Zolor23

I'll add onto the previous comment. On our Grandiosa cruise a couple of weeks ago, movies were 9 euros each to watch - not worth it at all! If I remember correctly, there were only two or three English channels, one being CNBC and the other(s) being UK news channels.

It's obviously dependent on the specific cruise and circumstances, but just a comment that I was assigned for a 10:15 disembark at Barcelona a few days ago, but we asked to get off a little early around 9:45, but our luggage was already ready by the time we got down to the port. Not really sure what their procedures are, but luggage might already be down there for a bit even if you had an assigned time. Also not sure if OP is trying to get off early or later, but I was able to just get off half an hour before their assigned time and didn't even have to meet in the assigned location - just asked the person at the line to get off the ship and they said we could get off. Might be able to get off as early as the ship allows, if you just ask.

On the Grandiosa at least, the "ethnic corner" is usually two hot dishes and maybe a couple of cold snacks. There was also a small section at the very back where they would usually be some white rice, glass noodles, and maybe a different type of noodle that's less European and more Asian.

I was also on this cruise and unfortunately not in YC, so I did not share many of the positive experiences you had - main dining room food was not great most of the time in my opinion and I also didn't love the entertainment, but glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing!

I can't help anybody with the unvaxxed requirements, but I just took a cruise on the MSC Grandiosa out of Barcelona as a vaxxed U.S. citizen. No tests were required as a fully vaxxed (I have had 4 total shots, mix of Moderna and Pfizer) individual - just showed my physical vax card at check-in and did the health questionnaire in the eTicket packet beforehand to hand in. Very quick and easy with no other questions. From being in Spain pre- and post- cruise and in all the ports, I didn't actually see many masks at all. Technically, there were announcements on public transit in Barcelona and Marseille that said masks were mandatory, but I would say maybe 80% of people on board were not wearing masks. I did fly Iberia Airlines into Madrid, and they did require masks on board.

I would think that some of that difference is that MSC doesn't do a simple pop/soda/soft drink package. The alcohol-free package should also includes things like alcohol-free mocktails, so you can get a lot more out of the package than the ones on other cruise lines.