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MSC Cruises: What Is Included in the Price 2026

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-08-13 · 12 min read

Passengers enjoying dinner and live show onboard MSC cruise ship in 2026

A detailed, UK-focused guide to what MSC Cruises includes in the price in 2026. Learn what’s covered, what costs extra, and practical tips to save money.

If you’re asking “msc cruises what is included in the price 2026”, you’re not alone. In 2026 MSC Cruises continues to sell a range of fares and add-ons that determine what’s included: the base fare covers your cabin, main meals, daytime entertainment and kids clubs, but drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions and Wi‑Fi are often extras unless you buy a more inclusive fare or package. This guide breaks down, in plain UK terms and with specific 2026 prices and offers, exactly what you can expect to pay and how to avoid nasty surprises. To compare MSC with a flight-and-transfer-led UK package, use our Marella versus MSC 2026 guide and match the same date, cabin, occupancy and transport.

Overview of MSC fare types in 2026

MSC sells different fare types that influence inclusions: typically 'Insider', 'Bella', 'Fantastica', and the more inclusive 'All‑Inclusive' or promotional 'Premium' options depending on the ship and itinerary in 2026. For example, a 7‑night Mediterranean sailing on MSC Seashore departing Barcelona in June 2026 might show a Bella fare from around £350pp (inside), a Fantastica fare from approximately £390pp, and a Premium or Yacht Club option substantially higher. The exact names and perks vary by market and ship, but the rule is the same: the higher the fare, the more extras are bundled in.

Choosing the right fare saves money. If you plan to enjoy multiple cocktails, speciality dining and shore excursions, buying a package or a higher fare upfront is often cheaper than paying a la carte onboard. Conversely, if you drink water, eat in included venues and plan DIY shore visits, a lower fare is a better value. On MSC in 2026, their promotional bundles sometimes include a classic drinks package for a set price, which we’ll detail below with real examples.

What the base fare almost always includes

Across MSC ships in 2026, the base fare generally includes: cabin accommodation, main dining room meals (breakfast, lunch, evening dinner), buffet access, soft drinks and tea/coffee with meals (sometimes at set times), daytime entertainment (shows, live music), access to the ship's pool and public areas, kids and teen clubs, basic medical facilities (consultation fees excluded), port taxes on some deals (check fare breakdown), and standard housekeeping. This is similar to what budget-conscious cruisers expect with P&O and Marella, but MSC’s onboard extras tend to be optional paid upgrades.

<table><thead><tr><th>Item</th><th>Included in Base Fare</th><th>Often Extra / Optional</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Cabin</td><td>Yes (inside to balcony depending on fare)</td><td>Suite / Yacht Club upgrades extra</td></tr><tr><td>Main dining & buffet</td><td>Yes</td><td>Speciality restaurants extra</td></tr><tr><td>Tea/coffee with meals</td><td>Usually</td><td>Premium coffee/Starbucks style outlets extra</td></tr><tr><td>Alcoholic drinks</td><td>No</td><td>Drinks packages purchasable from ~£25‑£45/day</td></tr><tr><td>Wi‑Fi</td><td>No</td><td>Packages from ~£6‑£20/day</td></tr><tr><td>Gratuities / service charge</td><td>Sometimes included in promotions</td><td>Standard service charge ~£10‑£13pp/day normally applied</td></tr><tr><td>Shore excursions</td><td>No</td><td>Paid excursions; DIY cheaper</td></tr></tbody></table>

Drinks — What’s included and how much will it cost?

Drinks are the most common source of confusion. MSC’s standard policy in 2026 is that alcoholic drinks, cocktails, premium wines by the glass and many speciality beverages are not included in the base fare. You can pay as you go or buy a drinks package. Prices vary by itinerary and promotions, but typical 2026 examples for UK bookings are:

1. Classic Drinks Package — approx £27 per person per day (soft drinks, house beers, wines by the glass, basic cocktails)
2. Premium Drinks Package — approx £37 per person per day (wider wine list, premium cocktails, spirits)
3. Top Shelf / Luxury Package — approx £55 per person per day (premium spirits, champagne, high-end wines)
4. Non‑alcoholic package — approx £12 per person per day (soft drinks, bottled water, mocktails)
Note: MSC often runs promotions where a 7‑night package costs less overall, e.g. Classic for in the region of £160pp for 7 nights on selected 2026 sailings.

    Drinks included in specific fare types

    Some 2026 'All‑Inclusive' or Premium fares and suite bookings include a drinks package. For example, Yacht Club suites on MSC World Europa and suites on selected Seashore departures in 2026 include alcoholic drinks up to a point and minibar allowances. Always check the fine print: 'drinks included' may mean house brands only or selected outlets only.

    Dining: what's included and what costs extra

    Standard dining is comprehensive: breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining rooms and self‑service buffet are included. However, speciality restaurants such as steakhouse venues, sushi bars, or speciality Italian on MSC World Europa are ala carte. Expect charges in the range of £8‑£45 per person depending on the restaurant and menu in 2026. Some speciality restaurants offer set tasting menus for close to £30‑£45pp, while casual options may be usually £8‑£15 for certain premium dishes.

    On MSC Seashore in 2026: Kaito (sushi) tasting menu approx £29pp, Steakhouse an estimated £39pp, Butcher’s Cut £34pp. Menus and pricing change by ship and sailing, so if you have specific foodie plans budget £50‑£80pp for one speciality dinner for two including drinks.

    Breakfast options and room service

    Buffet breakfasts are included. Some ships offer in‑cabin breakfast service for a small fee in 2026 or free for suite guests. Room service is often limited or chargeable for certain items — check the daily menu.

    <table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>MSC Cruises</th><th>P&O Cruises</th><th>Cunard</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Main dining & buffet</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality restaurants</td><td>Usually extra</td><td>Usually extra</td><td>Usually extra but afternoon tea often included in some places</td></tr><tr><td>Afternoon tea</td><td>Usually included (basic)</td><td>Included (classic British style)</td><td>Included</td></tr><tr><td>Drinks</td><td>Extra unless packaged</td><td>Extra unless packages or promotions</td><td>Extra; suites have allowances</td></tr></tbody></table>

    Wi‑Fi, internet and communication costs in 2026

    Wi‑Fi is not automatically included on most MSC fares in 2026. MSC offers packages such as 'Social' (basic messaging) from somewhere around £6 per day, 'Surf' from approx £9‑£12 per day, and 'Stream' higher‑speed packages from about £18‑£20 per day. Promotions are common — for example, a 7‑night Stream package might be offered at a bundle price of in the order of £90pp on selected 2026 sailings.

    Buy Wi‑Fi during early booking promotions or pre‑cruise offers. If you only need messaging, buy the Social package.

    In‑suite internet and perks

    Yacht Club or suite packages sometimes include Wi‑Fi allowances. On MSC World Europa in 2026 some suite packages included a basic Wi‑Fi allowance and premium drinks in the suite lounge — always check the booking terms.

    Gratuities and service charges — how MSC handles tipping in 2026

    MSC typically adds a daily service charge per guest to the onboard account, unless your fare or promotion explicitly waives it. Typical service charges in 2026 are typically £10‑£13 per adult per day and lower for children. Some cruises (especially marketed as 'All‑Inclusive' or suite bookings) include gratuities in the price. Always check your booking documents to see whether the daily service charge is included, payable onboard or already covered.

    Shore excursions, transport and transfers

    Shore excursions are not included in the base fare. MSC sells excursions ranging from £20 for simple transfers or walking tours to roughly £120+ for full‑day experiences (e.g. private vineyard tours in Tuscany). For UK cruisers flying into embarkation ports such as Barcelona, Genoa or Southampton, flights and airport transfers are extra unless you book a package fare that bundles them in.

    Book independent transfers or use local taxis, research DIY sightseeing options, or prebook entrance tickets yourself. For example, instead of an MSC Pompeii full‑day tour for approximately £80pp in 2026, you could take a regional train and entry for in the region of £30pp — more effort, but big savings.

    Is it safer to book MSC excursions?

    Booking through MSC offers the protection that if the ship departs on time and the excursion is delayed, the ship will normally wait for you (if the delay is the operator's fault). If you're independent, you risk missing departure.

    Kids, families and kids clubs — what’s free for children?

    Kids clubs and daytime youth activities are included on MSC for many ages. Babysitting services, some special activities or branded kids experiences may cost extra. Children’s dining in the buffet or main dining room is generally included, and some cruise deals in 2026 offer reduced fares for kids (e.g. kids from an estimated £60 on selected sailings) — watch for family promotions on UK departures.

    • Kids clubs (age‑grouped) — often free
    • Family pools and play areas — free
    • Child discounts on some fares — promotional
    • Babysitting/supervised late‑night clubs — often extra charge
    • Child drink packages — sometimes discounted

      Medical care and travel insurance — what to expect

      Basic onboard medical consultation is available but often chargeable in 2026. Treatment, medication and hospital transfers cost extra. MyCruiseAdvisor has a guide on travel insurance you should read before booking Best Cruise Travel Insurance.

      Onboard entertainment and activities — what’s included?

      MSC includes theatre shows, many daytime activities, live music and often some sporting facilities. Special classes (e.g. spa treatments, fitness classes with trainers, cooking classes) may carry a charge. Attraction features like F1 simulators, VR experiences or private workshops typically cost extra in 2026.

      Spa treatments are always extra — massages in 2026 start at £55 or so for a short treatment on MSC ships, with packages available. Fitness classes like Pilates or personal training sessions often have a charge of £10‑£40 per session. Spa or fitness packages sometimes appear in pre‑cruise offers; these can be good value if you plan multiple sessions.

      Health & safety considerations

      In 2026, MSC maintains health protocols and medical facilities onboard. If you have medication, bring an adequate supply and the prescription. If you require continuous medical care, discuss with your GP and the cruise line before booking.

      The Yacht Club and suites — how inclusion changes

      Booking a suite or Yacht Club stateroom substantially alters inclusions. Yacht Club typically includes private dining, a dedicated lounge, complimentary drinks, priority embarkation, and sometimes gratuities and Wi‑Fi. For example, in 2026 a Yacht Club suite on MSC Seashore might start from somewhere around £2,200pp for a 7‑night Mediterranean cruise and include drinks up to a certain value, exclusive restaurants and butler service. Decide whether the upgrades match the premium you pay.

      If you value privacy, a quieter pool and included drinks, the suite premium can be worthwhile.

      Promotions and UK‑specific offers in 2026

      MSC runs UK promotions in 2026 with onboard credit, drink packages included for early bookings, and reduced deposits. For instance, a June 2026 Sunshine promotion included a free Classic drinks package on selected 7‑night Southampton departures on MSC Seashore for UK bookings. Always compare per person per day savings and read terms — some 'free' drinks offers exclude premium brands.

      How to spot a genuine deal

      Look at the full price breakdown: are port taxes included? Is a service charge added? Does the 'free drinks' statement specify package level and outlets? If a deal looks too good, check for hidden fees.

      <table><thead><tr><th>Item</th><th>Bella Fare (£)</th><th>Fantastica (£)</th><th>Premium / Yacht Club (£)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Base cabin fare (inside)</td><td>349</td><td>389</td><td>2,199</td></tr><tr><td>Classic drinks package (7 nights)</td><td>—</td><td>159</td><td>Included</td></tr><tr><td>Wi‑Fi package (Stream, 7 nights)</td><td>—</td><td>89</td><td>Included or allowance</td></tr><tr><td>Service charge (7 nights)</td><td>77</td><td>77</td><td>Included</td></tr><tr><td>Estimated total (ex flights)</td><td>426</td><td>714</td><td>2,276</td></tr></tbody></table>

      Money‑saving tips specific to MSC in 2026

      1. Book early to access bundled packages and lower deposits. 2) Use pre‑cruise promotions to buy drinks and Wi‑Fi at discounted rates. 3) Bring a refillable water bottle and use water fountains where available. 4) Eat in the main dining rooms for included multi‑course meals rather than paying for speciality dining every night. 5) Compare what P&O, Cunard and Marella include — sometimes a slightly higher fare on another line reduces extras. 6) Consider flying into the embarkation port a day early to avoid missed flight stress; some MSC packages include transfers at a better price than buying separately.

      Budget example: How to plan a 7‑night cruise on a budget

      If you want a wallet‑friendly MSC cruise from the UK in 2026, aim for shoulder season departures (May, late September), book an inside cabin on a Bella fare and avoid most onboard extras. Example budget for a 7‑night Mediterranean cruise (per person): Cabin £349, service charge £77, one speciality dinner £35, pay‑as‑you‑go drinks £75 (moderate drinking), Wi‑Fi messaging only £42 = approx £578pp excluding flights. Adjust according to your habits.

      Cut costs by bringing your own toiletries, booking independent transfers, eating included meals and limiting paid excursions. For families, splitting speciality dinners across nights saves money while still enjoying a treat.

      Using loyalty and onboard credits

      MSC’s loyalty scheme (MSC Voyagers Club) offers perks and occasional discounts. Onboard credit promotions are common; use them for drinks, spa or souvenirs. If you’re flexible with cabin location and date, the onboard credit can represent significant value — but don’t let it distract from core value‑for‑money calculations.

      Payment, deposits and cancellation policies in 2026

      MSC’s deposit structure in 2026 varies by fare and itinerary. Typical deposits range from £50pp to £250pp, with full balance due 8–10 weeks before sailing. Cancellation terms depend on fare — refundable or partially refundable fares cost more. Travel insurance is essential if you need cancellation cover. Always check the booking terms: some promotional fares are non‑refundable.

      How to avoid last‑minute surprises

      Check when the balance is due and what amounts are refundable. If you think plans might change, pay a bit more for a refundable or flexible fare to avoid losing your deposit. In 2026 several MSC promotions offered flexible re‑booking vouchers as an add‑on for a small fee — worth considering during uncertain travel times.

      FAQ snapshot in the sections

      See the FAQs below for more specific enquiries like 'Are alcoholic drinks included?' and 'Does MSC include gratuities?'.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Are alcoholic drinks included in MSC fares in 2026?

      No — alcoholic drinks are not included in the typical base fare. You can pay as you go or buy a drinks package (Classic from about £25/day, Premium from around £35/day). Some suites or Yacht Club fares include drink packages. Always check the offer’s terms to see exactly what brands and outlets are covered.

      Is Wi‑Fi included on MSC ships in 2026?

      Generally not. MSC offers tiered Wi‑Fi packages: Social (basic), Surf (mid‑range) and Stream (fast). Prices vary but expect from roughly £6 to £20 per person per day, with promotional bundle prices for full sailings available at booking.

      Do MSC fares include shore excursions?

      No. Shore excursions are sold separately and range from inexpensive walking tours to full‑day experiences costing around £100+. Independent excursions are often cheaper but carry the risk of missing the ship’s departure if delayed.

      Are service charges (gratuities) included in the advertised price?

      Not normally. For UK guests, MSC says service charges and gratuities are included in the cruise fare (MSC Cruises UK, checked 1 Nov 2026). Some promotions or suite bookings include service charges in the price — check your booking confirmation carefully.

      What dining is included with MSC in 2026?

      Main dining rooms, set multi‑course meals and buffet service are included in the fare. Speciality restaurants, private dining experiences and some branded outlets are extra.

      How can I save money on an MSC cruise?

      Book early to capture package offers, buy drinks or Wi‑Fi during pre‑cruise promotions, prioritise which extras you’ll use, consider independent shore days instead of excursions, and compare inclusive options across lines like P&O, Cunard and Marella to find the best overall value.

      Does MSC include kids clubs and activities?

      Yes — kids and teens clubs with age‑appropriate activities are generally included. Additional services like babysitting or certain branded children's experiences may come with a charge.

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