Ryan82

I smoke cigars. I think people need to calm down - it's not that offensive.

I think a lot of it depends on personal preferences but I find the entertainment on MSC to be good. The shows are relatively varied, so just take a look at the daily planner and decide if you think it's going to be something you'd enjoy.

I think it varies - which I know isn't a definitive/helpful answer. On a recent cruise on the Preziosa we didn't stay that long in Cherbourg (we went out early). When we came back we had lunch in the MDR but I noticed the Butchers Cut was open too.

Hey all - do you know if the if this applies to a short cruise (i.e. less than 4 days). When I booked a longer cruise you only see that this has been applied after you've booked and received your booking confirmation. I've read the terms and conditions and can't see any restrictions. Wording from MSC website: If you’re a Silver, Gold or Diamond member, receive additional €50 onboard credit per person when you book more than 9 months in advance

Worth asking but pretty sure it's no. They have a promotion on the UK website for voyagers club members who book a winter cruise offering 700 bonus points when you book.

Most recently on the Preziosa there was a diamond welcome back party on 2nd night and the general Voyagers Club welcome back party on 4th night. The voyagers welcome back party was nice - endless drinks available and the same canapés you get if you order the Bon Voyage package but more of then. The captain cruise director etc were there. Probably stayed for about 45 minutes but it was a nice touch.

Thanks for this. Hope you're right!

Hi I've said with MSC but in Europe. I imagine the foods vary depending on local market. The food on MSC - contrary to what you might read in ny experience is good. It's at least as good as standard hotel food in a 3 or 4 star hotel. On my cruises there's definitely been lots of healthier choices if you want them. Plenty of salads, delicious soups, pastas etc. They serve up red meat a lot in the MDR but there's always a fish option to go for. Personally I've never chosen Aurea and have never worked out what you get to make it worthwhile but that's down to personal preferences.

Hey Raj, I've booked this cruise but for the August sailing. I think weather wise there won't be a great variance between June and August. MSC have already published the available shore excursions. Quite a good range available, and prices range from fairly cheap to really expensive (if you want to do things like have a husky sleigh ride). I think in Longyearbyen for example you can simply walk off the ship and you're there, if you don't mind a bit of walking. I imagine they'll offer shuttle transfers at most destinations which works out quite cheap really.

Hey all Due to sail on the Grandiosa in May. Anyone know if there's a Cigar room onboard. Was disappointed to find none on the Preziosa. Have used Google and can't find an answer.

Thanks - good heads up. Yes if you cannot change the country you live in (address) that would be problematic. What a shame.

Second the recommendation to go to Winchester. Windsor is nice, but there's not actually that much to see. Bath is nice, but same applies tbh.

I know cruise lines like package hotel companies will offer different deals for different markets. Is it allowable to book a cruise as a UK passenger on a different countries website. Have seen on MSC Austria they're offering a ten percent discount as well as other discounts not available in UK.

The points allocation is confusing. I paid for cruise and purchased excursions and packages in advance. I got 1000 points after cruise and randomly the second partner got 1100 points 🤔. For smaller amounts it's not worth stressing over

I wad on Preziosa recently and there was no cigar lounge. Think the same applies to Virtuosa. There's a limited outdoor areas where you can smoke a cigar.

They offer two packages. Browse or browse and stream. I went for browse and stream and it was 75 quid and some pence. It's supposed to be cheaper if you book on board.

Quick update re:Status Match the lady I spoke with agreed I was matched to wrong level and has sent a request off. I sail in 4 days so no chance it'll be done by then I'm guessing if last experience is something to go on. @ellie1145 when they status match you check it against level published on mscbook.com

If you're in UK best option for status match is to ring and select option for more information on voyagers club. Did the Web form and then emailed my screenshot again and they ignored it until I called up. Then only matched me to classic even though I was top tier Best Western. I can see they publish status match conversion at mscbook.com for travel agents so I'm calling back later.

Hi there, sorry, I'm dyslexic and I've read and read both the MSC website and other forums but I can't seen to find a definitive answer as to what's required to board MSC from UK. I have had both vaccinations and the Booster on 22 December 2021 which will be some 297 days when my cruise ends. Due to my age group / circumstances I am not able to get the seasonal booster available. What will I need to do prior to boarding? Thanks in advance, and real sorry if this has been covered elsewhere.

Thanks for the advice which I've taken. Cherbourg and Hamburg look easy to DIY. Bruges the excursion is reasonably priced anyway and Le Harve Paris excursion would work well because I've been many times but my partner hasn't.

Hi mate. Had same dilemma. In end decided to pay for drinks packages so we can drink almost what we want on-board and forget about the cost.

Hey there. Excited to be cruising in just 19 days time. Sorry for questions. Is it worth booking some of the excursions? Do they tend to be good / reasonable value? I have platinum select with Best Western which MSC status match with - does this actually give you any benefits other than a discount off future cruises? Cheers Ryan

Thanks Bobble. I have looked on the forums but it's a bit like needle in haystack there's so much good content here!

Hey there. Will be first time cruiser. Sorry if questions are basic. Looking at booking MSC Preziosa 8 October from Southampton. When it says Choose and Cruise W drinks what drinks package is that? Guessing the most basic one. Does the Preziosa have a cigar lounge and if it does can you smoke your own or do you have to buy theirs?