For many cruisers, the outdoor track is the “quiet soul” of the ship’s fitness offering. While the gym provides high-tech machinery and air-conditioned focus, the track offers fresh salt air, the rhythm of the waves, and a way to burn off last night’s three-course dinner without staring at a screen.
Most cruise lines offer some version of a jogging track, and MSC is no exception for the majority of ships. However, the experience on MSC can range from a dedicated, professional-grade circuit to a “make-your-own-adventure” walking route. This guide is designed to help you find your ship’s track fast—and set realistic expectations for when you get there.
Want more tips on staying fit at sea? Check out our guide on MSC Gyms, Fitness Centers and Staying Fit.
The Core Premise: Laps are Included
The first thing to know is that the Power Walking Track is a standard, no-cost fitness option included in your MSC fare. You don’t need a reservation, and you don’t need a special cruise experience (like Aurea or Yacht Club) to use it.
MSC’s official “Sport and Fitness” guidance states that a track is available on almost every ship in the fleet. However, there are several exceptions, namely the MSC World Class, which does not feature a traditional outdoor circling track. On these mega-ships, runners are encouraged to use the expansive gym or find long, straight stretches on the lower outdoor promenades.
The “Cruiser Translation”: When MSC says they have a track, it usually means “an outdoor area where walking laps is possible.” On some ships, this is a beautiful, rubberized lane. On others, it’s a shared space where you’ll be dodging sun loungers and strollers.
The Track Breakdown: Ship by Ship
The Meraviglia & Meraviglia-Plus Class (The Gold Standard)
- Ships: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Euribia
- Location: Deck 16.
- The Vibe: These ships feature a true, marked track that circles the upper decks. On the Meraviglia-plus ships, the track is roughly 328 meters (about 0.2 miles) per lap, meaning 5 laps equal one mile.
- Pinch Points: The track is well-separated but does pass by the “Himalayan Bridge” and the Aquapark, which can get chaotic with kids in the afternoon.
The Seaside and Seaside EVO Class (The “Workaround” Reality)
- Ships: MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape
- Location: Deck 8
- The Callout: These ships famously do not include a traditional, dedicated jogging track on the upper decks. Because of the “condo-style” design and the huge Waterfront Boardwalk, the space usually reserved for a track is used for other amenities.
- The Workaround: Most cruisers use the Deck 8 Waterfront Boardwalk. It is wide, beautiful, and gets you closer to the sea than almost any other ship. However, it is a “walking route,” not a track. You will encounter outdooSC r diners, glass skywalks, and wind barriers. It is perfect for a 3-mile walk, but difficult for a fast-paced run
The Fantasia Class (The Classic Loop)
- Ships: MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Divina, MSC Preziosa
- Location: Deck 15.
- The Vibe: A standard outdoor loop circling the mid-ship pool area. On MSC Divina, the track is marked at 6.5 laps to a mile.
- Cruiser Note: One side of this track often passes through or near a smoking area, and it can become quite narrow near the structural pillars.
Musica & Lirica Classes (Traditional & Small)
- Ships: MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera
- Location: Deck 12 or 13.
- The Vibe: Simple, functional loops around the sports center or funnel. These are often the quietest tracks in the fleet.
Practical “Cruiser Reality” Notes
The Main Character: The Wind
At sea, the wind is your most consistent training partner. When the ship is moving at 20 knots, one half of your lap will feel like you’re running in a vacuum, and the other half will feel like a gale-force struggle. If the wind is too high, the crew may temporarily close the upper deck tracks for safety. Take this into consideration when planning your exercise.
Traffic and “Lane Creep”
On sea days, the “track” often becomes a “storage area” for sun loungers. While there are painted lines, passengers frequently pull their chairs into the path to catch the sun. This is why Early Morning (before 9:00 AM) is the undisputed champion of track times.
Etiquette and Safety
- Stay Right, Pass Left: Just like on a highway, keep to the right to let faster runners pass.
- Don’t “Stop Dead”: The sunrise over the wake is beautiful, but if you want a photo, step out of the lane first.
- Watch for Wet Decks: Morning dew, sea spray, or cleaning crews can make the track surprisingly slick. Look for “Wet Floor” signs near the pool transitions.
- Follow the Arrows: If MSC has posted a direction of travel (usually counter-clockwise), follow it to avoid awkward head-on collisions with other power-walkers.
The Bottom Line
If you are a serious marathon trainer, you might find ship tracks frustrating due to the wind and the “pinch points” caused by sunbathers. However, for the average cruiser looking to stay active, the MSC Power Walking Track is one of the best free experiences on the ship.
For a true track experience, stick to the Meraviglia Class. If you are on a Seaside Class ship, lean into the “scenic walk” vibe on Deck 8 rather than trying to set a PR. No matter the ship, hit the deck by 7:00 AM for the best air, the best views, and the least amount of “lane dodging.”