A sea voyage on a leisure cruise is on the travel bucket list of many wanderers. However, there are many players in the cruising industry, and deciding which cruise line to choose is a tough decision. As a first-timer, we believe that you should explore destinations close to your heart on a world-class cruise that strikes a balance between fun and affordability, so that it is easy on your bank balance. We recommend MSC Cruises or Carnival Cruises as your ideal choice for a first-time cruise holiday, as they are quite affordable without compromising on hospitality and service. But between these, which one is a better option? Let’s find out!
Hold on, though! Don’t you want to know a bit about both of these cruises? So, here’s a brief overview of MSC cruises and Carnival cruises before we go further with deciding which one to choose for your maiden leisure cruise vacation.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is a world-acclaimed international leisure cruise holiday company, having its roots in Italy and navigating the high seas, taking guests to some of the most wonderful port destinations in the world. It has a fleet size of 22 contemporary ships, equipped with refined dining and entertainment on board, all set within European opulence. Though the seafaring beginnings started way back in 1675, MSC Cruises was developed in the 1970s and then made its mark in sea sojourns from the 1990s. Today, it is the third-largest cruise company in the world.
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises is an American cruise line company based in Florida, founded in 1972. Today, it has a world-class collection of 29 ships catering to guests who love an easy-going cruise vacation. Emphasising more on families to have a good, bonding time with their kids, its fleets have more spaces dedicated to fun and thrills. There is a lot to do onboard, much of it is included in the cruise holiday inclusions, but it still feels quite affordable and budget-friendly. Its energetic vibe, with activities like deck parties, live music, comedy shows, and dance clubs, creates a casual, joyful environment perfect for those who want an exciting, social experience on their vacation.
MSC Cruises vs Carnival Cruises – Which One’s Better?
Let us now compare the aspects that matter to a first-time cruiser to reach a decision. So here it is! MSC Cruises vs Carnival Cruises – the best choice for a newbie cruise traveller:
By Fleet Number and Size:
MSC Cruises has around 22 cruise ships, which include the MSC Yacht Club experience cruises as well. In size, these are quite smaller compared to Carnival Cruises’ ships. The advantage of smaller ships for first-time cruisers is that it is easier to find your way around the ship, making it less confusing and overwhelming.
Carnival Cruises, on the other hand, has 29 ships, some of which are in the process of making their maiden voyages in 2027 and 2033. Most of these ships are larger in size than those of MSC Cruises. A higher number of cruise ships means more destinations are covered. For first-timers, it offers more flexibility and variety to choose destinations.
By Destination and Itineraries:
Both cruises offer a global destination reach. Carnival Cruises sails to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico, Europe, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, New England, Greenland, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific destinations. It has more focused itineraries for North America.
MSC Cruises sails to the same destinations as Carnival Cruises, but additionally also concentrates on Middle Eastern destinations, offering cruises from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and South Africa. You can also explore South American voyages and visit places like Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Hence, MSC Cruises has a wider reach, offering more destination options for first-time visitors.
Both cruises also offer shorter vacations that are ideal for first-timers, especially as a break during short school vacations. For the same reason, Carnival Cruises have a better vibe than the MSC Cruises.
By Ambience and Feel
MSC Cruises are more European-inspired, whereas Carnival Cruises have an American charm. Also, Carnival Cruises have a fun, vibrant, and lively essence, whereas MSC Cruises are more elegant and posh in their settings. Within the MSC cruise ship, you find opulent elements such as Swarovski-studded staircases and suave Yacht Club accommodation. Its settings, dining venues, and even shopping galleries exude luxury.
So, first-timers would rather find it more alluring to enjoy a fun, casual, and relaxed vibe while onboard during sea days, and thus, Carnival Cruise scores a point in this category. But then again, if exquisite European flair is what you are seeking, an MSC cruise is the best choice.
By Type of Travellers:
MSC Cruises caters to an assortment of travellers, be it families, honeymooners, or solo travellers who seek sophistication onboard rather than a fun quotient. Carnival Cruises attract more young adults and groups, such as friend circles seeking to have a great time enjoying luxury, but also have lively, fun family activities on board, pleasing family holidaymakers. So, for honeymoon couples and families who seek more relaxation and an elegant experience, an MSC cruise is best for you. For those who want a big party on board with a lot of energetic vibes, choose a Carnival cruise. Both cruise holiday providers have dedicated zones and programmes to keep young guests and toddlers entertained at all times.
By Departure Ports:
Carnival Cruises has departure ports at 21 destinations. Of these, 14 are in the USA, so when you book a cruise with Carnival Cruises, no matter where you are in the world, you will get more departures from the USA, which means you will have to travel to the USA before embarkation day. Other departure ports are in Rome, Melbourne, Singapore, Sydney, Barcelona, London, and Brisbane.
MSC Cruises has a whopping 81 departure ports, so you have more choices to select a cruise that has a departure port in proximity to your country of residence. For instance, those in the Middle East will find it easier to take a cruise from Istanbul, or an Indian traveller can explore Arabia by MSC Euribia from Dubai. It’s more convenient for novice cruise vacationers, so MSC takes the win in this category.
By Cabin Variety
Both Carnival Cruise and MSC Cruise offer the usual categories of cabins, like interior, balcony cabins and ocean-view suites, to name a few. But when it comes to luxury stays, MSC Cruises is a clear winner with its exclusive MSC Yacht Club, which comes with a host of facilities, including butler service and luxury suites with sprawling balconies, whirlpool baths, and even duplex suites. In other words, MSC’s modern cabins and Yacht Club appeal to those wanting elegance, while Carnival’s variety and family-focused options suit practical vacationers.
By Dining Experiences
If you are a foodie and are seeking a comprehensive global culinary experience on your first cruise journey, pick a Carnival Cruise. Carnival Cruises has a myriad of food outlets, cafés, and restaurants for you to enjoy a lip-smacking medley of flavours from around the world. Among these, a few restaurants and outlets like Big Chicken, Blueiguana Cantina, Lido Marketplace, Chibang, Lucky Bowl, Pizza Pirate, and Mongolian Wok, to name a few, are included in the cruise packages. You just have to see which ships have these restaurants on board.
MSC Cruises, on the other hand, captivates those who have a taste for elegant dining. The posh ambience, European accents, and even the cuisine reflect an opulent, gourmet-style flair.
By Recreational Fun
It’s not in vain that Carnival Cruise is tagged as a ‘fun ship’. On board, you get a medley of recreational experiences for every type of traveller. From playing pickleball and minigolf to trying your luck in casinos, or dancing the night away at a rocking dance party, Carnival Cruise will keep the vibe in check and your energy level at its max. Its newest cruises also have rollercoaster rides on alfresco decks, rope courses, water slides, and more!
MSC Cruises has a dialled-down ambience when compared to Carnival Cruises’ electrifying fun experiences.
By Budget
And lastly, when it comes to the price, Carnival Cruise holidays offer value-for-money itineraries as compared to MSC Cruises. The luxurious and high-quality amenities provided by MSC Cruises, particularly to Yacht Club members, are the main reason it has the higher cost. Compared to this, Carnival Cruise is affordable by a margin, but it is worth it as it does not compromise on the fun factor onboard. The price factor also immensely varies based on which cruise ship of Carnival Cruise or MSC Cruises you would be sailing with for your memorable sea sojourn. Also, additional costs need to be considered before you make a final decision based on the budget.
If you are based in America, then Carnival Cruises is a better option as most departure ports are US-based. This way, you save on flights and other travel expenses to reach the cruise departure port destination. Similarly, you should also take into consideration what the inclusions are in the cruise package of each of these cruise lines and understand how much you would have to bear as expenses once you are onboard in the guise of gratuities, shore excursions, internet and Wi-Fi packages, speciality dining, drinks packages and so on.
The Verdict
In the end, the question looms: Is MSC better than Carnival Cruises? Or is it the other way around?
What sets MSC Cruises apart is the vast array of destinations, settings that exude European charm, and smaller ships. All of these are best for first-timer cruisers seeking value for money amid an exquisite setting and exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
On the other hand, Carnival Cruises has a casual American vibe with plenty of thrills and fun that attracts family holidaymakers deciding on a cruise holiday with kids. This also appeals to most newbies. While making the comparison, we have to point out that both these cruise liners have distinct, unique qualities.
Hence, we conclude this comparison by stating that the decision on a choice between these two world-class cruise holiday providers lies with what you are looking for on your cruise holiday. If sophistication and elegant relaxation is what you expect, MSC Cruises is a fine choice. On the other hand, if loads of entertainment, a bustling vibe, and fun experiences at affordable prices are what you desire, then book your holiday with Carnival Cruises. Need assistance with bookings? Call us, and we are happy to help you with your first-ever cruise holiday experience.
