4sallypat

I hope non smoking casinos are done to the European sailings but I don't hold much hope as Europeans smoke a lot more than US folks.

Wow, I learned something! We had free bottled water at the MDR no matter what service (B, L, D) and we did not purchase a drinks package. Thanks.

Is this on US cruises ? When we took the Mediterranean cruise, we always had pitchers of water available at all meals in the MDR.

Juice only at breakfast - buffet or dining room. Lunch, Dinner, Late night - no. Must purchase separately.

If you have access to a lounge, it may be a great way to relax before your flight. We used the BCN airport post security lounge: Sala VIP in terminal 2 for free using the Priority Pass from our Amex Plat card benefit. Shower was very nice prior to boarding. They have relaxation areas for kids too. You can have you luggage stored at the airport too....

Fantastica experience also included free breakfast service too but the selections were limited. I enjoyed getting up at 6am, to photograph the next port, get my coffee and an MSC breakfast treat that just wowed me every single day. They didn't have too many put out so by 8am when everyone else was up, they were long gone. Anyone know what this is called ?

Since Aurea offers above the Fantastica experience, you should get free bottled mineral water at the MDR. Only European cruises have this. US sailings no.

Don't forget time change when cruising to Greece!

Oh no - risotto is gone? If this happened on a European cruise, Italians and myself would revolt and mutiny! Risottos are the best - had 2 plates every night!

That makes sense ! Does this happen on US cruises ? Have not seen this on a European cruise.

I enjoyed ordering 2 appetizers / salads and 2 entrees as the portion sizes were small on a eastern Mediterranean cruise I took in June '23. If the portion sizes goes up, then I won't have to order an extra salad and entree... The only surcharge I paid was the T-bone steak dinner I ordered - €15 extra. That was the only menu item that had an extra charge in the MDR. Well worth it - only needed 1 to fill me up. 😆

Recently returned from European cruise on MSC Sinfonia and we ordered multiple appetizer / salads as well as entrees because the portion sizes were very small. Unless MSC increases the size of portions, there will be an Italian mutiny as there are more Italians cruising Europe... I have ordered 2 risottos and 2 entrees without dessert.

If you disembark at 7am, your luggage will be waiting for you at the port. The longest time it takes is the line for the group to disembark - when we queued up, there were some who had to be the first in line so they ran from the meeting point to the exit gangway as soon as the group was called. Make sure you have your cruise cards as they will scan it as you leave indicating to the ship that you have departed.

Daily planner lists solo traveller meet up location and times:

While all their mains are good, my favorite was a side: risotto. MSC being Italian does make the best risotto. I had all their risottos at every meal: mushroom, seafood, vegetable, and my all time favorite: asparagus risotto..