7 Things You Should Know Before Cruising from the UK with MSC

You might be considering an MSC cruise out of Southampton, there are certainly some bargains to be had!

I have cruised with MSC many times, both out of Southampton and in other parts of the world.

The newer MSC ships are modern and sparkly, with some ships having water parks, rock climbing walls and even robot bartenders onboard!.

Don’t discount the older ships though, they can still provide you with a wonderful cruise holiday, particularly on a port-intensive itinerary.

In this article, we look at things to think about before booking a cruise with MSC from Southampton.

#1.Multiple Languages Spoken Onboard

If you are used to sailing with cruise lines like P&O or Royal Caribbean, you will be sure to notice the multi-cultural vibe of the ship.

If you are leaving from Southampton, you may hear slightly fewer languages spoken than if you are sailing around the Mediterranean, for example – but be prepared to hear announcements made in multiple languages.

There have been times when I was onboard an MSC ship, and the Cruise Director has come out at the end of the show and make an announcement in four or five different languages – swapping from one to another with ease. It is very impressive!

I don’t see this as a disadvantage. I like to cruise with people from different parts of the world, I find it more interesting than being surrounded by lots of British people like myself. It makes me feel like I’m really on holiday.

#2. People Embark at Multiple Ports

With most cruise lines, the ship has an embarkation day, and everyone boards and stays on board for a week or fortnight, as dictated by the itinerary.

That isn’t the way MSC works. On MSC, people can get on board at any port you stop at.

It can be a bit confusing to see other people’s suitcases outside their doors when you only arrived the day before – or to hear Muster Drills going on on different days when you know you have already done yours.

You don’t have to take part in more than one Muster Drill, of course, but you will be aware of them going on in the background for other guests.

#3.Loyalty Status Match

If you are a regular cruiser with other lines and have a loyalty status, MSC will match that existing loyalty status.

I successfully used the MSC Status Match program to transfer my Norwegian Cruise Line loyalty status to MSC. I have been enjoying the perks on MSC cruises ever since!

I was matched to the highest level of Black (now changed to Diamond), and as a result, I receive the following benefits:

• A Free Meal In A Speciality Restaurant
• A Free Hour In The Spa
• A Chocolate Ship or a Chocolate Bar, depending on availability
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• Bottle of Spumante
• A Free Gift (In my experience, a bag or a pen)
• Priority Boarding and Disembarkation
• Diamond Party Invitation
• 5% off future MSC Cruises

Lower loyalty statuses will provide some of these benefits, but not all.

All loyalty statuses get you 5% off future MSC cruises. It’s worth joining for that alone!

Find out more about how to apply here:

MSC Status Match – What Is it And is it Worth Doing? A Step-by-Step Guide

#4. Be Wary of Short Cruises

Lots of people would say that a short two or three-day cruise is a great way to see if cruising is for you.

I wouldn’t really agree with that, as I think the passenger demographic tends to be different on these cruises.

Sometimes they can have lots of stag and hen parties onboard, and people who want to drink and eat as much as possible to get their money’s worth out of the experience.

Find out more about the best length of cruise for first-time cruisers here:

The Best Cruise Length for First-Timers (And Why It Matters)

I particularly remember being in Guernsey, which is a tender port, and the MSC Virtuosa was docked at the same time.

MSC Virtuosa is a large ship that had over 6,000 passengers onboard. I was on the Emerald Princess, which had only 3,000.

Although we had to wait for tender boats, the poor people on the MSC Virtuosa had to wait far longer. The lines snaked back a long way, and guests were stood in the hot sun.

I don’t blame MSC for this delay – logistically, it’s hard to get 6,000 passengers on and off small boats to sail to the harbour.

It is worth noting, as well, that because it is a tender port, Guernsey often gets missed because of bad weather.

Tender ships can’t be launched and sailed if the weather is bad. If Guernsey is the only port on the itinerary, you might find yourself on a cruise to nowhere!

Guernsey was the first port on my British Isles cruise. To find out about that, and see the MSC Virtuosa tendering, watch this video next:

#5. Don’t Expect American-Style Customer Service

On MSC, the waiters and bartenders make sure you have what you need, but don’t feel the need to keep coming back to check on you.

Personally, I like that! If you are used to sailing with an American cruise line, you might notice the difference.

If you need anything, of course, you can just ask. I have found the crew to be friendly and approachable, but they don’t always feel the need to make small talk and build a rapport.

#6. Theatre Shows Are “Different”

If you are used to sailing with other cruise lines, you might find the entertainment different to what you are used to.

Due to the multilingual audience, you can expect performances featuring singers, acrobats, and music, rather than shows with dialogue. It has to be enjoyable for all nationalities.

Don’t expect full theatre productions, as you might find on Royal Caribbean or Norwegian – you’ll be disappointed!

#7 Different Grades – Different Experiences

MSC cabin grades on MSC can be a little confusing – different cabin grades include different perks.

• Bella is the cheapest budget-friendly grade, with only the basics included.
  • Fixed dining times, sometimes on shared tables, with no opportunity to change your dining sitting.
• Fantastica give you a bit more flexibility to choose your dining times, etc. You may get:
  • Cabins in better locations
  • Free 24-hour room service.

• Aurea is a more luxurious experience, offering many perks, including:
  • Free time dining in a dedicated restaurant or area.
  • 24-hour room service.
  • Free access to the solarium.
  • Access to the thermal area.
  • Priority boarding & luggage drop off.
  • Bathrobe and slippers in the cabin.

• Yacht Club – a “ship within a ship” concept.
  • Offers a premium experience with exclusive access to a dedicated area of the ship.
  • Butler service and upscale amenities – pools and sundecks for Yacht Club-only guests.
  • Access to the best areas, with the best views on board the ship.

I was lucky enough to stay in the Yacht Club onboard MSC Euribia. Have a look at that amazing experience here:

In Conclusion:

I really have had some great, bargain cruises on board MSC ships. MSC is a bit like Marmite though – some people love it, while others hate it.

MSC – Main Advantages:

• Offers great value for money.
  • Included gratuities within the fare if you are booking from the UK
• Offer the opportunity to get free perks
  • You can match your status with other cruise lines or hotel chains to get free added extras.
  • Have free events like Captains cocktail parties, or loyalty status parties where you can get free drinks – handy if you don’t have a drinks package.
• Have lovely, well-designed, sparkly ships.

Possible Disadvantages

• The ships can be crowded, particularly on larger ships, during short sailings or in peak seasons.
• Multiple languages spoken on board (I don’t see this as a problem, but some do!).

When I had to choose a good value cruise to take my non-cruising friends on, MSC is the cruise line I chose. Find out whether it was a good choice, and if my friends enjoyed the experience here:

Before You Go

Some people worry that the food on MSC cruises will be bad, or different to other cruise lines. Have a look at this article next to see everything I ate onboard an MSC cruise, and you can make up your own mind!:

Everything I Ate on my MSC Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review

MSC are a good alternative to the P&O cruises that regularly sail from Southampton. Find out why here:

MSC Cruises or P&O Cruises Which is Better? (Tried and Tested)