THE UK’S MOST GOOGLED CRUISE QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY MSC CRUISES

With holiday bookings in full swing and summer getaways on the horizon, British holidaymakers are turning to Google to find out more about cruising. From “Is there a dress code on a cruise?” to “When is the best time to book?”, thousands of first-time and seasoned travellers are searching for answers before setting sail.

To help shed light on the world of cruising, MSC Cruises has uncovered the UK’s most Googled cruise questions and provided expert answers.

1. Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi?

Yes, MSC Cruises offers packages based on guest usage, whether this is browsing, streaming, or video calls. All of MSC Cruises fleet now features satellite technology, Starlink™️, for faster, more reliable connectivity, even in the middle of the ocean! 

Tip: Book a package in advance for better value.

1. What is included in a cruise fare?

Cruise fares cover accommodation, main dining, entertainment, pools, as well as extra special, exclusive facilities available on board, such as a theatre, waterpark, zip line, spa and more, meaning that guests are never short of things to keep them busy. There are also options to add extras, including drinks, Wi-Fi, or speciality dining. One of the major benefits of a cruise versus other holidays is that travellers can discover multiple cities and sometimes even multiple regions during a single sailing, giving them a chance to tick off plenty of places on their bucket lists.

Tip: Be sure to check what's included in your fare, as certain extras like excursions may be discounted when booked in advance. For more information on what's included in your cruise, click here

 

1. Are food and drinks included in the cost of my cruise?

Yes, main dining and buffet meals are included, offering a range of cuisines. water, tea, and juice are generally free, while alcohol and speciality restaurants such as Butcher’s Cut and Indochine cost extra. All sailings with MSC Cruises offer a variety of drink packages to suit every type of traveller’s needs.

Tip: If you regularly enjoy coffee, soft drinks, or other premium beverages, a package may be worth it.

 

1. When is the best time to book your cruise?

Timing is key to getting the best deal. Generally, booking as far in advance as possible secures the lowest fares and best cabin selection. However, last-minute deals can offer big savings if you're flexible with destinations, cabins and dates. Look out for Wave Season (January–March) when you’ll find the biggest deals. MSC Cruises also offers Black Friday or pre-Wave promotions in October/November for early bird savings as well as promotions throughout the year, with current deals including savings on ex-UK voyages from Southampton and free sailings for kids.

Tip: Sign up for email alerts from MSC Cruises to get updates on the best deals.

 

1. Where are the best cabins on a cruise ship?

MSC Cruises offers a variety of cabins depending on what you need. Whether guests want to book an interior cabin for maximum value or opt for an ultra-luxury experience with the 104 square metre Owner’s Suite in the cruise line’s exclusive MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises offers cabin types and experiences to suit every guest’s needs.  The MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept, offers guests luxury with keycard-only access to an array of private facilities, an exclusive restaurant, lounge, pool and sundeck,

Tip: If you want easy access to the spa, kids’ club, or dining, book a nearby cabin to save walking time.

1. What entertainment is on a cruise ship?

Expect world-class theatre shows, live music, pools, spas, casinos, sports complexes, and more. You can even find giant waterparks and rollercoasters. MSC Cruises also offers unique attractions like Venom Drop, an 11-deck dry slide, Robotron, a robotic thrill ride and a brand-new onboard theatre production of Dirty Dancing, coming this spring to MSC World America. For families, MSC Cruises also offers tailored entertainment activities and facilities for the youngest of guests through to teens, including the cruise line’s multiple-award-winning ‘Doremiland’ kids and family programme. From kids’ clubs to original game shows and activities, cinemas and waterparks, there’s something for everyone.

Tip: Check the ship’s entertainment lineup before booking if specific activities matter to you. For more details about our family entertainment offerings, click here

 

1. Is there a dress code on a cruise ship?

It varies. Most cruise ships allow casual wear during the day but smart-casual attire for dinner is encouraged. When it comes to gala or formal nights, evening wear is encouraged, while guests can partake in themed parties like white nights or tropical nights with specific outfits. If you're cruising to colder destinations, pack appropriately for excursions and bring plenty of layers. Likewise, if visiting religious sites, be prepared to dress modestly. MSC Cruises has a relaxed dress code but encourages more formal wear for gala evenings.

Tip: Pack a mix of outfits—layers for air-conditioned venues, smart attire for gala nights, your best party wear for white night, and comfortable shoes for excursions.

For more information or to book a cruise holiday, visit the MSC Cruises UK website, www.msccruises.co.uk.