How does MSC Cruises stand out in the increasingly competitive cruise market?We offer a value proposition that rivals Carnival Cruise Lines, attracting guests with low fares and new ships with plenty to do on board.
MSC Cruises began year-round service in North America in 2014, making it a much newer cruise in this market than Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. The cruise company finally debuted a ship in Port Canaveral in 2021 and has since continued to grow its presence in Florida, particularly with the addition last year of MSC World America, which sails from Port Miami.
MSC Grandiosa in the Meraviglia Plus class continues that trend and is the larger of MSC Cruises’ two ships in Port Canaveral (the other being MSC Seashore), accommodating more than 6,300 passengers when fully booked. At 181,000 gross tons, Grandiosa is two years newer than Meraviglia and 50 feet longer, opening up space for additional dining space and an expanded main pool deck.
Grandiosa sailed in the Mediterranean for several years, then spent two seasons in South America before arriving in Port Canaveral in December for her North American debut. The ship will cruise the Caribbean for a week during the winter sailing season, then head to the Mediterranean in the summer and return to Port Canaveral for an extended stay in the fall.
Here’s a first-hand look at what sailing on the MSC Grandiosa is like, as we experienced it during a recent hosted media sailing.
around the ship
Upon boarding the ship, guests are first greeted by the 100-meter-long Grandiosa Galleria. Galleria Grandiosa is a European-style promenade with a brick façade and stone archways and columns. These may conjure up images of Old World Rome, but the ship’s central hub has a decidedly high-tech LED screen on the ceiling that changes throughout the day. Here you will find the ship’s signature dining facilities, bar, gelato, chocolate and shop.
Heading aft from the promenade, a three-deck infinity atrium opens with a signature glittering staircase and a piano lounge on the bottom deck of five. The extensive use of glossy touches and mirrors gives the ship a sleek, modern feel.
Head to the upper deck and you’ll find an expanded pool deck with daybeds by the water and space to lie out on chairs in the sun. Stop by the Marketplace Buffet at the back of the ship or continue to the Safari Pool located inside the retractable roof solarium.
Deck 16 offers family-friendly activities, from bowling to basketball to arcade games. Step outside to discover the aft walking track and horizon pool, or head inside to visit the gym overlooking the main pool deck.
Deck 18 has spaces designed for children and youth. Alternatively, enjoy a drink in the comfortable and classy Sky Lounge overlooking the pool deck. Step up to Deck 19 and explore family-friendly outdoor activities and exclusive areas for guests of MSC Yacht Club and Aurea.
Experience story
Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruises Awards named MSC Cruises the best family-friendly ocean cruise company for its extensive kids’ club, diverse menu and “multigenerational appeal.”
MSC Grandiosa is not the first ship to feature a ropes course, splash pad and water slide, but these are all ship features that will appeal to families exploring outdoor play on board. Inside, there’s a bowling alley, F1 simulator, VR maze, sportsplex and Lego-themed kids’ club, all sure to be a hit.
Although Grandiosa does not have an adult-only area on board, there are places where you can separate and relax. MSC Yacht Club and Aurea guests enjoy a private sundeck and whirlpool bath with spectacular views on Deck 19. Yacht Club guests enjoy even more exclusive benefits with access to a private pool, sundeck, whirlpool and bar located forward of the top deck.
The spa’s thermal area is a great place for adult cruisers to relax without children. Enjoy maximum relaxation with the sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
The best experiences MSC Cruises has to offer aren’t on board. As a private destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has a calmer, more natural feel than what other cruise lines offer on their theme park-like private islands. Step off the boat and step onto an island that was once used for sand excavation. The island has now been transformed into an untouched natural paradise. There are countless bars, beaches, shops, cabanas, food and exploration tours.
entertainment
One thing that sets Grandiosa apart from other ships is her unique entertainment lineup. Full-length shows are held on the main stage, Theater La Comedie and Carousel Lounge.
“Rouge” is a cabaret-style show on the main stage featuring decades-spanning music, lively dancing, juggling, and light audience participation. With fun song and dance numbers and a little something for everyone, it’s definitely worth seeing.
The Carousel Lounge at the stern offers a Cirque-style show. The price is $18 and includes cocktails. The theater is built for aerial performances and is equipped with a revolving stage. “Sweets” is the better of the two shows, with its sugar-themed songs, juggling, impressive stunts, and high energy.
“Strings” is a puppet-themed piece that attempts a heartfelt plot, but falls short in its execution. While the aerial performances have some moving moments and others that tug at your heartstrings, it is the slower, happier show of the two.
food
As a ship from Europe, MSC Grandiosa is packed with international flavours, including chocolatiers, macarons, gelato and crepes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Among specialty dining options, L’Atelier Bistro is a new French restaurant concept for MSC Grandiosa. The escargot was a satisfying appetizer packed with garlic and butter. The best thing about this experience was the decor and atmosphere.
Butcher’s Cut, a steakhouse concept found on several MSC Cruises ships, has a $60 menu that includes an appetizer, entrée, side and dessert. The lobster bisque was a great start and the wagyu beef was a very tender cut and well worth the $30 upgrade.
Teppanyaki is definitely worth a visit onboard an MSC cruise if you have the option. Dinner and a fun show by the Hibachi chef is perfect for couples and families alike, with delicious steaks and seafood to choose from in multiple price options.
lastly
With cruise prices on the Grandiosa starting at $359 per person for seven nights, MSC Cruises is an attractive option for travelers on a budget. This fare may not include extra decorations or balconies, but you can still get a vacation for a fraction of the price of other cruise lines.
MSC Cruises is also increasing its share of Carnival converts, at least in part due to changes to Carnival’s loyalty program announced last year. Amidst the whirlwind on board, a visitor from Georgia said he switched to a cruise with MSC Cruises after Carnival changed its program to eliminate lifetime loyalty status. To attract passengers from other airlines, MSC Cruises has a status match program that uses the company’s “internal exchange rate” to enroll them in MSC’s loyalty program at a similar level.
Cruise passengers who dine in the main dining room or buffet have complained about the quality of food and service, but MSC Cruises appears intent on staying in the U.S. market. As the cruise line prepares to bring its massive MSC World Atlantic fleet to Port Canaveral next year, the company must continue to enhance its onboard experience to attract new passengers and retain others. But with some of the lowest fares on the US market, who wouldn’t at least give it a try?
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