MSC Cruises for Solo / SIngle cruiser

[steveknj]

My son is looking to book a cruise out of NYC as a single solo cruiser.  He's never sailed alone before but has heard great stories from us about how great cruising is.  Initially we looked at NCL because they are well known for single cruising but for kicks and grins we took a look at other lines including MSC for pricing and such.   We know that MSC will be sailing out of Brooklyn next year and they are trying to get a foothold in the NY area.  So their pricing, even for a solo cruiser was very intriguing.   With that said, would his experience as a single man, late 30s be good on MSC?  Are there other single solo cruisers that sail MSC?  We've never sailed this line before but are considering it for ourselves, but for now, looking at what his experience might be.  He's not a big drinker but will have a drink or two a day probably.   He enjoys music and will enjoy the stage shows.  He's not very outgoing, but can certainly hold a conversation but he's a bit shy.

 

What say you, fine MSC cruisers?

[dexddd]

Hard to say how things will be. MSC seems to be asking higher fares out of NYC.  Single supplements seem to only be available closet to sailing.  

 

They also had few sailings out of NYC.

 

Pre shutdown, many Europeans and lots of night life on Miami trips.

[CruisingFox27]

We've met many people travelling solo during our cruises. I'm not sure if they still do but they used to arrange a daily meeting for solo travellers. 

[rkacruiser]

As a solo cruiser on MSC, there ought not be any issue in meeting others during the cruise.  

[wcook]

MCS has a good amount of younger people and has great nightlife with dancing etc. The only issue (which may not be a problem) is that it will have a larger percentage of non-English speaker than Royal/Carnival/NCL. 
 

Honestly though, I’d highly recommend picking a cruise based on whatever cruise he wants to take, not what line has a reputation for being good for solo cruisers. 

[pappahbuttz]

I have cruised twice solo, once on RCCL and once on MSC, with another MSC solo booked in November. There are NO problems solo travelling and he will have an amazing time for sure! There are many solo reviews on here and on youtube.

[Morgsmom]

Both Hubby and I have traveled solo on MSC on various cruises when the other couldn't accompany.  It's certainly different than traveling with your spouse, but we each enjoyed our solo cruises very much. Gives you more time to talk to the crew!

[alohayall]

Cruising solo is great for people who are okay with doing any activity solo - dining out, movies…. 
 

And I would agree that the best cruise for solo is a ship / itinerary in which you are interested.  

[FireEater]

I just went on a solo cruise out of Florida a few weeks ago.

 

Booked a 4 night cruise.

 

MSC had 2 nights that I can remember seeing on the schedule of events for singles meet up.  It was nothing more than a meet and greet, but it was something.

Edited July 3, 2022 by FireEater

[capitalbarry]

I am doing Solo in October 29, 2022 on Msc Seashore. This will be my first Solo, but have cruise with MSC over 11 times, Love the this cruise Line, 🙂

[Huntingdon1701]

Started sailing as a solo guy in mid-30s. Absolutely fine experience - it's what you make of it really. I'm not very sociable, but go to the shows and chat to people on excursions. Other than that, find a quiet lounger with a book. 

 

Give it a go. He may get hooked. 

[kilkoyne]

Has he ever vacationed solo? It's really no different imo. I've been doing traveling/vacationing, cruising for the past 25 years and love it. 

Edited July 12, 2022 by kilkoyne

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Nearly every cruise line charges 2X for single cruisers. I know some NCL ships have some inside cabins for singles that they charge somewhere between 1X and 2X for.  Two single cruisers on our last MSC cruise said they chose MSC because they were not charged 2X. Not sure if that's true or not but if they don't charge double for singles, that would be huge.

[wcook]

Because some ships are sailing well under capacity, there are a lot of “bargains” out there for the solo cruiser. There are also some cruises where the base inside cabin fare is so cheap paying 1.7x still works out to be a bargain.  
 

Not seeing as many bargains for 2023 as 2022 unfortunately. 

[cruiseelady]

On 7/1/2022 at 1:18 PM, steveknj said:

My son is looking to book a cruise out of NYC as a single solo cruiser.  He's never sailed alone before but has heard great stories from us about how great cruising is.  Initially we looked at NCL because they are well known for single cruising but for kicks and grins we took a look at other lines including MSC for pricing and such.   We know that MSC will be sailing out of Brooklyn next year and they are trying to get a foothold in the NY area.  So their pricing, even for a solo cruiser was very intriguing.   With that said, would his experience as a single man, late 30s be good on MSC?  Are there other single solo cruisers that sail MSC?  We've never sailed this line before but are considering it for ourselves, but for now, looking at what his experience might be.  He's not a big drinker but will have a drink or two a day probably.   He enjoys music and will enjoy the stage shows.  He's not very outgoing, but can certainly hold a conversation but he's a bit shy.

 

What say you, fine MSC cruisers?

I am a solo cruiser and live in NYC.  I love sailing from NYC but now there are no good deals.  I actually booked a cruise for September going MSC Divina solo from Port Canaveral.  

[cruiseelady]

I think your son will enjoy MSC cruise.  My first MSC cruise was last year in September and I went solo.  I am also not a big drinker.  I might have one drink a day, not even every day.  I enjoy the shows, the music.  I also am an introvert but had a lovely time on MSC ship.  The cost for September is amazing.  That the reason why I booked with them again.  Incredible deal.  The best deal I found for 7 days cruise for a solo person.  Insides started at around 270 plus taxes and fees. 

[cruiseelady]

1 hour ago, wcook said:

Because some ships are sailing well under capacity, there are a lot of “bargains” out there for the solo cruiser. There are also some cruises where the base inside cabin fare is so cheap paying 1.7x still works out to be a bargain.  
 

Not seeing as many bargains for 2023 as 2022 unfortunately. 

You are not looking at the right place then LOL.  There are so many bargains especially on MSC.  Inane deals.  Just two days ago I booked MSC Divina for September 4, prices started from around 270 plus taxes and fees, that's a 7 days cruise.  

[dexddd]

NCL has studio cabins on some ships. Not double price as inside but still a premium.

[Nikita4]

I am travalling solo once a year with MSC normally in the YC. Before Covid I have to pay 150-180% of the price. Since Covid no more than 100%, so its really a good deal to travel also for last minute.

I like to travel solo and to have a table for me for lunch an dinner. So I don't need solo meetings or so.

[mowogo]

On 7/13/2022 at 3:54 PM, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said:

Nearly every cruise line charges 2X for single cruisers. I know some NCL ships have some inside cabins for singles that they charge somewhere between 1X and 2X for.  Two single cruisers on our last MSC cruise said they chose MSC because they were not charged 2X. Not sure if that's true or not but if they don't charge double for singles, that would be huge.

As someone looking at booking, I’m finding the MSC supplements for singles are less than many other lines.  NCL while offering Studio cabins for singles at rates that can be lower than booking an interior solo, they are also very bad about tacking on fees to the fare because of inclusions so you really need to look at the whole cost before balancing with NCL.  

[mowogo]

On 7/13/2022 at 5:49 PM, cruiseelady said:

You are not looking at the right place then LOL.  There are so many bargains especially on MSC.  Inane deals.  Just two days ago I booked MSC Divina for September 4, prices started from around 270 plus taxes and fees, that's a 7 days cruise.  

And even $400 plus taxes solo booking for February on a relatively new ship for 7 days.  That is the pricing I’m finding for Carnival Spirit and Glory while sailing on the Meraviglia, and I have Casino rates with Carnival.  And with certain credit cards one can jump up the MSC ladder with a status match to get an even more elevated experience to increase value one gets on the cruise. 

[cruiseelady]

8 hours ago, mowogo said:

And even $400 plus taxes solo booking for February on a relatively new ship for 7 days.  That is the pricing I’m finding for Carnival Spirit and Glory while sailing on the Meraviglia, and I have Casino rates with Carnival.  And with certain credit cards one can jump up the MSC ladder with a status match to get an even more elevated experience to increase value one gets on the cruise. 

Yes, last year was my first time going on MSC and I did a status match before booking and came on board as Gold member.  Not only are the rates good for solos but if you book 12 months in advance an extra 10% off.  

[Essiesmom]

I tried a mock booking for Meraviglia for Oct as a solo and the price for an inside cabin was very good.  Can’t remember if it was 4 or 5 days,  but YC was under $700 if I chose to splurge.  EM

[dexddd]

17 hours ago, mowogo said:

As someone looking at booking, I’m finding the MSC supplements for singles are less than many other lines.  NCL while offering Studio cabins for singles at rates that can be lower than booking an interior solo, they are also very bad about tacking on fees to the fare because of inclusions so you really need to look at the whole cost before balancing with NCL.  

You mean 'Free at Sea'?  Where 'free' means fees on free packages?

[HipHipOnAShip]

25 minutes ago, dexddd said:

You mean 'Free at Sea'?  Where 'free' means fees on free packages?

Which is precisely why we won't sail on NCL - the "free" stuff adds up to hundreds of dollars.