Kevin79

Can't wait to try this area on the 4th Oct cruise, though I imagine it doesn't contain an electronic roulette table... that's my favourite.

That's interesting, and I guess goes someway to help for those who want to play but don't want to spend time in the main casino which can get very smoky regardless how much the AC is on. If it takes off / increases revenue, I won't how long before other ships get a small sub-casino. Assume games only on after left port.

Boarding the Meraviglia next month in YC. Plan is to board early after ĥotel check out. Will we be able to disembark as if it were a port day or is it a case of one on, that's it for 1st day? (I know in Europe, we're able to get on as they have multi-port emparkations)

Southampton is a tiny airport used mainly for domestic business flights and European holidays. I wouldn't recommend bus to Southampton, but take the Elizabeth line to Reading then train to Southampton. This will take a little over 2 hours, and will avoid traversing central London.

If you google the ship and cabin, good chance you'll get video of your cabin, or from a sister ship where layout would be the same.

Depending on the route (you didn't mention), Virtuosa is a multi-embarkation ship i.e. passengers and embark and disembark at multiple stops on the route; most of MSC's routes in Europe are like this. Assuming your sailing is like this, you shouldn't have any issue staying on board a little longer. When I debarked in Barcelona, I was able to stay onboard until about 11am with no issues. We weren't asked to leave, our cards were still working and packages available for us. If you're doing a single embarkation cruise, you'll need to leave by around 9.30/10am, shortly after the last group (on the list you've shared above) are due to leave when they'll call for the stragglers. From what I've seen, only the Canary Island route is a single embarkation sailing. You should note that MSC is relatively unique in having multiple embarkations on a route. Most others only have one.

Short answer - probably yes. Longer answer - on Northern Europe cruise last September, similar situation, last day sea day, friend wanted to debark on final port. This port wasn't a usual embarkation/debarkation port, but MSC allowed it. Call/email. Once you're on board, go and see Customer Services. They'll almost certainly confirm you'll need to be off an hour before all aboard with a clean account. FYI - we boarded in Keil, Germany and they debarked in Flaam, Norway.

Yes you can. On all past cruises with MSC, last being last September, purchase 2 devices on my account. I used one and DH used the other. They needed to log in with my user details.

1 - no, but doesn't stop you ordering multiple. I'd often order a salad from the starters with my main. Also had two mains on one occasion, 2 - I have seen this, but not always and not all dishes 3 - Yes, buffet open circa 21 hours per day. 4 - Yes within the specialty restaurant section on some ships. If you've already placed your booking, log in and take a look at the specialty restaurants to see if it's available on your ship.

You can buy restaurant packages, spa offers etc before you board, but you will need to wait until you're onboard to book the night you want to go. In YC - just go to the concierge desk and they'll book it all in for you.

It took about a month for everything to update when I reached Diamond recently. Unless your next cruise is close, I wouldn't worry about it. Now everything (website, app and booking confirmation) says Diamond for cruise in October.

You will only be able to purchase dining experiences rather than a specific resturant or date. Some restaurants are open at lunch on sea days. Depending on location, unlikely you'll have any open on port days. You're likely to know once onboard or... As you get closer to your sail date, you'll be able to get information on your sail itinerary. If you book an experience package, you will jeed to book the day once your onboard.

Was sat on my own in YC when solo, and saw a number of solo travelers sat with a two top to themselves in the Aurea restaurant. I would suggest speaking with the restaurant once onboard if you're not YC or Aurea to see if you can sit on your own.

It can only be used in a restaurant where there is an "experience" menu so can't use it on the Chefs Garden. You can go outside the experience menu and the usual rules apply i.e. you pay 50% of the a la cart price.

Other than requesting decaf coffee in the speciality coffee Shop or a decaf coffee pod in Yacht Club, never seen decaf onboard.

I don't get why you say its misleading. The two prices are there, clear as daylight, and you have the option of which to go for.

Does MSC do more than 1 Gala night for cruises more than 7 nights? Doing 11 nights in the autumn (fall) out of NYC and would like to make sure I've covered.

You can't make reservations for specific restaurants until you board. You can pre-purchase the packages, not the meals. Once onboard, you can book through the app, the interactive boards around the ship or at the restaurant.

That wasn't the case in Feb when I was on Virtuosa. There were a couple of wine in the fridge and my butler said there was a charge. I was next to the YC lounge bar so had no issue going to get an alcoholic top up when required.

Typo - bar

Just to caveat, not all drinks in mini-bar are included. Soft drinks and beer are, spirits and wine paid for. You will be offered a bottle of wine, champagne or spirit at the start which you can use in cabin. It's one bottle per cabin, rather than per person. First round of snacks are included, rest you need to pay for. However, snacks available in the car throughout the day, so you have easy access if needed.

Just logged in and my Northern Europe from Southampton 7 day later this month has changed to NOR and my New England and Canada out of New York is NOA. And the layout has altered a little.

Completely agree. There is a UK vlogging couple who have slatted MSC on their last cruise due to a member of staff coming over telling them to stop filming and making them cry. I've seen vloggers filming on board and they really do take over the space. I, personally, don't want to be in their bloody film, but don't get asked one way or another.

You have two days to register your card once onboard via the kiosks dotted around the ship. You'll be given a smallish ($/£250 I think) value credit line in the meantime to make out of package purchases etc.

This is just the info I was hoping someone would post. I'm doing a solo YC in Feb so very useful to know. On the window point - you'll virtually always find that unless they really blow the heat out. If it's much cooler outside, as warm air hits the glass, it'll cause a cool downdraft = warm air rises, cool air drops.