77red96

Just for interest, and so I could think of this laterally, I got a quote for annual multi trip insurance with all the afore mentioned benefits and a maximum £32000 fare. It came in at £429 for the 4 of us. I'm guessing age and no pre-existing medical conditions play a factor in that.

Holidayextras.com I've found them to be very reasonable. That said I've not had to claim from them,🤞 it stays that way.

I will actually never be on another Ryanair flight, no matter the reason, I won't. I will hitchhike and get ferries before Id consider a Ryanair flight. The last one I was on was delayed by almost 3hours, then when we got on the plane hadn't been cleaned. I thought well that's fair enough if they are doing a speedy turnaround to get us in the air. Then they announced to be careful at the rear of the plane as one of the toilets was blocked and had flooded the aisle.... This was covered with paper towels which did little to help. To add insult to injury we then had to sit on the runway for 55 minutes as the plane was overweight and had to take off in a different runway to the one planned. I don't understand why they didn't leave us in the terminal and clean the plane during this time. Finally we were in row 20 of 32, so thankfully far enough away that when the plane started to descend and leaned forwards we had a warning scream from behind to lift our belongings from the floor before the tsunami of sewage passed us. Honestly the worst flight I've ever been on, my wife is still traumatised by the whole experience. It's a long way to fall from virgin Atlantic premium in the bubble.

My trip cost £10,000 for the whole family but we were covered up to £20,000 ($22000)

$2834.42 Well I think that answers the question! The cheque book was not only wide open, but signed on every page and left behind in the board room, no wonder MSC found another ship. Whilst it is terrible for some people who have had their cruises cancelled it will put MSC in a strong position, which can only benefit us as customers in the long run.

3 now.

Wow!!! $1800 that is insane! My mind is blown. My travel insurance for my last cruise for myself and my entire family cost £48. Yes you read that right £48! That included, £5,000 each cancellation cover (which was enough), £8,000,000 medical cover each, cruise missed port cover, repatriation, £4000 technology cover, £20,000 cover for my watch, £15,000 for my wife's ring. COVID cover, days lost to illness cover I can't remember exactly what the luggage cover was but it was in the region of £1000 per lost case.

I was on MSC Bellissima in August, I paid my full gratuity but I also felt it was necessary to tip several of the staff in person with cash. Having read that it was not the done thing I went to guest services and asked was it appropriate to tip in cash in addition to the paid gratuities, they said "yes sir, if you feel you would like to but it is certainly not required or expected" I was delighted to hear this as there were 5 members of the crew who had gone above and beyond on every occasion that we met, we gave them €50 each. They were very appreciative. I don't actually know what the going rates are for good or bad tips but I thought we were very generous, I must also point out that we tipped based on what we could afford.

That's not actually true, perhaps you were unaware of this. I've linked the website so you can go on and get the relevant health insurance card. https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ You should of course take a cruise insurance policy in conjunction with this that covers you for med evac, COVID cover etc. I've not had to use this personally, however I was travelling with a friend who had an accident, when the hospital was presented with his travel insurance and his EHIC card they handed the travel insurance back and used the EHIC to cover all his medical costs. Several months later the NHS sent him out a statement showing his card had been used and how much they had paid to the Spanish hospital. Definitely worth having the card.🤞none of us ever need it.

I keep reading things like this and it pains me because I genuinely don't know who these people are and I know I'm not allowed to ask here. I wish there was a way.

Interesting point but your argument only makes sense if you make the assumption that all people who observe the 'dress code' are always respectful of the staff and all people who don't observe the 'dress code' are always disrespectful to the staff. That simply isn't true. You have muddied the two together to suit your argument.

Yeah I understand what you are saying but I genuinely don't think it makes any difference. Dress smart and look good. Come on now, bullying..... Hyperbole much! If MSC wanted the dress code to be enforced it would be. Like they don't give out free drinks at the bar if you say it's my cruise and I want one. They don't let you into the MDR if you are late for dinner. They will literally remove you from the ship if you refuse to go to the muster after the third time of asking. If they want rules to be followed they are happy to enforce them. I actually think they should enforce dress code rules, or drop them all together. It would literally end all this nonsense. Then it would be dress accordingly or go to the buffet. The issue is no matter what they do they would risk losing customers and they don't want to risk that happening, Drop the dress code and the old timers may go elsewhere. Enforce the dress code and the young trendy/ young families might not be so keen to cruise. It's a lose lose situation for MSC.

Ours was about 5 days before the date of the cruise. You have to have opted in to recieving promotional emails or you won't get an invite to upgrade.

You are on the UK website, it's been very glitchy the last while. I'm booked on the Virtuosa on 26th August 2023. I decided I might do the one you are talking about and the 2 day one on the 24th, I have been encountering the exact same issues, no VC discount, and only balcony room available, I wanted to book balcony for the 12 night and YC for the 2 night. I'm not booking without the discount being applied.

Just the 1st and 2nd passengers.

You know what, you are 100% right, this thread was an absolute pleasure to read, I looked forward to seeing it every day. I hold my hands up as being one of the people involved in drawing you back in and I honesty I wish I hadn't. I hope I haven't offended you in any way, I 100% agree, you were asked and you are entitled to your opinion. I look forward to reading your future cruise threads and I really hope the negatives at the end of this thread haven't put you off sharing your wonderful experiences with us. Sorry.

Brilliant post.

I think this is the problem, expectation Vs reality. The reality is people will wear what they want. Let's be honest, if you pay for the experience you can make what you wish of it. Is it nice to get dressed up, for some yes it is, but it's also nice to dress down if you spend 300+ days a year at work in a 3 piece suit. I've always been a believer in, effort > attire. If you look good, and feel good, made an effort to look your best in whatever you wear that that should be more than enough. Some people can't afford to bring extra luggage on the plane let alone buy 7 dress suits. Cruising is now an affordable family holiday for all, just enjoy it and stop worrying about other people. If you really want dress codes, upper class guests and all the other formalities then go and book onto a high end luxury line that the working class man can't afford to go on. Simples. Don't book MSC, who cater for all those that want to be part of an inclusive for all community and experience cruising for all budgets.

Ahh, I hadn't realised, thanks.

I had a similar experience all be it on Bellissima, had a connecting cabin and I honestly didn't hear a single noise from the neighbours.

I believe it is only Grandiosa=>Virtuosa The only other factor that I can think of might be the weather, it's not that different but history would suggest it is more likely to be a little warmer (maybe less cold would be a better description as the highs should be about the same) in August Vs June. Both months can be wet, make sure and take a rain Mac and some warm clothes, as well as some shorts!

Interesting that you are doing a port day in Belfast, my wife and I were only just discussing what we would do if we ever ended up in Belfast port. I suppose it depends what you are looking to get from the day. If it's food you're in luck because Ireland has the greatest food of anywhere in the world. The quality is unrivalled. Let me know the sort of things you like and I'll give you a few suggestions, like a nice walk, some history, are you an adrenaline junkie! Lol. I also have a few locations that make for a great relaxing day. Sir Richard and Lady Dixon gardens (and tea room, get stew!) is a great spot and not too far from the docks. They have a rose garden and a secret garden, they often have live music and the occasional brass band playing.

I think you'll find I haven't mentioned the word appropriately anywhere. You are suggesting that only those who are well dressed can tip appropriately. After such a good read I'm horrified that you actually think you are the oracle on class based on what clothes you wear and how you tip. You sound deluded. To add even more insult to injury you have decided to tell an Irish man that the British Monarchy are the class setters! You sir would know more about a fish supper.

In the UK and Ireland it's usually the drunk fool trying to act up, the guy trying to pretend he is wealthy that does the tipping. The wealthy generally don't tip well if at all.

So now you think if you dress well you are the equivalent of royalty.🤣🤣🙃