MSC Cruises is owned by parent company Mediterranean Shipping Company, the second largest freight container company in the world and has been in existence for approximately 30 years. MSC Cruises now has 7 cruise ships that sail with strong presence in the European cruise markets. However, this is set to change as they increase their concentration within the North America market.

In April 2007, for instance, MSC positioned one of their ships year round out of New York City. And actress Sophia Loren, who christened both the Lirica and Opera, is now the line's spokesperson.

MSC Cruises has contracts to build 4 more ships, including 2 Panamax ships (Musica and Orchestra which will launch in 2006 and 2007 respectively) as well as 2 post-Panamax vessels. (The post-Panamax ships will accommodate 3,300 passengers.)

Cruise programs range from 5 to 17 nights, and destinations include the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, South Africa, and Trans-Atlantic.