amurray88

I wouldn't be trying to "hide" it or anything. Just a case that I quite like crafty beers which are hard to get onboard most of the time. I like MSC but last time we got a free upgrade from inside to balcony (winner winner) but then realised how many people smoke on their balconies and when we mentioned it at customer service were told there's nothing they can do (which I understand) but why have the rule and not enforce it. I'm not talking about bringing a brewery with me, I'm talking like a can or 2 but if it's a no then it's a no 🙂

That's ok 👌I'd do without if needed. I know MSC aren't strict with some policies so didn't know how strict they were with this. I presume you've had it taken off you or seen others? Thanks!

I know the automatic response will be "No!" or "don't be cheap". I'm just wondering, how strict are MSC with what you can bring on? I normally bring on a bottle of wine, a bottle of coke and maybe 2 cans of beer for my cabin. We embark in Southampton. Does anyone have experience of it and how strict they are? For context, was on P&O in Jan and on embarkation, security was done portside only so it was port staff and as long as it wasn't dangerous they didn't seem to care (went on and off multiple times over that day with a bottle of this or that)...no search onboard having been through the port security.

Or do you mean New Year 2022 into 2023?

Were you still onboard on 4th Jan 2024?

We did Azura in January that required a 4 and a half hour train to London, an overnight then a 4 hour flight 🤪 we're used to the no pain no gain approach... although we were able to take loads of luggage which was great. This time we would be substituting a flight for a LONG drive to Southampton. We have family in Cardiff so would probably try and kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Interesting comparison you make... for me, it's going to take something very very special to beat Symphony. I don't really want it to beat Symphony, I just want to know that it'll fit our needs. Azura in January was nothing special but it was perfect for us. He was among 4 or 5 other babies onboard and that was it for under 18's. We realise during July it's going to be a different ballgame. Just saw horrific pictures of queues and I think that would kill us!

and eh.... no pizzeria???

Done a wee bit of research and found that Virtuosa compared to Seaside... holds an extra 2200 passengers, in 1 less deck, with less jacuzzi's, 14 fewer lifts and no minigolf? Without joking, I am struggling to see what the Virtuosa has in its favour?

Not quite the same as the upgrade you'd get but we got a free inside to balcony upgrade last time with MSC - Couldn't believe it!

Hi All, I've been on Symphony OTS and Seaside before. Considering doing Virtuosa this year. Does anyone has any thoughts on the main, key differences? We're sailing with a baby this time (12 months old at time of sailing) - we were on a cruise in January with him (Azura). That ship felt too different to ask for comparisons, but if you have any then please let me know. Thanks!

Great replies thank you! It sounds like these are worthwhile ports. We love the size of Barcelona and Rome, just wish there were more cities like it. Thanks for all the feedback!

Hi All, We are a bit "done" with the usual Barcelona, Rome, Florence itineraries. We enjoy being busy on a cruise but just feel we'd like to see somewhere different. Is Bilbao and La Rochelle worth seeing on the Virtuosa? I believe it goes to A Coruna and "Paris" too. We done the Canary Islands in January which were perfect for what we wanted at that time (downtime and sun) but there really was so little to do. If we felt this was the same we'd probably not bother. Thank you!

Super 👌

Hi All, Been keeping a close eye on summer prices (June/July) and they had been extremely expensive (over my normal £100pppn budget) for a Med cruise. I noticed today prices have dropped a good bit and now been quoted ~£85pppn which is in the ballpark for me to think "book!". Does anyone have any historical data on when prices are at their lowest for summer bookings? Is this them just starting to come down? Will they go further? Thanks!

Agreed - but then P&O would owe the TA the £50, not the booker...as P&O have cancelled, not the booker. Either way - I think the way the TA has worded it isn't right. A well known TA used to give you £50 discount off the total cruise and charge £50 admin fee at time of booking. If cruise cost £1,000 and P&O wanted £100 deposit - At time of booking - Deposit - £100 Admin fee - £50 Still to pay - £900 - £50 discount = £850 This meant if you cancelled P&O get their deposit, TA gets their admin fee. If you didn't cancel then the TA would (I guess) pay the £50 admin fee towards your cruise to cover the £50 discount they gave you. It might seem complex, but it's the right way that a TA could cover themselves without the cruise costing you more.

Exactly as it reads to me too but personally, I don't think there's any responsibility on OP to inform anyone they're cancelling

This should be charged at time of booking though... The OP has no responsibility to tell anyone they are cancelling - I wouldn't pay when final payment is due and that is that. If they wanted an admin fee then that should be charged at booking, not at time of cancellation?

I sailed from Miami - they put everyone into different "pens" for want of a better word, based on their check in time. I was down for 11am and was on the ship for 10:15am which was amazing! I presume if you're down for 2pm and you're there at 11am then they'll clear the other pens first and then get you on. Remember, some 11am ones won't show til later.

Just finished watching 2 hours of Explora videos 😂

We were on with a pram and I was quite surprised...every time they asked for the baby to come out and gave the pram a good search...might have just been for weapons etc. don't get me wrong, if you wanted to take something on it would have been very easy though

Sadly think my RCL days are over for the moment. Just off P&O - flights, transfers, 7 night cruise all for £1,000 ($1250-1300). The entertainment wasn't as good as RCL obviously but it was surprisingly good.... £5 for a beer ($6.40). Tips all included and not added to drinks. We did have issues pre-cruise but very good on it. When I see the prices of Icon ...or even Oasis class, I think I'm now at a point of considering the more luxurious lines that are all inclusive and I never thought I'd ever say that but it seems it ends up working out around the same if you go on RCL, add a drinks package and treat yourself to a speciality or two.

From what I've seen, they're charging my 6 month old baby the same fare as an adult .....

Not according to the video

I agree with your comment on Disney. Having been a long term Florida fan, I can't see myself going back there either now. It's not much fun! The NHL game is a wee bit different...you're there for a few hours. On a ship for 2 or 3 days at sea ties you into that company a bit more.

Here's hoping. Got Symphony for £450pp last year...not sure I'll get that again 😱. Just off P&O cruise and didn't have to pay for baby which was so helpful, RCL is more or less full cost for baby (6 months old) so definitely having to make different decisions now.