Is MSC Cruise Line All Inclusive What You Need to Know

MSC Cruise Line is not fully all-inclusive, but offers tiered packages like the “Easy” and “Premium” drink plans to cover beverages, gratuities, and select dining. While base fares exclude alcohol, specialty dining, and tips, their optional add-ons and promotions can make it nearly all-inclusive—ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking flexibility.

Key Takeaways

• MSC is not fully all-inclusive: Base fares exclude drinks, tips, and premium dining.
• Drinks cost extra: Buy a Beverage Package or pay per drink onboard.
• Specialty dining requires payment: Reserve à la carte restaurants for an added fee.
• Wi-Fi isn’t included: Purchase internet access based on usage or duration.
• Gratuities are extra: Automatic tips added daily; adjust at guest services.
• Excursions cost extra: Book port tours directly or via MSC for added convenience.

Is MSC Cruise Line All Inclusive? What You Need to Know

Planning a cruise can feel like navigating a maze—especially when it comes to understanding what’s included in your fare. If you’re considering MSC Cruises, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is MSC Cruise Line all inclusive? The short answer? Not exactly. But don’t worry—what they *do* offer might surprise you. I remember booking my first MSC cruise with high hopes, assuming everything from cocktails to Wi-Fi would be covered. Spoiler alert: I learned the hard way that “all-inclusive” means different things to different cruise lines.

MSC Cruises, one of the fastest-growing cruise brands in the world, markets itself as a European-style vacation with a focus on elegance, entertainment, and value. But unlike some luxury lines (think Regent or Seabourn), MSC doesn’t include everything in the base fare. Instead, they use a “à la carte” pricing model—meaning you pay for what you want, when you want it. This can be great for budget-conscious travelers who want to control spending, but it can also lead to sticker shock if you’re not prepared. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what’s included, what’s not, and how to get the most value from your MSC cruise—without blowing your budget.

What’s Actually Included in Your MSC Cruise Fare?

Let’s start with the good news: your base MSC cruise fare covers a surprising amount. Think of it as the “essentials package” — the things you *really* need to enjoy your vacation.

Accommodation and Dining Basics

Your stateroom (whether inside, ocean view, balcony, or suite) is fully covered. You’ll also have access to all main dining rooms with multi-course meals served at set times. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, with menus that rotate daily. On my last cruise, I loved the Italian-themed dinners and fresh seafood options. The food quality was consistently good—though not quite gourmet, it was satisfying and flavorful.

Buffet dining is also included at the main buffet area. This is where you’ll find everything from scrambled eggs and pastries at breakfast to pasta, grilled meats, and salads for lunch and dinner. It’s self-service, so you can go back for seconds (or thirds). Pro tip: Visit the buffet during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and snag the best seats with ocean views.

Entertainment and Activities

MSC doesn’t skimp on onboard entertainment. Your fare includes access to:

• Broadway-style shows in the main theater (think acrobatics, singing, and dazzling costumes)
• Live music in lounges (from jazz trios to Latin bands)
• Daily activities like trivia, dance classes, and poolside games
• Kids’ clubs with age-specific programs (from 3 to 17 years old)
• Fitness center and sports deck (basketball, mini-golf, rock climbing)

On my 7-night Caribbean cruise, I attended a Cirque du Soleil-inspired show that blew me away—no extra cost. The kids in my group spent hours in the Doremi Kids Club, which was a huge relief for parents.

Port Taxes and Gratuities (Sometimes)

Most MSC cruises include port taxes and fees in the base fare—this is a big win. However, **gratuities (service charges)** are usually not included. These are automatically added to your onboard account (around $14–$16 per person, per day, depending on stateroom category). You can adjust or remove them if you’re unhappy with service, but most passengers just accept the default. A small note: if you book through certain promotions (like “Kids Sail Free”), gratuities might be waived for children under 12.

What’s *Not* Included (And How Much It Costs)

Here’s where things get tricky. MSC’s “pay-as-you-go” model means extras can add up quickly. Let’s break down the most common add-ons.

Alcoholic and Specialty Beverages

Your base fare includes:

• Tap water, coffee, tea, and select juices (usually at breakfast)
• Milk and soft drinks in the buffet area

But if you want a cocktail, wine, craft beer, or soda from a bar? You’ll need to pay—or buy a drink package. A single cocktail costs $12–$15, while a glass of wine is $8–$12. A 12-pack of soda runs about $18. Ouch.

On my cruise, my friend and I each bought two cocktails on the first night—$60 gone in 20 minutes. That’s when we realized: drink packages are worth considering if you plan to enjoy more than one alcoholic beverage per day.

Specialty Dining and Room Service

MSC has several specialty restaurants (like Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi, and Eataly Italian) that cost extra. Expect to pay $25–$50 per person, plus gratuity. Room service also isn’t free—there’s a $5–$10 delivery fee, and food items are priced separately (a cheeseburger might cost $12). However, complimentary room service is available for breakfast (coffee, pastries, fruit) if you order the night before.

Spa, Casino, and Excursions

The MSC Aurea Spa is a beautiful oasis—but it’s not free. Massages start at $120, and the thermal suite costs $40–$60 per day. The casino is open 24/7, but it’s all pay-to-play (slots, blackjack, roulette). Shore excursions are another big add-on. A simple beach day might cost $50–$70 per person, while a guided tour (like a snorkeling adventure or city sightseeing) can run $100+.

Wi-Fi and Internet Access

MSC offers three Wi-Fi packages:

• Basic (Social): $10–$15/day (for messaging and social media)
• Standard: $20–$25/day (for email, video calls, light browsing)
• Premium: $30–$35/day (for streaming, large file downloads)

If you’re a remote worker or want to stay connected, the Standard or Premium plan is a must. On my cruise, I used the Standard package to join a Zoom call—it worked fine, but speeds were slower during peak hours.

MSC’s All-Inclusive “Packages” – Are They Worth It?

While MSC’s base fare isn’t all-inclusive, they offer **three upgrade packages** that can make your trip feel more like one. Let’s explore each.

The Easy Package

Cost: ~$20–$30 per person, per day
Includes:

• Unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, and select juices
• One glass of wine, beer, or cocktail per meal (lunch and dinner)
• Discounts on specialty dining (10–20% off)

Best for: Casual drinkers who want a few cocktails but don’t want to go overboard. If you drink 2–3 alcoholic beverages per day, this pays for itself.

The Premium Extra Package

Cost: ~$45–$60 per person, per day
Includes:

• Everything in the Easy Package
• Unlimited premium cocktails, wines, and spirits (including premium brands)
• Unlimited specialty coffees and smoothies
• One free specialty dining experience
• 10% off spa services

Best for: Social drinkers and couples who want a “luxury” experience without the luxury price tag. On a 7-night cruise, this could save you $300+ if you’d otherwise buy drinks à la carte.

The Premium Plus Package

Cost: ~$75–$90 per person, per day
Includes:

• Everything in Premium Extra
• Unlimited Wi-Fi (Premium level)
• One free shore excursion (up to $100 value)
• Unlimited access to the Aurea Spa thermal suite
• Priority boarding and disembarkation

Best for: First-time cruisers, families, or anyone who wants a stress-free, all-inclusive feel. This package can easily save $500+ per person on a 7-night cruise—if you use all the perks.

Tip: Buy packages before you sail (at least 72 hours pre-departure) for the best rates. Onboard prices are usually 10–20% higher.

How MSC Compares to Other “All-Inclusive” Cruise Lines

Let’s put MSC in context. Not all “all-inclusive” cruise lines are created equal. Here’s how MSC stacks up against key competitors.

MSC vs. Royal Caribbean

Both lines use à la carte pricing, but Royal Caribbean’s drink packages start at $65/day (similar to MSC’s Premium Extra). However, Royal Caribbean includes **more** in their base fare—like soft-serve ice cream, self-service laundry, and some kids’ activities. MSC has better European-style food and more elegant decor, but Royal Caribbean offers more high-tech entertainment (like skydiving simulators and robot bartenders).

MSC vs. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion often includes free drink packages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions—making them feel more all-inclusive. But these are usually time-limited deals. MSC’s packages are more transparent and can be customized. NCL also has more casual dining options, while MSC leans into fine dining and European flair.

MSC vs. Luxury Lines (Celebrity, Regent, Seabourn)

Here’s the big difference: luxury lines truly are all-inclusive. On Regent or Seabourn, you get:

• Unlimited premium drinks
• All specialty dining
• Wi-Fi and gratuities
• Complimentary shore excursions
• Butler service (in suites)

The catch? Prices are 2–3x higher than MSC. For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise on MSC might cost $1,200 per person, while Regent charges $3,500+. If you’re on a budget, MSC’s packages offer a middle ground—you pay for extras, but at a lower base rate.

Data Table: MSC vs. Competitors (7-Night Cruise, Per Person)

Feature	MSC Cruises	Royal Caribbean	NCL	Regent Seven Seas
Base Fare (Inside Stateroom)	$800–$1,200	$900–$1,400	$700–$1,100	$3,000–$4,500
Drink Packages	$20–$90/day	$65–$80/day	$70–$95/day (often free with promo)	Included
Specialty Dining	$25–$50/person	$30–$55/person	$30–$50/person	Included
Wi-Fi	$10–$35/day	$15–$25/day	$20–$30/day (often free with promo)	Included
Gratuities	$14–$16/day	$14.50–$18/day	$14.50–$18/day	Included
Shore Excursions	$50–$150/tour	$60–$160/tour	$55–$155/tour	Included

Smart Ways to Save Money (Even Without a Package)

You don’t need to buy a package to have a great MSC cruise. Here are my top money-saving tips.

Book Early and Use Promotions

MSC runs frequent deals like:

• Kids Sail Free (under 18 in same cabin)
• Buy One, Get One 50% Off
• Free Drink Package (with Premium Extra purchase)
• Free Upgrades (to balcony or suite)

Set up price alerts on sites like Cruise Critic or Vacations To Go to catch these deals. I once booked a balcony cabin for the price of an inside room during a BOGO sale—saved $600 for two people.

Skip the Drink Package (But Be Strategic)

If you’re not a heavy drinker, skip the package and:

• Buy drinks at happy hour (often 2-for-1 or 50% off)
• Stick to beer, wine, or house cocktails (cheaper than premium brands)
• Use the included coffee and tea stations (great for morning cravings)

On my cruise, I limited myself to one cocktail per night and saved $200+.

Use Onboard Credit Wisely

Many promotions include onboard credit (OBC)—$50–$200 per cabin. Use it for:

• Specialty dining (get a free $50 meal)
• Spa treatments (apply OBC to massage costs)
• Shore excursions (discounts on select tours)

Pro tip: OBC can’t be used for gratuities or casino play, so plan accordingly.

Bring Your Own (Where Allowed)

MSC allows:

• One bottle of wine or champagne per person (no corkage fee if consumed in your cabin)
• Non-alcoholic drinks (up to 24 cans or 6 liters)

Pack a cooler bag with soda, water, or snacks to save on buffet visits. Just don’t try to sneak in hard alcohol—security checks are strict.

Final Verdict: Is MSC Cruise Line All Inclusive?

So, is MSC Cruise Line all inclusive? The honest answer is: **no—but it can feel that way if you plan ahead**. The base fare covers the essentials: great food, comfortable rooms, top-notch entertainment, and fun activities. But if you want cocktails, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, or specialty dining, you’ll pay extra.

The key is customization. MSC’s à la carte model lets you choose what matters to you. Don’t drink much? Skip the package. Love fine dining? Use onboard credit for a steakhouse dinner. Want to stay connected? Buy the Premium Wi-Fi plan. It’s like building your own all-inclusive experience—without paying for things you won’t use.

Compared to luxury lines, MSC is far more affordable. Compared to other mainstream lines, it offers better food and a more European vibe. And with smart planning—booking early, using promotions, and choosing the right package—you can enjoy a cruise that feels all-inclusive, without the all-inclusive price tag.

At the end of the day, MSC Cruises is perfect for travelers who want value, flexibility, and a touch of elegance. Just remember: read the fine print, budget for extras, and don’t assume everything is free. Do that, and your MSC cruise will be a smooth, stress-free (and affordable) adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MSC Cruise Line all inclusive?

MSC Cruise Line offers a mix of inclusive and à la carte options. While your cruise fare covers accommodations, meals at main dining venues, and select onboard activities, extras like premium dining, drinks, and Wi-Fi require additional packages.

What does the base MSC cruise fare include?

The standard fare includes your stateroom, breakfast, lunch, and dinner at main restaurants, basic entertainment, and access to pools and fitness facilities. However, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities are not included unless you purchase a package.

Does MSC offer all-inclusive packages for drinks?

Yes, MSC provides several drink packages, including the Easy, Premium, and Premium Extra options, which cover cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks. These can be purchased to create a more all-inclusive experience.

Are gratuities included in MSC cruise prices?

Gratuities (service charges) are not automatically included in your base fare. They are added daily to your onboard account, but you can adjust or remove them at guest services if desired.

Is Wi-Fi included in an MSC all-inclusive cruise?

Wi-Fi is not part of the base fare but is available through paid internet packages. MSC’s MSC for Me packages offer varying data levels, from basic social media access to high-speed streaming.

Do MSC cruises include shore excursions in the price?

Shore excursions are not included in the base fare and must be booked separately. However, MSC offers a range of curated tours at ports, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences.