If you are planning your first MSC cruise, you are probably excited — but also full of questions.

Which cabin should you choose? Is the drink package worth it? What should you pack? Are shore excursions better with MSC or on your own?

After several MSC cruises, I’ve learned that a few simple decisions can make a huge difference. This guide brings together the things I wish I knew before boarding for the very first time.

Before You Book Your First MSC Cruise

If someone asked me today which cruise line I would recommend for a first cruise, my answer would be immediate: MSC Cruises.

Not because it was my first cruise experience—but because, after sailing with MSC seven times, I still believe they offer one of the best value-for-money experiences in the industry.

My very first cruise was aboard the MSC Seashore, one of MSC’s newest ships at the time. We sailed from Miami, visited Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and I still remember stepping onboard for the first time.

Honestly? We had absolutely no idea what to expect.

We imagined a large white ship, a few restaurants, a couple of bars and something that would feel a little like a ferry. We couldn’t have been more wrong.

From the moment we entered the ship, it felt like walking into a floating luxury hotel. The elegant design, the Swarovski crystal staircases, the breathtaking Infinity Bridge overlooking the sea and the stunning aft infinity pool completely changed our perception of what cruising could be.

What impressed us even more was how incredibly well organised everything was. Every detail—from embarkation to dining, entertainment and daily activities—was carefully planned, making the entire experience effortless.

The food exceeded every expectation. Whether it was the buffet or the main dining room, the quality was consistently excellent. In my experience, MSC’s Caribbean itineraries often offer an even more impressive culinary experience than some of their European sailings.

But what truly made the difference was the crew.

They didn’t simply provide good service—they made us feel genuinely welcome. When we returned the following year, several crew members actually remembered us. That small gesture transformed the experience from a vacation into something much more personal.

The farewell party on the final port, with the DJ playing on deck, and the last theatre performance before disembarkation are still moments I remember vividly. They reminded me that a cruise isn’t only about the destinations—it’s about the atmosphere, the people and the memories created along the way.

One thing I hear surprisingly often is:

„Aren’t cruises mostly for retired people?“

My answer is always the same:

Absolutely not.

Modern cruises are among the most exciting, relaxing and rewarding ways to travel. Whether you’re a couple, travelling with friends or planning your first big adventure, cruising offers something that very few other holidays can match.

If you’re based in Europe, I also think MSC feels very familiar. It’s a European cruise line with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, which many first-time European cruisers find easier to adapt to compared with some of the larger American cruise lines.

If I could only give one piece of advice before your first cruise, it would be this:

Don’t think of it as transportation between destinations. Think of the ship as the destination itself.

💙 BoardingBeyond Tip: If this is your first cruise, don’t spend weeks comparing every cruise line online. Choose a good itinerary, book it and enjoy the experience. The first cruise isn’t about finding the perfect ship—it’s about discovering why so many people fall in love with cruising.

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Choosing the Right Cabin

One of the most common questions first-time cruisers ask is: „Should I book an inside cabin or spend more on a balcony?“

My first MSC cruise was in an inside cabin, and honestly, it completely exceeded my expectations.

It felt surprisingly spacious, cozy and thoughtfully designed. At no point did we feel like we were staying in a small box. In fact, the complete darkness at night gave us some of the best sleep we’ve ever had while travelling. To this day, I still think MSC offers some of the most comfortable beds, pillows and bedding I’ve experienced on any cruise line.

Of course, if your budget allows it, a balcony cabin is a wonderful upgrade. Waking up to the sound of the sea and stepping outside with a coffee is a special experience that never gets old.

No matter which cabin you choose, my biggest recommendation is where you book it.

If possible, choose a cabin:

• on a mid-to-upper deck;
• near the centre of the ship;
• close to the elevators, but not directly next to them.

This location usually offers the smoothest ride if the sea becomes rough, keeps you away from engine noise and still gives you quick access to the rest of the ship without hearing late-night conversations from returning passengers.

For most first-time cruisers, I would say this matters even more than choosing between an inside or balcony cabin.

Cabin Type	My Recommendation
🚪 Inside	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best value for first-time cruisers
🌊 Ocean View	⭐⭐⭐ Nice if you want natural light
🌅 Balcony	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Worth it if your budget allows
👑 Yacht Club	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Luxury experience

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Is the Drink Package Worth It?

✅ Yes, if you usually drink several cocktails, coffees and bottled water every day. ❌ Probably not, if you only enjoy one or two drinks in the evening.

This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions before booking an MSC cruise, and the answer is simple:

It depends on how you like to travel.

We’ve only purchased a drink package once, and that was because it was offered at a great promotional price. The truth is, we simply don’t drink enough to make it worthwhile on every cruise.

Most evenings we’ll enjoy a couple of cocktails, maybe a coffee during the day and bottled water, but that’s usually it.

Understanding MSC Drink Packages

MSC offers several different drink packages, depending on your preferences.

The Easy Package is the most popular choice for many first-time cruisers. It includes soft drinks, bottled water, coffee specialties, classic cocktails, beer, wine by the glass and a selection of standard spirits.

The Premium Package expands the selection with higher-end spirits, more premium cocktails and drinks up to a higher price limit.

There is also a Non-Alcoholic Package, which is a fantastic option for families or anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol.

Do the Math Before You Book

Before adding a drink package, take a moment to estimate how much you’ll actually drink each day.

As a general rule, the Easy Package usually starts paying for itself if you’re enjoying around four cocktails a day, especially once you include bottled water, coffees and soft drinks.

If you find a good promotion that includes drinks, I would almost always recommend taking it. Those offers can provide excellent value.

One Important Rule Many First-Time Cruisers Don’t Know

There is one detail that surprises many people.

If one adult in a cabin purchases a drink package, every adult sharing that cabin must purchase the same package. MSC applies this rule to prevent guests from sharing drinks.

If you’re travelling with a larger group or booking multiple cabins, it’s worth understanding these rules before making your reservation, as they can affect your overall budget.

💙 BoardingBeyond Tip: If you don’t normally drink much at home, don’t assume you’ll suddenly drink enough on a cruise to justify the package. Be honest about your habits and calculate the cost before booking.

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Embarkation Day: What to Expect

For many first-time cruisers, embarkation day can feel a little intimidating. The good news? It’s actually a very straightforward process.

The experience depends on the port you’re sailing from.

In Europe, most cruise terminals are relatively small, centrally located and easy to navigate. In places like Miami, however, the cruise port is enormous, with several terminals serving different cruise lines at the same time. Before leaving for the port, make sure you know exactly which terminal your ship is departing from.

The easiest way to think about embarkation is to compare it to boarding a flight.

First, your travel documents are checked. Then you’ll go through security screening before dropping off your checked luggage. After that, you’ll walk through the boarding bridge and step onto the ship.

Arrive the Day Before

If there’s one piece of advice I always give, it’s this:

Arrive in your departure city at least one day before your cruise.

Flight delays, bad weather, airport disruptions or transport strikes can happen anywhere—and unlike a plane, the ship will not wait for late passengers.

Starting your holiday one day earlier gives you peace of mind and lets you board feeling relaxed instead of stressed.

Boarding Time

When you complete your online check-in, you’ll receive a suggested boarding time.

These arrival windows are designed to spread passengers throughout the day and reduce long queues. Depending on the port and departure time, boarding can begin as early as 10:00 in the morning and continue until mid-afternoon.

What We Always Do

Our routine is always the same.

As soon as we board, we collect our Cruise Cards, which quickly become the most important item you’ll carry during your trip. They act as your cabin key, your onboard payment card and your identification whenever you leave or re-enter the ship in every port.

After dropping off our hand luggage, we head straight to the buffet for our first meal onboard. It’s the perfect way to start the vacation.

If the ship is staying in port for a few more hours, we often go back into the city for one last walk before sail-away.

Then comes one of my favourite moments of every cruise.

We return to the ship early and simply explore.

Even after several cruises, I’ve never repeated the same itinerary or ship, which makes discovering every new vessel incredibly exciting. Finding your favourite deck, the hidden bars, the best sunset spots and learning where everything is becomes part of the adventure itself.

💙 BoardingBeyond Tip: Pack a small carry-on bag with your swimsuit, medications, travel documents and a change of clothes. Your checked luggage may take a few hours to arrive at your cabin, so you’ll be able to start enjoying the ship immediately.

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Shore Excursions: MSC or Independent?

This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make before every port of call, and there isn’t one right answer.

It really depends on the type of traveller you are.

If you prefer everything to be organised, stress-free and taken care of for you, then MSC excursions are an excellent choice. You’ll visit the main attractions with a guide, transportation is included, and perhaps the biggest advantage is this:

If an MSC-organised excursion is delayed for any reason, the ship will wait for you.

That peace of mind is worth a lot, especially on your first cruise.

On the other hand, if you’re an experienced traveller who enjoys planning your own adventures, exploring independently can be incredibly rewarding. It often gives you more flexibility, allows you to visit places that interest you personally and, in many cases, can even cost less than the organised tours.

That’s exactly what we usually do in Europe. We’re comfortable using public transport, navigating cities on our own and making the most of our time ashore.

However, there are destinations where I would absolutely recommend booking through the cruise line.

For example, while sailing through the Norwegian fjords, we booked an incredible high-speed RIB boat excursion directly with MSC. It was a unique experience that perfectly complemented the destination and was worth every euro.

There are also ports—particularly in destinations that are less familiar or where transportation is more challenging—where organised excursions simply offer greater convenience and peace of mind. If you’re travelling with children, as a solo traveller or you’re unfamiliar with the destination, joining an organised tour is often the safer and more relaxed option.

My advice is simple:

Don’t automatically choose one option every time. Choose what makes the most sense for each destination.

Continue reading: How to Choose the Right Cruise Excursion.

💙 BoardingBeyond Take: There isn’t a single „best“ way to explore every port. The smartest travellers adapt their plans to the destination, not the other way around.

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Common First-Time Cruise Mistakes

Looking back, we were lucky—we didn’t make any major mistakes that ruined our first cruise. But there are definitely a few things we wish we had known before boarding.

1. We Took a Taxi Without Checking Other Transport Options

When we sailed from Miami, we simply booked a taxi from our hotel to the cruise terminal.

Only later did we realise that many hotels, cruise lines and ports offer shuttle services—sometimes even free of charge.

Before your cruise, always check whether your hotel, the port or the cruise line provides transportation. It can save you a surprising amount of money.

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2. We Packed Everything in Our Checked Luggage

This is probably the mistake I mention most often.

Your checked luggage doesn’t arrive at your cabin immediately. Depending on the boarding time, it may take several hours.

We had packed our swimsuits, sunscreen and other essentials in our suitcases, which meant we couldn’t enjoy the pool straight away.

Always keep a small carry-on bag with everything you’ll need for your first afternoon onboard.

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3. We Didn’t Know Food Was Available Almost All Day

This still makes us laugh.

On our first cruise we were sitting on one of the upper decks, completely starving, thinking we had to wait until dinner.

What we didn’t know was that just one deck below us there was a huge buffet serving food almost all day long.

MSC offers several dining options—from elegant main dining rooms with assigned tables and dinner times to generous buffet restaurants open for most of the day.

You’ll never go hungry onboard.

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4. We Didn’t Pack the Right Clothes

If I could change one thing about our first cruise, it would be this.

We packed for a beach holiday.

We didn’t realise how much fun it is to dress up in the evenings.

MSC has elegant Gala Nights where you’ll often meet the Captain, as well as themed parties like the famous White Party, 80s Night, Tropical Night and many others.

Trust me—you’ll never feel overdressed on an MSC cruise.

Bring that white outfit.

Bring the cocktail dress.

Bring the blazer.

You’ll thank yourself later.

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5. We Waited Too Long to Book Excursions

Popular shore excursions often sell out before the cruise even begins.

If there’s an excursion you really don’t want to miss, book it in advance rather than hoping it will still be available once you’re onboard.

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6. We Didn’t Think About Internet Before Sailing

Internet packages onboard can be expensive.

If you know you’ll need Wi-Fi during your cruise, check the prices before departure. MSC frequently offers discounted rates when purchased online in advance, making them considerably cheaper than buying them onboard.

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Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this guide, it’s this:

Don’t overthink your first cruise.

No amount of YouTube videos, Facebook groups or travel blogs can fully prepare you for that first moment when you step onboard and realise that the ship itself is part of the destination.

Seven MSC cruises later, I still get excited every time I see a new ship waiting in port.

Every itinerary is different. Every ship has its own personality. Every sunrise at sea feels special.

So don’t wait for the „perfect“ cruise.

Choose an itinerary that excites you, book it and enjoy the experience.

Who knows?

Your first cruise might be the beginning of a lifelong love for life at sea—just like it was for me.

See you somewhere beyond the horizon.
— Kristina, BoardingBeyond

Continue Exploring:

🚢 How to Choose the Right Cruise Excursion (Coming Soon)

🥂 Are MSC Drink Packages Worth It? (Coming Soon)

🧳 The Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist (Coming Soon)

🌊 My Favorite MSC Ships Ranked (Coming Soon)