Family holidays are an incredibly special opportunity to spend quality time together, which means that getting it right is so important. Whether your children are still little or a bit more grown up, being able to travel together means you can make some great memories while discovering a new part of the world.
When it comes to family cruises, there are certainly some cruise lines that are more suitable than others. So, with that in mind, here we take a look at why MSC Cruises should be high on your list of options, and help you learn a little more about what to expect and which ships you should consider.
Choosing a family cruise
So, you’ve decided it’s time to book a family cruise – but where on earth do you start? Choosing your family cruise is a delicate balance of making sure there’s something to keep the kids entertained while keeping the parents sane, so let us make life a little easier by pointing out the factors you should contemplate when choosing your upcoming cruise holiday for the family.
- Destination: Choosing the itinerary for your cruise is crucial, as it needs to suit your family’s holiday style. You might prefer to stay closer to home with a cruise around the Mediterranean if you have smaller children, while those older teenagers might love a trip around the Caribbean. You should think about the time of year and which destinations are best suited for those school holidays, whether it’s Easter, summer or Christmas.
- Ship facilities: It’s important to have a look at your cruise line and see what they offer for the whole family to enjoy. While most cruise ships will have swimming pools and restaurants as standard, have a look at the entertainment programme, kids’ clubs and more. Some cruise lines, MSC included, will have waterparks and zip lines on board for even more family fun!
- Cabin options: Depending on the number and age of family members coming, you should consider the type of staterooms and cabins that are available. Do you need interconnecting rooms or a larger suite? Some suites aboard MSC can hold up to 5 people, creating a spacious and relaxing place to unwind at the end of a jam-packed day of exploring.
- Dining options: Many cruise ships will have lots of different restaurants to cater for all tastes, but it’s still helpful to check what’s on board your ship. Some of the buffet restaurants and main dining rooms will have early dining options to suit younger children, while other a la carte restaurants may still offer children’s menus.
Are MSC Cruises good for families?
MSC Cruises have been taking parents and children to a great number of destinations since 1970. From the Mediterranean and Canary Islands to Asia and Dubai, you can choose an itinerary that suits you, with child-friendly countries aplenty.
When it comes to excursions, MSC offer a special programme for kids so that you can enjoy your time in port to the maximum. So, whether you’re an adventurous family looking for something more active, or you’d prefer to surround yourself with spectacular scenery, MSC offers some incredible opportunities to suit everyone.
MSC have won multiple awards for their family-friendly approach to cruising, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands when it comes to trusting them with your precious family time.
What to expect on an MSC family cruise
Aboard an MSC family cruise there’s a whole load of different experiences and activities, so when you’re not ashore exploring an intriguing destination, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy.
MSC Cruises offer a dedicated kids’ club and even baby clubs too, so no matter their age, you can guarantee there’s a whole team of people waiting to welcome your little ones with sports tournaments, quizzes, family discos and more. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, some ships offer gliding along zip-lines, driving a full-size MSC Formula Racer and trying your hand at an immersive VR experience.
On every MSC cruise, you and your kids will be able to take part in the Lego experience, taking part in Lego-themed activities. There’s also a Fun Pass which enables you to get even more out of the Amusement area on board.
When it comes to dining, MSC Cruises have dedicated experiences to making meal times with your little ones much more seamless. There’s children’s menus, including options for babies aged 6-12 months, while the main restaurants have their own Kids’ Corner. The youth team on board are also on hand to take your children to the kids’ clubs and eat with friends, while you enjoy some peace and quiet.
As well as all of the above, you can take advantage of your ship’s facilities focused on making family time as enjoyable as possible, with things like 24 hour room service, a dedicated baby laundry service and of course, a medical centre to keep your mind at ease.
Best MSC cruise for families
It goes without saying that MSC Cruises are more than equipped to welcome younger cruisers along with their adult counterparts. So, if you were worried that your kids would be bored or fussy at mealtimes, you can think again!
So, which ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet can offer the best family experience? Here we take a closer look at what some of the individual ships can offer for your next family cruise.
MSC Bellissima
With spectacular productions and Broadway-style shows, not to mention the partnership with Lego and Chicco, the MSC Bellissima is brilliantly set up for families. There’s plenty of public space per guest around the pools, 7 different rooms in the kids’ club and a spa, for when the parents are ready for some time out. You’ll find the Arizona Aquapark, MSC Formula Racer simulator, a full size bowling alley and sportplex onboard to keep everyone entertained.
MSC Seascape
Inspired by the city of New York, MSC Seascape is one of the longest ships in the fleet and features incredibly immersive, high-tech entertainment for the whole family. Here, you’ll find an onboard Pirates Cove Aquapark and the largest kids’ club of any other ship in MSC’s line-up. MSC Seascape is also home to Robotron, the first ever thrill ride on a cruise ship. If that’s not enough, you’ll also find the zip line and MSC Formula Racer simulator on board too.
MSC Seashore
MSC Seashore also pays homage to the bustling vibe of New York City. Here you’ll find a redesigned kids’ area, as well as the Pirates Cove Aquapark with an incredibly exciting waterslide to enjoy over and over again. Seashore is also home to the zip line and MSC Formula Racer simulator, making sure there’s something for everyone’s taste.
MSC Grandiosa
First-class entertainment is the name of the game aboard the MSC Grandiosa, with the lives of acrobatics, dance and live music that are set to blow your mind, not to mention Broadway-style theatre. The partnerships with Lego and Chicco means there’s plenty for the kids to do, not to mention the Doremi Studio, full size bowling alley and the Wild Forest Aquapark complete with slides!
MSC Seaside
MSC Seaside offers endless fun for the whole family, from the bowling alley to the kids’ clubs. If that’s not enough, the ship boasts a multi-storey waterpark with 5 slides as well as an area for the smaller children. There’s also the Metropolitan Theatre to enjoy some great shows into the evening too.
MSC Seaview
As well as the perfect place for parents to unwind, MSC Seaview offers a lot in the way of keeping the kids busy. With two full sized bowling alleys, Seaview also manages to fit in an adventurous zip line and a Forest Aquaventure Park. You’ll have no trouble finding the laughs and making memories here.
MSC Meraviglia
Enjoy a whole range of activities aboard the MSC Meraviglia, whether you’re looking for something action-packed or a little more laidback. With the Polar Aquapark and sportplex you’re bound to wear the kids out ready for bed, while the bowling alley and Formula Racer simulator is perfect for those looking for some light-hearted fun.
MSC Euribia
The MSC Euribia boasts one of the biggest waterparks at sea with the Coral Cay Aquapark, not to mention its suspension Himalayan bridge that lets you venture on an invigorating sky walk. For families that prefer more low-key activities, take advantage of the Delphi Theatre and kids’ clubs onboard.
MSC Virtuosa
The MSC Virtuosa offers a variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family, from the onboard casino and spa perfect for the grown-ups to the kids’ clubs. The Savannah Aquapark and virtual games arcade are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages, not to mention the sportplex and TV studio to suit all hobbies and interests.
MSC World Europa
The first LNG-propelled ship in the fleet, MSC World Europa boasts some great features. Choose from the Aurora Borealis Aquapark, World Theatre and Doremiland play area, or step it up a notch with onboard bumper cars and captivating street performances.
So, whichever MSC Cruise ship takes your fancy, you’re bound to be met with plenty of onboard activities and facilities to make your next family cruise a breeze. MSC Cruises’ dedication to family-friendly experiences means that is one of the best choices for your upcoming trip, no matter where in the world you want to visit. Check out our cruise deals today to find an itinerary and ship that suits you.