First time booking...

Good morning

Looking at booking my first cruise with MSC. I usually sail Princess or Royal.

I have also been on Celebrity ,Hal, Carnival.

I am easy going and realize all cruise lines are different.

I know you cannot tell me if I will like MSC or not but ......any thing I should be aware of before booking? (Besides the great prices) :)

I Would be booking a Balcony.

TY

Reader

Don't expect MSC to be an "American" line. They are an Italian/European line, who do things a little differently. However, their ships are beautiful!

You don't say if you're planning a cruise on the Divina from the USA, in which case about 50% of the guests will be American, or in Europe, where 90% of the guests will not be native English speakers. They try to allocate your dinner table with people who speak the same language.

All announcements are made in several languages, but they go very fast.

I have been on many cruises with American lines and 1 with MSC and enjoyed them all. I am just about to take another MSC cruise.

Enjoy whatever you decide to do.

Hazel

Please be aware that all balconies are not created equal, not just because they are Bella or Fantastica. Size and location vary, and there are some that have steel hulls instead of plexiglas. There are a number of threads here that are helpful in choosing a balcony cabin. Here are a few:

For steel balcony locations:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2350211

Questions about particular cabins:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2154692

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2352315

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2021386

That last thread is very long, so if you are considering a specific cabin it might help to pull it up and put the cabin number into the search function.

There are lots of threads here about Divina - since you are in the US, I am assuming it is Divina you are considering. Go back four or five pages, maybe more, for lots of discussion. EM

MSC Divina has been our favorite ship to date! But I agree with poster, it is NOT an American ship - so go with an open mind and you'll love it! Don't forget to activate your credit card on file by using the kiosk at Guest Services at some point during your cruise or you'll be stopped before you get off the ship!

Thanks everyone! :) You are so helpful.

I understand this is not an American ship........a little something different may be just what we need:)

Again TY

Reader