruises

Comparing MSC and Royal Caribbean: Choosing the Right Cruise Line for You.

Overview of MSC and Royal Caribbean

MSC and Royal Caribbean are two prominent cruise lines with unique characteristics and offerings. Understanding their background and reputations is essential for travelers looking to make an informed choice.

MSC has positioned itself as a cruise line committed to providing a diverse range of experiences. In addition to offering traditional cruise amenities, MSC has made significant strides in enhancing its onboard offerings by partnering with lifestyle expert Martha Stewart. This partnership has led to the introduction of curated dining experiences, enriching activities, and thoughtful design elements across their fleet. For travelers who value variety and an elevated onboard experience, MSC’s collaboration with Martha Stewart enhances the overall ambiance and amenities available throughout their ships.

Conversely, Royal Caribbean has built a reputation for its innovative approach to cruising. The cruise line is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional cruise activities, offering adventurous experiences such as skydiving simulators, surfing experiences, and other adrenaline-pumping activities. These offerings cater to travelers seeking an active and thrilling vacation experience, setting Royal Caribbean apart in the cruise industry. For those who prioritize excitement and unique onboard activities, Royal Caribbean’s innovative approach creates an appealing option for their cruise vacations.

Understanding these distinct characteristics allows travelers to align their preferences with the cruise line that best suits their vacation expectations and desires. Whether it’s an emphasis on diverse experiences and partnerships or innovative, adventure-driven activities, MSC and Royal Caribbean offer unique appeals for different types of travelers.

Ship Features and Amenities

When comparing Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, one of the key differences lies in their approach to specialty restaurants and dining options. MSC emphasizes a wide range of specialty restaurants, each featuring diverse cuisines to cater to various palates. For example, on MSC’s ships, guests can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Eataly, savor fresh seafood at Ocean Cay, or enjoy a casual meal at the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse. This variety allows passengers to explore different flavors and culinary experiences throughout their cruise.

On the other hand, Royal Caribbean is renowned for its Oasis Class ships, which are among the largest cruise ships in the world and known for their distinct entertainment and dining options. These ships offer a plethora of specialty restaurants, including the popular Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, where guests can enjoy a unique dining experience with skilled chefs preparing Japanese cuisine right in front of them.

In terms of family-friendly options, both MSC and Royal Caribbean excel in providing dedicated kids’ clubs and activities for all ages. MSC’s focus on family-friendly experiences is evident through their partnership with Martha Stewart, which includes specially curated kids’ cooking classes and family-oriented shore excursions.

Similarly, Royal Caribbean offers an array of family-friendly amenities, such as the Adventure Ocean youth program, which provides age-appropriate activities and entertainment for children of all ages. These offerings ensure that both cruise lines cater to the needs of families, making them ideal choices for multi-generational vacations.

Onboard Entertainment and Activities

When comparing MSC and Royal Caribbean in terms of onboard entertainment and activities, it’s clear that both cruise lines offer unique and exciting experiences for their passengers. MSC has made waves with the introduction of the first at-sea Cirque du Soleil shows, elevating the entertainment options to a world-class level. This collaboration with Cirque du Soleil provides passengers with the opportunity to witness breathtaking performances while cruising, adding a touch of sophistication and artistry to the onboard experience.

On the other hand, while cruising with Royal Caribbean takes a different approach by focusing on thrilling and adventurous activities. The cruise line is renowned for its innovative entertainment offerings, including bumper cars, simulated skydiving, and surfing experiences. These adrenaline-pumping activities cater to passengers seeking excitement and adventure during their cruise vacation. Royal Caribbean’s commitment to providing such dynamic experiences sets it apart as a top choice for thrill-seekers and those looking for non-stop action and fun at sea.

Moreover, the ocean view balcony accommodations on both MSC and Royal Caribbean cruises present passengers with distinct experiences. MSC’s balcony cabins are designed to reflect elegance and modern comfort, with carefully curated amenities and stunning views of the ocean.

In contrast, Royal Caribbean’s balcony accommodations offer a blend of relaxation and luxury, often featuring spacious layouts and private outdoor spaces for passengers to unwind and enjoy the sea breeze. These differences allow passengers to select the cruise line that best aligns with their preferences and desired onboard experience, whether it’s a focus on sophistication and artistry with MSC or thrilling adventures with Royal Caribbean.

Cruise Experience and Itineraries

When considering the cruise experience and itineraries offered by MSC and Royal Caribbean, it’s essential to delve into the distinctive features of their flagship ships. For instance, MSC’s MSC Divina stands out with its elegant design and a wide range of amenities, catering to travelers who appreciate a touch of luxury and sophistication during their voyage.

On the other hand, Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class ships are celebrated for their diverse itineraries and immersive onboard offerings. These ships are designed to provide a dynamic and multifaceted cruise experience, appealing to travelers who are eager to explore a variety of destinations while enjoying a plethora of onboard activities and entertainment. For example, the Voyager Class ships often feature innovative amenities such as rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and expansive shopping promenades, ensuring that passengers have a diverse and engaging experience throughout their journey.

Furthermore, when comparing the Freedom Class ships of MSC and Royal Caribbean, it becomes evident that each cruise line offers a distinctive array of amenities and activities to cater to the preferences of their passengers. MSC’s Freedom Class ships are designed to reflect the company’s commitment to providing a diverse and enriching cruise experience, with a focus on cultural immersion and culinary exploration.

In contrast, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class ships are synonymous with their groundbreaking entertainment options, which may include features like Broadway musicals, ice shows, and the signature FlowRider surf simulator, appealing to passengers seeking an exhilarating and unforgettable vacation at sea. This comparison underscores the importance of considering individual preferences and priorities when selecting a cruise line, as both MSC and Royal Caribbean ships offer unique and compelling experiences tailored to different tastes and interests.

When it comes to choosing between MSC and Royal Caribbean, it’s crucial to consider individual preferences and priorities. Each cruise line provides a unique set of offerings, catering to diverse interests and needs. By examining the distinctions and resemblances between MSC and Royal Caribbean, passengers can make an informed decision that aligns with their desired cruise experience.

For instance, if specialty dining is a priority, MSC’s commitment to providing a wide range of specialty restaurants featuring diverse cuisines might be a deciding factor for food enthusiasts. On the other hand, Royal Caribbean’s renowned largest ship class known as the Oasis Class are known for their distinct entertainment and dining options, which may appeal to those seeking a vibrant and innovative onboard experience.

Moreover, families with children may want to explore the family-friendly offerings on both cruise lines, such as dedicated kids’ clubs and activities for all ages. Understanding the specific amenities and programs tailored for families can be pivotal in choosing the most suitable cruise line for a memorable family vacation.

In essence, the decision between MSC and Royal Caribbean should be based on a thorough consideration of the unique features, amenities, and overall atmosphere that each cruise line offers, ensuring that the chosen cruise aligns with individual preferences and expectations for an unforgettable voyage at sea.

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MSC vs Royal Caribbean: What’s the BEST Cruise for Families?

In this guide comparing MSC vs Royal Caribbean , I’ll be sharing specific comparisons between the MSC Seashore and Royal Caribbean’s Allure/Oasis of the Seas.

Booking your first family cruise can feel daunting, especially with younger kids. But cruising with kids can be stress-free and fun! Living in Florida and so close to Port Canaveral , cruising just makes sense when it comes to planning family vacations.

We’ve recently taken our 5 year old daughter on two short cruises on two separate cruise lines . I think 2-3 night cruises are a great way to introduce kids to cruising. It also gives families the opportunity to determine if cruising is right for their family. Keep reading to learn more about MSC and Royal Caribbean!

Table of Contents

MSC vs Royal Caribbean: Cabin Sizes

The cabins on most ships are going to be very comparable. We had a balcony on both cruise lines, however, our balcony room on Royal Caribbean was interior and overlooked Central Park. The bathrooms and layout of each room were almost identical, though.

There were only slight differences, which may or may not affect everyone. For instance, on MSC our bed was further from the door and our daughter’s bed was pre-made and the length of a couch.

On Royal Caribbean , our bed was closer to the door and our daughter’s bed was a pull-out couch. Since it was a pull out couch, it did take up any extra space we had. So, we constantly had to put it away and remake it whenever needed.

Unless you’re booking a suite, you’ll want to make the most of your space in your cabin. There are several hacks and things you can pack to ensure you’re not wasting space–no matter what cruise line you book.

MSC vs Royal Caribbean: Private Islands

There are some really big differences between these two private islands in the Bahamas. Depending on what you prefer will determine who you think has the superior island when it comes to MSC vs Royal Caribbean.

Perfect Day at Coco Cay

Royal Caribbean’s “Perfect Day at Coco Cay” is sure to leave families with an endless amount of fun and things to do. The island has become commercialized and basically turned into a water park.

On the island, you’ll find numerous beach spots, pools, kiddie area, and even an actual water park. While you can enjoy the pools, beach, and kiddie park and no additional cost, there is a fee to enter the water park which features numerous water rides.

Families can also book other activities like zip lining, snorkeling, wave runners, etc. We’ve found that it’s not worth it to book the snorkeling excursion. It’s more beneficial to do a snorkel at a separate port like Nassau or Grand Turk. You can also pack your own goggles or rent some on the island.

MSC’s Ocean Cay is very much different. You won’t find a single pool or kid’s area on this island. Instead you can simply enjoy the beach and ocean.

At Ocean Cay, families can still book snorkeling or wave runners. You’ll need to walk or take a shuttle to other parts of the island, though. The beach located near the dock quickly fills up and beach chairs are hard to find.

On both islands you’ll be able to enjoy complimentary food, much like what’s offered at the buffet on each ship. On Ocean Cay, there are additional food trucks that may require an additional fee. Both islands also feature many local shops that will also require cash or a separate card.

MSC vs Royal Caribbean: On Board Activities

When it comes to on board activities, you’ll find that most ships have an arcade, pool, mini golf, basketball and kid’s club. However, there are some stark differences when it comes to the MSC Seashore vs the Royal Caribbean Allure/Oasis of the Seas.

On Royal Caribbean , the Allure/Oasis of the Seas both have a carousel, zip line, rock wall and even an ice skating ring for guests to enjoy at select times. Both ships also have a flow rider, which is great for older kids. The Allure has a small kids water area, much like a splash pad, while the Oasis does have multiple water slides to enjoy.

While the MSC Seashore doesn’t have many non-water activities to enjoy, I do think it has one of the best water areas for kids. The area is pirate themed and complete with a ropes obstacle course, mini pool, and several water slides. One of the slides does require children to be at least 7 years old. On MSC, everyone is required to sign a waiver and receive a wrist band prior to riding any waterslides.

Each cruise line is also going to have their own activities planned throughout the cruise like bingo, a belly flop contest, face painting and more. In addition, cruisers have started their own activity by hiding ducks on board for anyone to find. I did think that it was easier and more common to find ducks on our Royal Caribbean cruise than our MSC cruise.

MSC vs Royal Caribbean: The Food

I have to admit, when it comes to food Royal Caribbean blows MSC out of the water. Though, you shouldn’t ever book any cruise because of food. Typically cruise food is all comparable.

Every cruise will have additional dining options that you can pay extra for–they typically serve better food. Most of the time, you’ll need to make reservations ahead of your cruise date as they fill quickly.

Both have relatively similar buffets, though Royal Caribbean seems to have a better layout and labeled stations, whereas MSC is just one line.

For the main dining, you’ll find that most cruise lines allow you to order multiple entrees. This is true for Royal Caribbean . However, on MSC you’ll have to pay an additional fee if you want more than one entree. They will let you order multiple appetizers or desserts though.

Both cruise lines will allow you to bring your own snacks on board. Royal Caribbean will even allow you to bring some bottled water or soda, too. I would recommend bringing a tumbler though, so you can easily fill up at water stations.

MSC vs Royal Caribbean: Other Key Differences

There are a few other things to consider when comparing MSC vs Royal Caribbean . There are certainly major differences regarding boarding, service, app usage, and more.

Embarkation

Upon checking in for your cruise (typically within 30 days of your departure), you’ll receive a specific time frame in which you can arrive to your port and board the ship.

On Royal Caribbean , we’ve always breezed right through security and boarded the ship with no problems or waiting time.

However, on MSC , we experienced long lines and wait times. From other research, this is a frequent occurrence and not just a one time thing we experienced. People were still getting off the ship, which caused major delays for everyone boarding. In total, I think it took about 80 minutes for us to board the MSC Seashore.

You’ll want to download your cruise line’s app to your phone. This is where you can keep track of purchases, see your itinerary, and more. It’s also a way for you to message others on the ship without using data or purchasing additional wifi.

The Royal Caribbean app seemed much more advanced in my opinion. Guests are able to book shows, see a full list of activities, and more. Guests are also able to see most of the on board itinerary ahead of time unlike MSC where you’re unable to see shows until you’re on board the ship. On MSC , most of your daily activities will be printed on paper and delivered to your cabin daily for you to view.

A great thing about MSC Cruises is that they offer a best value rate which includes wifi and the easy plus drinks package (soda, beer, select cocktails, etc). It’s also still very affordable.

While Royal Caribbean is going to cost a few hundred more, they do offer a wide array of onboard activities and entertainment. Generally, you’ll also experience better food and service, too.

Overall Experience

Overall, if we solely based our cruise decision on the kid’s waterpark we would book the MSC Seashore 1000%. MSC also offers 2 night cruises, which I think are perfect for testing the waters with cruising with kids .

If you want to ensure you have the best first-time overall cruise experience, then I would go with Royal Caribbean .

No matter what cruise line you decide to book, I think it’s important to have realistic expectations. It’s always a great idea to join Facebook cruise groups, watch YouTube reviews, and more.

We enjoyed both Royal Caribbean and MSC for various reasons. So, I think it’s important to determine why you’re cruising–do you like the all-inclusivity of it all, the experience, the drink packages, etc?

Let me know if you have any questions regarding either of these ships and I’d be happy to help!

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The comments.

Excellent comparison of MSC and Royal Caribbean! Your focused insights on key features like cabins and activities are a great help for families planning cruises. Thanks for the concise guide!

What a fabulous and helpful comparison between the two cruise options. All the details you provided will really help enable an informed decision, based on what is important to a cruiser. I’m going to send this to my friends with kids!

Great information! We considered doing a MSC cruise for the Mediterranean. I didn’t know enough about the line to book it. This gave some great insight into the differences.

MSC truly has some beautiful ships. I’ve heard great things about the Mediterranean cruises.

Looks like you had a great holiday and your family too!

I’ve personally never been on a cruise but your post is really intriguing me to book a trip! Loved your pictures 🙂

The two night cruise would be perfect for you to give cruising a try!

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11 Important Differences Between MSC Cruises and Other Major Lines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Premium Extra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on Sailing MSC:

Worth It? Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages

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

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Took my four times to read your article. The stupid ads kept interfering sending you back to the start. Annoying Should be fixed! Bob

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Tell me about MSC vs. Royal Caribbean

By emory2001 , June 1, 2018 in MSC Cruises

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I'm a long-time Royal Caribbean cruiser, but I'm starting to venture out and try other brands. We're in the early planning of a northern Europe cruise, and I'm exploring itineraries on several cruise lines. What are the most significant pros and cons, or things you really like, about MSC?

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tallnthensome

MSC Seaside has one of the best water parks around as well as the jungle pool with the retractable roof. Food was great in the MDR and all the buffets. Service was great in both as well. Ship is beautiful. Excursions were like any other cruise, they were good. Shows on the Seaside make many other cruise offerings look like high school plays. Michael Jackson's timeless is simply unreal! We had a balcony. Space was fine but the bathroom and shower could have been better. You're family ( I have 8 and 10 year old girls) sailed the Seaside in April, our first MSC . It was phenomenal and the price blows away anything RC can offer ........ I've sailed MSC, Carnival, NCL, Princess, and Holland BTW .....

Ok!... If really the destinations are your main thing MSC might be great for you!

First of all: European cruises are very port intensive by design. You will rarely have a sea day, or you might have the odd sea day at the beginning or the end of your cruise! So ship extra kid or youth amenities are really not that important... And being European, sometimes MSC has some very unique itineraries, even if using the smaller and older ships...

Food is subjective. For me RCI has better buffets... But MSC has a far better MDR offering even if by design dinners are a bit longer at MSC due to the fact that family dinner is seen as an experience by itself for us southern Europeans!...

IMHO MSC ships are more beautiful than RCI. Cleanliness is somewhat better as well... Service may vary ship by ship and saailing by sailing on both lines. I personally prefer MSC service because it is not "on your face" that means you'll generally have to ask while on RCI you'll have someone anticipating your needs and asking to help...

Bar service is similar even though there is quite a difference in the general way Europeans see a bar against the Americans. For us a bar is a place where you go to socialise and the drinks are secondary. For the Americans a bar seems to be a place where you go specifically to drink. 18+ years old are eligible to drink alcohol in any European trip. Kids are welcome at every MSC bar and they have their own non alcoholic "kids cocktails" on the menu to chose from!...

The most strange things that seem to make most of the complains here in CC are the fact that you need to pay for water at dinner... That is being remedied with a dinner water package for the American market or you may have an AI drinks package and just ask your server to just have the water at the table. They will be more than happy to provide! The other thing, even though people don't mention it many times is the way they serve coffee. Here in southern Europe it is usual for us to have coffee at a different place than the place where we eat. So we eat at a restaurant and we go on a coffee bar afterwards to have coffee... While this is modifying somewhat with restaurants now providing coffee, MSC remains loyal to the old tradition and serving coffee at the bars and not at the MDR. Oh, and if you want the big cup of American coffee ask the bartender for an Americano! Otherwise for just a coffee we understand a tiny cup with an espresso shot inside!...

By the way: With a so port intensive you will be at the ship basically for the evening to have dinner, some entertainment and to sleep. If you are OK with multinational environment and you enjoy a somewhat different than usual or new experience you'll be fine. Unique caveat is that some excursions may be done in 2 languages... But well... I had the same experience in an RCI cruise, so...

Entertainment depends on the ship you are going. Nothing beats an RCI Oasis class of ships... But hey! Those ships won't go to northern Europe!... You'll be fine on MSC. Note though that there won't be comedians aboard... They will have mostly music dance and other visual performances good for the multilingual environment!...

Hope to have helped a little bit!... Have a nice day!... :)

This sounds fantastic for us! Thank you for the detailed information.

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glittergal1

Only 2% of the passengers speak or understand English, but no problem with the crew   Sent from my Lenovo K8 Note using Forums mobile app

I would think it is much higher than this I found that many of the European guests have English as a second Language , many are taught English in school it really is a universal language

While I'm sure many won't speak English, it may also be the case that with their families on board they are speaking their native language, but maybe they can also speak or understand at least some English. Our Danish exchange student was fluent in English and made straight A's in her English literature class here, because they start teaching it at 7 years old in school there. We didn't know whether or how well she would speak English until after she was matched with us and we Skyped with her before her arrival. Either way, I don't think that would bother us. We enjoy multi-culturalism.

I just experienced it. 40% Italian, 50% French, 5% Spanish, 2% English, 3% Russian and others.

yes that may well be the nationalities on board but it doesnt mean they dont speak English

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10 differences between MSC and NCL/Royal Caribbean

The following points are based on my experience cruising onboard the MSC Meraviglia. I have previously been on 9 NCL cruises and 1 with Royal Caribbean which I use in this comparison.

The differences are related to the following:

• Itineraries
• Entertainment
• Cruise Cards

1 – Languages spoken onboard

Ncl/royal caribbean.

If you cruise with NCL/Royal Caribbean you will rarely hear announcements in any language other than English. All the signs are in English and English is the language spoken in the bars, restaurants and theatre shows. Even if you are cruising from a country which doesn’t speak English the majority of passengers onboard will speak English.

Onboard MSC everything is done in a multitude of languages. When I was onboard the MSC Meravigilia I counted most announcements being done in 7 languages! This was usually all by one person may I add, which made me incredibly impressed as I only speak one language. It can make things a bit confusing as you are constantly listening out for the ‘English bit’ in the announcements and looking for the English version of the menus and written instructions.

Which did I prefer?

I actually enjoy hearing things in other languages, it reminds me that I am abroad and not at home! It did get a bit confusing at time though so it’s NCL/Royal Caribbean for me.

2 – Itineraries and embarkation

Cruises typically have a start and end point. There may be some variation on this, for example taking a longer or shorter cruise than standard, but nevertheless, there is always an obvious embarkation and disembarkation day. As a result, the lifeboat drill happens once and everybody attends.

Passengers can get on and off at almost any port. There is no set embarkation and disembarkation day with people coming and going almost every day. This means that everybody is at a different stage in their cruise, it is strange seeing some peoples suitcases outside their doors ready to leave when you are just starting your cruise!

During the cruise, there will be lots of mini lifeboat drills for the guests that have just joined. It was a little bit weird ignoring the other lifeboat drills as they were announced around the ship. It is worth noticing too that the services around the ship do stop when life boat drills take place, even if you personally don’t have to go to the lifeboat drill.

I like the flexibility of MSC which really allows you to pick the cruise dates that suit you. We were on a very strict time schedule when we booked this cruise. If the cruise had been a day earlier or later we wouldn’t have been able to cruise at all. So it’s MSC for me on this one.

3 – Entertainment

I love the entertainment onboard NCL ships. Priscilla Queen of the desert onboard the Norwegian Epic was one of the best shows that I have ever seen. I actually booked to see it on land after I came back from my cruise and to be honest it was better on the ship!

Royal Caribbean and NCL usually have a combination of musicals, musicians, bands, comedians/jugglers etc. They also have a lot of other entertainment going on around the ship during the day and into the evening.

The entertainment on MSC tries its best to appeal to a very large audience who speak a variety of languages. Because of the language barrier, they are unable to have Broadway-style shows/musicals, preferring instead to stick to dancing and singing (mostly in English though may I add!)

Onboard the Meraviglia we saw shows which featured the dancers dressed as emojis and dogs. It was definitely ‘entertaining! but not the best entertainment I’ve seen at sea.

NCL/Royal Caribbean without a doubt. I did know what to expect when I cruised with MSC but honestly even I was a little confused by the dancing dogs, barking at things and pretending to lick their private parts!

I did watch Cirque du Soleil onboard though which I did enjoy and a Christmas show on Christmas eve.

MSC’s Christmas Show

4 – Activating your cruise card

When cruising with NCL/Royal Caribbean you set up your credit/debit card at check-in. You can also pay in cash at the end of your cruise although I have never done this.

You need to set up your credit/debit card when onboard the ship. Dotted around the ship are machines which you use to link your cruise card to your card. You have to touch your card against the machine (contactless) and then insert your credit/debit card. At this point, you can select if you would like to attach the same card to any other cruise accounts.

NCL/Royal Caribbean. It’s a bit of a faff trying to find a machine and remember to set up your card. Probably just me being lazy though!

5 – Buying drinks

If you have a beverage package onboard NCL/Royal Caribbean you just have to show the waiter your card and your drinks will appear. Woohoo! They may take your card to swipe but half the time they don’t even bother with that.

Onboard MSC you have to sign for every single drink that you have. I had the unlimited beverage package and if I ordered a drink I would have to sign a little electronic tablet which told me how much was included in my package and how much would be charged to my card. It makes sense!

I think I prefer the NCL/Royal Caribbean way of ordering drinks. MSC’s tablet does make sense but I am just far too lazy for that. I also worry about how many germs are on the touch screen of the tablet considering that MSC rarely had any hand sanitiser (more on that later).

6 – The onboard service

Service on the two cruise lines is very American in its approach. What I mean by that is very friendly and waiters will keep coming back to your table to ask you how your meal is. I can’t help but think of Johnny Rockets here where the waiters literally danced for you during your meal! The idea seems to be that the passenger is always right and the staff will go out of their way to make you happy.

I had read many bad reviews about the service on MSC before cruising with them. We didn’t encounter any bad service at all, it was quite different to the service onboard NCL/Royal Caribbean though. Onboard MSC the waiters will bring you your food but then don’t continually come back to ask you how it is, they will, of course, be happy to help if you have a problem though.

All in all the service onboard MSC was good, everything that we needed to have done for us was done but it didn’t feel as forced or overly friendly as I am used to onboard NCL/Royal Caribbean.

Probably NCL/Royal Caribbean. I quite enjoy the over the top American-ness of the service.

7 – Soda

If you order a soda it’ll probably come from a fountain and it’ll be full to the brim with ice (unless you ask for no ice).

If you order a soda onboard MSC it’ll come in a can and they won’t give you ice unless you specifically say that you want some. Woohoo!

MSC without a shadow of a doubt. I hate having ice in my drinks, especially when it isn’t hot outside. It’s also nice to get proper Pepsi from a can rather than the diluted fountain stuff.

8 – Hygiene (Washy washy!)

When cruising with NCL/Royal Caribbean you can expect to be greeted with hand sanitiser everywhere that you go. Hand sanitiser is based at the entrance to every restaurant and you have to sanitise your hands before getting on the ship. At the buffet, you may even have a person with a bottle of hand sanitiser making sure that every person who enters the buffet sanitises. They’ll sometimes sing songs at the same time…

NCL reminds you to sanitise regularly and states that ‘washy washy = happy happy’.

When we cruised with MSC we saw very little hand sanitiser. There were a few machines dotted around the ship but they were often empty and when we stopped to use them other passengers looked at us like we were being a little mad. When we boarded the ship there were a number of occasions where they were was no hand sanitser at all. They had sinks and taps at the entrance to the buffet but we rarely saw anybody use them apart from us.

NCL/Royal Caribbean! I am aware that hand sanitser doesn’t kill norovirus and other flu bugs but it would have been better than nothing. There are so many winter coughs and colds going around at the moment that the lack of hand sanitiser was really worrying. This may be different on other ships though as I am basing this purely on my experience on the Meraviglia.

9 – Food

I love the food on NCL/Royal Caribbean ships. In my past experiences, the food has always been good and the portions are a fair size. The buffet has variety of foods from around the world but always has American options like burgers and hot dogs. NCL also have O’sheehans which I visit often, sometimes between meals… O’Sheehans is a bar and grill and is a great place to get some mozzarella sticks, a burger or some buffalo wings.

The food in the main dining room was much more ‘Mediterranean’ than I am used to eating at home (lots of pasta and vegetables). The buffet was mostly pizza/pasta/bread but they did have an ‘ethnic’ corner and a grill which had burgers and hot dogs. I am aware of a number of complaints online about the food on MSC but I really don’t understand the complaints and/or didn’t have the same experiences. The food was of high quality, hot and although the portions were smaller than I am used to at home, it probably did all of our waistlines some good!

I will be writing a full review of the food onboard MSC with lots of pictures of food and menus. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled for that!

I think NCL/Royal Caribbean still win on this one for me, just because I like American food and one of my favourite things about cruising is overeating (hard to do that on vegetables). It was fun to try new foods onboard MSC though and I would definitely urge people to ignore negative reviews about MSC’s food! I also enjoyed how long the buffet was open for on MSC, considerably longer and later than on my last Royal Caribbean cruise.

MSC Main dining room

10 – Theatre

On both these cruise lines it is almost expected that you will have a drink when you watch a show in the Theatre. Most cruise ships will have a bar within the theatre and waiters will often wander around the crowds asking passengers if they would like a drink.

There was no bar in the theatre onboard the Meraviglia and I believe this is the same for most of (if not all) of the MSC ships. Please let me know if I am wrong about this one! MSC don’t seem to allow drinks in the theatre at all, even if ordered at another bar.

NCL/Royal Caribbean of course. I love having a drink when watching a theatre show although it really made very little difference to me when I was unable to.

Conclusions!

I love cruising with MSC and I love cruising with NCL/Royal Caribbean. They are pretty different in a number of areas but I don’t think that one is necessarily better than the other. I would definitely consider a cruise with MSC again and would like to encourage everybody loyal to NCL/Royal Caribbean to try MSC. That said, it is important to remember that it is an italian line which do things differently to the American/British lines.

I will be bringing you guys a lot more info about the Meraviglia in the coming few weeks. Cabin tours, ship tours, food reviews and loads more I’m sure. Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube too as I have a lot to show you: Emma Cruises.

Have you ever cruised with MSC or NCL/Royal Caribbean? Lets me know in the comments.

Monday 4th of February 2019

hi Emma, I am hoping that you with your experience can help me to answer a silly question for the 1st time cruiser. My 5 year old son and I booked to go on MSC Meraviglia Mediterranean cruise in the 2nd half of February. I am a bit confused if I should pack a lot of warm clothes or not. People have given me mixed feedbacks, some said it's going to be VERY warm - hence only need T-shirts and some said definitely jumpers . Could you kindly let me know if it's warm on board like you would have in a normal home during the winter or otherwise? thank you in advance;

Emma Le Teace

Hey Yelena! I got back from the Mediterranean on Sunday and it was really quite chilly. On average around 12c but we did need a coat on a couple of days.

I wouldn't think it would be warm enough for just tshirts, definitely bring jumpers and if you can take off your jumper thats a bonus! :)

Friday 5th of October 2018

Thank you for writing this blog, it is just what I need!

I am planning to cruise Baltic area in May 2019. I have been on RC ( Ovations of the Seas) before. so wanted to try MSC Meraviglia. but then I found so many negative reviews online! main complaints were on service and food quality.... I was struggling between MSC and RC. After reading about your experience, I will just give MSC a try. (just need to bring my own supply of hand sanitizer!) I do hope MSC has noticed the negative comments on internet and have improved cruise operation.

Tuesday 9th of October 2018

Hey! I've just booked the MSC Meraviglia again for January so I think that goes to show that I think it's good! It definitely is a different experience to Royal Caribbean but that isn't a bad thing. I hope you have a super time! Thanks for commenting.

Fred Folson

Friday 27th of July 2018

My family and I have cruise RCCL suite, Disney Concierge suite, and MSC Yacht Club and we prefer the MSC Yacht Club over those three cruise lines. We've had some of our best family vacations aboard the MSC Divina and will soon be cruising aboard MSC Seaside in one of her two Royal Suites. I'm 50 now and I think I've found the cruise line I'm sticking with for my cruise vacations for the rest of my days.

Saturday 4th of August 2018

Ooo that's good to know! Thank you for commenting. I like MSC too :)

Wednesday 17th of January 2018

ha ha! Because I've cruised with both and really noticed very few differences between the two. In comparison to other cruise lines they seem very similar!

What is it you don't like about Royal?

Tracy Gladman

Thursday 11th of January 2018

We will be cruising on Meraviliga in April and am really looking forward to it. Have only cruised with P&O before so not much to compare it with. Will be interesting to see the difference.

Absolutely, think they'll be quite different. P&O are very British. You'll enjoy both though!

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MSC Seascape vs Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

The MSC Seascape is a fairly new ship, being built in 2022. The MSC Seashore has a New York City-inspired aestheic complete with a 10-foot-fall replica of the Statue of Liberty at the heart of the casino and shopping area called Times Square. It's 6 years newer than the Harmony of the Seas , which was built in 2016.

Comparison Overview

Number of passengers, food and restaurants, bars and drinks, pools and hot tubs, ship features and activities, cruise costs, onboard costs.

• See Our Detailed Cruise Blog

The Seascape is considered a large size ship. Coming in at 1,060 feet long and 135 feet wide, it's roughly the length of 2.9 football fields, as wide as 2.5 tractor-trailers and the same height as a 15-story building. Compared to the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas, the Seascape is 25% smaller in terms of overall tons.

MSC Seascape holds about the same number of passengers as the Harmony of the Seas based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you look at the "Space Ratio," or the total tonnage of a ship compared to the number of passengers, the Seascape has less space per person compared to the Harmony of the Seas.

The Harmony of the Seas uses a neighborhood layout to break up large crowds across the ship, often making it feel less crowded.

Food is a big part of any cruise, and the ship you choose can make a huge difference in your food experience.

The Seascape has 16 different dining options like Butcher's Cut , Kaito Sushi Bar , and Ocean Cay Restaurant . Of those options, 7 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 9 options have an additional fee.

The Harmony of the Seas has 10 more dining venues. Some of its popular venues are Windjammer , Vitality Cafe , and Sabor . 14 of these restaurants are complementary and the other 12 have an additional fee.

If you like having a variety of places to eat, the Harmony of the Seas might be a better choice. It has 63% more dining options than the Seascape.

If you're looking to avoid extra money while on board, the Harmony of the Seas might be a better choice then the Seascape. More of the dining options are included in the base cruise fare, potentially saving you money.

The MSC Seascape has 1 fewer bar than the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas. The Seascape has 19 bars like Casino Bar, Loft Cafe and Sky Bar. On Seascape, you can grab a drink at 20 different bars such as Casino Bar, Dazzles and Suite Sun Deck Bar.

In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. Both ships serve the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship. Most Royal Caribbean ships also have Coke Freestyle machines where you can make 100 different flavor combinations.

You can check out recent the bar menus for the Harmony of the Seas below.

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day for 7 days in a pool, a cruise isn't for you. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The MSC Seascape has a total of 5 pools and 15 hot tubs. Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools are adults only. 2 of the pools and 3 of the hot tubs are exclusive access, which means there's either an extra charge to access them or you need to book a certain class of cabin to have access to them.

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas has fewer pools than the Seascape and fewer hot tubs. There are fewer exclusive pools and hot tubs on the Harmony of the Seas. If you like ships without extra charges or exclusive areas, this might be a better choice since everyone will have access to these areas.

Both ships have lots of activities to keep you busy throughout your cruise. Below you'll see a list of some of the major features on these ships. You might up paying more while on board the Seascape. Only 54% of the activities below are included in your cruise fare. On the Harmony of the Seas, 77% of the activities are included at no additional cost.

MSC and Royal Caribbean are both considered "Mainstream" cruise lines. Mainstream cruise lines cater to a variety of guests, hoping to provide something for everyone. These typically cost about $100 - $350 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year. Typically newer ships cost more, so a cruise on MSC Seascape will likely be more expensive than on Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas.

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you compare onboard prices to see if you might spend more on a specific ship.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, which means the pricing for many things will vary per sailing. The daily gratuities and tip are consistent across the fleet, but the pricing for the drink package, internet, and excursions will change. The only way to know your price is to consult the Royal Caribbean cruise planner once you're booked.

We sailed aboard the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Follow along on our sailing on the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas. We take you through every aspect of our sailing, from getting to the port to debarking the ship. See the schedule of events, menus, what excursions we did, and what we really thought about the ship.

Harmony of the Seas - Cruise Blog - Day 1 - Fort Lauderdale

Harmony of the Seas - Cruise Blog - Day 2 - Sea Day

Harmony of the Seas - Cruise Blog - Day 3 - Costa Maya

Harmony of the Seas - Cruise Blog - Day 4 - Cozumel

Harmony of the Seas - Cruise Blog - Day 5 - Sea Day

5 Hits and Misses on Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

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MSC Cruises makes bold moves to take on Carnival, Royal Caribbean

R oyal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have bet big on bigger, better, and newer ships to drive their business. Both cruise lines have been pushing boundaries on their ships adding features like aerial ropes courses, skydiving, bumper cars, roller coasters, and ever-bigger waterslides and parks.

In many cases, both cruise lines have pursued a "the ship is the destination" strategy because their largest ships cannot stop in many ports. That strategy has led Royal Caribbean to invest heavily in its Perfect Day at Coco Cay as well as its upcoming Nassau and Cozumel beach clubs.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line shuts down illegal on-board activity

Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) has followed that strategy with its upcoming port destination Celebration Key in Grand Bahama.

In addition, both cruise lines have bet heavily on short 3-4 day cruises to get new customers hooked on the product. Royal Caribbean has been sailing those short itineraries with the Oasis-class Allure of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. 

That's a first for the cruise line which will pave the way for an even more historic move. Royal Caribbean's next ship, the Oasis-class Utopia of the Seas will take over those short sailings from Allure of the Seas when the new ship begins sailing in July. 

Traditionally, Royal Caribbean has used its newest ships to offer 7-day sailings as they generally sell at a premium price, Icon of the Seas, for example, has been selling at a huge premium compared even to Wonder of the Seas, the ship that preceded it.

Now, MSC Cruise, which has been expanding its presence in the United States plans two moves to compete with Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

MSC Cruises has a new flagship 

MSC has been slowly stepping up its presence in the United States. The cruise line sails out of New York, Miami, and Port Canaveral. The cruise line will bring its new flagship, MSC World America to Miami in Summer 2025.

"MSC Cruises will have two ships sailing from its next-generation terminal at PortMiami — set to be the world’s largest—for the summer 2025 season. Miami’s newest mega-ship, the highly anticipated flagship MSC World America will be embarking on her inaugural season in April 2025," the cruise line shared.

The new ship is designed to compete with Royal Caribbean and Carnival's top-tier ships.

"As the second in MSC Cruises’ trailblazing World Class, the ship will be MSC Cruises’ largest U.S.-based vessel and redefine the cruise experience for her guests. The LNG-powered MSC World America will offer 7-night sailings departing on Saturdays to both eastern and western Caribbean ports, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay," the company added.

Ocean Cay is MSC's private island, a huge beach with food and bar options as well as a lighthouse that's sometimes used for nighttime laser shows.

MSC adds 3-4 days sailings

Royal Caribbean to an even bigger extent than Carnival has bet big on shorter sailings. Offering 3-4 day itineraries can be enticing to passengers who might be wary of taking a cruise.

In theory, offering a short sailing on a top-tier, brand-new ship like Utopia of the Seas, or even the older, but still impressive Allure of the Seas will get customers hooked on cruises. MSC plans to make a similar move by shifting two of its higher-end ships, MSC Seaside and MSC Seashore to shorter itineraries at least some of the time.

"MSC Seascape will also call the new PortMiami terminal home, offering a mix of 7-night itineraries in the eastern and western Caribbean along with new 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas and Ocean Cay to meet the growing demand for mini-cruises," the cruise line shared.

The company has never used its EVO Class ships to offer short cruises from Miami. Seascape's sailings will include an overnight stay at Ocean Cay, "giving guests more time to enjoy the cruise line’s private island with activities including a sunset champagne cruise, beachside stargazing, and a lighthouse LED show."

In addition, MSC Seashore will sail similar itineraries from Port Canaveral. 

"From Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore will sail a range of itinerary options, including short 3- and 4-night escapes to The Bahamas. Some of the ship’s 7-night itineraries start out with two days at Ocean Cay followed by stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya," the cruise line added.