Great video, I’ve sailed on many cruise lines including both Norwegian and MSC. Between the two I prefer Norwegian especially for solo travelers. I also think the food on Norwegian is superior to the food on MSC. I will say that the video is factually correct, except for one thing that I just experienced on board the Norwegian Escape. Ben, you are correct, on Norwegian you can wear whatever you want; however, there are two specialty restaurants that do not permit t shirts or shorts, those are Le Bistro and Ocean Blue. Ben, I hope you will at some point like in a year or so host a cruise on Norwegian. Your energy is contagious and it would be fun to have a small group go with you. A relative of mine used to work in the Cruise industry and told me that if an organizer has a group of so many cabins, and the number of cabins depends on the cruise line, the organizer sails free. I would suggest you look into it. Other cruise bloggers do it. I always look forward to your videos.
Cheers, Mark! I only talk about my own experiences and I’ve never been to any specialty dining so when I say there’s no dress code, there isn’t 😊 A group cruise sounds fun!
Prima is hands down my favorite ship. I just like the smaller ship. It seems like the RC Oasis class is designed to make you forget you're on the ocean...not why I cruise! I love the Indulge food hall and the fact the local is available 24 hours. The NCL Breakaway class also too big for me and way too many kids.
I have sailed several lines, and Norwegian was neither good nor bad. It's just that nothing stood out to me. My last 10 cruises have been with MSC, and I have been impressed each and every time. I am friends on social media with a lot of the crew that I've met, and they remember me each time and overall, you can't beat the value that MSC provides. Plus, their ships are stunning!
@@timdalewag that’s great to hear, Tim! MSC gets a lot of bad reviews but I don’t understand why! I really enjoyed their ships apart from the things I talked about but overall, a great experience! Tim, thank you so much for becoming a channel member! I appreciate your support so much 😁
I would like that NCL since they have those solo cabins, since I usually travel solo. Haven't been on a 'real' cruise ever. Just these daycruices or 2 nights from Finland to Sweden or Estonia. (Did couple videos here in youtube about those, go check them out) They are not all inclusive cruises, so if you want to eat anything during a cruise, you have to pay every meal. I would like to go to mediterranean cruise, but the prices are quite high and I need to pay flights to and from there too.. so too expensive for me at the time.
I already told you about my NCL PoA experience. I had a bad experience with MSC, and I've never even cruised with them. I booked an 11-night cruise of New England/Canada for September this year. I booked last October. In Dec. I got an emailed saying my cruise had been canceled and to call for deposit refund info. I called and they said, "your cruise hasn't been canceled, there's just been a slight itinerary change." Cool, no problem. "What is the change" I ask. The reply, " it is now a 7- night cruise, round trip out of (some city in Italy I've never heard of)." If that is a slight change, I'd hate to see a big one! So, I canceled, and they said my deposit refund would be applied to my credit card. I still haven't gotten it. Needless to say, I'm not a big fan of MSC. Sorry for the long story. Thanks, Ben!
They changed an 11 day cruise to a 7 day cruise?!?! That’s crazy!! MSC is totally mixed because some people love it and some people avoid it so I guess it’s just luck?? But your experience would definitely turn me off, Matthew! That’s too bad…
Another great video. I’m grateful that I have had the opportunity to cruise on various cruise lines over the years. In the early years I would just look for a deal. Didn’t care about the cruise line. But now I’m trying to stay loyal to just a few lines so that I can benefit from the loyalty perks. One thing that I’m still very very confused about is giving additional gratuities to various crew members. You mentioned working in the cruise industry. I have had a difficult time finding information on this topic. Help …
Thank you, Evelyn 😊 it’s a good idea to experience other cruise lines but you get good perks for sticking to one or two cruise lines! I can’t help you with gratuities because there’s no expectations or rules. If you wanna give then give, no minimum amount, just whatever you want to whoever you want 😊
MSC and NCL are my two favorite lines. I cruise in "regular" NCL and in the Yacht Club on MSC ... depending on the experience, price, itinerary, etc. I want, I decide between the two.
Another great video. Thanks for the comparison. With the exception of one Virgin cruise, we have taken all of our recent cruises (over the past three years) on different NCL ships. After our next two cruises (Prima - 2025 and Virgin Brilliant Lady - 2026), we are going to look into other cruise lines and MSC was potentially an option. Which cruise we take though really depends on departure port and itinerary.
Hi Ben! I haven’t cruised before, but I love watching cruise videos! 😬. I would like to try a cruise at some point.. if I can get over my fear of seasickness 😢. I’m so prone to motion sickness and I hate that awful feeling. However if I do go, based on your review I would probably go with Norwegian. I’m like you - I’d prefer to eat whenever I feel like it and not be given a set time. That feels too structured for a holiday. Based on your videos, the food on both cruise lines looks very good!
There are plenty of 2/3 day cruises for you to try, Lim! That might be a good option for you to give cruising a try. Seasickness is definitely a worry for a lot of people and everyone reacts differently but if you avoid the hurricane season, you shouldn’t have any problems. Food and entertainment are always great! I like land vacations too but cruising is very convenient and a unique experience 😁
We sail NCL quite often and really love their free styling dining! We have never sailed MSC and "might" try it on one of their new ships if it has the right itinerary and price.
Good morning, Ben ! Nice to see you are planning for another cruise while we are torturing through esxremely hot weather ! Thanks for your information; the greens behind you look nice !
There are so many people with a hate on for a specific line, totally agree with you that all lines have pros and cons and if you cruise enough you are bound to have a bad experience any ANY line. Never cruise that line again then but don’t trash the line because of it. Enjoy your videos…wish I could talk as fast as you! 😂😂
Nice and informative Ben! I pretty much agree with all you pointed out between the two lines..For me, I would go with MSC simply for the $$ aspect(at least here in the USA MSC is trying to dominate the cruise industry with their low fares).. Just a little tidbit for you to think about..There is another cruise line that caters to solo travelers pretty nicely and that is Virgin Voyages..It's adults only, I think you would have a blast sailing with them! Just an idea! Have fun and be safe!
Cheers, Jon! I had no complaints about MSC apart from the stuff I talked about here and I got a great price on the cruises I went on! I have checked out Virgin but they’re a lot more expensive than NCL but of course completely different experiences! I’d love to try Virgin one day.
Hi Ben, So informative. My cruising life has only been on Princess, so hearing your opinion is helping me venture out to look at diff cruise ships. Thank you!
Thank you so much Ben for doing the comparison. I've been looking at more cruises on vacations to go and msc seems to be cheaper. But after your video I won't even consider it. As you know I have 3 NCL cruises booked ( which I haven't cruises on NCL before). And 2 on carnival. Have you cruised on carnival (My very first cruise was on carnival)? If so do you have a video I can't find it if you have. My last cruise was on Princess last year. Have you ever cruised Princess? I love the medallion on princess. Very convenient. Again thank you so much for another informative video. I can't wait to see where your next cruise-trip takes you. ❤🎉
You’re welcome, Terri! I haven’t cruised on Carnival or Princess. MSC is not necessarily ‘bad’, it’s just not for everyone. I don’t like the way they do certain things. Norwegian is a lot more of a smooth experience!
Hello, thank nyou for your vlog. What about free drinks for 1) breakfast, 2) lunch and 3) dinner if you compare MSC with NCL? And what are roughly the prices for a bottle of Mineralwater (if not included), beer and softdrinks? I have been cruising with MSC twice, but next will be NCL. I travel solo; for the trip i got a discounted price in a double cabin (the single cabins were full).
Thank you for watching 😊 from what I remember, MSC doesn’t offer any free drinks in the dining room, maybe tap water and standard coffee only. NCL offers the same in the dining room I think. At the buffet they both offer free water, coffee and juice. No free soft drinks. I don’t drink beer or soft drinks so I don’t know the exact price. I trying around $6 for a beer and $3 for a coke. 1 litre mineral water was $3 too I think. Enjoy your cruise 😁
@@TravelWithBen121 Thank you for your answers, Ben. So it looks like NCL and MSC are almost the same in offering free drinks (free water at the buffet restaurants).
Something to be aware of if you want to travel solo on Celebrity/Royal Caribbean … the single supplement could be >200% if you don’t manage to book one of a very limited number of solo cabins. The cruise line claims that they make less money overall from a solo traveler because of onboard spend. 😢 I don’t know if you can book with a “ghost” who magically doesn’t show up at boarding to get the better price?
Good point, Jeanne! I’ve seen some cruises advertised as over 200% of the price for a solo which is crazy! You can actually book a ‘fake’ second guest on MSC so maybe you can do it on Royal Caribbean too, I’m not sure! (Thank you so so much for upgrading your membership, Jeanne!! I appreciate your support very much 😁🌹)
@@seebunlim yes, Lim! I’ve seen it. It’s because the cruise line assume 1 person will spend less money than 2 people during their cruise so they charge them more than 200% to get the money they will miss from the second guest! It’s crazy, really!
![25 Things Cruisers MUST Know Before Your First MSC Cruise [MSC Cruise Tips 2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/k0NLxi5ZzMI/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video, I’ve sailed on many cruise lines including both Norwegian and MSC. Between the two I prefer Norwegian especially for solo travelers. I also think the food on Norwegian is superior to the food on MSC. I will say that the video is factually correct, except for one thing that I just experienced on board the Norwegian Escape. Ben, you are correct, on Norwegian you can wear whatever you want; however, there are two specialty restaurants that do not permit t shirts or shorts, those are Le Bistro and Ocean Blue. Ben, I hope you will at some point like in a year or so host a cruise on Norwegian. Your energy is contagious and it would be fun to have a small group go with you. A relative of mine used to work in the Cruise industry and told me that if an organizer has a group of so many cabins, and the number of cabins depends on the cruise line, the organizer sails free. I would suggest you look into it. Other cruise bloggers do it. I always look forward to your videos.
Cheers, Mark! I only talk about my own experiences and I’ve never been to any specialty dining so when I say there’s no dress code, there isn’t 😊 A group cruise sounds fun!
Prima is hands down my favorite ship. I just like the smaller ship. It seems like the RC Oasis class is designed to make you forget you're on the ocean...not why I cruise! I love the Indulge food hall and the fact the local is available 24 hours. The NCL Breakaway class also too big for me and way too many kids.
I totally agree, Sheri! Prima was great 😁
I have sailed several lines, and Norwegian was neither good nor bad. It's just that nothing stood out to me. My last 10 cruises have been with MSC, and I have been impressed each and every time. I am friends on social media with a lot of the crew that I've met, and they remember me each time and overall, you can't beat the value that MSC provides. Plus, their ships are stunning!
@@timdalewag that’s great to hear, Tim! MSC gets a lot of bad reviews but I don’t understand why! I really enjoyed their ships apart from the things I talked about but overall, a great experience! Tim, thank you so much for becoming a channel member! I appreciate your support so much 😁
NCL without a doubt been on her just brilliant 👍
I agree, Tom!
I would like that NCL since they have those solo cabins, since I usually travel solo. Haven't been on a 'real' cruise ever. Just these daycruices or 2 nights from Finland to Sweden or Estonia. (Did couple videos here in youtube about those, go check them out) They are not all inclusive cruises, so if you want to eat anything during a cruise, you have to pay every meal.
I would like to go to mediterranean cruise, but the prices are quite high and I need to pay flights to and from there too.. so too expensive for me at the time.
Great videos, Anne! You’re right, cruises are expensive, hopefully you can take a cruise some day 😁
I always cruise on Holland America, but I would really like to try a Princess cruise and I’ve heard Marella is really good.
That’s great, Pam! There’s many great cruise lines out there 😊 I’d love to try them all!
Thank you for sharing! I would prefer NCL if I am taking a cruise. 😊 Like the solo cabins and that you can eat when you want to. ❤
Me too, Elisabeth! 😁
I already told you about my NCL PoA experience. I had a bad experience with MSC, and I've never even cruised with them. I booked an 11-night cruise of New England/Canada for September this year. I booked last October. In Dec. I got an emailed saying my cruise had been canceled and to call for deposit refund info. I called and they said, "your cruise hasn't been canceled, there's just been a slight itinerary change." Cool, no problem. "What is the change" I ask. The reply, " it is now a 7- night cruise, round trip out of (some city in Italy I've never heard of)." If that is a slight change, I'd hate to see a big one! So, I canceled, and they said my deposit refund would be applied to my credit card. I still haven't gotten it. Needless to say, I'm not a big fan of MSC. Sorry for the long story. Thanks, Ben!
They changed an 11 day cruise to a 7 day cruise?!?! That’s crazy!! MSC is totally mixed because some people love it and some people avoid it so I guess it’s just luck?? But your experience would definitely turn me off, Matthew! That’s too bad…
Ben- you are seriously so articulate. Tom x
Cheers, Tom!
Another great video. I’m grateful that I have had the opportunity to cruise on various cruise lines over the years. In the early years I would just look for a deal. Didn’t care about the cruise line. But now I’m trying to stay loyal to just a few lines so that I can benefit from the loyalty perks. One thing that I’m still very very confused about is giving additional gratuities to various crew members. You mentioned working in the cruise industry. I have had a difficult time finding information on this topic. Help …
Thank you, Evelyn 😊 it’s a good idea to experience other cruise lines but you get good perks for sticking to one or two cruise lines! I can’t help you with gratuities because there’s no expectations or rules. If you wanna give then give, no minimum amount, just whatever you want to whoever you want 😊
Thank you for your advice. I have never been on either of those cruise lines.
Thanks, Carol 😊 just my opinion on these 2! Lots of great cruise lines out there!
MSC and NCL are my two favorite lines. I cruise in "regular" NCL and in the Yacht Club on MSC ... depending on the experience, price, itinerary, etc. I want, I decide between the two.
Sounds great, Sherry Ann! I’ve enjoyed them both 😊
Another great video. Thanks for the comparison. With the exception of one Virgin cruise, we have taken all of our recent cruises (over the past three years) on different NCL ships. After our next two cruises (Prima - 2025 and Virgin Brilliant Lady - 2026), we are going to look into other cruise lines and MSC was potentially an option. Which cruise we take though really depends on departure port and itinerary.
Sounds great, Lorraine! I’d love to cruise on many different cruise lines to compare them! 😊
Hi Ben! I haven’t cruised before, but I love watching cruise videos! 😬. I would like to try a cruise at some point.. if I can get over my fear of seasickness 😢. I’m so prone to motion sickness and I hate that awful feeling. However if I do go, based on your review I would probably go with Norwegian. I’m like you - I’d prefer to eat whenever I feel like it and not be given a set time. That feels too structured for a holiday. Based on your videos, the food on both cruise lines looks very good!
There are plenty of 2/3 day cruises for you to try, Lim! That might be a good option for you to give cruising a try. Seasickness is definitely a worry for a lot of people and everyone reacts differently but if you avoid the hurricane season, you shouldn’t have any problems. Food and entertainment are always great! I like land vacations too but cruising is very convenient and a unique experience 😁
We sail NCL quite often and really love their free styling dining! We have never sailed MSC and "might" try it on one of their new ships if it has the right itinerary and price.
Free style dining is a massive plus for NCL! I want to eat when I want to 😂
Good morning, Ben ! Nice to see you are planning for another cruise while we are torturing through esxremely hot weather ! Thanks for your information; the greens behind you look nice !
There’s always planning going on, David 😂 thanks!
@@TravelWithBen121 Thanks, Ben ! And we are here to follow you ! " I will follow you...!"
There are so many people with a hate on for a specific line, totally agree with you that all lines have pros and cons and if you cruise enough you are bound to have a bad experience any ANY line. Never cruise that line again then but don’t trash the line because of it. Enjoy your videos…wish I could talk as fast as you! 😂😂
I totally agree! Different cruise lines offer different stuff so it depends on your needs! Did I talk too fast? 😂 I’m trying to slow down!
It were me I’d do NCL. Seem to fit you better. But of course it’s your choice. Always enjoy your chit chats. Have a great day.
Thank you, Judy 😊 have a great day!
Yes, Million dollar Quartet on GETAWAY was AMAZING !!!
I agree, Sibylle! I would cruise on the Getaway again just to watch that show!
@@TravelWithBen121 they are performing here in my area in July, Don’t know about other months, seems not steady on the GETAWAY.
Nice and informative Ben! I pretty much agree with all you pointed out between the two lines..For me, I would go with MSC simply for the $$ aspect(at least here in the USA MSC is trying to dominate the cruise industry with their low fares)..
Just a little tidbit for you to think about..There is another cruise line that caters to solo travelers pretty nicely and that is Virgin Voyages..It's adults only, I think you would have a blast sailing with them! Just an idea! Have fun and be safe!
Cheers, Jon! I had no complaints about MSC apart from the stuff I talked about here and I got a great price on the cruises I went on! I have checked out Virgin but they’re a lot more expensive than NCL but of course completely different experiences! I’d love to try Virgin one day.
Hi Ben,
So informative.
My cruising life has only been on Princess, so hearing your opinion is helping me venture out to look at diff cruise ships.
Thank you!
Thanks, Akemi! I've heard good things about Princess! I want to try them all :)
I went on MSC europa last year and the safety drill was done the same way that you describe NCL. Maybe the newer and older MSC ships are different.
That’s great, Jay! From my experience, MSC needs to fix how they do the drill because it’s not good!
Thanks Ben for your information. Sounds like I should try NCL. I've been watching Alaskan cruises and that may be my first solo cruise.
Go for it, Fredwina! 😊
MSC "customer service" is the worst!!
I haven’t experienced that, Gerry 👍
Thank you!! This is the video I need!!!
You’re welcome, Yaya 😊
100% on the NCL freestyle dinning. Id hate to be told what time I have to eat.
I totally agree! It’s a massive positive for Norwegian Cruise Line.
No comparison lol
NCL IS WAY BETTER
Thank you so much Ben for doing the comparison. I've been looking at more cruises on vacations to go and msc seems to be cheaper. But after your video I won't even consider it.
As you know I have 3 NCL cruises booked ( which I haven't cruises on NCL before). And 2 on carnival.
Have you cruised on carnival (My very first cruise was on carnival)? If so do you have a video I can't find it if you have. My last cruise was on Princess last year. Have you ever cruised Princess? I love the medallion on princess. Very convenient.
Again thank you so much for another informative video. I can't wait to see where your next cruise-trip takes you. ❤🎉
You’re welcome, Terri! I haven’t cruised on Carnival or Princess. MSC is not necessarily ‘bad’, it’s just not for everyone. I don’t like the way they do certain things. Norwegian is a lot more of a smooth experience!
Hello, thank nyou for your vlog. What about free drinks for 1) breakfast, 2) lunch and 3) dinner if you compare MSC with NCL? And what are roughly the prices for a bottle of Mineralwater (if not included), beer and softdrinks? I have been cruising with MSC twice, but next will be NCL. I travel solo; for the trip i got a discounted price in a double cabin (the single cabins were full).
Thank you for watching 😊 from what I remember, MSC doesn’t offer any free drinks in the dining room, maybe tap water and standard coffee only. NCL offers the same in the dining room I think. At the buffet they both offer free water, coffee and juice. No free soft drinks. I don’t drink beer or soft drinks so I don’t know the exact price. I trying around $6 for a beer and $3 for a coke. 1 litre mineral water was $3 too I think. Enjoy your cruise 😁
@@TravelWithBen121 Thank you for your answers, Ben. So it looks like NCL and MSC are almost the same in offering free drinks (free water at the buffet restaurants).
Thanks for your info. Does MSC have Solo cabins or single cabins without a full supplement?
You’re welcome, Patty 😊 MSC does not offer solo cabins!
Something to be aware of if you want to travel solo on Celebrity/Royal Caribbean … the single supplement could be >200% if you don’t manage to book one of a very limited number of solo cabins. The cruise line claims that they make less money overall from a solo traveler because of onboard spend. 😢 I don’t know if you can book with a “ghost” who magically doesn’t show up at boarding to get the better price?
Good point, Jeanne! I’ve seen some cruises advertised as over 200% of the price for a solo which is crazy! You can actually book a ‘fake’ second guest on MSC so maybe you can do it on Royal Caribbean too, I’m not sure! (Thank you so so much for upgrading your membership, Jeanne!! I appreciate your support very much 😁🌹)
😱😱 more than 200%??? Omg
@@seebunlim yes, Lim! I’ve seen it. It’s because the cruise line assume 1 person will spend less money than 2 people during their cruise so they charge them more than 200% to get the money they will miss from the second guest! It’s crazy, really!
@@seebunlim I know … the horror! 😮