Bowling on a cruise ship is exactly what it sounds like: a slightly ridiculous, surprisingly fun way to spend an hour while the ocean does its thing outside the window. It’s the ultimate “I need to get the kids out of the sun” move, but before you lace up those (usually optional) shoes, you need to know that not all MSC bowling is created equal.
On some ships, you’re looking at a sleek, neon-lit boutique experience; on others, it’s basically a glorified arcade game. Here is our breakdown of where to bowl and where to skip it.
Which Ships Actually Have the Real Deal?
MSC has two versions of bowling: Full-size “Boutique” Lanes and Mini-Bowling. Knowing which one is on your ship is the difference between a family tournament and a five-minute distraction.
Full-Size “Boutique” Bowling
This is the version most of us are looking for: two lanes, full-size pins, and a variety of ball weights. The lanes are shorter than your local alley back home, which actually makes the “physics” of a moving ship even more interesting. For everyone except your uncle that’s in a bowling league, the shorter lanes won’t bother your group and will give you another non-outdoor option.
You’ll find these on:
- Meraviglia Class: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Euribia.
- Seaside Class (The Originals): MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview. It is NOT found on the Seaside EVO class
Mini-Bowling (The Arcade Version)
This is “bowling-lite.” It uses smaller, hole-less balls, tiny lanes, and usually only runs for 5 frames. It’s located deep in the arcade.
- Found on: MSC Divina, Magnifica, Preziosa, and Splendida.
- The Fan Verdict: Great for younger kids, but adults will find it underwhelming.
The “Ghost Lanes” (Seascape, Seashore, and World Class)
Despite what some old brochures say, the SeaSide EVO class (MSC Seascape and MSC Seashore) do not have traditional bowling alleys. They swapped that space for more high-tech VR and arcade slots.
Similarly, on the World Class (Europa and America), MSC has pivoted toward the Sportplex. You’re more likely to find bumper cars and roller skating than a 10-pin setup. If you’re sailing these ships, don’t plan your sea day around a strike—it’s not happening.
What’s the Damage? (Pricing)
MSC loves a “per-time-block” model for the big lanes. You aren’t paying per person; you’re paying for the real estate.
- Full Lanes: Expect to pay roughly $25 for 30 minutes or $45+ for a full hour.
- Mini-Bowling: Usually around $6-$8 per game.
Pro Tip: Because you pay by the lane, bowling is actually one of the better values on the ship if you have a group of four. If it’s just you and a partner, it’s a bit of a splurge.
The Fun Pass Strategy: Read This Before You Swipe
Bowling is the fastest way to “nuke” your MSC Fun Pass credits.
If you bought a $100 pre-paid Fun Pass (which usually gives you about $140 in value), one hour-long bowling session will eat nearly a third of your balance in 60 minutes.
Our Advice: If your kids want to do the F1 Simulator and the XD Cinema all week, pay for the bowling à la carte on your Cruise Card. Save the Fun Pass “bonus money” for the smaller $10-$12 attractions to make it last the whole sailing.
When to Hit the Lanes
If you want to avoid the “tween takeover” in the amusement area, timing is everything:
- Port Days: If you’re staying on the ship while everyone else is in Nassau or Genoa, the lanes are usually wide open.
- The Dinner “Dead Zone”: Between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM, most families are in the Main Dining Room. This is the prime time for a quiet game.
- Late Night: Most alleys stay open late—perfect for a post-theater activity when the younger kids have headed to the kids’ club.
- Early during the cruise and warmer days: The lanes are usually reserved up the last seaday of the cruise and if the weather is inclement. So stick go early or during warmer weather. If sunning on a warm day isn’t your ideal entertainment, this is a great alternative.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
✅ Yes, if…
- You have a group of 3–4 people to split the cost.
- It’s a Sea Day and the pool deck is chaotic.
- You are looking for a fun alternative to outdoor activities.
- You need an activity to entertain a variety of ages and levels of athleticism.
- You want to experience the “MSC Lean”—trying to bowl a strike while the ship makes a turn is a core cruise memory.
❌ Skip it if…
- You’re on a ship with only “Mini-Bowling” (unless you have younger kids).
- You’re a bowling purist. These aren’t professional-grade lanes; they are meant for fun, not a perfect 300 score.
- You’re on a budget and don’t have a Fun Pass. $45 for an hour is a lot of gelato money!