I got what I paid for: My cheap family cruise on MSC Seashore

Erica Silverstein

Disney Cruise Line's new ship Disney Wish is getting a lot of attention this summer. But with fares that start at $1,000 per day for a family of four, even a three- or four-night sailing might not be in most families' budgets.

In search of cheap family cruises myself, I followed the deals to a major but more under-the-radar cruise line, MSC Cruises .

MSC offers affordable Caribbean cruises thanks to free kids fares and onboard credits that passengers can put toward things like activities and non-included meals.

I ended up paying less for a balcony cabin on a seven-night cruise to the Caribbean on MSC's newest ship, MSC Seashore, than I would for a three-night Disney Wish cruise in a windowless inside cabin.

For cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Itinerary in hand, I thought I had found the secret to affordable family cruising and that I'd come home bragging to my friends that I had scored an amazing vacation for a fraction of the price folks would pay for other cruises.

The truth is, I got what I paid for and encountered more logistical hassles and nickel-and-diming than I've experienced on most of the 50-plus cruises I've been on.

Can you have a wonderful family vacation on a budget on an MSC Cruises ship? Of course. But for smoother sailing and fewer hassles, you will either need to shell out more money on your MSC voyage — or consider a different cruise line.

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is a Europe-based cruise line, with a large presence in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa. Within the last five years, though, the line has made an effort to build and deploy ships with amenities and itineraries that are more targeted at American travelers.

Although it has been offering Caribbean cruises for about a decade now, MSC Cruises recently deployed more of its ships on itineraries out of Florida, many with stops at the line's new private island, Ocean Cay, for a relaxing beach day. The line is known to attract a diverse crowd, including a high percentage of international guests plus a mix of English and Spanish speakers from Florida. The combination of cultures and languages makes the line's onboard vibe a bit different than on other cruise lines that sail from mainland U.S. ports.

Because the line is not as well known among U.S. cruisers as Europeans, MSC Cruises' Florida fares have always been competitively priced and it routinely offers kids-sail-free deals. I paid $2,658 total for four people to share a balcony cabin on a weeklong Western Caribbean cruise in July on the line's newest cruise ship, MSC Seashore.

Contrast that with Disney Wish: The cheapest cruise you can currently book is $2,975 for a three-night cruise in a windowless inside cabin for four people. A seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean's new Wonder of the Seas next July is close to $6,000 for four people; the cheapest balcony cabin I could find on that ship for a weeklong Caribbean cruise was $3,300 in February 2023. (Of course, older ships on these lines will be priced lower.)

In my mind, MSC Cruises' lower fares and mass appeal make it a direct competitor with Carnival Cruise Line. The cheapest balcony cabin I could find for that line's newest ship, Mardi Gras, was $2,475 for four people on a weeklong Western Caribbean cruise in November 2023.

Going into this trip, I knew I wasn't going to find all the bells and whistles of a Royal Caribbean megaship or the service levels and entertainment expertise of a Disney ship. I was simply hoping that getting to experience a brand-new ship at a low price would give a line like Carnival or perhaps the older ships of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line a serious run for their money. Unfortunately, that wasn't quite the case.

MSC Seashore was indeed a beautiful ship with plenty to entertain the whole family. But the logistical operations, dining options and family-friendly amenities were simply not up to par with those offered on other lines. Here's what I took away from my experience.

MSC offers limited free or affordable dining choices

msc cruises free child places

Let's start with my biggest gripe about MSC Seashore as an affordable family vacation — the dearth of complimentary dining options. If you want to stick to the food venues where meals are included in your fare and not pay extra for fancy seafood or steak dinners, you have only two options on MSC: the buffet and the main dining room.

Technically, based on the fare class we purchased, we were entitled to free continental breakfast via room service. But since there was no table on our balcony, and only a cluttered desk surface where you could put down dishes, we'd likely be eating in our beds, so we ended up skipping in-cabin food service.

The dining room was my favorite place to eat on board

The main onboard dining room was very good for a mass-market ship. My mom eats gluten-free and I gravitate mostly toward vegetarian options, and the restaurant was able to accommodate our diets well. The kids menu had a lot of great choices for younger sailors (pasta, grilled chicken, hot dogs, etc.) and both my kids ordered from both the junior and regular menus.

The servers worked quickly and were pleasant though not overly friendly. That said, the dining room manager assisted my mother with her food allergies and was amazingly helpful. He would periodically stop by our table to chat or ask if he could help us whenever he saw us around the ship.

As most parents know, formal sit-down dining is not always your best option for three meals a day with kids — especially when dinner lasts 1 1/2 to 2 hours after a long day out in the sun, and breakfast and lunch aren't as quick as the grab-and-go buffet. My kids (and I) needed alternatives, as they would on any line. That left the buffet.

The buffet was crowded and uninspiring

Unlike on most big-ship cruise lines I've sailed — including Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean — the buffet menu aboard MSC Seashore rarely changed and the venue in which the buffet was set out was both crowded and confusing to navigate.

While having a standard list of menu items for breakfast was fine, every lunch service simply included pizza, a pasta station, grab-and-go burgers and hot dogs, a meat-carving station, a small salad bar and a display of deli meat. Some days there was a Mexican station, though it was hard to find in the enormous venue.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

One buffet counter somewhere had a rotating selection of hot lunch dishes, but when I finally found my way there, none of the dishes were labeled. In fact, nothing was labeled anywhere on the buffet, so you just had to guess what you were serving yourself. Hopefully, it's something MSC will rectify, especially for passengers who might have even more stringent dietary requirements than my family.

Only one area of the entire buffet had all the options laid out. That section was, quite frankly, a nightmare. The few times I dared navigate my way there, I found people pushing each other out of the way and cutting in line, which did not result in much friendly feeling among the would-be diners.

Your kids might love having pizza, french fries and burgers every day for lunch (mine certainly did), but after my third lunch of salad and cheese pizza, I was desperate for an alternative. They exist on other lines. Carnival Cruise Line, in addition to a buffet menu that changes daily, offers complimentary Guy Fieri burgers, a deli counter with a variety of options, a Mexican station serving tacos and burritos, 24/7 pizza (that gives the Italian MSC a run for its money) and a sea-day brunch with innovative options. You can even find additional free dining venues on select ships, including Guy Fieri's barbecue restaurant, Shaquille O'Neal's fried chicken restaurant, Mongolian Wok and other Asian or Indian eateries.

TPG tip: If you need an alternative lunch option on MSC Seashore, you can pay extra for a meal in one of the ship's five specialty restaurants, though they're only occasionally open midday. Head to Hola Tacos (a la carte or all you can eat for $17.99 per person), Kaito Sushi Bar (conveyor belt sushi and other Japanese dishes priced a la carte) or Butcher's Cut for its sea day brunch ($12 per person). The prices aren't terrible, but they can quickly add up for family of four — plus, you're looking at another sit-down, waiter-served meal with possibly squirmy kids.

There was no free soft-serve ice cream on MSC

msc cruises free child places

One last food gripe: A highlight of every family cruise I've been on is the free soft-serve ice cream on the pool deck. Your kids should be able to get themselves cones when it's hot outside. It's the quintessential vacation experience.

And every family-friendly line I've ever been on has this option. On Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas , the center of the pool deck is a multimachine soft-serve ice cream station where you can help yourself to as much free ice cream as you'd like. Heck, even my very grown-up cruise on Windstar's Star Pride had free soft-serve by the pool and alfresco grill restaurant.

That is, every family-friendly line except MSC.

MSC Cruises does have exceptional gelato at nearly every poolside bar as well as at the Venchi chocolate store/bar/gelateria. However, it costs $4 for a baby size and $6 for a regular size. The same pool deck bars also have a soft-serve machine, which is located behind the bar. The chocolate and vanilla are complimentary, but only if you purchase a pricy beverage package . If you're on a budget, as we were, and don't upgrade to the package, that soft-serve will cost the same as the gelato. No freebies for the kiddos, either.

There are only two ways to get free ice cream on MSC Seashore. Either you order it for dessert in the main dining room and get whatever flavor they're serving that day (there's no choice), or you head to the one buffet counter that offers snacks for one hour from 4 to 5 p.m. every day, and you get in line with scores of other hot and hungry cruisers to ask for one of two flavors (usually vanilla, chocolate or strawberry) being doled out by one extremely overworked server.

It may seem like a small thing, and I probably thought it was before this particular sailing, but having free ice cream in the afternoon each day has made other cruises feel like truly special vacations, and my kids and I missed that feeling aboard MSC Seashore.

TPG tip: Only the Alcohol-Free and Minors drinks packages include soft-serve ice cream. Book your drinks package online in advance to save 15% off package prices. Or, book a cabin in the Yacht Club or Aurea fare class and a drinks package is included.

Our cabin was great — with 1 exception

msc cruises free child places

Our standard balcony cabin was nice, and my family of four survived remarkably well in one room for a week , which is reason enough to thank MSC Cruises for a successful vacation.

The 172-square-foot cabin was not large, but it had more usable storage space than I anticipated. The sofa that converted into bunk beds meant that my kids weren't sleeping right above my head, and being able to separate the king-size bed into two twins was handy since I was traveling with my mother instead of my husband. Our balcony was a reasonable size and had two chairs and an ottoman, so you could put your feet up.

I had a few minor quibbles (as you do in compact cruise ship cabins) about the shower size and the lack of a balcony table, but one design element did bother me — especially with four people in the room.

It was the closet. In our cabin, the closet was located by my mom's side of the bed, with only minimal space between it and the mattress, which meant that it was difficult for me to get stuff out of the closet, especially if she was actually sitting or lying on the bed. My kids are still small, so I was able to store most of their stuff in the drawers across from their bunks. But if you have older kids who require more closet space, it might be a pain to have to squeeze by the bed to get anything from the closet.

Many other cruise lines solve this problem by putting the closets in the cabin hallway across from the bathroom. That makes them a lot easier to get at — even if your cabinmates might not be able to walk down the hallway while you're debating the day's fashion choices.

TPG tip: Some MSC Seashore cabins swap the position of the bed and the seating area, so the closet is next to the couch. This would be preferable for a couple or a family with one child, but not for a family where you'll have to squeeze by the bunk bed to access the closet. To avoid this layout entirely, you'll either want to upgrade to a suite or downgrade to an inside cabin, where the closet is next to an easy chair. (Though think twice before squeezing four people into a 150-square-foot room where the kids will be in bunks above the adults' twin beds.)

Related: Which cruise ship cabin should your family book?

The kids club had video games and Legos, but 1 kid still wouldn't go

msc cruises free child places

As an adult, I'm not allowed into any kids club activities. Personally, I was intrigued by MSC's MasterChef at Sea event and the Fire and Ice live video game, but my kids weren't interested in those activities, so I can't report back on how fun they are.

What I can tell you is that my daughter, who loved the kids clubs on Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises , was not a fan of MSC Seashore's club and refused to go most of the time. It's hard to say how much this was a fault of the kids club versus my daughter's capricious personality.

On paper, MSC Seashore's kids club looks pretty good. It offers free babysitting for 3-and-unders, which is rare in the industry. The rest of the kids club is divided into groups for ages 3 to 6 and 7 to 11 (both my kids fell into that latter group), and tweens and teens are technically separate but shared a hangout space. When I toured the Junior Club where my kids would be on the first day, I saw a bright play space with large windows, two foosball tables and cool electronics like a virtual piano.

My daughter's report was that, unlike on Royal Caribbean, the youth staff didn't set time limits on video game use, so certain kids would "hog" the Nintendo Switches and she could never play the games. (One of these video game hogs was likely her older brother ....) MSC Cruises' promotional material boasts about its partnership with Lego, and she reported that there were always Legos available for free play and she enjoyed that.

She also gave a thumbs-down to the arts and crafts projects, compared to other lines, because it was just "lame coloring" versus an actual craft, such as beading necklaces or making origami. She didn't like any of the organized games as much as on other cruises, especially as they were often mandatory for everyone in the club instead of one of several activity choices.

One interesting takeaway from our experience was that, because MSC attracts a diverse, international crowd, many of the kids my daughter's age at the Junior Club didn't speak English. This made making friends difficult. On past cruises, she's made little buddies on board and played together with them at the kids club, but that didn't happen this time.

My son, on the other hand, only was interested in the video games and not in making friends or participating in group games, so he liked the club just fine.

TPG tip: After eight cruises with kids, I can say that, despite cruise line advertising, your child may not love the kids club for any number of reasons and choose not to go. Be prepared to be flexible with your onboard plans.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

The water park was awesome, but I would have liked additional family-friendly activities

msc cruises free child places

MSC Seashore has a super-fun, pirate-themed water park with waterslides and a splash area . It's got one slide that you ride in an inner tube while wearing a virtual reality headset, and you feel like you're swinging around a pirate ship dodging a giant sea monster, as well as a fast tube slide that's cantilevered off the side of the ship. The kiddie pool has spray guns, a dump bucket and baby slides, with some rope bridges above for the adventurous.

That gives the ship major points in my book.

However, on every other cruise ship I've been on with a water park, you just walk up and get in line for a slide. On MSC, I had to stand in line for 20 minutes just to sign a waiver and get bracelets for the whole family showing we were allowed to slide and that we had to wear for the rest of the cruise.

TPG tip: If you want to ride the slides (and you definitely do, kids and grown-ups both), aim to show up at the beginning of the session before the waiver line gets too long.

As for other family-friendly activities, MSC Seashore's pingpong and foosball tables were always in high demand. The ship has two regular pools welcoming kids, a sports court for basketball and other athletic competitions and an arcade with extra-fee attractions, such as virtual sports, video games and an XD cinema (where the seats move and shake, to simulate a theme park ride).

There was no miniature golf, which is a fun, free family activity found on a lot of other big ships. If there was shuffleboard on Seashore, I never found it; my kids are oddly fond of that game.

For evening entertainment, MSC had a nightly show that was a mix of singing, dancing and acrobatics that were entertaining but also unremarkable. My kids' favorite was a comedy magician who performed one afternoon.

But there were no family-friendly movies on the pool deck LED screen (just one 10:30 p.m. screening of "Wonder Woman"), no obvious activities meant for families to play together (like Carnival's "Family Feud Live") and certainly nothing like Royal Caribbean's kid-wowing high-diving or ice skating shows.

We did find and attend one event meant for the entire family — a cupcake-decorating deck party. It ended up being chaotic, with long lines for the frosting bags (which were more for decoration than for taste, as we discovered), plus a raffle for which we had no idea how to get tickets. I'd take a little more organization over poor-tasting fanciful confections any day.

If my kids didn't want to go to the kids club or get wet, it was difficult to figure out what to do with them on board. They spent a lot of time watching TV in the room, which was not my first choice for a cruise vacation.

Related: Which cruise ship activities should you book ahead of time?

MSC Seashore does not have cruise logistics down yet

msc cruises free child places

I have never said, "No other cruise line does it like this," as much as I did on our first day on board MSC Seashore. And it wasn't a good thing.

For instance, every other line I've ever sailed asks you to attach a credit card to your cruise account before you set sail. Once you get on board, you're already set up to make purchases with your cruise card.

MSC Cruises does not have an option to add your credit card online or in the terminal before embarkation. Instead, you must stand in line to use a kiosk to fund your cruise account after you board. I didn't want to give my kids permission to spend my money on soda and arcade games, and it wasn't clear how I should set limitations at the kiosk, so I had to ask guest services to help me with the confusing credit situation. The front desk queue was so long it snaked beyond the roped-off lanes, nearly out of the atrium lobby.

The cruise industry has mostly moved to virtual muster drills; most other lines ask passengers to watch the safety instructions in their cabin or on the cruise line's app and then check in at your muster station at your leisure.

But on MSC Seashore, we had to watch a video on our TV at an appointed time, then call a specific number from our cabin phone and then proceed in groups to our muster station to get our cards scanned. At which time the entire guest capacity of the ship was in the stairwells, either going down to their muster stations or returning to their cabins. Aside from the inconvenience, it also made social distancing impossible.

When it comes to dining, most cruise lines give you the option of early, late or anytime dining. Some, like Norwegian, skip assigned dining altogether. My favorite is anytime, so I don't have to commit to a set time and can show up at the dining room when I'm hungry. On MSC, anytime dining is only an option for those who book the most expensive fare classes.

Instead, I selected early dining for my family, but it turns out there were three early dining times: 5:15, 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. You couldn't choose among those options, and we were assigned the 5:15 slot, which is unreasonably early. We managed to switch to the 6:15 time, but only after waiting in two additional lines. It would have been nice to be able to designate our specific choice during the initial booking process rather than spending even more time in a line.

And all that was just on embarkation day.

On our first port day, the shore excursions team had no idea how to handle all the people reporting to the theater at their assigned times to get group numbers for their tours. To make matters worse, rain prevented the first tours from departing on time. That led to total chaos in the theater as dozens of people were going down the aisles to present their tickets and collect their group number stickers while dozens more were pushing past to get out the bottom door to head to the gangway.

It took us half an hour to get from inside the theater to outside the ship, including a long stretch squished into a narrow, windowless hallway, barely moving.

Am I complaining too much? I know from personal experience that you'll wait in queues on all big-ship cruise lines, especially on embarkation day if you haven't pre-booked shore excursions or you want to change your dining time. I definitely experienced a terrible muster drill on one of the first sailings of Carnival Sunrise, when the crew was new and working out the passenger flow of the upgraded ship.

But on MSC Seashore — a brand-new cruise ship from a longstanding line that's been sailing from the U.S. since 2013 — the logistical snafus and numerous lines for everything from payment plans to waterslides were more frequent than I expect on your average cruise.

TPG tip: Forget spontaneity: If you want to avoid lines, book your shore excursions, beverage and dining packages and Wi-Fi plans online before your cruise. Not only can you skip lines, but you'll get a discounted rate. Or, upgrade to a room in the exclusive Yacht Club section of the ship, so you can get access to a personal concierge, who can make arrangements for you.

Bottom line

msc cruises free child places

Money can't buy happiness, but it can solve many of your problems on MSC.

Book a suite in the line's ship-within-a-ship Yacht Club, and you have access to more cabin space, exclusive no-fee restaurants and designated sun decks to avoid the crowds, and a butler and concierge to take care of logistics for you. Pay for a drinks package or a fare class that includes one, and your kids get all the free ice cream they desire. Enjoy brunch or lunch at the extra-fee specialty restaurants, and you'll get variety in your lunch menu.

But doing so means your vacation is no longer a budget one, which was my main reason for choosing MSC Cruises. Once you're spending that kind of money, you could look into a costlier cruise line, such as Royal Caribbean or even Disney Cruise Line. With a larger vacation budget comes more choice, too, including a larger variety of ships, U.S. embarkation ports and cruise destinations to consider.

To me, the ship seemed better suited to couples and groups of adult friends traveling together, who are content to spend time in the pools and hot tubs, who will enjoy the onboard nightlife, who will get more value out of a drinks package and the extra-fee restaurants, and who are cruising just two to a cabin.

If you are looking for a cheap family cruise, you can certainly have a great time on MSC Cruises, but it won't be paradise. My kids had a blast; my son will tell you that he loved the video games and the waterslides, and my daughter will say she liked eating french fries and chocolate croissants in the main dining room. We all loved our time in port, river tubing in Jamaica and swimming with turtles in Grand Cayman, but we paid extra for those tours.

At the end of the day, cruising on a budget on this specific cruise line came with more logistical hassles and a lack of dining and activity choices that added stress to my vacation as the adult in charge. I put up with more queues, hassles and TV time than I prefer to on a family cruise. Had I known, perhaps I could have thrown money at the problem, but at that point, I could have a better experience for a similar price on another line.

I'd consider another cruise with MSC with my husband or a girlfriend, now that I'm savvy on how to better work the system. But I'm still on the hunt for that cheap family cruise that offers outsize value for the price. I'll let you know when I find it.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

msc cruises free child places

Cruise lines offering free kids’ places 

Cruises offer families incredible value for money, and they are even more tempting when kids sail for free. 

These offers can drastically reduce the price of a family holiday, making it the ideal way to persuade first-time cruisers to set sail or to encourage repeat customers to try a new line, ship or itinerary. 

Here are three ocean and river cruise lines offering free kids’ places: 

MSC Cruises 

Kids aged 11 and under cruise for free on selected MSC Cruises itineraries. There are a number of options on MSC Virtuosa sailing roundtrip from Southampton to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Norwegian fjords this September and October. The majority operate during term time, but could be suggested to families with preschoolers. 

There’s plenty to keep babies, children, tweens and teens entertained on board MSC Virtuosa . The line has partnered with toy giants Chicco and Lego on its spacious kids’ clubs, which are divided by age. They host a variety of games, sports tournaments, quizzes and entertainment. 

Highlight the quality time families can spend together too. Each cruise hosts a Lego Experience, which is a day dedicated to family Lego activities. There are also five pools, including a fun-filled aqua park with three slides, a two lane bowling alley, a high ropes course and an arcade. 

Recommend a trip to the The MSC Starship Club, where the humanoid robotic bartender Rob tells jokes as he makes drinks. 

Excursions are offered at a reduced rate for children, and there are a range of family-focused options. 

msc cruises free child places

Children aged 15 and under cruise for free with A-Rosa , with one child sailing free for every full paying adult. Flights and transfers are still chargeable and the deal is valid on all itineraries except for the Douro, where a 25% discount is applied for child fares. 

Banish any ideas of river cruising being too sedate for kids, as the line’s new A-Rosa Sena was designed to welcome families, including multi-generational groups. 

When the ship launched on the Rhine in June it became the first river cruise vessel to feature family cabins sleeping up to five. These 28 sq m stylish spaces include bunk beds with privacy curtains and portholes, and in these cabins up to three children can sail for free with two adults.  

There’s also a dedicated kids’ club room where the team organise games, treasure hunts and arts and crafts. While youngsters are entertained, adults can make use of the spa and wellness area and relax on the sundeck or in the Panorama Lounge. 

The ship is home to two outdoor heated pools, one of which is for children, so families can enjoy the scenery as they splash about. There is also a wide range of family-friendly excursions.

msc cruises free child places

CroisiEurope 

CroisiEurope offers free kids’ places for those under 16 years old, limited to two children per fare paying adult. Excursions aren’t included but there are a number of child-friendly offerings through the line’s Family Club programme on the Douro, Guadalquivir and Rhine. On Greek islands and Corsica cruises children benefit from a 30% discount.

This summer, the Family Club is operating on numerous itineraries, which are set to repeat in July and August 2023.

They include five and seven-night round trips on the Douro from Porto, where child-friendly excursions include a tour of Porto by tram plus a visit to the Tramway Museum and a swimming pool in Salamanca.

On the five-night round trip Rhine cruise from Strasbourg, excursions include a boat tour of Strasbourg by night, visiting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum in Rüdesheim and a treetop walk in the Black Forest.  

Families can also try a seven-night cruise round trip on the Guadalquivir from Seville. Recommend the excursion to the Seville Aquarium and the Isla Magica Theme Park.

CroisiEurope doesn’t offer interconnecting cabins but families with more than one child will stay in two neighbouring cabins. 

msc cruises free child places

Spotlight on sports marketing

The family cruiser is evolving. Be ready.

Michelle Daniels joins A-Rosa as sales director

A-Rosa launches second dedicated UK brochure

Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.

Cruise Web

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

Cruise Web

  • Already Booked?
  • My Favorites
  • 1.800.377.9383
  • Email Deals
  • Personal Quote

msc cruises free child places

  • Advanced Search

Featured Cruise Deals

  • Featured Cruise Deals

Deals by Destination

  • Deals by Destination

Deals by Cruise Line

  • Deals by Cruise Line

Deals by Departure Port

  • Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

Family Cruise Deals

  • Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

  • Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

River Lines

All Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

Land Vacations

  • Cosmos Tours
  • Globus Journeys
  • Kensington Tours
  • Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

Cruising 101

  • Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

  • River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News Media

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Already Booked

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Need Help

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Expert guidance with no booking fees!

MSC Cruises: Kids Sail FREE on select sailings*

MSC Cruises: Kids Sail FREE on select sailings*

MSC Cruises Military Discount: up to 10% OFF*

MSC Cruises Military Discount: up to 10% OFF*

MSC Cruises Africa cruises from $304*

MSC Cruises Africa cruises from $304*

Cruise Web

MSC Cruises Youth Programs

Children are more than welcome onboard MSC Cruises. In fact, during many promotional periods the cruise line lets 11-year-olds and younger sail for free, as long as they are staying in a stateroom with two adults (check with your cruise consultant for availability). Onboard there are lots of supervised activities like tournaments, treasure hunts and crafts for children ages 3 to 17.

MSC Youth Programs - Lego Experience

  • LEGO Experience at Sea Families can now enjoy the ultimate LEGO Experiene at Sea, featuring LEGO-themed games, competitions, toys and entertainment. Plus, select cruises feature an entire day dedicated to family-friendly LEGO fun, including character meet and greets!  

MSC youth programs My Teen Card

  • My Teen Card Give your teenager aged 12 to 17 some independence when you get them a My Teen Card, which allows them to make pre-paid purchases on their room key.  

MSC youth programs Fun Time Dinner

  • Fun Time Dinner Children aged 3 to 11 can have dinner with the entertainment staff in the buffet restaurant and then adjourn to the Mini and Junior Club while parents enjoy a romantic adult dinner.  

MSC youth programs Happy Dinners

  • Happy Dinners During MSC Cruises’ Happy Dinners, parents and their children eat together before the children are taken to the Mini and Junior Club, allowing parents to finish their meals without their children.  

MSC youth programs DoremiLand

  • DoremiLand This is the home to the Mini and Junior Clubs on the MSC Preziosa . Decorated with a pirate theme, this space has lots of activities to keep your kids busy all day.  

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

  • All Cruise Types
  • Popular Cruises
  • Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

  • All Destinations

Cruise Lines

  • Popular Cruise Lines
  • Luxury Cruise Lines
  • River Cruise Lines
  • All Cruise Lines
  • All About Cruising
  • Already Booked

Social

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

  • Monthly Newsletter

 Cruise-Circle-Logo

Call us free on  0800 023 1273

Mobiles / international call 0203 371 7641.

abta-logo

Kids Sail FREE

msc cruises free child places

Kids Sail FREE  

MSC Cruises are a fantastic choice for families, offering guests of all ages an unforgettable holiday. Unlike some other cruise lines, MSC kid's prices are valid up to the age of 17 , and if you book one of these select sailings over the coming winter season, children can sail for FREE. Yep, you heard us right. FREE! 

With an array of kid-friendly amenities and activities, MSC Cruises ensures that young travellers are entertained from the moment they step aboard. The onboard kids and teens clubs are divided by age group, providing tailored activities ranging from arts and crafts to sports and dance parties. The whole family can enjoy the exhilarating Aqua Park and the impressive virtual reality games in the arcade. MSC Cruises makes every moment magical with delicious dining options, family-friendly shows, and excursions designed for all ages.

Book now to take advantage of the Kids Sail Free offer and treat the family to the ultimate winter break to remember. 

Terms & conditions

Capacity controlled. T&Cs apply, ask our team for details. 

At a glance

  • Kids up to 17 years old sail FREE

e-Newsletter

Make sure you don't miss out on the best deals! Sign up to receive our latest deals e-newsletter.

We never give out your personal details to third parties or spam you with unwanted emails

Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy

  • Northwestern Passage
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • British Isles
  • Canada & New England
  • Southern Caribbean
  • Eastern Caribbean
  • Western Caribbean
  • Central America
  • Dubai & The Middle East
  • Channel Islands
  • Iceland & Greenland
  • Scandinavia
  • Western Europe
  • Japan & South Korea
  • South East Asia
  • Greek Islands
  • India & Indian Ocean
  • Eastern Mediterranean
  • Western Mediterranean
  • North America
  • Norwegian Fjords
  • Panama Canal
  • Chilean Fjords
  • South Atlantic Islands
  • Transatlantic
  • West Coast & Mexico
  • World Cruise Sectors
  • World Cruises
  • MSC Armonia
  • MSC Bellissima
  • MSC Euribia
  • MSC Fantasia
  • MSC Grandiosa
  • MSC Magnifica
  • MSC Meraviglia
  • MSC Orchestra
  • MSC Preziosa
  • MSC Seascape
  • MSC Seashore
  • MSC Seaside
  • MSC Seaview
  • MSC Sinfonia
  • MSC Splendida
  • Le Havre (Paris)
  • Southampton
  • Palma de Mallorca
  • Livorno (Florence/Pisa)
  • Zeebrugge (Bruges)
  • Palermo, Sicily
  • Cagliari, Sardinia
  • Civitavecchia (Rome)
  • Corfu (Kerkyra)

 alt=

Oops, there’s no results available based on your search requirements

Why not Clear All and start again? Alternatively, give us a call on 0800 023 1273 and we’ll be happy to do the hard work for you!

Book with confidence

ABTA-logo

  • Destinations
  • Hotels & All-Inclusives
  • Theme Parks

FamilyVacationist

8 cruise lines that let kids sail free in 2024

These major cruise lines are offering deals to let kids sail free, and there are plenty of free perks for everyone else in the family, too..

Gina Kramer

Considering a cruise vacation? Many of the world’s most popular family cruise lines offer ongoing promotions that let kids sail free on new bookings for families traveling together, and this year that list is growing with even more kids-cruise-free promotions. Whether it’ll be your first cruise vacation or your fiftieth, why not do it with free cruise fare for the kids?

Which cruise lines offer kids sail free deals?

I’ve compiled a complete list of every major cruise line that will let kids cruise free. Additional cruise fare savings onboard these kid-friendly cruise lines can also put a vacation within reach for families looking to balance tighter budgets. Note that taxes, fees, port expenses, registration costs, insurance, flights, and airport transfers are generally  not  included in kids sail free promotions (but you’ll still save a fortune).

MORE FREEBIES: 10 all-inclusive family resorts where kids stay free

1. Royal Caribbean – Kids sail free promotions

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Perennially kid-friendly Royal Caribbean has a loyal family following that appreciates its extensive kid-centric offerings, including kids clubs, family-oriented entertainment options,  endless pools and water play areas , menus built with kids’ palates in mind, a private island oasis called Perfect Day at CocoCay , and even kid-centered spa options.

NO HIDDEN FEES: 7 best all-inclusive cruise lines in the world

Royal Caribbean’s kids sail free offers are available at different times throughout the year, allowing children aged 12 years and under to cruise free when booked in the same stateroom as paying adults. You can find the latest Royal Caribbean cruise deals  here . If you don’t see a kids sail free promotion right now, check back often, as they can go quickly once offered, but always pop up again soon after.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line – ‘Free at Sea’ deals

Another kid-friendly cruise line, Norwegian offers some seriously good deals to entice traveling families, including a host of “Free at Sea” perks that include kids sail free deals (and some great deals on  cruises for couples , too). You can find the latest Norwegian cruise deals  here .

IT’S ALL INCLUDED: 15 best all-inclusive family resorts in the world

Norwegian typically offers up to five freebies with its “Free at Sea” promotion: free open bar, free specialty dining, free excursions and port expenses, free Wi-Fi, and best of all for families, kids sail free or at a rate of only $99 for the third and fourth guest, respectively (for select cruise departure dates; exclusions on Thanksgiving sailings, Easter sailings, and spring break may apply).

3. MSC Cruises – Kids cruise free and all-in-one pricing

Mini golf aboard an MSC ship

Kids aged 18 and under staying in the same cabin as a parent can cruise for free with MSC Cruises. Its “kids cruise free” deal is often accompanied by other perks like complimentary drinks and Wi-Fi, and an onboard credit that sometimes goes as high as $400. For more information and to see the valid cruise departure dates, check out the cruise deals offered by MSC Cruises on its  website .

CLOSE TO HOME:   21 best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. for families

MSC Cruises also offers an “all-in-one” pricing option for single parents or guardians traveling with up to three kids even when it’s not running a limited-time free sailing promo for children. With this reduced price for kids, the grownup is charged full cruise fare, the second guest under age 18 pays 60 percent of the grownup fare, and the remaining kids are charged reduced fares.

4. Holland America Line – Kids cruise free on select voyages

Cruising to destinations as far and wide as Asia, Alaska, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, New Zealand, and Indonesia, Holland America offers kids cruise free promotions on select voyages in 2024. Its current deal, valid on some cruises to Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond, lets kids 18 and under sail free.

NO PASSPORT REQUIRED: 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages

While Holland America Line urges cruisers to “book right away” because “this offer won’t last long,” it’s a safe bet that when one kids cruise free promotion ends another one will begin soon after, because that’s been the pattern for many years now. For more information, visit the kids cruise free page on Holland America’s  website . Holland America’s other discounts and deals, which are also perpetually ongoing, include balcony stateroom upgrades and onboard credit.

5. Costa Cruises – Kids sail free when traveling as a third or fourth guest

Costa Fortuna Panoramic View on Nagasaki Port

Costa Cruises, which sails in South America, Europe, and the Middle East, has an ongoing deal where kids (ages two to 17 years old) sail free if they’re traveling with two full-priced grownup guests. 

WHAT’S NEW: These 4 cruise lines have the best new onboard rides and attractions for families

You might not be familiar with Costa Cruises unless you’ve looked into cruises around South America, Europe, or the Middle East, which are the cruise line’s areas of focus. But if your cruise vacation dreams involve one of those destinations, you definitely want to give Costa Cruises some consideration. Its family-friendly ships have all the usual fun-at-sea perks you could want, including water parks, mini golf, go-karts, and both a kids club (for ages three to 11) and a teen zone (ages 12 to 17).

To sweeten the spot, Costa Cruises has an ongoing kids sail free deal for children ages two to 17 when the kids travel as a third or fourth guest with two full-priced grownup guests. Better yet, this free cruise promotion is valid line-wide across all of Costa’s ships and not limited to select sailings.

6. CroisiEurope – Kids sail free on European river cruises

CroisiEurope's MS Michelangelo in Venice, Italy

River cruise lines aren’t known for being the most family-friendly—unless you book a special, chartered or themed itinerary for kids, which come with hefty price tags. That’s not the case with CroisiEurope, which makes it easy for families to experience European river cruises . You can find kids sail free deals on a handful of itineraries: France, Portugal, Spain, the Rhine, and Italy. The free cruise deal is available for kids up to age 16.

SET SAIL: Everything you need to know about river cruises in the U.S.

In addition to the free cruise rates for kids, CroisiEurope offers a 30-percent discount on Croatia coastal sailings for children. Families can also get adjacent cabins when booking multiple staterooms, child-friendly adapted menus at mealtimes, and a waived single supplement fee. For more information about free and discounted cruises for kids with CroisiEurope, visit the family cruise deals page  here .

7. A-Rosa – Kids sail free on river cruises, when booked on select decks

msc cruises free child places

Families are a major focus for A-Rosa, a European river cruise company that actually designed a  ship for kids called A-Rosa Sena , with bigger cabins, a dedicated youth club, and their own swimming pool. Across the rest of its fleet, you’ll find features like family cabin categories, children’s menus, kids’ activities, and even childcare—all of which are a rarity in the industry. 

SAIL IN EUROPE: 6 best river cruises in Europe for families  

As if that weren’t enough the line offers kids sail free incentives for ages 15 and under. To take advantage, families must be booked in a cabin on Deck 1 of a given ship, and accompanied by at least one adult (two in Category G rooms). Discounts are provided to kids up to and including age 15, who receive 30 percent off their cruise fare if staying on Deck 2.

Additional ship-specific deals also are on offer. For those cruising on A-Rosa Sena in cabin categories B through D, youngsters up to 7 accompanied by two adults can use the sofa bed for free. On A-Rosa Alva, A-Rosa Alea, and A-Rosa Clea, children sailing with at least one adult receive a 30-percent discount. A-Rosa’s full roster of deals can be found  here , while you can learn more about its kids sail free program here .

8. Explora Journeys – Kids sail free

msc cruises free child places

The chance to experience cruising on a luxury ship is within grasp, thanks to kids sail free deals for ages six to 23 months (at the time of sailing) and a whopping 50-percent discount for ages two to 17. Children must be registered as third and fourth guests. There are no caveats, such as itinerary and cruise length, to which the deal does not apply. 

So, what can families expect on a high-end ship that’s not replete with waterslides, rock-climbing walls, and high-energy pool decks? Explora Journeys’ ships might not look like your average family cruise, but they still cater to those who have kids, with an elaborate children’s club and programming, separate dining menus, family-focused shore excursions, in-room toys for tiny travelers, and even lavish details like youth-sized robes and slippers. Combine all that with highly attentive service and mostly inclusive pricing, and you’ve got one carefree family getaway. Get a snapshot of every deal offered by Explora Journeys here .

More from FamilyVacationist:

  • I’ve been on 7 Disney cruises, here are the best things for grownups to do
  • Unique Disney experiences: 7 best Disney cruises for families  
  • 5 cruise lines that know how to keep teens happy

Amanda Norcross also contributed to this article.

made by humans

This European beach destination looks and feels like the Mediterranean—but it’s way more affordable

Day dreaming in New York City (Photo: @Tintim via Twenty20)

Why flights with stopovers can be great for families + the 5 best U.S. stopover cities

Beach couple holding hands at sunset (Photo: @TatianaMara via Twenty20

10 best vacation spots for couples in the U.S. and beyond

cactus in a hotel lobby in Sweden

How to tell if a hotel is actually baby-friendly

familyvacationist

familyvacationist

msc cruises free child places

New England in the fall: These 12 cruise lines showcase the region’s most spectacular season

Explore New England and Canada in any style that suits you onboard these cruise lines.

Noah's Ark Water Park in Wisconsin Dells (Photo: Noah's Ark)

For families with tweens, these 8 vacation ideas check all the right boxes

The best vacations for tweens include a little bit of adventure, a little bit of relaxation, and a lot of room for individuality.

Actors dressed in New Orleans-style costumes singing and dancing on a colorful stage

Meeting characters on Disney Cruise Line can literally ‘make’ your kid’s vacation—here are 5 ways to get the most out of your experience

Pack a costume to dress up like your favorite character, too.

Protect Your Trip »

The 5 best kids sail free cruises for 2025 & beyond.

Save on your family cruise with these kids sail free deals.

msc cruises free child places

The Best Kids Sail Free Cruises

little boy using binoculars while on a cruise ship in open sea

Getty Images

If you're angling for an affordable family cruise , you'll be happy to know that several major cruise lines let children sail for free (either regularly or during special promotions). Read on to discover which lines cater to families with kids sail free offers.

Cruise lines where kids sail free

Holland america line, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international, costa cruises, msc cruises.

Find your perfect cruise

Father, mother, child in snorkeling mask dive underwater with tropical fishes in coral reef sea pool.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Deal: Holland America Line is offering a "Kids Cruise Free" promotion on select itineraries in 2025. The offer applies to several itineraries including Hawaii , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal; to qualify, children must be 18 or younger and cruising as third and/or fourth guests in the same cabin as adults. As with similar promotions, taxes and port fees are still required for each child's sailing.

Additionally, kids ages 12 and under eat for half off in specialty restaurants or for free from a dedicated kids menu. Reduced children's rates for shore excursions are also available.

Family-friendly perks: Amenities onboard Holland America ships include kids clubs and youth programs, as well as shore excursions oriented to families with little ones in tow. Plenty of stateroom options can also accommodate larger bookings. The Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, in particular, feature oversized staterooms with beds for four, a large sitting area and a spacious veranda.

Two children participating in virtual reality gaming on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Deal: Norwegian Cruise Line often lets third and fourth guests cruise free on select itineraries. During other promotions, the cruise line will let the third through eighth passengers sail free. Cruises to which this promotion applies are offered all over the world, including Bermuda , the Caribbean and Canada .

Some of the itineraries that qualify for free third and fourth guests also come with complimentary amenities like an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions and/or complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, some of the itineraries include generous discounts on the total cruise cost , as well as free airfare for a second guest (when booked through the cruise line).

Family-friendly perks: With Norwegian's all-ages kids clubs, family dining, entertainment and activities included in one bundled rate, planning a kid-approved vacation with the cruise line is a breeze. Many Norwegian ships also feature an array of family-friendly staterooms with plenty of extra space. For example, the luxurious Norwegian Prima offers a two-bedroom family villa with a large balcony in "The Haven" – its exclusive area for VIP guests.

The Seaplex, Deck 15 Aft Center, on the Spectrum of the Seas ship from Royal Caribbean International.

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Deal: Royal Caribbean offers a "Kids Sail Free" deal several times each year, allowing children 12 or younger to cruise free provided they are the third guests (or beyond) staying in the same cabin as at least two paying adults. Typically, the deal applies to sailings of four nights or longer. The only catch is that blackout dates apply – typically during holiday and school breaks.

Family-friendly perks: There's a reason so many families choose Royal Caribbean ; kid-friendly amenities range from age-specific programming to zip lining at sea. The line's  exclusive island for cruisers , Perfect Day at CocoCay in  the Bahamas , is also a big hit with young passengers thanks to its waterslides and splash areas.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Kids run toward Peppa Pig mascot on Costa Cruises ship deck.

Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Deal: Costa Cruises may not be as popular as some other cruise lines on our list, but it's a worthwhile option for cruisers looking to sail through Europe, the Middle East or South America. The cruise line allows kids traveling as third or fourth guests to sail for free with two adults in the same cabin, and this promotion applies to passengers ages 2 to 17. This offer is valid on all sailings offered by the line, many of which feature destinations in desirable ports along the Mediterranean such as Barcelona , Marseille and Rome .

Family-friendly perks: Costa Cruises vessels offer abundant family-friendly amenities, from water parks to arcades to mini golf. Kids clubs are available for children ages 3 to 11, and they provide entertainment like arts and crafts, themed parties, and games galore. A teen zone also hosts cruisers ages 12 to 17 who want to mingle, sing karaoke and play group sports when ships aren't in port.

Children listen to MSC Cruises mascot during a group activity.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Deal: MSC Cruises lets children 17 and younger cruise for free on select itineraries, depending on the ship's capacity. (Other exclusions or eligibility requirements may apply.) Kids must be the third or fourth guests traveling in the same cabin as their parents (at least two adults) for the deal to be valid; note that any port fees and taxes still apply to children's fares.

Family-friendly perks: MSC Cruises offers a variety of leisure activities and amenities designed specifically for kids. On board, youngsters can take advantage of perks from water parks with slides and swimming pools to Broadway-style shows and interactive dinners. The line also hosts a variety of exclusive Lego experiences, including Lego-themed parades and a Lego Family Game Show. In addition, there are a myriad of amenities for parents to enjoy while the youngest passengers are occupied by a variety of dedicated kids clubs.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a seasoned travel writer who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries, and her many trips have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Best Cruises for Teens
  • The Top Cruises for Babies & Toddlers
  • Do You Need a Passport to Cruise?
  • How to Get Your Child a Passport
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Top Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

Two kids in the pool smiling at the camera at Woodlock Resort.

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Family Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best weekend getaways from nyc.

Alissa Grisler and Jessica Colley Clarke Sept. 5, 2024

msc cruises free child places

The Best Beach Resorts in the World

Sept. 5, 2024

msc cruises free child places

The Best Rome Food Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Sept. 4, 2024

msc cruises free child places

Top Things to Do in Hershey, PA

Amanda Norcross Aug. 30, 2024

msc cruises free child places

The Best College Town Hotels

Rachael Hood Aug. 29, 2024

msc cruises free child places

Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Aug. 29, 2024

msc cruises free child places

Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson Aug. 29, 2024

msc cruises free child places

The Best London Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon Aug. 29, 2024

msc cruises free child places

The 18 Best Barcelona Tours

John Rodwan Aug. 28, 2024

msc cruises free child places

Best Fall Family Vacations

Aug. 27, 2024

msc cruises free child places

Cruises with free child places

Free Child Place Cruises In 2024, 2025 & 2026

FREE CHILD PLACES

Search for your family cruise holiday

Kids Go Free Cruises

If kids can go free on a normal holiday, then surely there should be free child place cruises too, right? Well there are only a handful of cruise lines who offer kids go free cruises, or they offer significant discounts. Like flight and hotel holidays, two full paying adults need to share the same cabin, but what else is involved and who can you go with? Here's our guide to free kids place cruises in 2024 , 2025 and 2026 .

Popular Cruise Destinations

Northern Europe Cruises

Northern Europe

Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean

Canary Islands Cruises

Canary Islands

Caribbean Cruises

Popular Family Friendly Cruise Lines

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean

Cruise Lines With Free Kids' Places

Cruise Lines With Free Kids' Places

MSC is the main cruise line which offers free child places, but you can sometimes get great family offers with other brands.

MSC - Kids Sail Free Promotion

MSC Cruises are one of the very few brands who regularly have a kids sail free offer. When a child under 18 years old travels in the same cabin with two full paying adults, that child could go free on selected cruises in the Mediterranean Sea and Northern Europe. And even guests over 18 years old can get a discount in the same cabin. Children can also get up to 30% off shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is a fantastic cruise line for families. All the ships are so child friendly. They have heaps of great activities, from kids' clubs to water slides. Although they don't have free children's places, they do often have a kids sail for $99 which can be a massive saving on the standard price.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL is a family friendly cruise company who have previously run free kids place cruise offers. On selected cruises 3rd and 4th guests in the same cabin can go free, but just pay the taxes. That is a huge saving! If you upgrade to a Free At Sea Package, only those paying full price on the booking can take advantage of the offer.

Other Companies

Free child place cruises with P&O Cruises and TUI aren't usually a thing, but they do often have great offers like extra on-board credit which can be great for families.

Family Friendly Cruise Lines

Family Friendly Cruise Lines

Although only a couple of cruise companies have free kids offers, there are plenty of others that offer great family cruises, from the facilities on board, to the additional offers available.

As a UK cruise line, P&O Cruises is an absolute favourite for Brits looking for a family cruise. Their latest ships have loads of great facilities, kids' clubs, children's activities and so much more.

Disney Cruise Line

Love all things Disney and want to experience it in cruise form? Then Disney Cruise Line is for you. It does come at a higher cost (as you would expect), but you can meet all your favourite characters, experience fun shows, activities and entertainment, as well as dance the night away at deck parties. They have some excellent Caribbean cruises on offer, including their own Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas. You can even enjoy time at Walt Disney World Florida before joining a Disney cruise!

If you like the familiarity of your usual beach holiday, or you've never had a cruise holiday before, the TUI cruise brand, Marella Cruises , can be a great option. Not only can you expect the same service as you would in a TUI hotel, they are all inclusive cruises . That means your flights, cruise, food, standard drinks pacakage AND your airport to port transfers are included too. You literally have to worry about nothing other than enjoying your holiday.

Cruise Ships For Kids

Cruise Ships For Kids

Disney fantasy.

Disney Fantasy is just one of the Disney cruise ships and she's scheduled to be in the UK in Summer 2025. So you can even enjoy a Disney cruise from Southampton. From themed dining, spectacular Disney shows and the exciting AquaDuck waterslide, this is ideal for toddlers, children and even teenagers.

Anthem Of The Seas - Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas ship is huge, being able to sleep over 2,000 guests on board. And with it, brings a whole host of fun and exciting activities for the whole family. From the more active Flowrider surf simulator and rock-climbing wall, to the amazing shows they put on in the theatre, you'll be torn between getting off the ship to explore a new port, and staying onboard to make the most of the ship.

MSC Seaside

MSC Seaside is another great ship for all the family. While the grown ups get to enjoy the MSC Aurea Spa, the youngsters can take part in loads of fun, including LEGO® themed play areas, the waterslides at Forest Aquaventure Park, and the adventure trail. There's also a zipline for those young-at-heart grown ups too.

Latest Family Cruise Deals

More great cruise holidays, all inclusive cruises, cruises from southampton, last minute cruises, last minute cruises from southampton, cruises under £500pp, mini cruise holidays, caribbean cruises, family friendly holidays.

My Budget Break Logo

Unsubscribe

Sun Holiday codes

Holidays Under £100

Holidays Under £200

Holidays Under £300

Weekends Under £100

Jet2holidays

TUI Holidays

Family Holiday Charity Logo

We are privileged to support the Family Holiday Charity, an incredible organisation which helps families get away together.

Mailing List

Sign up for free to recieve our best short break & holiday offers

We're here to help people take a break, and we promote various travel companies as an affiliate partner, which means we are paid money for promoting companies, deals and destinations. Find out more about our affiliate disclosure here

© 2024 My Budget Break

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

Children & teens

Will the kids club be open in the  next months and what kind of kids’ activities will be available, what can babies and small children eat on board, what kind of on board entertainment is available for the younger guests, are the children's activities provided at an additional cost, can children register in the msc voyagers club, is it possible to leave children on board while parents disembark for an excursion.

Yes, provided that the miniclub staff is notified one day prior to the excursion.

is-there-a-special-pricing-for-children-on-shore-excursion?

Is there a special pricing for children on shore excursion?

How can i subscribe my children to the kids’ clubs.

You can register your children for the Kids’ Clubs on board or filll in the online form  before boarding. Once on board just bring us the printed form, along with your Cruise Card and those of your children.

Do you have special security for children?

Do you have medical services for children, what about help warming infant milk formulas and baby foods, do you provide any equipment for parents with young children , how can we celebrate my child’s birthday while onboard, what are my main duties as a parent / legal guardian with a minor on board, do you have a cashless payment system for children on board, what about swimming pool hygiene and safety , thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Firefox

msc cruises free child places

The 5 Best Kids Sail Free Cruises for 2025 & Beyond

I f you're angling for an affordable family cruise , you'll be happy to know that several major cruise lines let children sail for free (either regularly or during special promotions). Read on to discover which lines cater to families with kids sail free offers.

Category Navigation Box Enhancement : Table of Contents - Travel - Kids Sail Free Cruises

Raw HTML : GTS form Travel

Holland America Line

Deal: Holland America Line is offering a "Kids Cruise Free" promotion on select itineraries in 2025. The offer applies to several itineraries including Hawaii , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal; to qualify, children must be 18 or younger and cruising as third and/or fourth guests in the same cabin as adults. As with similar promotions, taxes and port fees are still required for each child's sailing.

Additionally, kids ages 12 and under eat for half off in specialty restaurants or for free from a dedicated kids menu. Reduced children's rates for shore excursions are also available.

Family-friendly perks: Amenities onboard Holland America ships include kids clubs and youth programs, as well as shore excursions oriented to families with little ones in tow. Plenty of stateroom options can also accommodate larger bookings. The Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, in particular, feature oversized staterooms with beds for four, a large sitting area and a spacious veranda.

Button Enhancement : GotoSea - All Cruises - Holland America Line

Norwegian Cruise Line

Deal: Norwegian Cruise Line often lets third and fourth guests cruise free on select itineraries. During other promotions, the cruise line will let the third through eighth passengers sail free. Cruises to which this promotion applies are offered all over the world, including Bermuda , the Caribbean and Canada .

Some of the itineraries that qualify for free third and fourth guests also come with complimentary amenities like an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions and/or complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, some of the itineraries include generous discounts on the total cruise cost , as well as free airfare for a second guest (when booked through the cruise line).

Family-friendly perks: With Norwegian's all-ages kids clubs, family dining, entertainment and activities included in one bundled rate, planning a kid-approved vacation with the cruise line is a breeze. Many Norwegian ships also feature an array of family-friendly staterooms with plenty of extra space. For example, the luxurious Norwegian Prima offers a two-bedroom family villa with a large balcony in "The Haven" – its exclusive area for VIP guests.

Button Enhancement : GotoSea - All Cruises - Norwegian Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean International

Deal: Royal Caribbean offers a "Kids Sail Free" deal several times each year, allowing children 12 or younger to cruise free provided they are the third guests (or beyond) staying in the same cabin as at least two paying adults. Typically, the deal applies to sailings of four nights or longer. The only catch is that blackout dates apply – typically during holiday and school breaks.

Family-friendly perks: There's a reason so many families choose Royal Caribbean ; kid-friendly amenities range from age-specific programming to zip lining at sea. The line's  exclusive island for cruisers , Perfect Day at CocoCay in  the Bahamas , is also a big hit with young passengers thanks to its waterslides and splash areas.

Button Enhancement : GoToSea - All Cruises - Royal Caribbean International

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Costa Cruises

Deal: Costa Cruises may not be as popular as some other cruise lines on our list, but it's a worthwhile option for cruisers looking to sail through Europe, the Middle East or South America. The cruise line allows kids traveling as third or fourth guests to sail for free with two adults in the same cabin, and this promotion applies to passengers ages 2 to 17. This offer is valid on all sailings offered by the line, many of which feature destinations in desirable ports along the Mediterranean such as Barcelona , Marseille and Rome .

Family-friendly perks: Costa Cruises vessels offer abundant family-friendly amenities, from water parks to arcades to mini golf. Kids clubs are available for children ages 3 to 11, and they provide entertainment like arts and crafts, themed parties, and games galore. A teen zone also hosts cruisers ages 12 to 17 who want to mingle, sing karaoke and play group sports when ships aren't in port.

Button Enhancement : GoToSea - All Cruises - Costa Cruises

MSC Cruises

Deal: MSC Cruises lets children 17 and younger cruise for free on select itineraries, depending on the ship's capacity. (Other exclusions or eligibility requirements may apply.) Kids must be the third or fourth guests traveling in the same cabin as their parents (at least two adults) for the deal to be valid; note that any port fees and taxes still apply to children's fares.

Family-friendly perks: MSC Cruises offers a variety of leisure activities and amenities designed specifically for kids. On board, youngsters can take advantage of perks from water parks with slides and swimming pools to Broadway-style shows and interactive dinners. The line also hosts a variety of exclusive Lego experiences, including Lego-themed parades and a Lego Family Game Show. In addition, there are a myriad of amenities for parents to enjoy while the youngest passengers are occupied by a variety of dedicated kids clubs.

Button Enhancement : GoToSea - All Cruises - MSC

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a seasoned travel writer who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries, and her many trips have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Best Cruises for Teens
  • The Top Cruises for Babies & Toddlers
  • Do You Need a Passport to Cruise?
  • How to Get Your Child a Passport
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

little boy using binoculars while on a cruise ship in open sea

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 18 | Sun 10 - 16

  • Book your cruise with our Consultants
  • I have already booked my cruise

CRUISES FROM SOUTHAMPTON

The best cruise deals

for your dream holidays

Summer Sale deal | MSC Cruises

Our special offers

Family & Kids deal | MSC Cruises

OUR TOP DESTINATIONS

Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe | MSC Cruises

NORTHERN EUROPE FROM THE UK

The wonders of Northern Europe await you! Join us on an MSC cruise from Southampton  and enjoy an exciting experience : you will cross the most beautiful landscapes of Iceland , the immense glaciers of Greenland , the majestic Norwegian fjords and get to know the enchanting history of the Baltic States . Are you ready to live this unforgettable adventure?

MEDITERRANEAN

Choose MSC Cruises for an extraordinary trip in the Mediterranean ! Whether you prefer to explore the Western or Eastern Mediterranean , get ready to discover some of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites , crystal-clear turquoise waters and an internationally renowned culinary excellence . All this awaits you with a cruise in the Mediterranean.

MSC Cruises takes you to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean ! Dream beaches , where white sand and turquoise sea await you to swim , snorkel and relax while enjoying the view. Immerse yourself in the slow and contagious pace of local life, where locals will welcome you with a smile and let you discover the true essence of the Caribbean.

BARBADOS & SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

Set sail from Bridgetown with MSC Cruises and immerse yourself in the dynamic rhythms of the Southern Caribbean ! Explore islands where Creole beats fill the air and colorful traditions come alive. Hike lush rainforests, relax on pristine beaches , and snorkel in crystal - clear waters teeming with life.  Get swept up in the friendly island spirit and explore the vibrant culture of this tropical gem .  With flights included from London !

DUBAI, ABU DHABI & QATAR

A journey with an MSC Cruise to Dubai , Abu Dhabi and Qatar will take you where the desert sands meet dazzling cities ! Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Dubai , discover the rich heritage of Abu Dhabi and explore ancient souks of Qatar . From modern wonders to timeless traditions, this journey promises unforgettable experiences.

MAKE YOUR CRUISE EVEN MORE SPECIAL

Amsterdam excursions | MSC Cruises

Dining & Drinks

Internet and Wi-Fi | MSC Cruises

ALWAYS INCLUDED IN OUR CRUISES

Latest news, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Firefox

CruiseGear Logo

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 what to expect since I never booked an MSC Cruise with a beverage package in the past.

Upon embarking, I was told by staff how the Easy Package didn’t include much and couldn’t be used at a specialty dining restaurant. With that information, I paid a nominal upgrade on the spot to the “Easy Plus” package to make sure I had more choices and that I could use the package while dining in every restaurant.

So is a drink package on MSC worth it? Let’s find out!

compare MSC Cruises Drink Packages

About the drink packages:

MSC Cruises offers a variety of drink packages for their cruises, including the “Easy” package, “Easy Plus” package, “Premium Extra” package, an Alcohol-Free package for minors, and a Minors package. The packages range in price and offerings, with the Easy Plus package allowing for more choices and access to specialty dining restaurants. Recent changes include gratuity now being included in the pricing. It’s important to understand what each package includes and excludes before making a decision.

Quick things to know:

  • MSC Cruises offers various drink packages like the “Easy,” “Easy Plus,” “Premium Extra,” Alcohol-Free, and Minors package.
  • Prices range from $19/day for the Minors package to $85/day for the Premium Extra package.
  • The Easy Plus package offers more options and includes access to specialty dining restaurants for an additional cost (best value)
  • Drink package prices include gratuity
  • Drink packages CAN BE USED on Ocean Cay
  • If your package doesn’t cover the drink cost, just pay the difference!
  • The Mini bar in the cabin is not included in any package
  • Everyone in the cabin needs to purchase the same drink package (excluding minors)

MSC Drink Package Prices

Depending on which you choose, you can get a package for as little as $19/day (Minors) – but the most popular package is the Easy Plus Package which starts at $61/day. The good news is that MSC Is running quite a few promotions that INCLUDE the Easy Plus Package ! Take a look at their promotions here.

What do the drink packages on MSC cruises cost?

We’ll be posting accurate European prices shortly, as they have also changed recently.

MSC Cruises Drink Packages Compared (NEW 2024 prices)

There are 5 drink package options that MSC Cruises offers on its ships including the “Easy” package, “Easy Plus” package, “Premium Extra” Package, and the Alcohol-Free Package (with a different price for minors and adults)

  • See : MSC Cruises Bar & Drink Menus with Prices

Easy Drink Package

The “ Easy Package ” is the most basic alcoholic beverage package on MSC Cruises with a cost of $46 per day per adult and is sometimes offered at no charge as a promotion. (This package is $49 per day on short cruises of less than 6 nights and is even more expensive if purchased onboard)

Liquor choices that go into mixed drinks are generic and sometimes off-brand.

The upside to this beverage package is that it also includes bottled water, soft drinks & juices as well as espresso, coffee cappuccino, and other hot drinks (tea, hot chocolate, etc.) With many cruise lines when purchasing a drink package, they often exclude bottled water and coffee drinks. 

So if you are a heavy coffee drinker and enjoy bottled water with a few beers throughout the day, this is likely your good choice. 

This is the package that was included on my Meraviglia cruise with the base cruise fare. Initially, this seemed like a good option as it covers the basics, but some restrictions were inconvenient enough to make me upgrade to the Premium Plus.

An important exception to the Easy Package!

  You CANNOT use the Easy beverage package in any of the specialty restaurants . So if you want a gin & tonic at dinner, you’re out of luck. Even more bizarre, bringing a beverage to dinner is specifically prohibited forcing you to purchase any drinks regardless of price for the time you are in a specialty restaurant. 

MSC Easy Drink Package Menu & What’s Included

The Easy drink package entitles you to any beverage up to $7.50 ( sort of ). For your convenience, menus throughout the ships have a section specifying what’s included in the easy beverage package. However even though some beer prices by the bottle are $7.50 or less, those are EXCLUDED from this package. Strange, right?

For beer, with the Easy Drink Package, the only option is Heineken Draft or sometimes Miller Light, and the wines are off-label or inexpensive brands only marked as “chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel Rose, Cabernet, or Merlot (Plus a random label of sparkling wine or Prosecco). So if you’re not picky, this package may be sufficient. 

Martini | Gin or vodka, dry vermouth, olive or lemon peel Manhattan | Whisky, red vermouth, Angostura bitters Daiquiri | Rum, lime juice, sugar syrup Cosmopolitan | Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime Sidecar | Brandy, triple sec, lemon juice Screwdriver | Vodka, orange juice Margarita | Tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, lime juice Moscow Mule | Vodka, lime, ginger beer Cape Cod | Vodka, cranberry juice Mimosa | Sparkling wine, orange juice Gin Fizz | Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, soda Pink Lady | Gin, lemon juice, grenadine Sea Breeze | Vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice Caipiroska | Vodka, diced lime, sugar Blue Hawaiian | Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream Tequila Sunrise | Tequila, orange juice, grenadine Bloody Mary | Vodka, tomato juice, salt, pepper, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce Long Island Iced Tea | Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, cola Mojito | Rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar, soda Piña Colada | Rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice Strawberry Daiquiri | Rum, strawberry purée, sweet & sour mix

Alcohol-free cocktails included

Nojito | Lime, fresh mint leaves, sugar, Mojito mix, club soda Magic Island | Pineapple, orange and lemon juice, grenadine, Sprite Cuddle on the Beach | Peach purée, orange juice, cranberry juice Royal Punch | Passion fruit purée, pineapple juice, cranberry juice Fruit Smoothie | Orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, fresh banana, guava juice, mango purée Coco Colada | Fresh pineapple, coconut cream, pineapple juice, milk Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri | Strawberry purée, sweet & sour mix, sugar syrup

Beer Included in the MSC Easy Drinks Package

Heineken draft beer (ONLY)

For this package, even though bottled beers are less than the price cap of $7.50, they’re specifically excluded. Mindblowing, right? It just adds to the confusion about the MSC Drinks packages.

Sodas Included in the Easy Package

Sodas by the glass, Fruit juices by the glass, Still or sparkling mineral water

Other beverages included

Espresso, Decaf espresso, Cappuccino, Decaf cappuccino, Caffè latte, Glass of milk, Hot chocolate, Hot tea

Is the Easy package worth it?

That really depends. If you drink basic cocktails such as Gin & Tonic, Bloody Mary, Screwdriver , etc, and aren’t picky about the liquor used, the Easy Package may work for you. 

Easy Plus Drink Package

The Easy Plus Package cost is $61 per day , ($64 for shorter cruises of 6 days or less) but you can upgrade from the Easy package for about $23/per day per person

With this beverage package, you can order drinks in specialty dining restaurants as well as anything included in the above Easy package. There are caveats, more on that later.

Any beverages up to $10 are included in this package which gets you all of the beer options, more wine options, and some frozen drink options that aren’t available in the most basic drink package.  There is also a larger range of liquor brands, cordials, and martinis available at this price point.

The Easy Plus Package is the most common drinks package because it includes just about everything that a typical drinker would order. Even better, this package can be used in specialty dining restaurants as well. With recent changes to the beverage packages, the cruise line now allows you to order a drink that is not included in the package and only pay the difference (plus gratuity)

This is what we ultimately upgraded to from our included Easy Package. It was well worth the upgrade not only for the more inclusive offering, but for the simplicity of not having to think about what we were ordering and if it was included.

In addition to the Easy Package, you can also order the following:

Cocktails included:.

Sapphire Martini Bombay Sapphire gin, Martini dry, olive or lemon peel Appletini Absolut Classic and Absolut Vanilia vodka, apple sour liqueur, sweet & sour mix Royal Manhattan Crown Royal, Martini Rosso, Angostura bitters Cuban Daiquiri Bacardi Superior white rum, lime juice, sugar syrup Absolut Cosmo Absolut Citron vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, Rose’s lime Spanish Sidecar Cardinal Mendoza brandy, Cointreau, lemon juice, sugar syrup Screwdriver Made in USA T ito’s vodka, orange juice Classic Margarita Jose Cuervo silver tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, lime juice Dutch Mule K etel One vodka, lime, ginger beer Absolut Cape Cod Absolut Classic vodka, cranberry juice Mimosa Blossom Absolut Mango vodka, Galliano, orange juice, prosecco Bombay Fizz Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, soda Ultimate Pink Lady Beefeater London Dry gin, lemon juice, pomegranate syrup Caribbean Breeze Ketel One vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, lime Masters of the Sea Caipirinha Premium cachaça, diced lime, sugar Blue Hawaiian Punch Bacardi Superior white rum, Malibu coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream Aperol Spritz Aperol, prosecco, club soda, orange slice Jalisco Sunrise Jose Cuervo silver tequila, orange juice, grenadine Absolut Bloody Mary Absolut Classic vodka, tomato juice, salt, pepper, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce Ultimate Iced Tea Smirnoff vodka, Bacardi Superior White rum, Beefeater gin, Jose Cuervo silver tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, cola Bacardi Mojito Bacardi Superior white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime, sugar, club soda Mudslide Absolut vodka, Kahlúa coffee liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, heavy cream Baileys Alexander Baileys Irish Cream, dark crème de cacao, cream

Frozen Drinks:

Mango Tropical Trooper Cruzan mango rum, peach schnapps, triple sec, mango juice, fresh mint Rock Lobster Malibu coconut rum, banana liqueur, grenadine, fresh banana, pineapple and orange juice, Gosling’s Black Seal rum Ultimate Piña Colada Bacardi Superior white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, fresh pineapple B.B.C Bailey’s Irish Cream, Bacardi Superior white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, fresh banana Original Strawberry Daiquiri Bacardi Superior white rum, strawberry purée, sweet & sour mix Miami Vice Miami’s hottest drink: half Strawberry Daiquiri and half Piña Colada Frozen Toblerone Bailey’s Irish Cream, macadamia nut syrup, Swiss white chocolate syrup, cream

Beer Included in the Easy Plus package:

Miller Lite USA Budweiser USA Bud Light USA Coors Light USA Michelob Ultra USA Heineken Netherlands Corona Extra Mexico Dos Equis Mexico Red Stripe Jamaica Stella Artois Belgium

Samuel Adams USA Yuengling Lager USA Newcastle Brown Ale England Blue Moon USA Beck’s Germany Peroni Nastro Azzurro Italy Pilsner Urquell Czech Republic Guinness Pub Draft Ireland Angry Orchard Apple Cider USA Heineken 0.0 Netherlands

MSC Easy Plus Package Menu

This is an example of the Easy Plus menu from within the MSC mobile app. Just know that you are entitled to anything up to $10. See the complete list below.

MSC Easy Plus Drink Package Menu

Receive Our Monthly CruiseLetter

Including cruise reviews, travel tips, and cruise deals

Premium Extra Package

This drinks package allows you to purchase any beverage up to $16 , however, it comes at a high cost of $85.00 / day per person (this can be as much as $104/day if you are on a short cruise and purchase onboard). You can upgrade from a lower-cost beverage package for the difference in price, i.e. if you have the easy package, for approximately $43/day you can upgrade to this Premium package.  (Note: Prices have changed as of March 1, 2023, and this information reflects the newest pricing)

While this package covers most top-shelf liquor, there are still quite a few wines and drinks that are more than $16, so it’s not as inclusive as other cruise lines’ most premium drink packages.

MSC Premium Extra Drink Menu

Most premium liquors can be purchased with this package including Grey Goose, Aviation Gin, Belvedere, etc. (see the menu below). However, there are still plenty of drinks that are strategically priced above $16, making this package far from all-inclusive. Additionally, most of the champagne and decent wine on board is significantly more than the limit allowed by this package. It’s hard to make sense of this package unless your tastes are squarely within the more premium liquor brands included.

A bonus of these drinks packages is the discounting on bottles of wine (25%), but the reality is good bottles of wine are generally only available at The Butchers Cut Steakhouse, so unless you are dining there regularly, that benefit is minimal. 

In addition to the Easy Package & Easy Plus Package, you can also order the following beverages:

Drinks included in the premium extra package:.

Aviation Martini Aviation gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, fresh lemon juice Hemingway Daiquiri Zacapa 23Y rum, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur Santa Teresa Manhattan Santa Teresa 1796 rum, orange bitters, red vermouth Gold Rush Woodford Reserve bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup MSC Signature Martini Disaronno liqueur, Grey Goose vodka, Licor 43, lemon peel Mule Le Poire Grey Goose Le Poire vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer Shanghai Margarita Patrón Silver tequila, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, fresh ginger zest Chili Passion Caipirinha Premium caçhaca, lime, raw sugar, hot chili sauce, passion fruit, jalapeño

Ultimate Mai Tai Appleton Estate rum, Bacardi Superior white rum, Disaronno liqueur, pineapple and orange juice, sweet & sour mix, grenadine Purple Rain Bacardi Superior white rum, Finlandia vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, sweet & sour mix, grenadine Coco Loco Bacardi Oakheart spiced rum, Malibu coconut rum, Piña Colada mix, mango purée, fruit punch Jamaican Paradise Appleton Estate rum, Malibu coconut rum, Jose Cuervo silver tequila, Midori melon liqueur, blue curaçao, sweet & sour mix Miami Beach Iced Tea Bacardi Superior white rum, Beefeater gin, Smirnoff vodka, Cuervo silver tequila, blue curaçao, sugar syrup, Sprite Sunset Beach Malibu coconut rum, raspberry liqueur, orange and pineapple juice, grenadine Tropical Tease Midori melon liqueur, Malibu coconut rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice Emerald Mariachi 1800 Reposado tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, passion fruit syrup, pineapple juice Mango Mojito Bacardi mango rum, mango purée, fresh mint leaves, lime, club sod a

You ONLY pay the difference in price for a beverage not included in your MSC DRINK package

You can now get a credit towards any drinks not included in your MSC Drink package!. The credit towards a drink is $8 per drink for the Easy Package, $10 per drink for the Easy Plus Package, and $16 per drink for the Premium Extra Package.

For European cruises the credit you get is 7 Euro for the Easy Package, 9 Euro for the Easy Plus and 14 Euro for the Premium Extra package on MSC.

Alcoholic-Free and Minors Package on MSC Cruises

You might be interested in the non-alcoholic package if you’re not a drinker or when traveling with children. This package offers non-alcoholic cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. This package doesn’t apply to specialty restaurants unless it’s for a minor whose group purchased the Easy Plus or Premium Extra alcoholic package. So be prepared to pay for your soda when dining at the Butcher’s Cut, even if you have this package.

These prices will vary if booked on the ship on the day of sailing. Usually by an additional 10% or more. Short sailings are considered anything less than 7 days.

This table of prices is pretty mind-numbing and takes the fun out of figuring out what package is right. Why there are different prices for different lengths of cruise is bizarre and just another way that MSC tends to overcomplicate everything.

  • Read : More about MSC Cruises
  • See : MSC Bar Menus

In Summary, My experience with the MSC Drink Packages

Originally, I thought the Easy package would be sufficient for our cruise, but discovering the limited beverage options and the fact that you cannot use the package in specialty dining restaurants, we chose to upgrade to the Easy Plus.

Overall this was a good choice, because of the wider variety of options and the ability to use in a specialty restaurant. However, it’s important to know – that when using the Easy Plus in a specialty restaurant like Butcher’s Cut, you must order off of the wine/drink menus in that restaurant!

If your favorite glass of wine isn’t available in the restaurant, you are forbidden to bring anything from an outside bar, which really makes no sense. This is something that they do NOT TELL YOU when upgrading from Easy to Easy Plus on the ship.

Normally this wouldn’t be a big issue except there were very few options on beverage menus that were covered by the Easy Plus package.

Drink Calculator – Are drink packages worth it on MSC?

Let’s find out if getting a drink package is worth it or not by using our handy drink calculator! Simply choose the package you plan on purchasing and estimate how many drinks per day you might consume and see if you “break even”

  • Choose the package type you are considering. We’ve entered the package price per MSC Cruises but you can adjust the daily charge if you are getting a promo on the package price.
  • Enter the number of cruise days
  • Estimate your consumption of each type of beverage. We’ve put the average beverage prices based on the Drink Menus, but you can adjust this if you know you like more expensive drink options.

Easy Package includes:

Specific drinks listed on the easy drink menu (found here).

These drinks are sort of “vague” in some respect, so definitely look at the MSC Drink Menus article , where there is a unique menu for the Easy Package.

The Easy Package covers all of the above served in the bars, buffet and main restaurant as well as Ocean Cay and other exclusive destinations. This package CANNOT be used in specialty restaurants.

Easy Plus Package includes:

Bottomless beverages priced up to $10 all day long.

The Easy Plus Package can be enjoyed in the bars, buffet, main restaurant and specialty restaurants , Ocean Cay, and other exclusive destinations.

Premium Extra Package includes:

Premium beverages priced up to $16.

The Premium Extra Package can be enjoyed in the bars, buffet, main restaurant, and specialty restaurants as well as Ocean Cay and other exclusive destinations.

Estimate Your Daily Consumption:

Each field contains the average price found on most MSC ships in US Dollars.

Remember! Any drink not within your package limit, you pay the overage cost plus the service charge! If you tend to drink nicer wines or cocktails, you can adjust the average price of each beverage in the corresponding boxes! This helps give you a more accurate idea of your possible spending. (15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentine) and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuity on North America itineraries.)

Each field contains the average price found on most MSC ships. For the Premium Extra package, all drinks up to $15 are included. If you tend to drink nicer wines or cocktails, you can adjust the average price of each beverage in the corresponding boxes – Remember, for anything over the included price, you pay the difference plus a service charge or gratuity (15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentine) and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuity on North America itineraries.)!

You haven’t broken even on the Easy Package yet!

You BROKE EVEN on the Easy Package!

You haven’t broken even on the Easy PLUS Package yet!

You BROKE EVEN on the Easy PLUS Package!

You haven’t broken even on the Premium Extra Package yet!

Beer Lovers Need Easy Plus on MSC

Other MSC Drink Package Helpful Information

MSC Cruises Drink & Bar Menus With Prices (2024)

MSC Cruises Drink & Bar Menus With Prices (2024)

MSC Cruises Drink & Bar Menus With PriceS – UPDATED We spent a lot of time on a recent voyage with MSC Cruises trying... Read This

Phil Crane

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Monthly Cruise Digest?

35 Comments

On MSc how much doe sit cost if you buy a beer or a soda pop per purchase since i do not drink much alcohol at all and maybe two sodas a day

Wayne – You can get a beer for about $7.50 and a soda for $3.00-$3.50 + gratuity. You can see the MSC drink menus here

How do you know if the drink you order is within the 10$ limit on the easy plus package? Do the bartenders tell you? I would hate to get a bill for the extra few dollars if not covered. Thanks!

Hi Robin, They are very good about telling you right away if anything you order isn’t in the package, but the menus are also scattered around everywhere, and you’ll quickly learn what types of drinks are extra. I found that the selection of drinks wasn’t incredibly huge, so I knew fast what they had that I liked, and which were going to cost a little more.

I don’t drink alcohol but would like the occasional soda. Is it possible to purchase just individual drinks without the packages?

Hi Peter, Absolutely! If you take a look at the MSC Drink Menus (here) – on the first menu, flip to the last page. You’ll see the list of sodas and other beverages. It’s definitely not worth a package with the occasional soda.

Hi! Sailing in a couple days. Just want water and maybe a MOCKtail or 2 for a day. I wasn’t clear on how much mineral water is included per day or how to access. No soda, tea or coffee for me. The calculator did not offer the nonalcoholic package so wanted your recommendations- I do need to drink alot of water. Can I bring any sealed bottled water aboard? Is there gratuities on bottled water as well and how big are the bottles? Thanks in advance!

Hi Amy – Good point on the calculator – we’ll fix that and add the non-alcoholic package! At about $28 per day for the non-alcoholic package and a water being about $3.25 + gratuities, You’d end up needing to buy about 7 bottled waters per day to “break even”. (They are the large 17 oz sizes you’d get in a restaurant, so it’s a pretty good value) The non alcoholic cocktails are included as well and are usually about $7 to my recollection, but here’s the menus for MSC Drinks . (the first menu flips through to all the non-alcoholic in the back of the menu) – About bringing water, etc. MSC Is one of the only cruise lines that literally allows no beverages to be brought on the ship. Enjoy your cruise! I hope this helps.

We are looking at doing a cruise with our teens in the spring. We don’t drink alcohol, so is it worth buying a drink package? We would like access to sodas, juices, anything non alcoholic, so wondering if you’d advise to get a drink pkg or not. Thanks!

Hi Diana – Basic tea, coffee, water is included in the fare but soda, specialty coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages aren’t included. There IS an Alcohol free package for $28/day per person +/- which is quite a bit less than the other drink packages. HOWEVER, MSC Often does a promo with the “easy” package or “easy plus” as a perk for a bit of an extra charge. Doing the math, you’ll often find that the little higher rate on a cruise that includes the drink package is far less than buying the package separately. For example, on a 7 day booking I looked and the all included fare was about $37/per person per day more expensive and the drink package was included as well as wifi and onboard credit. More benefits for less money for sure! SO be sure to check that pricing and use our drink calculator for MSC (here) to see if you even drink enough soda/non-alcoholic things to make it worth it.

Your calculator doesn’t take into account that they add a 15% gratuity to each drink, and the package includes the gratuity.

Hi Brad, thanks for the comment, we’ll make a change to the formula to include the gratuity in the calculations!

Is there a time limit in between each drink? Like a waiting period of 10/15 minutes?

Hi Sarah – There is not. We would often try a drink of the day or some specialty, hate it, and immediately order something else.

Hope this helps!

I want to get the easy drinks package but my husband cant drink due to Ill health. Do MSC take this into consideration or will we have to both buy same package.

Hi Karen – Normally with a medical notice from a doctor, the second person doesn’t have to purchase an alcohol package. HOWEVER, MSC rules change… sometimes depending on who you speak to. My experience with this is that they will request you purchase the EASY package for yourself and the NON ALCOHOLIC package for your husband. But it will have to be done by phone, and whether they ask for medical proof will likely depend on who you speak to at the time. I had friends traveling with us that were in your exact situation and they were not asked for proof but were in fact told the non drinking person has to purchase a non-alcoholic package.

Is Redbul available at no additional cost in the easy plus package?

Yes, my recollection is that energy drinks were included with the Easy Plus!

So for my wife who does not drink any alcohol is the minor package the best? Based on the menu the easy plus package covers a variety of beers is that correct vs only Heineken on the easy package.

Hi Jason, they (MSC) will likely require the Alcohol-Free Package as I believe the Minors package is truly teens and below. They’re basically the same thing, you’re just getting penalized for being a grown up 🙂 – That said, the Easy Plus package you are considering does cover all of the beers. There wasn’t a beer served that wasn’t covered by the Easy Plus. And yes, Heineken is the only thing available on the Easy Package. So if you’re a beer drinker, it’s worth looking at the Easy Plus. BUT! Keep in mind, the specials that MSC runs sometimes include the beverage packages and it may be cheaper to go ahead and book with those specials rather than cruise only and adding an Alcohol-Free Package + Easy Plus package. Even if your wife doesn’t take advantage of the alcohol, she can have all of the non-alcoholic beverages she wants and in the end the total price may be less on the promotion. Hope this helps!

If you purchase a non-alcoholic drink package, do you pay the difference for an alcoholic drink or the full price?

Hi Tom – The non alcoholic package won’t work to apply anything towards an alcoholic beverage purchase. However if you have the most basic beverage package (Easy), you can pay the difference for drinks that are more expensive than what is covered by the Easy (this is new for 2023)

Thank you, kind of what I thought. I’d have to to go easy plus since the easy package is not inclusive of some of the non-alcoholic drinks I would like.

Interesting! I’m curious about what non-alcoholic drinks you like that wouldn’t be included in the Easy Package? In our experience, everything non-alcoholic was included in the Easy Package (but there may be something I’m missing!) 🙂

What to do if one person drinks and other doesn’t on the same cabin?

Typically everyone of age in the same cabin must have the same drink package. The cruise line will make an exception for medical reasons. Mostly they don’t want one person getting the package and sharing the drinks with their cabin mate 🙁

Thank you for all of this information. It is very hard to navigate all of this from MSC website. I am not a big drinker so I wasn’t sure if the packages were necessary. Your drink calculator is very helpful . If you could answer a question: there are no frozen drinks on the easy drink menu. Does that mean there is no option for frozen margaritas?

Hi Claudia, I’m glad this information helped! We were able to get frozen drinks without a problem, as long as the liquor type was in the basic package. They didn’t distinguish between frozen or on the rocks with things like Margaritas and Daiquiris.

We are sailing to Rome from Durban 20th April and have bought 18 of the 18 unit packages, my question is does a unit mean a short and a mixer, ie, rum and coke or it that 2 units.

Hi Jennifer, we’ve done both Europe & USA cruises on MSC – and in our experience, a rum and coke was in fact a single drink. I know in Europe, it’s common to sell the mixer separate, but that does not seem to be the case on MSC Ships. I hope this helps & enjoy your cruise!

My husband and I are booked to sail from Durban in April on msc Orchestra 25 day cruise to Genoa. Please can you advise if drinks packages are on offer on the ship or if we pay per drink and are soft drinks free? If we pay per drink can you email prices so that we can work out a budget, many thanks.

Hi Ann! When you login to your MSC account you should see a way to pre-purchase the packages. If you wait until you get on the ship, they will be about 20% more expensive! We did the “easy” package which covered sodas, specialty coffee, bottled water, and quite a few basic drinks, but upgraded on another trip to the Easy Plus which gets you better beverages and allows you to use the package in the specialty restaurants (which you can’t with the basic Easy package). We put together a handy drink calculator for MSC (See the drink calculator) so you can estimate your budget based on how you normally consume. This will let you know really fast if you’re going to make the drink package worth it! I hope this helps.

Their top package used to include everything but full bottles of wine. Last time on Miraviglia it included everything on the champagne bar menu including $20 drinks. On the Seaside it used to cover the specialty chocolate drinks and gelato. Mildly disappointed. Used to be the best package. Bartenders loved it because they could make the high dollar stuff most people won’t try

I feel your disappointment! When we were on the Meraviglia , the whole drink package was so confusing that even some of the staff weren’t sure what to include or not. I had hoped they’d simplify it, but the new packages with prices were just released, and it’s still a head-scratcher.

It will be our first time on a cruise. Reading your tips is being mind and eye opening. We will make sure to have every single detail well calculated before we proceed. Thank you! Great website!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 17.30 | Sun 10 - 16

Cruises for Families and Kids

Family holidays are a special time – a blend of fun, special times together as a family, and quality time as individuals. Over the years, we’ve built a renowned reputation as a company that can cater for all needs at all times, paying special attention to the individual needs of children, tweens, teens, and parents , as well as creating incredible shared experiences for the whole family .

Book your cruise today , and discover why this is the Future of Cruising .

Family Cruises, Family Excursions | MSC Cruises

Discover each destination with your children at a rhythm that suits families, thanks to our  Family Fun excursions. Guided by talented, qualified local guides in constant contact with the ship, they are your passport to new cultures, historic monuments, natural beauty and more.

What’s more, kids get a special price on shore excursions ! - Babys and Infants aged 2 and younger will be carried free of charge - Children between the ages of 3 to 13 years have a discount up to 30% vs adult price

Book now and save up to 20% vs onboard prices!

Family Cruises, Family Dining | MSC Cruises

Enjoy a culinary voyage of discovery with your children    on an MSC Cruise: an array of international dishes and ethnic specialties will delight the whole family with flavours from around the globe.

  • For ever-changing menus of high-quality international cuisine, including signature dishes from award-winning chefs, look no further than the main restaurants onboard our ships. If you prefer a casual meal, buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snacks.
  • If your kids want to eat with their new friends, our youth staff are happy to look after them. When they’re exhausted after a fun-packed day, you can choose to have a meal delivered to your cabin.

 Kids Clubs and Family Activities | MSC Cruises

Discover our Entertainment options on board: there's always so much to do that you kids will never get bored! An MSC cruise is an experience for the whole family to enjoy together in the safe, fun environment of our cruise ships.

  • On an MSC cruise, you'll discover a diverse array of activities designed for both children and adults. Our dedicated Kids Clubs  offer a wide range of engaging experiences, including sports tournaments, quizzes, and the exciting Doremi family disco. Additionally, our ships provide numerous entertainment options to ensure everyone has a memorable and enjoyable time onboard, we kindly ask you to check the daily program once onboard do discover all the activities.
  • From the joys of relaxing in a pool or splashing around in an aqua park, to the thrill of riding a swirling waterslide, family fun in the sun is never far away.
  • Some ships offer the added excitement of activities such as sliding down a zip-line, driving a full-size MSC Formula Racer, and enjoying a fully immersive VR experience. Not to mention the thrilling multi-sensory experience of an interactive XD cinema and the amazing Video games room.**
  • You can take the kids to a Broadway-style theatre show
  • Once during every cruise we hold a special entertainment event called the  LEGO® Experience On Board *: an entire day dedicated to fun LEGO activities for the whole family to enjoy

*Available on: all MSC ships

**Charges apply.

Family Cruises, Services | MSC Cruises

  • Baby Clubs  - along with activities that the whole family can enjoy together, we offer a Baby Club  onboard all our ships with dedicated activities and facilities.  
  • MSC Baby Care Service -  we have thought about mums and dads too! Everyday, you can drop your baby off at the Baby Club, where they will be looked after by qualified and dedicated staff who will let them play (during specific times).
  • MSC and Chicco  - on our cruise ships you’ll find the most modern, fun and educational toys, chosen for you by the  Osservatorio Chicco , Baby Research Center.
  • Medical Centre -  every ship in the MSC Cruises fleet has a well-equipped modern Medical Centre on board. The Medical Centre is staffed by fully-qualified personnel, and benefits from 24/7 specialist paediatric telemedicine support. Over-the-counter medicines can be purchased on board.
  • 24 hours Room Service  - all our restaurants and 24-hour Cabin Service are ready and happy to help, ensuring you can feed your baby swiftly on demand, for their and your own comfort.
  • Baby Laundry Service  - our unique new Baby Laundry service washes baby and toddler clothes separately from everything else, using a specialised machine, program and detergents to clean and sanitise even at temperatures as low as 30°C. We’ll collect your children’s items from your cabin and deliver them to you the following day clean, safe and sterilised: ideal for protecting their skin. You’ll find full details in your cabin, along with a biodegradable paper laundry bag and a service coupon to fill in.

Family Cruises, Parent Time | MSC Cruises

Wind down, lie back, chill out or dress up, and make the most of every marvellous moment. 

While your kids are having the time of their lives, with our expert staff, you are free to enjoy all of those things you never quite have time for back home. Relax with a sensual massage in the authentic Balinese MSC Aurea Spa or work out in the gym.

  • Relax with a sensual massage in the authentic Balinese  MSC Aurea Spa  or work out in the gym
  • Choose your  Entertainment  option: you can indulge in some shopping, sip a cocktail or spend a glamorous evening in the onboard casino
  • Savour a romantic  dinner  for two while enjoying the sea views
  • Discover the beautiful MSC Cruises’ destinations with a dedicated  excursion

Family Cruises, Cabin 12006 Web Serie | MSC Cruises

  • Experience the cruise adventure before you even step on board! Dive into the captivating web series the  web series Cabin 12006 available on MSC Cruises' official YouTube channel. Join Markus, a teenager embarking on his first cruise, as his holiday takes an unexpected turn. MSC Bellissima's "Cabin 12006" is filled with unanswered questions and thrilling surprises, and it's up to Markus and his friend Lucas to unravel the mystery.
  • Kelly & Kloe Onboard  is an exciting web series that chronicles the adventures of two young girls, Kelly and Kloe, as they spend time on an MSC Cruises ship alongside their father, the Master. Kids will have the opportunity to learn the theme song and dance routine from the web series, participate in a selfie contest while dressed up as characters from the story, and even unleash their creativity by writing their very own episode of the thrilling adventure.

Kids Experiences, LEGO | MSC Cruises

Once during every cruise we hold a special entertainment event called the LEGO® Experience On Board: an entire day dedicated to fun  LEGO  activities for the whole family to enjoy. Thanks to this special activity your kids can spend hours building and creating  whatever they want!

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Included

CRUISING WITH MSC AS A FAMILY

Thanks to our 300 years at sea, we know the treasures of the world. And we love exploring them with you.

As the largest cruise line in Europe, we take parents and children to over 200 exciting destinations around the world, including our exclusive private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , located in The Bahamas.  That's why we won " Best Cruise Line for Families " in the Cruise Critic UK Editors' Picks 2019 and " Best Family Cruise Line " at the Wave Awards 2018.

Family Cruises, Awards | MSC Cruises

The Fun Pass is your all-access pass to the Amusement Area, the most thrilling place onboard.

Buy online now to get additional fun pass credits to spend onboard, plus -20% discount vs onboard prices., thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Firefox

Mon-Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST

About MSC Cruises

We’ve called the sea our home for over 300 years. It’s a place of wonder, discovery, and delight. But it’s also a place that needs protection. On an MSC Cruise, our guests don’t just create unforgettable memories, visit incredible destinations, and enjoy the finest hospitality - they also have a chance to make a difference. From our experienced crew members to our engineers, to our expert ship builders, we’re securing the sea’s tomorrow by taking positive steps today.

Discover the Beauty of Cruising with MSC Cruises

Our company

We are the world’s third-largest cruise brand as well as the leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa, with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. We are also the fastest-growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets.    Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, we are part of MSC Group , the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage.  We employ over 30,000 staff globally and sell cruise holidays in many countries around the world.

Our Company | MSC Cruises

Our Cruises

At MSC Cruises, our love for the sea goes back many generations. And we are eager to pass this passion on to future generations. That’s why we are dedicated to making each of our cruises a voyage of discovery and unforgettable emotions for every guest. We offer an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience, where you can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs and the latest user-friendly technology on board. 

With our cruises you can decide where to go and for how long. Choose among the best cruise destinations, with a wide variety of itineraries mapped to reveal the sights, sounds and flavours of the world's most intriguing cultures. Our ships sail year-round in the Mediterranean  and the Caribbean - Antilles  (visiting also Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , our private island in the Bahamas). Our seasonal itineraries include Northern Europe , South America , Southern Africa , Asia , North America , Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar  and Saudi Arabia & Red Sea .

With us you can discover the world, from few days at a time to all at once on a four-month cruise around the globe with MSC World Cruise .

about us sitecore our cruises

We want you to discover the world in absolute style, comfort and safety. That’s why we are constantly expanding and improving our fleet, not only to give you a greater choice of destinations, but also to offer you an amazing state-of-art cruising experience wherever you go.

We have a modern fleet of vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new ships. The current ships across our classes of ship include: 

MSC World Europa , the first MSC World Class ship introduces a completely new, ground-breaking platform that brings together innovative technologies and industry-first design features including its unique Y-shape. MSC World Europa will be the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the most environmentally advanced to date. The ship will be delivered in December 2022.  MSC World America  will be the second in the cruise line’s innovative World Class when she launches in April 2025, offering sustainable cruising in the Caribbean from Miami, with new, immersive and unique experiences at sea.

MSC Virtuosa , is one of the most environmentally-advanced ship of our fleet, delivered in February 2021. With a total guest capacity of 6,334 passengers, she is the largest ship in the MSC Cruises global fleet. Her sister ship MSC Grandiosa (from the Meraviglia Plus Class), came into service in November 2019.  

The smaller sister ships  MSC Meraviglia  and  MSC Bellissima  were the first two Meraviglia Class ships that came into service in 2017 and 2019. In 2023 another ship, MSC Euribia, powered by LNG will join the Meraviglia Plus Class fleet.

The Musica Class ships MSC Magnifica  (2010), MSC Poesia  (2008), MSC Orchestra  (2007) and MSC Musica  (2006) carry around 3,000 guests each.

  The fleet is completed by the Lirica Class ships – MSC Sinfonia  (2005), MSC Armonia  (2004), MSC Opera  (2004) and MSC Lirica  (2003) – each carrying around 2,000 guests.

The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025, with options for six vessel orders in place through 2030.

MSC Cruises fleet

Sustainability

about us sitecore sustainability

MSC Foundation

Life-changing programs worldwide

As a family-owned company with a global seafaring heritage that dates back to 1675, MSC cares passionately about the seas and has a real love of the beautiful places and inspiring cultures we take our guests to explore all over the world. This has led us to launch many life-changing initiatives over the years. The MSC Foundation was founded in 2018 to lead and coordinate these conservation and humanitarian commitments worldwide, developing the longstanding philanthropic partnerships of all the MSC Group companies and launching many new initiatives.    Vision To restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation Mission To utilize MSC’s global reach and unique knowledge of the sea to take immediate action that contributes to protecting and nurturing the blue planet and all its people Joining hands to make a difference The Foundation works to restore the critical balance between people and nature, utilizing MSC’s global reach and unique knowledge of the sea to take immediate action to protect and nurture the blue planet, its peoples and our shared cultural heritage. It helps disaster-struck populations toward recovery and support vulnerable communities around the world to realize their full potential through education, sustainable development, and medical humanitarian programs. The Foundation works both independently and in conjunction with trusted partners that have a strong innovative vision or track record for effective action.   The Foundation works to achieve this both independently and together with trusted partners that have a strong innovative vision or track record for effective action. Our principal partners are UNICEF , Marevivo, M ercy Ships and Ba'a Foundation.

ISO 50001

Latest News

Asia & australia, - bangladesh, - australia & new zealand, - kazakhstan, - singapore, - sri lanka.

CRUISEWAY TRAVEL SA 193, Kifisias Avenue & 24, Iereos Dousi Str, Marousi, 151 24, Athens, Greece T: +30 210 32 59 900 F: +30 210 32 59 999 Web: www.cruiseway.gr [email protected] NAVIHELLAS CRUISE CENTER (MSC Partners) 83, Iroon Politechniou Ave. GR 185 36 Piraeus, Greece Phone: + 30 210 4284391 [email protected] BlueSun Travel & Consulting A: 3, Stadiou St. - 1st Floor Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece 10562 T/F: +30-210-3254642 E: [email protected]

MANESSIS TRAVEL (MSC Partners) 4, Filellilon Street 10557 Athens - Greece Phone: +30 210 3211 777 Fax: +30 210 3211 527

VERSUS TRAVEL Ltd (MSC Partners) 7, Filellinon Street 10557 Athens - Greece Phone: + 30 210 3232 800 Fax: + 30 210 3232 450 CRUISE EXPERTS (MSC Partners) 6, Paleologou Benizelou str 10556, Plaka, Athens, Greece Phone: +30 210 3259900

- Lithuania

- netherlands, - scandinavia, - switzerland, - united kingdom & ireland, middle east & asia, - south africa, - united arab emirates, north america, south america, - argentina, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Firefox

IMAGES

  1. Activities for Kids on MSC Cruises

    msc cruises free child places

  2. Things to do on MSC Cruises

    msc cruises free child places

  3. Msc Cruises Kids Free

    msc cruises free child places

  4. Msc Cruises Kids Free

    msc cruises free child places

  5. Kids sail free: how you could save over $7,000 on your next family

    msc cruises free child places

  6. MSC Seascape Kids Areas

    msc cruises free child places

COMMENTS

  1. Family Cruises

    An MSC cruise is an experience for the whole family to enjoy together in the safe, fun environment of our cruise ships. On an MSC cruise, you'll discover a diverse array of activities designed for both children and adults. Our dedicated Kids Clubs offer a wide range of engaging experiences, including sports tournaments, quizzes, and the ...

  2. Caribbean Escape to Sea

    Enjoy Kids Sail Free on select Caribbean cruises with our Escape to Sea rates - lowest available cruise-only rate. Book your cruise now with MSC Cruises. Login Hi, {0} Sign out. 877-665-4655. Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST. Home; ... Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises.

  3. Family Cruises

    Family Cruises - Cruise for Kids

  4. How To Find Family Cruises With Free Child Places

    Not all cruise lines offer free child places, so the first step is to identify which ones do. Cruise lines that I have seen offer this deal include: P&O Cruises. Royal Caribbean. MSC Cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line. Ambassador Cruise Line.

  5. I got what I paid for: My cheap family cruise on MSC Seashore

    I paid $2,658 total for four people to share a balcony cabin on a weeklong Western Caribbean cruise in July on the line's newest cruise ship, MSC Seashore. Contrast that with Disney Wish: The cheapest cruise you can currently book is $2,975 for a three-night cruise in a windowless inside cabin for four people.

  6. Kids clubs on board

    Young Club 12-14. With the Young Club, kids from 12 to 14 years old can dive into a world of discovery, involvement and interaction. Each day holds the promise of new experiences, with a dedicated programme of sport tournaments, hi-tech games and lots of other fun activities. And of course, every day also brings opportunities to make new friends.

  7. 8 cruise lines that are letting kids sail free in 2024

    3. MSC Cruises - Kids cruise free and all-in-one pricing. Kids age 18 and under staying in the same cabin as a parent can cruise for free with MSC Cruises. Its "kids cruise free" deal is ...

  8. Cruise lines offering free kids' places

    Here are three ocean and river cruise lines offering free kids' places: MSC Cruises. Kids aged 11 and under cruise for free on selected MSC Cruises itineraries. There are a number of options on MSC Virtuosa sailing roundtrip from Southampton to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Norwegian fjords this September and October.

  9. Cruise Lines That Offer Free Cruises for Kids

    9. Costa Cruises. CC Costa Pacifica Kids. This popular Italian cruise line offers one of the best deals for families with kids, with children up to the age of 18 sharing a cabin with two adults ...

  10. MSC Cruises Youth Programs

    Children are more than welcome onboard MSC Cruises. In fact, during many promotional periods the cruise line lets 11-year-olds and younger sail for free, as long as they are staying in a stateroom with two adults (check with your cruise consultant for availability). Onboard there are lots of supervised activities like tournaments, treasure ...

  11. Family Cruises

    An MSC cruise is an experience for the whole family to enjoy together in the safe, fun environment of our cruise ships. On an MSC cruise, you'll discover a diverse array of activities designed for both children and adults. Our dedicated Kids Clubs offer a wide range of engaging experiences, including sports tournaments, quizzes, and the ...

  12. Kids Sail FREE

    Kids Sail FREE. MSC Cruises are a fantastic choice for families, offering guests of all ages an unforgettable holiday. Unlike some other cruise lines, MSC kid's prices are valid up to the age of 17, and if you book one of these select sailings over the coming winter season, children can sail for FREE. Yep, you heard us right. FREE! With an ...

  13. 8 cruise lines that let kids sail free (2024)

    3. MSC Cruises - Kids cruise free and all-in-one pricing. If your kids are 18 or younger, they sail free on MSC Cruises when they stay in the same cabin as a parent (Photo: MSC Cruises) Kids aged 18 and under staying in the same cabin as a parent can cruise for free with MSC Cruises.

  14. The 5 Best Kids Sail Free Cruises for 2025 & Beyond

    Deal: Holland America Line is offering a "Kids Cruise Free" promotion on select itineraries in 2025. The offer applies to several itineraries including Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal ...

  15. Best MSC Cruises for Kids

    The kids club onboard MSC Seaside -- dubbed Doremi Land -- is truly special. There are separate rooms for different age groups from as young as 6 months up to 11 years old. Each is LEGO themed ...

  16. Free Child Place Cruises 2024/2025/2026

    MSC Cruises are one of the very few brands who regularly have a kids sail free offer. When a child under 18 years old travels in the same cabin with two full paying adults, that child could go free on selected cruises in the Mediterranean Sea and Northern Europe. And even guests over 18 years old can get a discount in the same cabin.

  17. Children & teens

    We have clear and simple rules to ensure pool safety. Babies in nappies are not allowed in the water and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Swimming caps are optional, but flip-flops should be worn around the pool (and can be purchased in the shops on board). What can babies and small children do on board?

  18. The 5 Best Kids Sail Free Cruises for 2024 & Beyond

    Find a Costa Cruises deal on GotoSea. MSC Cruises. Deal: MSC Cruises lets children younger than 18 cruise for free on select itineraries, depending on the ship's capacity. (Other exclusions or ...

  19. Cruise Holidays

    MSC Cruises: Cruise Holidays - Caribbean, Mediterranean ...

  20. MSC Cruises Drink Packages & Prices (UPDATED)

    Easy Drink Package. The "Easy Package" is the most basic alcoholic beverage package on MSC Cruises with a cost of $46 per day per adult and is sometimes offered at no charge as a promotion.(This package is $49 per day on short cruises of less than 6 nights and is even more expensive if purchased onboard) Liquor choices that go into mixed drinks are generic and sometimes off-brand.

  21. Cruises from / to Istanbul, Turkey

    Our Cruises. Destinations. Mediterranean. Istanbul. Travel to Istanbul port in Turkey with MSC Cruise ships in the Mediterranean. Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace & the Grand Bazaar.

  22. Family Cruises

    An MSC cruise is an experience for the whole family to enjoy together in the safe, fun environment of our cruise ships. On an MSC cruise, you'll discover a diverse array of activities designed for both children and adults. Our dedicated offer a wide range of engaging experiences, including sports tournaments, quizzes, and the exciting Doremi ...

  23. About MSC Cruises Mediterranean cruise company

    About MSC Cruises. We've called the sea our home for over 300 years. It's a place of wonder, discovery, and delight. But it's also a place that needs protection. On an MSC Cruise, our guests don't just create unforgettable memories, visit incredible destinations, and enjoy the finest hospitality - they also have a chance to make a ...