MSC Wristband: Prices, Features & How It Works
MSC Cruises offers a wearable alternative to carrying your cruise card around the ship: the MSC for Me wristband. The waterproof wristband can perform several everyday functions onboard, including opening your cabin door and making purchases, with MSC describing it as part of the wider MSC for Me digital experience.
The photographed onboard offer shows MSC wristbands starting at $14.99, with discounted pricing when purchasing multiple wristbands. It also specifically advertises use onboard and at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
For more information before your MSC Cruise, CruisePrism readers can also explore our MSC Cruises Dining Menus, MSC Drink Lists and MSC Onboard Guides for more dining, activities, schedules and cruise-planning information.
How Much Does the MSC Wristband Cost?
The photographed onboard promotion lists four pricing options:
- 1 wristband – $14.99
- 2 wristbands – $20.99
- 3 wristbands – $26.99
- 4 wristbands – $29.99
The sign advertises progressively larger savings when purchasing multiple wristbands.
Two wristbands are advertised as saving 30%, three as saving 40%, and four as saving 50%.
That makes the four-wristband package considerably cheaper per person than purchasing four individually.
These are the prices displayed in the photographed onboard promotion and should not be treated as guaranteed pricing for every MSC ship or sailing.
What Can You Do With an MSC Wristband?
The onboard advertisement highlights several practical uses for the MSC wristband.
It states that passengers can use it to:
- Open their cabin door
- Order beverages
- Make purchases onboard
- Use it onboard and at Ocean Cay
- Wear it around water because it is waterproof
MSC’s current official information also confirms that the MSC for Me wristband can unlock your cabin, make purchases onboard and book services directly from the wristband.
Essentially, the wristband is designed to reduce how often you need to pull out your physical cruise card while moving around the ship.
Is the MSC Wristband Waterproof?
Yes.
Both the photographed onboard advertisement and MSC’s current information describe the wristband as waterproof.
That makes it particularly convenient around pools, hot tubs and other areas where carrying a cruise card can be less practical.
Can the MSC Wristband Open Your Cabin Door?
Yes.
The onboard sign specifically advertises “Open Your Cabin Door” as one of the wristband’s functions.
MSC’s current MSC for Me information also confirms that the wristband can be used to unlock your cabin.
Instead of removing a cruise card from a wallet, pocket or lanyard, passengers can use the wearable device when returning to their stateroom.
Can You Make Purchases With the MSC Wristband?
Yes.
The advertisement states that passengers can “Make Purchases Onboard” using the wristband.
MSC also confirms this functionality in its current description of the MSC for Me wristband.
Purchases made onboard are connected to the guest’s onboard account, making the wristband another convenient way to access services without constantly carrying the physical cruise card.
Can You Order Drinks With the MSC Wristband?
The photographed advertisement specifically lists “Order Your Beverages” among the wristband’s features.
For passengers spending time around the pool or other casual areas of the ship, having payment functionality directly on the wrist can be particularly convenient.
Does the MSC Wristband Work at Ocean Cay?
The photographed MSC promotion specifically states that the wristband “Can Be Used Onboard & In Ocean Cay.”
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC Cruises’ private island destination in The Bahamas.
MSC officially confirms that purchases at Ocean Cay can be charged directly to a guest’s onboard account using the cruise card. The photographed wristband promotion extends that convenience to the wristband for the sailing on which this offer was displayed.
This could be especially useful at a beach destination, where carrying a physical cruise card while swimming or spending time near the water can be inconvenient.
Is the MSC Wristband Included for Yacht Club Guests?
MSC currently states that the MSC for Me wristband is included for MSC Yacht Club guests.
That means Yacht Club passengers should not automatically assume they need to purchase one based on the general onboard wristband pricing shown in this advertisement.
Guests outside the Yacht Club may encounter onboard purchase offers such as the one shown here.
MSC Wristband vs. Cruise Card
The wristband does not mean MSC has eliminated the traditional cruise card.
MSC still issues passengers a personal cruise card that functions as a cabin key and can be used for onboard purchases.
The wristband instead provides a wearable way of handling several common onboard functions.
For many passengers, the biggest difference is convenience. A wristband is already attached to your wrist, while a cruise card needs to be carried in a pocket, wallet, purse or lanyard.
Do You Still Need Your MSC Cruise Card?
Yes, passengers should still keep their cruise card available when required.
The wristband is a convenient onboard wearable, but MSC continues to use the cruise card as an important part of the cruise experience.
This is especially relevant when leaving the ship. MSC’s information for Ocean Cay, for example, instructs guests to keep their cruise card with them when entering and exiting the ship.
The wristband should therefore be viewed as an additional convenience rather than a reason to completely forget about the physical cruise card.
Is the MSC Wristband Part of MSC for Me?
Yes.
MSC identifies the wearable as the MSC for Me wristband.
MSC for Me is the cruise line’s broader digital platform combining the mobile app with onboard technology.
The MSC for Me app itself can be used for functions such as:
- Viewing activities and entertainment
- Managing a personal cruise agenda
- Navigating the ship
- Making reservations
- Tracking onboard expenses
- Viewing itinerary information
- Exploring shore excursions
- Receiving cruise updates and notifications
The wristband adds a physical wearable component to that digital ecosystem.
Which MSC Ships Support MSC for Me?
MSC currently states that its fleet is equipped with the MSC for Me ecosystem.
However, individual features, services and onboard offers can vary. Travelers should therefore check the information for their specific ship and sailing rather than assuming that every wristband promotion will have identical pricing or conditions.
Is the MSC Wristband Worth Buying?
The value will depend largely on how much you dislike carrying your cruise card.
For someone who spends a lot of time at the pool, hot tubs or Ocean Cay, the waterproof design could be particularly convenient. Being able to open your cabin and make purchases without constantly reaching for a card also simplifies everyday movement around the ship.
The multi-wristband pricing shown in the photographed promotion also makes the cost per wristband considerably lower for couples, families or groups buying several at once.
At the displayed prices:
- 1 wristband costs $14.99 per person.
- 2 wristbands cost about $10.50 each.
- 3 wristbands cost about $9 each.
- 4 wristbands cost about $7.50 each.
For a family of four, the photographed $29.99 package therefore represents a substantial reduction compared with purchasing four individual wristbands at $14.99 each.
Where Can You Buy an MSC Wristband?
The photographed advertisement directs passengers to The Hub on Deck 6, midship for additional information.
That location applies to the particular ship where this promotion was photographed and should not be assumed to be the wristband sales location on every MSC ship.
MSC ships can have different layouts, so passengers should check onboard information for their particular sailing.
MSC Wristband and Ocean Cay
The Ocean Cay compatibility advertised on the sign is potentially one of the wristband’s most useful features.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC’s private island destination in The Bahamas, where passengers can move between the ship and island during the scheduled visit.
Because the wristband is waterproof and the photographed promotion specifically advertises its use at Ocean Cay, passengers on applicable sailings can have a wearable option while enjoying the island rather than relying exclusively on a card for compatible functions.
Passengers should still carry their cruise card when leaving and returning to the ship as instructed by MSC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an MSC wristband cost?
The photographed onboard promotion lists one MSC wristband for $14.99. Packages of multiple wristbands were offered at discounted prices.
How much are two MSC wristbands?
The photographed promotion lists two wristbands for $20.99, advertised as a 30% savings.
How much are three MSC wristbands?
Three wristbands are listed for $26.99, advertised as a 40% savings.
How much are four MSC wristbands?
Four wristbands are listed for $29.99, advertised as a 50% savings.
Is the MSC wristband waterproof?
Yes. MSC describes the MSC for Me wristband as waterproof, and the photographed onboard advertisement specifically highlights this feature.
Can the MSC wristband open your cabin?
Yes. Opening your cabin door is one of the wristband functions confirmed by MSC.
Can you buy things with the MSC wristband?
Yes. MSC states that the wristband can be used for onboard purchases.
Can you order drinks with an MSC wristband?
The photographed onboard advertisement specifically promotes the wristband for ordering beverages.
Does the MSC wristband work at Ocean Cay?
The photographed promotion specifically states that the wristband can be used onboard and at Ocean Cay.
Is the MSC wristband free for Yacht Club passengers?
MSC currently states that the MSC for Me wristband is included for MSC Yacht Club guests.
Does the MSC wristband replace the cruise card?
The wristband provides several cruise-card-style functions, but passengers should still retain their physical cruise card and carry it when required, particularly when leaving and returning to the ship.
Is MSC for Me available across the fleet?
MSC currently states that its fleet is equipped with the MSC for Me ecosystem, although individual features and onboard offers can vary.
Where do you buy the MSC wristband?
The photographed promotion directs passengers to The Hub on Deck 6, midship. Locations can differ between ships.
Conclusion
The MSC for Me wristband offers a convenient alternative to repeatedly reaching for your cruise card while onboard. It is waterproof and can be used for everyday functions including opening your cabin door and making onboard purchases, while the photographed promotion also advertises beverage ordering and use at Ocean Cay.
The onboard offer shown here starts at $14.99 for one wristband, with substantial discounts when buying several. Four wristbands are advertised for $29.99, bringing the effective cost down to approximately $7.50 each.
For passengers who spend considerable time around pools or at Ocean Cay, or simply prefer wearing a wristband instead of constantly handling a cruise card, it can be one of MSC’s more practical onboard technology options.
