CruisingFox27

On our April med sailing muster was in the theatre and then at the muster station. And took place in the afternoon,  the day after each embarkation port. 

I didn't find the bed hard on Divina. Obviously, it's all personal interpretation but I wouldn't describe them as firm. 

I'm in your minority group Captain! My heart sinks when I read "opportunity to shop at the local xy or z" shop of overpriced tourist tat 🙄

On a (not MSC) tourist tour in Egypt we had someone selling 'genuine bedouin' crafts and gifts. Unfortunately, we'd just seen them removing them from little plastic bags. Which I suspect said "made in China" and they bought in bulk 😂

I've only experience of an Aurea Suite on a non YC ship. All of the Aurea experience level benefits and a larger cabin, bath tub, walk in wardrobe etc

1 hour ago, di T said:

Do they include gratuities when you book through a travel agent?

Yes. We've booked through a UK TA and MSC direct. Both now include gratuities. 

Officially it's not allowed. We've seen bottles allowed and we've seen them held. 

We had Nicolas Feuillatte on our most recent Mediterranean cruise. I have seen others mentioned, it's definitely region dependent. 

@Captain-John we were on Lirica in April,  and although the decor is more traditional and less glitzy than the new ships, there were absolutely no issues with how she was maintained.

Oh that's useful to know regarding the menus Bea. I'll test that next week. I'm loving reading yours, I've been living on salad for 2 months in preparation for our repo 😂

Looking forward to reading your review. Thank you for taking the time.  Wishing you both a wonderful time. 

6 hours ago, thepla said:

A tad off topic but very similar.

 

We have an upcoming trip to South Africa.

 

Cost from Non Alcoholic to Easy is only $3 per day. My son has minor package.

 

I don't drink alcohol except would like a "real"' mocktail, like regular Pina Colota. I can't figure out from their verbiage what I get extra and what I am missing.

 

Obviousy soft serve Ice cream no.

 

What are fresh fruit cocktails and are they in both?

 

Any insight would be great.

There are a selection of non alcoholic cocktails available, including a virgin pina colada. I've never looked into the non alcoholic package but assume they're included. 

I just noticed that for our upcoming cruise the booking documents have a premium drinks limit of €13. The cruise was booked in July, surely the limit should be €14, that's the limit shown on the new drinks package? 

Thank you for the entertaining and amusing review. We board in 2 weeks and are very much looking forward to our sailing. 

3 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

Does MSC do hot water pots in YC staterooms or only coffee makers?  My DW and I both enjoy tea more than coffee and would like to have a hot water or tea kettle in the room. 

Only the coffee machines, as far as I'm aware. No kettles, unless sailing from Southampton. You can just call the butler and request tea or a pot of hot water at anytime, though. 

2 hours ago, Noesja said:

This is my first cruise with MSC. I know some people get complimentary upgrades when booking a guarantee. Could this happen when you can't book a guarantee and are given a cabin# by reservation? Or will the upgrade fairy 🧚‍♀️ only visit guests who have booked a guarantee? 

Historically the upgrade fairy visited anyone, regardless of cabin or experience booked. Since MSC introduced the upgrade bid programme the fairy is far less common. 

We've used the laundry regularly in the past but having read a few unfavourable reviews of late, we've not booked a package for our upcoming trip. 

Grateful to know it's been used recently without issue, if we do need it. 

If you keep the robe you'll be charged. The slippers, you're free to keep. 

Updated to add - I've now been able to log in to my booking normally, with my account this morning. 

58 minutes ago, Saving Up To Be Eccentric said:

I still can't; I get an error 500. Ah, well, I get to not worry about it for a while, I think.

I've been seeing 'error 500' for a day or so now, when I try to access my booking. 

Although, last night I looked at general excursions through the destinations page. After clicking on one, it allowed me to log in, see my upcoming cruise and book the excursion. 

On another platform a lot of people were reporting issues accessing their booking. And it doesn't appear to be a problem with specific countries websites either, it was a varied number of people using a lot of different ones. 

CruiseMapper shows that Musica is heading for Limassol. A reshuffle of itinerary no doubt, given the issues in Haifa.

I'm delighted to hear all of your glowing reports on Rhodes, we've never visited but are scheduled there next month.

Assuming our itinerary is unchanged. On another platform, there is an MSC Splendida forum, where a world of panic has broken out due to the Israel situation. We aren't scheduled to go to Israel but to Alexandria, where there was an incident involving Israel tourists on Saturday, Suez Canal and then Jordan. All miles away 🙂 I appreciate the unrest in the area is a concern, but it is confined to Gaza/Israel.  I daren't mention to them that we also sail through pirate territory ☠️😂

Back on topic (sorry Bea) Mein Schiff 5 is due in Haifa tomorrow, if they dock elsewhere it probably confirms Musica and others won't call this week.

The Aurea passengers maybe able to move to fixed dining with the Fantastica passengers in the MDR. If the maitre'd can accommodate once you're onboard. The Fantastica passengers can't join the Aurea passengers in the Aurea area. 

On 10/7/2023 at 3:03 AM, margincall said:

We have sailed on several cruise lines,and researched others over past 17 years,but never been on MSC,but were considering one next spring.part of choosing a cruise for us,is looking at shore excursions. When looking at MSC

website, they,just like every other line,have the description, duration, and difficulty level,but unlike every other cruise line,they don't show the prices of the excursions. 

For us senior citizens, that is part of the choosing which cruise equation. 

Do you have to book a cruise to find that out,or is there somewhere to find it.

Thanks

I've never been able to see the excursion prices until the cruise is booked. If you list the itinerary and excursions you're considering, others may have it booked and could advise on prices. 

9 hours ago, number5 said:

As an extra question about embarkation at Southampton, its been a while since I've cruised with MSC but their regulations seem to suggest that passengers cannot board with soft drinks or even a bottle of water. Are they totally strict about this as I like to keep a bottle of water with me just so I stay hydrated, or will Security confiscate my bottle ?

I've never had an issue with one small bottle, in hand luggage, that you're obviously clearly using. It's turning up with a 2ltr bottle or packs of drinks that's the issue. In my experience anyway. 

3 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

can MDR or YC dinners be delivered to the suite or just room service?

Just room service. Except where there is a medical situation, injury or sever illness. 

I've only ever seen the "Behind the Scenes " tour available to book once onboard. The tour does usually run more than once on a sailing, depending on how long you're cruising for obviously. I'd certainly advise asking to book as soon as you're on the ship as they can be popular. 

On 9/26/2023 at 9:21 PM, Jeal said:

We have been on the Seaside twice this year and never noticed soda machines. Where exactly are they located? 

In the buffet, at the rear. Beer, wine and soda dispensers. 

I think the reviewer has managed to get themselves very confused. I agree, they were using the soda machine not the water machine within the free tea and coffee area. I've always seen water available for free.