Ahoy there, sea aficionados! It looks like there’s a new captain in town aiming to rock the boat in the U.S. cruising market. MSC Cruises, that plucky contender from Geneva, is not just dipping its toes in the water – it’s diving headfirst into the deep end to scoop up passengers from giants like Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
Bringing the Best, Forgetting the Rest?
MSC isn’t just throwing a small fish into a big pond; they’re launching their finest ships to the sunny shores of Florida, with the MSC Seashore leading the fleet. This behemoth of the sea is armed to the teeth with all the glitz of its competitors, boasting an array of bars, pools, and some swanky dining spots that’ll cost you a bit extra. But hey, who’s counting coins when you’re sipping cocktails by the pool?
However, navigating MSC Seashore might leave you feeling like you’re in a labyrinth. With pools scattered across different floors, you might need a map and a compass to find a less crowded spot! And let’s talk about the adults-only area – it’s missing a hot tub. The irony! You’ll find the family-friendly hot tubs, though, bustling with kiddos splashing about.
And while we’re on the subject of food – MSC, you’re from Europe, land of exquisite pasta! Yet, somehow the spaghetti on Seashore is just… well, spaghetti. It seems they’ve slightly improved from their earlier vessels like Meraviglia and Divina, but come on, you’re Italian! Throw us a culinary lifeline here.
Wi-Fi and Cocktails: The Real MVPs
Not everything’s overboard, though. MSC deserves a sailor’s salute for their all-inclusive Wi-Fi and drink packages. Yes, you can stay connected and toasted for less than what you’d shell out on its rivals. Now, that’s something both Royal Caribbean and Carnival loyalists can raise their glasses to.
The Smoke-Free Gamble
In a bold twist, MSC seems to have kicked the ashtray overboard in their casinos. During a recent sail on Seashore, the air was unexpectedly clear in the main gambling den. No signs explicitly stated a smoking ban, leading many to believe it was just a stroke of luck – or perhaps a lack of smokers.
Digging a bit deeper, it turns out MSC might be testing the waters with smoke-free casinos on select ships. According to the ever-vigilant Cruise Industry News, both the MSC Signature Casino on MSC Euribia and the Red Gem Casino on MSC Virtuosa waved goodbye to smoke on February 18, 2024. Meanwhile, Seashore and Seascape have cleverly added separate smoking zones near their Sports Bars – because nothing says ‘game on’ like a cigar in one hand and a betting slip in the other.
A Smoky Debate
The smoke-free casino topic is hotter than a slot machine on a jackpot streak. Smokers argue that cruise ships are one of the last refuges for puffing in peace. Non-smokers, on the other hand, are breathing easier but point out that a smoke-free section doesn’t mean smoke-free air in tight quarters.
Royal Caribbean has navigated these waters with mixed results. Their Celebrity brand is a no-smoking zone, while the main Royal brand offers smoke-free alternatives on select Oasis-class ships. It’s a compromise, but as Royal Caribbean’s Bayley shared, every experiment with banning casino smoking leads to fewer gamblers.
So, will MSC’s smoke-free bet pay off, or will it leave them playing solitaire in their own casinos? Only time will tell.
Anchors Aweigh
As MSC Cruises sets sail on this bold journey to capture more of the U.S. cruising market, one thing is clear: they’re not afraid to stir the pot—or the ocean, in this case. Will these moves bring Royal Caribbean and Carnival regulars aboard? Grab your life jackets, folks, because it looks like the seas just got a bit more interesting.
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