Let’s be honest – cruise vacations are fantastic at helping us “accidentally” eat dessert twice. The good news is that staying active on MSC is pretty straightforward once you know what’s included, what costs extra, and where the common confusion happens (looking at you, sauna vs Thermal Area).
This guide is your all-in-one starting point. I’ll keep it practical, a little bit real-world, and focused on what you actually need to know so you can spend less time hunting for answers and more time enjoying your cruise.
Quick answers
- Is the MSC gym free? Yes. MSC lists Gym by Technogym as Included and available on all MSC ships.
- Is there a track? Yes. MSC lists a Power Walking Track as Included and available on all MSC ships.
- Do teens have rules? Yes – MSC publishes clear waiver and age rules for gym use.
- Thermal Area access? The MSC Aurea Spa Thermal Area is 18+ and appointment-only, and charges apply.
- Best way to find hours, locations, and schedules onboard? The MSC for Me app is built for schedules, ship maps, and planning.
What the MSC gym is like
MSC fitness center are known as Gym by Technogym, equipped with Technogym gear and panoramic ocean views, and it’s included fleetwide. In plain English, here’s what most cruisers should expect:
- A “real gym,” not a token treadmill in a corner. The gym area has an impressive number of machines and equipment.
- A mix of cardio machines, strength equipment and free weights.
- Peak times that feel like… a gym. On a ship. With limited square footage.
The biggest reality check
Even though the gym is included, it’s still a shared space. On sea days (especially mornings), it can get busy. If you’re flexible about when you work out, you’ll have a much better experience. Outside of sea day mornings, the gym is usually available without a large crowd.
What’s included vs what costs extra
MSC makes one big thing easy: basic gym access is included.
Everything else lives in “it depends” territory – meaning it can vary by ship, sailing, and how MSC is packaging services at the time. Here’s the clean way to think about it:
Included
- Gym access (Gym by Technogym)
- Power walking and jogging track access
Usually extra
- Personal training
- Some fitness classes
- Wellness programs or packages (more on that below)
Your best move onboard: check the MSC for Me schedule and pop by the fitness/spa desk early in the cruise if you’re a “planner” type. The app is designed for browsing schedules and keeping track of activities.
Age rules and teen policies for the gym
This is one of the most important sections because it’s where families get tripped up.
MSC’s published Spa and Gym Minors Policy spells it out clearly:
- Ages 13-15: A parent/guardian must complete a gym waiver and must accompany the minor when using the gym or gym sauna.
- Ages 16-17: A parent/guardian must complete a gym waiver only. The parent/guardian is not required to be with the teen while they are using the gym.
- Age 12 and under: Not permitted to use the gym, gym sauna, fitness classes, or personal training sessions.
Practical tip for parents
If you have a 13-15 year old who actually wants to work out (miracles happen), plan it as a shared routine. It’s not “drop them off and I’ll meet you later” – MSC requires accompaniment in that age band.
Sauna vs Thermal Area: the most common MSC fitness confusion
People hear “sauna” and assume it’s part of “the gym experience.” On MSC, that can get confusing fast because there are two different concepts in play:
Gym Sauna – On some ships, there is a sauna associated with gym rules.
- MSC Aurea Spa Thermal Area – this is a spa experience and has different availability than the gym sauna.
MSC also notes that spa facilities can vary by ship and directs guests to the spa reception onboard for details.
Guiding-light takeaway: if you care about the Thermal Area, don’t assume it’s “included like the gym.” It’s a separate, paid spa experience.
How to find the gym, track, hours, and class schedule fast
Use the MSC for Me app
MSC for Me is designed for exactly this:
- Browse schedules, events, and ship details
- Use an interactive ship map
- View daily activities and highlights
- Plan and track your onboard agenda
MSC also states the app works via the ship’s Wi-Fi and you don’t need an internet package to use its features.
Back-up plan: spa reception or guest services
If the schedule in the app feels messy (or you’re not seeing what you expected), the spa reception can usually clarify class times, pricing, and any sign-up rules. MSC even flags ship-to-ship variation for spa facilities.
Gym etiquette and what to pack
This is where you can save yourself (and everyone around you) a little friction.
What to pack for the gym
- Athletic shoes you actually like running or lifting in
- Workout clothes that breathe (ships can be humid, even indoors)
- Refillable water bottle
- Headphones (because cardio without music is just… thoughts)
- Light layer if you get cold in A/C
- Optional: resistance bands – they’re great when the gym is packed
Unwritten gym rules that matter on a ship (and on land)
- Wipe down equipment when you’re done. Small space, lots of hands.
- Don’t camp on machines scrolling your phone for 10 minutes between sets (you’re not the villain, but you might be the story someone posts later).
- Be flexible at peak times. If it’s packed, swap your routine – cardio outside on the track, or do a short dumbbell circuit and move on.
Running and walking on MSC: the easiest win
If you’re not trying to “train” on vacation and just want to stay consistent, the track is your best friend.
The MSC Power Walking Track as included and available on all MSC ships.
My favorite low-effort routine at sea
- 20-30 minute morning walk on the track
- Stairs instead of elevators when you can
- A sunset lap or two after dinner
It’s simple, it doesn’t require equipment, and it keeps you feeling good without turning your cruise into a bootcamp.
Tips for staying consistent without overdoing it
- Go early or late on sea days. You’ll beat the rush and you’ll feel like a superhero the rest of the day.
- Use “short workouts.” Even 20 minutes counts – especially on a cruise where you’re already walking more than you think.
- Make port days your “movement day.” Walk the port area, take the stairs, and call it a win. You are on vacation!
A quick note on the MSC Wellness Experience
MSC has promoted a structured Wellness Experience developed with Technogym, including things like onboard support and access to a version of Technogym’s mywellness app.
If you see “Wellness Experience” options tied to your sailing, treat it like a program or package – not the same thing as basic gym access.
Bottom line
If your goal is simply “stay active on vacation,” MSC makes it pretty easy:
- The gym is included fleetwide.
- The track is included fleetwide.
- The “gotchas” are mostly around age rules, waivers, and spa add-ons like the Thermal Area.