The MSC Group (Mediterranean Shipping Company) was created in 1970, and is now the second largest container carrier, with a fleet of over 400 vessels. The cruise arm of the business began in the 1980’s and now carries well over 1 million passengers each year. The full list of ships in the fleet is shown below, and there is a great video at the bottom of the page. From winter 2014 / 2015 departures MSC Cruises is introducing 4 Experiences, to make booking the total cruise experience easier. Just click on the following links for more details of what is included in the MSC Experiences General Overview and What is Included. When you cruise with MSC Cruises you are able to purchase an All Inclusive Drinks package.
The following video was made by me onboard MSC Orchestra when I cruised from Dubai, and if you click on this link you will be able to see my review and of MSC Orchestra and the excursion videos
Fantasia Class
- MSC Divina
- MSC Preziosa (Christening Video)
- MSC Splendida
- MSC Fantasia
Musica Class
- MSC Poesia
- MSC Magnifica
- MSC Orchestra
- MSC Musica
Lirica Class
- MSC Opera
- MSC Lirica
- MSC Sinfonia
- MSC Armonia
The Lirica Class ships are all undergoing a major Renaissance Programme refit by 2015. The following short video shows MSC Armonia being ‘stretched’.
They have four new classes of ship in the planning stage, which are: –
- Meraviglia Class – being launched in May 2017 and February 2019 – 167,600 gross tonnes carrying 5,714 passengers
- Meraviglia-Plus Class – being launched in October 2019 and September 2020 – 177,100 grass tonnes, carrying 6,330 passengers
- Seaside Class – being launched in November 2017, May 2018 and May 2021 – 160,000 gross tonnes, carrying 5,179 passengers
- World Class – being launched in 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026 – 200,000+ tonnes
Since MSC Preziosa joined the fleet in March 2013 there are four Fantasia class ships. These all offer the MSC Yacht Club, which has a unique private club feel, with butler service and designer suites, all situated at the front of the ship. Other benefits of the MSC Yacht Club include dedicated priority check-in and check-out, exclusive venues onboard such as the Concierge Lounge and Top Sail Lounge, and direct private access to the MSC Aurea Spa. Alcoholic and soft drinks are included at the MSC Yacht Club venues, private restaurant and in the mini bar in your suite.
MSC offers cruises throughout the world, including South America, South Africa, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Transatlantic re-positioning voyages. There are usually departures from the UK during the summer, offering various itineraries including the Baltic and Norwegian Fjords.
There is a Mediterranean feel to their cruises, and the food is varied to suit the mixture of nationalities cruising with them, especially when in the Mediterranean. Entertainment is often visual, such as magicians, acrobats etc, to ensure that you can fully appreciate it whatever your nationality. There is the option to dine casually at a buffet in the evenings if you prefer, and you are able to get complimentary American coffee and teas 24 hours a day.
(Page updated August 2016)
