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Review: How to upgrade your MSC Virtuosa cruise to the MSC Yacht Club

By Qin Xie | 15 Jul 2022

MSC Yacht Club service. Picture: Luc Selvais

Is it worth upgrading to MSC Cruises’ high-end Yacht Club, one of the ship-within-a-ship areas adding a little more luxury to your cruise? We test out the concept on MSC Virtuosa

A jovial group of lads, dressed to impress and each with a cocktail in hand, stumbles out of the mirrored lift as I pile in with a handful of other guests. There’s an air of buzzy exhaustion as we collectively lean back against the glass while the elevator makes its swift and smooth ascent.

“Too much booze, and too much good food,” one guest quips as he rubs his stomach; we all chuckle knowingly. It’s true. After a whirlwind cruise on glitzy MSC Virtuosa – the 19-deck Meraviglia-Plus vessel with room for close to 6,000 guests – we’re a bit overwhelmed.

It’s just as well I’m ending the night with a quiet drink in the Top Sail Lounge. An oasis of calm away from the party atmosphere of the decks below, this low-key bar and lounge has plush armchairs and banquettes from which you can enjoy table service. There’s not much to see besides the other guests when I slip in for a negroni just after midnight, but the view during the day from its front-of-ship vantage point on deck 16 is pretty impressive.

Top Sail Lounge, MSC Yacht Club, MSC Virtuosa. Picture: Ivan Sarfatti

What is it like in the Yacht Club on MSC Virtuosa?

Just a handful of people get that privilege though, as it’s open only to guests who are staying in the Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ equivalent of first class. Described as a ship within a ship, the Yacht Club is designed to offer all the luxuries of a smaller vessel alongside the entertainment and facilities that you would expect to find only on larger ships.

There are just 95 cabins in a private section located at the front of the ship, between decks 14 and 18 (there’s no deck 17). Within this bubble there’s a separate lift, concierge station and three food and beverage venues for the exclusive use of Yacht Club guests.

Like first-class passengers on flights, there’s also priority boarding, 24-hour butler service, complimentary premium drinks, free internet access and discounts at the speciality restaurants and spa on board.

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite, MSC Virtuosa. Picture: Ivan Sarfatti

Food and drink on MSC Virtuosa

During my short sailing, the Top Sail Lounge was a favourite for pre and post-dinner drinks. Everything from Nicolas Feuillatte Brut champagne to Johnnie Walker Black Label came in generous measures and without the extra price tag of other bars on the ship.

The Swarovski crystal-studded staircase spiralling straight up to the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant on deck 18 adds to the effect, so you always arrive and leave in style. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served à la carte at the Yacht Club Restaurant, with the daily-changing menu pitched to a fine-dining standard.

I enjoyed dishes such as stuffed tortellini with asparagus and mascarpone cheese, and charred sea bass fillet with crab and rocket salad, all with a glass of something delicious from the wine list. There’s one further exclusive spot for Yacht Club guests – the sun deck on deck 19.

Laid out like a beach club, there are dozens of loungers facing the ocean, flanked by a bar at the back. Drinks and light bites are always available up here, and you barely have to lift a finger to get service. Situated to one side, a small heated pool and whirlpool bath complete the picture, along with a handful of cabana-style loungers that are assigned to specific Yacht Club cabins for exclusive use.

MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar, MSC Virtuosa. Picture: Ivan Sarfatti

What to do on board MSC Virtuosa

You will always find plenty within the Yacht Club to keep you occupied on a short sailing, like my jaunt to Guernsey , but for those who want a longer adventure, the ship within a ship concept is perfect because you can access the variety of dining and entertainment facilities that would be impossible to fit on a smaller vessel, but still escape back to the sanctuary of your bubble afterwards.

On MSC Virtuosa, the entertainment space is split into two areas. Deck seven is home to speciality restaurants that overlook Galleria Virtuosa on deck six, a promenade flanked by bars, more restaurants and the largest shopping area at sea. To the rear of the ship, through the casino, is the Carousel Lounge, where acrobatic-style shows are put on every night, while musical productions take place in the 945-seat Le Grand Théâtre to the front. A second entertainment space starts from deck 15.

MSC Virtuosa. Picture: Ivan Sarfatti

The open-air Atmosphere Pool takes pride of place in the middle of the ship, surrounded by bars, loungers and whirlpool baths, but there are a couple of others dotted around the ship. Dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs are on decks 16 and 18, alongside a basketball court and virtual reality games. The interactive cinema is particularly thrilling.

However, the pièce de résistance is on deck 19, where an aerial obstacle course wraps around a water park . I managed just a fraction of the ship and was completely exhausted. Luckily, the memory foam mattress and Egyptian cotton sheets in the Yacht Club cabins make getting a restful night’s sleep a breeze.

Book the Yacht Club on MSC Virtuosa

A seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise in a Yacht Club balcony cabin on MSC Virtuosa starts from £2,009. For more information or to book now visit msccruises.co.uk , see your local travel agent or call 0203 426 3010.

The Haven sun deck on Norwegian Viva

More luxury ship-within-a-ship areas

MSC Cruises isn’t the only line to offer a more luxurious enclave on board a bigger ship. Here are some of the other places to upgrade your experience

The Haven by Norwegian

NCL introduced The Haven on Norwegian Breakaway and has now rolled it out across nine ships in the fleet, with more to come on new vessels Prima and Viva . Expect a concierge and 24-hour butler; private sun deck, lounge and restaurant; in-room extras and more, with some inclusions varying by ship.

The Retreat by Celebrity Cruises

As part of Celebrity’s move to create a ‘new luxury’ vibe , enjoy private restaurant Luminae with dishes created by Daniel Boulud, complimentary in-suite dining, a sun deck with hot tub and loungers (on selected ships), plus a private lounge, premium drinks, pre-paid tips and onboard credit.

The Retreat, Celebrity Beyond. Picture: Ryan Wicks

Grill Suites by Cunard

Elevate Cunard’s classy cruises even further with its most luxurious cabins, which are not clustered together in a private enclave but rather occupy the most sought-after spots on the ship. Book a Princess Grill or Queens Grill suite to enjoy lavish accommodation, a more intimate lounge and restaurant with open-seated dining, bubbly on arrival, Penhaligon’s toiletries and a host of other in-suite extras.

Royal Suite Class by Royal Caribbean

There are three levels of upgrade in the Royal Suite Class – Sea, Sky and Star – which offer more spacious accommodation, priority boarding and upgraded amenities, plus, in higher tiers, concierge service, tips, speciality dining and a ‘Royal Genie’ butler. Latest ship Wonder of the Seas has even added a dedicated Suite Neighbourhood.

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I tried a ship-within-a-ship cruise experience and it was worth it for the endless perks—here’s why

The MSC Yacht Club affords travelers a totally different cruising experience, but you’ll have to splurge.

I heard tales of luxury from people about the ritzy MSC Yacht Club , the ship-within-a-ship concept where discerning passengers enjoy their own area of the cruise ship that includes a dedicated restaurant, private lounge, separate pool and sundeck as well as private butlers and concierges to take of any whim while cruising. The elevated Yacht Club boasts priority everything while sailing MSC.

I sailed on a four-night cruise on the new MSC Seashore, a glitzy ship with Italian flair intermingled with references to New York City at every turn. Although the ship was well-appointed and had amazing dining, drinking and entertainment venues, and a bountiful Top Sail main buffet, thousands of passengers made the ship feel crowded at times, elevators were slow, and as I strolled through the general pools, they were boisterous and crowded.

RECOMMENDED: 10 things about cruising on an adults-only ship that might surprise you

Switch gears to MSC Seashore’s Yacht Club, passkey-protected for lucky guests, and is a 180 from the ship’s general spaces. Once you scan your handy Yacht Club wrist badge, or your room key, you’re instantly given entrance to a breathtaking retreat of 131 staterooms and suites. All this luxury does come at a price. Cruise fares will vary based on destination, time of year, and cabin category, but generally speaking you can expect to pay double for the Yacht Club. And from my experience, it’s worth it. Read more about why you should splurge.

You’re fast-tracked through everything

The Yacht Club’s exclusivity and impeccable service standard started from the moment I got dropped off at the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. There were hundreds of people waiting to board at 1pm on embarkation day. I saw in the distance a canopy that said MSC Yacht Club. My husband and I wheeled our carry-on luggage to the representative under the canopy. I gave her my name and within two seconds, she gave me a sticker to wear and up we ascended on the escalator to check in. Just five minutes later, I was directed to the dedicated check-in area for Yacht Club guests. To my right, I saw about 1,000 people serpentine through ropes to do general check-in. I felt a sense of relief; who wants to wait in that line? Five minutes later, a butler from the Yacht Club insisted on wheeling my luggage to board the ship and I was in my room in a total on 12 minutes from the time I stepped foot out of the car to my stateroom in the Yacht Club.

Relaxing and streamlined

In addition, Yacht Club guests have the freedom to get off the ship first for excursions. Your butler will happily escort you off the ship with a smile. Guests also can disembark on the last morning first, which is a big convenience. Your butler walks you right to the place you disembark, bypassing crowds and hassles. Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Orlando International Airport, and we took a 10 am flight home. We didn’t have to linger around until the afternoon for our flight home.

Another perk is that there’s a special seating area in the theater for shows. All the shows were excellent during my voyage. All other ship passengers have to make reservations in advance for shows but that’s not the case for the privileged Yacht Club passengers. As long as you arrive about 10 minutes before any show you choose, a crew member from the Club will allow you entry into a special roped-off section. Again, no rushing through dinner—you have the flexibility to plan your evenings your way.

Your Yacht Club package is packed with remarkable value

The price tag may sound daunting, but there’s lots of value there. All Yacht Club cabins and suites include a premium drink package that covers beverages up to $15. You can use this perk both in the Yacht Club and throughout the ship. In addition, your package includes a two-device Wi-Fi package, which worked well during my sailing. Finally, you get access to the thermal spa suite, which is a place to indulge after a day in port or a sea day. Commonly, there’s a taboo regarding mini-bars, but not in the Yacht Club. It’s stocked each day with the beverages you want; just tell your butler and consider it done.

You get perks ashore too

If your sailing includes a call to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, Yacht Club guests get an elevated experience there too. Yacht Club guests enjoy a private area, and a dedicated restaurant called the Ocean House. While other ship guests were hosted to a buffet of predictable fare, I enjoyed a lobster roll, and my husband chose carne asada. In my opinion, one thing that could be improved was the tram service to the Yacht Club’s private area. We were told the last tram back was 3:30pm if we didn’t want to trek a 15-minute walk in the heat. Since we were docked in Ocean Cay for the evening and weren’t sailing, I was a bit dismayed by this logistical quirk. I felt like I was keeping an eye on my phone to make sure I didn’t miss the last tram.

You have private areas with curated food and drink and outdoor spaces

Within the Yacht Club complex, there’s the Yacht Club Restaurant, Top Sail Lounge and the One Pool Buffet, which are all exclusive to Yacht Club guests. Obviously, the food and service are steps above other dining venues of the ship, I can vouch for that. Although the food is delicious, if you don’t want to pay extra to dine at the specialty restaurants or fuss in the main buffet, eating three meals a day in the Yacht Club restaurant can get a bit monotonous. The breakfast is the same daily, and lunch and dinner offer a menu with daily specials plus a few standby selections like a hamburger or pasta each day. Although the Yacht Club Restaurant concept is desirable, I would strongly suggest dining in other venues on board, especially for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed specialty dining in Ocean Cay Restaurant, Butcher’s Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki. I also want to mention that late afternoon high tea is offered daily at the Yacht Club Restaurant. It was one of the nicest I have experienced at sea.

Also available exclusively to Yacht Club passengers is the Top Sail Lounge, which offers panoramic water views and has chef-curated selections from morning through late night. We enjoyed popping into the lounge at all hours to try finger foods and sweets. The One Pool Buffet offers a more casual option for breakfast and lunch by the pool. The buffet has grilled fish, sandwiches and lots of delicious options if you want to dine outside.

There’s also an exclusive area with a private pool and two whirlpools for Yacht Club guests only. The sun deck loungers are very comfortable and I never had to worry about finding a lounger, there are ample. One issue I had was that there was almost no shade on the sun deck; there were shaded day beds for Royal Suite and Owners Suite guests, but beyond those, I couldn’t find any shade, which was disappointing.

You can justify the price at the end of your cruise

Overall, the best way to explain my enthusiasm for my MSC Yacht Club experience is this: it’s better to book an interior stateroom in the Yacht Club than a luxe cabin outside the Yacht Club. It’s worth the splurge and you return home feeling truly pampered and it’s money well-spent. And I make this prediction: Once you try a ship-within-a-ship concept like the MSC Yacht Club, you won’t want cruise any other way. Bon Voyage!

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Here’s What It Is Like to Sail on MSC, The World’s Third Largest Cruise Line

More than 35 million travelers will cruise this year, and many of them are sailing with MSC Cruises around the world. Relatively new to the American vacationer, this family-owned line started offering U.S. cruises in 1998 but has become more popular in North America in the past couple of years.

So, this Spring Break, my daughter and I took a 3-night cruise from Cape Canaveral Florida to the Caribbean to see for ourselves why so many Americans are hitting the sea for vacation, and increasingly with MSC Cruises.

Why Are So Many People Cruising?

So many of our friends and family rave about cruising and repeatedly choose to vacation this way. As a non-cruising family, we’ve been intrigued by their stories of exploration and family fun and were excited to try it out for ourselves.

“Our data shows that the top things that Americans associate with cruising is having fun, being entertained, and relaxing. Being able to experience a new destination with new experiences nearly every day adds to the attractiveness of cruises,” shares Ben Harrell, Managing Director, U.S. at Booking.com . “Not surprisingly, almost one-quarter (22%) of Americans surveyed plan to take a cruise in 2024, which is nearly double the global average, and an increase from 2023.”

A Cruise is an Easy Button in a Busy World

A OnePoll survey reveals that 60% of surveyed Americans don’t believe there are enough hours in the day to get everything done, let alone plan a vacation. Once you’ve booked your cruise, you can look forward to the fun, not another to-do list of meal and activity reservations. And due to the all-inclusive nature, you won’t have to stress about going over budget either.

“Beyond the strong value of a cruise – with accommodations, meals and entertainment all included in the cost – cruises are also a highly convenient vacation type. Travelers are not only looking to get away, but they’re looking to escape their everyday stresses,” explains Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic. “ Once you’re onboard your cruise, most of the planning and arrangements are handled for you. You don’t have to worry about packing and unpacking, and there’s no need to spend time navigating various forms of transportation. The cruise line takes care of all of that for you.”

When the Cost of Everything Goes Up, Cruises Look Even More Attractive

“The value of a cruise has never been more evident – especially as travelers are eager to book vacations but are looking to dodge increasing costs. And that goes for the more budget-friendly mainstream lines and luxury and river lines that include more amenities and offerings in their higher base fares. Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a cruise to fit your needs and expectations – and the value is so much greater at sea than many land-based options,” continues McDaniel.

What Does MSC Cruises Offer?

MSC Cruises travels to 240 destinations in over 85 countries. They have 22 ships currently with three new ones launching in 2025, 2026 and 2027. MSC sails five ships from three U.S. ports with Galveston and Miami itineraries starting in 2025.

They can be described as a contemporary, modern cruise line that combines the company’s European heritage with a sophisticated, international flare while remaining big on fun.

Who Is MSC a Match For?

If you’re looking for a family vacation with kids, are budget-conscious, and seek higher-end experiences, then take a serious look at MSC Cruises.

“It’s a budget-friendly line with competitive fares. Its ships are likely to be among the lowest-priced you’ll see when you’re searching for a cruise. Most of MSC’s ships in the U.S. are relatively new having launched within the past five years, and built specifically for the American market. So while there’s certainly a European flair onboard, you’ll still have all the creature comforts of home,” adds McDaniel.

How Does MSC Differ From Other Cruise Lines?

“MSC has a loyal fanbase, who love the more European vibe they get onboard and the experience as a whole. For those who have never cruised with MSC but have cruised with other cruise lines, you may notice some differences.”

“Notably, you might notice a difference in the kids clubs, which feel very international, and in some of the entertainment, which could include opera or shows in multiple languages. Many announcements onboard are made in multiple languages as well,” she explains.

Surprising Restaurant Offerings

We were surprised with the upscale and luxe dining options for a non-luxury brand. Our ship had three main restaurants, a spa restaurant, a Marketplace buffet, and five specialty restaurants.

For non-cruisers like us, it was surprising that the restaurants on board aren’t solely large formal dining rooms and buffets but also exciting offerings like sushi on a conveyor belt, my daughter’s top three experiences from our cruise. Available even to those not on a premium dining plan, you can pay a la carte at the restaurant or enjoy a 45-minute all-you-can-eat meal for $39 a person.

Want Great Nightlife? MSC’s Got It

If you enjoy vibrant nightlife, you’ll enjoy a vacation on MSC. Its award-winning nightlife stands out from other cruise lines.

“There aren’t many lines where, when the clubs and bars wind down, the party continues deep into the night. MSC has mastered the fun nightlife. Whether it’s a 70s theme night with the entertainment team dressed like the Village People, live DJs in the main promenade, or a White Night Party with live music on the main pool deck, there is always something going on an MSC ship,” explains Cruise Critic Editors.

Even Parents Can Enjoy The Nightlife While Kids Enjoy The Kids Club

MSC provides free childcare for kids until 11 pm or midnight for tweens and teens. With eight different kids club rooms, each is designed for specific age groups. My seven-year-old daughter had a blast in the Juniors Club, asked to return day after day, and wanted to stay longer to play with other kids her age. After learning that their goal is to make the kids happy, surprise them, and not just be the best but be unique, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised by how much she loved it.

“When people ask us why MSC Cruises has become internationally awarded as “Best Cruise Line for Families” over the years, the answer is simple: we listen to our young guests and build their loyalty,” shared Matteo Mancini, Senior Manager Youth Entertainment, MSC Cruises .

What Do They Do in The Kids Club?

“We see over 600,000 children and teenagers sailing on our cruises fleetwide each year, making it important that we provide the best family programming and childcare. Our kids and teens clubs cater to a variety of children’s interests with innovative, high-tech and interactive activities like a drone flying academy, gameshows including MasterChef at sea Juniors, Guinness World Record Family Quiz and various originals, continued Mancini.  

 “We also have 3D printing classes available for kids and teens. We are especially excited about the family offerings that will be on our newest ship, MSC World America, with the largest kids’ area in the entire fleet including the Harbor, a new outdoor park within the Family Aventura District.”

Cruising Today Means Private Island Adventures

As non-cruises, we didn’t know that most of the large cruise lines now have private islands. According to The Point Guy’s 2024 Travel Trends report, they are often the highest-rated part of people’s cruise. It was one of the top highlights of our trip, and we’ve dreamed of another day (or two!) at MSC’s Ocean Cay.

It’s a Secluded Oasis Surrounded by Turquoise Sea

Our first glimpse of their stunning 100-acre Marine Reserve island in Bimini, Bahamas, showed exactly why it has won Gold in the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. You can enjoy yourself even more, knowing that it’s not just an otherworldly oasis island and 64 square miles of protected waters but a Mission Blue ‘Hope Spot’ that MSC is committed to conserving and protecting.

So, just like when visiting Hawaii, it is critical, important and asked to keep shells or other nature items on the island and not in your bag as a keepsake.

MSC Also Offers an Elevated Cruising Experience That Many Say Is the Best in the Industry

“Their onboard Yacht Club, which is a more VIP experience with private restaurants, pools and more. This private enclave, or a ship within a ship, has won Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Picks awards and is a hit among our members,” says McDaniel.

We met many in the Yacht Club restaurants who really enjoyed the premier room service at any hour amenity as well.

Peak Travel Week or a Crowded Cruise? You’d Never Know in The Yacht Club

Our invitation to sail on MSC for the first time included a stay in The Seashore’s Yacht Club. We loved having access to both all the regular dining, entertainment and amenities onboard, along with the option to retreat to a private restaurants and outdoor spaces during the popular Spring Break time period.

It’s a Wonderful, Exclusive Experience

As first-time cruisers, we had so much to take in, experience, and figure out. But with The Yacht Club priority embarkation and disembarkation, a personal concierge team who escorted us to most places we wanted to go, and dedicated 24/7 butler service, we didn’t need to worry about anything. The concierge team and personal butler elevate the cruise experience by securing any reservations and VIP seating for entertainment, even with little notice.

It Extends Off Ship As Well

Additionally, MSC Yacht Club guests sailing to private island destinations such as Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas are treated to upgraded on-island experiences, such as exclusive access to private beaches with more than enough chairs and umbrellas and elevated or private dining options. My three-course lunch, including a delicious lobster roll, was fantastic, and my daughter was pleasantly surprised with the Yacht Club’s private restaurant’s kids’ meal selections.

Having the option to take a golf cart transportation to the private Yacht Club area at Ocean Cay was an added bonus, especially with younger kids who don’t like to walk far in warm weather.

Yacht Club Might Be Closer Than You Think

According to Cruise Critic’s editors, “MSC’s gorgeous MSC Yacht Club is proof that not all luxury suite complexes are created equal. This private enclave boasts all the requisite perks you might expect, from lavish suites to grand lounges and private dining areas. MSC sets itself apart by making that complex more accessible than ever before, thanks to the line’s value-priced MSC Yacht Club Inside Staterooms that provide a lot of luxe for a little dough.”

Additionally, we meet multiple Yacht Club-ers who used their bid upgrade feature to secure a room. As the cruise date gets closer, you can log-in and set an amount you’d be willing to pay to upgrade your reservation to The Yacht Club. They shared with me that this approach can mean paying significantly less for the luxe experience.

When’s the Best Time To Book a MSC Cruise?

As a non-cruising family, I wasn’t familiar with Wave Season, typically from January to March. It is when cruise lines offer some of their best deals of the year. Last Wave Season, MSC offered deals worth $1,000 for shorter cruises and $2,000 for 7 days cruises for a family of four.

However, sign up for the cruise line’s email list to be notified of mid-year offers, as you never know what sale you can catch. In early April, I received some very tempting email offers. We enjoyed ourselves on MSC so much that I just might take them up on one of them and book a longer trip. It looks like we’re cruisers now.

A Guide to Alaskan Cruises Including Ports of Call and What to Pack

An Alaskan Cruise is the best way to explore a truly unique state. The ship will take you to various cities in this gorgeous region while you make the most of your vacation without ever having to switch hotel rooms. Cruise season in Alaska is from late spring to early fall, so there are plenty of options for you to embark on a truly memorable trip.

But how do you pick one for this once-in-a-lifetime vacation?

No Money for a Vacation? Here’s How To Find $5,000 You Didn’t Know You Had

There’s that vacation we all are dreaming of. But how can you afford it with sky-high childcare payments, increasing home prices, higher food costs, and a never-ending pile of rising bills? Well, what if I told you that with just three realistic changes to your everyday spending, that vacation can be a reality?

Monica Fish helps her fellow adventurers live a financially savvy life so they can travel and explore our beautiful world no matter their budget. She writes about smart timeshare ownership, vacation tips and tricks, NYC Metro Area trips and activities, and frugal, yet rich, living at PlannerAtHeart.com.

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MSC Cruises Drink & Bar Menus With PriceS – UPDATED

Last Updated on June 12, 2024

We spent a lot of time on a recent voyage with MSC Cruises trying to decipher the MSC drink menus and drink packages. We are posting the entire range of MSC drink menus to accompany the information recently published comparing the drink packages. These menus will also help people with the MSC Easy drink package better understand what’s included!

MSC Cruises Gratuities on Bar / Drink Purchases

Onboard bar purchases will incur gratuities, automatically added to all purchases : 15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentina), and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuities on North America itineraries. If you purchase a drink or beverage package, the price of the package includes the gratuities and you will not pay anything additional!

MSC Drink Menus

Ship wide drink list with prices *updated 2024 menus*.

This is the shipwide menu for bars, pool areas, main dining rooms, and lounges. This menu does not apply to specialty restaurants that have their own specific menus.

Master Wine List – Available in main dining rooms

This list is what is generally presented in any dining area or main dining room on MSC ships.

MSC Champagne Bar Menu

For MSC cruise ships with a Champagne Bar, this menu is presented, but they often have a full bar as well.

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Brass Anchor Pub

The pub features quite a few beer options but pay attention to the prices if you are planning on using a drink package. Additionally, there are paid items to eat at certain times.

• TRY IT : We’ve created an MSC Drink Calculator to see if buying a beverage package is worth it on your next cruise!

For people who have chosen the Easy Package or get it free with their cruise fare, there is a separate menu:

A word about the drinks on MSC Cruises

If you plan on enjoying your cruise without purchasing a drink package, you’ll see by the above menus that the prices of drinks really aren’t terrible compared to other cruise lines. However, a drink package is now more commonly included as a perk or incentive when booking a cruise with MSC . Even if there is a slight upcharge for an included Easy Package for you’re next cruise, you’ll likely find that it’s well worth it given that it includes bottled water, sodas and specialty coffee which is uncommon with most cruise lines.

Learn more about the MSC drink packages that are available and how they are used.

You might also be interested in…

MSC Cruises Dining Packages Explained – Are They Worth It? What to Know Before You Go!

MSC Dining Packages - Everything to know! The “dining experiences” offered by MSC include a single meal at a specialty restaurant for lunch... Read This

MSC Cruises Drink Packages & Prices (UPDATED)

 On a recent MSC Cruise, I booked an aft balcony with a special rate that included the “Easy Package”. I really had no idea... Read This

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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29 Comments

I have seen price lists in Euro, and some in British Pounds. What does $ mean, what currency is this in please (NZ, USA, Aussie) ? It makes a huge difference.

Hi Chris, When we refer to $ it’s always USD on our site.

Hello, how are you? I made a summary between the Easy and Easy Plus packages

Easy • You can only drink Heiniken beer • If you want to drink rum, vodka, whiskey, gin, tequila (You cannot choose a brand) • If you want wine you can choose between Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel Rose, Cabernet or Merlot but the house wine, do not choose by brand. • It is not valid for specialized restaurants, that is, if one goes to one specialized in pasta or Mexican, it is paid outside the plan. • If someone wants to buy a drink that is more expensive, they pay the difference. • The minibar is paid separately • Tips are included

Easy Plus • You can choose a greater variety of beers, rum, vodka, gin • You can choose brands of wine • This package can be used in specialized restaurants. • If someone wants to buy a drink that is more expensive, they pay the difference. • Minibar is paid separately • Tips are included

Thomas, Yep! This basically points out the main differences. Thanks!

Hi, how are you? We are going in January on MSC Armonia for 7 nights. Will you have the same menu but with the Easy Plus package? I want to see what the difference is with the Easy.

I understand that in the Easy Plus you can choose a wider variety of cocktails, choose other brands of spirits, wine, beer and better coffee.

Can you help me please Regards

Hi Thomas, you can see the easy plus menu on this page about MSC Drink Packages . But just know that you can order from any menu. I hope this helps! Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks for this ! Do you know if the basic drink package covers say a bourbon and coke drink ?

You know, that’s a good question. Our travel buddies were ordering generic like rum & coke – Vodka Tonic, etc… but didn’t ever hear anyone order any basic Bourbon. BUT They did seem to have something included in the easy / basic package for all alcohol types, so I can only assume they have a bourbon. If not, you only pay the difference in price if what you want isn’t included in the Easy package. The few times I have done that, it’s only been $2 or so for better drinks.

Hi Phil, yesterday I sent a small message about the MSC transfer between Milan Malpensa Airport and Genoa Port. A small modification: we should get from Milan to Genoa in the morning of June 22, not June 21, so I would like the information (timetable, etc.) by the 22 of June.Sorry for the modification.Thanks in advance for your reply: Agnes

Hi Agnes – I’m unfortunately not famliar with how MSC Handles busses or shuttles from the Milan airport 🙁 – but I do know the transport is usually only on the morning of the cruise for when they DO offer shuttles. If you’re arriving early, you’ll be on your own to get to Genoa and it’s a few hours by train. The trains are generally pretty reliable an on time, but give yourself plenty of room to work with. You can use Rome2Rio (link) and plan a route or hire a private car (expect to spend 200 euro to get there though!). Here’s a link to private services on Viator

Hi! We have a cabin (Seaside from Genoa – 7 nights) for 4 people: 2 adults, 2 children, we have Easy Package for all four people. By definition, children do not drink alcoholic beverages, but my question is, is ice cream(for the children) included in Easy Packae? Thanks in advance: Agnes

Hi Agnes, I think if you call MSC, they will downgrade the kids to a soft drink package and save you money. As for icecream, it was available at the outside cafe at no charge but it will not cover the specialty ice cream / Gelato at Philippe Maury & Venchi Chocolate

Does the prices in the drinks menu include the gratuity? Or we have to add the 18% to know the total price?

Lizette, If you don’t have a drink package, and you are purchasing the drinks one by one, then you’ll pay the gratuity on top of the price you’re seeing. I believe the gratuity has just increased to 18% from 15%

We are two people traveling on MSC Meraviglia. Looking at these prices (some of them equal to or better than any hotel or Pub), I don’t think we are going to spend $560 (2 non-alcoholic packages) on water, coffee, and sodas in our 10-day cruise.

I agree- The prices really aren’t bad compared to other cruise lines! The packages make the most sense when they’re included as a promotion in the base fare at a discounted rate. I have friends that recently did a 2 week cruise with MSC and the drink packages were as much as the cruise. They declined and ended up spending a fraction of what the drink package would have been. Definitely worth doing the math!

how can i find out what brands of scotch are included in the easy plus package

Hi Bill & Susan, You can see the main menu above (first menu) and page 7 has “whisky” …. which they’ve sort of put all scotch and whisky together.

Remember it’s anything up to $10 per drink, so there are quite a few basic options available.

It’s explained on another page here that the Easy Package includes drinks up to $7.50, but I don’t see these drinks listed in the menu provided above, only the $9 ones. Did I miss something? Or is it $7.50 plus a 20% gratuity so it is $9.00 as listed on the menu which also includes the tip.

Hi Cory – If you look at the menu at the top of this page – and flip to the first page of the menu, it has the drinks up to 7.50 which are included in the “easy” package. MSC Generally has a menu for drinks that are part of the “Easy Package” and not all have a price associated with them (They’re just included). The $7.50 amount has been established since they now allow you to get a drink that is more than the $7.50 limit by paying the difference. I hope that makes sense!

Thanks! Don’t know how I missed that. I did the calculation and for our group of mostly light or non-drinkers, the packages don’t make financial sense when everybody has to get the same package, especially when we are going to be in port during most days and will get paid drinks there.

Sure! If you’re light drinkers, MSC Often has a promo for Easy or Easy plus as part of a cruise fare. I find that is the best way to go when it’s available since it covers everything from premium coffee & bottled water, etc. Not sure if you saw our MSC Drink Calculator (here) . This might help as well!

I noticed one can order bottles of wine pre cruise to be delivered to your stateroom. The prices for which seemed reasonable at @$32. My question is can you get a bottle at a bar on board and take it to your room or would there be a corkage fee?

Hi Kim! If you get the bottles onboard where they are available, you’ll pay a gratuity but not a true “corkage” fee by just taking them back to your room. So Expect to pay whatever their automatic gratuity / service charge is – but nothing else.

Hi. Are these prices in australian dollars?

Hello! The prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted (sometimes we post prices in Euro, but it’s clearly stated).

Your not in Alice Springs anymore, mate!

Are these also the same prices if you were to buy the drinks a la carte?

Hi Josh – Yes, this is the ship-wide price list even if you’re paying for the drinks 1 at a time. For package customers, it’s a reference as to what the package will cover more than anything.

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