How does MSC compare with RC?

[Tatra603]

We've reached Diamond on Royal, and also sailed once on Princess (our first cruise ten years ago) and one with Celebrity (in March).

We love RC but, lets face it, their itineraries are not the most adventurous and the Med-Caribbean-Med-Caribbean thing is getting a little monotonous (first world problem).

I find my eyes drawn towards the possibility of maybe a Middle East cruise and it appears MSC seem to do those itineraries better than any other mainstream line.

I recall a Youtube cruise channel really laying into MSC a while ago and because of that I mentally crossed them off my list.

However, I feel a benefit of the doubt is due and what better place to find alternative opinions than on this board.

Who out there has sailed both lines? What's better and what's worse than RC?

Having done a couple of pretend bookings on their website, I know the initial price quoted is nothing like the final figure (a little naughty). Also, I notice you have to pay extra if you want the MTD we enjoy.

Any insight you fine cruisers can give me would be gratefully received.

 

[FionaMG]

We have sailed both lines, albeit our MSC cruises were a few years ago now. We would not hesitate to sail them again if they were doing the itinerary we wanted.

 

The ships are beautiful. The cruisers are a much more mixed bag than on most RC sailings. You'll get lots of Europeans and, consequently, announcements can go on for a bit because they're in at least five different languages. We just tuned them out after we'd heard them in our language. Also, consequently, entertainment tends to be more visual, think cabaret style, magicians, singers (also great opera singers occasionally) to avoid issues with language.

 

Food can be hit or miss. We found the buffet had a lot more healthy options, including plenty of salads and veggies and far fewer sticky cakes at breakfast but in the MDR there were several occasions when we ordered something that was a resounding yuk.

 

Service is European-style and I think this is the main reason you see many poor reviews on the boards. Culturally, US cruisers have different expectations as far as service is concerned and this can understandably impact their cruise experience very negatively. On MSC, the staff will not be falling over themselves to anticipate your needs. However, if you need or want something all you have to do is ask. For example, on our first MSC cruise, we were a group of 10, booked last minute and as a result were allocated two separate tables in early dining. As a southern European family group, that simply didn't work. The Maitre d' went absolutely out of his way for us and ended up allocating our group to the 10-top usually used by the ships' officers in late seating.

 

I totally agree with you about the meh itineraries on Royal and if MSC has the itinerary you fancy, I would definitely say to give it a go.

 

BTW, did you know that MSC do a status match? Look for the form on their website, as this will give a few perks (not as many as on Royal, but still worth having).

Edited December 26, 2022 by FionaMG

[Tatra603]

10 minutes ago, FionaMG said:

We have sailed both lines, albeit our MSC cruises were a few years ago now. We would not hesitate to sail them again if they were doing the itinerary we wanted.

 

The ships are beautiful. The cruisers are a much more mixed bag than on most RC sailings. You'll get lots of Europeans and, consequently, announcements can go on for a bit because they're in at least five different languages. We just tuned them out after we'd heard them in our language. Also, consequently, entertainment tends to be more visual, think cabaret style, magicians, singers (also great opera singers occasionally) to avoid issues with language.

 

Food can be hit or miss. We found the buffet had a lot more healthy options, including plenty of salads and veggies and far fewer sticky cakes at breakfast but in the MDR there were several occasions when we ordered something that was a resounding yuk.

 

Service is European-style and I think this is the main reason you see many poor reviews on the boards. Culturally, US cruisers have different expectations as far as service is concerned and this can understandably impact their cruise experience very negatively. On MSC, the staff will not be falling over themselves to anticipate your needs. However, if you need or want something all you have to do is ask. For example, on our first MSC cruise, we were a group of 10, booked last minute and as a result were allocated two separate tables in early dining. As a southern European family group, that simply didn't work. The Maitre d' went absolutely out of his way for us and ended up allocating our group to the 10-top usually used by the ships' officers in late seating.

 

I totally agree with you about the meh itineraries on Royal and if MSC has the itinerary you fancy, I would definitely say to give it a go.

 

BTW, did you know that MSC do a status match? Look for the form on their website, as this will give a few perks (not as many as on Royal, but still worth having).

 

Thanks for your prompt response.

 

The YouTube review was by Ben & David, a UK couple which was why it resonated as I agree that us Europeans have different expectations from our friends across the pond.

 

I didn't know about the status match. I will investigate further to see what that gets me.

[twangster]

I've sailed MSC from Florida and have a handful booked on them.  I've never sailed them outside of the Caribbean.

 

Right now they offer some very attractive pricing from Florida.  I can sail on MSC with their Easy Plus drink package and basic WiFi 2 devices for between one half and one third of what Royal is charging.  The overnight stop at their private island without going to Nassau is a pretty great itinerary too.  

 

Seashore is a bargain over Thanksgiving relative to Royal so that's one of my bookings with them.  

 

I'm also eyeing their World Europa for a Med cruise just to try their mega ship.  

 

Some time ago I did a status match in their loyalty program that gives me a 5% discount on new cruises.  

 

So while I would prefer to sail Royal and Royal ships will always "feel like home" I have no problem sailing MSC when Royal's pricing is out of this world or the situation such as itinerary or ship makes MSC a better fit.

[FionaMG]

1 hour ago, Tatra603 said:

 

Thanks for your prompt response.

 

The YouTube review was by Ben & David, a UK couple which was why it resonated as I agree that us Europeans have different expectations from our friends across the pond.

 

I didn't know about the status match. I will investigate further to see what that gets me.

Actually, I think I remember seeing that one. Was it shortly after the re-start? Our cruises were back in 2015 and 2016, one on Poesia and one on Divina, and our experience was nothing like theirs.

 

Diamond on Royal equates to Gold on MSC (it used to be Black, which was much better, but they axed that a number of years ago). Among the perks is a discount of 5% on your bookings and a few other bits and pieces. It's nowhere near as good as Royal's. Also, you have to sail with them once every three years or you lose the status.

Edited December 26, 2022 by FionaMG

[publicpersona]

MSC is the best bang for the buck. The status match is very nice (I got matched to Black/Diamond) a few years ago. Their private island is, in my opinion, much, much better than Labadee or CocoCay .. precisely because it is new and they haven't had time to mess it up yet. Except for food venues and restrooms, it is just beaches and a lagoon .. what Labadee and CocoCay were in their prime.

 

Entertainment excels in the singers/dancers in the shows. And on bigger ships, they do a condensed version of an opera that is wonderful and unlike anything on Royal. Music in public areas is hit or miss. The music for the shows is always canned, which I dislike.

 

Food is not amazing. But you won't starve.

Edited December 26, 2022 by publicpersona

[little britain]

The new MSC ships are beautiful; and spotless. And bling. 
Their ceiling on the equivalent of the Royal Promenade has to be seen.

I find there is music every where… some just funky with a guy walking around playing the saxophone 🎷… some classical. 
Best pizza 🍕 at sea; and they have freshly made mozzarella on some ships which I can live on. 
They have adult only lounges. 
The staff aren’t in your face asking for tips or pestering for a perfect 10… 

Coffee comes with a little chocolate; drinks come with a bowl of crisps (chips) 

Their YC experience beats any suite offering; ship within a ship experience- own lounge/ own restaurant/own sun deck and pool. 
 

It’s just cool and Italian. And different. 
 

I’m on their brand new World Europa next month as RCI have abandoned the Dubai winter sun market . 

Edited December 26, 2022 by little britain

[lcpagejr]

Cruised them twice in Carribean and a 3rd scheduled for next Thanksgiving...Granted all will have been in Yacht Club, which imo is the best value at Sea, but the ships are beautiful, well laid out and have a very contemporary feel and look in their design. Great for families too. On par with other main stream cruise lines 

Edited December 26, 2022 by lcpagejr

[long4acruise]

Agree with the previous posters. Have recently been on MSC Virtuosa and Seashore and love these beautiful ships. MSC offers wonderful diverse itineraries at great prices. The onboard experience has been nice - wonderful shops with reasonable selections and pricing; lots of relaxing seating areas around the ship; matching loyalty status and 5% cruise price discount. Many eateries & bars, delicious pizza, etc. Also, only 15% gratuity including spa services. Their Aurea Thermal Suite Spa is much bigger and handsdown better than RC. Don't think we paid a service fee % either.

 

Yacht Club Experience: Granted RC offers a nice selection of bigger suites on its O & Q class ships, but the YC Experience is far superior in customer service!  Recently on MSC Seashore in Nov/Dec for a 20N Miami to Brazil repositioning itinerary in YC, great itinerary and YC was well worth it.

 

Decks 16-20 FWD (no deck 17) holds the dedicated YC with Concierge guest services (including wifi assistance and account issues) & the Top Sail Lounge (16); its own YC Restaurant (18); YC pool & sundeck with buffet & bar (20). Each suite is assigned a Butler and Jr Butler; free wifi streaming, a mini bar and fruit basket refreshed daily; free pressing (8 items); escorted on/off the ship and to the excursion meeting points (a big plus and no long lines!).

 

The YC Lounge & Restaurant are big and a stairway inside to go from one to the other. Both are spacious and about the size of RC's combined Coastal Kitchen & Suite Lounge.

 

CON: MSC's finance/accounting can be a tad difficult. It seems as though anything pre-booked/paid online via msccruisesusa.com can't be canceled or refunded onboard. We decided to change one of the tours we'd pre-booked for day 15. We could book a new tour for that day but had to send an email to the Post-cruise Dept. to request a refund for the pre-booked tour. Just a slight annoyance and their refunds/charge credits take forever!

Edited December 26, 2022 by long4acruise
Additional info

[yogimax]

1 hour ago, little britain said:

The staff aren’t in your face asking for tips or pestering for a perfect 10… 

 

I have never experienced the staff pestering or even asking for tips on RCCL

[not-enough-cruising]

14 minutes ago, yogimax said:

I have never experienced the staff pestering or even asking for tips on RCCL

Tips. I agree with you I have never been pestered about Tips, however, the constant nonstop barrage of the guest satisfaction survey, and pandering for a perfect 10 has become very very tiresome as of late.

[lcpagejr]

14 minutes ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Tips. I agree with you I have never been pestered about Tips, however, the constant nonstop barrage of the guest satisfaction survey, and pandering for a perfect 10 has become very very tiresome as of late.

especially last 2 days of cruise....and when the Maitre'de literally spends 2 min talking about it when giving farewell on last night...its a bit commercial

[George C]

We totally loved MSc yacht club, way better service and lounge than rccl suites , fantastic outdoor pool and there private island is way better than rccl for suites. Also agree best pizza . They also give veterans ten percent off fare.

[Donsyb]

Went on MSC Opera in 2016, so haven’t tried the new megaships. I’m also from the U.K. and we had status matched to black I think.

 

I was very disappointed by the food, often cold in the MDR. Also they only offered a very early or very late seating, and being Italian, there were a lot of courses so dinner was long. Had heard the pizza was great, but I honestly didn’t think it was any better than Sorrentos!

 

Entertainment was ok, but as mentioned above, due to catering for so many languages, it is very visual and standard Cabaret style.

 

service was very laid back and European. No sense of urgency to anything!

 

Also brace yourself for a lot of VERY loud Italians 😂

 

our opinion at the time was we would only sail them again if they were the only line offering the itinerary we wanted (as was the case with our 2016 Cuba cruise). However I am tempted to give them another go on the new big ships.

[joeyancho]

Best pizza at sea or on land!

[Yinster]

It's hard to tell whether MSC will be to your liking. All you will have on here is other people's experiences and opinions. It would be the same if you asked if RC was right for you? As you are diamond you will say yes but others will say no 

 

I think if the itinerary looks right for you at the price you are willing to pay then go for it. 

 

If you decide to book a cruise then definitely do status match and get their equivalent of diamond perks 

 

Also I would encourage you if your budget can cover yacht club then do it. You won't regret it. We loved the YC. Drink package and WiFi included. Private lounge space and deck area. Own restaurant and snacks throughout the day and night. 

 

Entertainment is different from RC. No big show from Broadway. Rather one off shows they created. 

 

Personally we didn't like the infrastructure of the ship we were on. There was no atrium or big area like RC. Rather all the areas were enclosed except for the deck areas. However the newer ships have address this issue. 

 

They do try to upsell you but just ignore it. 

 

Try it once and see what you think. Only you can decide whether MSC is a right fit for you. 

 

 

[PompeySailor]

MSC

Get on the bandwagon whilst they are cheaper than Royal.

 

Best bang for your buck and 

Yacht Club, much better than Star Class 

Everyone gets a genie 🧞‍♀️ 

Even an interior gets a Butler (genie)

 

I know not the same, but the butlers do exactly what the Genies do

at sometime 5 times less the price 

 

Ocean Cay private island, not a theme park and unspoiled 

 

And comparing YC to Suite Class, MSC have it as a package, no going one end of the ship for sun deck and other for lounge and CK

 

MSC have really nice ships and we will continue to book both lines.

But we can book 2 or 3 on MSC off how we like to cruise compared to just 1 on RC

 

YMMV

Both lines are our go to lines

[kernow]

I'd take the video you mention with a pinch of salt and try it for yourself (lots of great YouTube UK reviews out there too). 

 

Pre covid we did a Middle East cruise on MSC and since have done 2 YC on Virtuosa with another one booked. YC is amazing as everyone says but even without we enjoyed MSC. Pretty much as already said, very European, (passengers, service and food), ships very stylish, different to RCL but still good and often great value for money. If you want anytime dining you will need to book Aurea which also comes with a few other benefits (the separate sundeck is good on a warm weather cruise because the sundecks can get crowded).

[shoptom]

My last two cruises I had a second passenger no show.  Royal Caribbean automatically refunded the taxes in two days.  MSC required me to request the same type refund and processed it in two months.

 

MSC will match your diamond status to their gold.

 

As an American, I do prefer MSC more international clientele.

[Bigbob7777]

Sorry, I’ve been on 2 MSC cruises and wouldn’t go back if it was free.  Not going into detail; they’re not worth my time. There’s a reason(s) they are cheapest!

[Norwich Cruiser]

4 hours ago, Bigbob7777 said:

Sorry, I’ve been on 2 MSC cruises and wouldn’t go back if it was free.  Not going into detail; they’re not worth my time. There’s a reason(s) they are cheapest!

Unless you’re in the yacht club I wouldn’t go back either.

[shipgeeks]

1 hour ago, Norwich Cruiser said:

Unless you’re in the yacht club I wouldn’t go back either.

We sailed in Bella (the lowest category), had excellent cruises, and will do so again.

[Norwich Cruiser]

1 hour ago, shipgeeks said:

We sailed in Bella (the lowest category), had excellent cruises, and will do so again.

So pleased that you enjoyed it.

[Cruising89143]

On 12/26/2022 at 8:35 AM, not-enough-cruising said:

Tips. I agree with you I have never been pestered about Tips, however, the constant nonstop barrage of the guest satisfaction survey, and pandering for a perfect 10 has become very very tiresome as of late.

Agree 100%. Same thing happened on Celebrity as well a few weeks ago. Lost count as it happened over and over. Grew tiresome. 

[c-leg5]

On 12/26/2022 at 7:37 AM, publicpersona said:

Food is not amazing. But you won't starve.

Sounds very similar to RC.