MSC’s high-tech attractions get the headlines, but the outdoor decks are where a lot of the real “cruise fun” lives. These are the low-stress, low-stakes games that are usually included, easy to jump into for 10 minutes or an hour, and come with the best views on the ship.
If you are cruising with kids, teens, grandparents, or a mixed group that cannot agree on anything, these classic deck games are the easiest win you will find onboard.
What counts as “outdoor games” on MSC
For this page, we are focusing on the “analog” favorites you will typically find around pool decks, promenades, and open-air lounges:
- Ping-pong (table tennis)
- Shuffleboard
- Giant chess and checkers (on some ships)
- Foosball and other casual table games that are often near outdoor or covered pool areas
- Billiards as a bonus option (usually indoor, usually a small fee)
Ping-pong on MSC: where it lives and what to expect
On many ships, ping-pong tables end up in that sweet spot near the pool where you get shade, breeze, and enough space to not send the ball into someone’s lounger every 12 seconds.
On ships that have indoor pools, especially the SeaView, Seaview EVO, Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus classes have ping-pong, table-top shuffleboard and foosball in the indoor pool area. This makes it a great area to default to when the weather is not perfect.
Crowd reality: ping-pong can be very popular. It is one of those activities that stays busy because it works for almost any age group.
Ping-pong tournaments: the easiest way to make it social
If you want to turn “casual game” into “vacation rivalry,” keep an eye out for scheduled tournaments. MSC lists Ping Pong Tournament as a regularly offered activity.
This is also one of the least awkward ways to meet people onboard because you are doing something together, not just making forced small talk in a hallway.
Shuffleboard: the cruise classic that still delivers
Shuffleboard is still one of the most reliable “free fun” options on a cruise ship. It is also one of the few games that tends to be available even when everything else feels packed.
Shuffleboard placement varies ship to ship, but it is commonly on open decks and promenades. For example, MSC Magnifica’s deck plan lists shuffleboard on Deck 15. However, you cannot assume every ship has it. Shuffleboard is seen more regularly on older ships and isn’t seen as much on the newer classes.
Foosball and casual table games: the hidden “hangout” zones
A lot of MSC ships have casual game clusters around pool lounges and covered pool areas. The indoor pool setup on Seaview and Meraviglia classes is a good example, with foosball and ping-pong called out as part of that space.
This matters because these areas become the unofficial teen-and-family hangouts, especially on sea days or when it is windy or cold.
Equipment: do you need to pack anything?
Usually, you can find paddles and balls nearby or get them during designated activity times. That said, this can be inconsistent by ship and by day.
One detailed ship guide for MSC Virtuosa notes there are allotted times where equipment is provided, and outside those windows they recommend bringing your own bats and balls if you really care about playing whenever you want.
MSCCruiseFan take: if ping-pong is your family’s “thing,” tossing a cheap set into your suitcase is not a bad move.
Tabletop shuffleboard is a paid activity, when offered. The pieces can be found at the Arcade.
Billiards: a quieter alternative, usually with a small fee
Most of the outdoor-style games are included, but billiards is commonly a “charges apply” activity on MSC ships that have it.
The billiards table are usually in a dedicated billiard room or library. This is a great option when you want something calmer than the pool deck, or when the wind is making outdoor games annoying.
Best times to play without the chaos
If you want the easiest, least crowded version of these games, timing matters more than skill:
- Port days: When a big chunk of the ship is ashore, these areas can feel almost empty.
- Dinner window: Early evening is often quieter because families are at dinner.
- After dark: Outdoor areas are typically cooler and more comfortable, especially in warm-weather itineraries.
The wind factor: the one opponent you cannot trash talk
On ships and decks where tables are exposed, wind can turn ping-pong into pure comedy. If your sailing has a covered pool area or semi-enclosed lounge space, that is often where you will find the most playable setup. (This is also why spaces like Bamboo Pool on Meraviglia-class ships become the default “weather backup” zone for games.)
Bottom line
If you want fun that is easy, usually free, and works for almost any age group, MSC’s outdoor deck games are a surprisingly strong part of the onboard experience.
Ping-pong and foosball bring the energy and the social vibe. Shuffleboard is the slow-burn classic that rarely feels crowded. And if you need a quieter reset, billiards is often there waiting, just know it usually comes with a small fee.