MSC Cruises has been expanding its presence in Florida, steadily adding more ships including some of its higher-end hardware. The company isn't as well known as its rivals including Royal Caribbean (RCL) , Carnival (CCL) , and Norwegian (NCLH) .
With cruises in the Caribbean selling very well, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian have been able to raise prices. In addition, Royal Caribbean and Carnival sell a la carte cruises with drinks and internet costing extra, at least on their namesake brands.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line warns passengers about a pricey mistake
MSC has generally been offering lower prices and offers packages that include its mid-range beverage package, which includes well liquor cocktails, as well as multiple wines and beers. It's generally cheaper to get on an MSC ship with an adult beverage package and a single internet device than it is to get on any Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian ship with similar add-ons.
Having sailed MSC multiple times, I've found lower prices to be its strongest offering. The food, at least in the free venues, has been inferior to Royal Caribbean, the company I sail with most often. MSC's specialty dining service has generally is better than it used to be. The crew has the same dedication and friendliness offered by its rivals.
MSC Cruises does seem to listen to complaints because, over three sailings across the past two years, my most recent one seemed to address the food issues. The MDR offerings were still well below Royal Caribbean, but they're now closer to what Carnival serves.
Image source: Daniel Kline/TheStreet
MSC Cruises has a new U.S. flagship planned
MSC Cruises has been building its latest megaship, MSC World America, which will sail out of Miami. The new ship is a not-so-subtle attempt to rival Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Icon-class ships as well as Carnival's flagship Excel-class ships.
To help its new ship stand out, MSC will debut a striking new onboard attraction.
"Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea, will debut exclusively aboard MSC World America when the ship enters service in April 2025. The ride structure will tower above the new U.S. flagship’s top deck, nestled in the heart of the ship’s Family Aventura district and beckoning thrill seekers who want a rush of excitement," the cruise line shared.
The biggest challenge may be meeting passenger demand as the ride has a very limited capacity.
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"Cliffhanger’s four seats start off close to the deck before powered arms lift them into the starting position — up and out over the edge of the ship. From there, riders are propelled back and forth, high above the waterline and dangling 160 feet above the ocean below. The one-of-a-kind, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride will have guests feeling the wind in their hair as their view oscillates between the water below and the sky above," MSC Cruises added.
MSC expands its Florida presence
MSC Cruises will sail out of both Miami and Port Canaveral (as well as New York) for the summer 2025 season. That will include MSC World America sailing out of Miami, which will also serve as home to MSC Seascape.
"As the second in MSC Cruises’ trailblazing World Class, the ship will be MSC Cruises’ largest U.S.-based vessel and redefine the cruise experience for her guests. The LNG-powered MSC World America will offer 7-night sailings departing on Saturdays to both eastern and western Caribbean ports, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay," the cruise line shared.
MSC Seascape will sail from Miami offering a mix of 7-night itineraries in the eastern and western Caribbean along with new 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas and Ocean Cay. That puts the ship in competition with some of Royal Caribbean's top-tier ships which are sailing short cruises that stop at its Perfect Day at CocoCay private island.
The cruise line seems to be following a similar playbook to Royal Caribbean.
"This marks the first time a Seaside EVO Class ship will offer short cruises from Miami. Select 3- and 4-night itineraries will stay overnight at Ocean Cay," according to the cruise line.
MSC Seascape's sister ship, MSC Seashore will spend the summer of 2025 in Port Canaveral.
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"From Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore will sail a range of itinerary options, including short 3- and 4-night escapes to The Bahamas. Some of the ship’s 7-night itineraries start out with two days at Ocean Cay followed by stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya," MSC Cruises shared.
ALSO READ: Carnival Cruise Line addresses key onboard dining rule
MSC Cruises is part of Mediterranean Shipping Company, or MSC, based in Switzerland but owned by Italy's Aponte family. MSC is also the world's largest container shipping company.
