MSC Cruises Best & Worst Ships

MSC Cruises: The Good, The Bad, and The Rusty

When it comes to MSC Cruises, the fleet is a mixed bag of shiny new builds and those… well, let’s just say they’re a bit long in the tooth. If you’re navigating the high seas of decision-making for your next cruise, here’s the scoop on which MSC ships are showstoppers and which ones are best left in dry dock.

The Gems of the Fleet

Let’s start with the crown jewels. MSC Cruises, known for its European flair, has some absolute stunners that give a bang for your buck and, of course, Instagrammable backdrops.

• MSC Seashore: This ship is the Beyoncé of the fleet, grabbing attention wherever she sails. With its 2021 debut, it’s not just new, it’s state-of-the-art. Think high-tech features, stunning design, and more dining options than you’ll know what to do with. If the words “eco-friendly” make you weak in the knees, this ship’s energy-saving systems are a dream. Plus, the CDC has smiled upon her with high scores, which you can see in our cleanliness rankings.
• MSC Virtuosa: Another fresh face from 2021, Virtuosa is like the overachieving sibling who does everything right. Featuring the hottest tech, sustainable measures, and a vibrant entertainment lineup, it’s a ship that’s all about choices—without the hidden fees.
• MSC Grandiosa: Debuted in 2019, it’s not new-new, but still plenty fresh. It’s like the cool older cousin of the fleet, with a focus on sustainability and guest satisfaction. It introduced the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, because why not?

For more details and nitty-gritty specs, check out our Ship Database.

The Not-So-Sparkling Members

Every family has a few relatives that don’t quite stand out, and MSC is no exception. While these ships won’t leave you stranded at sea, they might not be the highlight of your cruising career.

• MSC Armonia: Launched in the early 2000s and refurbished in 2014, Armonia is like that old friend who still uses a flip phone. It works, but don’t expect the glitz and glam. CDC scores for this ship hover around average, so be prepared for a vintage experience.
• MSC Sinfonia: Another early 2000s throwback, this ship is showing signs of age despite a 2015 makeover. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig—there’s just so much you can do. Lower CDC scores reflect the need for some TLC.

Subpar cleanliness and outdated amenities mean these ships might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a modern cruise experience. For the full list of cleanliness scores, dig into our Rankings.

Newest vs. Oldest: A Fleet Spanning Decades

MSC Cruises has been on a shipbuilding spree, but what’s the difference between hopping on a new ship versus an older model? Let’s be blunt: the newer ships are where MSC shines. New technology, modern design, and a focus on environmental sustainability are features that the older ships just can’t compete with.

Newer ships, like MSC Seascape and MSC World Europa (both launched in 2022), dazzle with all the bells and whistles. Think infinity pools, cutting-edge entertainment, and restaurants that might actually make you forget you’re on a cruise ship.

In contrast, the older ships might make you feel you’re taking a cruise back in time. And not in a quirky, nostalgic way, but more like “I didn’t know brass fixtures were still a thing.”

Refurbishment Status: A Makeover Story

When it comes to refurbishments, MSC isn’t slacking, but it’s also not winning awards for speed. Recent sprucing efforts have been concentrated on the Lirica class ships like MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia, but these updates mainly add more cabins and shopping areas. It’s like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic—new curtains won’t save a sinking ship.

CDC Scores: The Report Card

MSC Cruises presents a mixed bag of CDC scores, ranging from the sparkling to the “meh.” The newer ships predictably score higher, thanks to rigorous cleaning protocols and fresh facilities. For instance, MSC Seashore and MSC Virtuosa have scored above 90 consistently, which is like getting an A+ in algebra.

The older models? Let’s just say, they’re showing their age in the CDC report cards as well. Keep tabs on the latest CDC inspections in our MSC Cruises Dossier and Outbreak Tracker.