seasicksherds

Cheers thanks:D

Sailed on our first ever cruise 19/7/14-26/7/14 out of Venice...

This was our first disappointment, the ship was across the lagoon in a container dock yard.

We were not informed the ship had moved by either MSC or our travel agent.

After being herded like cattle into the terminal we had a 3 hour shuffle with people queue jumping everywhere. MSC have obviously not learned a thing from previous cruise departures or read these forums.

Passengers were offered a vile tasting can of juice as they waited to be shuttled across to the ship.

Second disappointment was boarding the ship just above the water line and being met by engineering crew in boiler suites....Nice touch MSC...I was expecting a glass of wine or similar in main foyer..

The ship as described by many was fantastic, ( first time cruiser remember)

Cabin up on 12 with balcony had a tobacco smell I thought but otherwise nice.

Room was well looked after by maid who did a great job tidying up after our 2 kid's.

I also thought the Buffet staff were a bit ignorant especially those behind the Bar

Buffet food was ok and as mentioned getting a table was the main battle.

The MDR was an experience we enjoyed although I had reservations about it as I never wear a suit to Dinner ( except weddings etc)..So the Gala night was a bit O.T.T for me but I did enjoy it.

Our MDR was L’ARABESQUE first sitting, where we had a table that looked like it had been added to the pathway from the service station....Not Happy...

Our table (for 4) in the MDR was in a rubbish location so I approached the Maitre D to inquire about a swap or move....NOTHING....He didn't give a ****. Arrogant Silver haired older man in L’ARABESQUE is not worthy of a tip.

I asked every night as the 3 larger tables around us were empty night. Still Maitre d not interested....(I won't swear)

The Ship should be able to inform guests that after 2 consecutive nights of not showing up they will lose the table so that other guests can use it.

Only watched 1 show so can't comment on overall quality but my wife and children seemed to enjoy them although did comment on the similarity to previous performances.

The Pool areas were good but as mentioned, Sunbeds were fought over.

We sat at a table in the Garden Pool area mostly and watched as a table was empty for over an hour but held with towels and bags, when someone did return it turned out they were lying across from us on 5 sunbeds also reserved. So they had claimed 10 spaces in total and I never saw more than 4 people at any one time.

If I were away without my family there would be a lot of towels in the pool.

The staff did nothing to police the claiming of sunbeds.

Excursions seemed quite expensive so we did our own things ashore but did use the coaches in Istanbul. A little overpriced we now know, Take the tram or Taxi for 20euro.

Overall we enjoyed our Cruise but the points that spoiled it will probably make us try another Cruise line in future unless i read MSC has got a grip....

We would like any recommendations on future cruise lines folks but not TOO

PRETENTIOUS....:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

Again many thanks, it's a big learning curve. lol:)

Hi jkgourmet, can you just clarify for us, if we want to eat anywhere other than the MDR, is it included in our holiday or will be additional fee.

Such as the Eataly or La Locanda Pizzeria Wine Bar, Sports and Bowling Diner..

It's a bit of a minefield trying to find out how all these itinerary's work.

We have chosen the Allegrissemo package for our drinks and hope these drinks can be had in most of the bars and restaraunts around the ship.

If you can help folks please reply...cheers Mike & Jeni....:confused:

Thanks J&C..

Hi all, First cruise is this July on Preziosa sailing out of Venice, I'm looking for guidance on how to get full use of the restaurants on board ...

Is it a necessity to book prior to our departure or when we board the ship ...???

Will we be given the same table every night in the MDR ( I'm guessing this is Main Dining Room)...???

How does that work if say we wanted to eat in a different themed restaurant the following night..???

We have experienced missing out on booking a table when on previous holidays in AI resorts due to them being full so want to make the most of our first cruise.

We appreciate any helpful tips and heads up on anything that will make our cruise memorable..... Thank you..... Mike:confused:

thanks everyone, looks like its pot luck as to where i embark and leave

Just an FYI .... Cruise ships do not sail in the Grand Canal to enter and exit the port .... They transit via the Guidecca Canal.

my mistake...soz:eek:

You might want to read this thread on the Italy boards about cruise ships and Venice in 2014; it appears changes are already starting:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1961804

 

I am so glad that I took the advance warning seriously and cruised into Venice last year.

will have a read Thanx..

I think it is safe to say you will not be reimbursed for any extra expenses.

thought not,,, but if pigs could fly.....lol :D

I believe the "ban" from venice is scheduled for November 2014, so if you cruise sooner, you should still sail by St.Mark´s square,

Thanks Kasi, being our first cruise, we just want it to be straight forward without last minute hitches

Hi everyone, just seen a clip on you tube about Large cruise ships being banned from grand canal 2014 and possibly docking elsewhere across from venice, if this change of port happens how soon will the cruise line let me know (MSC) and will they compensate for the extra cost of travel expenses..???:eek: