Carnival Corporation shared some interesting numbers during its most recent earnings call, and the headline was clear: prices are climbing, and the newest ships are leading the way. According to executives, fares on Carnival’s newest and recently refurbished vessels are running 10 to 20 percent higher than the rest of the fleet, even when they sail similar itineraries.
That means cruisers searching for deals across Miami, Port Canaveral, or Galveston will notice an even bigger price gap between the newest North American ships and everyone else. The Caribbean continues to see the strongest demand, with short sailings selling especially well.
But the bigger story is what this trend means for MSC Cruises. Spoiler: it could be very good news for MSC fans.
What Carnival’s Pricing Shift Means for the Market
Cruise lines raise prices when they can, not when they want to. Carnival’s premium on its newest ships signals two things:
- Demand for upgraded hardware is extremely strong
- Travelers are willing to pay noticeably more for new ship experiences
Carnival’s Excel-class ships and updated refitted ships are driving the biggest increases. With more travelers seeking modern design, better entertainment, and new dining concepts, the lines that lack newer hardware are responding with deeper discounts to stay competitive.
So what does this mean for MSC?
MSC Might Be the Best Value in the Big Three Right Now
MSC already tends to offer lower fares than Carnival and Royal Caribbean on comparable itineraries. With Carnival raising rates on its newest hardware, that gap may get even wider.
For example:
MSC World America, arriving in Miami for summer 2025, offers brand new hardware and a premium onboard experience at a significantly lower average starting price than Carnival’s newest itineraries.
Seascape and Seaside, both newer than many Carnival ships sailing similar routes, routinely price below competitors despite their modern indoor promenades, upgraded balcony cabins, and sleek outdoor spaces.
Divina and Magnifica, older but updated, tend to undercut Carnival’s pricing by a considerable margin even during peak season.
In short, Carnival’s price increases make MSC’s pricing look even more attractive to value based cruisers.
Why MSC Benefits When Competitors Raise Fares
Cruise pricing is heavily competitive. Travelers compare prices more than ever, especially families booking for peak dates. When Carnival raises prices on popular sailings, three things tend to happen:
More travelers switch brands after price checking
Cruise shoppers prioritize newer hardware regardless of line
It pushes value seekers straight toward MSC and Royal Caribbean
MSC thrives in this environment because of its mix of newer ships, lower fares, and heavy presence in Florida. As Carnival pushes rates higher on its best ships, MSC gains the opportunity to capture first time cruisers who originally did not consider the brand.
What Travelers Should Expect Next
If pricing follows past patterns, you may see:
Higher prices across Carnival’s most in demand ships year round
Bigger price gaps between newer and older hardware
More savings on MSC Caribbean sailings, especially for balcony cabins
Heavy MSC promotions targeting families comparing options for 2026 sailings
For cruisers who are flexible, this is a great time to comparison shop. For example, MSC’s newer ships often include special bundles on drink packages or WiFi, especially on sailings priced below Carnival’s newest offerings.
Bottom Line for MSC Cruisers
Carnival’s decision to push pricing on its newest ships is a signal that demand for cruising remains extremely strong. But the real takeaway is this:
MSC continues to offer some of the best value in the North American market, especially on new hardware like MSC World America and Seascape.
If you are looking to lock in a 2025 or 2026 Caribbean cruise before fares climb across the industry, this is a good window to book. Carnival’s pricing changes may push more travelers toward MSC, and availability on the best dates tends to disappear quickly once that shift happens.
