If you’re cruising MSC and hoping to keep your routine going, here’s the good news:
Yes – the MSC cruise gym is free. MSC lists Gym by Technogym as an included onboard service.
The “gotcha” is that a lot of things that sound like they’re part of the gym experience (classes, wellness programs, thermal areas) can sit in the paid add-on bucket. This guide breaks it down so you know what’s actually included and what you might want to budget for.
What’s included on MSC
Gym by Technogym
MSC’s fitness center is marketed as Gym by Technogym, and it is included on each sailing.
In practical terms, your free gym access usually covers:
- Cardio machines and strength equipment, both machine and free weights
- Space to do your own thing without signing up for anything
- A typical cruise-gym vibe where mornings and sea days are the busiest
Space for stretching and bodyweight workouts
Even if you never touch a treadmill, the gym is still useful. Most MSC fitness centers have some open floor area where you can knock out:
- Stretching and mobility
- Bodyweight circuits
- Core work
That matters because it gives you a “free option” even when the equipment is taken.
Power walking and jogging track
There is also a dedicated area for walking and running. These areas are designated. Most of the time they share space on a main outdoor deck, so don’t expect a totally dedicated area. But there are lanes indicated in the floor, so exercisers should feel free to use the area. This is the easiest way to stay consistent without overthinking it:
- Morning walk with ocean views
- A few laps after dinner
- Quick “movement snack” on sea days when you’re trying not to become one with your lounge chair
Sports courts and sport center activities
If your idea of working out is more “give me a ball and let me sweat,” MSC also lists several sports-court options as included where available, like:
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Five-a-side soccer (or football for the international audience)
Important nuance: availability varies by ship. For example, MSC notes some courts are not on certain ships. Check out our Sports Court Guide for more info.
What costs extra on MSC
Fitness classes
This is often the biggest “surprise” for first-timers: not every class on the schedule is included in your fare. While the gym itself is free, MSC splits its fitness programming into two distinct categories: complimentary daily activities and premium instructor-led sessions.
What you can usually enjoy for free:
- Morning & Daily Stretches: Often held on the open deck or in the fitness studio to start the day.
- Core & Ab Workouts: Quick, high-intensity sessions like “Fab Abs” or general aerobics.
- Dance Fitness: High-energy classes like Zumba or Latin dance lessons, typically hosted by the entertainment team near the pool or in the main lounge.
What typically costs extra ($10–$15+ per session):
- Mind-Body Sessions: Specialized classes such as Yoga and Pilates.
- Equipment-Based Cardio: High-intensity Spinning (indoor cycling) or the popular Aqua Cycling found on newer ships.
- Personal Training: One-on-one coaching and body composition analysis.
A few practical notes to set expectations:
- Check the Daily Program: Schedules are ship-specific; some itineraries offer more “deck-side” freebies than others.
- Specialty vs. General: If a class requires specific equipment (like a bike or a reformer), expect a fee.
- Smart Booking: If you only plan on one or two sessions, pay-per-class is the way to go. However, if you’re a daily gym-goer, ask about “Class Pass” bundles on embarkation day to save on the per-session rate.
Spa thermal area
If you see “Thermal Area” in the app or on signage, don’t assume it’s part of gym access.
MSC’s thermal area experiences are run through the spa and are:
- By appointment only
- 18+
- A separate spa experience from “using the gym”
One key exception: Aurea bookings include access to the thermal area for adults (reservation required).
So the short version:
- Booked Bella or Fantastica? Thermal area is typically an add-on.
- Booked Aurea? Thermal access is one of your included perks (adults only, with reservation).
Personal training and wellness programs
While the gym is free, MSC also offers a high-tech “Wellness Experience” built entirely around the Technogym ecosystem. This isn’t just a few dumbbells and a clipboard; it’s a full integration of digital tracking and 1-on-1 coaching by Technogym-certified Master Trainers.
Key highlights of these premium programs:
- The High-Tech Start: Many programs begin with an InBody Composition Analysis. It uses a medical-grade scale to track your muscle mass, body fat, and water retention so the trainers can tailor a plan to your “Aspiration Map.”
- The “Secret” PT Bundle: One of the best-kept secrets is the Personal Trainer Package. You can often book a bundle (around $85–$150) that includes three 1-hour sessions plus unlimited access to the Aurea Thermal Area (saunas and steam rooms) for the entire cruise. It’s often cheaper than buying a spa pass on its own!
- Digital Integration: If you use the Technogym MyWellness app, you can sync your workouts on the ship’s machines and track your “MOVEs” (their activity metric) against your goals, even during shore excursions.
- Boutique Perks: Guests who book the full Wellness Experience often get “boutique” extras like a Technogym wellness bag, sports clothing, a laundry service for their gym gear, and dedicated healthy menu options in the dining room.
How to check what your sailing offers
Because ship, itinerary, and staffing can change what’s on the schedule, here’s the easiest “no guesswork” approach:
Use the MSC for Me app
MSC for Me is designed for onboard planning and includes real-time cruise planning where you can view daily events and activity highlights.
This is usually the fastest way to:
- Find class times
- See what’s happening each day
- Build a plan that doesn’t require wandering deck to deck like you’re hunting for a secret gym entrance
Visit the spa or fitness desk early
If you care about classes or thermal access timing, stop by early in the cruise. Sea days fill up first, and it’s easier to lock in a plan on day 1 than to scramble on day 4.
Common misunderstandings to avoid
- “Fitness center” does not always mean “everything fitness-related is free.” The gym is included, but classes and spa experiences are often paid.
- Thermal Area is not the gym. It’s a spa-run experience, appointment-based, and 18+.
- Sports courts vary by ship. They’re included where offered, but not every ship has every court.
Bottom line
If you want to work out on MSC without paying extra, you can absolutely do that:
- Gym access is included.
- You’ll also have stretching and bodyweight options inside the gym.
- The track is included, and it’s the easiest “do this daily” habit at sea.
- Sports courts are included where offered, but ship availability varies.
If you want to level up your routine onboard:
- Expect many fitness classes to run about $10-15 per class on a lot of sailings, with variation.
- Spa and wellness add-ons exist, but they’re optional.