What Did My FREE MSC Cruise Really Cost? (Poesia – 10 Days Baltics)
Can a comped cruise be considered “free”? Many have argued with me that even if the cruise fare for two (or not having a single supplement fee added when traveling solo) is $0, there are all of these other costs so it is far from free.
One of the reasons why I am so transparent about my trips is to show what my true costs and savings look like so you can make truly informed decisions. And while I do agree that there are other costs associated with these comped cruises and they can quickly add up, I will continue to argue that a comped cruise is in fact: free.
So let’s dive in deeper and see what I ended up spending on my MSC Cruises comped cruise (plus some additional info on MSC comped cruises) and you can let me know if you agree with me calling it free!
Confused and/or wondering how I got comped cruises in the first place? Here’s the overview for how I got my Casino Status Match Jackpot. And here’s the trip report for the cruise (delves into how much I spent and saved for the entire trip), here’s the trip overview (covers the itinerary and links to port posts) and this is my review of the trip.
Casino Comp Cruise Details
- Cruise Line/Ship: MSC Cruises/ Poesia
- Stateroom Type: Oceanview (Partially obstructed)
- How was Comped Cruise Obtained: Ocean Resort / Prime Elite Status
- Cruise Itinerary: Jewels of the Baltics – 9 Nights/10 Days
- Dates: May 2024
- Included in Comped Cruise Offer:
- Cruise fare for two comped
- Port fees and taxes for two comped
What is the Minimum My “Free” Cruise Would Have Cost?
Cruise fare (for two/no solo supplement is charged*) for a MSC Oceanview stateroom was $0 as it was a comped cruise. In addition, MSC comps the tax and port fees on comped cruises.
I paid for the Fantastica experience as it allowed for a free change (which I did use as my original sailing was a different itinerary/date/ship) and you are also able to chose your stateroom location (this cruise was sold out so I was happy to get on at all). MSC does impose a staff/daily gratuities charge that was €12 since we were sailing in Europe (€108/$115.92 in total). The $400 refundable deposit* required at booking + is given back as non-refundable on board credit upon embarkation (*non-refundable within 90 days of departure)
TOTAL: $174.92
What I Actually Paid for My Comp Cruise
It is a point of contention for many that they feel nickel and dimed by the cruise lines (ie having to pay for soft drinks or WiFi) and it’s these costs added in that people have argued makes the free cruises not really free. There is more about this post but that is a gripe that many may make about MSC with two common complaints: being charged for water when dining in main dining room and also how WiFi packages are tied to one device (ie other cruise lines allow you to switch between devices such as your phone and laptop). I did pay for WiFi, which at $81 and for a port intensive itinerary was not money well-spent.
TOTAL: Spend *$325.82- including additional tips to staff {€50 room attendant tip + €20 dinner waiter tip (my share of a 50% split with my friend) & $20 in other misc staff tips.}*we were charged for water at dinner and I also had lattes a few of the mornings but I included those costs under the food and not cruise portion of my trip report – probably another $50
Was I Able To Get Any Additional Savings and Where Did They Come From?
Unfortunately AARP does not offer discounted MSC gift cards nor have I heard of any other sites offering them.
Where I did save money was from my Diamond status (which I received via a status match – no surprise right? and of course, I have all the details on that and the new loyalty system here)
- $60.78: SPECIALTY DINING: 2X$30.39/€28: Comp Specialty Restaurant Meal
- $40: TREATS IN ROOM: Macarons + Sparkling Wine + Chocolates
- $32: ACTIVITY: 1 hour Thermal Spa (for myself and guest in room)
Can You Upgrade Your Cabin on a Comp Cruise?
Yes, you are able to when you book your cruise with varying costs based on itinerary – I did not inquire about upgrades so unsure what costs would have been at booking.
Additionally, you may also receive offers close to your sailing date based on ship occupancy. This cruise was sold out so no emails/offers were sent to me.
Final Thoughts
In summary, I think of a comped cruise offer like booking a hotel room on points, it takes care of lodging for X # of nights and some meals but I know that there will be additional costs like other meals and activities. And in that vein, I have found the comped cruises to be very cost effective for me but Virgin Voyages makes it even more cost effective with everything that is included!
How does this compare to other lines’ comped cruises? Here’s what I paid for my Holland comped cruise and here’s what I paid for one of my Virgin Voyages comped cruises (to Mexican Rivera) vs VS my Princess Search for the Northern Lights in a mini-suite casino comp!!
What do you think about saying the cruise is free? Have you done any comped cruises yourself?
About Author
Rosemary is a travel hacker, points nerd and female solo traveler who’s explored 70+ countries without a trust fund, sugar daddy, or sponsored content. Every mile, upgrade, and trip is completely self-funded using a mix of points, miles, and cash or earned with elite status. And she shows you the receipts along with a mildly concerning amount of spreadsheets. Through firsthand experience and plenty of trial and error, she teaches everyday travelers the art of travel hacking and how they too can travel for cheaper, better, and more often. While Rosemary doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take award travel (and searching for the best ice cream) seriously – because seeing the world shouldn’t be reserved for the rich, the retired, or content creators with brand deals.
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