MSC Cruise Military Discounts: Caribbean, Bahamas & Europe

Last updated: October 30, 2026

Quick answer: Yes. Military Cruise Deals gives a real military and veteran discount on every MSC Cruises cruise — always at least 5% off the cruise fare, taken off the cruise line’s lowest price and added on top of current sales. Many sailings may also come with extra perks like onboard credit, special amenities and Distinctive Voyages. Active duty, retirees, ALL veterans, ALL military and veteran spouses (even if divorced) and everyone traveling with them qualify. There are no booking fees. Call 866-964-5482.

Our MSC military discount works everywhere MSC Cruises sails. Active duty, veterans and their families save on MSC Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando) and Galveston, on cruises to MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, and on MSC cruises in Europe, from the Mediterranean to the Norwegian fjords.

Jump to: Caribbean & Bahamas · Departure ports · MSC ships in the Caribbean · Ocean Cay · Europe

The most affordable cruises in Europe are always MSC.

MSC Seaview cruise ship — 153,516 tons, 5,079 max passengers, 1,060 feet long
MSC Seaview — 153,516 tons, 5,079 max passengers, 1,060 ft. long.

We’re the best experts in getting MSC cruise discounts for military families in Europe. How so?

MSC came to us to assist with writing their policies for U.S. military personnel and Veterans.

The result: no other cruise line offers more favorable terms for military and veterans than MSC.

And no other U.S. travel agency has more exclusive deals for military and veterans than Military Cruise Deals.

Today’s Special Deals on MSC Cruise Line Include:

UP TO 35% OFF CRUISES + KIDS SAIL FREE

Save up to 35% on select sailings, and kids 17 and under sail free as 3rd and 4th guests on select sailings (taxes and fees apply). Book by November 5, 2026.

ADD DRINKS & WI-FI NOW AND SAVE + KIDS SAIL FREE

Get a drink package and a Wi-Fi package included in your cruise price, and kids sail free on select sailings. Book by November 5, 2026.

MSC cruise pricing comparison showing drinks and WiFi included fare vs standard fare
The prices that include drinks and WiFi are not that much more — it’s worth it unless you’re not going to drink or touch your phone at all!
  • Kids 11 and under FREE on select sailings and highly reduced on almost all cruises.
  • Military discount for all active, retired, and veterans — AND spouses, dependents, parents, and sibling families qualify! (You can thank us for that inclusive discount policy!)
  • Additional discount for balconies and YC1 suites when you call to book!
  • $99 per person reduced deposits on cruises of 5 days or less; $199 per person for cruises from 6–14 nights.

How do you get our MSC Cruise Discounts for Military Families in Europe?

Italian-owned MSC is one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, with some of the most luxurious cruise ships afloat. Our online booking system has the military rate already built-in for all inside and oceanview cabins.

Contact us if you want a balcony or suite — we can add an extra discount that isn’t reflected in our online pricing!

All MSC Cruises To:

Western Mediterranean — Genoa, Saint Tropez, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Naples, Barcelona, Tunis, etc.

Eastern Mediterranean — Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice, Istanbul, Kotor, Trieste, Split, Greece

Canary Islands — Tenerife, Malaga, Funchal, Barcelona

Northern Europe — Oslo, Copenhagen, Southampton, Amsterdam

Transatlantic / Repositioning — Ft. Lauderdale to Dover, Venice to Miami, Rio de Janeiro to Barcelona, Santo Domingo to Genoa, Buenos Aires to Dover

South America — Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Santos, Buenos Aires, Montevideo

Africa — Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Portuguese Island

Middle East

Bahamas — Nassau and Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island

Eastern Caribbean — San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Sint Maarten, Antigua, Puerto Plata

Western Caribbean — Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, Belize City, Grand Cayman, Jamaica

Southern Caribbean — Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Cartagena


Who Qualifies for Military Discounts on MSC Cruises?

All active and retired members of the U.S. and Canadian military, and their spouses, dependents, parents, and in-laws!

So even if your family is not traveling with the military member, they still get the military discount on their MSC cruise.

Our military discount is built into the price you’ll find on all MSC rates shown on our website — lower than what you can get directly from MSC or any other travel agency or online travel seller.

New! Civilian military contractors now qualify for the military discount!

We have live agents available by phone, email (info@militarycruisedeals.com), and chat — every weekday!

866-964-5482


MSC also sails the Caribbean!

Main pool deck on the MSC Meraviglia cruise ship on a sunny day
Main pool on MSC Meraviglia.

DID YOU KNOW — A few years ago MSC came to us, Military Cruise Deals, to ask for assistance creating their policies for U.S. Military personnel and Veterans.

AS A RESULT — MSC’s military discount policy is more extensive and inclusive than any other cruise line’s, in the U.S. or Europe.

ONLY ON MSC:

  • MSC’s military discount (up to 10% off!) can be applied to every cabin in a military member’s group, including parents, in-laws, children, spouses, and dependents.
  • Members of the military get a special private cancellation policy — future cruise credit if they have to cancel anytime up to 15 days before sailing due to redeployment or revocation of leave.

Never heard of MSC?

We think MSC is the best-kept secret in cruising today!

This Italian-born cruise line sails the Caribbean year-round from several U.S. ports. MSC stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company.

Here’s why MSC is BETTER FOR OUR MILITARY FAMILIES than almost any other cruise line:

  • Kids 11 and under sail FREE as the 3rd and 4th in cabin on select sailings (ask us if your sailing applies!)
  • Big military discount off every single cabin and sail date
  • Military discount can be applied to every cabin in the group — including parents, in-laws, children, spouses, and dependents
  • Future cruise credit if the military member has to cancel up to 15 days before sailing due to redeployment
  • Free unlimited drink package in B3 balcony or better!
  • Wonderful free kids clubs for your children to enjoy!
MSC Cruise Line's private Ocean Cay island with white sand beaches and turquoise water
MSC Cruise Line’s Private Island — Ocean Cay
Save on flights: drive to your MSC cruise! See cruises from US ports near you: all 31 U.S. departure ports, every list sorted lowest price first.

This is super impressive — MSC has the most inclusive military discount policy in the entire cruise industry. All other cruise lines only give their military discount to one cabin with the military member in it, and that member has to be active or retired. Just like us, MSC gives its military discounts and benefits to veterans of all stripes!

MSC Caribbean Departure Ports

MSC’s Caribbean cruises leave from three U.S. homeports. For many military families, at least one is close enough to drive to.

  • MSC cruises from Miami, Florida: MSC’s biggest U.S. homeport, with a record four ships in winter 2026–27, including MSC’s newest and largest ship, MSC World America. Choose from 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises, 6- to 8-night Caribbean cruises, and 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean voyages.
  • MSC cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida: MSC Grandiosa sails 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, and MSC Seashore sails 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises.
  • MSC cruises from Galveston, Texas: MSC Seascape sails 7-night Western Caribbean cruises to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatán. It’s a great drive-to option for military families in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

MSC Caribbean & Bahamas Destinations

Browse all MSC Caribbean cruises and prices below.

The prices shown online do not include the maximum possible discount for balcony and suite cabins. Contact us for an additional discount on balconies and suites. Prices shown for inside and oceanview cabins DO reflect the maximum military discount — you can book those online with confidence.

All MSC cruise deals to the Eastern Caribbean

All MSC cruise deals to the Western Caribbean

  • MSC Bahamas cruises: Nassau and Ocean Cay on 3- and 4-night getaways from Miami and Port Canaveral. Perfect for a long weekend or a short leave block.
  • Eastern Caribbean: San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Sint Maarten, Antigua, Puerto Plata, Amber Cove and Grand Turk.
  • Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, Belize City, Grand Cayman and Jamaica.
  • MSC Southern Caribbean cruises: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Cartagena and the Panama Canal area on longer 10- and 11-night voyages from Miami.

MSC Ships Sailing the Caribbean in 2026–2027

This winter MSC has seven ships sailing from U.S. ports, its biggest U.S. fleet ever. Here’s where each one sails. Click a ship to see all its future sailings with our military discount built in.

ShipSails fromWinter 2026–27 cruises
MSC World AmericaMiami7-night Eastern & Western Caribbean, with a stop at Ocean Cay. MSC’s newest and largest ship (2025).
MSC SeasideMiami3- & 4-night Bahamas: Nassau and Ocean Cay
MSC MeravigliaMiami6- & 8-night Caribbean and Bahamas
MSC PoesiaMiami10- & 11-night Southern and Western Caribbean, plus Panama Canal voyages
MSC GrandiosaPort Canaveral7-night Eastern & Western Caribbean, with stops at Nassau and Ocean Cay
MSC SeashorePort Canaveral3- & 4-night Bahamas: Nassau and Ocean Cay
MSC SeascapeGalveston7-night Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatán

Summer 2027: MSC World America and MSC Seaside stay in Miami, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Seashore stay in Port Canaveral, and MSC Seascape sails from Galveston’s new cruise terminal. MSC Poesia heads to Alaska for the summer.

Our pick for a first MSC cruise: MSC World America. New ships are the best way to cruise, and World America is MSC’s newest. It has seven themed neighborhoods, a huge kids’ area and the Yacht Club, MSC’s ship within a ship.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: MSC’s Private Island in the Bahamas

Most MSC cruises from Miami and Port Canaveral stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s own private island in the Bahamas, about 65 miles from Miami.

Ocean Cay used to be an industrial sand-mining site. MSC cleaned it up, replanted it, and turned it into a marine reserve.

The MSC Foundation runs a coral nursery there that helps restore the Bahamas’ reefs.

The ship docks right at the island’s pier, so you walk straight off. No tender boats.

What’s included on Ocean Cay

  • About two miles of white-sand beaches, spread over eight beaches and a calm lagoon
  • Beach food and drinks like water and iced tea, plus sun loungers and towels
  • A tram that loops around the island
  • The evening lighthouse light show, the only LED lighthouse show in The Bahamas
  • Kids’ play areas and activities

What costs extra

  • Cabanas and daybeds
  • Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboards and other water sports
  • Spa treatments, specialty food trucks and the lighthouse climb

Your drink package and Wi-Fi package work on the island too. Purchases go on your cruise card, so there’s no need to carry cash.

Stay after dark: Many sailings stay into the evening for the lighthouse show and beach parties, and select 4-night cruises stay overnight.

Yacht Club guests get their own private beach, Ocean House, with its own restaurant and cabanas.

Coming soon: MSC has announced a splash pad, a new playground, more places to eat and an adults-only beach club for Ocean Cay. It is also building Sandy Cay, a new luxury island right next door.

See all MSC Bahamas cruises with stops at Nassau and Ocean Cay, or call us at 866-964-5482 to find the Ocean Cay sailing that fits your leave dates.


All About MSC’s Amazing, Luxurious Ships!

We’ve seen a lot of cruise ships, but the MSC Divina may be the most beautiful we’ve ever seen.

Every step of the stairs in the main atrium is made with $40,000 worth of Swarovski crystals. This is NOT your average cruise ship. Everything is shiny, chic and deluxe.

Aurea balcony cabin on the MSC Divina with modern furnishings and ocean view — includes free beverage package
Aurea Balcony Cabin on the MSC Divina — includes a free beverage package!

All rooms contain a king bed convertible to two singles. Inside and oceanview rooms are 139 to 169 sq ft. Balconies are 148–200 sq ft plus 34–124 sq ft of balcony space. Aurea suites are 220–314 sq ft with walk-in closet, tub, and shower.

Full cabin type descriptions on MSC’s website

Interactive waterpark with slides and splash zones aboard the MSC Divina cruise ship
Interactive Waterpark on MSC Divina

The Yacht Club experience — a ship within a ship

The Yacht Club is a private area on the MSC Divina for guests who want a big cruise ship experience with more privacy and luxury. Yacht Club suites are the largest and most luxurious on the ship, all located in one private area accessible only to Yacht Club passengers.

Your Yacht Club suite comes with 24-hour butler service, pillow menu, free beverages in all Yacht Club venues (beer, wine, spirits), private open-seating dining in a restaurant exclusively for Yacht Club guests, shaded pool, spa baths, solarium, and bar and grill.

Complimentary drinks, gourmet delicacies, and desserts are available throughout the day — so you never need to wade through the crowded buffet. The exclusive Yacht Club area has a private pool, buffet, library, lounge, and dining room.

In short, Yacht Club suites are bastions of high Italian fashion and luxury. Call us at 866-964-5482 for a special discount on Yacht Club rooms.

Cabbage Beach in Nassau with the Atlantis resort in the background — a port stop on MSC Caribbean cruises
MSC Divina and Seaside can take you here — Cabbage Beach, Nassau

The MSC Seaside is the most exciting ship afloat!

It has an interactive waterpark with slide boards that turn slides into a game, an ocean-level promenade for shopping with a sea view, and glass elevators to enjoy the view as you move around the ship. The Seaside’s cabins are 70% balconies — so more guests can enjoy a private balcony for breakfast, reading, and relaxation.

MSC Divina cruise ship anchored in Nassau, Bahamas on a clear day
MSC Divina in the Bahamas

The Seaside also has NEW stateroom types for larger families: Grand Suites for up to 5 people, Super Family connecting cabins for up to 6, and Super Family PLUS connecting cabins for up to 10. Excellent news for our larger military families!

Luxurious Yacht Club stateroom aboard the MSC Preziosa with premium furnishings and private balcony
Yacht Club Stateroom on the MSC Preziosa.

MSC Loves Americans!

Don’t worry — English is spoken on all MSC ships. All announcements are made in English, then Italian. MSC tries very hard to cater to American clients and keep them from having the communication or cultural struggles they’d face on foreign soil.

PLUS, Americans get FREE bottled water served at dinner!

Kids still Free on MSC? Yes, on some. Greatly reduced on most.

Kids sail free promotional graphic for MSC Europe cruises

Kids 11 and under sail FREE on many MSC cruises when they are the 3rd or 4th person in the cabin. Christmas sailings and sailings on new ships are excluded. On applicable sailings, kids 11 and under pay tax only, while kids 12–17 pay a greatly reduced rate.

Contact us to make sure your cruise price doesn’t include a charge for kids under 11 — and to confirm your military discount is applied!

MSC is known for a different show every night, cool features like the F1 racer 4D cinema, and its delicious pizza and gelato.

MSC gives special care and attention to children from age 3. Children’s programs are printed daily and available in the Children’s Center. Entertainment is free and organized into four age categories:

  • Mini Club: 3–6 years old
  • Junior Club: 7–11 years old
  • Y-Team: 12–14 years old
  • MSC Generation Teen Club: 15–17 years old

Sign your kids up once onboard. While MSC does not offer babysitting, kids clubs remain open during the day when you go on shore excursions booked through MSC.

For more information on MSC cabins that hold 5 people, and for more information on European cruise ports, visit those pages.

Top deck of the MSC Seaview with pools, sun loungers, and open ocean views
MSC Seaview from the Top Deck.

What is there to do on an MSC cruise? Entertainment, sports and activities for all ages include:

Outdoor pool, miniature golf, F-1 simulator, showroom, casino, disco/nightclub, fitness center/jogging track, and tennis/basketball sports courts.

MSC Cruises private island Ocean Cay with white sand beach and clear turquoise water
MSC Cruises to exotic locations — including their private island, Ocean Cay.

MSC offers gluten-free meal options!

Special gluten-free meals are served on the Fantasia, Orchestra, Poesia, Musica, Splendida, Magnifica, and Divina. On all other ships, pre-packaged gluten-free products are available. There’s even a kosher category on the wine list — MSC tries very hard to accommodate all dietary needs.

Everything else about MSC dining is very Italian, very European, very chic, and very delicious. Menus focus on regional Italian specialties. Lunches and dinners in the formal dining rooms are 6- and 7-course affairs.

All about MSC cruise ships

The MSC fleet has grown to more than 20 ships, most of them built since 2006, cruising to over 100 destinations worldwide. MSC has the youngest cruise fleet in the entire cruise industry. New ships are really the best way to cruise, and we always recommend the newest ships to our clients.

All MSC ships have specialty restaurants for refined dining, and 24-hour room service is available on every ship.

Meraviglia Class Ships:

Meraviglia — 2017 (98 VIP suites). The longest LED dome at sea over a beautifully designed atrium, combining luxury, chic, and affordability like no other cruise line. Bars, restaurants, dance clubs, an intricately designed waterpark, and plenty of pools. View deck plans and entertainment facilities.
All future Meraviglia cruises

Meraviglia-class sister ships include MSC Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and Euribia.

Fantasia Class Ships: 133,000+ tons, 3,300 passengers, 1,100 balcony cabins

71 VIP MSC Yacht Club suites with 24-hour butler service. Features: waterslide, Aqua Park with 150 illuminating musical fountains, 1,700-seat theater with live entertainment every night, interactive 4-D cinema, Formula 1 race car simulators, WiFi zones, magrodome, retractable roof over the pool area.

Interactive waterpark with slides and splash features on the deck of an MSC cruise ship
MSC interactive waterpark on deck.

Splendida — built 2009, cruises Western Mediterranean from Rome, Genoa, Marseille, and Valencia.
All future Splendida cruises

Fantasia — built 2008, cruises the Mediterranean and South America.
All future Fantasia cruises

Preziosa — 2013 (91 VIP suites), cruises the Western Mediterranean.
All future Preziosa cruises

Divina — built 2012, cruising the Mediterranean and Caribbean from Miami, Istanbul, and Italy.
All future Divina cruises

World Class and Seaside Class Ships

MSC’s newest and largest ships are the World Class — MSC World Europa (2022) and MSC World America (2025). The Seaside Class includes MSC Seaside, Seaview, Seashore and Seascape. Ask us about military pricing on any of them.

Musica Class Ships: 92,000 tons, 2,500 passengers, 800+ balcony cabins

Aurea Suite on an MSC cruise ship with elegant decor and balcony access
The Aurea Suite

54 VIP MSC Yacht Club suites. Unique activities include rock climbing and volleyball.

Magnifica — built 2010, cruises British Isles, Greece, Turkey, and Black Sea
Poesia — built 2008, cruises from Ft. Lauderdale in winter, Southern Europe in summer
Orchestra — built 2007, cruises Western Mediterranean in summer and South America in winter
Musica — built 2006, cruises Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and Fjords in summer

Contemporary Class Ships: 59,000 tons, 1,700 passengers, 200 balcony cabins

Opera — built 2004
Lirica — built 2003
Sinfonia — built 2002
Armonia — built 2001

Cabbage Beach Nassau with the Atlantis Casino and Resort visible in the background
Cabbage Beach Nassau with the Atlantis Casino and Resort in the background.

MSC and Military Cruise Deals Created a Special Policy for Military Families Who May Get Redeployed.

What if a service member gets redeployed and you have to cancel the cruise? Will you lose all your money?

If a member of the U.S. or Canadian Armed Forces can no longer travel due to redeployment or revocation of leave, MSC Cruises will issue a full cruise credit for use on a future sail date. Must be verified by a letter from a commanding officer. Cancellation must be done within 15 days, and future cruise credit is good for two years from cancellation.

This policy only covers redeployment or revocation of leave — it does NOT cover cancellations for death, illness, or injury, and does not provide medical coverage while on the cruise. So even with this free layer of protection from MSC, you may still want to consider travel insurance. We provide a military discount on that too, and our travel insurance is FREE for kids.

Pool deck aboard the MSC Poesia cruise ship with loungers and outdoor pools
Pool Deck on the MSC Poesia

MSC Experiences

MSC cabins are separated into four experience categories: Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, and Yacht Club.

Bella

Lowest priced staterooms: Balcony, Ocean View, Outside with Partial View, Interior, and Interior Studio

  • Guests request early or late dining; a time within that range will be assigned by availability.
  • ZOE — voice-enabled virtual personal cruise assistant (available on MSC Grandiosa and MSC Bellissima)
  • MSC for Me app

Fantastica

Preferred staterooms: Suite, Balcony, Ocean View, Interior, and Staterooms for Families

All Bella benefits plus:

  • Ideally located staterooms on upper decks with easy access to main areas
  • Dining time priority over Bella guests
  • 24-hour room service with FREE continental breakfast; upgrade options available for a fee

Extra Benefit: Fantastica guests in Balcony staterooms and Suites on the renovated MSC Armonia may dine in dedicated restaurants with flexible My Choice Dining times.

Aurea

Premium staterooms: Suite, Duplex Suite, Grand Suite, Suite with Whirlpool and Balcony

All Fantastica benefits plus:

  • 24-hour room service (free delivery)
  • Welcome package
  • Dine any time you choose
  • Complimentary access to the Top Exclusive Solarium
  • 40% discount on a prepaid dedicated spa package
  • 10% discount on all spa treatments purchased onboard
  • Priority boarding

Yacht Club Suites

The Yacht Club is practically a private cruise within a cruise — the epitome of elegance and luxury at sea.

PRIVACY

  • Lavishly fitted suites on the upper decks
  • Panoramic Top Sail Lounge with bar, afternoon tea, light food selection 20 hours/day, and live music nightly
  • Dedicated Sun Deck with pool, whirlpool, solarium, and bar
  • Gourmet dining in the private MSC Yacht Club restaurant with flexible dining times

EXCLUSIVITY

  • Dedicated priority check-in and check-out
  • 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge
  • 24-hour room service
  • Unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club areas including mini-bar
  • Complimentary beverages in all onboard bars and restaurants
  • Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA
  • Bathrobe and slippers in each suite
  • Most rewarding experience for MSC Voyagers Club points
  • Newspaper delivered to stateroom on request
  • Premium Internet Package, up to 4GB (depending on cruise length)
  • Customized services
  • Option to organize exclusive shopping or tailor-made excursions (not included in cruise fare)
  • MSC for Me Wristband (ages 12+) — wearable waterproof device to unlock your stateroom, book services, and make purchases

WORLD OF CHOICE

  • Access to all ship facilities (bars, lounges, specialty restaurants, pools, etc.)
  • Premium buffet 20 hours per day with gourmet menu
  • Broadway and Las Vegas-style theatre shows almost every day
  • Entertainment activities for adults, infants, and children
  • Recreational activities for children including foreign language games and Doremi Chef cooking sessions
  • Open-air sports facilities
  • Well-equipped gym with panoramic view

Can you get a military discount on group cruises on MSC?

Military family enjoying a group cruise aboard an MSC ship

Military and veterans who book an MSC group cruise with Military Cruise Deals will still get our military discount and the most possible perks on every cabin in their group. However, MSC’s own military discount is unfortunately not combinable with group rates — keep this in mind when planning a group on MSC.

Important: Full payment is due 90 days before sailing. If group space isn’t used at 180 and 150 days before sailing, MSC reserves the right to take back the space. You need to be confident your group can fill the cabins before committing.

To book a group cruise on MSC, email us at info@militarycruisedeals.com or call 866-964-5482.


What is the minimum number of cabins and people required for a group?

8 cabins with a minimum of 16 passengers.


What is the deposit schedule for groups?

$199 per adult is due within 7 days of putting a name on the reservation. Full payment is then due 90 days before sailing. If group space isn’t used at 180 and 150 days before sailing, MSC reserves the right to take back the space.


What are the benefits offered to military and veteran groups on MSC?

A. Amenity points

B. Tour Conductor credit(s)

C. Our military discount

Teenagers enjoying activities aboard an MSC cruise ship

A. All About Amenity Points for Groups on MSC

Group perks on MSC are allocated based on ‘group amenity points.’ The number of points depends on the cruise selected. Once you’ve picked a sailing and cabin type, we’ll check with MSC to see how many amenity points are assigned.

Points can be used to get onboard credit OR one of various other gifts. Your group chooses ONE option, and whatever you select applies to every cabin in the group.

MSC group amenity points chart showing available perks and point costs

B. Tour Conductor Credit(s) applied to MSC Group Cruises

Each group receives one tour conductor credit per 8 cabins with 16 people. This credit can be used to give 1 passenger a FREE cruise fare (taxes and port charges still apply). The credit amount is the average per-person rate for the group based on double occupancy.

Guests riding the zipline attraction on the MSC Seaside cruise ship

Read Travel Agent Rebecca Forte’s article about her Divina cruise — How I Survived (and Thrived) on My First Cruise!


Military Spouse reviews of MSC Cruise Line

Denis Q. — “My wife and I have travelled with MSC on many cruises. We’ve been on the Fantasia, Splendida, Musica, Poesia, Preziosa, and have just over a month ago come off the Divina after a 20-night cruise starting from Miami and finishing in Rome.

We have enjoyed every cruise with MSC. The quality of the furnishings is second to none, the decor has been tastefully selected, and the staterooms are far superior to other cruise lines. We were very happy with the quality of food in the buffet and dining rooms and also the selection of drink packages. In a nutshell, MSC offers great value for your money, a great selection of cruises, and beautiful ships.”

Stephanie F. — military spouse in Germany — “We’ve been on five cruises with MSC and they are by far the best! We did 2 in the Mediterranean, one to Greece and one to Istanbul. We absolutely love this cruise line.”

Krista L. — military spouse in Europe — “We have cruised twice on MSC — the Fantasia was amazing.”

Paul W. — from Baltimore — “It was funny, once the staff heard you were American, they treated you differently. They were outgoing and jovial. Many staff members approached me to ask if everything was ok. They made me feel very special.”

Heather B. — from Virginia — “I’ve been on many cruise ships, but the Divina is the most chic and beautiful. Even the other cruisers were a beautiful crowd. Be sure to find the ethnic section of the buffet — it was my favorite place for lunch. When I cruise MSC again, I’ve got to do the Yacht Club.”


Full review of MSC Splendida

By Kacie Rosario — military spouse (MSC Splendida and Divina are sister ships)

The MSC Splendida was our first cruise! We had read some negative reviews about MSC, and it almost changed my mind, but we decided to test it out ourselves. We could not have asked for a better experience! From the staff, the food, the amenities, and the ports of call — it was our best vacation yet.

What were some of your favorite parts about cruising?

We just really enjoyed the ease of cruising and the relaxed atmosphere. There was always something to do, but if you just wanted to relax — there are plenty of places for that too. Everything was well organized and ran smoothly — embarkation, excursions, dining, and disembarkation. We never felt rushed, crowded, or pressured.

It was also nice that everything was taken care of before we cruised. Mitch had our crib booked in our room, our tickets emailed to us, and even signed us up for the excursions I wanted. I was a nervous first-time cruiser and Mitch was great about promptly answering my dozens of emails.

We also enjoyed the dining experience. Every night you have the option to enjoy a seven-course meal, and it does not disappoint. I consider myself a picky eater, and there was always something I enjoyed. The wait staff goes above and beyond — we have a two-year-old and the staff was so accommodating, as were our fellow diners.

We also chose the Cheers package which included unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soda, and water) during dining hours — a great purchase and we certainly got our money’s worth. The buffet was also great for breakfast and lunch, with a wide variety of options.

Did you think the ship and your room were nice enough?

Our room was fantastic and far exceeded our expectations. From the reviews I was expecting a tin shoebox, but our room was large enough for two adults and a toddler to run around. We had a great view from our balcony, and it was nice to sit outside while arriving and leaving port. Room service visited twice a day and was always quick to assist.

Kids sail free promotion graphic for MSC Europe cruises

Did it seem like a good cruise for kids?

We did look around the kids area, and we would have taken advantage if our son was older. The groups would come into the buffet at times and always seemed like they were having so much fun. Even though we didn’t use the kids club, the ship itself was very kid-friendly with plenty of wide open spaces.

For more cruise pictures, visit Kacie’s blog.


A recent review of the MSC Seaside

Mr. Northhouse of the Air Force Reserves cruised on the Seaside in September 2018. Here’s what he had to say:

Ocean boardwalk promenade at sea level on the MSC Seaside cruise ship

We have booked multiple cruises with MilitaryCruiseDeals.com and have found them extremely helpful and professional with a user-friendly website.

Note: If the price of the cruise is offered at a lower rate after booking, Mitchell will meet or beat that new price up until the day it must be paid in full. I recommend not paying in full prior to the mandatory payment date, as it may be difficult to negotiate a refund afterward.

Offers prior to sailing: Most new cruisers don’t realize there are pre-sailing offers that make the experience less stressful and lighter on the wallet. For this cruise, MSC offered a “Drinks on Us” package for free, which included limited brands of beer, wine, and basic mixed drinks — no frozen drinks. A 15% gratuity was charged on each drink. The Classic/Deluxe upgrade was $18/$26 per day with gratuities included — worth it if you drink a few cocktails, coffees, and smoothies daily.

Spa, excursions, photo packages, specialty restaurants: Sign up with MSC’s membership (always free) and check your account periodically for special offers. Some are only available for a short time. Pre-paid spa treatments, excursions, and restaurant packages are significantly cheaper before sailing than onboard.

Be aware: purchasing excursions through the cruise line may cost a bit more than local options, but if the ship’s itinerary changes or there’s bad weather, you get an easy refund at the service desk. And if your cruise line excursion runs late, the ship will wait for you — no such guarantee if you booked locally.

Embarkation: We arrived around 11:30 am at the cruise port, used Uber/Lyft from the airport, and were checked in and onboard within 30 minutes. Print your luggage tags before leaving home and attach them at the port.

MSC Seaside: The Atrium is impressive — open to three decks, crystal staircases, large screens, and a bar at its center. The ship flows well, with many locations to relax and multiple bars with their own unique menus. Everything looks outward to the sea, unlike some ships that look inward to entice you to spend.

Grand reception area and atrium aboard the MSC Seaside cruise ship

Dining: Two main dining rooms — one for Aurea guests only, one with set dinner times. Menus are the same in both and change daily. Meals are included with your fare. If you like two items on the menu, order both. No dress code in the buffet; see your daily bulletin for dining room dress expectations (casual to elegant).

Buffets: Plentiful choices made fresh — fruit, vegetables, cuisines from around the world, vegan and vegetarian options, and pizza made from scratch. Tour the whole buffet before diving in; the best stations are often in the back with no lines.

Balcony stateroom on the MSC Seaside with private outdoor seating and ocean view

Cabins: Comparable to other cruise lines in size and setup. Handicapped cabins are excellent — very large bathroom with handrails, emergency pull cords, wheelchair-accessible shower with a seat. Note: cabins near elevators, steward areas, or above the nightclub may have noise — bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

Entertainment: Nightly theatre shows with multiple times. Arrive early for ideal seating — reservations don’t guarantee placement. Check individual bars for additional evening entertainment throughout the ship.

Theme Nights: Elegant Night, White Night (wear all white, late-night deck party), Pirate Night, and 1920s Gala. Cruise lines don’t always publicize these in advance — check reviews before sailing so you can pack appropriately. White Night is the most popular and consistent across MSC.

Family Fun: Baby, Junior, Young, and Teen clubs; Jungle Pool and Lounge; Forest Adventure Park; multiple water slides; zipline; sports court; bowling alley; Arcade; F1 Simulator; a chocolate bar with a wall-covering chocolate fountain. Day care services are also available.

Disembarkation: If you leave luggage outside your cabin the night before, it goes to a color-coded staging area near the exit. If you prefer to self-carry your luggage, you can leave the ship at your own pace in the morning. We self-carried, had a leisurely breakfast, and left at 10:30 am with virtually no lines at customs. Call your Uber/Lyft about 30 minutes before leaving the ship.

Most importantly — you’re on vacation. A positive attitude and going with the flow makes everything better. You’re on vacation!




Cruise Pictures

Children participating in a cooking class aboard an MSC cruise ship
Kids can be chefs on MSC!
Pool deck on the MSC Divina cruise ship
Pool deck on the MSC Divina
Formula 1 racing simulator attraction aboard an MSC cruise ship
F1 Simulators
Children's kids club area with toys and activities aboard an MSC cruise
Kids Club
Elegant suite interior aboard the MSC Magnifica cruise ship
Suite on the MSC Magnifica
MSC XD Theater entertainment venue aboard an MSC cruise ship
MSC’s XD Theater
Freshly made gourmet pizza served aboard an MSC cruise ship
Gourmet Pizza!
Historic harbor and colorful buildings of Genoa Italy a port stop on MSC European cruises
Genoa, Italy
MSC Divina cruise ship exterior view
The Leaning Tower of Pisa a popular shore excursion destination from MSC Mediterranean cruises
Pisa
Yacht Club Deluxe Suite interior with premium furnishings aboard an MSC cruise ship
Yacht Club Deluxe Suite
Adventure park and outdoor activity area aboard the MSC Seaside cruise ship
MSC Seaside
Family enjoying activities together aboard an MSC cruise
Family fun on MSC!
Michael Jackson tribute show performance aboard an MSC cruise ship
Michael Jackson tribute performance on MSC
MSC Meraviglia cruise ship exterior view at sea
MSC Meraviglia
MSC experiences comparison chart showing what is included in each cabin category
MSC stateroom experience chart showing which cabin types qualify for which experience level
MSC stateroom categories by ship chart
MSC stateroom occupancy by ship chart

★ Why Book Your MSC Caribbean or Europe Cruise With Military Cruise Deals?

We’re Mitch, Kevin, and Hope — a military-family-owned agency that has specialized in cruise discounts for active duty, veterans, and their families since 2001. MSC actually came to us to help design their military discount policy, which is why it covers not just the service member but their entire family group — including parents, in-laws, and dependents. No other cruise line does that.

Our discount is built into every MSC rate on our website, and we have additional savings for balconies and suites that don’t show online. We’ve helped over 50,000 military families book cruises and have 1,500+ five-star reviews.

Ready to book? Call us toll-free at 866-964-5482 or send us a message.

MSC Cruises Military Discount at a Glance

Our military discountAlways at least 5% off the cruise fare on every MSC Cruises cruise, off the lowest price
Extra perksOnboard credit, special amenities and Distinctive Voyages on many sailings
Who qualifiesActive duty, retired military, ALL veterans, ALL military and veteran spouses (no matter the military member’s status, even if divorced), plus friends and family — even in separate cabins
Stacks with sales?Yes — added on top of the cruise line’s current promotions
Booking feesNone — no fees to book, change or cancel
Price protectionFree rate monitoring and re-faring requests until final payment, plus our exclusive Price Drop Tracker
In business since2001 — military-family-owned, 1,500+ five-star reviews. Call 866-964-5482

What it adds up to: on $5,000 of MSC cruise fare, our military discount of at least 5% saves you at least $250 — and on a $10,000 family cruise fare, at least $500. That comes on top of MSC’s own military rate when your sailing has one and you qualify. If the price drops after you book and we re-fare you, you can save more.

More Questions About the MSC Cruises Military Discount

Does MSC sail the Caribbean from U.S. ports?

Yes. MSC sails the Caribbean and Bahamas year-round from Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando) and Galveston. Cruises range from 3- and 4-night Bahamas getaways to 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises and 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean voyages. Our military discount applies to every one of them.

Which MSC ships sail the Caribbean in 2026–2027?

In winter 2026–27, MSC World America, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Poesia sail from Miami, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Seashore sail from Port Canaveral, and MSC Seascape sails from Galveston.

What is Ocean Cay, and is it included in my MSC cruise?

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, about 65 miles from Miami. It’s a former sand-mining site that MSC restored into a marine reserve. Most MSC cruises from Miami and Port Canaveral stop there. Beaches, loungers, beach food and the evening lighthouse show are included. Cabanas, water sports and spa treatments cost extra.

How much is the military discount on MSC Cruises?

Our military discount is always at least 5% off the cruise fare on every MSC Cruises cruise. Many sailings may also come with extra perks like onboard credit, special amenities and Distinctive Voyages. The more your cruise costs, the more you save.

Do all military and veteran spouses qualify for the MSC Cruises Military Discount?

Yes. ALL military and veteran spouses qualify, no matter the status of the military member — including surviving spouses and divorced spouses. Friends and family traveling with them qualify too, even in separate cabins.

Does the military discount stack with MSC Cruises sales?

Yes. Our military discount is added on top of the cruise line’s current promotions.

Do you charge fees to book a MSC Cruises cruise?

No. We never charge a fee to book, change or cancel your cruise. The cruise line’s own cancellation penalties still apply.

What happens if the price drops after I book?

We monitor your rate until final payment. If the price drops, we ask the cruise line to re-fare you to the lower rate, upgrade you, or give you onboard credit. Some non-refundable fares can’t be re-fared.

Can I transfer my MSC Cruises booking to Military Cruise Deals?

In many cases, yes — if you booked directly with the cruise line and haven’t made final payment. Call us at 866-964-5482 and we’ll check your booking.