GetMeToTheSpa

Does MSC Offer the ability to bid for an upgrade (similar program to RCCL)?    If so, when does that become available prior to sailing? 

Thanks! 

I can't find anything on the app or website to purchase or make reservations.  We don't sail until September 2nd.  When does this open up?  Thank you! 

Hi!  My husband and I are joining the MSC World Europa in Marseille on September 2nd.  :-)

23 hours ago, edinburgher said:

Absolutely check with the cruiseline as different countries may have different embarkation rules

 

Was there enough to do in the city? 

 

As Marseille is the second largest city in France, there is much to see and do, and you would be spoiled for choice.  And in addition to sights including the Old Port, Notre Dame de la Garde, the Cathedral and next door MUCEM, there are several other churches, museums and art  in the city itself, there are boat trips on offer, most popular being to the Calanques or across to the Chateau d'If (of Count of Monte Cristo fame)  I suggest you browse the official Marseille Tourist Info website (choose the english version ), Marvellous Provence, and Tripadvisor for  what you might expect to find there.  it is also easy to move around, using either buse or, the metro network. There are also HOHOs.

 

And wonderful shopping.

 

The main cruise terminals in Marseille are located at Fos, some distance from the city. You could take a taxi or a public bus, the latter not ideal with luggage as it would only take you to the port entrance, and depending on where your ship is docked there could still be quite a walk to reach it from the gate, so a taxi would  be the better option.

 

If you google something like "hotels near Marseille cruise terminals" you should find something, although we have no experience of any in that location, instead  only using airport hotels when we were flying out very early morning.

 

Although I am somewhat biased having been visiting the city off and on for several decades and seeing it become a ever increasing popular tourist destination over that period, it isn't Barcelona, but if you already visited Barcelona and want somewhere different, it is  a good option- providing your cruise line allows it.

 

 

 

What are HOHO's  I have so much to learn!  🙂  It is greatly appreciated!  

On 1/25/2023 at 8:06 PM, marazul said:

HAVE YOU CHECKED WITH YOUR CRUISE LINE THAT THIS IS OK?  YOU NEED TO CLEAR IT BEFORE YOU START LOOKING FOR FLIGHTS.  ALSO ASK FOR A QUOTE ON FLIGHTS FROM YOUR CRUISE LINE.  THEY HAVE HAD SOME GOOD RATES RECENTLY.

 

Also, calculate the price per day of the cruise and factor in how much money you would waste if you skip boarding in Barcelona.  Not to say that you would be missing one of the prime stops of your tour - Barcelona. 

Yes..  The Cruise originates in Marseille.  I was considering one that originates in Barcelona, but was surprised about the flights.  at least from my city.  I wouldn't be missing Barcelona as that is a port on the cruise as well.  Thank you for your info! 

Ship docks at 8am in Marseille. Is a 12:30pm flight out too risky?  Im trying to avoid a post cruise stay, but would like others first hand experiences with this. 

thank you 

Where did you stay?

Proximity to cruise terminal?

Was there enough to do in the city? 
 

I was surprised that flights for us into Marseille are way cheaper than Barcelona even with the connection in Madrid. So considering embarking in Marseilles instead of Barcelona. 

thanks in advance!  

It looks like there are options in Barcelona, Genoa, Marseille?  which is best or most practical?   This will be my first Mediterranean/European cruise ever, and I'm very intimidated by all this.  I'm used to U.S. cruises where everyone embarks on the same day and I am unfamiliar with this inter-port process. 

Any info you can provide will be helpful.  We want to travel in 2 days early from Florida.

Thank you! 

7 minutes ago, Heymarco said:

You can only carry luggage onboard that will fit through an airport security scanner, nothing bigger than a carry on. You will be expected to tote your luggage until cabin opens. Only exception is with purchase of Key, then you can drop off in dining room to have delivered. 

What is a "Key"? and yes, it won't be anything bigger than a small roller bag.  Pretty much packing bathing suits, a pair of jeans and a couple blouses.  That is why I wanted to carry it on.  LOL  Keeping it Simple! 

Freedom of the Seas.  Do we need to check in somewhere when we board?  How does that work now?  

We plan to roll our luggage on the ship because I don't want to wait for it to be delivered.  Plus its only a weekend cruise so we won't have much. 

What time are the cabins usually ready? Our boarding time is around noon, but the ship doesn't sail until 7pm.   

Are we allowed to drop off luggage near the cabin doors or leave just inside the closet or something?  Or will the corridors be blocked off?

Any other options other than lugging it around the ship? 

Its Freedom of the Seas.  Thank you! 

We checked in at the same time on the app, but my husband and my arrival times are 2 hours apart?  Does this matter?  

BTW, I know my husband loves me, but after 25 years of marriage, I can totally hear him saying "see ya"... boarding without me and heading for a buffet somewhere.  🤣

I have some meds I need to refrigerate.  We are in regular balcony cabin. 

Thank you! 

6 minutes ago, Ashland said:

There's always the chance...just be happy with what you originally booked...best of luck !!

 

Oh for sure..  This would be like the cherry on top!   🙂    

Have the cabin services been modified at all? 

Do cabin stewards still do bed making, turn down, towel refresh, and all that good stuff?  This is my first cruise since 2019 and wondering what has now changed.  

Thanks! 

Just put in a big for a Grand Suite (originally paid for a balcony), but truth be told, I put in the lowest bid.  LOL    I'm still hoping it will be considered since capacity is down in general.   Do I have a chance at all or am I fooling myself?  

We do enjoy the specialty dining and have always taken advantage, but is it worth the money for only a 3 night sailing?    I'm confused about whether or not its available for lunch too?  

Thanks! 

Just received the at home test kit that RCCL linked us to.  I decided to do it because in my city, there is no guarantee I will get the results on a free test back in 48 hours of or less, so I decided to go this route to be safe, and because it was cheaper - My city is charging upwards of $150 per test for a rapid test!  🤯

Our cruise is October 15th and the tests I received expire on October 5th!  I called E-Med (the company that administers the result) and they advised the test is good until December.  Not sure if I trust this.  I thought about returning and ordering a new one, but I'm assuming they may just send the same one again. ??   

Anyone else experience this?    I'm afraid of a last minute issue.   

Im ok with some self guided ideas and love those hop on hop off type trolleys.  Can anyone tell me any ideas on the inexpensive side? 

Ports are:

Boston, MA

Newport, RI,

Bar Harbor, ME

Halifax, Nova Scotia

St. John. New Brunswick

If so, can guest services hold for us until cabin is ready?  Or can we just drop it off in front of our cabin door until the cabin is ready?  

I would really prefer not to wait until the luggage delivery which can sometimes take many hours. 

Regal Princess, Sept 28th, Canada New England.  Thanks!

I have copied this from my travel summary page.  Red text is what I'm concerned about.  We land in NYC pretty early, around 10:30am, and planned to go straight to the ship.  Will we really not be allowed to board until 2:45pm since we are on the Emerald deck?  😞

PROGRESSIVE CRUISE CHECK-IN INFORMATION

To help facilitate a smooth start to your voyage we have implemented a progressive cruise check-in schedule. Please arrive at the check-in time listed below. If you have purchased a Princess Cruise Plus Package/Transfer, your check-in time will be provided at your hotel or the airport. Guests travelling on shared transport or arriving as a group will be checked in together. Priority check-in will be available to guests with Priority Boarding within the allocated check-in times. Boarding will commence shortly after check-in. Please do not arrive prior to the start of cruise check-in as your cabin will not be ready. Once onboard, enjoy a meal at Horizon Court which remains open throughout the day to serve you.
1:00 PM - Aloha & Lido Decks: Cabins on these decks begin with A & L 2:00 PM - Dolphin & Emerald Decks: Cabins on these decks begin with D & E 2:45 PM - Caribe & Riviera Decks: Cabins on these decks begin with C & R 3:15 PM - Baja & Marina Decks: Cabins on these decks begin with B & M

Looking for information on the bathroom amenities.  Bar soap or liquid?  Is there a decent hair shampoo,  conditioner and hair dryer? 

If shower liquids, is it on a dispenser or small bottles?  

Anything else? Shower cap, sewing kit? 

Thanks!

Im very interested in this too!  Is it cost effective?  

South Florida girl here.  I read somewhere that bar harbor temps are on the 40's.  Is this correct?  I wasn't planning on taking any heavier winter coats or hats/gloves.  Do I need to reconsider this?  

Edited to add.. Sailing in 1 week.  Regal Princess 🙂 thanks!