Planning an MSC Vacation: Is it Worth it?

An MSC Vacation

MSC is one of the newest cruise lines sailing from Port Canaveral. It has expanded in popularity due to the price point. With rates that I have found are cheaper than Carnival. After experiencing the MSC, I can understand why the price point is so low. The food on these cruise ships is the worst at sea. I have eaten some very mediocre meals on cruise ships, that is just part of the cruising experience. Carnival is another huge competitor for the quest of the worst food on the water but they have some really good quick service restaurants like Guy’s Burger Joint, and the Blue Iguana. MSC doesn’t have that… It also had the weirdest entertainment by far. Peter Punk still haunts my dreams.

Some people still like it and are almost loyal to the company now. My in-laws are one of those people. They just can’t understand the price increase from MSC to Royal.

Getting into pricing now, there is a 5-night sailing out of Port Canaveral on March 26^th. We ar looking at exclusively balcony rooms.

A guaranteed balcony is $1203.58 for the cruise. With the travel protection, it would be $1375.58 for two people. With $75 onboard credit.

A pick your own balcony on decks 9-10 is $1283.58. With travel protection the total would be $1455.58 with $75 onboard credit.

If you are a retired/active military member you can get 10% off of balconies and suites. 5% on oceanview and interiors.

If you are a member of the loyalty club of MSC, they will give you 5% off of the cruise fare for a cheaper experience.

I never want to say a cruise line is bad because it’s just not true. Any cruise is much better than slamming spreadsheets all day in the office. I would say that this cruise line is mediocre but for the price point it is a strong option for people on a budget. Three-night Bahamas interior cruises can sometimes be less than $100 per night per person. I remember that was the goal a few years ago. When I was able to grab a 7-night Bahamas cruise on the Mardi Gras (newest ship on Carnival) for $700 within the year it opened.

Those days seem like they are in the past. MSC and Carnival are the ones closest to that mark. With the food onboard these two cruise lines, I think I would rather pay the extra money for a Royal Caribbean vacation.