Ding-ding-ding-ding.
We're going to put two of the biggest cruise lines in the world against each other.
Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC cruise line.
We're cruise with Ben and David.
Okay let's break down the show into different sections
and score each cruise line for each section.
So we're going to either pick MSC or Norwegian.
So rounds yeah.
We're going to be looking at things like
entertainment, activities, dining and the ships themselves.
And of course finally value for money.
So let's start with round 1.
The ships. Ding ding ding ding!
Let's kick off looking at Norwegian first.
So Norwegian have a fleet of 17 ships
and MSC have a fleet of 18 ships.
Overall MSC ships are slightly newer than Norwegians.
But that's going to change each time.
Because they are all getting new ships all the time.
Both companies have a mix of older ships and newer ships.
Filled with water parks and cutting edge features.
Both companies are really suited well towards families.
With great kids clubs and facilities for cruises of all ages.
Some things that we love about Norwegian are the waterfront on the newer ships.
It's such a great outdoor space we really do love it out there
and we love how fun Norwegian ships are too.
There is so much to do on board with so many lounges and bars.
Some things about MSC we love how glitzy and glamorous these ships are.
They really are beautiful.
Especially the newer ones.
We also love the Galleria on the MSC Meraviglia-class of ships.
So Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa and Virtuosa.
And we much prefer this class over the Seaside-class.
Which we did find a little bit difficult to get around compared to the Meravigilia.
Oh god your Italians getting quite good Ben.
I know right. Oh la la!
That's french.
Both lines are pushing the boundaries of cruising.
For example, the beautiful Observation Lounge
and features such as the go-kart and the amazing VR arenas on NCL
and then the Cirque de Soleil, impressive water parks on MSC.
That Cirque de Soleil is a really good show.
But a lot of these extras come at an extra price on both cruise lines.
So you're a spending a lot more on board to use these features.
So one of the biggest differences on these lines are the fellow cruisers.
They're going to be completely different.
With Norwegian it's going to be mostly english-speaking crowd.
With the majority being American, British, Canadian, Australian that sort of thing.
MSC is completely different and the majority of cruisers will be from Europe
and not speak English.
This is why MSC repeat all announcements, which can get annoying guys,
in up to five different languages.
It takes ages.
Unfortunately we found that some nationalities could be quite rude.
So should we vote David?
Lets do it, lets do it, lets do it.
Three, two, one....
What did we pick?
NORWEGIAN!
I think because of the big language issue.
I know it sounds really petty guys
but it's a big part of the holiday.
I do really like MSC ships.
I think all MSC ship spectacular.
Particularly the Meravigilia-class like you said.
I just really like the Waterfront on Norwegian and all the different bars and lounges.
Definitely I think it's the bars and lounges that get me.
There's so many or Norwegian.
But definitely a close round for the first round for this one.
Just to say it is a really close round.
Lets start with round 2 shall we.
Ding ding ding.
So next up who do we think has the best cabins on board?
We feel definitely that Norwegian is much better for solo travelers.
As it has that dedicated solo area and solo lounge.
Both ships have a great suite area as well.
On Norwegian it's called The Haven and on MSC the Yacht Club.
These are quite similar.
Both are really similar with private lounges, private restaurant and private pool area.
But MSC is usually considerably cheaper for the suite area
compared to the Haven.
There's also a big array of cabins across all classes.
From inside to multi room suites.
We really loved the cabins especially on the newer MSC ships.
They're really big and they have everything you need.
Shall we vote?
I think this is going to be an easy one.
Oh! I just dropped my paper guys.
Three two one....
Has to be MSC.
MSC! Did you put MSC as well?
Yeah, it has to be.
Some of the cabins on Norwegian are a little bit weird.
Especially the ones on the Epic.
With the curvey walls and the glass showers.
And I find that the cabins on Norwegian can be a little bit cramped at times.
The thing is they vary.
They very massively.
I think a normal balcony cabin on MSC is about the same size,
Minus the the bathroom, of a mini suite on Norwegian.
Yes definitely.
Okay round three.
Ding ding dong!
Ding dong!
So now we''re going to take a look at the entertainment on both these cruise lines.
So first up Norwegian.
They feature full-length Broadway shows.
Such as Rock of Ages, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys and Million Dollar Quartet.
As well as a couple of original productions as well.
But because of the language barrier on MSC.
You'll rarely find dialogue heavy shows or comedy shows like you'll find on NCL.
There's more trivia and game shows on Norwegian as well.
Plus plenty of live music around the ships on both the lines.
You do tend to find more dance classes on MSC and stuff that doesn't involve talking or interaction like that.
There's also several paid shows on both lines as well.
Such as the dinner shows on Norwegian and Cirque du Soleil MSC that cost about the same.
We've been lucky enough to see a Cirque on MSC and it's been really fantastic.
It really makes up for some of the iffy entertainment that we've seen on MSC.
Maybe some of the shores would have been a little bit questionable to stay at least.
Haven't they?
Yeah I think definitely the shows.
I think it finds it hard to stand up to some of Norwegians entertainment probably.
Definitely in the main theaters Norwegian does really stand out.
Yes definitely and especially the fact you have comedians and things on board as well.
Which doesn't really happen on MSC.
Three, two, one...
It has to be Norwegian.
Yeah you have some of the best entertainment at sea guys.
I think not many Cruise Lines would beat Norwegian to be honest.
Yeah and the shows in the main theatre just don't compare.
The shows where quite poor on MSC.
Because the maiy are mainly just a jukebox collection of songs.
With some questionable outfits as well.
Yes, very repetitive.
We actually found it quite hilarious some of the shows.
Because they're just so funny.
Yeah and then beyond the main theatre as well there's not much going on.
Not entertainment wise.
But Cirque du Soleil it's great.
So if you do get to try it definitely go and see that.
Amazing. And there's two shows on each ship
and they are all unique to that ship as well.
Around the world so it's definitely a fantastic thing.
So talking about beyond the main theatre.
The next round is activities.
Oooh!
So let's start with MSC.
So onboard the ship you're going to find water slides and aqua parks on the newer ships
and plenty of pools, hot tubs and other features such as a ropes course.
On the newer Norwegian ships you'll find go-karts, climbing walls, water slides
laser tag, ropes courses as well as a mini-golf.
Both lines have some great outdoor and indoor parties.
As well as glow parties and white dress parties.
MSC tend to be partying later into the evening
and music and the parties go on into the small hours of the morning.
Trust us guys the Italians know how to party. was
The parties didn't even start until midnight.
It was too late for us.
That's definitely one of the things I've noticed that everything's been lot later on MSC.
The dining, the parties, things like that.
Yeah, its a European thing isn't it.
I think.
So both ships have extra charge activities as well.
Such as the bowling, simulators and VR rides.
On both lines.
Let's have a vote.
Ready? I'm ready.
This is a tough one.
Three Two One.
So why did you choose Norwegian over MSC?
I just really love all of the activities on board
especially the things like the water slides and especially the go-karts
as well they are super fantastic.
There is an extra charge but also much fun.
I just don't know.
There is something about Norwegian ships I really love.
Why did you choose MSC?
Well I think the water parks are better.
There is gonna be an argument guys.
There is gonna be a Barney.
There is gonna be a Rambo versus that other person...
Rambo?
It's not Rambo isn't it rocky?
Rocky versus who? But who did he verse?
that Russian guy.
Let's call him Hans!
I do think they are very, very similar in terms of what's on board.
But and I think the I like the water parks MSC.
and I just think they are slighty better.
Next, let's look at the dining on both Cruise Lines.
First up MSC.
And as this is a European line you going to expect to find less American offerings
And more pasta, pizza, cold plates
things like that.
Norwegian is the complete opposite.
Offering a much more American fare
and what we think much more variation.
As far as buffet goes.
There is still much more on offer on Norwegian ships.
There is quite a slim pickings sometimes on MSC.
It's always pizza, pasta and just a few dishes.
On Norwegian you've got loads of different stations
as well as themed nights.
Moving on to main dining rooms.
We found that on Norwegian the main dining rooms tend to be much better than on MSC.
Same goes for speciality dining.
Although we have had a couple of good meals on on MSC.
Norwegian just tends to be much better.
9 out of 10 times it's much better on Norwegian overall.
So yeah both lines offer both traditional and more flexible dining.
And reservations are going to be required for speciality dining on both cruise ships.
So should we vote?
I think this is a really easy one guys.
I don't think this is going to surprise you.
3, 2, 1....
Yeah Norwegian.
No surprises.
We know that MSC gets a lot of flack for their food
and to be honest they do need to improve it.
They really do.
Especially on cruises in the Caribbean and where they're trying to attract a more American and English audience.
We found that some of the food is just really poort.
Really hit and miss.
If you like pizza and pasta.
You're gonna absolutely love it.
But things are not piping hot because that's not the way in Mediterranean.
So you've got to understand this as a Mediterranean cruise line.
So now the final round which Cruise Line has better value for money?
Let's start with Norwegian.
Upfront prices are usually considerably higher than MSC.
A cruise package basically includes your accommodation,
complimentary dining in the main restaurants,
buffet and quick service restaurants
But they usually offer the Free at Sea option.
Where you can pick two or three perks,
such as the ultimate drinks package or ultimate dining packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, things like that
and it's really good value for money.
All entertainment except dinner shows are also included in the price.
But you do need to pay for things like we mentioned like the go carts and VR games.
MSC have some of the cheapest cruise fares available offering outstanding value for money.
Especially on the newer ships.
Again it includes all the things that Norwegian cruises do
and you can also add on a drinks package or a dining package at the fraction of a price
compared to Norwegian.
They are much cheaper.
Again most of the entertainment on MSC is included.
Apart from shows like set Cirque du Soleil, the zipline,
GR- Gr?
as well as the ziplining, VR games and things like that are all extra.
Right lets vote.
This is going to be a easy one for me just because they are so cheap.
MSC.
Seriously guys if you are on a budget MSC are great.
You might not get as good food.
But almost everything is almost quite similar isn't it.
Them ships are beautiful the Meravigilia class are really, really nice ships.
We really think that on MSC, especially the newer ships, they are offering such fantastic value for money.
As we said the food might not be as good but the ships are lovely.
So then what's the scores on the doors ben?
So overall Norwegian wins!
But genuinely guys we do love both.
They are completely different to each other.
Norwegian is suited to those who love food.
Especially american-style food
and an english-speaking crowd.
And MSC still has some great value and a more diverse crowd
with those long really annoying five different languages.
Thing about the five languages thing is that it's not short and concise.
So it's not an it's usually like a five minute
Speech cuz they just say everything in five -
It goes on -
I think we counted it for over an hour once.
But it's an hour of people like shouting over the tannoy.
So we were in the VR we were playing on the f1 simulator and it went on for an hour and ten minutes.
When they were doing the change of course.
Oh my god it just never stopped.
So that's it for this episode.
Let us know what you think about in the comments section.
We try to remain as impartial as possible.
Obviously we have our own views and we understand that everybody thinks definitely.
So let us know in the comments what you think.
Yeah definitely this is just our opinion so don't take this as gospel as they say.
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