Mediterranean Shipping Company Cruises vs Blue Cruise Turkey – Which One is Right for You?

When planning a cruise across the Mediterranean, most travelers instantly think of large-scale operators like the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). With massive ships, multi-country itineraries, and all-inclusive onboard services, MSC Cruises are a popular choice for tourists seeking a traditional cruise experience. These cruises promise convenience, variety, and a chance to check off multiple bucket-list cities within a short span of time — making them especially attractive to first-time visitors to Europe or those who enjoy structured travel with luxurious amenities.

But what if you’re looking for something more intimate, local, and connected to nature? What if the idea of waking up in a quiet bay, swimming in crystal-clear waters before breakfast, and exploring ancient ruins far from the crowds sounds more appealing? That’s where Blue Cruise Turkey, offered by companies like YourTourKey, comes in — offering a totally different kind of cruising experience rooted in local culture, slow travel, and natural beauty.

In this blog post, we’ll compare the two styles of cruising — MSC-style Mediterranean Shipping Company Cruises vs Turkey’s Blue Cruise tradition — so you can decide which one suits your travel style, expectations, and budget.

What Are Mediterranean Shipping Company Cruises?

MSC Cruises is one of the world’s largest cruise lines, operating a vast fleet of modern cruise ships that sail to destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and beyond. In the Mediterranean, their itineraries typically include iconic cities like Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Istanbul, and Marseille, offering travelers a whirlwind tour through some of Europe’s most historic and cosmopolitan destinations. These cruises are popular for good reason — they deliver a seamless, all-in-one travel experience where accommodations, dining, entertainment, and transportation are bundled together in one floating hotel.

The ships themselves are gigantic floating resorts, often carrying over 3,000 passengers and staffed by thousands more. Onboard, you’ll find dozens of international restaurants, multiple swimming pools, shopping promenades, cinemas, spas, casinos, fitness centers, and even water parks or Formula 1 simulators on some vessels. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music, themed parties, or dance the night away at on-deck nightclubs.

Key Features:

• All-inclusive experience with food, lodging, and entertainment
• Scheduled shore excursions at every port
• Large-scale group atmosphere
• High-end amenities including spas, pools, gyms, and more
• Structured itineraries with limited flexibility

While MSC Cruises offer maximum comfort and convenience, the overall experience is curated, fast-paced, and destination-heavy, often leaving little time for deeper cultural engagement or spontaneous discovery. For some travelers, this style of travel offers efficiency and excitement; for others, it can feel commercial and detached from the authentic rhythms of Mediterranean coastal life.

What is a Blue Cruise in Turkey?

In contrast, a Blue Cruise (“Mavi Yolculuk”) is a slow-travel, small-group sailing experience along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. You board a traditional wooden gulet, typically with 8–16 passengers, and spend 4 to 7 nights exploring remote bays, ancient ruins, and charming coastal villages.

YourTourKey’s Blue Cruises offer routes between Fethiye and Kekova, among others, showcasing hidden gems that large cruise ships cannot access.

Key Features:

• Small group atmosphere (less than 20 people)
• Authentic Turkish food cooked fresh on board
• Daily swimming in untouched coves
• Visits to places like Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas Island, Kaş, and the Sunken City of Kekova
• Flexible, relaxed schedules

If you’re curious, check out this 7-night Fethiye to Kekova itinerary.

Direct Comparison: MSC Cruises vs Blue Cruise Turkey

Which Cruise Is Right for You?

Choose MSC Cruises if:

• You want to visit multiple countries in one trip
• You prefer an all-inclusive package with scheduled tours
• You like onboard luxury and entertainment
• You enjoy having many dining and entertainment options in one floating resort
• You’re traveling with a large group or family looking for variety and structure

Choose a Blue Cruise in Turkey if:

• You value peace, nature, and swimming in crystal-clear waters
• You want an authentic local experience
• You enjoy slower travel with time to relax and connect
• You’re seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations and cultural immersion
• You want a more personalized, less commercial journey

Both experiences have their strengths — MSC Cruises offer scale, comfort, and international exposure, while Blue Cruises bring you closer to nature, tradition, and Turkey’s rich coastal beauty. Your ideal cruise depends entirely on the kind of travel story you want to create.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking a personal, nature-connected, and culturally immersive journey, a Blue Cruise in Turkey offers something that large ships simply can’t replicate. Unlike large-scale Mediterranean Shipping Company cruises that focus on covering vast distances and visiting capital cities, Blue Cruises allow you to slow down and truly absorb the spirit of the Mediterranean — its ancient coastlines, its welcoming people, and its timeless connection between land and sea.

Onboard a traditional Turkish gulet, you’re not just a passenger — you’re part of a shared experience with fellow travelers and a local crew. You’ll anchor in tranquil bays under starlit skies, swim in waters so clear they feel unreal, and enjoy meals cooked with fresh, local ingredients. The intimacy of a Blue Cruise makes every moment feel personal and grounded, far from the anonymity of mega cruise ships.

While MSC Cruises might get you across countries, Blue Cruises get you closer to the details that make the Mediterranean unforgettable. You won’t just visit the coast — you’ll live on it, drift with it, and wake up to it each morning.

So next time you search for “Mediterranean Shipping Company Cruises”, remember: there’s another way to experience the Med — one gulet, one hidden cove, and one unforgettable sunset at a time. And perhaps, that’s the way you were meant to travel all along.