SUSIEK

We normally leave our trays in the cabin. This was no problem when we were getting our room serviced 2x's per day. On our last cruise we had 1x cleaning in the evening. Our dirty breakfast dishes were in our cabin all day. We may start putting them out.

I spoke with a rep yesterday. He said our e-docs will be emailed to us along with luggage tags. We sail May 7.

I have to say even though their website leaves a lot to be desired, the rep I spoke with was very nice.

I sent a msg through their facebook page that the information was crossed on our booking. My son and husband have the same first name, different middle name. I immediately got a msg back asking what time would be good for someone to phone me. That afternoon at 2:30 I got a call. All was fixed.

We blew right past embarkation photo without having it taken.

 

I am D member on RCI. I did my status match at end of December and had my black cards within 72 hours.

 

Was brought to front of line (no wait) at check in.

 

We had robes and slippers waiting in our room (interior Fantastica)

 

We received two 1 hour passes to thermal area of spa. Was able to use without prebooking.

 

Got 2 canvas back packs in room

 

Got a chocolate ship.

 

Bottle of Prosecco and plate of chocolate strawberries delivered. Twice.

 

Invites to black card cocktail party and welcome back cocktail party.

 

Made reservations on day 4 for Eataly on day 7 with our free meal voucher. Were offered various times to use our other voucher at Galaxy but liked MDR too much to skip.

 

First seating in Villa Rosa. First evening wine steward was at table waiting to introduce himself. From them on never waited more than 5 minutes for bar server to appear on any night and I was the only one at table ordering drinks w vouchers. Got cocktails in under 10 minutes. Sometimes under 5.

 

Some nights I would order two mains and no apps. One main would be served with the apps and the second main when everyone else's came out. We asked for speedier service bc of the baby and from sitting to finishing mains was 60 minutes. Only had dessert in MDR 3 nights. We had coffee mugs and creamers waiting on our table all nights and roaming server had regular and decaf. We were always asked if we wanted coffee.

 

Water poured continually by roaming server. Only once all week did we run low and have to ask for him to be sent over for more.

 

Paper thin food? Uneatable? What ship were you on. The MDR was easily as good as Princess and definitely better than RCI. Buffet better than RCI by a mile.

 

I totally 100% agree on the credit card setup. That was stupid.

 

Staff said this cruise had way less families and many more retirees than regular. I think there were a lot of Celeb/RCI/Princess folks that had minor fits when something wasn't done "their way" that they are used to.

 

This is the surf and turf from night 2. Paper thin? Not hardly

Thank you so much for the info. We are sailing May 7th. I matched my Elite Celebrity to get Black MSC. All seems good so far. We booked the Aurea Suite Level. Price was to good to pass and we are celebrating anniversary, bday and mothers day. We are so looking forward to something different.

Evidently my review wasn't too far off base when cruise critic's former passengers give this ship a 58% rating compared to Celebrity and Princess who get 80's.

All in who you ask. We are Elite on Celebrity...many cruises with them. Our last sailing on The Reflection made me want to never sail with them again. Princess is the "bomb" to us..... LOVE LOVE them. Personally I think they do everything right.

I really don't go by the ratings of the ships. You will have 10 people voice their complaints and 1 who will write a positive review. I think people enjoy telling the bad more than the good. Human nature? I think I have written 2 reviews of all our cruises and 99% of the cruises were great. We've been cruising since the 80's.

We have been on many Carnival ships that have had less than stellar ratings.... always had a good time and great service. I will say Carnival food was way better than Royal. But, of course this is MY opinion.

From embarkation to end, with the exception of Bermuda, this cruise was the worst of 60 cruises we've taken on Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, NCL and Royal Caribbean. The line was very long outside the terminal just to get into the building - took us an hour to check in and that was at 12:30. Instead of taking your credit card at check in, they direct you to one of the kiosks on the ship to register your credit card for use on board which we stood in line once again to do. That is one of their new procedures we were told. The lifeboat drill was a complete joke - our muster station was the casino where they did not even make sure people were trying on their life jackets and we never even saw a demonstration on how to put them on. If one was given, it was nowhere near where we were standing. Now for the cabin - we took the Fantastico pkg which was supposed to be a superior balcony cabin in category 2A. Nowhere on the website deck plan of deck 9 shows any of these forward cabins having any obstruction or any notations showing obstructions. Our balcony was a "steel" balcony where you could only see out if you were standing. When we complained at guest relations, we were shown their diagram of deck 9 which did show our cabins as having obstructed balconies. They said their Miami office was closed on Saturday and they would try to do something on Monday. Well - the following Thursday, they called us and offered us another cabin - with 2 days left of the cruise, we were not going to spend it moving. They didn't so much as offer us a bottle of wine for their mistake and never even admitted their error. Now for the dining experience. When we found out that they had anytime dining, we called and spoke to a Mario who told us just to come and see him at 6:30 that evening and he would change us to 6:30. When we appeared at 6:30 to see him, after missing our 5:30 regular dining time, he looked at our room keys and told us he didn't realize we were on the fantastico pkg and therefore could not change us to anytime dining. So - we missed our dining room dinner that night and had to go to the buffet. Now as to dining in the Black Crab - tables are extremely close together and waiters are having to serve over your head in a lot of areas. The food was mediocre at best - pencil thin prime rib and not much variety.. Food upstairs in buffet was pretty good though with much variety. The ship itself is beautiful - probably the prettiest on the sea and kept very well. The entertainment also was exceptional. We cruise several times a year and generally are not critical people. We realize things are never perfect and have never given any ship such a negative review. After hearing so many other passengers complaining about various things, we felt this review was warrented.

Sorry you had a bad time. At least you took your life jackets with you to the muster drill. Many lines don't require even that anymore.

Anytime dining is only on Aurea Package. We sail in 3 weeks and can't wait. I have done A LOT of research on MSC, as they do things differently than the other lines and we are big cruisers. Hopefully we don't have these same surprises you experienced.

We did sail on Divina a couple of years ago but it was only a 2night cruise. Enjoyed it then, hopefully we will enjoy it again.

We enjoyed it. I do think kids like it more than adults. My son, who was 8 at the time, answered a question correctly and was picked. He had a great time and we loved watching him. He is now 10 and still talks about how much fun it was. He threw the winning ball toss and won for his team. Very exciting.

We were on The Legend when she sailed out of Tampa. We saw the CD, who was the host, in the elevator after the game was over. I told him we could leave the ship now and be happy. It was a highlight of the trip.

Hi,

I don't know you personally so I don't truly know what ship is best for you. I can tell you we have been on both. We have sailed on Breeze two times. Absolutely love it. Our son is now 10. He was 7 the 1st cruise and 9 the last time we were on Breeze. He really enjoyed the ropes course and the water park as well as the slides. There is mini-golf also. Camp Ocean was fun too as they would take the kids on the basketball court to play outside games.

We also enjoyed Liberty of the Seas. My son was 5 at the time. Beautiful ship too. The kids program was very good. We did sail on her before the enhancements. The new slides look great. We were not interested in ice-skating, but they do offer it. The rock climbing wall is cool, but he was too small for it then.

I think both ships are great for kids. My final decision would be based on itinerary and then price.

Totally insane to compare Carnival to Seabourn apart from the fact they are both ships.

As long as you know the differences and prices are drastically different you will be fine. Go with an open mind to have fun and you will!

A more fair comparison would be NCL or Royal. And I would compare the smaller olders ships on both to Inspiration. I find a big part of our cruise experience comes from the fellow passengers. Carnival gets all types and most like to have a good time and are pretty laid back.

We enjoy the food on Carnival and the service is perfect for our liking. We don't like to be fussed over. Our cabin is always cleaned and serviced even though we don't always meet our steward. Bartenders are plenty and their service is always with a smile. Normally everyone you pass in the hallway has a hello and smile.

We don't always catch a show. I will say I enjoyed the big Las Vegas shows they had years back better than what they are producing now. Live music can be found at various venues during the night. DJ spins later. Deck parties.....always something to do. Trivia is pretty good too.

Have fun!!!

Hi,

Not sure about the boxed wine. How many liters is it? There is a limit. If it is the allowed size just carry it on. The standard bottle, of course, should be no problem in carry on.

Also, I think you may have your luggage pulled aside if they notice liquor/wine packed inside of checked luggage. I believe people call it the "naughty" room...LOL. I imagine someone on this board will have an experienced answer.

Very unfortunate situation. I do feel it is more the passengers responsibility if they were at the wrong area and did not confirm their location with the porter who took their bags. Especially if they found it to be confusing to begin with.

My common sense tells me to speak with the porter and be sure he knows what ship I am on. Over 50 cruises and I do it every time and have never had my bags get on the wrong ship.

Tom, I love your line Give additional VIFP points/sailing credit to those in suites !!!

 

Are you listening Carnival?

 

5snoz - Two years ago in the Inspiration there was not a coffee machine in our suite. I just called for the coffee.

 

SUSIEK - MSC matches points such as if you have the number of points for platinum on one line you automatically gain the same number of points on MSC? Which lines do they acknowledge as being their equivalent?

RE: Loyalty Program.

Yes. We matched our Celebrity Elite which equaled their MSC Black. Below is the link that gives you the info.

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Loyalty-Match-Program.aspx

Here are the benefits in their Loyalty program:

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Voyagers-Club.aspx

MSC has some nice perks: We are booked in May in an Aurea Suite. Price was comparable to Carnival and Royal but with extra perks. It also included a $300 OBC.

They also have a Loyalty Match Program. They match whatever your level is on another line to their equivalent. (not necessary to book a suite for this benefit)

Aurea package: Suites and Balcony Cabins

Our “Aurea” fares offer all the benefits of the “Fantastica” Experience, plus a variety of extra privileges.

* Prestigious cabins with view, in the bow on the higher decks

* 24-hour unlimited drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic, specialty coffees, water)

*Spa package with a spa welcome cocktail, one massage of your choice from the spa menu, tanning shower, private wellness consultation and free access to the Thermal Area throughout the cruise (available only for adults)

* Complimentary set of wellbeing products

* Exclusive access to the private solarium, in a reserved area

* Dinner in a reserved area of the restaurant with “My Choice Dining” flexible times

* Priority boarding

* MSC Club points to earn discounts and other benefits on subsequent cruises

For the high rollers....LOL - Royal Suites, Executive & Family Suites and Deluxe Suites -

The epitome of elegance and luxury at sea, the MSC Yacht Club offers a cruise experience like no other. Lavishly appointed suites, an exclusive 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge are only the start.

* Luxurious suites with memory foam mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets, pillow menu, marble bathroom, plasma TV and minibar

* All-inclusive MSC Yacht Club restaurant with open dining times

* Soft drinks, cocktails, beer, wine and spirits included at all MSC Yacht Club venues and from the minibar in every suite

* Access to the Top Sail Lounge and The One Sun Deck private complex, equipped with swimming pool, whirlpool baths, solarium and bar

* Private lift to the MSC Aurea Spa

* Top Sail Lounge with a selection of drinks, delicious finger food and desserts, afternoon tea time and midnight sweets for a late night treat included

* MSC Club points to earn discounts and other benefits on subsequent cruises

LOL! My dearest friend looked at me like I had three heads when I told her my kids were unimpressed! Maybe an age thing?

 

Our cruise is next February (winter break) . I tried talking husband into August but I couldn't get him to budge from our annual Carolina beach vacay.

 

Again, thanks and enjoy!!

With you on the Disney Cruise thing. I don't think we will do that again. I love my son but there were a zillion kids on that ship. We couldn't even get into the pool. They were elbow to elbow.

My son does better in the kids clubs with smaller crowds.

Ok, maybe I have been living under a rock, but I've never heard of this cruise line until today. We have cruised on Celebrity, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess - balcony room - 7 cruises total. How does MSC compare to any of these?

It doesn't appear that they do any time dining. Is that correct?

We would be doing the Caribbean itinerary.

Are the ships very small?

Any comparisons would be appreciated. Just hesitant to book on a line I have never heard of!

Hello,

We did a short 2night cruise aboard Divina when she first started sailing from Miami a few years ago. We were impressed. We have booked a 7 night in May of this year. We chose the Aurea Package which includes the following:

BEST DEAL: Choose from a premium balcony stateroom or suite located in the most desirable locations on board and pamper yourself during your cruise.

Plus FREE ($600 value)

Free UNLIMITED drinks*

Free "My Choice Dining"

Free spa package with a spa welcome cocktail, one massage of your choice from the spa menu, tanning shower, private wellness consultation and free access to the Thermal Area throughout the cruise (available only for adults)

Complimentary set of well-being products

Private sundeck access

Priority boarding

* The drink package refers to Allegrissimo or More For Less Classic depending on cruise destination. (Starting Summer 2017 the Allegrissimo package will be re-named the All-Inclusive Restaurant & Bar Drink Package & the More-For-Less Classic will be renamed the All-Inclusive Classic Drink Package). Please refer to the Special Packages section for further details. Download our experience benefits summary chart to easily compare what’s included with BELLA, FANTASTICA, AUREA and MSC YACHT CLUB.

The cost for the 2 adults/1 child (which sails free) was comparable to our Princess cruise balcony but without the additional perks.

MSC also offers a Loyalty Match Program. Definitely look that up.

We enjoyed Princess very much and will sail with them again as well as Carnival and Royal. We were not that crazy about Celebrity. And have only done short cruises on NCL (except the Norway, which is scrapped now).

All ships/lines are different. It is hard to compare MSC to one of the above lines. It is very different. Much more European. We enjoyed the differences and the diverse passengers. The ship is very beautiful and clean. It is not a small ship. We enjoy taking 2 hours to eat so that was no problem for us. However, some of the other Americans, who like to do everything fast..LOL, thought it was to long. You just need to expect a different atmosphere and embrace it. The cabins are very well layed out and have plenty of storage. The shows were fantastic. I especially liked the fact that a bar server wasn't approaching me everywhere to buy a drink. Once I made eye contact they were there.

Happy Sailing !!

We are doing a cruise on Carnival out of Galveston this Coming Sunday....6 rooms...we all have different check in times.... so how are we supposed to coordinate picking up family members from hotels...flights....others driving in..... We are Elite on Celebrity and Diamond Plus on Royal...earned both....not real impressed with Carnival so far....:mad:

We too are Elite on Celebrity and Diamond on RCL. Of course when you are at these levels you have priority embarkation and disembarkation. Once you reach the higher level on Carnival you will have the same as they do the same as other lines. Your e-ticket will read PRIORITY.

I wish all the lines would do the same. Staggering the arrivals is very smart. I have seen the terminal absolutely packed in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Then you have everyone complaining about the wait.

Agree it's bad. I don't understand why they changed it. I always said that they had the best site....BOOM it's gone.

Royal's was as bad for many years....they finally changed it and it is pretty good.

I filled out the Loyalty form Wednesday and received my confirming email Thursday.

I guess we were lucky :-)

Almost every ship I've been on the slot next to the door is for your card to control the lights and AC. I haven't been on a new carnival ship so maybe they are different but MSC, NCL and I believe Celebrity it's card controlled. When your card isn't in the slot a little light above the door comes on to alert your steward the room is empty.

Personally I look thru all draws & cabinets once I'm in the room that's how I found the hair dryer, bathroom trash can and additional storage.

Staff on MSC is great unlike Carnival they don't badger you about drinks and such.

I guess they can't tell you everything that's what these forums are for and getting on the ship and checking it out.

Carnival's new ships have the key slot too.

We have been dealing directly with an agent with MSC through their office in Ft. Lauderdale.

The process has been very easy and everything has been correct. She is quick to respond to my emails or she calls me if my question would better be answered verbally.

I have not had any issues accessing my booking online.

There really is no comparison.

 

Carnival is advertised as the cheapest or most inexpensive cruise offered by the mainstream lines. They have had major cutbacks on the quality, and preparation of foods, entertainment such as Broadway or Las Vegas type shows, service etc. They are generally the most crowded boats with long lines for most services such as lunch or dinner at the buffet. On the other side, you will get a week on a ship for about 1/2 the price of Celebrity.

 

Celebrity has tried to be more mainstream/upscale. Their ships are less crowded. Service and quality of the food is much better as compared to Carnival. Shows are outstanding. On the other side they are generally more expensive than Carnival.

 

It is a choice, cost of cruise as compared to the cruise experience.

 

We are Platinum Level or Carnival and Elite on Celebrity. We generally try to avoid Carnival, in that to us, my time off is more important than spending more on a better experience which most people have with Celebrity.

 

I guess it is like driving a Fiat to a BMW. Both will get you to where you want to go. The experience with each car, getting there, is much different.

Funny..... Our Carnival Breeze cruise cost more than the Celebrity Reflection cruise. We did have a balcony on both and we are Platinum on Carnival and Elite on Celebrity. I guess Celebrity is having a hard time selling out?? I personally was not impressed with Celebrity on our last sailing. If I am looking for a more upscale line I would definitely choose Princess over Celebrity. To each his own :-)

......that my wife and I will be very sorry to have booked a Carnival Cruise. She said that Carnival will be filled with loud drunks, the food will suck and why didn't I take her advice and book with Celebrity.

 

Is there that big of a difference between Carnival and Celebrity?

 

 

 

Our hope is for a decent room, decent food, nice staff and enjoy our ports of Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau. The major reason for booking with Carnival is it fit our holiday schedule the best.

Hello,

We have sailed on both Carnival and Celebrity. We find the passengers on Carnival to be much more friendly. At least that was the case when we sailed last year with our 9 year old son. We found most passengers were not happy that he was sailing ;-0

Aside from that I found the food, activities and general atmosphere to be better on Carnival. It just suited us better.

I do think Celebrity is trying to reach a younger demographic and I don't think the loyal more seasoned cruisers with them care for that. That is the impression we got.

If you want to try an upscale I would definitely go for Princess over Celebrity. We have enjoyed many Princess cruises.

Have Fun!!!

We have never purchased the package.

I wouldn't drink the 15 drinks every day. I may 1 day but then I don't care to drink that much the next day. I wish they would come up with some other beverage packages. MSC offers ticket booklets you can purchase. That worked well for us.

The second night of our 4 day cruise on 9/22/15 my wife & I went to Karaoke and put in a song request which was a duet and I gave the Hostess our names. She was typing in the request and then asked," do you have names?" I told her I already gave them to you but it's Nancy & Steve. I thought maybe she was having a bad night and was a little cross. The next night we got there about 10 minutes early and I saw the binders where the song selections are kept. I reached for one of the binders and she said," I'll make an anouncement when the binders are available." I went back and sat at our table. 5 minutes later she comes by our table and slams down one of the binders on our table so forcebly other people in the venu noticed it and said something to us. We promptly walked out and immediately went to guest services to file a complaint. The rep. there seemed concerned and apologized for this persons behavior. I would have thought I would have received a letter or e-mail with a follow-up. I haven't received nothing. I hadn't been on Carnival in over 15 years abd this was my wifes first Carnival cruise. Add to that, they lost one of my wifes bags and it's not likely we will return to Carnival. BTW this was my 24 cruise, 4th on Carnival. :mad:

 

Steve

Because she asked you for your name?? Maybe she didn't hear it the 1st time?? The lost bag seems more concerning. If Karaoke gets you mad.... that's not good.

Maybe you could negotiate a lower price as they are so young. The manicures are quite high on the ships. My last pedicure I had was close to $90 with tip.

Yes it was Early Saver. But, even if you are able to get several price reductions, the Celebrity deal is going to be hard to beat.

Sounds like you should go with Celebrity. We just booked MSC Divina for next May. Their offer was book an inside, get a balcony. Plus, kids sail free. Such an incredible deal for a 7night cruise we couldn't pass up. We have only sailed on MSC once on a 2 night cruise and did enjoy it. You never know when the deals are coming and all the lines run them. Better rates/deals at slower times or when a ship is not selling well. Lucky to be able to take advantage of them :-)