Msc Cruise Line — Terms & Conditions

About Msc Cruises

MSC Cruises is one of the world’s leading and most recognized cruise lines, headquartered in Europe with a strong global presence. It is part of the MSC Group (Mediterranean Shipping Company), one of the largest privately owned shipping and logistics companies worldwide, with decades of experience in the maritime industry.

MSC Cruises operates a modern fleet of next-generation cruise ships, offering itineraries across the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Middle East, and other international destinations. The brand is known for its European style, innovation, commitment to sustainability, and onboard experiences designed for families, couples, and international travelers.

When booking a cruise with MSC Cruises, guests are entering into a direct contractual relationship with the cruise line and are subject to MSC Cruises’ official policies, terms, and conditions. These policies govern essential aspects of the cruise experience, including but not limited to cancellations, changes, fare rules, guest responsibilities, required travel documentation, onboard conduct, shore excursions, and conditions of carriage.

For this reason, it is essential that customers carefully review and fully understand MSC Cruises’ policies before completing their purchase. These terms define the rights and obligations of both the guest and the cruise line and apply regardless of the booking channel used.

• Cancellation Policy

Useful Information: Complimentary upgrades to higher stateroom categories do not specifically mean an upgrade into a different Experience. If a stateroom upgrade is provided, the original Inclusive Experience paid for will remain unchanged.

* Or loss of deposit, whichever is greater. 

For Yacht Club bookings, a non-refundable deposit is due and payable at the time of booking. No refund will be permitted if a guest terminates the cruise after embarkation or while the cruise is in progress.

Cruise contracts are non-transferable. Name changes and cruise date changes are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to the cancellation fees listed above. Cancellation charges are assessed on the total fare, including cruise fare, air add-ons, hotel packages, and any other additional services arranged through MSC Cruises.

Last updated: July 31, 2025. 

• Minors Policy

At MSC Cruises, we take pride in creating incredible holiday experiences the whole family can share and in our ability to cater to the individual needs of everyone, from children and tweens to teenagers and parents.

1. Infants on board

Infants under two years are admitted on board, except for cruises of 11 nights or longer when they must be at least one year old. This policy is due to long cruises often having multiple days at sea, which can impede our ability to provide urgent medical care for infants.

2. Minors on board

Generally, MSC Cruises does not permit minors (those under 21 on U.S. itineraries, or under 18 on others) to occupy a stateroom without the presence of at least one adult. To be considered an adult, passengers must be 18 or 21 years old at the time of embarkation, depending on the itinerary.

However, an exception applies for minors under 18 traveling with one parent or legal guardian, provided the following conditions are met:

• The parent or legal guardian must specifically request at the time of booking that the minors be assigned a stateroom without an adult and sign a liability waiver. This waiver must be submitted to the Contact Center and taken with the guest for embarkation. Waivers will not be provided at the terminal.
• The parent or legal guardian is traveling with two to five minors.
• The stateroom is occupied by either one minor aged 12 or older, or two minors, with the eldest at least 12 and the youngest at least eight.
• No more than two minors may occupy a stateroom without an adult.

For MSC Lirica, Musica, and Fantasia class ships:

• Parent or guardian and minors must stay in connecting staterooms, and the balcony of the minors’ stateroom will be locked.

For all other MSC ships:

• The parent or legal guardian and the minor(s) shall be accommodated in connecting staterooms with the minor stateroom’s balcony being locked or in interior adjacent staterooms.
• The parent or legal guardian shall be required to purchase a wristband to have access to the stateroom occupied by the minor(s) at any time during the cruise. The wristband and an informative flyer will be delivered to the parent or legal guardian’s stateroom, and the cost will be charged to the parent’s or legal guardian’s onboard account.

3. Traveling Alone on U.S. Itineraries

Travelers of all nationalities must be at least 21 years old to travel alone on cruises embarking from or traveling to the United States. However, guests aged 18 to 20 may stay in a stateroom alone if traveling with a parent or legal guardian, without needing to meet the additional stateroom requirements.

Full details are available in the Booking Terms and Conditions and Conditions of Carriage. All policy exceptions must be managed directly through the MSC Cruises Contact Center and cannot be processed through MSC Book.

Infants are permitted on cruises of 11 nights or longer only if they turn one year old on or before the day of embarkation.

“Adjacent staterooms” are defined as two staterooms, at least one without a balcony, with no more than three staterooms between them, and assigned to the same assembly station and corridor. “Connecting staterooms” are defined as two staterooms connected by an internal door. 

• Gratuities Information

   

• Pregnancy Policy

Medical Guidance Before Travel

Pregnant women are highly recommended to seek medical advice prior to travel at any stage of their pregnancy.

Medical Certificate Requirement (Up to 23 Weeks)

Women who are up to 23 weeks pregnant at the end of the cruise are required to produce a medical certificate of fitness to travel.

Restriction (24 Weeks or More)

For health and safety reasons, the Carrier cannot carry pregnant Passengers of 24 weeks or more by the end of the cruise.

Carrier’s Right to Request Documentation

The Carrier reserves the right to request a medical certificate at any stage of pregnancy and to refuse passage if the Carrier and/or the Master are not satisfied that the Passenger will be safe during the passage.

Important Notice

Failure to inform the Carrier and the Vessel’s doctor of pregnancy will release the Carrier from any liability to the pregnant Passenger.

Onboard Medical Limitations

The ship’s doctor is not qualified to deliver babies onboard or to offer pre- or post-natal treatment, and no responsibility is accepted by the Carrier in respect of the ability to provide such services or equipment.

Pregnant Passengers are referred to the section headed Medical Treatment for information regarding the medical facilities onboard.

• Smoking Policy

Smoking Restrictions

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside staterooms and on stateroom balconies.

Designated Smoking Areas

Smoking is permitted only in designated areas of the ship, such as the cigar room or the left side of the pool deck, as indicated onboard.