MSC Cruises is a good option for budget-conscious travelers and families seeking a wide range of destinations and onboard activities. Virgin Voyages is better suited for adults looking for an inclusive, modern cruise experience with a focus on dining and sustainability.
| Attribute | MSC Cruises | Virgin Voyages |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range (base fare) | Lowest base fares in the cruise industry. Starting price for a 7-night South America cruise can be around $650. | Initial rates start around $169 per night. A 4-night cruise fare was $1,734, including Wi-Fi and specialty dining. |
| Cabin Options (variety and size) | Diverse range of cabins, from budget-friendly inside rooms to luxurious suites in the exclusive Yacht Club area. Inside cabins range from 140 to 301 sq ft. Grand Suites range from 377 to 420 sq ft, with balconies from 32 to 495 sq ft. | Cabins range from 105 to 2,147 square feet. Options include Insider (interior), Sea View (ocean view), and Sea Terrace (balcony) cabins, as well as RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters suites. Inside cabins range from 105 to 177 square feet. Sea Terrace cabins offer 185 square feet of indoor space with a 40-square-foot balcony. Suites range from 352-square-foot Seriously Suites to the 2,147-square-foot Massive Suite. 86% of cabins have balconies, and 93% offer an outside view. |
| Dining Options (number and type of restaurants) | Variety of dining options, including main dining rooms, buffet restaurants, and specialty restaurants. Examples of specialty restaurants: Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant, La Pescaderia, Galaxy Kaito, Sushi Bar, Teppanyaki, L'Atelier Bistrot, Le Grill, Indochine Restaurant, Chef's Garden Kitchen. | Over 20 eateries onboard, ranging from experimental cuisine to Korean BBQ, Mexican dishes, and a food market. All eateries are included in the fare. The Galley replaces the buffet with food truck-style stations. Menus are curated by chefs like Brad Farmerie and Sohui Kim. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at every eatery. |
| Entertainment (shows, activities, nightlife) | Wide array of entertainment options, including shows, activities and nightlife. Entertainment includes Broadway-style theater productions, nightclubs, theme parties, and casinos. Specific activities available on some ships include the MSC Formula Racer, 4D Cinema, bowling alley, flight simulator and Robotron. MSC also offers theme parties, such as a Sunshine Party and a White Party. | Entertainment includes shows, parties, music, and other happenings. The Red Room is the main theater that transforms into a nightclub. The Manor is the main music venue and nightclub. Themed parties include Scarlet Night and PJ Party. The casino offers gaming events. |
| Inclusions (drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities) | Specific inclusions can vary depending on the fare and any promotions. It is important to check the details of your specific booking. | Gratuities and basic Wi-Fi are included in the base fare. All eateries are included. Virgin Voyages offers a Bar Tab system for purchasing alcoholic drinks. |
| Itinerary Options (destinations and duration) | Itineraries in various destinations, with options ranging from short 3-night cruises to extended 118-night voyages. Destinations include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, South America, Asia, and more. MSC excels in European itineraries. They also have a private island in the Bahamas called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. | Itineraries focus on the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mediterranean. Voyages range from 4 to 14 nights. Destinations include Bimini, Cozumel, San Juan, and Costa Maya. Transatlantic cruises are also available. |
| Ship Size and Passenger Capacity | Operates a diverse fleet of ships, ranging from smaller vessels to massive megaships. The largest MSC Cruises ship is MSC World Europa, with a gross tonnage of 215,863 and a passenger capacity of 6,774. The smallest MSC Cruises ships are MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia, each carrying around 2,000 guests. | Ships have a capacity of approximately 2,700 passengers. Ships have around 1,150 crew members. Gross tonnage is around 60,000 to 110,000 GT. |
| Target Audience (families, couples, adults-only) | Generally appeals to a wide range of cruisers, including families, couples, and solo travelers. They are known to attract European passengers and American families. MSC provides activities and entertainment for all age groups. | Virgin Voyages is adults-only (18+). The cruise line targets couples and solo travelers. |
| Onboard Activities (pools, spa, fitness center) | Variety of onboard activities, including pools, spa, and fitness centers. Larger ships have more pools, hot tubs, and waterslides. The ships also have casinos. | Onboard activities include pools, a spa, and a fitness center. Complimentary fitness classes are offered. Some ships have a basketball court and boxing ring. |
| Service Quality (staff attentiveness and responsiveness) | Reviews on service quality can vary. | Staff is generally considered friendly and helpful. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. They aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. | Virgin Voyages is committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050. They have banned single-use plastics. Food is made-to-order to reduce waste. The company utilizes technologies to optimize fuel consumption. They source food and beverages responsibly. 100% of water used onboard is produced from seawater via desalination. |
| Loyalty Program Benefits | MSC Cruises' loyalty program is called the MSC Voyagers Club. The program has multiple tiers with escalating perks for frequent cruisers. Benefits can include discounts on cruises, onboard discounts, priority check-in, and more. | Virgin Voyages offers a loyalty program called the Sailing Club. The program has three tiers: Sailing Club, Blue Extras, and Deep Blue Extras. Benefits include exclusive offers, free laundry service, premium Wi-Fi, and bar credits. |