MSC Cruises
European-style big-ship cruising with a private luxury enclave aboard every flagship.
A Mediterranean line that went global
MSC Cruises pairs modern, large-scale ships with a European sensibility. The line grew out of the Mediterranean and still carries that flavor in its food, service and international crowd, even as it now sails much of the world.
Founded in 1988 as the cruise arm of the Aponte family Mediterranean Shipping Company, and based in Geneva, MSC is the largest privately owned cruise company in the world. Its fleet spans roughly two dozen ships across classes such as World, Seaside and Meraviglia, led by flagships MSC World Europa and MSC World America.
What sets MSC apart is the MSC Yacht Club, a private ship-within-a-ship of suites, a dedicated lounge, restaurant and pool with butler service. It lets one ship serve both value-minded families and guests who want a quiet, luxury-style retreat.
- Style
- European, modern
- Fleet
- 23 ships
- Guests
- Roughly 2,500 to 6,800
- Fares
- Cruise only
- Sails to
- Mediterranean and worldwide
- Founded
- 1988, Geneva
“MSC brings a European accent to the megaship, and its Yacht Club hides a small luxury ship inside a big mainstream one.”
The Yacht Club, and rooms for everyone else
Cabins run from smart interiors to family staterooms and balcony rooms across the fleet. At the top sits the MSC Yacht Club, a gated complex of suites with its own lounge, restaurant, pool and butler service, effectively a private luxury ship within the larger vessel.
That two-worlds design is central to how MSC works. A family on a value fare and a couple in the Yacht Club can sail the same ship and each get exactly the trip they wanted.
Mediterranean flavor at the table
Dining leans Mediterranean and international, with included main restaurants and buffets plus specialty venues that reach across cuisines, from Italian to seafood and steak. Coffee, gelato and an aperitivo culture come naturally to the line.
Entertainment is polished and largely wordless by design, so it plays to the multilingual crowd, with theater shows, live music and, on the newest ships, striking promenade atriums that anchor the social life aboard.
The Mediterranean and far beyond
MSC is strongest in the Mediterranean, sailing Italy, Spain, France, Greece and the Adriatic year round, and it has grown into the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Many Caribbean sailings visit Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line private island in the Bahamas.
With so many ships and regions, choosing the right MSC sailing takes a little navigation. We match the ship, cabin category and route, including whether the Yacht Club is worth it for you, to the trip you have in mind.
Many MSC Cruises itineraries touch southern Italy, a natural cue to add an Amalfi Coast cooking week on land.
Why book through us
Exclusive MSC value
Group amenities and onboard credit on MSC sailings that you will not find booking direct.
Combinable offers
Our exclusive value can usually be layered with MSC's current promotions, plus full loyalty credit.
Cruise specialists
Advisors who know the fleet and match the right ship, cabin and itinerary, Yacht Club or not, to you.
Seamless land and sea
Because we run our own tours in Italy, we make it easy to add a Culture Discovery land tour where your voyage begins or ends.
Sail the Mediterranean, then stay for the Amalfi Coast
MSC lives in Mediterranean waters, and its ships often call at or sail from Italian ports. Add a few days ashore with Culture Discovery and you can trade a quick port stop for a proper stay along the Amalfi Coast, with its food, villages and views.
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Explore PrincessFrequently asked questions
What is MSC Cruises known for?
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Ready to sail with MSC Cruises?
Complimentary quote, exclusive CDV value, and a specialist who plans it around you.