Royal Caribbean vs MSC: 7 Fundamental Differences 

“The portions are probably what you should be eating and are much healthier than what you’ll find on an American cruise”, if gaining a pound every day isn’t a cruising tradition then idk what is 😂

Emma, I have been watching your reviews for a few days and just watched the video from last year when you discussed the people that criticize you, sometimes harshly. You provide valuable input and appear to do so with a specific intent to be helpful. To those that would be mean or unkind, let them be. You will continue to be successful as they move on to criticize others. Life is short for that foolishness and I believe what you have to offer is great. Continue to party on; screw the clowns who have nothing positive to add.

Great, thanks! My knowledge about MSC cruises just went from zero to 100% 😀

Just found your channel. Fellow travel vlogger taking my first solo cruise on MSC (21 days). Thanks for the comparison - really good to know. I've only ever done 2 cruises - one with Princess and one with NCL.

Hello Emma! ☺️Thank You for commending Philippines Crew/Staff for speaking in English.😍 ❤️☺️ I am a Seafarer from Philippines. Thank you for choosing MSC🛳️💙 also. ☺️ Keep Safe! CIAO! 🤗

I absolutely loved the MSC Opera cruise of Italy and Greece. At the time of the cruise, we passed through the Lagoon and the Giudecca Canal of Venice. The food was delicious. The staff was very personable, friendly, and helpful. It was beautiful!

we LOVE msc! we have sailed on almost every ship they have in the US but first sailed the Meraviglia on a Mediterranean cruise. Loved it. Still need to cruise more on Royal Caribbean but we enjoyed them too.

There were a lot of interresting comments from you in this video. I was worried the first time I was cruising with MSC because of the bad food reviews all over RU-vid and the Net, but you are absolutely correct. If you expect US portion sizes or UK fish&chips, you will be disapointed, but the food I have had the two times I have been on MSC has been really really good. Sure, if you are after Gordon Ramsey kind of food, you will be disapointed, but the ONLY food issue I had while on MSC was a kind of cheese cake that was dry... I mentioned it to the crew and got another that was perfect... that can happen on a Royal Carribean Cruise too... and the first MSC cruise I did cost me £458 INCL tip, water and hot drinks for an inside cabin (for single use) from Southampton to the Med for 8 days, and flight back (without flight it would have been £84 cheaper) from Genua Italy. That was so cheap I don't know how they made ANY money out of me (eating like an elephant) but I was happy!

I appreciate this comparison video. I am now thinking of changing my vacation, the best of both worlds.

With MSC it depends on where you cruise from. When we cruised from Genoa it was a very Italian experience. We did a cruise from Southampton with them the following year and it was very British experience, there were tea trays in the cabin and everything was in English.

Haven't been on RCI yet but have been on Celebrity & NCL. I found the 1 cruise we had with MSC (Seaside) was fantastic. Loved the differences, compared to regular English cruises. My wife & I found the food brilliant. We are both vegetarian, so maybe that is why. The shows were different with more acrobatics & the like, with occasional singing. I do like a variety if Entertainment, which MSC were a little lacking in the main theatre at night, but still highly enjoyed each performance. I would happily keep sailing with MSC, just loved it

I’ve cruised MSC, Carnival, and Norwegian. MSC and Nowegian were by far my favorites, especially if you can swing the Haven in Norwegian. I am with you on MSC and enjoying all the languages, It feels much more like traveling then.

Fantastic video. Thank you so much. We are Royal Caribbean cruisers and are considering MSC just to try something different. We love your videos.

Thanks for the informative video. I’ve been on multiple RCCL Princess NCL and Holland America cruises. I also took a two week tour of Italy and absolutely loved it. Pizza and pasta every day!!! I’ve been debating about going on the new MSC Grandiosa this January. After watching your video I think I’m ready for a different cruise experience and plan to book. No more debating, I’m booking !!!

MSC in America is completely different you get on and off the same port. MSC is making changes to the way they do things for their Caribbean cruises.

Great video. Useful, fair and factual. I have cruised with both RCI and MSC and would agree with many of these points. Thanks for posting this.

I am loving the videos and you are totally right about MSC! We love MSC but next year we are in the US, so we also going to try RCL Navigator of the Seas.

I’ve been on Carnival twice and took my first RC. And, I loved RC so much better than Carnival. I booked my cruise for next year while on the cruise. Granduer of the seas, this year & Harmony of the seas, next year.

Like you, I'm also a picky eater. I love that I can try new things on cruises and i try to get out of my comfort zone. I've only regretted one thing but i finished it because I also want to be a good traveler. But if you try something and don't like it the waiters are happy to bring you something else.

Hi Emma, I'm a Regular on cruiser Carnival & RCCL Cruises for many years (1986 Jubilee) & Viking serenade (1992). Thank you for being so honest about how much to love to taking a cruise, and what it's worth doing so. I will always follow you and your adventures... Jeffrey's Cruises VLOGGER! Keep Vlogging!! You Rock!!

On our MSC cruise in the Bahamas our waiters made paper flowers for the kids and got to know us more than any other cruise lines. I think it may depend on the number of guests on board. There were so few of us, we called it the ghost ship! This was just after the shutdown so we may have a different experience this October we’re going on the seaside.

i have been on 2 MSC armonia and Seaside both fantastic i have also been o RCL and NCL and Carnival 20 cruises

Hi Emma! Your video is so informative. I’ll be sailing out on the MSC divina in January. I have traveled on royal which too me is just the overall best cruise line thus why the prices are always significantly higher. Second would be Norwegian Cruise line. I just think the staff really went above and beyond. I always enjoyed how each station in the buffet represented a different country. And my least favorite would be carnival. Definitely a budget friendly party cruise line, however the food did make me and my partner sick. The only reason I choose to do MSC this time is because they had an excellent eastern Caribbean package. My goal with cruises is to pay more attention to ports of call and excursions and have as little sea days as possible. I’m completely aware that the entertainment on MSC Will be lackluster as best. I plan on bringing movies and cards and board games to occupy any time aboard. However I really do hope the food is somewhat enjoyable. Anywho I really enjoyed watching your video!

Love the Aqua shows on Oasis class RCCL....🌴🛳🌞

Good video. I did with my family 3 cruises in Royal, 5 cruises in MSC, 1 cruse with Costa and 1 cruise with Iberostar Grand Amazon. So many differences, but this is the interesting thing, experiment the different cultures and styles. Now we will do 2 cruises on Celebrity.

Interesting video!I took a cruise with MSC in the Greek islands and a few other stops in 2014 and it was phenomenal! The boat (MSC Fantasia) was spectacular, the crew was so nice and helpful and the shows were differents every night. I remember a pirate theme wich was really impressive with a lot of stunts and during the gala night, they actually invited an opera singer who embarked on the boat just for the night. Such good memories and beautiful cities to visit:)

Me and my partner have just come back on a Med cruise on MSC Virtuosa and we had a great time. The ship wow, the staff, lunch & dinner dining 10/10, buffet quite simple incl pizza & pastas. Entertainment nothing like RCI. But we got a bargain with 14 nights, upgraded to balcony and incl premium drinks package so couldn’t refuse. Would sail with MSC again.

Thank you for this video! We are going on our first cruise for Xmas with MSC.

Thank you! All what I needed to hear to make my choice.

We did a Mediterranean cruise with MSC in 2015. It was our first cruise and we LOVED it. You are.right about the languages and I too love listening. I just booked another Med cruise for 2022 with MSC. I am going with my grandson. We cannot wait. Going to do some other travels while there. Heading to Paris after cruise to do Euro disney.for a few days.

Thank you sooooo much for sharing. You made booking my next cruise. These differences are things that our travel agent never told us and never did. I have been cruising for more than 20 years

Just did a Costa couple months ago and a MSC cruise just two weeks ago. Loved it! After being many,many times with RCL and Princess we can honestly say that they got our attention. August we do RCL from Ravenna, that one in comparisson to the others is pretty expensive. Nevertheless we love RCL. Next year we booked MSC Yachtclub on there new Seascape out of Miami,and we will do a Costa later on. They all have there differences, but we really do enjoy them all 🙂 Keeps the variety in!

Just booked to go on MSC Lirica in October for 17nts, going from Venice to Dubai. Really looking forward to it 💕

Great video. Just returned from a 7 Day Western Med cruise on the Oasis of the Sears and experienced a lot of the differences you mentioned in the video. Especially the confusion on the additional muster drill and passengers getting off and on at different ports. Thanks for the information.

My most recent cruise (only my second) left from an American port, but everything was in both English and Spanish. That was completely as expected for us because we left from Puerto Rico. We also used to live in LA, where dual language signage and announcements were quite common (the buses that I took to work, for example, were dual language). Occasionally, we'd meet other passengers who didn't speak English, but then I just switched to my terrible Spanish. I can manage a few pleasantries, at least.

Great explanation of the differences! 😁

You've really put my mind at ease regarding MSC. I also have read a lot of bad reviews about this line (and most of the reviews I read didn't really make sense to me, all complaints about the ship amenities blah blah blah whereas I'm all about itineraries). I'm really attracted to some of the MSC itineraries in the middle east (I'm all for cruising in parts of the world where it's either too expensive to do it on land, too dangerous or perhaps a bit of both) so it's good to hear that this line isn't as bad as many make it out to be. AND I love the idea of being able to hop on and off where it's most convenient to you. All cruises should be like this imo (but I'm not a cruiser and to me it's ultimately a means to an end - the cruise ISN'T the destination, the places are)

Great to have a input on other cruise lines....especially the difference in prices for the cruise companies..👍 Price is a big factor for us too...our next cruise will not be with a British/ American cruise company just because of the how much more you can get for your money with the “ other” cruise lines.... Great video.....

Thanks Emma, You always present a logical and fun overview of cruises!! Well Done Lass!! Love Your approach and sense of fair play!!

Great tips loved it thanks I have been on costa cruise and u r right on every point Also would like to point that the sound is loud and clear, great job

Wonderful assessment Emma! I love MSC but I will say I do love both! 💙

We took an RC cruise out of Venice, and they did the announcements in English and Spanish.

Yes, the soda... My friend's father owned a restaurant. I saw an industry magazine at her house that talked about ice. It's a "trade secret" that ice is used extravagantly to save money. So, good tip!

Great informative blog, I've heard a lot of negative things about MSC and I believe you get what you pay for. I'm not a big fan of pasta and pizza for a cruise, if it served real Mediterranean fare that would be amazing (I love seafood, olives and fresh greens).

Emma, I like to thank you and congratulate you because your videos are very clear... And stray to the point. Thank you for sharing.

Great video. Spot on with the entertainment explanation on msc, we watched a show on the meraviglia where the guy was smoking on stage as part of the show 🤷‍♀️😂

I enjoyed playing Bingo on MSC because they call the numbers in multiple languages. It was fun learning how to say the numbers in different languages. Plus, I won!

OMG THE BAR IN THE THEATRE THING... I got given out to and my wine taken out of my hand by a member of the entertainment team when I walked into the theatre with my glass of wine on the Lirica... I was so confused hahaha. I just took the wine back and opted not to watch the show, but it was confusing because I didn't realise you cannot drink in there.

That sounds great! It sounds like you can use MSC as a ferry transport if you want...

My wife & I just watched your video because we are taking our 1st MSC cruise this October on the Meraviglia from NY to Quebec and back to NY as it repositions from Europe to Miami. It’s a new cruise line for us, going to a unique destination, on a very different ship, with a one time itinerary in the middle of the reposition, so it caught our attention. Your comparisons between MSC and RCL were very helpful, although it seems based on Mediterranean type of cruising. Not sure what we’ll find here since I understand this particular ship and it’s operations were deliberately more aligned with it’s ultimate American home port (Miami), but I’m sure much of what you pointed out may apply. We’re curious to see if they make any changes during the transatlantic journey, since once it arrives in NY, the rest of its sailings will be from the US. Regardless, we’re looking forward to this, our 20th+ cruise adventure. On the lighter side, my wife & I almost fell out of our chairs when you said the BEST show you’ve ever seen at sea was “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”on Norwegian. I agree wholeheartedly!!! THE BEST SHOW EVER by far. We saw it on the Epic or the Escape. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see it a second time because my wife didn’t plan that until it’s final performance on our sailing, but it was GREAT. Extremely funny and very entertaining. Happy to hear you thought so as well. We look forward to following your videos.

Thsnks , clear and concise.

They have a few, litterally 2/3 self service soda machines in the drinks section in the buffet! We were on Seaside in December and they had a self service drinks area along with red and white wine dispensers! They are hidden though, I only found it because I was looking for a plate!

i have been on all those companies many times just finished my 19 cruise on MSC Seaside had a fantastic cruise everyone in the USA gets on and off at the original embarkation port if you get on in miami you get off in miami

I totally agree with you regarding language always different make feel you are in abroad.!!

I love to cruise and i cant wait to be back on board but i dont think MSC is the one for me but thank you for all the information.

Good to know, Emma! I might just expand my horizons! What about booking an MSC cruise? Just the same? Any differences to note before going through the booking process?

Well stated. Looking to experience MSC in 19 days from Miami. First cruise since December 2019 😊 Thanks for your insights and tips.

Good review video

Gday Emma my wife Sue and I are Aussies and saw only yesterday a recommendation re your site - just watched this and loved it...….you explain things fantastically....we have only sailed RCI and whilst living in OZ have never done a cruise from Australia instead choosing to fly overseas and cruise...…...this video is particularly interesting in that we have booked an MSC out of Civitavecchia in October on the MSC Virtuoso (still being built - fingers crossed it will be finished lol)….and then jumping on RCI Civitavecchia to Miami......your vlog has given us confidence re MSC that we will be enjoying ourselves on MSC - thanks for the great video. You have another 2 fans ..

Awesome video!!! I was so stressed about booking a Mediterranean cruise with MSC (being an RCL cruiser) but your video was so informative and cleared things up for me. Thanks!!!

Very well explained, keep it up

I think this will help my bae get excited for an MSC. He lovesss languages and it sounds like there are tons on board. He can test out all his skills. I love that we can basically hop on and hop on when ever. Sounds amazzzzing. This was still relevant even years later. Your cruise partner in the states has been super helpful.

Hi Emma, i am a crew member from Mauritius, works on cruise ships.. well i would like to tell u i really appreciates you when you explain about cruising.. keep posting videos it Will definitely help peoples before going onboard.. 😘🙂🙂

Great video again Emma. Quick question, with MSC/Costa cruises where you are able to join at any port, did you find that it causes any disruption for those already onboard (luggage in corridors etc), or are the numbers so small you don't notice?

Very good video, I just got off MSC Seaside on March 14, 2020 (mater of fact last day of cruising it was shut down due to the virus) they do have self service soda machine on that ship but you were spot on on comparing the different cruise lines.

excellent vlog! thanks

I remember cruising on a msc cruise when I was 13. They had up to 7 or 8 courses for dinner and one night I managed all but one of them. Still kinda proud of myself lol.

Very realistic comparation.

Thank you for this vid as we are doing the UK sailing on MSC in June I guess it will be more british as only uk people will be on it but looking forward to it.

I have been on both and for the money I get a lot more on msc

Emma I hope you are doing well. Very nice explanation about MSC. Well done.

Brilliant video Emma , very useful and informative . Ps just realised how much your hairs grown 😳🤣 Looking good !!

Another excellent video. Keep up the good work! I really enjoy your videos, they really help out!

Great Britishism: Tannoy. The multi linguistic announcements remind me of watching the Eurovision Song Contest ! They make me happy! This is a really wonderful and beautifully crafted video. It's truly an art we're watching/listening to,

Thank you for the comparison. I was wondering because I have met a few people who have sailed MSC and did not like them.

I am emerald class with Royal Carribean and since i have taken close to 8 oasis class cruises where the food and entertainment is amazing its hard for me to compromise that for some of the other cruise lines because I have high expectations

Much easier to learn another language if you’re living in Europe. I always pick up as much as I can when I visit another country, I also speak as slow or as simple as I can when I’m waiting on a foreigner. I will also write it down as I can understand another language so I think there is a chance they might understand it written and I find that they usually do. They always thank me several times as they are walking away.

Nice a very genuine feedback

5:38 that was *exactly* me after I saw Hairspray on Symphony of the Seas lol. Saw it the next night, then checked to see when it will be near me

Maravillosos tus comentarios muy interesantes e internacionales. Gracias

Thanks for the video! I’ve been on several MSC cruises and their cruises are by far the most luxurious and beautiful cruises. The food is scrumptious and the rooms are pretty big and the beds are super comfortable! The staff has always been very friendly and they work very hard to keep the cruises clean and beautiful. The entertainment is amazing (I think they have the best shows at sea). But by far my favorite thing about cruising with MSC is their private island! What a gorgeous island!!! I highly recommend MSC 👏🏼 I cruises with Royal ones (2020 right before the pandemic) and we enjoyed it very much as well! The room was nice and food was delicious! Their private island was fun and beautiful as well! The cruise included a lot of activities and the staff was friendly!! I enjoyed the music and entertainment throughout the cruise as well. MSC is my #1 fave but Royal comes at a very close 2nd!

6,400 views in 3 days! Go Emma!!

Food in the MDR on MSC is often served cold. Even after complaining they give you more cold food. They do not have enough staff

I've only ever been on a MSC Cruise Ship. We had people on our ship from the US as well as probably all of Europe. It was a bit crazy listening to announcements in 5 -7 different languages. We were on a Caribbean Cruise, and as far as I know. Everyone got on in Miami, and got off in Miami at the end of cruise. You couldn't board or disembark along the way.

Absolutely spot on with all comments.. Apart from I am a MSC Fan!!

Thankyou Emma ☺️👌🏻👏🏻

Thank you Emma, I always love your video's. Very informative and you give your honest opinion and comparrison. Everytime I take a cruise line that I haven't sailed on before I always check if you have done a review or anything. Keep up your video's I think they are very helpfull!

Hi! You should try Costa Cruises! Its similar to MSC, but the food and daily activities are better!

We found that MSC cruises were understaffed on the ship , you had to queue to get into the buffet as not big enough for the amount of passengers to sit down as our ship had been cut and shut on a refit extending the size but not the restaurant’s.

There are farewell shows on MSC actually. Not welcome but farewell. I can't say how many times I heard 'Time To Say Goodbye' on a MSC Cruise ship.

You are amazing Emma, Love to see your videos.

Great tips! I'm planning on doing a 7 day cruise out of Marseille on MSC Grandiosa, I may disembark in Barcelona and spend a few days there and then fly back home to the states Do you need to let MSC know when you book or when you're on the ship that you want to disembark at one of the ports? How exactly is the procedure?

We recently took our first MSC cruise on the Preziosa. The ship was magnificent-they certainly love their Swarovski! It was very sociable, and we made friends with three other British couples (and a German couple, as well). We Brits all agreed that it was all too different from what we were used to. (The Germans were just concerned with the price and that they couldn't understand the announcements-even in German!) MSC didn't do anything really badly, there was just a little too much that was different from the likes of P&O, Princess, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, etc. You've covered most of it in the video, but there were a few other things that none of us liked (repetitive shows, no on-board films, very limited TV, for example). Unfortunately, this means that none of us would consider sailing with them again. Which is a shame.

Great video Emma. I can cruise either MSC or Royal.. And I prefer MSC to Carnival for sure.

We are planning to catch a cruise on Sicily, and excited to meet the Filipino crews, since I was once a crew member of a cruiseliner in the 90’s.

Emma, you may be my favorite youtube cruise commentator.

Emma, Thanks for the video. The things you mentioned are really different on these two cruise lines, but not fundamental. They are rather superficial, and some statements are misleading (except the entertainment differences that I completely agree). As we speak of the food, the rule of thumb about MSC food: never ever expect "European" or "Mediterranean" cuisine. You'll find a "Mediterranean Corner" in the buffet, other than that the food they serve is Budget food - they are saving on food quality and service to justify lowest prices. The "fundamental" differences are in the ships design, layout and amenities - with one really fundamental note: we need to compare SHIPS, we don't cruise on cruise lines - we cruise on the ships. For example, the cruising experience on the Radiance of the Seas vs MSC Magnifica differ much less than Vision of the Seas vs Anthem of the Seas, or MSC Seaside vs MSC Meraviglia. The first thing MSC cruisers need to have on mind is that MSC is the first cruise line that returned to class segregation (in 2008) - first time since RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 of built in 1969. Unless you stay in the Yacht club on the ships where it's available, you are a second class passenger. MSC ships differ like day and night. take a cruise on MSC Meraviglia/Bellissima - and find yourself in a closed floating anthill, with cheap bells and whistles added to mask the lack of space and real cruise ship amenities. That said, the MSC Seaside is a swallow of fresh air in the MSC fleet - a ship that changes the landscape of the Caribbean cruises. While NSC Seaside is a solid budget product, Yacht Club MSC Seaside surpasses anything that, let's say, Celebrity can offer. Thanks again and happy cruising!

Another worthwhile upload!

We took the Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami with MSC. We have cruised with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, and the food on the MSC cruise was a let down. In general we felt like it reminded us of Old Country buffet. Of course it was better and had more variety, but we felt we had much better food with the other cruise lines. The price of MSC cruise just couldn't be beat, and they had to cut expense somewhere. I would pay another hundred dollars per person for better food.

As i recall, there is a bar in the Cirque du Soleil - lounge on the Meravigliaclass ships......not the theater, but almost :P