MSC Cruise Family Review: Was Our $2854 Trip Worth the Cost and Experience?

Taking a family cruise can feel like a big investment, and I wanted to share our honest experience with MSC Cruises. We booked a four-night cruise for four people, spending a total of $2854. This included the base cruise fare, extras like drink packages and internet, and gratuities.

I’ll break down what we got for the money, the highlights, and whether I would book with MSC again. If you’re considering family travel on a cruise, this review might help you decide if MSC fits your needs.

What We Paid and What It Covered

The base price for our cruise was $1858 for four people over four nights. This included all meals except specialty dining, which we didn’t try.

Drinks were not included, so we purchased a drink package for $462.

We also paid $278 for internet access on two devices, which was essential for staying connected with the kids and checking in with work.

Gratuities added another $256 to the bill.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the total cost:

• Cruise fare: $1858

• Drink packages: $462

• Internet for two devices: $278

• Gratuities: $256

• Total: $2854

  
  

The extras added up to $740, which felt like a lot compared to the base fare.

The drink package was a bit of a gamble. We found that unless you drink a lot, it might not save you money. For families, especially with kids, it’s something to consider carefully.

Ports and Itinerary: What We Actually Experienced

Our cruise itinerary included stops in Nassau and MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay. Unfortunately, bad weather prevented us from docking at Ocean Cay, which was a huge disappointment. Instead, we had two full days at sea and only one day in Nassau.

The day in Nassau was enjoyable, with plenty of family-friendly activities and shopping options. The private island would have been a highlight, but the weather had other plans. This meant more time on the ship, which was fine but not what we expected.

Entertainment and Onboard Activities

MSC offered a different show each night. We attended a tribute to Michael Jackson, which was lively and fun for the whole family. The entertainment was included in the price, and it added value to our evenings.

There were also other activities for kids and adults, but we mostly stuck to the basics. The ship had pools, games, and spaces for the kids to play, which helped keep everyone happy during the sea days.

Was It Worth the Cost?

Looking back, the cruise was a decent value for what we paid. The base fare was reasonable, and having all meals included made planning easier. The extras, especially the drink package and internet, pushed the total cost higher than we initially expected.

For family travel, MSC delivered a solid experience but didn’t stand out compared to other cruise lines we’ve tried. The weather issue was unfortunate but part of any sea trip. The ship was comfortable, and the staff was friendly, but nothing felt exceptional enough to make me want to book again soon.

Would I Book MSC Cruises Again?

Probably not. There are many cruise lines offering family travel options, and MSC didn’t offer anything unique or memorable enough to make it my first choice next time. The price was fair, and the experience was good, but I want to explore other options that might offer better value or more exciting itineraries.

If you’re looking for a straightforward cruise with decent food, basic entertainment, and family-friendly amenities, MSC could work. Just be aware of the extra costs and the possibility of itinerary changes due to weather.

Final Thoughts for Families Considering MSC Cruises

• The base price is reasonable for a short family cruise.

• Extras like drink packages and internet can add significantly to the total cost.

• Weather can impact your itinerary, especially with private island stops.

• Entertainment is included and family-friendly but not outstanding.

• Consider other cruise lines if you want a more unique or memorable experience.

  
  

Family travel on a cruise is always a mix of excitement and unpredictability. MSC Cruises gave us a solid trip, but I’m curious to try other options that might offer more bang for the buck. If you decide to book with MSC, plan your extras carefully and keep an eye on the weather forecast.