mvh

Actually, MSC is worse than Carnival when it comes to rudeness. Although, I honestly don't know it it is rudeness or just being oblivious on how to act with other people. I love Europe, so I have learned to accept them when they are over here.

We were on the Seascape a few months ago. Two friends that had never sailed MSC and my wife and I who have sailed 5 times (3 Caribbean, 2 Europe). My wife and I had a great time knowing what we were going on, but our friends absolutely hated it. Mostly because of the rude clientele, which is absolutely undeniable. I think we are just numb to it. No, it is not RCL, but at about 1/4 the cost of The Icon of the Seas for the same room plus a drink package, you can't beat it.

On 5/16/2024 at 12:02 PM, FionaMG said:

 

On 5/17/2024 at 7:10 PM, Heartgrove said:

Check back in a few days as things change. Last week I checked on the EB Grand Voyage in November for the MSC Magnifica. Nothing was available for Balconies Miami to Lisbon. Today there must be at least 10 available.

You are correct. I love how people who have absolutely no idea what is really going on at MSC chime in and say something is up because it's gray and they can't purchase an excursion a year and a half out. I checked today and there are a ton of rooms now available. Very typical with MSC, so I wasn't too worried. 

That make complete sense and that is what I assumed. However, it just seems very early since this is so far out, Glad I didn't wait to book.

We are currently booked on the Poesia for 10 days on Sept 6, 2025 out of Copenhagen. Our friends decided to join us, but the cruise is no longer showing available. It is showing available the next day out on Warnemunde for 11 days at a much higher rate. Can it really be sold out a year and a half in advance? We booked about a month or so ago and there were plenty of cabins in all categories. This seems odd or is it just a typical MSC thing? It has been like this for over a week.

On 5/3/2024 at 11:49 AM, mcoler181 said:

I believe it is only draught on the easy package and from memory Heineken was the only draught available on Seascape. 

 

Massive choice of bottles/cans on the Easy Plus package if you can upgrade. 

Easy plus is better, but in no way is it a massive choice. Mostly all popular stuff, plus one or 2 IPAs.

1 hour ago, jambalian said:

Hi all. I'll be travelling on MSC Euribia in a few weeks, going to Northern Europe. Does anyone know if passengers are allowed to buy food in the ports they visit? I'm talking about bags of sweets, chocolate, biscuits, etc, from Hamburg, Rotterdam and Bruges. I tried contacting MSC head office but can't get a straight reply. The best they could come up with was to ask guest services once I got on board. 

We brought several food items back 2 years ago. Chocolate, cheese etc without any issues. I would think 90% of passengers bring that stuff back on that itinerary. One of my favorite itineraries.

Respectfully couldn't disagree more, it's still just a cruise. So many better options than seeing the same boring things. Especially the Caribbean. You get what you pay for imho.

Very strange since it only shows the sushi place as a specialty restaurant. Oh well, not to concerned since I feel all of the Specialty Restaurants we have tried have been just ok, nothing special. Plus on this itinerary we will do most of our eating in port.

Does the Poesia have a free specialty dining experience for Diamond members? It looks like they only have a sushi restaurant, which would great.

10 hours ago, NYcruzzer said:

I agree. However since I cannot say for sure that MSC allows sharing I suggested OP check with staff onboard MSC. It's one of my pet peeves when posters answer questions with certainty when in realty they may be guessing the answer. Too much inaccurate info/advice given by some on these boards.

Who answered the question? I just asked why wouldn't they allow it  said it would make no sense if they didn't allow it. I also hate when people answer questions they can't confirm.

5 hours ago, NYcruzzer said:

For me and DW one Porterhouse, two apps, and two sides is plenty to eat. That's the way we usually order at Land based steakhouses as well. Not 100% sure of MSC's sharing policy. On NCL we have had no problem ordering this way when not using a "free at sea" dining voucher.

Why would they not let your share? It's not like your are ordering all you can eat. It would make absolutely no sense not to let you split an a la cart item.

54 minutes ago, jgris90 said:

  

Yeah I'm getting the same thing !  Would they let us book a junior suite if she will pay the full double occupancy?

 

Check several times a day. We had the same situation for Jan 13. It showed entire ship sold out one day, then the next there were a handful available in almost all categories from inside to YC.

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

I wouldn’t bother with an airport transfer through MSC. You’ll likely end up on a bus and pay tons more than you would for a taxi or an Uber/Lyft. Airport transfers are charged per person unlike a taxi or Uber which is charged by the ride. The trip from MIA to the cruise terminal is 20 minutes…tops. 

Uber or Lyft are really reasonable in Miami. Should be around $25 or less.

15 hours ago, NoBeaches said:

I would NEVER go on a Caribbean cruise. Europe is my thing. 

I agree that Europe blows the Caribbean away. However, cruises are (IMO) not the way to explore Europe. 12 hours in each port is just a tease, land vacations in Europe are the only way to go.  Cruises are a good way to start to see where you want to go back to and spend some real time.  

1 hour ago, NoBeaches said:

Many of us gave no interest in a pool. I don’t even like sun, but I’ll sit and read in the shade. 

You don't need Aurea to find shade. I don't understand going on a Caribbean cruise if you don't like sun. To each their own I guess. 

55 minutes ago, actuarian said:

I would add that one difference between MSC and those other cruise lines is that you do not have to upgrade all the way to the highest class (the Yacht Club) in order to have access to a separate sundeck area. All MSC ships also have separate sundecks for Aurea Experience guests and an Aurea Experience balcony cabin can usually be secured on MSC for less than the price of an ordinary balcony cabiin on those other cruise lines that you cited. There always seem to be available loungers on the Aurea sundeck.

But who wants to be on deck without a pool? We found the Aurea to be a waste and did not use any of the perks it came with. Yes, it does have my time dining, but for the cost it made more sense to get specialty dining anyway.

15 hours ago, Jorhammer said:

All ports are the same, just different locations on the map….

Agree 100% in the Caribbean. None of them really offer anything different or exciting. How many times can you snorkel or asked to get your hair braided?  Just find a beach or stay on the empty ship.

4 hours ago, Jorhammer said:

I had this issue before this trip and found out that the date for my wife’s passport was missing. I had to reenter all dates on the check in area and then I was able to print.

4 hours ago, Jorhammer said:

I had this issue before this trip and found out that the date for my wife’s passport was missing. I had to reenter all dates on the check in area and then I was able to print.

That was similar to what it was. It was actually my wife's birthday that completely dropped off. I had to call to have MSC to fix it since it would not let me adjust it on line. They added it no problem last night which I saw on line.  However, I went to print it today and sure enough it fell off again. Had to call again and this time the girl had no idea how to fix it. Took about and hour for her to get help and finally fix it. I hurried up and printed it before it fell off again.  I'm glad I didn't wait until the day before embarkation to try to print it. Par for the course.

My Web check in docs say complete, but when I try to download or forward the email it says error. Anyone have this issue? Any suggestions other than calling MSC which will be my last resort since I never have any luck with anything on the phone.

18 minutes ago, blueslily said:

 

Two weeks is a Christmas sailing, I'm not really sure that this sailing is maxed out. I think there will be more people on your sailing although this one is said to be full. There is not a huge kids presence on this sailing. I expect that there will be more on your sailing for the holiday. I'm guessing that your sailing will feel a but fuller since max capacity can be higher and with more children on board. 

 

But yes, make good choices about timing and locations and have a great holiday cruise. 

 

I'm actually sailing a week after the holidays. So, hopefully not many kids. Not that there's anything wrong with them.

1 hour ago, psmarkle said:

 

You should be fine with those times. We always book our own GC excursions, sometimes spur of the moment at the pier, and have never had a problem making it. I will say, stingray city on your own excursion vs through the ship is the way to go!

Thanks for the confidence. I was able to find the same one at 11:00. So, I feel I will be fine. I agree that the ship offered excursions are jammed packed and not as good as booking yourself. Especially on ports I have been to several times.

This sounds very encouraging. I am sailing in a few weeks and I am sure it will be sold out as well. I expect it to be crowded, but what cruise isn't? I too know how to avoid the masses as much as possible. It also doesn't bother me when I can't. I'm half full as well.

7 hours ago, Homosassa said:

I don't know if the OP is still reading, but here comes some unsolicited advice/opinion from a old (ahem - experienced) cruiser.

 

OP, unfortunately, you have just had the opportunity to gain wisdom about cruising.

 

At this point, there is a good sum of money invested in this cruise.  If you cancel, all that money is lost unless you purchased travel insurance that includes "cancel for any reason" coverage.

 

Go on the cruise and be willing to adapt to the restrictions you have placed on yourself by upgrading to the Yacht Club.

 

This means if you wish to eat with your family members in the other cabins, you probably will be eating in the buffet or a specialty restaurant (additional charge).

 

And take what you have learned about this time and either make sure that you read and understand all the information on a cruise's lines website (especially the ticket contract, Terms and Conditions  or whatever name the cruise line uses for that information).

 

Always research and read the small print included with an offers.

 

Each cruise line is different. Never assume what one cruise lines does is the same as another cruise line.

 

Matter of fact, never assume anything.

 

You may want to find and use an experienced travel agent that knows the requirements on the different cruise lines.

 

And learn from the posts on Cruise Critic across the various cruise lines from various posters complaining that they decided to upgrade after booking and are now unhappy about what the change did to their original booking. 

 

Find an itinerary you like at a price you like and book it. Don't go chasing price drops  or upgrades. That is how problems develop.

I'm sure the OP appreciates your "I told you so". Great advice to read the small print Captain Obvious.

All 4 of my MSC cruises were full capacity. It felt no more crowded than any other ship I have been on. You just have to be smart about things. Yes, the buffet will be busy at noon, but you will find a table. Yes, the pool will be busy on sea days.  It's a cruise ship, If you want a good chair, get up early.  Even if you're at the pool by 9:30 ish you can find a chair. At least that was our experience, MSC is no better or no worse as far as crowds. IMO