MSC Cruises Reviews 

I would like to leave a comprehensive review but I can’t. MSC acknowledged that they double billed me for Internet and I was told it couldn’t be resolved while on the ship. Guest services gave me a bad email address for MSC Industrial and up to now, 10 months after the cruise I still have not been refunded. Piss poor customer service.

Worst cruise I’ve ever been on. Biggest waste of money and time. 100% don’t recommend. Save your money, time and happiness not coming on this cruise. You’ll be happier going to main event. Trust me.

I recently returned from a cruise on MSC World America between March 7th and March 14th and it was an absolutely incredible experience. I honestly do not understand the negative reviews I have seen online because everything from start to finish was handled perfectly. The boarding and disembarkation processes were remarkably efficient, taking at most 15 minutes each, which made the start and end of the trip completely stress-free. The food was consistently delicious with a high level of quality across the board. Furthermore, the entertainment was top-notch and kept us engaged throughout the entire week. What really stood out was the staff, who were always smiling and ready to help with any request. All of the shore excursions were very well organized and professional as well. We also had a great time at Ocean Cay, which was a very fun and beautiful addition to the itinerary. It was a wonderful vacation on a stunning ship and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality cruise experience.

Well I would.love to say it was a great experience but it wasn't. The actual massage was a great experience but the ladies at the desk are something I'm not aloud to say on here. Please please ask 600 questions before going forward with what is being done. We will never come back to this place. The only part that was great was the thermal spa but truly not worth even walking through the doors of the spa.

On the boat right now, to be honest...not the best experience so far and we haven't even gotten to port 1 yet. The food is mediocre and very few options taste good that we have found so far. Woke up this morning to charges that I never made charged to my boat card. Everything is severely expensive, like not much is affordable. And if you dont have a drink package you dont get no drinks at dinner, so thank God we have that. Service is good so far, but..the BO that you smell at some parts of the boat is insane, some of it is unbearable. Don't get me wrong MSC foundation is a good cause, but truthfully....id rather cruise with Carnival.

My husband and I just got off MSC WORLD AMERICA. I have to say is was AMAZING! We decided to give MSC a second chance since our first cruise was not what we had expected. We do not regret making that decision, we had the most amazing time on that Beautiful ship. The staff, the entertainment, the food was exceptional. Ocean cay is under construction but its so beautiful there. Overall we give MSC WORLD AMERICA a 10 out of 10. Go for it, you wont regret it.
Rosaly and Alex Mojica

Worst cruise I've ever been on. Customer service was horrible, the excursions and the people that work there are the absolute worst of any service department I've ever worked with. They sent us to Penelope for an excursion who's was so nasty we asked to leave early. The msc attendant with us Jessica later says "why didn't you say you weren't enjoying it at the time!". I said we wanted to leave early, i mean are you a robot who needs robotic input?! The odor on the beach was so disgusting that we were all sitting with our noses covered! Front desk people are rude as hell. No one seems to enjoy working here. I will NEVER cruise with this company again and I doubt they will survive against the trusted cruise lives!

I am sharing this as a warning to others: avoid MSC Cruises at all costs. My family and I have endured two highly traumatic incidents with this company, and the experience has left us deeply disappointed and frustrated.
The first incident occurred in November 2024 when my wife was denied entry onto the ship despite holding a valid visa for Germany. We had informed the cruise line that she would be traveling from Hamburg, Germany, to France, yet they still managed to refuse her boarding. This caused us significant distress, especially since we had already paid in full for the cruise, parking, and travel to the port (750 km one way). We were forced to return home the same day with our 3-month-old baby, incurring additional expenses for transportation, accommodations, and food. The total cost of this ordeal exceeded €1,900.
The second incident happened during our 7-night cruise on the MSC Orchestra in November/December 2025. On the sixth night, our baby developed a high fever, prompting us to seek assistance at the ship's medical center. Unfortunately, the staff's response was unprofessional and indifferent. After a full day with no resolution, we were abruptly thrown off the ship just 15 minutes before departure. Immediately afterward, they issued us an invoice for around €600 and deducted the amount from our account. We then had to visit what I can only describe as one of the worst hospitals I have ever seen in Marseille, France. The situation worsened at the hospital, which was a disaster—staff lacked professionalism, facilities were poor, and there was no English or German spoken, only Google Translate.
In total, we spent over €3,000 on hospital fees, hotel stays, transportation (since our car was parked in Genoa), and food—all due to the cruise line’s negligence and utter lack of customer care.
I strongly advise against choosing MSC Cruises. My experience has been extremely negative, and I hope this review serves as a warning to others to steer clear of this company at all costs.

MSC blew it with world america ship its beautiful but it lacks warmth. If your looking for a shopping mall at sea this is your cruise ship.There are about 9 retail stores and 3 specialty restaurants spanning 3 floors with 1 and I mean 1 lounge with a live band and no place to sit they do not even have bar stools at the bar, really! The outside piazza is the same thing as the mall inside with a DJ blaring music! So sorry for the people my wife and i as one of them who paid $90 for a specially Greek restaurant dinner and had to put up with that as the music bounced off of the 10 floors of rooms above . The ship is very clean the staff is very nice and helpful . There's no entertainment at the pool except for a steal drum. The huge screen is never used for movies etc..The best thing on the ship was the shows they were great!MSC is catering to a certain client and they got it ..I thought I was in Europe.. there are very few Americans.. Americans want more creature comforts..Also there is too much smoking ..i.e.,one whole side of the pool is smoking!!To MSC if you want the Americans step your game up its not hard steal a CEO from Princess or Celebrity or even Royal Caribbean they will put you on the right track! This is a ship that we wanted to see but we're heading back to Princess!

Dear MSC Cruises Customer Relations,

I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding our recent cruise experience. Having sailed on more than 20 cruises with various lines, this voyage fell significantly below expectations in both quality and value.

While there were some positive aspects, the overall experience did not reflect the standards we anticipated from a European cruise line or the premium pricing we paid.

Dining & Beverage Concerns

• At Hexagon Restaurant, after waiting over 30 minutes for service, we were eventually told to relocate due to my wife’s gluten-free and dairy-free dietary needs. Unfortunately, we never received proper service and never went back.
• Breakfast room service was extremely limited, the coffee quality was poor, and even basic gluten-free accommodations such as GF bread were unavailable.
• Buffet items were not labeled with basic allergens, which is concerning for guests with dietary restrictions.

The beverage program was particularly disappointing:

• The Premium Drink Package did not include drinks at certain venues, including Elixir Lounge and the Gin Project.
• No Angostura bitters were available, and bartenders would not prepare an Old Fashioned in the pool areas.
• Liquor options were limited even with the premium package.
• Wine selections on standard menus were underwhelming and below what we would expect on a European cruise line.
• Lounges did not open until 5:00 PM, limiting daytime options.
• Many bar and lounge spaces lacked intimacy, adequate seating, and atmosphere, they could use live musicians performing like most cruise lines have.

Overall, the beverage package was the poorest quality and value we have experienced across 20+ cruises.

Ship Design & Atmosphere

The main lounge layout felt awkward and poorly designed compared to other ships we have sailed. Public spaces lacked inviting, comfortable gathering areas with live music.

Excursions

One of our excursions was cancelled last minute, forcing us to scramble to find an alternative.

Customer Experience & Value

After booking, the overall experience felt increasingly transactional, with constant upselling and “nickel and diming.” Due to circumstances around our booking, we were effectively forced into last-minute arrangements at a high cost. I would have preferred to pay more upfront rather than experience continual add-ons and upgrade pressure.

Additionally, prior to this cruise, a cancelled sailing required over 13 hours on the phone across three days, with considerable runaround and frustration.

Positives

I do want to acknowledge the outstanding friendliness of the staff. Our room steward was excellent—attentive, professional, and helpful.
Specialty dining venues were strong highlights:
• Mexican restaurant – well worth the upcharge
• Butcher’s Cut – limited menu but good quality and worth the upgrade
• Garden Kitchen – enjoyable and worthwhile
• The Speakeasy – excellent atmosphere, music, and drinks

Embarkation and disembarkation were smooth, and elevator operations were efficient.

However, when weighing overall cost versus value, this cruise represented the poorest return on investment we have experienced.

Given the above concerns, I respectfully request that MSC review our sailing and provide appropriate compensation in the form of onboard credit or future cruise credit.

We genuinely want to understand MSC’s approach and whether these experiences reflect brand standards or isolated operational issues.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Robert Phillips

No clear policy for immuno-compromised passengers.
Despite the fact they made the decision to isolate my sick cabinmate, they wanted to charge me £170 for an alternative cabin. When I refused, they told me it was safe for me (terminal cancer and on chemo!) to sleep with an infectious person. I had to INSIST they rang the ship doctor who confirmed it obviously wasn't. I was seriously ill afterwards, their lack of action ruined my holiday and they didn't even offer a decent apology, never mind any compensation. Do not travel with them if you have cancer.

The worst experience ever. My handbag got STOLEN, not lost, STOLEN. I had documents, credits cards and personal belongings inside and the cruise did absolutely nothing. They said that they can’t watch the cameras for lost items, I explained to them a hundred times that someone stole it and they did nothing. They don’t care about your things or your safety. People can easily steal things during the trip because security can’t and won’t watch the cameras.
I told them EXACTLY where and when the bag was stolen and they still wouldn’t watch the video. They say they’re not responsible of what happens to our belongings during the trip, unbelievable.

What is most disturbing is not only the theft itself, but the complete refusal to take action. If security declines to review cameras even when a theft is reported with specific details, this raises very serious concerns about passenger safety and onboard security protocols.

I am deeply disappointed by MSC’s handling of this situation and extremely concerned about the safety standards aboard this cruise line. I will not be traveling with MSC again.

I am currently tracking my container in Gioia Tauro, Italy. The name of the vessel scheduled to transport it to Poti has been changed seven times in a single day. Furthermore, the delivery date and the vessel's name were updated seven times within just two hours. This is absolutely unprofessional and beyond ridiculous. The cargo is already delayed by one month

Ship sails in two weeks; it will be my first one. I already hate it: tons of extra charges, I’m sea sick thinking about giving them my credit card to charge for mandatory tips and whatever else. Yes, if you know this world , you are fine with it. I know this will be my first and only cruise, only wish I knew what I was getting into.

I took a cruise for 11 nights and 12 days in the Bahamas Caribbean. Expectations are high on the new cruise. But at the time of reservation, about $400 of my money went missing due to computer problems. Phone calls and emails went nowhere. I dispatched it to the bank, but msc didn't accept it. Eventually, I gave up $400 of my money. Servis is a mess and I don't want to lose a point. Is it easy to do a control in Europe and Switzerland?!!! Don't get on it.

MSC SEASIDE
For a senior citizen , you mozwell just stay in your cabin the whole journey. There is nothing of interest for seniors on this boat .
The food at the marketplace is so old reheated dry bland rubbish but the worst is , you pay your honest goodwill fare then after you've paid they then they come this "HOTEL SERVICE CHARGE" $164 and they try to hold you on the ship on disembarkment day until you give them your credit card !!! Stay away from these Italian MAFIA THEIVES.

If just OK is for you, then MSC is your cruise line.
Food buffet - marginal most of the time;
Upgraded (pay for) restaurants, again marginal to if I were in a restaurant at home, I would have requested to “take back” my meal;
Management if you have an issue, marginal service;
Upgraded drink packages, not beneficial;
Hidden fees? Yes, MSC has hidden fees to cabin;
The ship itself and the gym were great, and the crew were happy and helpful, but other than that - not the experience we were expecting.
I will not be sailing on MSC again.
But if marginal is fine for you to spend your well earned time and money for a vacation, and OK is your expectation - then MSC is your cruise line .

We are a party of 3 adults and it is our first time on MSC cruise. We’ve departed out of Orlando on Grandiose ship that has 6500 people on board plus 1500 staff members. This ship is huge. While it is well stylish and luxury looking, rooms are spacious ( we had 2 balconies rooms), the customer service is not good. People have to wait long lines to be seated at the restaurants even when the seating time booked in advance. Food is ok, but pretty much the same. Great entertainment, but I would seriously focused on management and administration. The goal of the cruise ship not to provide excellent experience but to rip off customers. The room was not cleaned until 2 pm when we complained. Upon checking in to the cruise ship - there was no organization, no map, no explanation, people had to find someone to explain them where they could find their room keys, how they find place to eat, etc. it’s not organized at all. Long waiting lines to customer service desk, even longer line to change a time for the dining that has been picked by the ship crew for you instead of asking customers what time they would like to dine at. They are offering bracelets to wear instead of using a key cards - very nice idea, but they are charging 20$ for the bracelets! They don’t have water on a cruise, only in the fountain and pushing customers to buy a package from cruise ship which cost additional 300$ per person! I understand alcoholic beverages, but water????? Each room has a refrigerator with drinks but water bottle cost 4$. Not sure how much are the other drinks cost. Once we stepped on board - my credit card had a charge two times for the amount of 250$ each = 500$. There was no explanations why I got billed 500$. I had to stay in line for 30 minutes to get the answer from customer service - the charge was a deposit in case of damage or use of anything I didn’t pay for. Swimming pool is overcrowded there are no seats or lounge chairs available. We had to stand around pool. All restaurants are additional cost: butcher block for an example cost 79$ per person, shows are additional cost, etc. when people think cruise is all inclusive - it is MISPERCEPTION, they are not. In addition to what you paid, people should anticipate to pay an additional the same amount or more. Our cabin was 1600$ for two. In one week we are expected to pay double that amount if we want to get an entertainment and water, ice cream and coffee. I consider this is a rip off -land location is the way to go.

The agent lied to me about the drink packages

Be very careful when booking with MSC. When trying to complete a booking, I had an overview of what was included in the package. When you go to make the payment, those things it said would be included had disappeared. Have been told it’s maybe due to no availability! i.e the Yatch Club benefits/gratuities no longer available. I found this to be very misleading. If it says this is what’s included it should be included. Over a month of me going on the website daily, the same thing showing what’s available then disappearing. I’m so glad I checked, otherwise I would have gone expecting something that’s not included. The customer services department felt like a complete waste of time. Not listening or trying to fob you off or persistently ignoring questions because the don’t want to admit the problems. Took nearly a month to respond to my complaint, and they only got in touch because I chased it up. All this before I’ve even stepped foot on the ship. I’ve never been with MSC before due to the reputation and bad reviews. Was willing to give them a go, but after this, no way. Please be very careful and do your research when booking with this company.