How Much is a Deposit on MSC Cruises from the US? Know before you book

There are many reasons to want to pay a deposit for an upcoming cruise as opposed to paying for it in full. Deposits lock in your dream vacation while giving you time to pay it off and complete the planning process. As one of the most popular cruise lines in many regions, you might be wondering how much the deposit is on an MSC cruise.

The typical deposit on an MSC cruise ranges in price  per cabin from $198 in USA to 15% of the total cruise package. It will depend on which type of cruise you are taking and how long a trip you are looking at, as well as how close it is to the departure when making your booking. You should also want to be aware of terms and conditions in relation to your deposit. 

As you begin planning your next cruise, it is important to know how much deposit you will be required to pay upon booking. This allows you to get your finances in order so that you can enjoy a hassle-free vacation. Read on to learn just what is expected of you and when you will then need to make payment in full. 

What amount does MSC Cruises expect as a deposit?

When cruising with MSC, you will discover that there are many different types of vacation packages offered. The cruise that you ultimately choose will determine how much you can expect to pay for your deposit. Here are some general guidelines to help you plan. 

Cruises of four nights or less

These are your quick getaway type of cruises. The fares are usually quite low on these, making them attractive to couples and families who do not have a lot of holiday time. To make them even more appealing, MSC Cruises has set the deposit quite low on these trips. 

The typical deposit for MSC cruises lasting four nights or less is $99 per adult. If you are a family travelling and the kids are staying in the same cabin, the deposit is still capped at $198 for each stateroom. The schedule for the remaining payments will vary depending on how far in advance the booking is made. 

Cruises ranging from 5 to 14 nights

These cruises tend to require a bit more planning. You will be taking some serious time off work, or perhaps you will be waiting until the kids are out of school. To make sure that you get the cabin of your choice, you will want to lock in this vacation with a deposit. 

Due to the popularity of these sailings, and the fact that the fares are considerably higher than other MSC cruises, the deposit is set a bit higher as well. You are looking at a deposit of $199 per adult. The deposit is capped at $398 total for the stateroom. Keep in mind that MSC Cruises will not confirm the booking until the deposit is paid in full. 

Cruises scheduled to last 15 nights or more

These cruises tend to be more popular with couples who have no children or retired individuals. They are often connected with World Cruise itineraries. Due to the expense involved, you will need to pay a $300 per adult deposit, with that being capped at $600 for each cabin. 

World Cruise bookings

The MSC World Cruise is exactly what it sounds like. You will be sailing for 100+ days to ports of call that touch just about every corner on earth. These are extremely popular itineraries, so the deposit you pay is meant to show your seriousness for following through on the booking. 

Deposits for the MSC World Cruise are structured a bit differently than for other types of trips. It is based on the total fare for your booking. You can expect to pay 15% of the total cabin cost as a deposit at the time of booking. Keep in mind that deposits for the MSC World Cruise are completely non-refundable. 

MSC Yacht Club bookings

For guests who desire a bit more privacy and pampering, the MSC Yacht Club has been created. This is a special category of service available on many MSC cruise itineraries. You will find amenities offered to MSC Yacht Club guests that are not provided to other guests onboard. 

While the fares for the MSC Yacht Club will be higher than other types of itineraries, the deposit is the same. Depending on the length of the cruise, you will be paying between $99 and $300 per adult, or $198 and $600 per cabin. 

When is the deposit due for an MSC Cruises booking?

For all regular cruises and MSC Yacht Club bookings, the deposit is due at the time of booking. For World Cruise bookings, the deposit is due within one week of confirming the itinerary and fare. A deposit holds your place, allowing you to make payments towards your cruise. It also protects the cruise line should you back out of your plans. All deposits are completely non-refundable, with very few exceptions. 

Full payment vs. deposit and payments

If you can make a full payment at booking it makes sense to do so. By paying for your cruise upfront you will not have to worry about missing a payment. However, many people do not have the full amount saved when they make their reservations.

One of the benefits of cruising is that your vacation is often paid for before you even pack your bags. Many people will book a cruise a year or so out from the actual departure. In such a case, you might be wondering if you should just pay in full now or go with the payment schedule. 

With MSC Cruises, there is an advantage when paying the deposit. With MSC’s book now pay later you are able to make monthly payments. This allows you to work the cost of the cruise into your budget. 

The cruise line has its deposits set quite low in comparison to other companies. In exchange, the deposit will be non-refundable. Because of this, you will want to be reasonably sure that this is the trip for you before you confirm the booking. 

Is an MSC cruise refundable?

The only time an MSC Cruises deposit is refundable is if you cancel your cruise a certain amount of time before the cruise sets sail. The following list details at what point your MSC Cruise deposit will be non-refundable. 

• Cruises of 4 nights or less – Deposits are refundable up to 60 days before the scheduled sailing. Starting at 59 days out, the deposit is non-refundable. 
• Cruises between 5 and 15 nights – Deposits are refundable up to 90 days prior to the sailing. Starting at 89 days out, the deposit becomes non-refundable. 
• Cruises longer than 15 nights – Deposits are only refundable if the booking is cancelled at least 110 days before sailing. Starting at 109 days out, the deposit is non-refundable. 
• MSC World Cruise Bookings – Deposits for the MSC Cruise World cruise become non-refundable as soon as they are paid. 

 “The passenger may cancel the contract at any time… Cancellation requests must be received no less than 76 days prior to the sailing date for a full refund.” When requesting a refund, you must give written notice to MSC. 

What if MSC changes the itinerary?

MSC is aware of how quickly things can change. There are times that your cruise may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. If this happens MSC offers a 125% future cruise credit or a refund. This 125% is available to guests who have paid in full and will automatically be sent to the guest.

If you wish to receive a refund you must wait until after you receive the future cruise credit, then call MSC at 1-866-420-3584.

MSC also explains that you are responsible for the difference should the new cruise be more expensive than the cancelled cruise. However, if the new cruise is less than the cancelled cruise you can use the extra money for upgrades such as accommodations and more.

Conclusion

MSC's cruises are affordable. They offer some of the lowest deposits available to customers booking cruises. Whether you can pay for the cruise outright, or you choose to make a deposit and payments, you will be sure to find the cruise that is right for you.

Published 22 June 2021