I have just been on both MSC and Celebrity recently and they are drastically different. My wife and I used the analogy like this. MSC is Dave & Busters of the cruise lines and Celebrity is Ruth Chris of the cruise lines.
Evening / Late Nigh Entertainment – Let me preface this opinion as to one who enjoys an engaging production show and entertainer and attends at the request of my wife. Celebrity will offer vocalists to perform during the cruise in addition to their stage productions. Both provide music and venues throughout the evening that are fine. MSC’s production shows are colorful and sometimes have strange themes. However, I do say the Michael Jackson show was very entertaining. The theater shows production, music, and content appeal to me more on the Celebrity Cruises. For example, we walked out of an MSC show because it was so brutally bad. In comparison, I attended a performance by one of the vocalists in the theater on Celebrity that I did not have any interest in going. But, to make the spouse happy I went and was blown away with the lady’s singing and enjoyed the performance.
Crowds - MSC is crowded, loud and challenging just like Dave and Busters. Maneuvering through an MSC ship is like dashing through the isles at Walmart. You will be standing in line for buffets, drinks, and the Main Dining Room. Also, you will experience that they run out of items like food, beer, liquors, and utensils.
Celebrity, as mentioned, is an older group that enjoys it because their offerings are not aimed at families. The decks have a relaxing atmosphere with a resort feel. Buffets are busy as well. However, you will be able to get around easily and they are well staffed and supplied.
Cocktails / Drinking- MSC bars are the worst that I have ever encountered on any cruise ship. Very few bar attendants are present. You must wait every time a minimum of 10-20 minutes to order and then our experience is that 50% of the time the order is incorrect. This even includes mistakes on beer orders. Celebrity is well staffed, polite, professional, and knowledgeable. I must add the Sunset Bar as a great place to have a cocktail.
In summary, you get what you pay for!!! Celebrity is the recommendation.
