Nunagoras

This, exactly! I couldn't write it better. Permit me just to add: Both MSC, RCI, NCL and CCL/Costa are all of them contemporary mainstream lines. Both will offer you the same standards of European 4* land hotel market. You won't be bad on either one. Both ones will have hit or miss moments along the way. With 7 cruises with MSC and another one in the making I can be seen as an MSC cheerleader of some sort. Yeah, they have a nice product for the price tag. I understand the limits though. Their website is ugly and sometimes their land based services are less than stellar. But that's it. I've enjoyed all my cruises with them with just a few odd days on one of them, my fault, I booked a transitioning week cruise with partial crew turnaround mid week.

It is usual for MSC to host multiple embarkation ports. That one seems odd, really; but by the dates it will be a season transitioning cruise. I wouldn't be so worried on the travel atmosphere change, once I'm used to it, and it's not usually as impacting as some may think about. It is really like to be on any land hotel with guests coming and going all days... I would worry more about the fact that being season changing, it will likely to be full or partial crew turnaround week copled with a possble party like little getaway cruise in the mix... I had one of those with a 3 nights cruise "built in" my week long regular cruise... A less than stellar experience TBHH, BUT... It was perhaps my "cheapest" cruise to date, at least in a penny per day count and on a value to the money point of view. Yeah: Those itineraries tend to be sold at a hard discount.

Once I'm retired from the financial industry's field, let me just to give my humble 2 cents: While on one hand the cruise industry's massification has been wonderful to all of us cruise enthusiasts, on the other hand it has had its own growing pains and challenges, one of them being the income of some of the usual criminality one experiences everywhere on the society. From robberies to drug traffic, from sexual misconduct to all kinds or corruption, scams, and whatever else one can think about. So now: Currently all the big business groups and banks are subject to the Basel III framework on Capital adequacy and other international or local related measures. That said they must comply with a set number of requirements, among others, on money laundry and avoiding terrorism financing. Those rules are always changing, generally becoming more strict. That said; they me required now to not accept live money deposits. As regarding to casinos, you'll may use money on the machines, but then you'll receive a paper ticket with your balance, and the cashier will give it to you, upon cruise card presentation, but the norm will one day to become cruise card only on machines. Either way. Phisical money is disappearing from society these days. In summary: If you're not going on the cruise with those bad intentions, you have nothing to worry about, apart let the card you want to use to be international travel worthy.

...Its called "follow the money"... If what gives mainstream cruise lines money these days are those so called "Over the Edge" experiences, so be it... Sadly; in some 10-15 years from now, if one wishes such a classical experience at sea, one will need to jump very far on the cruise market to at least a mid luxury line to find that offer... Meanwhile; let us to enjoy the decreasing classical ones available as much as we can afford to... I'm planning my 2023 one, possibly on a Musica class vessel. Let's see what 2023 will bring here to Lisbon... @JT1962: Yeah: The Mera seems classical to an extent... But; they've some "amusement" like activities like the promenade LED ceiling's shows, etc... The good ole days of true classical ships on the mainstream cruising are just finishing. And even on the premium market things are evolving. Let's see where Virgin or new generation X ships will go...

In a nutshell: If you really want the drinks packages, book it as far as they let you to do so and you don't already have it on your original fare. Prices will go on the rise, but they'll honor your today's purchase... That is the current trend...

Hi, and welcome aboard!... You'll have a large array of answers, from cheerleader to naysayer, and all in the middle... Ultimately only you can assess if you really want a change of pace or stick with what you really know. Bear in mind that while you may be open minded to another experience, good to know if all group partakes same idea... Design wise I'd to describe the Meraviglia as such a "white brand" RCI's Oasis class ship. They have a promenade with stores and specialty restaurants, just filled with a huge LED ceiling where they make some shows. They've recreated the neighborhood environment to an extent. Mera is classier though. Once my unique cruising experience consists on RCI Oasis class and MSC, I'd say the following: 1) Both follow the European 4* land hotel industry standards. You won't be bad on either one. In some ways both will try to reach the 5* here and there, but both ones will have some hit or miss moments. 2) MSC is Italian owned and influenced, trying now to have a dent in the US market, hence the hard promotions there. We're not so lucky on those here in EU... 3) So; they cater for a very international crowd. Maybe on the post covid era you'll find more Americans now, but be prepared for lots of Europeans aboard. Some announcements will be made in various languages. 4) With that in mind, shows will be more music and visual oriented than otherwise. No comedian shows by the norm. 5) Food will trend to the Italian or European comfort food mood with a nice presentation against American comfort food on RCI. Me thinks this is the largest source of complaints here in CC. Though, they're trying their best to be the most international possible. As far as I know; no soft self service ice cream on the post covid era. You have superb gelato at a fee though! Pizza and pasta dishes are also as good as they can be!... 6) Their private island seems to be wonderful. Have a nice day!...

Well: Actually the Global Dream is at the size or slightly larger than the MSC World ship class. That said the unique way to insert it would to be as a mainline MSC ship perhaps with somewhat a World class look and feel on the renovations... But technically they'd stick with a once in her class ship (surely it is not the unique one. The Magnifica while having the Musica class look and feel is technically a once in class as well). The main shipyard went also bust as we know, so even the main design prototype is not money worth for nobody else to say the least. One more "A380" of the seas would be a disaster for the whole market. Simply no place for it really. And the firm order book for those on the next few years is huge. Some one or 2 more RCI Oasis, some 4 RCI Icon (larger than Oasis!), at least 2 MSC World class, some Carnival Mardi Grass class... And go on!... Surely MSC can see this as an investment on its future... Especially in a time when the competitors are all of them weak, despite the potential huge EU recession... Purchasing or partnering with Virgin? Who knows!... MSC has nothing on the premium market to talk about, and they may be interested, but that is for another day!... Virgin has its growing pains... But the reviews are coming positive. They may very well to succeed at their pricing tag, so... Have a nice day!...

Kernow and Hlitner have said most of it. Thanks! To note: MSC is different because it is Italian owned and influenced. If you want HAL or X service quality pick ships with an YC. The older ones like the one you showed interest in doesn't have it. Though they happen to have very port intensive cruises where probably you really will be most of the day out of the ship. IMHO: For those even a baseline Bella inside may suffix! Definitely pay attention to the experience level. YC, if available, is great, but sort of expensive (like flying in First or Executive class). Aurea is not that great these days, simply the value is not really that there (Premium Economy in paper). Fantastica is your regular crruise ticket (like flying Economy class on a long haul historic line). Bella is a no frills baseline guaranteed cruise fare (like flying on a short haul European low cost). Take the naysayers with a grain of salt. They have a nice mainstream service that's not on your face. Similar to going on a 4*/4*+ land hotel in Europe. Have a nice day and sailing!...

The Mera is in the US. Maybe a "standalone" cruise to adjust time schedules. Nothing really special on those cruises, apart possible white knight if one is interested in or any other special if a local public holiday happens to just be at those dates.

...The usual cruise fare just on a 3 nights cruise... So: On Meraviglia class some promenade shows on the LED ceiling; theater shows (in some very hot days, weather permitting they may replace it with a pool party); a band or a duo in the bars or lounges, a lighthouse show if you're by the night at the Ocean Cay; and an optional theme party with the animation team on one of the lounges that can be white night, Caribbean night, etc. They may have a replacement for Cirque du Soleil at sea show with a drink, you may be able to book in advance on the website.

Back in the day I used to go with a suit and tie to formal nights and even not so formal ones on cruises. Really on MSC I have ever seen some 5 to 10 individuals in a tux to date on my 7 cruises with them. On RCI, on opposite, at least in my sailing I felt very under dressed on a suit and tie! Oh, so many tuxedos and gowns out there!... But again: Year after year formality has decreased greatly. Back in the day they used to have 2 formal nights... Now it is just one "fake" formal night, and it is completely optional... Why I wanted to go formal? Because, even though I would usually to be using my work suits, it is an opportunity to have such a special evening at sea!... 🙂 Simply it is quite romantic to go on a special occasion. To have the traditional photo with the captain... Again: For the ones whom just cruise in average once in 2 years, those are special times that you don't want to be missed... They make our life memories!... I understand the plane luggage challenge though... And this is why, from quite a while from now, I'm trying to remove, or at least reinvent formal night...

It is lighter than on the likes of RCI on an European sailing. Yeah, suit with no tie, or even a nice sleeved shirt with no jacket for man and a nice cocktail dress for women sufixes most of the time for an European MSC sailing. YC perhaps a little bit dressier than "steerage". It's really no different than to go on a nice restaurant for dinner at home city.

Usually 12 nautical miles to reach international waters, unless the country in question owns an "economical exclusive zone" for a larger ocean portion and whether it comes with some use restrictions or not. Don't know how much KSA actually owns, if any or the particular rules in the area, but I believe that you're said 12 nautical miles away, all will be good!...

That depends largely on a case by case scenario, but my best bet would to be a no. First of it all: Usually YC are the first rooms to sell out. Any remaining ones, usually out of a possible give up will be sold at regular prices or go to any bid process. Unique opportunity: If the cabin in question happens to be an accessible one. Surely those are larger, but also usually less desirable from a common passenger point of view. So: You can contact MSC of course... Good luck!...

KSA doesn't permit alcohol to be served elsewhere once in its national waters or ports. UAE and Qatar do accept it to an extent, but bear in mind that once their alcohol laws are quite restrictive there might be some items usually available on other cruises but not available at those ones.

Hi! Being Italian will help you tremendously!... Do you know what a 4*/4*+ land hotel in Italy is about So; MSC is pretty much the same as that with a few details touching eventually the 5*. Don't let the naysayers get you wrong. They've a nice mainstream product. No drinks packages on less than 5 night cruises as far as I know. The other members have already said most of the essentials. Don't know what your ship will be; being a 3 night cruise I'd assume you'll be on the Divina. It's a middle aged ship, very classy, offering such a quiet experience, even though a 3 night cruise tends to the party vibe... No "bells & whistles" for sure, but a nice, Italian flavored environment. When in Europe they used to have such a pianist or a classical quartet playing classical or easy listening music in the atrium. There will be a disco that will be open till later, the other venues will have such a thematic band or duo playing there, and of course they'll have the usual theater shows, more visual than a story telling type of show, somewhat repetitive at times, but more than enjoyable for a 3 nights cruise. Maybe some differences may apply on the US. Food tends to the Italian/Mediterranean comfort food with a nice twist. Back in the day it used to be more authentic. With the times it has become more mainstream/international to please a larger audience. That could be good or not so good, depending on whether you're expecting such a return home to Italy or otherwise. Nowadays I feel like it is Italian influenced... But not as authentic as dining in a street restaurant in Italy. Quality is generally good, some things better than others, but generally nothing to write home about, just good enough to feed you for the day with a nice conversation in the mix. Pizza, some pasta dishes, gelato and coffee are the best at sea though and you can have coffee pretty much on every bar.

Never been on Lirica class where the Opera relies. Those are the smaller ships. Nice venues, but nothing to write home about. You can see the ship's inside in MSC Opera, Virtual Tour 360 (msccruises.com). Apparently with your pass you'll have access to basically Sauna, steam room, and a nice relaxation area. No spa whirlpool on those ships. Only you can decide if the price is worth or not.

First of it all: Welcome @nafarrell to the MSC CC boards!... If only the moderators had a tool to highlight answers; @kernow; and surely this one from you should be on the most awarded of all of them lately!... Congrats! How fortunate was I to do this cruise on the Orchestra, a Musica class ship back in the day when even there wasn't the Aurea sundeck at the top!... Because the views from the from of the ship are so stunning it is impossible to pass away!... Understandably YC will be firing expensive on those sailings. Even YIN... But I'd save money for 5 years in a row to be able to afford YC one time and do no cruises on the other years than to go on anything less than YC for that itinerary! That, and Alaska, if they happen to have it!... Otherwise YC is quite overpriced for what it is right now, IMHO. Have a nice day!...

Welcome to the MSC CC boards! Even though I'm not a pizza guy, those with no sauce are the good ones, when available! Yeah, their food tends to the Italian/Mediterranean comfort food zone, even though they also have the usual cruise suspects, and they're becoming a bit less authentic with the times. Thanks for the review. Regarding multiple cabins I always suggest to have a TA dealing with that or use the phone number. Their website is always a mess to deal with, TBHH. Have a nice day!...

That's it. So very well written!... Obviously for kids, and teens it's important to have a proper sleep time. But now and then; holiday time should be a time for discovery and change of routines. When on holiday as a teen I was always permitted and recommended to stay later... Happens that soon I discovered I'm one of the kind I need a good sleep time to go on the next day... Obviously not all of them are equal, but in general, more important than that sort of rigid time management rule, it is to make clear the general good standing rules, and it is not bad to repeat and affirm the ones I find more important; some of them like yours: 1. Respect the ships regulations and obey to the crew directions, even if "odd". 2. Come to dinner or family booked shore ex and activities on time. No excuses. 3. Do not accept drinks from anyone else than crew and never to consume even if the smallest sip of alcohol. 4. Do not play on the paid arcades, unless supervised by one of the parents when and if they allow it. 5. Do not charge anything to the room card, apart the things that are authorized, or if an older teen, within the family defined amount. 6. Do not go on adults only venues, if there's any, whatever the reason. 7. If they find lost themselves, let the crew to direct them, never other passengers. 8. Never go on anyone cabin whatever the reason, even if crew. 9. Never go out of the ship with anyone other than family. 10. In any case of doubt and family not present; guest services or ship safety crew are the ones to visit. And I believe that if those rules are followed all will be good. Let the teens to be teens and have their time. They'll learn to adapt. This is for what they're teens. And as far as venues go, MSC tends exactly to be very inclusive. Teens are welcome on general bars and lounges, except the adult disco from 11PM onward and the Casino at evening. Have a nice day!...

Hi! Even though I can be seen as a huge MSC cheerleader with some 7 cruises with them to date and plans for a 2023 one in the making; I can surely understand your base line limitations... TBHH; while MSC has surely a very nice mainstream product, they are sort of different from the other more American mainstream products. If your kids are happy with Carnival, please stick to it!... I have relatives on the autism spectrum as well. Their well being turns the most important task to whom cares of them, and among that, it is important that they're not exposed to so many changes on their life that they could not truly absorb. That said; MSC might to be a nice experience for the day you can go without the kids. Don't worry so much is my message is seen as a little hard. It's not. It's base on first hand experience. Either way: Wherever you go or not on MSC; have a nice day and nice sailings!... See you elsewhere on the CC forums!... Be welcome!...

Staying onboard while docked is possible. Be advised that even if you want to stay onboard you'll need a visa, if Saudi Arabia requires it from you. That said; usually: The buffet will be open as usual. The Spa will have some specials. There will be at least 2 bars open, usually one of the reception bar sides and one of the pool bars, even if with no alcohol served due to Saudi laws. 3rd party vendors may or may not open due to both low demand or Saudi restrictions.

Wonderful very well written review, many thanks! When I first saw any reference to VV, I thought: "Oh, my gosh: Do you Mr. Branson think that you can to make that woke cruise line to ever succeed with what in general the cruise community is about? Do you really think you will fill some 4 to 6 ships with just all of the most radical fringe of the woke brigade out there? Things don't work this way, dude!..." And; for the most part, me thinks that the youngsters are now sort of going out of the woke brigade, pushing for, at least such a more stable sort of world experience... Oh, well, but that is for other places, let me to return to VV. Surely Mr. Branson tried hard to deliver that sort of woky experience to the ship on those few cruises before the pandemic. It failed miserably as expected... But, surprise, surprise... They learnt their lesson!... Such an year and a half later, when the final product came out for the real paying costumers the product has effectively changed a bit... Or a lot, from the eyes of this humble market analyst I used to be... Surely: They'll to have something to please those on the woke brigade in search of a different experience, but that's it. Problem? Sometimes the first impressions prevail... And one cannot overrun all the errors on a single movement. The odd pool deck and some of the design mistakes will need the first 5yo dry dock to be solved. Other minor ones they have solved them already. It seems that they have "calibrated" the ship in some ways. The most recent videos seem to just show a sort of different ship than the first ones before the pandemic, even if just slightly different, but noticeable... Surely first time reviews were attentively seen... Problem: Maybe they're having such a problem filling some sailings. "Old line" cruise lines are now full of FCC programs to run out... Virgin may be empty of them all, so to give some promotions may be on order these days... Me thinks that as such a balanced product between tradition and modernity, VV can survive and have a long history to tell us about. I don't think they'll ever to lead the industry evolution like some of the NCL initiatives have done in the not so distant past or those done by RCI on the lovely Oasis class... But they'll eventually to have a say on the top corner of the mainstream cruising, kissing the premium or half luxury one. It seems that X, Princess, HAL, Disney, and even the likes of Oceania have here a hard competitor to have in consideration... Have a nice day!...

Yeah! That's the most expensive area in Paris, in fact. You have to run a long way for the cheaper products, but again; it doesn't deny my observations: If not a true 5* product, why those sometimes 5*+ prices?... I understand your point, but on my observation I included the distinctive elements that brought me to the Oasis class: Central Park, Boardwalk, "Mamma Mia" show on the Allure, the multiple pools, basically all the neighborhood environment that makes it so special. Allure became easilly my favorite ship to date... But in general, outside of what the biggest ladies in the world can offer us, my feeling is that MSC remains my favorite cruise line. Curiously, other than on first day, on my sailing the ice rink was closed all week for a huge gay charter program activities... Surely we didn't notice at all! I was fortunate to have our muster station at ice rink and the ice show at first day as well! They even did a sort of 2nd ice show after muster drill! Thanks to your kind words and have a nice day!...

Never seen that other than on the Spa bars (ex: Orange and carrot mix). Availability varies by the region. Those juices used to be offered on top beverage packages, which in current MSC language is the Premium Extra. Sadly they've been removed from any packages way back in the day. As I remember the last time I had them were on my 2nd to the last cruise in 2015. Regular freshly squeezed OJ might be offered on the buffet or MDR for breakfast and in some bars. That also was removed from drinks packages by 2016 onward. Reinstated now with the Premium Extra.