The Ultimate Guide to Family Cruising with MSC Cruises 

If you’re dreaming of a holiday where the kids are entertained, the teens are impressed, and you get to relax, family cruising with MSC Cruises could be exactly what you’re looking for.

From thrilling waterparks and award-winning kids’ clubs to spacious family cabins and flexible dining, MSC Cruises has mastered the art of making holidays fun for all ages. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens, grandparents - or all the above - here’s your complete guide to making the most of your next family adventure at sea. 

Why Choose Family Cruising with MSC Cruises? 

Award-Winning Kids’ Clubs (Included in the Fare!) 

One of the biggest highlights of family cruising with MSC Cruises is the complimentary kids’ programme. 

MSC partners with leading children’s brands to create age-appropriate spaces for every stage: 

• Baby Club (under 3s - with parent participation)
• Mini & Juniors Club (3 - 11 years)
• Young Club (12 - 14 years)
• Teen Club (15 - 17 years) 

Ships like MSC Cruises work with LEGO and Chicco to provide engaging activities, games and creative workshops. That means your little ones are building, exploring and making friends - while you enjoy some well earned downtime by the pool. 

Splash Parks, Waterslides & Thrills at Sea 

Let’s be honest - kids want excitement. MSC delivers. 

Many ships in the fleet, including MSC Seascape and MSC Virtuosa, feature: 

• Interactive waterparks
• High-speed waterslides
• Adventure trails
• Sports courts
• Formula 1 simulators
• Bowling alleys
• VR experiences 

It’s basically a floating playground - and yes, adults are allowed to join in too. 

Family-Friendly Cabins That Actually Work 

Cabin space matters when you’re travelling as a family. 

MSC offers a fantastic range of options designed specifically for families: 

• Interconnecting cabins
• Super Family Cabins
• Family balcony staterooms
• Suites for multi-generational travel 

On ships like MSC World Europa, family accommodation is designed with smart layouts and extra storage - because we all know kids come with stuff. 

Flexible Dining (No Stress, No Fuss) 

Mealtimes can make or break a family holiday - and MSC understands that. 

With family cruising with MSC Cruises, you’ll find: 

• Dedicated kids’ menus
• Early dining options
• Casual buffet choices
• Specialty dining for date nights 

Pizza and pasta are always crowd-pleasers (this is an Italian cruise line after all!), and fussy eaters are well catered for. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes, international flavours and premium restaurants for a quieter evening. 

Great Value for Families 

MSC is known for offering excellent value, especially for families. 

Perks often include: 

• Kids cruise for reduced fares (sometimes even free, depending on availability)
• Family discounts
• Promotional drinks packages
• Fly-cruise options from the UK 

For families wanting maximum fun without maximum price tags, family cruising with MSC Cruises ticks a lot of boxes. 

Best Destinations for Family Cruising with MSC Cruises 

One of the biggest advantages of cruising is unpacking once and exploring multiple destinations - and MSC Cruises makes it easy and fun for families to do just that. From culture and beaches to adventure and relaxation, there’s something for everyone: 

The Mediterranean 

Perfect for combining beach days with culture and history. Family-friendly Mediterranean routes often include stops in Spain, Italy and the Greek Isles, where kids can build sandcastles on sun-soaked beaches, explore ancient ruins, or sample gelato in historic piazzas. With shorter sailing distances between ports, these itineraries are ideal for first-time cruisers and younger children. 

Northern Europe 

For families who love open-air exploration and natural beauty, Northern Europe delivers magical experiences - from the dramatic fjords of Norway to fairytale castles in Denmark, and the vibrant, walkable cities of Scandinavia. Expect scenic cruising, cultural excursions, and fun shore activities like cycling tours or Viking museums that appeal to all ages. 

The Caribbean 

White-sand beaches and turquoise waters are always a hit with families. Many Caribbean itineraries include a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island in The Bahamas. Here, families can enjoy relaxed paradise vibes, safe beaches, calm waters and plenty of water sports or beach games - perfect for making memories ashore. 

Tailor-Made Cruise & Stay Holidays 

For families who want even more flexibility and immersion, MSC Cruises also offers cruise and stay packages that combine a voyage with a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. These are perfect for tailoring your holiday to your family’s rhythm - whether that’s: 

• Extending your beach time with a few extra nights at a sun-soaked resort in the Mediterranean or Caribbean before cruising.
• Adding cultural experiences in iconic cities like Rome, Barcelona or Copenhagen - ideal for families who want to explore on land at a relaxed pace.
• Easing jet lag or travel stress by resting up in-destination before boarding, especially helpful for long-haul flights with younger children.
• Curating multi-generation holidays, with options for grandparents to join in on the land portion while the rest of the family cruises.
• These tailor-made packages let you customise your itinerary, dining plans and excursions - giving you the freedom to mix guided tours, free time and family fun exactly how you like it. 

Tips for Planning Your MSC Family Cruise 

To make the most of your trip: 

• Book early for the best cabin selection
• Check school holiday sailings well in advance
• Pre-book dining and excursions
• Download the MSC for Me app to manage activities onboard
• Pack themed outfits for White Night and Gala Night 

And don’t forget travel insurance - especially with little ones! 

Is Family Cruising with MSC Cruises Right for You? 

If you’re looking for a holiday where: 

• Kids are genuinely excited
• Teens aren’t glued to boredom
• Parents get actual relaxation time
• There’s entertainment for every generation 

Then family cruising with MSC Cruises offers the perfect balance of fun, flexibility and value. 

It’s not just a cruise. It’s waterparks, pizza nights, sunset sailaways and memories that last long after you’re back home. 

Ready to Plan Your Family Adventure?