plat0001

We were in an Aurea S3 extended balcony suite and really enjoyed having My Choice Dining. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a table for 2. The suite is definitely on the smaller side, really just a regular balcony cabin with a heavenly extra large balcony, I think our balcony was bigger than our suite! Logged lots of hours sitting and lounging on the balcony. The bathroom and closets are very small.

One other thing,, you can mix and match from everything listed on the menu, so if a dish comes with potatoes, you can switch to rice, etc. I had an amazing pasta for lunch in the MDR one day! Another tip - the jelly that is on the breakfast table is not gluten free, they will bring you gluten free jelly.

I just sailed on the Seaside, I am gluten free and allergic to many foods. There was no problem in the MDR, they have a special menu with around 4 entrees to choose from and then another part of the menu which is always the same with more options. They also have gluten free bread, most of it is really good but I think they're still working on the recipe for a few. A specific served is assigned to gluten free passengers and you place your order directly with them. They worked very hard to help, especially the server in Seashore MDR in the am. We were a party of two and I don't think our meals ever arrived at the same time but that didn't bother us. We were just happy to have gluten free options.

I did however have a problem in the MDR, nothing is labeled, the cards only say the name of the dish so we stuck mostly to the MDR. The Head Waiter or any of the chefs walking around the buffet will call and ask if certain dishes are gluten free so it's best just to ask early on in your cruise.

I did talk with the Captain about this issue and he was extremely helpful. He is working with his staff to help resolve.

If you have any questions, I'm happy to help! I only found out about the allergies 4 days before the cruise and kind of panicked but was mostly happy with the options I had.

Christy

I really appreciate all of the constructive feedback I received. It did make me feel MUCH better. I called MSC again and this time got a very nice, pleasant and wonderful agent who was very happy to help me. Polar opposite of what I experienced earlier this week. Since bailing on MSC really isn't an option, we have switched to the Seaside which I feel much more comfortable with. Again, thanks for the constructive feedback, it is very much appreciated.

If MSC was anywhere near as bad as you think, how do you think they've survived this long. There are many repeat passengers. I myself have been on Divina twice, and have Seaside booked for next April.

I am also a repeat customer however the MSC cruise I went on was years ago and it was a specialty cruise. I think they have survived because they are strong in the European market.

Grab a brown bag and inhale/exhale.

 

I'm not sure where you are reading all the negative. We were on in August and had a great time.

 

But...if you are really so worried already maybe it would be best to stick with Celebrity just so there isn't all the negative.

Unless I want to forfeit all my money, that is not an option

Oh and take more vacations. That way there won't be so much pressure if one isn't quite what you hoped... ;)

Would love to but unfortunately it's very difficult for my boyfriend and I to take off of work. And even when we do on vacation we have to work. Such is corporate life.

Please, don't be terrified you can always jump overboard if you don't like your cruise. :halo:

Kinda feel like this cruise is going to make me want to jump overboard. Glad to hear it's an option.

Hi all,

I have booked in a suite on the Divina on 12/16 however after reading more reviews I am LITERALLY TERRIFIED of the experience we will receive. I almost booked a Celebrity Concierge Suite on Celebrity but changed last minute because of the suite.

I'm not so picky about food but hearing that the ship is a cluster of people and the bad service are really turning me off.

I also called MSC to inquire about upgrading and got the WORST customer service agent in the world. I was FINALLY routed to a manager (the first agent out right refused to let me talk to a manager until I got really angry) and she is trying to help get us into the Yacht Club but other than that, I am honestly thinking about throwing away this money and booking something else.

As the manager said, "I don't want you to feel like you are going on this cruise because you have to" however this is exactly how I feel.

My boyfriend hasn't had a real vacation in years so we are really looking forward to this trip and want a nice experience.

What should I do??????

Appreciate your help.

Signed,

TERRIFIED of MSC