ellie1145

Some photos of the Christmas shop.

We sailed on QM2 to Zeebrugge and Rotterdam. We shared a taxi into Bruges with two ladies who were waiting at the entrance to the terminal. It was a set price(about €50 each way for the 4 of us). The taxi driver arranged to pick us up a couple of hours later and was waiting in the square for us. It all worked very well and saved us half the cost. Bruges is beautiful. We did the canal boat trip - about €12 - and well worth it for the lovely hour long sail. It was close to the main square. There are lots of wonderful chocolate shops and a special Christmas shop. In Rotterdam Cunard had a free shuttle to a big area with a huge market. We visited the market and then walked to the old cruise ship, the Rotterdam, which the city saved from being broken up. We enjoyed looking over her and it was free. Here are some photos of the the Rotterdam and the Canal trip.

Thank you for that information. We do not sail until 8.00 pm so we wondered what time they start embarkation. All our other cruises have taken luggage away by 11.00 but maybe it is later with MSC?

We have been told that if we are fully vaccinated (we are, with 3 boosters and flu jab) we don’t need a Covid test but have one booked just in case they change their minds. Luckily, the test can be cancelled without charge, so will do that next week if all remains the same.

We are also booked on this cruise. It’s our first MSC cruise (and our 71st cruise) Our companions are concerned about the very strongly worded embarkation times. We are all assigned 3.30 boarding but we have been status, matched to the top level (Diamond) and it says we have preferred boarding. Does that mean we can go earlier? Has anyone been thrown out of the terminal to wait outside for 4 hours? it seems very draconian and not the best way to start a cruise especially as one of our friends is disabled. Also, it mentions free tea, water and coffee only being available at lunch and dinner in the dining room. Does that mean no beverages are free in the buffet or at breakfast? What is the internet like? Is it very pricey? We have a pregnant daughter at home and want to keep in touch with her so will probably buy internet at some stage. Final question. We have been status matched to Diamond. Do we enjoy all the benefits or only some? We have heard so many horror stories about MSC that we are not having high expectations. We just hope it’s better than we expect!🙀🤣

Thank you all so much for all that information. That is really helpful! 👍🏻 Both DH and I are Diamond Members (through the Status Match scheme) but we are travelling with my sister and husband. She is disabled so will there be any assistance for her as she will not be able to stand around for hours? They are not Diamond unfortunately but we are travelling as a family.

As this is our first time with MSC we seem to have a lot of questions. Would be most grateful for your input please. Are there any ‘Formal’ nights? Do people dress up? Our ship leaves at 8.00 pm. From Southampton. What time will check in start? We are Diamond members on the Loyalty Match scheme which says we will have priority boarding. What time will that likely be? Are they very strict about boarding times? Many thanks!

What level did they match you to? We are also Elite and are trying to work it out.

Thank you for that information. I’ll keep on the back of it. What is the situation regarding internet? Is it very expensive?

Just applied. Obviously too late for any discount. Thanks for help

It’s December. Just booked it! Exciting to be trying a new cruise line.

How do you do this please?

We are hoping to book a week on Virtuosa to the Northern European ports out of Southampton, and would appreciate some info from anyone familiar with MSC. The ship sails at 8.00 pm so does boarding start at the normal midday time? What time can you drop luggage off? Is the main dining room flexible dining or two sittings? Do they still match your loyalty level on other cruise lines? We are Elite on Princess and Diamond Plus on RCI. What benefits does this give you (if any). Any tips or advice would be gratefully received. Many thanks

Why don’t you claim on your travel insurance? That would seem the easiest option. Good luck.

Sadly, if everyone did this there would be continual blockages in the toilet system. You are on a ship. You are not at home. Fold the TP to make it 2 (or 3 or 4) ply but please don’t be antisocial and bring normal toilet paper onboard. It is very selfish. The ship systems just cannot cope and you will end up causing problems in other cabins as well as your own. If toilet paper is such a big issue then don’t cruise!