MSC Cruise Lines

Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.

Another cruise line that's unmistakably Italian, MSC is more subdued than Carnival-inspired Costa. Expect to be immersed in Italian hospitality and customs.

While you'll hear announcements in several languages - with English being well down the list - their quieter approach means far fewer announcements to decipher. Menus and programs will be in English, but since the line is Italian-owned and operated, communicating with the crew might involve some inventive miming and broken English phrases. Fortunately, Italian hospitality more than makes up for the language barrier.

Why Go?

• To experience a genuine Italian cruise - food, service, attitude
• Discounted cruises without sacrificing service

Passenger Profile

Passengers vary with the cruise destination. Caribbean cruises tend to attract Americans, while European destinations draw, not surprisingly, Europeans. Also, as you'd expect, the week-long cruises attract young couples and families, while the 11-day jaunts are popular with retirees.

Staterooms

Rooms are perhaps a little smaller than the competitions', but they are well thought out and provide what you need for a one-week cruise. Likewise, the bathrooms are small but functional.

Dining

Unlike Costa, MSC refuses to compromise its Italian cuisine for the American market. If you're expecting pizza and spaghetti, you might be disappointed, but if you're a gourmand who's willing to venture into bona fide Italian fare, you'll be thrilled to discover authentic, uncompromised Italian dishes.

If you're on a special diet - vegetarian, diabetic, low-sodium, etc - be sure to tell your travel agent when booking. MSC also recommends you reconfirm your dietary needs with the maitre d' once onboard.

Onboard Highlights

• Activities - Learn to cook your favorite Tuscan dish, brush up on your Italian or learn a new craft. Of course, you can always sunbathe by the pool or participate in the standard games like trivia, bingo and shuffleboard.
• Nightlife - In keeping with the Italian roots, the entertainment is lighthearted, musical and often requires audience participation. Entertainers also circulate throughout the ship, surprising passengers with their antics.
• Theme Cruises - MSC has embraced theme cruises. Art at Sea, Baseball Greats, Ballroom Dance and Big Bands are just a few of the options. Note - MSC provides complimentary cake for your birthday, anniversary or special occasion, if you request one before departure.

Shore Excursions

MSC offers so many shore excursions, most of them half-day trips, you're best wait until you're onboard to book since the cancellation policy is strict.

Need to know

• Dress Code - In the evenings, the dress code is resort casual which means no jeans, shorts, T-shirts, swimwear or bare feet after 6 - 00 PM - at least in public areas. For the one or two formal evenings, a cocktail dress is appropriate for women and a suit or jacket and tie for men. Tuxedos and evening gowns are not necessary.
• Tipping - Daily set gratuities are added to your onboard account automatically. These can be adjusted at any time at the guest reception. While tips are not mandatory at the spa and casino, these services aren't part of the pooled tips, so use your discretion.
• Smoking - Smoking is permitted in the cabins and in designated areas. Smoke-free areas include all dining rooms and the theaters.
• Internet - You can buy a WiFi card onboard that will give you Internet access at all hot spots. While the staterooms don't have wireless access, most common areas do.