Find out if MSC Cruises are more expensive than Carnival. Compare costs, onboard experiences, and overall value to help you pick the perfect cruise vacation.
Cost is one of the most important things to consider when you're looking to plan a cruise. However, with so many cruise lines to pick from, it can be difficult to decide which line offers you the best value for your money. There are a variety of cruise lines, but two of the most popular are MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruises, which cater to a very wide-ranging spectrum of passengers as well as different experiences. However, the question remains: Is MSC more expensive than Carnival?
In this article, we're going to dive deeper into a cruise comparison of MSC vs Carnival in terms of pricing, recent changes, and special offers so you can pick which cruise line is the best pick for your next getaway.
The price varies from time of year and, to a certain degree, depending on where you are going and the specific ship you want.
When comparing MSC cruise price with Carnival cruise price, you have to distinguish between what each cruise line is offering. Most of the time, Carnival offers lower base prices, while MSC targets luxury experiences like premium amenities and international itineraries, which some travelers may be willing to pay for.
| Cruise Line | Starting Price (per person, per day) | Popular Destinations | Cabin Types Available |
| MSC Cruises | Starting at $120 | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe, Northern Europe | Interior, Balcony, Yacht Club Suite |
| Carnival Cruises | Starting at $95 | Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico | Interior, Ocean View, Suite |
Base prices for cruises may seem affordable, but it's important to factor in additional fees that can increase the overall cost of your vacation. MSC and Carnival charge for gratuities, port taxes, and excursions. Here's a cruise comparison of the additional fees:
| Fee Type | MSC Cruises | Carnival Cruises |
| Gratuities | $12.50–$14.50 per person, per day | $14.50 per person, per day (standard cabins) $16.50 per person, per day (suites) |
| Port Taxes | $100–$200 per person (depending on itinerary) | $100–$250 per person (depending on itinerary) |
| Excursions | $60–$150 (standard) $200–$300 (premium) |
$50–$120 (standard) $150–$200 (premium) |
These extra charges can significantly impact the overall price of your cruise, making it crucial to budget for them accordingly.
It's important to note that cruise prices may fluctuate. Prices will go up and down depending on whether it's a peak or off-peak travel season. Online cruise booking platforms are the best place to check the most up-to-date MSC cruise price and Carnival cruise price, as they can help you become more informed about the cost of the cruise.
Fleet and itinerary updates are a constant for cruise lines to improve the passenger experience. In 2024, both Carnival and MSC have new ships and itineraries.
As MSC continues to expand its fleet, it introduced the MSC Euribia in 2024. The latest technology is on board this new ship, including virtual assistants in cabins, digital signage, and environmentally friendly systems to reduce the vessel's carbon footprint. Euribia also offers state-of-the-art amenities like:
In addition to this, MSC has updated its itineraries with more destinations in Europe and the Caribbean. The cruise line has extended sailings to exotic destinations, such as the Greek Isles, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe.
Also Read: List of MSC Cruises Ships by Class, Age and Size
Carnival launched the Carnival Jubilee in late 2023, continuing its reputation as the "Fun Ship" line with new, innovative attractions. The Jubilee boasts:
Carnival has also revised its itineraries for Caribbean and Alaska cruises. New ports of call include Roatán and Belize and longer stays at popular ports allow more time to explore.
Also Read: Carnival Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest
Also Read: How to Relax Onboard a Carnival Cruise Ship?
Also Read: What are different dining options on a cruise?
MSC and Carnival often engage in promotions to bring in passengers, and these can make your cruise very cheap.
MSC is offering several promotions, including:
MSC's Voyagers Club loyalty program allows you to get several perks, such as discounted future cruises, priority boarding, and exclusive offers for repeat cruisers.
Carnival is known for its affordability, but it also has cruise deals that make it even more budget-friendly. The latest Carnival's promotions include:
Loyal customers of Carnival are rewarded with exclusive discounts, priority boarding, and other perks that make cruising with Carnival even more attractive for more frequent passengers through the Carnival's Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club.
Both MSC and Carnival have similar base prices, but MSC tends to be more expensive, especially with its Yacht Club Suites and premium amenities.
But Carnival is the cheapest of the two, with a wide range of affordable options that don't compromise on fun. Carnival is great for families and travelers who want a cost-effective, laid-back cruise, with starting prices as low as $95 per person per day.
MSC is more upscale, European-inspired, and starts at $120 per person per day. The MSC experience is elevated by fine dining, glamorous interiors, and high-end features like zip lines and virtual assistants, but at a higher price. Notably, Carnival has more international cruises than MSC.
The decision to choose between MSC vs Carnival comes down to what you're looking for in a cruise. If you want a luxurious, sophisticated cruise with glamorous themes and fine dining, MSC Cruises might be worth the extra expense. But if you're looking for a fun, family-friendly vacation on a lower budget, Carnival Cruises is probably the best choice.
To find the latest pricing and promotions, be sure to find a cruise on CruiseBooking.com, as it allows you to compare both MSC and Carnival offerings and book your next cruise vacation at the best price!
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