Your Ultimate Guide to Cruising with MSC

For many of our members, MSC hits that sweet spot between adventure and affordability. It’s a cruise line that encourages you to live life to the fullest, with a vibrant energy that’s truly infectious. Here are a few of the high-joy reasons our senior travellers are drawn to MSC.

• Exceptional Value for Money: Let’s be frank, MSC offers some of the most competitive prices at sea. The lead-in fares are often unbeatable, and when you add the fantastic senior discount of up to 10% for travellers aged 65+, it makes seeing the world on a beautiful ship incredibly accessible.⁷
• Stunning, Modern Ships: The fleet is one of the newest in the world, and it shows. The ships are beautifully designed with a touch of Italian glamour—think sparkling Swarovski crystal staircases, grand atriums, and stylish lounges. It often feels like you’re getting a premium experience for a budget-friendly price.⁶
• A World of Destinations: MSC’s itineraries are truly global. Whether you’re keen to explore the classic ports of the Mediterranean, soak up the sun in the Caribbean, or embark on a once-in-a-lifetime World Cruise that stops right here in Australia, MSC can take you there.¹⁴
• A Lively and Social Atmosphere: If you enjoy a bit of buzz and love to socialise, MSC is a perfect fit. The evenings are filled with live music in multiple venues, the entertainment team hosts fun themed parties like the famous “White Party,” and there are always plenty of people keen for a spin on the dance floor.10
• The MSC Yacht Club—An Exclusive Escape: For a special occasion or for those who prefer a quieter, more luxurious holiday, the MSC Yacht Club is a brilliant option. It’s an all-inclusive, private sanctuary with its own restaurant, lounge, and pool deck. You get all the benefits of a large ship’s amenities with the exclusivity and personal service (including a 24/7 butler) of a small luxury vessel.³⁵

Did You Know?

MSC Cruises is part of a much larger, privately-owned family company that started with just one cargo ship in 1970! The Aponte family’s 300-year maritime heritage is why you’ll feel that deep connection to the sea on every one of their beautiful ships.¹

A little planning goes a long way to ensuring your MSC cruise is smooth sailing from the get-go. Here’s what you need to know before you book.

Best Times to Book

Timing your booking can lead to significant savings. Keep an eye out for these key periods:

• Wave Season (January to March): This is the cruise industry’s biggest sale period. Cruise lines, including MSC, release their best offers of the year, often bundling reduced fares with valuable perks like included drink packages, Wi-Fi, or onboard spending money.⁴³
• Advance Bookings (9-18 months out): If you have your heart set on a specific itinerary (like a World Cruise) or a particular cabin type (like an accessible suite), booking well in advance is the best way to secure your spot and often comes with early-bird discounts.⁴⁴
• Last-Minute Deals (30-90 days out): For those with flexible schedules, fantastic deals can pop up a couple of months before sailing, especially on popular Mediterranean and Caribbean routes. The trade-off is less choice when it comes to cabin location and sometimes higher airfares.⁴⁴
• Shoulder Seasons: To avoid the biggest crowds and highest prices, consider travelling during the “shoulder season”—the period just before or after peak time. For the Mediterranean, this means May or October, when the weather is still lovely but the ports are quieter.⁴⁴

Getting the Best Value

MSC’s pricing is built around different “Experiences,” and choosing the right one is key to getting the best value for your holiday style. Many of the frustrations some travellers report stem from not understanding these tiers, so getting this right at booking is crucial for a great trip.⁴⁷

• Bella Experience: This is the lead-in, no-frills fare. You get a “guarantee” cabin (meaning MSC assigns your room number) and have to pay a delivery fee for room service breakfast. It’s the cheapest option, but offers the least flexibility.
• Fantastica Experience: This is often the best-value choice for seniors. For a modest price increase, you get to choose your cabin location (essential for those wanting to be mid-ship or near a lift) and your preferred dinner seating time. It also includes free delivery for continental breakfast in your cabin—a lovely perk.⁴⁹
• Aurea Experience: This tier is focused on wellness and relaxation. It includes all Fantastica benefits plus flexible “My Choice” dining times, priority boarding, and free access to the spa’s thermal suite for the entire cruise. It’s a great option if you plan to spend a lot of time unwinding at the spa.⁴⁹

When deciding, think about what matters most to you. If being able to choose a quiet cabin away from noisy areas and enjoying a cuppa on your balcony in the morning is important, the small extra cost for the Fantastica experience is well worth it.

When it comes to booking, using a trusted travel agent can be a great help. They often have access to special deals and can manage all the details for you, providing peace of mind. However, if you’re comfortable booking online, MSC’s website is straightforward to use.

Travel Tip: Choosing Your Cabin Wisely

For the smoothest ride with the least motion, book a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. If you anticipate spending lots of time at the buffet or pools, a cabin on a higher deck will save you from relying on the lifts, which can get very busy. To minimise noise, check the deck plans and avoid cabins directly below the pool deck or lido buffet, or above the theatre and late-night lounges.⁵²

Pre & Post Cruise Options

To make your journey as seamless as possible, MSC offers “Fly & Cruise” packages. These bundles include your flights, airport-to-port transfers, and the cruise itself, taking all the logistical stress out of your hands.⁵³ You can also often book pre-cruise hotel stays through MSC, ensuring you arrive at the port rested and ready for embarkation.

From a quick and casual bite to an elegant multi-course meal, MSC offers a wide range of dining experiences.

Main Dining Options

• Main Dining Room: This is the classic cruise dining experience with sit-down table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu changes daily and features a multi-course selection of appetizers, soups, pastas, main courses, and desserts. You’ll be assigned a table for the duration of the cruise. Dinner is served in two traditional seatings: Early (around 6:00 PM) and Late (around 8:30 PM). Guests who book the Aurea Experience can enjoy “My Choice” dining, allowing them to arrive at any time during opening hours.⁶⁹
• Buffet: The Marketplace Buffet is a massive, casual dining venue that’s open for approximately 20 hours a day. It offers an incredible variety of food across different stations, including a pizzeria, pasta station, meat carvery, salad bar, and an ethnic corner with dishes from around the world. It’s a great option for a quick, flexible meal at any time.⁷⁰
• Specialty Restaurants: For a special night out, you can book a table at one of the specialty restaurants for an extra charge. Popular options include the American-style steakhouse Butcher’s Cut, the Japanese Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, and the vibrant HOLA! Tacos & Cantina. A three-course meal at Butcher’s Cut costs around US39(approx.A60) per person when booked as part of a dining package.⁷¹

Dietary & Health Accommodations

• Special Diets: MSC is well-equipped to handle most dietary needs, including gluten-free, low-sodium, diabetic, and vegetarian. It is crucial that you inform the cruise line of any requirements by filling out the Special Needs Form at the time of booking. Once onboard, it’s also a good idea to speak with the Maître d’hôtel in the main dining room on the first day to confirm your needs.⁶⁶ On most ships, MSC offers certified gluten-free menus in the main restaurants.
• Room Service: A continental breakfast can be delivered to your cabin each morning. For guests with the Fantastica or Aurea experience, the delivery is complimentary. For Bella guests, a delivery fee of around US5(A8) applies. An all-day menu with sandwiches, salads, and soups is also available for a fee, as is a hot breakfast menu and a dinner menu with more substantial options.⁷⁹
• Tea & Coffee: Regular brewed coffee, a selection of teas, and hot water are available free of charge, 24/7, in the buffet restaurant. Specialty coffees like cappuccinos and espressos, as well as any coffee or tea ordered from a bar or in the main dining room, are an extra charge unless you have a beverage package.⁸¹

Senior Saver: Drink Package Value

An MSC drink package can be excellent value if you plan on enjoying a few drinks throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is that if you’ll have more than four or five alcoholic beverages or specialty coffees daily, a package will likely save you money. The Premium Extra Package is the most comprehensive, covering nearly all drinks up to US16(A25) per glass. The key is to book your package online before you sail, as this can save you up to 40% compared to onboard prices.⁸³

Be aware that from April 2025, this package will have a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks—more than enough for most people, but good to know.⁸³

If both guests in a cabin want a package, both must purchase one.⁸⁴

Staying in touch with loved ones back home or simply surfing the web is straightforward on an MSC cruise.

• Wi-Fi Packages & Speeds: MSC uses a satellite internet connection, which is not as fast as your broadband at home but is generally reliable for everyday tasks. They offer two main unlimited data packages, which must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise:
  • Browse Package: Good for checking emails, browsing websites, and using social media apps. A 7-day plan for one device costs around US112(approx.A170) when booked pre-cruise.
  • Browse & Stream Package: Offers faster speeds suitable for video calls (like FaceTime or Skype) and streaming services. A 7-day plan for one device costs around US140(approx.A215) when booked pre-cruise.
    It’s always cheaper to purchase your package online before you sail.⁹
• Mobile Coverage & Roaming: Your Australian mobile will work perfectly when you are in port, but be sure to check the international roaming rates with your provider to avoid bill shock. At sea, your phone will connect to the ship’s cellular network, which is extremely expensive. It’s best to switch your phone to airplane mode once the ship sails and rely on the Wi-Fi.
• Tech Help Desks: For any issues with the ship’s Wi-Fi or the MSC for Me app, the Guest Services desk is your first port of call.
• The MSC for Me App: This is an incredibly useful tool. Before your cruise, download the app to your smartphone or tablet to check in, book shore excursions, and make specialty dining reservations. Once onboard, you can connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi for free to use the app. It allows you to view the daily schedule, see an interactive map of the ship, track your onboard spending, and even send free text messages to your travel companions on the same ship. It’s a great way to stay organised and connected without needing to buy an internet package.⁹⁵
• Calling Home: The most cost-effective way to call home is by using a Wi-Fi calling app like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime. This will require you to purchase the “Browse & Stream” internet package.

Your wellbeing is a top priority on any cruise, and MSC has comprehensive systems in place to ensure you can relax with peace of mind.

• Medical Facility Standards: Every MSC ship has a modern, well-equipped Medical Centre that functions much like a private clinic. It is staffed by qualified doctors and registered nurses who are available for scheduled appointments and on-call 24/7 for emergencies. Consultations, treatments, and medications are charged to your onboard account.⁶⁵
• Prescription Medication Policies: You should bring all necessary prescription medications with you for the entire duration of your trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. It is essential to carry them in your hand luggage, not in your checked bags. While not strictly required, it is highly recommended to keep them in their original, labelled containers and to carry a letter from your doctor listing your conditions and medications.⁶⁶
• Mobility Equipment Available Onboard: The ship provides wheelchairs for use during embarkation and disembarkation, and in case of an emergency only. If you require a wheelchair or scooter for daily use, you must bring your own. Remember to notify MSC on the Special Needs Form at the time of booking.⁶⁷
• Emergency Evacuation & Insurance: On the first day of your cruise, you will be required to attend a compulsory safety drill where emergency procedures are explained. The crew are highly trained and conduct regular drills for all possible scenarios, including ship evacuation.100 It is absolutely essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers cruising and includes medical evacuation. The cost of medical treatment at sea or an emergency airlift can be astronomical.
• Seasickness Management: If you are prone to motion sickness, booking a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck can help minimise the sensation of movement. Over-the-counter remedies are available from the ship’s medical centre or onboard shops, but it’s always best to bring a supply of whatever works for you from home.
• COVID & Health Protocols: As of 2025, MSC no longer has any COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for boarding. Enhanced cleaning protocols and high standards of hygiene remain in place across the fleet to ensure a healthy environment for all guests.¹⁰²

MSC’s approach to entertainment is focused on fun, spectacle, and activities that bring people together, rather than on quiet, academic pursuits.

• Typical Daily Programs: The daily planner, delivered to your cabin each evening, is packed with options. Daytime activities typically include trivia quizzes, bingo, arts and crafts sessions, and poolside games. In the evening, the focus shifts to the main theatre show, live music in the lounges, and themed deck parties.⁷³
• Guest Speakers & Lectures: This is not a strong point for MSC. Unlike some premium cruise lines that feature historians or naturalists, MSC’s enrichment program is much lighter. You may find a basic talk about the upcoming ports, but don’t expect in-depth, university-style lectures.⁴⁰
• Library & Quiet Spaces: The ships do have libraries, but they are often small and can be busy. For a truly quiet spot to read a book, your own balcony is often the best bet. During the day, some of the upper deck lounges, like the Sky Lounge, can also be peaceful retreats.⁴⁸
• Bridge, Trivia & Dance Classes: Trivia is a daily staple and a great way to meet fellow passengers. Dance classes are a real highlight on MSC. The entertainment team is fantastic at getting everyone involved, teaching steps for everything from the merengue to the waltz. It’s a very social and fun activity, regardless of your skill level.⁴⁰
• Production Show Accessibility: The main theatres are large, modern, and fully accessible, with dedicated spaces for guests using wheelchairs. The shows themselves are primarily musical and visual—featuring spectacular costumes, dancing, and acrobatics—making them enjoyable for everyone, regardless of language.⁴⁰

With its lively atmosphere and international mix of guests, MSC is a wonderful place to meet new people and make lasting friendships.

• Solo Traveller Meet-Ups: MSC is one of the more welcoming lines for solo travellers. They often host a dedicated meet-and-greet for singles on the first day of the cruise. In a thoughtful touch, the dining staff will often seat solo travellers together in the main dining room, which is a fantastic, low-pressure way to find dinner companions for the week.³²
• Special Interest Groups: While there may not be formal clubs for things like knitting or bridge, you will naturally find like-minded people by participating in the daily activities. Join a trivia team, attend a dance class, or simply strike up a conversation at one of the many friendly bars and lounges.
• Dress Codes Explained: The dress code is relaxed and easy to follow.
  • Daytime: Casual is king. Shorts, t-shirts, and comfortable shoes are perfect for exploring the ship or relaxing by the pool.
  • Evening (Smart Casual): On most evenings, the dress code in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants is “Smart Casual.” For gents, this means long trousers and a collared shirt. For ladies, a dress, skirt, or a nice pair of trousers with a blouse is perfect. Smart jeans are generally acceptable.
  • Gala Night: On a 7-night cruise, there are typically two “Gala Nights.” This is your chance to get dressed up in your finest! While not mandatory, many guests enjoy the occasion. A suit and tie or a dinner jacket for men, and a cocktail dress or elegant evening outfit for women, would be appropriate.²³
• Making Friends: The easiest way to meet people is to join in! Don’t be shy about asking to join a table at the buffet or a team at trivia. The shared experience of exploring new places creates a natural bond, and you’ll find most people are friendly and happy to have a chat.

You Should Know: Unwritten Social Etiquette

With a wonderful mix of European and international guests, a friendly smile is the universal language! It’s considered good form not to “reserve” sun loungers by leaving your towel and book on them for hours. While the buffet is casual, it’s polite to pop on a t-shirt or cover-up over your swimwear when you go inside to eat.²³

MSC is known for its fantastic value, but it’s important to understand what’s included in your fare and what will be an extra charge. Being prepared for these costs is the key to a stress-free holiday without any nasty surprises on your final bill. Many of the negative reviews you might read online come from people who were caught off guard by these extras.¹⁸

• What’s Truly Included:
  • Your cabin accommodation.
  • All meals in the main dining rooms and the buffet.
  • Basic beverages in the buffet only (tap water, brewed coffee, tea, and some juices at breakfast).
  • Most entertainment, including the nightly theatre shows and live music.
  • Use of the swimming pools, whirlpools, and the fitness centre.⁷⁰
• Common Extra Charges:
  • Hotel Service Charge (Gratuities): This is a mandatory daily charge (around A$20-25 per person) that is automatically added to your onboard account to cover service in the dining rooms and your cabin.²⁶
  • Drinks: All alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffees outside of the buffet are extra. A service charge of 15-18% is automatically added to every drink order.¹⁰⁷
  • Specialty Dining: All specialty restaurants have either a set cover charge or à la carte pricing.⁷⁸
  • Onboard Activities: While most activities are free, some have a fee, such as bingo, the F1 simulator, the 4D cinema, and the bowling alley.⁴⁷
  • Other Services: Wi-Fi packages, shore excursions, spa and salon services, professional photos, and laundry services are all additional costs.⁷⁵
• Currency & Payment Methods: All onboard purchases are charged to your Cruise Card, which you receive at check-in. This card is linked to a credit card you register. The onboard currency for cruises visiting Australia, and for most Caribbean and World Cruises, is the US Dollar (US$). For Mediterranean cruises, it is the Euro (€).²⁷
• Final Account Settlement: You can monitor your onboard spending at any time via the interactive TV in your cabin or on the MSC for Me app. On the final morning of the cruise, you will receive a final bill, and the total amount will be charged to your registered credit card.
• Tipping Beyond Auto-Gratuities: The daily Hotel Service Charge covers the main tips for your cabin steward and dining room staff. MSC officially does not recommend tipping individual staff members on top of this. However, if you receive truly exceptional service from a particular bartender or waiter, a small cash tip is always a welcome and appreciated gesture.⁷⁵

If you enjoy your first MSC cruise, it’s well worth joining their loyalty program, the MSC Voyagers Club. It’s free to join and offers some excellent perks that become more valuable the more you sail.

• Program Tiers & Earning Structure: The program has five main levels: Welcome, Classic, Silver, Gold, and Diamond. You earn points for every cruise you take, with more points awarded for longer cruises and for booking higher-category “Experiences” (e.g., Aurea earns more points than Bella). You also earn points for your spending onboard.⁸⁸
• Senior-Relevant Perks by Level: The benefits really start to add up as you move up the tiers, and many are particularly useful for senior travellers.
  • All Levels: A 5% discount on all future cruise bookings is the instant reward for joining.
  • Classic Level: You start getting discounts on things like Wi-Fi packages, photos, and spa treatments.
  • Silver Level: You’ll receive onboard credit (US$50) on select “Voyagers Exclusives” sailings and discounts on laundry services.
  • Gold Level: This is where the perks get really good. You receive a complimentary one-hour thermal area session in the spa per cruise—a fantastic benefit! You also get priority disembarkation at tender ports, which is a huge help for avoiding queues, plus a complimentary gift and bathrobes in your cabin.
  • Diamond Level: The top tier offers priority boarding, a complimentary dinner for two in a specialty restaurant, and late check-out from your cabin on disembarkation day.⁴⁵
• Status Match Opportunities: This is one of MSC’s best-kept secrets! If you have elite status with another cruise line’s loyalty program, or even with a hotel chain or airline, MSC will often match your status. This means you could enjoy Gold or Diamond level benefits on your very first cruise with them. It’s absolutely worth applying for online before you book.
• Best Ways to Maximise Benefits: Always book using your Voyagers Club number to get your 5% discount. Keep an eye out for “Voyagers Exclusives” sailings, which offer an additional 5% discount plus double points, helping you climb the tiers faster.⁴⁵

While MSC offers cruises all over the world, here are a couple of itineraries that hold special appeal for Australian mature travellers.

The 2026 World Cruise Comes to Australia

This is the ultimate bucket-list adventure for the serious traveller. MSC is bringing one of its most beloved ships to our shores as part of its grand global voyage.

• Ship: MSC Magnifica. This is a mid-sized Musica-class ship, which is a wonderful choice for a long voyage. It’s comfortable, elegant, and easier to navigate than the mega-ships, making it very popular with mature cruisers.¹⁵
• Duration & Key Ports: The full World Cruise is 119 days, but you can book shorter segments. The Australian leg is part of the magnificent Pacific crossing and includes an overnight stay in Sydney, giving you plenty of time to explore, as well as calls to the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef region.¹⁰⁹
• Price Indicator: A full World Cruise is a significant investment, with prices starting from over A$20,000 per person. Segments are more affordable.
• Why it Suits Mature Travellers: This is a true journey of a lifetime. The pace of a world cruise is generally more relaxed, and it attracts a like-minded, experienced group of travellers. The MSC Magnifica offers a classic and comfortable cruising experience, perfect for such an epic itinerary.¹¹⁰

The Classic 7-Night Western Mediterranean

This is the quintessential MSC experience and a wonderfully affordable way to see the highlights of Europe.

• Ship: Various ships sail this route, often including MSC’s newest and most spectacular vessels like MSC World Europa.
• Season: Year-round, making it a great option for an off-season European escape.
• Key Ports: A typical itinerary might include Genoa (Italy), Marseille (France), and Barcelona (Spain), with other stops in places like Valletta (Malta), Palermo (Sicily), or Tunis (Tunisia).
• Price Indicator: This itinerary offers incredible value, with cruise-only fares sometimes starting from as little as A$900 per person for a week.
• Why it Suits Mature Travellers: It’s a port-intensive journey that packs in a huge amount of culture and history. The ability to embark and disembark at several different ports offers fantastic flexibility when planning your flights and pre- or post-cruise stays.¹¹²

So, after weighing everything up, is an MSC cruise the right choice for your next holiday? It all comes down to your personal travel style and what you value most in a vacation.

Best Suited For…

• Value-Conscious Travellers: If getting a great price is your top priority, MSC is almost impossible to beat. It opens up a world of travel on modern ships for a fraction of the cost of other lines.
• Sociable and Active Seniors: If you love a lively, energetic atmosphere with plenty of music, dancing, and opportunities to meet people from around the world, you will thrive on an MSC cruise.
• Solo Travellers: With solo cabins, good deals on single supplements, and organised meet-ups, MSC is an excellent and affordable choice for those travelling on their own.
• Those Who Appreciate Modern Style: If you enjoy sailing on new, beautifully designed ships with a bit of European glamour, you’ll love the MSC fleet.

May Not Suit…

• Those Seeking Peace and Quiet: MSC ships are large, bustling, and can be noisy. If your idea of a perfect holiday is a quiet corner with a book, you might find the constant energy overwhelming.⁴⁸
• Travellers Who Dislike “Extras”: The business model is based on a low entry price with many add-ons. If the feeling of being “nickel-and-dimed” for things like water at dinner or specialty coffee is frustrating for you, a more all-inclusive cruise line might be a better fit.¹⁸
• Dedicated Foodies: While the food is plentiful and generally considered decent, it is not a gourmet experience. If fine dining is a critical component of your holiday, you may find the included options a bit average.¹⁷
• Those Seeking In-Depth Enrichment: The focus is on fun and entertainment, not education. If you’re looking for expert lectures on history, art, or culture, you won’t find them here.¹⁰³

Overall Recommendation

For the right type of traveller, MSC Cruises offers outstanding value and a wonderfully vibrant holiday. The key is to go in with the right expectations. Understand that it’s a lively, international, resort-style experience, and be prepared to budget for the extras that are important to you, like a drinks package or a few shore excursions. If you do that, you’re set for a magnificent and incredibly affordable adventure on the high seas.

As they say at MSC, it’s “Not just any cruise.” Happy sailing! 🛳️