MSC Fantasia is stylish, balancing warmth and comfort with cutting-edge design.
Ship Type
ocean
Launch Year
2008
Refurbishment Year
N/A
Language
English
Currency
USD
Capacity
4363
Crew Count
1370
Deck Count
14
Length
333.3 metres
Width
38 metres
Cabin Count
1636
Wheelchair Cabin Count
43
MSC Fantasia is stylish, balancing warmth and comfort with cutting-edge design. At its heart you’ll find a real stone piazza complete with an espresso bar serving freshly-baked pastries and authentic gelati, making it the perfect place to take a moment away from bargain hunting in the chic boutiques and duty-free shop nearby.
MSC for Me
MSC technology at the service of the art of hospitality
Every cruise is a special experience and MSC for Me —available on all the smart ships in our fleet*— helps you enjoy every moment in your own special way.
Using advanced digital technology that seamlessly connects guests, crew, and the ship, your time on board is in your hands. Enjoy a more connected, carefree holiday at no extra charge. The intuitive interactive touchscreens, In-Cabin Smart TV, and the MSC for Me app ensure a stress-free vacation with your loved ones.
*Available on all ships except MSC Lirica.
Download MSC for Me now and get the most out of your cruise.
Discover New Roads
One of the best ways to explore a city is from the seat of a bicycle. Hit the road on your next MSC Cruise on a MSC BIKE ADVENTOURS experience.
See, hear, smell and feel the destination like never before. You’re guaranteed to leave with a deeper connection.
You Don’t Have To Go Fast, You Just Have To Go
Our carefully curated small group tours offer both active adventures and easy city sightseeing on electric bicycles.
Reserve today and ride into your next adventure with MSC Bike Adventours.
MSC Bike Adventours Clothing
Ride longer and feel stronger with our pro cycling jersey and race ready bib, designed by Essor Design studio and available exclusively onboard. Available in S – XL.
You can have yours with our MSC Bike Adventours.d feel the destination like never before. You’re guaranteed to leave with a deeper connection.
What are Protectours – We are committed to preserving a beautiful world for future generations to enjoy. By focusing on environmental sustainability, PROTECTOURS contribute to that vital goal. 70% of the tours involve activities with zero environmental impact – like walking, cycling, or kayaking – while others make a direct contribution to the environment, for example, tree planting or beach cleaning. So, you can enjoy original insights into the natural world while preserving its beauty and helping to ensure a greener future!
A world of amazing experiences – PROTECTOURS offer you unforgettable experiences in close contact with nature and communities in a variety of environments around the world. Local guides, with an expertise in wildlife or traditions, will help you save baby sea turtles in the Caribbean, clean the desert in Abu Dhabi, explore Iceland by horseback, or immerse yourself in Corfu’s beautiful countryside and the magical world of bees.
MSC Cruises and the environment – We care for the environment in which we operate, the guests who sail with us and the people who work with us. Our commitment extends to our onshore activities too. PROTECTOURS are not only a way to offer our guests a variety of shore excursion with less impact, but also a means encouraging our onshore partners to develop tours that are focused on protecting the environment.
SHORE EXCURSIONS FOR FAMILIES
Discover our kids friendly tours designed especially for families
MSC Family Explorer Club
Explore the destination together on a fun filled family adventure, inspired by history and designed to cover all the highlights.
FAMILY EXPLORER CLUB HIGHLIGHTS
An expert guide and a talented storytellers will lead each tour and be available for any assistance needed.
The leaders on these tours are not just tour guides, they are skilled in captivating the attention of both children and adults through storytelling in a way that describes the attraction and history of the location in an engaging manner – they are entertainers.
During this interactive experience children of all ages will feel like an explorer.
Acting as detectives and explorers, children play a key-role in accomplishing a unique mission on each tour inspired by the history of the location.
Children and parents are given the opportunity to unleash their imaginations and enjoy solving games and riddles together. Every tour will feature an iconic historical character, symbolic of the city.
We know that this is your vacation too, and sometimes you just want to get away and have some adult time.
For parents wishing to take a tour by themselves, we offer a complimentary childcare service for children aged 3 to 11.
While you are out in port your children can remain onboard in a fun and supervised environment with their new friends and Mini Club Staff.
For more information, contact the Mini Club onboard.
Our Easy & Accessible Tours make exploring comfortable for everyone. These tours allow slow walkers, wheelchair, scooter users and any guests that like to leisurely explore, to visit the best each destination has to offer on easy tours created just for them.
MSC Accessible Tours are currently available in the Caribbean and Western Mediterranean.
EFFORTLESS EXPLORATION – Explore each destination at your own pace
Through specifically selected itineraries and specially designed tours, guests will be able to enjoy step free routes at their own pace, experiencing the wonders of our destinations in total comfort. Accessible vehicles will be available to accommodate small groups, and tours itineraries will always include access to special needs restrooms. Please note that vehicles and their wheelchair & scooter requirements (width, height, weight) vary from tour to tour so make sure to carefully check the specific requirements within each tour description.
TOURS FOR EVERYONE – Comfort and freedom for all guests
Explore the world with wheelchair-accessible vehicles, expert guides, and step-free routes tailored to your needs.
Accessible Vehicles & FacilitIes – Vehicles equipped with a wheelchair accessible solution. We visit accessible bathrooms equipped with wide doors.
Small Groups with Expert Guides – Small Groups or Private Vehicle for you and your companion/s with expert guides
Visit at your own pace – Tours made to leisurely visit the destination’s highlights while taking into account guests’ special needs and facilitating each participant in moving independently.
Step-free Routes – Tours aim at eliminating obstacles and ensure a smooth access to all of the highlights visited.
Discover each destination with your children at a rhythm that suits families, thanks to our Family Fun excursions. Guided by talented, qualified local guides in constant contact with the ship, they are your passport to new cultures, historic monuments, natural beauty and more.
What’s more, kids get a special price on shore excursions!
Book now and save up to 20% vs onboard prices!
Come and see how we do it! Go “Behind-the-Scenes” and experience what goes into delivering a perfect cruise vacation.
Explore several “off-limit” areas of the ship
Are you ready for the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience on our magnificent cruise ship? This exclusive excursion is limited to small groups of 20 people, so you’ll have a truly intimate and immersive experience.
Join us as we take you on a journey through the hidden corners of our ship, where only a select few have gone before. You’ll have the chance to see the inner workings of the ship, from the bridge of command, engine control room to the gallery and beyond.
A one-of-a-kind discovery tour
Our knowledgeable tour guides and shipboard staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and give an overview of the internal operation of the ship.
But that’s not all – you’ll also have the opportunity to meet the ship’s officers and learn about their experiences at sea. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get an inside look at the operations of a cruise ship and to see what goes on behind the scenes. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity – book your spot now to ensure one of the very few seats available!
Make The Magic Last A Little Longer
One of the joys of cruising is the chance to discover enchanting new destinations in comfort and style. At each port of call, our excursions offer you the most memorable experiences in the most fascinating places, accompanied by experienced, professional personnel. To get more for less from your time ashore, why not take advantage of our Excursions Explorer Package? The package comprises three of the best excursions* available on each cruise at one very attractive price. Please note that this is a limited availability offer and is valid only on selected departures**.
*Excursions Explorer Package cannot be modified or refunded. In the event of one or more excursions being cancelled by MSC Cruises, the offer is not applicable to other excursions different from those included in the package.
**The Excursions Explorer Package is available on selected departures for the following destinations: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, MSC Grand Voyages, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar, Caribbean & Antilles, South America.
Make every moment ashore an unforgettable experience
Explore marvellous destinations all over the world with MSC Yacht Club by immersing you in luxury, exclusivity, and premium privilege, such as private transportation, smaller excursion groups, all-inclusive benefits.
From paradisiacal beach getaways and upscale adventures to authentic cuisine, enlightening arts and craft workshops, storied architectural visits, elevate your journey with MSC Yacht Club Excursions.
Get ready to unveil a world of unparalleled luxury and exploration.
EXCEPTIONAL & ENRICHING DISCOVERIES
Enjoy hidden wonders, engaging in unique activities with local experts that go beyond the reach of regular travel
EXCLUSIVITY
COMPREHENSIVE LUXURY
PRIVILEGES
EXPLORE THE WORLD IN STYLE WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE MSC YACHT CLUB EXCURSIONS
Discover the essence of our destination through our selection of expertly curated excursions and let us help you craft an unforgettable cruise tailored to your interests and preferences. Book your exclusive excursions online and get up to 20% off the onboard price.
*Prices shown in the personal area are already discounted
The excursion program provides our guests with an overview of the different tours that can be organized in each port and relevant prices which may change during the season even more than once; the program and prices are a guide only. The final program of the tour for each port will be available during the cruise. Bookings can be made up to 2 days prior departure date.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please review the details below regarding different accessibility needs. This will help you to determine whether the accommodation we are able to provide is right for you and your party to travel safely and comfortably. Any accessibility or medical request can be flagged by completing the Accessibility&Medical Request Form available HERE and at all accredited travel agencies. This information should be provided at time of booking but no later than 30 days prior to sailing
This allows us time to provide the best possible service for our guests, which is determined by the facilities and resources on board each ship. If we do not receive timely notification, MSC Cruises cannot guarantee the requested accommodation. However, we will always strive to ensure every guest receives the accommodation they need to enjoy their time onboard. Due to the limited availability of accessible accommodation, guests are recommended to notify us as soon as possible as they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
if you booked through our website, the documentation should be sent to the following email address: [email protected]. However, If you booked your cruise through a travel agency, the documentation should be sent directly to your travel agent.
REDUCED MOBILITY
For guests who primarily use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, we highly recommend reserving a cabin for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility. These cabins are specifically designed with enhanced accessible features, including handrails for support, ramps for easy balcony access, lower shelves for convenient storage, spacious wet-room-style bathrooms, and wider entrance doors for smoother navigation. These thoughtful features are incorporated to cater to the unique needs of individuals with reduced mobility, promoting a more comfortable and independent experience.
While standard cabins may be suitable for guests with minor mobility impairments or those who do not require a wheelchair to move around the cabin, they are not suitable for guests who rely on a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility. Since availability of reduced mobility cabin is limited, and requests will be accommodated in a first come, first served basis, it is important to request it as soon as possible and consider also the possibility of considering eventually a different sailing date. If you choose to book a standard cabin, you are acknowledging that you can stand for brief moments and take a step without a mobility device and can access the bathroom area without additional supports (a shower stool can be requested, if needed). If you use a wheelchair or scooter, it’s essential to verify that your wheelchair meets our size restrictions.
The wheelchair should not exceed 50cm (20 inches) in width, have a weight limit of 45kgs (99 pounds), and, when folded, should not exceed 50cm (20 inches). These limitations are in place to ensure safe maneuverability and storage within the cabin space. For safety and convenience, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other assistive mobility devices must be stored inside your cabin when not in use. They cannot be stored in the hallways. Please take this into consideration when booking a regular cabin.
This policy aligns with International Safety Regulations and helps maintain clear and safe passageways throughout the ship.
Given the strict International Safety Regulations governing cruise ships and the limited capacity for carrying assistive mobility devices, it is imperative that you declare any wheelchairs or scooters you intend to bring onboard at the time of booking or as soon as you become aware of the need to bring them. This advance notice enables us to assess space availability and make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your device. Failure to provide this information at the time of booking may, regrettably, result in your device being denied boarding, a situation we are committed to helping you avoid.
To further support guests with reduced mobility, MSC Cruises offers a range of services:
Please confirm the dimensions of the specific vessel on which you will be sailing to ensure your mobility device comfortably navigates through the cabin door.
Wheelchairs are available on board our ships, for the use of guests during embarkation and disembarkation only, or in case of emergency. Guests that require constant use of a wheelchair or any other form of support must bring their own equipment with them. It is the responsibility of the guest to check with the relevant producers/suppliers that this equipment is safe to take onboard and use on a cruise ship, and to organise both its delivery to the departure terminal in good time for embarkation, and its collection at the end of the cruise.
Tender Service: In some ports, due to operational needs, the ship is anchored, therefore guests will disembark from the ship using a complementary tender service that runs from ship to shore for the entire duration of the ship’s stay in port.
If the cruise itinerary includes ports where tender boats are used for shore access, please be aware that guests must be sufficiently fit and mobile to embark and disembark from the tender without assistance. This means that guests must take into consideration the use of steps, the possibility of gaps, height difference between the platform and the tender, the potential sudden movement of the tender, the dimensions and weight of the mobility device. Please be informed that crew members are not permitted to carry wheelchairs or mobility scooters into the tender. In case of any doubt about the itinerary, please feel free to reach out to our MSC Contact Center.
To inform us of your reduced mobility need, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form
VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
Guests with visual impairments will find braille signs available at the entrance of the cabin door and safety instructions available in braille (on top of an English audible version). Moreover, majority of the onboard elevators’ signs are in braille with the addition of the audio call signal on ships of last generation.
For guests with partial visual impairment, the digital daily programs and menus can be available in large print versions, upon request.
Service dogs are welcomed onboard our ships. Please refer to the dedicated session in chapter 1.8.
While our onboard staff is committed to providing excellent service, it’s important to note that they are not specifically trained to provide daily care or assistance with personal tasks such as eating, dressing, or personal hygiene, nor can offer a 24/7 guiding service. Upon embarkation day, an orientation tour of the ship can be offered upon request together with a meeting with our staff to provide a general overview of the ship’s program and entertainment activities.
The more information is provided, the more we will be able to provide accommodation for your needs. For example, knowing the degree of visual impairment and the level of autonomy will help us to understand the level of assistance you may require and allow us to provide appropriate support.
To inform us of your visual impairment, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form
HEARING & SPEECH IMPAIRMENTS
In accordance with International Safety Regulations (SOLAS), guests with hearing disabilities will automatically have a TDD/TTY System kit installed in their cabin. This kit typically includes light and vibrating devices installed under the mattress of the bed, a text phone to communicate with Reception-Guest Service, and an analog alarm clock to ensure you can receive important alerts and communicate effectively. As these kits are available in limited numbers on each ship, they will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
For minor hearing impairments, a sound amplifier is available at the main Reception-Guest Service to increase the quality of communication with our staff.
Guests can also join a cruise with a sign language interpreter to further enhance communication access. A meeting with the onboard staff on embarkation day can be requested to have a general overview of the program of the ship and entertainments activities.
To inform us of your request for your visual impairment, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form
RESPIRATORY NEEDS
CPAP / BIPAP – If you use a CPAP or BIPAP machine, kindly ensure that your device is compatible with the ship’s power supply, which is 120V/60Hz or 240V/60Hz. Outlets in guest cabins accommodate both U.S.-style and Northern European-style plugs. We recommend carrying your electrical devices onboard as hand luggage to prevent any damage during transit. Complimentary distilled water and extension cords are available onboard; however, a charge will apply if the extension cord is not returned. For safety reasons, guests are not permitted to bring their own extension cords onboard. If you require any extension cords, please request them at the time of booking.
Oxygen – Please be aware that the onboard medical centre has a limited oxygen supply, primarily intended for use by patients within the medical facility. Therefore, if you require long-term oxygen therapy, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for your regular oxygen needs while onboard.
If you require oxygen, please note the following:
Mechanical ventilation
For guests who require mechanical ventilation, it is essential to provide detailed information at the time of booking or at least 30 days before sailing. This information should include details about the ventilator type, spare battery capacity, and the caregivers who are able to operate the equipment. We do not recommend traveling on remote itineraries, including ocean crossings, specific regions such as Antarctica or Africa, itineraries with multiple consecutive sea days, or in remote locations where resources are limited in case of device failure.
To inform us of your respiratory need, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
To better anticipate the needs of our guests with cognitive, behavioural or mental health conditions, we recommend consulting with your doctor before your cruise and consider traveling with a companion for support in case of need as our staff cannot provide daily personal assistance.
Please be also advised that children with autism are welcome in our Mini Club provided they are toilet-trained and independent, as our youth staff who are fully trained in autism cannot assist with personal care.
MSC Cruises has obtained a certification from Bureau Veritas to provide gluten-free menus worldwide (food code: 20 ppm) on all ships. Please check availability when booking. On MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica guests can find only a limited selection of pre-packaged gluten-free snacks such as, biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins. Guests with food intolerances and/or allergies must inform MSC Cruises of their needs via the Special Needs Form and, once on board, confirm their requirements at Reception-Guest Service and/or with the Maître d’hôtel.
Kosher meals (pre-packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner) may be available on board for an additional charge starting from €25 pp/day. Kosher meals can be consumed in the main restaurants and must be booked at least 3 weeks before ship’s departure.
Halal products (beef, lamb and poultry) may be available on board following former request of the guest at least two months before departure.
Daytime Attire – Casual wear is recommended for daytime attire. Shorts and T-shirts are permitted.
Evening Wear – A more polished look is recommended for evening wear when dining in the main dining rooms, speciality restaurants and while enjoying the entertainment in the theatre, bars, and lounges. Collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, skirts, and dresses are suggested. It is advisable to layer clothing and bring a light jacket or jumper for cooler nights and the ship’s air-conditioned public areas.
Gala Night – On Gala Night, dress to impress! Whether that means a tuxedo, suit and tie, an evening gown or cocktail dress, or perhaps it’s your very best jeans and polo shirt, your attire should fit your own level of elegance. The only thing required is your smile.
Theme parties – We organise various daytime and evening theme parties on board. You may wish to bring bright, fun clothes for the Sunshine Party and something white for the White Party.
MSC Yacht Club
To fully appreciate the exclusive ambiance of the MSC Yacht Club , dressing appropriately in its various venues is highly recommended.
MSC Yacht Club Restaurant: – To preserve the exceptional ambiance of this private restaurant we kindly ask you to dress in a way that complements its exclusiveness.
MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge:
MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar:
Wear your bathing costumes, t-shirts, tank tops, hats, and sunglasses as you please. Just remember that topless bathing is not allowed in this family-friendly area.
Sports lovers – For sports lovers, gym shoes and tracksuits are must-haves when using our cutting-edge gym and attending yoga and dance courses, where available.
Northern Europe cruises – For cruises sailing towards the Svalbard Islands and Polar areas, please ensure you have adequate polar clothing.
Shore Excursions – For shore excursions, which may include visits to religious sites, we advise that appropriate clothing should be worn (covered knees and shoulders).
Dress Restrictions – Specific restrictions may be enforced by onboard staff members, including restaurant hostesses and management. At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops are not allowed for evening wear or Gala Night in the main dining rooms, speciality restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn on Gala Night. Dress code rules that are posted outside the buffet should be followed.
The company uses six main languages for its communications: English, Italian, German, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. The order in which these languages appear is determined exclusively by the number of guests in each language group as a proportion of our total guests. The cabin information booklet and other printed material used on board are available in different versions for each of the six languages listed above. The order of the languages used in our menus changes depending on the area of the world in which each ship is located.
Suitably trained and certified guide dogs are allowed on board all ships, assuming that they are in a good state of health and possess all documents for entering the foreign countries visited during the cruise.
The guest will be informed in advance about the accommodation made for the animal, the facilities available (if required) and the embarking and disembarking procedure.
The guest is personally responsible (with the aid of the carer if applicable) for the custody, feeding and general care of the animal during the whole stay on board.
When at sea, it is not possible to access the internet using a high-speed broadband connection as you would on land. Instead, internet connectivity on board is provided by links between the ship and communications satellites in orbit far above the Earth.
Satellite Internet Access is available in all public areas of the ship and in most cabins, including all MSC Yacht Club suites. All you need is one of our Satellite Internet Access packages and a mobile internet device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.).
With the Browse & Stream package it is possible to use video calls, stream music and videos. Those cannot be used with the Browse package.
Congestion can make internet access slower, just as it would on land.
It is therefore best to avoid these periods if possible.
Packages are available either per day or for the duration of your cruise. The “per cruise” rate is based on the length of the cruise. To see prices for a specific cruise, go to the “Wifi” section of the website or consult the ship’s network while on board.
You will be able to upgrade your package on board through the MSC Captive Portal (the website used to activate the pre-paid package). You can upgrade to a Browse package with additional devices or to the Browse & Stream package. You will only pay the difference between the full costs packages (to preserve the 20% discount advantage).
Providing internet access on board via the ship’s satellite connectivity involves significant investment in cutting-edge technology. The fees charged to those using the Satellite Internet Access service help cover the considerable costs of providing the service.
On ships offering a premium service called Satellite Internet Plus, the rate is higher. Ships with this service include MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, and MSC Splendida. Guests will experience faster speed and a better connection on these ships.
When a user is logged on, updates and apps running in the background can increase traffic even when he/she is not actively using the internet. In order to reduce congestion and speed up internet access for active users, the system will automatically disconnect each user after XX minutes.
To avoid being disconnected, you can return to this page before the XX minutes have elapsed and RESET the countdown.
If you are automatically logged out by the system, you can reactivate your connection by simply clicking START.
For the safety, comfort and well-being of our guests, our ships are designated as non-smoking, except for certain designated smoking areas. Any and all forms of smoking are strictly prohibited at any time in staterooms, on stateroom balconies and anywhere else on board not specifically designated as a smoking area. Marijuana possession or use, including medical marijuana, is strictly prohibited on board, on shore excursions and at private destinations. Violation of non-smoking rules will result in a €/US$250 deep cleaning fee in addition to the consequences described below. We also remind guests that throwing cigarette butts or anything else overboard at sea is strictly prohibited by international maritime laws and can create a fire hazard. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco on board.
There’s more to cruising
We are committed to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet. We continue to work towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by investing in new technology and design, renewable fuels and operational efficiency.
Our efforts are organised in key areas of action – People, Planet, Technology, Efficiency and fuels, Responsible tourism, Supply and value chain.
Social Responsibility – This section focuses on employee and guest welfare. Highlighting safety, well-being, career growth, and health standards. We aim to create a supportive environment for everyone in our business. Our commitment includes training and professional development, ensuring teams are prepared for all situations and fostering a respectful culture. Through this, we aim to support both personal and professional growth for everyone in our company.
Environmental Protection – This section focuses on the company’s commitment to environmental protection. Promoting ocean diversity and playing our part in protecting the planet is critical to our business, and we are determined to play our role and contribute to global efforts. We identify and implement practices for pollution prevention as well as supporting initiatives that protect marine and plant ecosystems.
Our decarbonisation journey – This section details our efforts to decarbonise fleet operations and minimise air quality impact through advanced technologies, energy efficiency practices, and renewable fuels. We are focused on sustainable strategies that reduce emissions and support a cleaner environment, aligning our operations with broader goals for reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing air quality through innovation and responsible resource use.
Creating positive impact – Cruises provide incredible opportunities for people to explore some of the world’s most stunning and fascinating locations. We want to support the communities we visit through responsible tourism and by contributing to positive social and economic impacts, ensuring future development and growth in the local communities we visit. By partnering with local businesses, investing in community projects, and respecting cultural heritage, we aim to create connections and leave a positive impact.
Responsible practices – Every year, we need to procure thousands of different items to run our operations, from engine parts to hand soap, crew uniforms to food and drink. Then we must ensure it’s delivered to our fleet of ships, which are constantly on the move. Our procurement teams are building relationships with suppliers all over the world to satisfy our requirements and meet our procurement standards.
ON BOARD MEDICAL CENTRE
Our onboard medical centres are available 24/7 for emergencies. In addition, we offer twice daily clinics for routine medical needs.
Our onboard medical facilities meet or exceed the standards for cruise ship medical centres adopted by CLIA and include some diagnostic and treatment abilities; however, the ship’s medical centers do not have the same resources as a land-based hospital. They are staffed by full-time registered doctors and nurses, including paramedics on some ships. Their primary role is to provide emergency medical care and short-term treatment, rather than long-term nursing care. Guests unable to manage their daily personal care activities (feeding, bathing, dressing and toileting etc.) should travel with a caregiver who can assist with these tasks.
Please be advised that the non-medical staff on board are not specifically trained to give daily care and are not able to assist guests with personal tasks or personal hygiene needs (eating, dressing, bathroom or bathing).
PREGNANCY
For the health and safety of both mother and unborn child, MSC Cruises cannot accommodate guests who will be more than 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant at any time during the cruise. If you are pregnant but will be less than 23 weeks and 6 days at any point during the cruise, you will need to provide a letter from your obstetrician/gynaecologist confirming your expected due date, that your pregnancy is low-risk, and that you are fit to travel without immediate access to specialised obstetric or neonatal care.
To inform us of your pregnancy, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form
DIALYSIS
MSC Cruises does not provide individual haemodialysis.
However, guests who are stable and able to independently manage home peritoneal dialysis are welcome to sail.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Please be aware that there are risks associated with travelling on cruise ships while undergoing dialysis. Please review the Dialysis Risk form. It is crucial to discuss your risk with your nephrologist before choosing to cruise. Please notify MSC Cruises of your condition at the time of booking or at least 30 days before sailing. Guests on peritoneal dialysis are recommended not to travel on remote itineraries or those with multiple days at sea due to the lack of access to specialist care.
Guests who require peritoneal dialysis are responsible for supplying all equipment, medications and supplies necessary to self-perform dialysis. You are also responsible for ensuring these are safely on board on time prior to sailing.
To inform us of your special requirement for peritoneal dialysis, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form
ENTERAL AND PARENTAL NUTRITION
MSC Cruises does not provide enteral or parental nutrition, but guests who independently manage it are welcomed onboard. Guests are responsible for providing all the feed and equipment required for the cruise.
To inform us of your special requirement for special nutrition, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form
PHARMACEUTICAL
Personal Medication: It is strongly recommended that you bring an ample supply of your personal medication, sufficient for the duration of the cruise and for a few days after the cruise ends. Please keep all your medication in its original labelled packaging. It’s also advisable to carry a prescription record or a written list of your medications, including the drug name, dosage, and times taken. While the medical centre can assist in replacing some medications, MSC Cruises cannot guarantee that the exact medication or an equivalent will be available onboard.
Please note that cabin coolers are not refrigerators and are not suitable for storing refrigerated medications. If you need to refrigerate medication, we suggest bringing cool bags with ice packs or requesting cold storage medication in the medical centre.
Controlled substances – Be aware that restrictions may apply to guests travelling with certain prescribed controlled drugs, and it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with the regulations of the countries you will be visiting.
It remains the responsibility of the guest to familiarise themselves with the above instructions and check the validity of their medication list with their treating physician or pharmacist.
Illegal substances – Guests are not permitted to bring substances or medications containing drugs of abuse or designated equivalents on board. This applies to all of the geographic areas we visit. This includes, but is not limited to:
OTHER MEDICAL NEEDS
To ensure the best possible care during your cruise, MSC Cruises Special Needs team will require full details of certain medical conditions or requests to assess whether your needs can be accommodated on board (please see some examples below). If there are any doubts, please contact the Special Needs team directly.
If you or your travelling companion:
To inform us of your special medical requirement, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form
VACCINATIONS
Guests are advised to consult their medical provider or travel medicine clinic prior to the cruise for information regarding recommended/required vaccinations for the planned itinerary. MSC Cruises declines all responsibility for guests who do not adhere to the recommendations on the prevention of infectious diseases or do not have the appropriate vaccinations to enter a particular port during the cruise.
REQUESTING RECORDS OR INVOICES FROM THE ONBOARD MEDICAL CENTRE
If you visit the Medical Centre and need a copy of your medical records or an invoice for insurance purposes, please ask the medical staff during your visit.
If you have already disembarked the ship please follow the steps below:
Requests are handled as quickly as possible. However, please allow up to 5 working days for processing and delivery
Everyone loves the feel of freshly-laundered clothes and the convenience of a same-day laundry service. Extend the relaxation after a wonderful long holiday by returning home with your shirts and trousers washed, dried and ready to put away. That’s why we offer several Laundry Service Packages to choose from.
Enjoy hassle-free laundry services – For a modest single charge, you and every traveller in your cabin can use the service whenever you like for up to 40 items per cabin per cruise. Your items will be collected before 12:00pm and returned within 48 hours. Laundry service is not available the last day of the cruise.
The Minors Policy protects the safety and well-being of all passengers on board. ‘Minor’ refers to any person under the age of 18 (on cruises that do not include a port in the USA) or 21 (on voyages that do include a port in the USA). We have recently updated our Minors Policy, effective May 15th, 2025.
Infants under Two years old
Starting from 15 May 2025, infants under 2 years old are admitted on board, except on cruises starting from 11 nights onwards, for which it is required that the minor is at least 2 years old at the moment of embarkation.
What if I have booked two seven-night cruises? Does the age requirement for infants under two apply? The age requirement does not apply in case the 11 nights (or longer) cruise is the combination of two or more cruises, where the ship returns to its Home Port during the cruise
Children under 18 – 21 YEARS OLD
Are guests under 18 permitted to travel without adult supervision? MSC Cruises does not permit minors to occupy a cabin without the presence of at least one adult. For sailings within the US, guests aged 18-20 can be accommodated in a cabin alone, provided they are traveling with a guest aged 21 or older.
Who is considered an adult? To be considered an adult, passengers must be 18 or 21 years old at the time of embarkation, depending on the itinerary.
Is there an exception? Yes, an exception applies for minors under 18 traveling with one parent or legal guardian, provided the following conditions are met:
For MSC Lirica, Musica, and Fantasia class ships:
For all other MSC ships:
Can guests under 21 travel alone in the US? Travellers of all nationalities must be at least 21 to travel alone on cruises embarking in the US or travelling to the US. They must have turned 21 by the time they enter a U.S. port. Guests aged under 21 must travel accompanied by their parents or a legal guardian. Otherwise, a signed authorisation letter from the absent parent must be provided when booking, along with the name of a chaperon or a designated individual in charge of the minor
Can guests aged 18-20 stay in a cabin alone? Yes, guests aged 18-20 may stay in a cabin alone if they are traveling with someone aged 21 or older, without any additional requirements.
Will I be advised regarding their their bookings not compliant with the policy? Yes, MSC Cruises will contact guests with confirmed bookings. Guests be offered the following options:
What happens if a new booking does not comply with the policy for US guests under 21? The guest will be offered a Free Cruise Move with new pricing or the booking will be cancelled according to the standard cancellation policy.
