Mousehound

I will be travelling on the Epic in July. I have decided to try a studio cabin as I have recently become a widower & travelling solo. I have sailed on MSC, RC, Princess & Celebrity so I'm familiar with the items provided in the cabins. As I want to keep my luggage to a minimum I would be grateful if anyone can tell me if soap, shampoo & shower gel etc. are provided in cabin.

Many thanks in anticipation of your help in this matter.

Regards,

Nick.:)

I have done 5 MSC cruises & can tell you that the official policy is nothing alcoholic can be brought onboard.

However I have found the implementation of this rule varies by location. Especially initial embarkation location. When I boarded in Southampton the X ray machine for the hand luggage was in the terminal & manned by non MSC staff. I overheard many celebratory conversations amongst travellers commenting that they had managed to get a bottle of spirits through without confiscation.

When we visited ports the scanning was done on the ship. Alcohol & prohibited items like knives were impounded, to be returned at the end of the cruise.

I have boarded the ship with a can of cola I have purchased ashore without incident.

Very strange. I am on the same cruise as you. I booked the Allegrissimo package when I booked the cruise. It's shown on my invoice.

Got back off the MSC Opera this morning. She is a beautiful well maintained ship. Just to lay this ghost to rest, they will give you free iced water in the dining room. I was never asked if I wanted bottled but knew it was available. Some people were drinking bottled water & obviously paying for it without complaint. They refilled my glass without me having to ask.

Coffee, teas & iced water were available all day from dispensing machines on deck eleven. Two types of juice available at breakfast, again from dispensers.

Coffee was offered after dinner, at no charge. I only drink decaf & even that was available.

One thing I will add is with regards to the food. I heard a lot of people complaining about the food. Comments like "I would not have booked if I had known it was this type of food" My response was"Well you must have known it was an Italian cruise company when you booked, what do you expect?"

I have very eclectic taste in food & will try anything. I can honestly say that if you like Italian food you will love the fare served on this ship. Their pasta, risotto, and anti pasti were all superb. There were a few unusual dishes on the menu which i tried & was extremely pleased with.It would be fair to say that the buffet was not as extensive as some would like but the food was good and well presented. There was always something there that appealed to me.

If anybody has any questions I will be pleased to answer.

I am on the MSC Opera at this very moment.You can pay for bottled water if you want to but there are water & ice machines in the self device areas. At breakfast there are also two juices available. Tea, coffee & hot milk have been available pretty much all of the time, also free of charge.Last night the first night of our cruise, the waiters just brought jugs of iced water.

The food is also good, just to put your minds at rest.