Logans_Grandpa

I think that etiquette is a cultural thing. So for you lining up is the proper way. For Italians this is not. The same with Chinese. They love to burp during meals. For us Western people this sounds disgusting and is not done but in Chinese etiquette this is the proper way to enjoy dinner. "Unfortunately" the rest of the world is not the same as Nort America, it differs and that is also with etiquette.

DB, We have traveled fairly extensively, but not always on cruise ships. I am quite aware that cultural norms are not consistent from country to country. IMHO, Smoking underneath a no smoking sign, by the kids pool and in a food line up is not a "cultural issue", its ignorant. Having staff that either cant do the job they are assigned to, or don't care about doing the job they are assigned to is not cultural, but a matter of poor training or poor management or possibly both.

I cant see myself on another MSC boat when there are so many more to choose from.

That is strictly my opinion of course...your mileage may vary.

We mainly cruise on Celebrity but we decided to MSC a try and loved it. Yes, they do things slightly different but we found it refreshing. It is not cookie cutter. If you a cruiser who does not sweat the small stuff, you will have lots of fun.

 

Many people do not deal with change well. Therefore, when the go on MSC, the get upset with the differences rather than celebrate them. Enjoy.

Our complaint was not with MSC but the total lack of manners and courtesy shown by a good number of passengers. Basic etiquette such as lining up for a meal, at the bar for a drink or anywhere really, seemed to be an unknown quantity for alot of passengers. Add in the smoking everywhere, including right underneath the No Smoking signs made for a fairly trying week.

On Armonia, the cabin attendent was very good, the security staff were bored to the point of rudeness, the MDR staff were very good and the Concierge was perhaps the laziest most disinterested cruise employee Ive ever met.

But by far, it was our fellow passengers that could have ruined our cruise, but after 5 days of it, we made a game out of it by blocking people trying to cut into line, talking over them and outright ignoring them. Made for a fabulous last 2 days.

The buffet food was high class industrial, the MDR was quite good. It was quite possibly the worst "coffee" i ever had, unless youd like to pay 5$ (Cdn) for a cup in the Cafe San Marco.

The boat was beautiful, sadly, the passengers were, for a large part, not.

All announcements will also be made in English as well as Italian

Right after the French, the German and the Russian...if theres time

Ditto.

 

It is a beautiful and charming town.

 

We like to get there early in the morning before it gets too crowded.

 

After several visits to this area, in 2014 we did a The Godfather Tour. I was second guessing myself as to whether or not it would be too touristy but we loved the small towns that we visited on this tour and the beautiful views from the towns and other areas that we toured.

 

Keith

Keith, contact Micheal at Sicily4you, we were able to "do" Savoca (godfather), Taormina and Castelmola without being rushed. Wonderful tour, highlight of our trip for sure

Absolutely worth every penny. Walked through the special line up, boarded right after the Platinum or whatever fancy colours they were and was having lunch on the Lido deck by 1:30, bags were at our room by 2.30 , walked off the ship when we wanted a week later. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Only used the "priority line" at customer service once but boy did we get the stink eye from the long line up :-)

ncl has added the Brazilian thing to their newest ship or two,

How many is a Brazilian? Geo W Bush...:)

Thanks all, we've booked a day trip in St Thomas, we'll save the day in Grand Turk for a wander about

Mermaid, you nailed the intent of my question. I shouldnt post after my bed time because in rereading it, it made no sense to me either.

Thank you all for your input.

So where is my wife snorkeling? St thomas, with 3 other ships in port or Grand Turk with no other ships that day?

Mrs and I are going on first cruise at end of January/ Carnival-Eastern Carribean. She loves to snorkel, i could care less. Im happy sitting on the boat and reading. Question is, anyone know how to book he excursion? Im not snorkelling, just making sure she gets around ok (mobility issues) -Do you think I'd have to pay full rate?

Also, we'll be in Grand Turk and St Thomas-which of these do you suggest has the "best snorkeling" of the two? Our ship is only one in port in GT, 4 in total in USVI..I'm thnking that should factor into our decision as well?

Cheers and thanks