MSC Cruises offers innovative itineraries, great family deals and some luxury perks. Kids 12 and under sail free on select sailings when traveling as the third and/or fourth guests in a stateroom with two adults, and receive discounts on shore excursions as well. Guests of the MSC Yacht Club also enjoy a luxury lounge with a special concierge and butler service, private dining and more on all Fantasia-class ships (MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa).
What's new
A Special Baby Laundry service is available for children up to 6. Their clothing is picked up from your cabin, washed separately in a specialized machine with gentle detergents and delivered back the next day.
During the coming year, MSC will increase its presence in Cuba. Joining MSC Opera in Havana will be the MSC Armonia, which will sail two-8 day itineraries in the region.
Plans this year include an ambitious project for MSC Cruises: the creation of a marine reserve island experience in the Bahamas. Working with the Bahamanian governor and a team of ecologists, the project will support conservation and offer a new experience to guests of MSC.
For babies
While at sea, toddlers ages 1-3 years-old are welcome at the Mini Club, under the care of a trained staff from 1 to 2 pm and from 6 to 7 pm. Advance reservations are required. The Mini Club is also open on both Port Days and Sea Days at specified times so that Mom or Dad can play with baby and meet other families. The Mini Club is stocked with toys chosen by Chicco, a baby research center.
For kids
Organized activities are available for kids at Doremi land, which is divided into two age groups (3-6 and 7-11). Open 9 am to 11 pm while in port and at certain hours while at sea, fun activities include dance classes, sports, PlayStation, Xbox and Wii and group games under the supervision of a professional staff. Children are also able to dine together with the staff and enjoy a special menu designed for them. Or, they can have a quick dinner with Mom and Dad while they enjoy their first course, and then return to the club for a fun evening.
There is no private babysitting offered, but supervised late-night play and napping is offered for a small fee. In association with LEGO, the 3- to 11-year-olds have a huge selection of bricks and accessories to create with, and LEGO Experience On Board, a full day dedicated to LEGO activities, is held one day on every cruise. A full roster of family-fun activities is available through the onboard Doremi club.
For teens
Teens are also divided into two age groups (12-14 and 15-17) and meet at different times. Activities for 13-17 year olds include Wii/Xbox/PS3 games, social network games, dance contests, sports and karaoke. Teens are also able to enjoy the shops onboard by purchasing a teen card designed for nominal onboard purchases. Weekly teen events can include a Teen’s Talent Show, Twisted Scavenger Hunt, MSC Flashmob and more.
Around the ship
Look for miniature golf, tennis, basketball, football, dodgeball, mini-bowling, shuffleboard and table soccer. Each ship has kids and family pools, an Aqua Park and Water Slide, 4D Cinema and a racing car simulator.
In this series
- Family Cruise Guide (main article)
- Family Cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line (next article)
Your take
Have you and your family cruised on MSC Cruises? What was the highlight? Did we overlook anything in this roundup? Please leave a comment below.
Interested in a family cruise on MSC Cruises?
