MSC Cruises Europe vs. USA: Similarities and Differences

Did you know that taking an MSC cruise in Europe feels different from taking an MSC cruise in the United States? Once you’re onboard, you’ll notice many differences.

That’s because MSC tailors its European sailings primarily to European guests.

Unlike cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, where the onboard experience is generally similar no matter where you sail because most passengers are Americans, MSC adapts its cruise experience in Europe to match the expectations and preferences of European travelers.

I’ve been on five MSC cruises, three in the United States and two in Europe.

Below, I’ll go over exactly what’s different, what stays the same, and the things you should know before booking an MSC cruise in Europe so you know exactly what to expect before you step onboard.

MSC Europe vs USA: Similarities

Let us start with what is actually the same.

MSC is Paperless for Both USA and European Cruises

Both European and US cruises have gone paperless. This means the restaurant menus are not printed anymore, you pull them up in the MSC app on your phone, or you scan a QR code posted at the restaurant.

The same goes with the daily planner, they are no longer delivered to your cabin.

If you have sailed out of the United States, you know sometimes you can still request a paper menu and get lucky. On European sailings, printed menus are much harder to find. 

MSC App Texting

You can text through the MSC app while onboard the ship.

This is MSC’s own messaging feature built into the app, so once you download it and connect to the ship’s network, you can message other guests on the cruise ship for free.

You don’t need to pay for the WiFi plan. It works the same way whether you are sailing from Fort Lauderdale or from Barcelona, and it is very convenient when you are traveling with family and friends because you can easily make plans and find each other on the ship. 

Cheaper to Book Shore Excursions and Drink Packages Ahead of Time

Here’s a money-saving tip. Whether you’re sailing on an MSC cruise in the United States or Europe, it’s cheaper to book your shore excursions and drink package before you board.

But there’s an extra bonus on European cruises. If you book before your trip, you’ll pay in U.S. dollars.

Once you’re onboard, everything is charged in euros. Since the euro is stronger than the U.S. dollar, you end up paying more for the exact same shore excursion or drink package.

Booking ahead not only locks in the lower pre-cruise pricing, but it also lets you pay in dollars.

Free Continental Room Service Breakfast

Continental breakfast room service is free on both American and European sailings. Your coffee, pastries, cereal and yogurt are delivered to your cabin with no charge.

It is a small thing, but if you like a slow morning with coffee on your balcony before you head out to explore a port, this perk carries over no matter where you are sailing.

Same Check-In Process

The check-in process is similar for both European and American cruises. After you board the ship, you head straight to your cabin to get your keycard, which is waiting for you in an envelope right on your cabin door. 

One of the Best Pizza at Sea

You’ll be happy to know that the pizza is just as amazing on both American and European sailings.

Being an Italian cruise line, it’s no surprise that it serves some of the best pizza you’ll find at sea.

Fresh pizza is available at the buffet for much of the day.

Desserts

In my opinion, MSC serves some of the best desserts at sea, and that’s true whether you’re cruising in Europe or the United States.

The pastries and cakes are consistently excellent on both. That said, I do think the European sailings have a slight edge.

There’s just something about the pastries in Europe that feels a little more refined and authentic, they taste like something you’d find in a local European bakery.

Food Allergies Handled the Same

Food allergies are handled the same way no matter where you sail.

You order through your head waiter, you get tomorrow’s menu the night before, so you can preorder your meals in advance, giving the kitchen time to prepare for your allergy safely. 

Muster Drill

The muster drill is administered the same way on both sides of the Atlantic.

If you have never cruised before, the muster drill is the mandatory safety briefing that happens before the ship sails, where you learn where to go in an emergency.

You watch the safety video on your app or on your cabin TV, and then you head to your assigned muster station and scan your keycard to check in. It works the exact same efficient way whether you are sailing out of the United States or out of Europe.

MSC Europe vs USA: Differences

Now, let us get into the differences, because this is where it gets interesting.

Buffet Selection

One of the biggest differences you’ll notice is the food. On European cruises, the buffet has a much stronger Mediterranean influence, with a wider variety of grilled vegetables and fish.

If you’re someone who loves that, you’re going to eat very well. The buffet feels lighter and more balanced overall.

By comparison, the buffet on U.S. sailings tends to feature more American comfort food favorites.

Onboard Credit

If you booked through a US travel agent and you have onboard credit, expect that credit to be adjusted into euros on European sailings.

So keep an eye on the exchange rate when you are budgeting. I would recommend checking with your travel agent ahead of time so you know exactly how much credit you are working with once it gets converted, that way there are no surprises when you go to spend it.

Juice

On the European ships, juice is only served at breakfast in the buffet. If you are used to grabbing juice at the buffet during lunch or dinner on American sailings, that habit does not carry over to Europe. 

Tipping Culture.

Europeans are not big tippers. I did not see many passengers tip the tour guides on my European shore excursions, which is a big contrast to what you would expect on an American based cruise. 

Main Dining Room Food

This one surprised me the most, the main dining room in Europe is missing some staples that American cruisers consider classics.

No shrimp cocktail, no French onion soup, and no Caesar salad on the main dining room menu the way you would find on the American ships.

If those three dishes are part of your cruise routine, you will notice their absence right away on a European itinerary.

The American Guest Party

On both my European cruises, I received a special invitation to an event just for the American passengers onboard.

On my Mediterranean cruise, it was a casual gathering with complimentary champagne and a chance to meet other Americans.

But on my Scandinavian cruise, it was even more memorable. Since we were sailing over the Fourth of July, they hosted a full Independence Day celebration with complimentary cocktails, cake, live music, and even an appearance by the captain.

There were only a small number of Americans onboard, but the cruise line still went out of its way to make us feel welcome. 

Embarkation Works Differently

On U.S. sailings, everyone boards at the same home port, and those same passengers remain onboard until the cruise returns to that port.

But on many European itineraries, especially in the Mediterranean, that’s not how it works.

Instead, passengers can begin or end their cruise at several different ports along the itinerary.

As a result, new guests board while others disembark throughout the voyage, so the passenger mix changes as the cruise goes on. This happens throughout the entire cruise.

You will see passengers heading to their muster drill while you’re already several days into your vacation.

You’ll also notice luggage lining the hallways as departing guests set their bags out and new passengers arrive.

The Caesar Salad

The Caesar salad on the European cruises are bland. It does not compare to what you get on the American ships.

If Caesar salad is your go-to order at dinner, like it is mine, just know you will be disappointed on European sailings.

Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise

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Travel Must-Haves

Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.

Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.

Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.

Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.

Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.

Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.

Cruise Planning Essentials

Day Passes to Resorts– Booking private beach resort access in advance guarantees a comfortable beach experience at the cruise port.

Travel Insurance with CFAR Coverage– CFAR travel insurance gives you flexibility to cancel your cruise for any reason and recover part of your costs if plans change.

Last Minute Cruise Deals– Search for last minute cruise deals.

Cabin Comfort & Organization

Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).

Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!

Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.

Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.

Toiletries & Laundry

Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.

Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.

Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.

TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.

Health & Wellness

Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).

Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.

Packing & Storage

Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.

Packing cubes –  I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.

Foldable duffel bag –  I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space. 

Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra. 

Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.

Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.

Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.

Beach Essentials

Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.

Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.

Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.

Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials

Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.

Collapsible beach buckets and toys –  You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.