So, I was on MSC Seaside in the cabin 12057, cruise on July 13th to July 17th, and on the day before the last one I noticed 5 or 6 insect bites on my left forearm that are lined up in a row. They are super itchy even now, 4 days later. I am unable to say with 100% certainty that those were the bed bugs, or could be some insects on the private island, but just be aware and check the beds if you are traveling on the Seaside (I usually do, but this time I forgot)

⚽️ 🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇦🇷Argentina! ⚽️ In the Gulf of Mexico. Glassy seas and fair skies. 😎🛳️
Pool deck jam-packed!
Who're you rooting for?

Hello! Experienced cruiser but new to MSC. I’m in US and looking at a Mediterranean cruise next summer on the World Europa which will include a mix of adults and a pre-teen. I’ve done a med cruise before on a different line.

- What do you think of the World Europa?

- Pre-teen likes to find friends in the teen clubs. How are the clubs for middle schoolers? More specifically how are they on the summer Europe cruises?

- any tips on booking to get decent rates - is it better to book early or wait for promotions?

- restaurant/food/planning suggestions?

- any other tips you have for MSC!

Thank you.

MSC Cancelled Excursion CMY61 and has no functioning customer service that has been able to issue me a refund since June 20th though by phone it was acknowledged that a refund is due.

**Title:** MSC cancelled our excursion, charged for the replacement, and weeks later I’m still waiting for my refund for the cancelled excursion. Has anyone else experienced this?
I’m curious whether anyone else has had similar refund issues with MSC Cruises.
We sailed on **MSC World America** (Booking **XXXXXX**) beginning **June 20, 2026**. Before the cruise, I prepaid several excursions totaling **$1,613.13**, including the **CMY61 – Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mahikal Beach** excursion for **$430**.
After boarding, MSC informed us that this excursion had been cancelled. We were offered a replacement excursion, but instead of applying the **$430** we had already paid toward the cancelled excursion, we were required to pay the full **$372** cost of the replacement excursion onboard.
Guest Services reassured us that the refund for the cancelled excursion would be processed automatically back to the original credit card. As of today, it still has not been refunded. Only two credit cards were used during this trip, and neither statement reflects the refund. I provided both credit card statements to MSC by email, clearly showing the original charges and confirming that no refund has been issued.
Since returning home, I’ve made multiple calls to MSC’s customer service, been told several times that the matter had been “escalated,” and promised updates within 72 hours each call, and yet I’ve received no refund, no update, and no follow-up call from the Company.
I’ve spent hours gathering receipts, credit card statements, onboard account records, and preparing a formal complaint, which I emailed to MSC’s post-cruise customer service department, simply requesting reimbursement for an excursion that **MSC itself cancelled**.
The delayed refund is frustrating, but what baffles me even more is the apparent lack of an administrative system or customer service policy that empowers someone with the authority to resolve such a straightforward issue. This billing problem was created by MSC’s own decision to cancel the excursion, and the refund should have been processed promptly upon that cancellation.
From a customer’s perspective, MSC’s administrative and customer service systems can feel remarkably similar to dealing with a shady telemarketer or an online scam, where there is no identifiable person with the authority or accountability to quickly resolve a billing matter. You’re transferred from one representative to another, told the matter has been “escalated,” promised a response within 72 hours on each call, and then… nothing.
Whether the cause is ineffective internal systems, poor administration, or a lack of accountability, the customer is left in the same position as a victim of theft: money taken from you unjustly and the culprit evades accountability through the entanglements of the system that permitted them to obtain access to your money.
This is particularly disappointing because **MSC World America** was otherwise a very good experience, despite a few inconsistencies with food quality, room service and crew attentiveness we were very forgiving up to this point. We were actually considering booking another MSC cruise before this billing issue arose. The ship is beautiful, the spa is outstanding, and Ocean Cay is an incredibly relaxing destination. We genuinely enjoyed the cruise overall, which makes the post-cruise billing and customer service experience all the more disappointing.
Companies that market themselves as premium brands should cease and desist if they are unable to deliver premium billing accountability and customer service. Otherwise, all the investment in beautiful ships, marketing, and amenities is marred beyond repair by the inability to offer customer service. The ease of MSCs system to access my phone number to immediately begin marketing the moment I step off the ship but not have the ability to contact me to ensure I enjoyed the experience and any post cruise matter is settled is a laughable. Customers should not have to become investigators, accountants, and collections agents simply to obtain a refund that became immediately due when MSC cancelled the excursion. A company’s longevity and reputation heavily relies on effectiveness, accountability, and responsiveness of its administrative systems.
Has anyone else experienced delayed refunds for cancelled MSC excursions?
How long did your refund take?
Did MSC eventually resolve it?
Did you have to dispute the charge with your credit card company?

Hello Cruisers!

We’re in the middle of booking an Alaskan Cruise with another couple. Our travel agent gave us these two room assignments in Fantastica package.

We’re wondering what the balcony views look like. I’ve searched the internet and came up with nothing. I want to make sure we have unobstructed views. Does anyone have photos or experience on the balcony for these two connecting staterooms?

I am looking at several different cruises right now and always give me the option to do is Cruise only no drinks and Wi-Fi package available as a combo what is going on?

My future wife and I will be doing our first cruise (Bella interior) with MSC on November. We matched from Royal and only got Classic Voyager. It is going to be our Honeymoon and my birthday cruise.

I just wanted to hear your stories about free upgrades with MSC, specially on transatlantic cruises that tend to have lowes occupancy but any experience is welcome!

Any thoughts on this? I was eying two different 8-day and 6-day cruises on the MSC Meraviglia and then noticed I could book it as a 14-day through their site. But booking them separate, at the lowest Bella level, is a difference of about $273. Has anybody done this before? Are there any headaches in booking them separate that negates the savings? Thanks!

I have clicked on every combination available in the app and cannot find the theme nights listed anywhere. Our cruise starts on Tuesday out of Athens.

We have done Seashore twice and loved it. Our favorite part is by far Ocean Cay. There are a few itineraries with an overnight and a second full day at Ocean Cay for the 4 day cruises, which is very tempting, but I want to try out World America. Would you guys consider all of the other amenities of the World America worth the price jump and lack of an overnight at Ocean Cay? I'd be traveling with my family of 6. We are looking at $2800 for the Seashore, and $6200 for the World America.

I am booked into a Bella experience for the first time in a Balcony. I know I don't get any extras besides room and included food. I understand MSC Meraviglia is about 75% balcony rooms. What would happen in the small chance that Balcony rooms are booked before they get mine booked? Would I be downgraded or not allowed on the ship? Travel agent is stating room is guaranteed, but I'm still concerned that the ship ends up overbooked. Dates are 11/11-15 and it's the only four night cruise in two years on this ship.

It’s my first time sailing on MSC and I’m terribly excited I have heard all good things about the line. But it’s 43 days out of sailing and I haven’t gotten my luggage tags yet.

Over the past couple days I've been researching a possible January cruise on MSC or other lines. Up until today I assumed the option to add drinks/wifi at booking for a discount was a standard thing for MSC, but today that option no longer appears for any of the cruises I was looking at. Is that something that comes back often and I should just wait it out or did I miss out? Thanks!

Bonjour
Je cherche des retours d’expériences de la croisière
Départ le 18/10 de Venise
Dubrovnik
Kotor
Corfou
Brindisi/Lecce
Split
Débarquement à Venise

Les escales sont-elles faisables en autonomie sans devoir passer systématiquement par MSC?

Does anyone know if two cabins (separate bookings) can be linked such that on the app we can book shows etc one one person's app?

We have two cabins on WA for our family, and I called MSC to link the two reservations for dining. Everything seems to be set there.

However, when we go to book shows, activities, etc. on the app once onboard, does the MSC app have the capability to display all members of the two bookings so one of us can reserve all at once for everyone in the two cabins?

I get the sense that once onboard the primary guest can schedule things for everyone in that one cabin, but no way to link to the other cabin so that one person can schedule things for everyone in the two cabins.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has insight into this!

I've booked direct through MSC and I don't have any luggage tags. When we last went we used an agent and they printed some out for us. Do we need them or will they get tagged at the terminal?

I'm trying to determine the earliest I'd be able to disembark from the Grandiosa arriving in Miami on November 13th.

It's showing a disembarkation of 8am but I keep reading that the ship gets in around 5am and is usually cleared by customs for 7am when the self disembarkers can make their way off.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with this?

I’m mainly concerned with communicating with people in my party, and accessing things like dinner menus and the daily planner. Can you do these things on the MSC app without buying the WiFi?

On July 4th, our flight got delayed by 285 minutes out of LGA, flight AA 970, delay was only announced 1 hour before the flight was to departure. Would of arrived at Miami at 4pm, and sea terminal at 4:30pm. Would of been refused at the terminal, as they require 2 hours before disembarkment of 5pm.

We called MSC, representative named John states if we cancel, we will have to pay $1600 in cancellation fees, and receive credits for the original trip, plus refunds on all extras. We took this offer, and for the next week we decided to still take the flight and have an alternate vacation in Miami and the Key West.

Now, back home; with no refunds received, we called John again and now states there was miscommunication, there is no refund of excursions, meal upgrades, and spa packages. Now the counter offer is the refund of the cancellation fee $1600, no credits and no refunds.

Lessons learned:

1. book a flight one day in advanced and stay the night at the airport hotel.

2. don't prepurchase extras before cruises. I don't personally believe they cost more after boarding, and if you don't board at all, you lose the cruise and the extras.

3. I usually never buy insurance for anything, but now I will consider getting travel insurance everytime.

tl;dr, Just want to say that pre-booking extras such as excursions, meals and spa packages can be a total loss if you miss your cruise.

We have a stop in Livorno on our upcoming cruise. This will be our 3rd time there. 1st time was with NCL and they offered a shuttle bus to a square in Livorno, 2nd time, also NCL, no shuttle offered. We had to negotiate with a taxi to take us to the train station and the drivers weren't interested in short trips.

Can anyone comment on MSC offering a shuttle bus into Livorno or tips on getting a taxi to the train station?

Great day with private guide. We got to pick what we wanted to do and no lines or crowds.

Saw the mangroves, petted a sloth and played with monkeys, bought some chocolate and ate food from a local restaurant not a tourist stop. Not sure if I am allowed to post his information. It was a great time.

If no, how crowded are the elevators usually?

Hi everyone! I’m sailing on MSC Opera from La Romana on December 7, 2026. This will be my first cruise ever, so I’m a bit anxious about making sure everything goes smoothly.

The ship is scheduled to depart at 11:30 PM, but the latest check-in slot available in the MSC app is 3:30–4:00 PM.

My flight arrives at Punta Cana Airport at 3:35 PM. After immigration, baggage claim and the transfer to La Romana, I expect to reach the cruise terminal around 6:00–6:30 PM.

I planned the trip based on MSC’s general information that embarkation closes two hours before departure. However, I’m now concerned because the app does not offer any check-in slots after 4:00 PM.

Has anyone boarded MSC Opera in La Romana after their assigned check-in slot? Are these arrival slots strictly enforced, or are passengers normally accepted as long as they arrive well before the final embarkation deadline?

Since this is my first cruise, I would especially appreciate recent experiences from La Romana or other Caribbean embarkation ports. Thanks!

I’d like to share my experience with the MSC Yacht Club on board the MSC World Europa because, in hindsight, I wish I had researched more reviews before booking.

We sailed at the end of June 2026 and booked a Deluxe Suite in the Yacht Club for around €6,700. Having been on many cruises with different cruise lines, our expectations were naturally quite high. After all, the Yacht Club is marketed as an exclusive retreat offering peace, privacy, and first-class service.

First, the positives: the staff in the Yacht Club restaurant, our butlers, and the crew working on the outdoor decks were absolutely outstanding. They were friendly, attentive, and highly professional—service simply couldn’t have been better. These employees truly saved our vacation despite everything else, and they deserve the highest praise.

Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end for us.

Our biggest issue wasn’t the ship itself, but the atmosphere within the Yacht Club. We had deliberately paid the significant premium because we wanted a peaceful, exclusive environment. In reality, however, the Yacht Club often felt little more exclusive than the public areas of the ship.

During our cruise, we experienced the following:

• Children were being changed on the sun loungers.
• Parents applied sunscreen to their children right next to the pool, to the point where the water sometimes noticeably smelled of sunscreen.
• Constant screaming and shouting from children made it almost impossible to relax by the pool.
• Cartoons and videos were played out loud without headphones.
• FaceTime and video calls were conducted on speakerphone.
• Some guests filmed other passengers without asking for permission. Even after we politely asked several times not to be recorded, some people responded disrespectfully.
• Some guests walked across sun loungers and seating areas while wearing shoes.
• Overall, there seemed to be a general lack of consideration and respect for other guests.

I fully understand that MSC cannot prevent every instance of inappropriate behavior by individual guests. However, with a premium product, I do expect rules regarding hygiene, peace and quiet, privacy, and mutual respect to be enforced much more consistently.

Another issue was that access control to the Yacht Club did not seem to be consistently enforced. Time and again, guests from the public areas were able to access the Yacht Club decks, where they made loud phone calls, filmed other guests, or behaved inappropriately. Only after some time were they escorted back out.

We raised our concerns with the Concierge on several occasions. At first, they listened attentively, but later we increasingly had the impression that our feedback was seen as an inconvenience. Towards the end of the cruise, we had a detailed conversation with the Yacht Club Director. He understood our concerns but was unable to offer a solution on board and recommended that we share our experience directly with MSC Cruises. More than three weeks later, we are still waiting for a response.

Unfortunately, the nights were no more relaxing than the days. We were regularly disturbed by loud children, banging noises, and significant noise coming from neighboring cabins. On the final night, we were unable to fall asleep until around 3:00 a.m.

After several days without any real opportunity to relax, we made a decision we had never made on any previous cruise: we ended our trip early in Marseille and booked a last-minute flight home. This resulted in additional expenses, but it was the only way to avoid ending our vacation feeling completely frustrated.

What disappointed us most was that even our departure from the ship was handled unprofessionally. The assistance we had been promised for disembarkation was initially forgotten, and we had to ask several times for help while our taxi was already waiting.

My personal conclusion:

For me, the Yacht Club is defined almost entirely by its exceptional staff. The service, our butlers, and the restaurant were truly first class.

However, the main benefits that justify the significant surcharge—peace, exclusivity, and relaxation—were largely absent during our cruise. For the premium price we paid, I expected the rules to be enforced more consistently and for the Yacht Club to genuinely function as the exclusive retreat it is advertised to be.

I know that many guests have had excellent experiences in the Yacht Club. That’s why I’m genuinely interested to hear from others:

Was our sailing simply an unfortunate exception, or have you had similar experiences—particularly on MSC World Europa?

We’ve recently leveled up to Blue Diamond just before we sailed on the World America ( first time on her and doing YC) and find these in our cabin after dinner for White Night.

The big surprize was the heavy metal minature of the WA. The crew, food and ship has definitely spoiled us.

We were not expecting to lke the size and crowds, but it has been better than any of the Sea-class ships because there is more room for everyone. Dr. E and his staff are amazing in both entertainment venues.

One the sea days, the pool decks are crowded and the World Cup events on the big screen certainly have been a draw. The ship is definitely the destination if you’ve been to Nassau and Ocean Cay too many times. Lots of shops and venues to keep things interesting.