EmailFrequently Asked Questions
- What is Included in the cruise fare? And what's extra?
- How much and who should I tip?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- What if the cruise price drops after I book or I find a better fare?
- Does the ship provide internet access? If so, how much does it cost?
- How can I keep in stay in touch with friends and family on land? Can I use my cell phone?
- What is the dress code?
- Can I bring alcohol on board?
- What kinds of items are not allowed on board?
CRUISE INCLUDES:
Room accommodations
- Selected category accommodations
- Pillow menu (choice of soft, firm, down or synthetic pillow fillings)
- Two single beds that convert to a European king
- Mini-bar
- Personal safe
- Satellite TV
- Several audio channels
- Toiletries and amenities
- 24 hour room service
Food and Drinks
- Casual Dining:
- Buffets (breakfast, lunch, midnight)
- Poolside grill
- Cafe for coffee/tea and pastries
- Authentic pizzeria, serving pizza freshly prepared to your liking
- Main Dining:
- Seven course meals served in their elegant main restaurants with sweeping ocean views
- Drinks:
- Water and Juices (non-bottled)
- Coffee and Iced Tea (non-specialty>
Entertainment
- Theater productions
- Indoor and/or Outdoor cinema (depending on the ship)
- Disco/Night Club and various bars
Genereal
- Daily onboard activities and recreational facilities
- Fitness Center
- Onboard Event Coordinators
- Complimentary kids' club programs
Not Included (available for EXTRA Charge):
Food and Drinks
- Specialty restaurants
- Wine, beer, liquor, soda and mineral water
On-board Activities
- Spa and beauty salon
- European style Casino/Gaming
- Onboard shopping
Shore Excursions
- Sightseeing
- Meals ashore
General
- Laundry
- Medical expenses
- Items of a personal nature
- Government fees and taxes
- Fuel surcharges
- Onboard Service Charge
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here↑ Back to Top
MSC Cruises will automatically add a service charge to your onboard account. It will be based on the number of days in which services are actually rendered and vary by itinerary:
- Caribbean and Eastbound Transatlantic sailings: $12.00 USD per adult per day.
- Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Westbound Transatlantic sailings: €uro 7.00 per adult per day.
Per person per day service charge for children under the age of 18 will be 50% less. Service charges are subject to change and may vary based on the ship’s onboard currency.
You may make adjustments by contacting the Guest Relation Manager at any point during your cruise. MSC Cruises does not recommend tipping individually any member of the personnel on board as this is already included in the service charge.
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here↑ Back to Top
Cancellation requests must be received in writing by MSC Cruises no less than 76 days prior to sailing date for a full refund.
Reservation cancellation requests received less than 76 days prior to sailing will be subject to the following charges:
| 75 to 46 days prior to sailing: | Deposit amount |
| 45 to 16 days prior to sailing: | 50% of cruise fare, excluding taxes |
| 15 days or less prior to sailing: | 100% of cruise fare, excluding taxes |
No refund will be issued if a guest voluntarily or involuntarily fails to show up for their cruise; is denied boarding for any reason including failure to possess required travel documents, passport or visa; or terminates his/her cruise in progress. Cruise contracts are non-transferable.
For Trip Cancellation Protection contact MSC at 800-666-9333
MSC Cruise Lines recommends the purchase of a Vacation Insurance Protection.
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here↑ Back to Top
MSC Cruise Lines does not advertise price protection, if the price lowers you would have to call into the office. It's not a guarantee that they would be able to lower the price.↑ Back to Top
Internet Cafe
Your Cruise Card will also allow you to access the Internet. At the Internet Cafe you can stay connected with the world by using the Internet browser, just like you would at home. The service is subject to the rates displayed on board.
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here
A Wi-Fi card is available onboard all ships and enables wireless Internet connection in certain areas of the ship displaying the sign "MSC Hot Spot Wi-Fi Area". You'll need a prepaid MSC Wi-Fi card that will enable your laptop to access the service. You can buy the card from the Reception desk. Prices vary from approximately:
| US$21* | for | 30 minutes |
| US$42* | for | 60 minutes |
| US$65* | for | 120 minutes |
12 and 24 hour packages are also available.
*Prices subject to change without notice.
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here↑ Back to Top
Telephone:
While the ship is at sea, passengers can be contacted by telephone or fax via the ships’ radio office. Call sign, telephone and fax numbers are given here.
To contact the ship dial the appropriate code followed by the relevant ship number.
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here
Cell Phone:
Yes, you can use your cell phone. Note, you will incur roaming charges (T-Mobile $4.99/min, AT&T $2.49/min, Verizon $2.49/min, Sprint $2.49/min, Alltel $2.49/min). MSC Cruises doesn't institute any additional fees or charges associated with cell phone usage while onboard. Remember to pack your phone charger.
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here↑ Back to Top
You will need three types of clothing on your cruise:
- Day and Excursion Wear:
- Casual wear is advised for life on board ship and for the excursions. For excursions including visits to religious sites we advise appropriate clothing (covered knees and shoulders, no low-cut tops).
- Informal Evenings:
- Ladies: Summery dresses
- Gentlemen: Lightweight jacket
- Gala Evenings and Parties:
- Ladies: Evening dresses
- Gentlemen: Dark Suit
- Formal Evenings: (1 on 4-6 night cruises, 2 on 7-11 night cruises, and 4 on cruises 15 nights or longer)
- Ladies: Cocktail dresses
- Gentlemen: Lightweight suit or dinner jacket
Other tips:
- Sunglasses, extra bathing suits, as well as sun block, sun visors and other types of sun protection.
- Prescription medications or other personal care items you'll need
*After 6:00pm, jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and bare feet are not permitted in the ships' public areas.
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here↑ Back to Top
No. However, there are several Champagne and Fine Wine Packages, as well as, Beverage Packages that include Soft Drinks, Bottled Wine, Beer and/or Mineral Water.
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here↑ Back to Top
RESTRICTED ITEMS
MSC reserves the right to confiscate any articles carried or contained in any luggage which, in its sole discretion, considers dangerous or poses a risk or inconvenience to the security of the Cruise Ship or persons on board. Passengers are prohibited from bringing on board any articles that can be used as a weapon, explosives, illegal or dangerous goods. Animals and/or pets are not allowed onboard under any circumstances without the MSC’s permission in writing.
More info on MSC Cruise Lines' website here↑ Back to Top
MeetOnCruise: Our Take
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Cruises is the industry's fast growing "new kid on the block". Owned by a shipping family and based in Naples, Italy, this line boasts one of the youngest fleets in the business. MSC Cruises is known for providing a European cruise experience (embarkation announcements are in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish). MSC Cruises appeals to those who enjoy lots of activity, music and being around many different nationalities. It's best suited for adult couples, singles and families with children.MSC Cruises Photos from Members
