7 Ways MSC Cruise Lines are Different

What can I say about MSC Cruise Lines except that they are different? Prior to cruising on MSC when I asked about the cruise line, I was told MSC is different but not what made it different.

If you have cruised on mainstream cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess you will find that MSC does has a distinctive flavor to it. Some may love it. Others not so much. In any case, it is better to be forewarned before booking.

I sailed to Canada on a 13 day cruise on the MSC Poesia. It launched in 2008 with a passenger capacity of 2,550.

Differences Between MSC and other Cruise lines

1. MSC is An Italian Cruise Line

Unlike the American Cruise Lines, MSC is an Italian cruise line catering primarily to European travelers. The officers and crew are from Italy. There is just a little something that differentiates them from the multi-cultural officers of other lines. Maybe it’s a coolness or an extreme professionalism but they are not all that friendly. In any case, they did not cater to us. The staff/crew is aloof. Customer service is not what you get from American cruise lines.

Here is an example. I met an old friend onboard when cruising the MSC Poesia on a 13-day cruise to Eastern Canada. Her husband was ill and needed a wheelchair. She was quite upset because the reception desk staff had denied her request and told her to go to the the medical center. She asked me to go with her where she asked (nurse to nurse) for a wheelchair. The nurse immediately agreed and had it sent to her cabin. That extra step would not have been necessary on an American cruise line.

2. Mostly International Passengers

The majority of passengers were not Americans but rather Italians and other Europeans. They kept to themselves partly because they spoke languages other than English. I noticed that in the evening they dressed more formally than Americans when enjoying pre-dinner cocktails and post dinner dancing. There was a sophisticated ambiance.

3. PA Announcements in Multiple Languages

All public address announcements were made in multiple languages with English last. I found that irritating

4. Internationally Themed Entertainment

Top quality entertainment included those activities that are universally understood such as opera, piano concerts, singing, dancing and jugglers. There were no comedians as they would have been lost in translation. I enjoyed all the entertainment. It had a European flavor to it that I loved but it might not be to everyone’s taste.

5. Repeated Entertainment

On this 13 day turnaround cruise, there were several repeats of the main theater shows. I have never had that happen before even on longer cruises. The Cruise Director admitted that this 13 day cruise was actually 2 one-week cruises that had been sold as a 2-week cruise. There is a difference, so check your itinerary for more than one docking in the same city. For me, one stop in Sydney, Nova Scotia was enough but we came back and docked a second time. On the other hand, the first week ended in Montreal so I would have had to fly home from there. At least, with the 13 day cruise, I sailed home.

6. Dining

On the positive side, the eight at our table all spoke English which made for easy conversation. I really enjoyed talking to a young couple from Hong Kong. The food in the dining room and buffet was fair. My diary notes that the prime rib was “awful” The European coffee was too strong for my taste.

7. Cabin Amenities

The cabin steward did not introduce himself the first day as had always occurred on other cruise lines. There were no chocolates on the pillow and no towel animals.

Summary: Why are MSC Cruise Lines Different?

I have not and will not cruise on MSC again. Although there were many great features, the not so great ones overshadowed them. There are too many choices of cruises to repeat one that I don’t love.

When I cruise, I want to be pampered, I want excellent customer service and I want really good food. I don’t think that is too much to ask.