MSC Cruises Base Fare (Bella Experience)MSC Cruises operates on an "experience" model—Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, and the exclusive MSC Yacht Club—each adding perks to the base fare. The Bella Experience is the starting point, and here’s what’s typically included:

• Accommodation: Your stateroom (interior, oceanview, or balcony, depending on what you book) with daily housekeeping. Bella offers guaranteed cabins, meaning MSC assigns your room (possibly with obstructed views) close to sailing.
• Complimentary Dining: Meals in the main dining rooms (breakfast, lunch, dinner with fixed seating times) and the buffet (open up to 20 hours a day). Options include international cuisine, pasta stations, pizza, burgers, and desserts. Poolside grills (hot dogs, fries) are also free on most ships.
• Beverages: Basic drinks like tap water, drip coffee, tea, iced tea, and juice (usually at breakfast in the buffet or dining room). No bottled water, specialty coffee, or soda is included.
• Entertainment: Access to theater shows (six different ones weekly, like singers or dancers), live music in lounges, poolside games, karaoke, and the MSC Factor talent contest. Movies and nightclub entry are free too.
• Activities: Use of pools, waterslides, sports courts (basketball, volleyball, mini-golf), fitness center (basic equipment), walking tracks, and daily programs like trivia, cooking demos, or dance classes.
• Kids Clubs: Free supervised programs for ages 3–17, including LEGO partnerships and video games (availability varies by ship).
• MSC for Me: On newer ships (e.g., Meraviglia or Seaside class), a free app for planning, onboard chat (no Wi-Fi needed), and digital schedules.
• Private Island (Ocean Cay): If your itinerary includes Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, access to beaches, lounge chairs, and a lunch buffet is included.

Not Included in Base Fare: Gratuities ($16/day for adults, $8/day for kids 2–11 in North America; varies by region), Wi-Fi, drink packages, specialty dining, room service (fee applies), shore excursions, spa services, premium activities (e.g., 4D cinema, F1 simulators), and laundry.Fantastica ExperienceAdds flexibility and perks for an upcharge (price varies by sailing):

• Everything in Bella, plus:
• Room Choice: Pick your stateroom location and type (subject to availability).
• Dining Flexibility: Option for preferred dining times in the main dining room.
• Room Service: Free continental breakfast delivery (delivery fee waived).
• Discounts: 20% off pre-booked specialty dining or drink packages.

Aurea ExperienceA more premium tier (higher cost, varies by itinerary):

• Everything in Fantastica, plus:
• Priority Boarding: Faster check-in and disembarkation.
• Spa Perks: Access to thermal suites, bathrobe, slippers, and a welcome drink.
• Dining: My Choice dining (eat anytime during restaurant hours) and priority reservations.
• Beverage Package: Often includes the Premium Extra Package (unlimited drinks up to $16 each, including alcohol—check your booking).

MSC Yacht ClubThe luxury “ship-within-a-ship” option (significantly pricier):

• Everything in Aurea, plus:
• Exclusive Areas: Private lounge, pool deck, and restaurant.
• All-Inclusive Drinks: Premium Extra Package (up to $16 drinks) included everywhere onboard.
• Butler Service: 24-hour personal concierge and room service.
• Dining: Unlimited specialty restaurant access and exclusive Yacht Club menus.
• Extras: Priority embarkation/disembarkation, free thermal suite access, and a welcome package (e.g., Prosecco and chocolates).

Key Notes

• Gratuities: Automatically added to your bill unless prepaid (e.g., $112 for a 7-day cruise per adult in North America). UK sailings often include them in the fare.
• Drinks: Base fare is limited to basics; packages range from $30/day (non-alcoholic) to $85/day (Premium Extra) if bought pre-cruise.
• Specialty Dining: Extra cost (e.g., Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi) unless in Yacht Club or pre-booked with Fantastica/Aurea discounts.
• Wi-Fi: Not included; packages start at ~$15/day for basic browsing, more for streaming.

For exact inclusions, your fare type (Bella, Fantastica, etc.) and any promotions matter—e.g., some deals bundle drinks and Wi-Fi. Check your cruise confirmation or MSC’s website for your sailing’s details.