Throwback to our very first cruise with MSC, which happened to coincide with my birthday. I wanted to celebrate aboard a cruise ship, and the MSC cruise departing from Rotterdam presented the perfect opportunity. It also allowed us to familiarize ourselves with MSC Cruises and compare them firsthand with our usual go-to, Holland America Line (HAL). In this post, we’ll take you through our detailed experience and provide an in-depth MSC Cruises vs Holland America Line comparison, from amenities to entertainment, dining, and overall experience.
Every journey tells a story, and ours began with a birthday celebration on the high seas.
Price Difference: Budget-Friendly Cruises vs. Luxury Cruise Experience
Let’s start with the price, which is often the most significant factor for most travelers. MSC was much cheaper than HAL, and I mean much cheaper. For those looking for budget-friendly cruises, MSC presents a great alternative. While Holland America Line is known for a more premium or luxury cruise experience, MSC offers an experience that reflects what you pay for. You get a solid cruise with all the essentials—no frills, but also no complaints.
Rooms and Amenities: MSC vs HAL Amenities
The room itself was nice, albeit the balcony was smaller than what we’re accustomed to with Holland America Line. The bathroom was fairly basic, missing certain amenities like conditioner, hand cream, and tissues, which are typically provided on HAL cruises. These seemingly small touches contribute to a more luxurious feeling on HAL, whereas MSC has a more pared-down approach. As for the steward, we barely saw him throughout the trip. On Holland America Line, we are used to much more personal attention, with stewards going out of their way to make sure everything is perfect. However, with MSC, while there was less personal interaction, the room was always clean, and we really couldn’t complain. It was simply a different level of service, reflective of the MSC vs HAL amenities.
Dining: Cruise Ship Dining Comparison
Now, let’s talk about the food. While Holland America Line definitely offers superior cuisine, with more intricate and diverse dishes, the food on MSC was still enjoyable. It wasn’t bad by any means, but HAL’s dining does feel more upscale, which is likely reflected in the price. When comparing the cruise ship dining experiences, HAL comes out ahead if you are seeking fine dining. However, MSC’s food was solid, especially for the price we paid, and we were overall quite happy with it.
Drinks: Italian Coffee vs American Coffee
One area where MSC truly excels is its drink options. There was a much wider variety of drinks available across numerous bars. The coffee, in particular, was fantastic. Being an Italian cruise line, MSC serves Italian-style coffee, which is significantly better than the American-style coffee we’re used to on HAL. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll notice the difference right away. Drinks in general were also cheaper on MSC, making it a win for those looking to enjoy a few cocktails without breaking the bank.
Entertainment: Cruise Entertainment Comparison
This is where MSC really shined. Entertainment on MSC was much, much better than on HAL. Every night there was a show in the theater, complete with singers, dancers, and comedians. MSC’s shows were not only entertaining but offered a different vibe, with a new show or party happening almost every night. The venues were always busy, and people were still out and about at 9 p.m. On HAL, by that time, many passengers are heading back to their rooms to wind down. The crowd on MSC was younger, with more families and children, creating a more vibrant and lively atmosphere. There were noticeably fewer mobility aids like scooters or walkers, which are more common on Holland America Line. For those seeking a more dynamic and lively evening scene, MSC wins hands down in the cruise entertainment comparison.
Excursions: Same Destinations, Different Experience
When it comes to shore excursions, the destinations offered by both MSC and Holland America Line were quite similar. However, MSC’s excursions were much cheaper, although the group sizes were larger. HAL tends to offer smaller group excursions, which feel more personalized. If you’re someone who prefers a more intimate experience, HAL would be the better option, but if you’re fine with being in a larger group, MSC offers fantastic value.
Staff and Tipping: Holland America Line Review vs MSC Cruises Review
The staff on MSC was just as friendly as on HAL, though the tipping culture was different. On MSC, tips are already included in the price, and the staff doesn’t expect anything extra. However, if you do tip them, they are very appreciative, as they don’t receive as much in terms of gratuities compared to Holland America Line. On HAL, tipping is customary, and there’s a bit more emphasis on it. Regardless of the differences in tipping, both cruise lines had staff that did their jobs well and contributed to an overall positive experience.
Multilingual Announcements: An Adjustment with MSC
One thing we didn’t particularly enjoy on MSC was the frequent announcements made in multiple languages. Every announcement was made in almost six different languages, which became a bit overwhelming. With Holland America Line, we’re used to announcements only in English, which keeps things simpler. This might be a small detail, but it’s something to consider if you prefer less noise and more streamlined communication while onboard.
Final Thoughts: A Balanced Cruise Line Comparison
Looking back at our first cruise with MSC, we’re happy to say that we liked the experience enough to book two additional cruises with them—one for Abraham’s birthday in February (A.k.a. Peter ) and another for my birthday next year. While the experience with MSC was different from what we’re used to on Holland America Line, it offered enough value to justify booking again, particularly for shorter European cruises.
However, we’re not abandoning Holland America Line altogether. We still love HAL and will continue to choose them for more specialized and longer voyages, especially when it comes to destinations like Japan, Antarctica, and Australia & New Zealand. Holland America Line remains our top choice for those once-in-a-lifetime trips where we want a more luxurious experience. But for shorter, budget-conscious cruises, especially in Europe, MSC has now become a strong contender in our vacation planning.
Conclusion: MSC Cruises vs Holland America Line Comparison
In conclusion, our MSC Cruises vs Holland America Line comparison highlights that both cruise lines have their own strengths. MSC stands out for its budget-friendly approach, superior entertainment, and amazing coffee, while Holland America Line offers a more luxurious experience with better food, personalized service, and smaller group excursions. Both cruise lines have a place in our future travel plans, and we can appreciate the diversity in experiences they provide.
In the world of cruising, the experience is what you make of it—whether in the elegance of Holland America or the vibrant energy of MSC.
For those planning their next cruise, consider what’s most important to you. If it’s entertainment, variety, and value, MSC might be your best bet. If you’re seeking luxury, excellent food, and personal service, Holland America Line will not disappoint. We hope this cruise line comparison has helped shed some light on the MSC vs HAL amenities, cruise ship dining comparison, and overall experience differences. Both lines offer fantastic opportunities depending on your preferences, budget, and what you want out of your next cruise vacation. For more details on their cruise offerings and itineraries, visit the official MSC Cruises website.
A Voyage of Discovery
In Rotterdam's harbor, we set our sail,
To celebrate a birthday, our hearts all aflail.
Aboard the MSC, a new journey begun,
With hopes and dreams dancing under the sun.
A budget-friendly cruise, a chance to explore,
To compare two lines, to seek out more.
With Holland America, our past had been bright,
But MSC beckoned with promises of delight.
The price tag was tempting, much lower it seemed,
For a taste of the different, our curiosity gleamed.
The cabin was cozy, a balcony small,
While the bathroom felt basic, it served us just all.
Amenities fewer, our steward scarce seen,
Yet the room was kept tidy, so no complaints keen.
The food was quite good, though HAL was much grand,
We savored the flavors, together we’d stand.
In sips of delight, the drinks flowed with ease,
With bars all around, we indulged as we pleased.
Italian-style coffee, oh, how it did sing,
Compared to American, it was fit for a king.
Entertainment ablaze, each night brought a show,
Dancers and singers, their talents would glow.
While HAL’s evenings whispered, ours roared like a flame,
In MSC’s lively scene, we felt wild and untame.
Families and laughter, no scooters in sight,
Young souls all around us, the energy bright.
With excursions aplenty, the ports we would roam,
Though larger the groups, we felt far from alone.
The staff, warm and friendly, their smiles never cease,
In a culture of tipping, their joy found in peace.
Though languages blended, the calls echoed wide,
We yearned for our English, a simpler tide.
Yet with every moment, we found joy anew,
Our hearts filled with memories, both old and brand new.
So here’s to our journey, the seas we did roam,
We’ve booked more adventures, we’ve found a new home.
With MSC and Holland, both paths intertwined,
In this world of cruising, new treasures we find.
So let’s raise a glass to the waves and the sun,
For every new voyage is a tale just begun.
