MSC Cruises: What Is Included in the Price 2026
Cruise Advisor planning guide. Verify changing prices, policies and itineraries with the relevant provider before booking.
If you’re asking “msc cruises what is included in the price 2026”, you’re not alone. In 2026 MSC Cruises continues to sell a range of fares and add-ons that determine what’s included: the base fare covers your cabin, main meals, daytime entertainment and kids clubs, but drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions and Wi‑Fi are often extras unless you buy a more inclusive fare or package. This guide breaks down, in plain UK terms and with specific 2026 prices and offers, exactly what you can expect to pay and how to avoid nasty surprises. To compare MSC with a flight-and-transfer-led UK package, use our Marella versus MSC 2026 guide and match the same date, cabin, occupancy and transport.
In short: MSC includes your cabin, standard dining (buffet and main dining room), onboard entertainment, basics like housekeeping and kids clubs. Extras usually include alcoholic drinks, speciality restaurants, certain shore excursions, some fitness classes, and Wi‑Fi unless an internet package is purchased or included in a promotion.
MSC sells different fare types that influence inclusions: typically 'Insider', 'Bella', 'Fantastica', and the more inclusive 'All‑Inclusive' or promotional 'Premium' options depending on the ship and itinerary in 2026. For example, a 7‑night Mediterranean sailing on MSC Seashore departing Barcelona in June 2026 might show a Bella fare from £349pp (inside), a Fantastica fare from £389pp, and a Premium or Yacht Club option substantially higher. The exact names and perks vary by market and ship, but the rule is the same: the higher the fare, the more extras are bundled in.
Choosing the right fare saves money. If you plan to enjoy multiple cocktails, speciality dining and shore excursions, buying a package or a higher fare upfront is often cheaper than paying a la carte onboard. Conversely, if you drink water, eat in included venues and plan DIY shore visits, a lower fare is a better value. On MSC in 2026, their promotional bundles sometimes include a classic drinks package for a set price, which I’ll detail below with real examples.
Drinks are the most common source of confusion. MSC’s standard policy in 2026 is that alcoholic drinks, cocktails, premium wines by the glass and many speciality beverages are not included in the base fare. You can pay as you go or buy a drinks package. Prices vary by itinerary and promotions, but typical 2026 examples for UK bookings are:
Official sources
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