If you’re the kind of cruiser who measures vacation time in “how many games can I catch,” MSC’s Sports Bar is your best starting point. It’s typically the highest concentration of TVs on the ship, it’s casual, it’s lively, and it’s built for exactly what the name suggests: sports on screens, beer in hand, snacks on the table.
One important expectation-setter up front: MSC’s sports coverage usually skews international, especially on Caribbean and non-US itineraries. If you’re hoping for a full slate of American broadcasts, you made need to temper expectations.
And if you’re a beer person, there’s another reason this venue matters: on many MSC ships, the Sports Bar is one of the most reliable places to find draft options beyond the “default” Heineken pour you’ll see around the ship.
For more information on all MSC bars and lounges, check out our bar guide.
The vibe
Think “sports pub on a cruise ship,” not “quiet lounge with one TV in the corner.”
- Louder and more energetic than most lounges, especially during big events.
- Seating is usually designed for groups: tables, booths, and bar stools with good screen angles.
- It’s the kind of place where you can walk in for “just one beer” and suddenly it’s two quarters later.
TV coverage: what you’ll see (and what you might not)
This is the section that saves people frustration.
What’s common
On most MSC sailings, the sports channels you’ll see in the Sports Bar tend to come from an international or Caribbean-style feed. That means the mix usually skews more global than what you’d find at a typical American sports bar – you’ll often see soccer/football, tennis, F1, cricket, and other international coverage in the rotation.
That said, American sports do show up, just not with the depth or breadth you might expect back home. On a typical football day, for example, you’ll usually find one or two games on, but which games air often comes down to what MSC can access through channel affiliations and regional licensing, not necessarily the “biggest” matchup of the day. Major marquee events like national championships and the Super Bowl are generally shown, but during normal weeks, it’s best to assume you’ll get limited coverage – usually just one or two games for a given sport rather than a full slate.
Practical tip that works
If there’s a specific game you care about, ask earlier in the day what they expect to show. MSC teams can sometimes adjust a screen, but they can’t conjure a broadcast that isn’t available onboard.
Beer lovers: why the Sports Bar is the move
On a lot of MSC ships, draft beer availability in “regular” bars can feel… consistent. As in: “Yes, Heineken. Again.” Many cruisers specifically note that the Sports Bar is where you’re more likely to find additional draft lines beyond that baseline.
On newer ships like MSC World America, published Sports Bar menus show a broader tap lineup. While beers carried can vary by ship and sailing, the following seems to be the consistent list for Sports bars:
- Affligem
- Blue Moon
- Dos Equis Especial
- Heineken
- Lagunitas IPA
- Miller Lite
- Sam Adams Boston Lager
- Stella Artois
- Strongbow
Bottom line: if you’re hunting for variety on draft, this is usually your best bet.
Menu highlights
Unlike most other bars on MSC Ships, the Sports Bar has a limited menu of food items to snack on. Menus vary by ship, but these staples show up consistently across Sports Bar menus:
- Caesar salad
- Buffalo wings
- Loaded nachos
- Sports Burger (the signature-style burger offering)
Two quick notes:
- Sports Bar food is typically a-la-carte (extra charge), even though the venue itself is free to enter.
- During peak times, ordering before the “rush moment” (kickoff, halftime, post-show wave) makes everything smoother.
Where to find an MSC Sports Bar (by ship and class)
Names are usually just “Sports Bar,” but MSC World America uses All-Stars Sports Bar.
| Ship / Class | Venue name | Typical location |
|---|---|---|
| Seaside class (MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape) | Sports Bar | Deck 8 |
| Meraviglia class (MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Euribia) | Sports Bar | Deck 16 (near the indoor activities zone on many ships – see note below) |
| World class (MSC World America) | All-Stars Sports Bar | Deck 8 |
Important nuance: Meraviglia-class “Sports Bar” may not be what you expect
On Meraviglia-class ships, the Sports Bar is often tied into the Sportplex/bowling/arcade area. Translation: it can feel more like “a bar next to the indoor activity center” than a standalone, wall-to-wall-TV sports pub. There typically aren’t any TVs, barstools or even a well-tended bar.
Practical tips for game day
- Arrive early if it’s a major event. Sports crowds show up in waves.
- Sit where you can see multiple screens if you’re not sure what will be aired.
- If you’re there for the food, order before the rush.