MSC's ships feature classic Italian design in marble, brass and wood -- without glitz or clutter. Because the line caters mainly to Europeans, however, service might seem inconsistent to North American travelers. For example, Americans might find water glasses too small, and staff members might look on American customs such as having coffee with dessert as not typical. On European cruises, 85 percent of MSC's passengers are generally European, although the percentage of North Americans increases on Caribbean cruises. On-board announcements are given in multiple languages.
On-board cuisine is authentic Italian. Menus feature classic and regional Italian specialties, such as lamb and mushroom quiche and veal scaloppini with tomatoes and mozzarella. More American-style choices such as broiled chicken breast, grilled salmon and Caesar salad are also available. Bread is freshly baked on board. Dinner is a multi-course event with assigned seats, although a nightly midnight buffet features pizza and pasta. Room service is available with limited options. Vegetarian and health-conscious menus are available.
MSC Cruises has a dress code. Most cruises have either two or three formal nights. Men are encouraged to wear dark suits, but sport coats and ties are acceptable. Other evenings are casual, but jeans are discouraged in restaurants. No shorts are allowed in public areas after 6 p.m. Because MSC is an Italian company, and most of its staff members are Italian, activities will often be conducted in a European, rather than American, style.
Families can especially benefit from the line's "kids free" policy, which allows kids from ages 3 to 17 to cruise at practically no cost in third and fourth berths. Other advantages of the MSC line are its wide range of itineraries, its large number of ports of call, and the fact its cruises have few if any at-sea days. On-board entertainment includes novelties like jugglers, magicians, classical pianists and opera singers.
