Carnival vs. MSC: Full Vacation Cost, Ships, Fares & Inclusions Compared

Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises both chase a value-minded cruiser, but the fare is built differently on each line. Carnival keeps the headline fare low and sells almost everything else separately, while MSC sells four fare and suite tiers that bundle progressively more as you climb from Bella to Yacht Club.

Quick facts

Fare inclusions, tier by tier

All rows checked September 20, 2026. Carnival's column is the Standard fare. MSC's non-Yacht Club column spans Bella, Fantastica and Aurea, with room service and thermal suite split out above where the three differ.

Ships with recorded specs

Shared US embarkation ports

Lowest recorded starting fares at shared ports

Miami also has a shorter Carnival option: 3-Night The Bahamas on Carnival Conquest, first departure November 13, 2026, $254 starting cruise fare, as of October 21, 2026.

The overall lowest fare on each line

• Carnival: 4-Night Baja Mexico on Carnival Firenze from Long Beach, first departure November 23, 2026, $207 starting cruise fare, as of October 21, 2026.
• MSC: Rio de Janeiro, Santos (Sao Paulo) on MSC Virtuosa, 1 night from Rio de Janeiro, first departure December 1, 2026, $92 starting cruise fare, as of October 15, 2026.

How to choose

• Want the lowest sticker price and a shorter sailing? Carnival's recorded fleet and port count sit closer to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Open Caribbean cruises and Bahamas cruises.
• Want wifi, drinks and specialty dining already in the fare? MSC Yacht Club includes all three; the Bella, Fantastica and Aurea tiers below it do not.
• Sailing Alaska from Seattle? Both lines are recorded there: Carnival Legend against MSC Poesia, with Alaska cruises as the wider map.
• Read the companion family comparison, Royal Caribbean, Carnival or MSC for a family cruise, and the sister piece Norwegian vs MSC.

Fares are marketing prices, confirmed when you book.

Frequently asked questions

Which line has more active itineraries, Carnival or MSC?

MSC Cruises, with 1,366 active itineraries against Carnival's 300. MSC also has more open sailings, 6,845 against 3,067.

Does Carnival's Standard fare include wifi?

No. Wifi is extra on Carnival Standard, with internet plans sold separately. MSC's Bella, Fantastica and Aurea tiers are also extra. Only MSC Yacht Club includes a Browse wifi plan, for two devices per guest, with streaming still extra.

Which MSC tier includes alcoholic drinks?

None of the four recorded MSC tiers fully includes beer, wine or premium drinks. MSC Yacht Club is Partly, with a Premium Extra selection capped at 15 alcoholic drinks a day. Bella, Fantastica and Aurea are Extra.

What is the lowest recorded starting fare on either line?

Rio de Janeiro, Santos (Sao Paulo) on MSC Virtuosa: $92 starting cruise fare, as of October 15, 2026, for a 1-night departure from Rio de Janeiro. Carnival's lowest recorded fare is 4-Night Baja Mexico on Carnival Firenze: $207 starting cruise fare, as of October 21, 2026.