Mediterranean Shipping Company's MSC Cruises is a relatively new entrant in the passenger cruise market, but they are rated as the second largest shipping container company in the world.
MSC Cruises was founded to serve the European market by offering a reasonably price cruise holiday that can be taken without the need to fly to the U.S.
MSC currently has a fleet of ten ships, though that will be expanding in the not too distant future when it builds a pair of 3,300 capacity passenger vessels. These will be the largest ships for the line to date, and will contain every modern amenity, including a section of concierge suites and the line’s first glass-covered pool.
Regardless of which MSC Cruise ship one chooses to sail, you will find a strongly Italian-influenced ambience onboard. The ships of this line pretty much make the Mediterranean their home in both winter and summer, and everything onboard is geared to the European traveller. MSC Cruises will be attempting to expand its passenger base to include more English-speaking travellers by sailing elsewhere in the coming years, such as to South America, the Caribbean and South Africa, But for now, prospective passengers should be aware that MSC Cruises is a multi-national line, with announcements being read in Italian, French, Spanish, German, and finally English.
Life onboard an MSC Cruise ship tends to be more traditional, with set dining times and tablemates. There are a few alternative restaurants on some of the ships, including a sushi bar, a buffet venue and an Italian Restaurant.
When sailing onboard an MSC Cruise ship, be prepared for a very European crowd, especially in the Mediterranean and South Africa. The Caribbean sailings tend to be geared a bit more towards North American travellers, but not by much. Expect the food served onboard to be true Italian food, and not what has passed for Italian in most parts of the United States. For this reason, American passengers often complain about not enjoying the meals served. The problem is not that the Italian dishes are not properly prepared, but rather that American’s have never had the opportunity to develop a taste for true Italian cuisine.
MSC Cruises is what one would call a mass market cruise line. They offer a moderately priced cruise experience that appeal to the budget-conscious, primarily European cruise traveller.
The ambience onboard the ships of MSC Cruises tends to be somewhat casual, though traditional at the same time. That is, people tend to dress up to stroll the ship's deck in search of a diversion for the evening. There is a full spate of bars and lounges in which to enjoy a drink, and due to the multi-national bent of the passengers onboard, one can hear conversations in a variety of languages at any given time.
MSC is a great cruise line if you wish to enjoy a truly European experience, along with fellow passengers from a variety of countries. It is also great for those who do not wish to fly to the U.S. to board the ship, since MSC Cruises keeps many of their ships in Europe all year long.
Find out about all the ships in the MSC Cruises fleet
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