8 Reasons to Book Your NCL Alaska Adventure Now
Click to view 8 Reasons to Book Your NCL Alaska Adventure Now
It’s that time of year when the breathtaking landscape of Alaska beckons travellers, and one of the most...
With 19 ships in the fleet, MSC Cruises offers a wide range of cabins. From the traditional cabin categories such as inside / interior, ocean view, balcony and suite to the luxury "ship within a ship" MSC Yacht Club. The range of cabin types and sizes will make your head spin.
You will find beds, air conditioning, a private bathroom, an interactive TV*, a safe, a mini bar and a telephone in every cabin category. Some of the higher cabin types will also include a drinks package, private access to a sun deck, butler service, sofa bed and balcony.
With over 17 types of cabins, the choice is overwhelming and it can be hard to decide which cabin is right for you.
In this article, we will list each cabin category with some key features.
We have separated the cabins into 4 categories:
-
Standard cabin categories
-
Various types of suites
-
Family cabins
-
MSC Yacht Club suites
At the end of the post, we have an FAQ section and a table where you will find a list of the cabins available on each MSC Cruises ship.
Standard cabin categories
The standard cabin categories are interior studio, interior Cabin, ocean view, outside with partial view and balcony.
These rooms are all equipped with:
-
Bathroom with shower, hairdryer and vanity area.
-
Telephone, safe, mini bar and Interactive TV*.
-
Double bed - single beds on request.
-
ZOE Virtual assistant available on MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Bellissima.
*The TVs on MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia are not interactive.
Interior studio
Interior studio are single traveller's cabins, only available on Bella experience. You will find them on MSC Virtuosa (15 Cabins), MSC Grandiosa (15 Cabins), MSC Meraviglia (32 Cabins), MSC Bellissima (12 Cabins) and MSC World Europa (10 Interior). This cabin category is only available with the Bella Experience.
The average size for an interior studio is 12 - 17 m2.
Image: Interior cabin on MSC Meraviglia - layout and furniture may vary from that shown, within the same cabin type.
Interior cabin
An interior cabin is a cabin with no windows. Interior cabins on MSC Cruises are often smaller than balconies or suites but similar in size to ocean view cabins.
Interiors also often have less storage space than balconies and suites. However, they cost less to book, so it will depend on what you prefer - getting a room with a window or a balcony or a smaller room for a cheaper price.
The average size for an interior cabin is from 12m2 to 28m2.
Available on Bella or Fantastica Experience throughout the fleet.
Image: Inside cabin on MSC Orchestra - layout and furniture may vary from that shown within the same cabin type.
Ocean View cabin
Ocean View cabins are those with a window, therefore providing an opportunity to view the ocean. While these cabins do not have a balcony on which to sit and enjoy this view, such as a balcony cabin or suite does, they still allow you to look out onto the ocean but do not offer any kind of intimacy with the ocean.
The average size for an ocean view cabin is the same as interior: 12m2 to 28m2.
Available on Bella or Fantastica Experience throughout the fleet.
Image: Ocean view cabin on MSC Musica - layout and furniture may vary from that shown within the same cabin type.
Outside with partial view cabin
An outside with partial view cabin, or outside with obstructed view, is the term used for cabins with a window that has an obstruction; these can be a lifeboat, structural design or other equipment.
Booking an obstructed view cabin is a gamble. You can end up with a fully obstructed view where only the sunlight comes in, to a view with 99% of the sea and a small pipe coming across the window.
The average size for an outside cabin with a partial view is the same as interior: 17m2.
Available on Bella or Fantastica Experience throughout the fleet.
Balcony cabin
A balcony cabin refers to a cabin that has a balcony that guests can enjoy. On most MSC Cruises ships, the size and shape of the balcony cabin is the same as interior or ocean view cabins with an addition of a 3 to 8m2 balcony with 2 chairs and a small table.
The average size for a balcony cabin is: 14 to 28m2.
Available in Bella, Fantastica or Aurea Experience depending on the ship.
Image: Balcony Cabin on MSC Meraviglia - layout and furniture may vary from that shown within the same cabin type.
Various types of suites
The suite category has 6 different variations of suites. Standard suites are available across the MSC fleet, the other ones are available on the new builds.
All suites are equipped with:
-
Balcony or a Panoramic Sealed Window *
-
Lounge area with a sofa and small table
-
A spacious wardrobe
-
A double bed (single beds on request)
-
Bathroom with shower or bathtub, hairdryer and vanity area
-
Telephone, safe, mini bar and Interactive TV**
-
ZOE Virtual assistant available on MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Bellissima
-
For those cabins with Aurea experience, it includes a drinks package and My Choice Dining option.
*Panoramic Sealed Window is only available on MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.
**The TVs on MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia is not interactive.
Note: The standard suites are available on Fantastica and Aurea depending on the ship. All other suites are only available on the Aurea Experience.
Standard suite
The standard suite offers the most comfort, as they are larger in terms of space and have direct access to an outside balcony. These cabins tend to be 17% bigger than a balcony cabin.
The average size for a standard suite is 17 to 41m2 with a 6m2 balcony.
Suites with panoramic windows are between 21 and 29m2.
Image: Suite on MSC Lirica - layout and furniture may vary from that shown within the same cabin type.
Suite with private whirlpool
In addition to the amenities of the standard suite, an MSC Cruises suite with a private whirlpool features a private whirlpool on the balcony.
Suites with private whirlpools are approximately 27m2 with a balcony of 30m2 on MSC Bellissima, MSC Gransioa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Meraviglia. On MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, these suites are 28m2 with a balcony of 7m2.
Image: Suite with private whirlpool on MSC Seaside - layout and furniture may vary from that shown within the same cabin type.
Grand Suite
The grand suite is a larger suite than the standard ones. They feature a larger balcony and in most cases, a completely separate lounge area. These are only available on MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside.
Grand suites range in size from 35m2 to 49m2 with a balcony of 21m2.
Image: Grand suite on MSC Seaview - layout and furniture may vary from that shown within the same cabin type.
Grand suite with private whirlpool
In addition to the standard grand suite, this cabin type features a private whirlpool on the balcony. These cabins are available on MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa and MC Grandiosa.
Grand suite with whirlpool is approximately 39m2 with an outside area of 36m2.
Image: Grand suite with whirlpool on MSC Seaside - layout and furniture may vary from that shown within the same cabin type.
Two bedroom grand suite
The two bedroom grand suite is the perfect suite for a family of 4. Only available on MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside.
In addition to what a standard grand suite contains, this cabin type features:
-
Two separate bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two singles
-
One bathroom with shower and one with a bathtub
-
Walk-in wardrobe
Two bedroom grand suites are approximately 49m2 with a balcony of 7m2.
Image: Two bedroom grand suite on MSC Seaview - layout and furniture may vary from that shown within the same cabin type.
Duplex suite
The second biggest cabin category you will find on MSC Cruises.
The duplex suite has a separate living area on the first level with a small bathroom containing a shower, a lounge area, a walk-in closet and a balcony with a private whirlpool bath.
On the second level, you will find the master bedroom, with a bathtub and a separate walk-in closet.
The duplex suite is approximately 59m2 with an outside area of 22m2.
Only available on MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa.
Image: The duplex suite on MSC Seaview - layout and furniture may vary from that shown within the same cabin type.
Family cabin
Family or interleading cabins are individual cabin types that are linked by a door to transform into a family cabin. These are great to book to allow parents and children to have their own space during their cruise holiday.
Super family - The super family connects 2 balcony staterooms or, on some ships, 2 ocean view cabins. These cabin types are available on all of the fleet except on Seaview and Seaside. It sleeps a maximum of 6 people.
Family balcony - This type connects one balcony and one interior studio. This type is only available on MSC Meraviglia and can sleep 5 cruise travellers.
Family ocean view - Similar to the family balcony, except with one ocean view and one interior studio connected, only on MSC Meraviglia, sleeping 5 passengers.
Super family plus - the super family plus cabins come in three different variations:
-
2 suites connected - can accommodate 10 cruise travellers on Virtuosa, Bellissima & Grandiosa;
-
2 balcony (or 2 ocean view) cabins connected with 1 interior studio - sleeps 9 guests on Meraviglia;
-
3 balcony cabins connected - sleeps 10 guests on Seaview and Seaside.
MSC Yacht Club
The MSC Yacht Club is a private area within the MSC Cruises ships. In addition to the standard entertainment activities, restaurants and bars that the rest of the ship offers, the Yacht Club has a lot of specific perks.
List of exclusive Yacht Club onboard perks:
-
24 hour butler service
-
drinks package
-
Cotton bathrobes
-
Myform Memory mattresses
-
Interactive LCD TV
-
exclusive dining room, bar & pool
Interior Yacht Club suite
The interior Yacht Club suite is a similar size as a normal interior cabin. The biggest difference is the access to the Yacht Club area and perks, as well as the quality of the finishes.
These types of cabins are only available on MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside.
Interior Yacht Club suites are 21m2.
Image: Interior Yacht Club suite on MSC Preziosa.
Deluxe Yacht Club suite
Similar size as the standard MSC Cruises suites. The room includes access to all the Yacht Club facilities.
The Deluxe Yacht Club suite is available on all the MSC Cruises ships that feature the Yacht Club.
Executive & family suites
This category type is available only on MSC Fantasia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina and MSC Splendida. The room doesn't have an exterior area but big panoramic sealed windows.
Similar to the Grand Suite, the room features a separate lounge with a sofa and chairs. One of the sofas can be converted into a bed.
Image: Family suite on Divina
Royal Suite
The Royal Suite is the largest cabin on any MSC Cruise ship. With a room size of 62m2 and a balcony of 33m2.
The Royal Suite features:
-
A large balcony with a private dining table
-
A whirlpool bath (not on Fantasia Class ships)
-
Fully separate lounge and living area
-
Double bed or single beds (on request but not on Seaside & Seaview)
Image of Royal Suite on MSC Seaview
Quick overview of MSC onboard experiences
Over and above the different cabin categories on each ship, MSC Cruises also have onboard experiences associated with each cabin type. Each experience provides different sets of onboard perks.
The three MSC onboard experiences:
-
Bella Experience - Available for interior, ocean view and balcony cabins. It is the standard no-frills option, the lowest and cheapest grade of experience.
-
Fantastica Experience - Available for interior, ocean view, balcony cabins and suites. Includes Bella as well as 24h free room service, cabins in better locations and priority dinner seating.
-
Aurea Experience - Available for ocean view, balcony cabins and suites. Includes Fantastica, as well as Easy Drinks Package, access to the exclusive sun deck, bathrobe and slippers in the cabin, free access to the SPA, priority boarding on embarkation day, MSC for Me (on available ships), an exclusive private restaurant on some ships.
FAQ on MSC Cruises' Cabins
Does MSC have a single traveller's cabin type?
MSC Cruises does have single cabins on several of the new ships. MSC Virtuosa (15 Cabins), MSC Grandiosa (15 Cabins), MSC Meraviglia (32 Cabins), MSC Bellissima (12 Cabins) and MSC World Europa (10 Interior & 18 Ocean View).
All single cabins are fitted specifically for single travellers. They all provide the standard MSC Cruises cabin amenities with a twin-sized bed (140x200cm). MSC Meraviglia interior guests have a sofa bed instead of a "standard" bed.
MSC World Europa is the only ship that features ocean view single cabins.
What is the difference between a cabin and a suite?
On MSC Cruises, a cabin is a standard room that doesn't have a balcony. This covers the inside/interior cabins, ocean view cabins and outside with partial view cabins.
A suite is more luxurious and has a higher level of comfort and space. All suites have a balcony and a small sitting area with a sofa.
What is the difference between a balcony cabin and a suite?
On MSC Cruises, a suite has a lounge/sitting area with a sofa and a little table on top of the dresser with a mirror. A balcony cabin has a sofa opposite the dresser without a table, the sofa is not in a separate area. The balcony cabins are usually smaller than the suites.
Are balcony rooms safe on cruises?
Some passengers are worried that balconies might not be safe. This is actually a common and understandable worry for those who have never sailed on cruise ships and have never used a balcony cabin.
However, all balconies on MSC Cruises are perfectly safe. The railing is high enough to protect you from falling off. You can request to have a safety net added to prevent any unfortunate accidents that could occur, even though the chances are slim.
