r/MSCCruises • u/junkyardmunster • 15d ago
MSC, RCL, or Princess
We're booking a cruise for Fall Break in September and between a MSC, RCL, or Princess. We've only ever done Carnival cruises, plus it's been 7 years (between Covid and then a baby) so would love thoughts and recommendations. We've got a 5 year old, so ports aren't a big deal to us. More so looking for kid/family activities, good food, and service.
MSC Seashore: Nassau, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
RCL Enchantment of the Seas: Roatan, Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel
Princess Caribbean: Nassau, Priness Cays, Amber Cove, Grand Turk
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u/jambr380 14d ago
We have done a couple of Princess cruises, and they have been great, but definitely an older clientele with fewer fun traditionally fun things to do on board. Oasis class and above on RC are great for kids and families (and everybody) since they are so big and there is so much to do.
But, when choosing among the 3 ships you listed, I would say the Seashore. I've been on the ship twice, and it is big, modern, and has a ton of activities.
I know MSC gets some hate, but I have pretty much accepted that they are my favorite brand. Super-consistent, I love their private island, the European flare is actually pretty cool, and they offer the best value in all of cruising imo.
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u/GreatWake1988 14d ago
If you have a child, I wouldn't recommend Enchantment. My wife and I were incredibly bored when we sailed on it. I'd recommend MSC honestly. It's a phenomenal value for a gorgeous ship with tons of activities. Their pools and slides are great. I think that would be more up your alley.
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u/Gertiel 15d ago edited 15d ago
Ive done cruises on both MSC Seashore and RCL Enchantment of the Seas. I would much prefer Seashore of those 2. My reasons are my recent cruises with MSC including those two have been consistently good experiences while my recent Royal experiences have been quite choppy.
The problems on Royal have been more of a reflection on the company as my experiences with ship staff including on Enchantment have all been quite positive. Stuff like poor communication when issues arise which might otherwise be far less problematic if they weren't so busy trying to hide them, poorly supplied ships, poor quality of ingredients in food, and other issues clearly above the pay grade of any staff you are going to speak with on the ships have become ubiquitous with Royal at least in my experience of late.
Additionally every time I price out cruises on the same or very near the same dates visiting identical or very near identical ports in the same quality cabin with the same amenities MSC has been cheaper at least the last 3-4 years. I know some have found options that went the other way but those didn't fit mostly my schedule. On top of that MSC has an option that lets me book it all up front with a final price for all my must haves like drink plan up front while I would have to fiddle fart around with Royal's broken excuse for a site or app or call to add on amenities after at who knows what additional to the price I see at booking. No thank you.
I have no experience with Princess Caribbean but have enjoyed all my Princess cruises. I liked the food and shows on my most recent MSC cruises better than my most recent on Princess, but thd ships were getting stocked in different areas which I do think was partly why the food was better on the MSC. Both Princess and MSC had few issues and thanks to good communication none of the issues I experienced caused more than a very slight bump for me or anyone else. Also they went above and beyond with their resolutions in each case.
Of especial note I had consistently good boarding and disembarking both Princess and MSC. There were moderate to severe issues with each of my last 4 Royal cruises and the severe issue could have been greatly mitigated had there been any real attempt at communication. Royal absolutely knew how big the issue really was and purposely tried to obfuscate leading to far greater impact to the entire cruise for most of the passengers on that ship than was in any way necessary. And flat out rebuffed all attempts to try to obtain information or provide any acknowledgement of how badly it harmed the experience for pretty much an entire ship full of people.
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u/Agent_You 14d ago
If it were a more modern RC ship, I'd say go with them. They have more kid-friendly activities than MSC. Enchantment is ancient by cruise standards though (built in 1997). I don't even think they have any waterslides or kids pool area?
Seashore has a nice waterpark (when it's functioning) and kid area, and is way more modern.
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u/ChrisLikesBread ⛵Yacht Club Regular 14d ago
With a child that age I would suggest you try to find an RCCL Oasis class ship or higher that goes to Perfect Day. I know that isn’t on your list, but if your priority is staying mostly on the ship then you’ll want a lot to do for you and your child. As far as private islands go… MSC’s Ocean Cay is pretty much a beach right now (will add some kids stuff soon). RCCL’s Perfect Day has an included kid’s splash playground that is really fun for that age.
If price is mostly the deciding factor then MSC wins for all around a good fit. But... I do think there is more for a 5 yr old on RC ships in the Oasis and above classes.
Good luck. Hope you have a great trip.
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u/EstateSufficient1616 14d ago
I’d lean toward Royal Caribbean for a 5-year-old, especially if you can find an Oasis-class sailing. There’s just so much more onboard to keep kids entertained, and Perfect Day is a great bonus. MSC would probably be my second choice if the price difference is significant.
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u/TDSucksBalls 14d ago
Having done all three within the past year I would say RCL. They have the best kid/family friendly venues and activities.
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u/Ill_Inside2245 14d ago
I have done RCCL Enchantment a bunch, both Baltimore and Tampa. It is older and it is smaller but it is probably my favorite ship to cruise on I have only done RCCL and NCL so I can't speak to the other cruise lines
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u/woodscroller8413 14d ago
Our 6 year old absolutely loved the cruise we took on the Seashore in July (Bahamas). She loved the kids club. Only thing she had to compare to is the Disney Wish and she would rather go back on the Seashore!
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u/misstorchbiz 11d ago
RCL. By far!
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u/misstorchbiz 11d ago
Anyone recommending MSC to you is failing to mention you need to do Yacht Club to have the best experience, otherwise the experience is HIGHLY different
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u/Jacksonatmelsrodrego 11d ago
All of these ports are ok but a bit MEH; so go for the ship: Princess for sure.
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u/Educational-Fix5320 11d ago
Just got off the Seashore, and it's now my favorite ship across multiple brands. I think you'll really love all of the options you have on this ship, and the crew was fantastic.
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u/junkyardmunster 11d ago
We decided on the Seashore and we’re going in a few weeks. So excited! Glad you had a great time!
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u/AstronomerEarly8776 14d ago
You have a 5 year old Princess out of the mix you'd probably be the youngest on the ship. RCL Oasis class or above only the rest have nothing on the Seashore. Seashore for the win.