MSC nightmare

In November of 2010 my wife and I took a cruise with MSC. I wanted to share with your readers what a disastrous experience it was and how the actions taken by the staff of a company that holds itself out as a luxury service provider ruined the trip, and caused a financial loss to us.

In Nov. 2010 we went into on a cruise from Barcelona to Buenos Aires. My wife and myself were born in Argentina, but we both are US Citizens. Most countries, including Brazil and Argentina recognize us as dual citizens of both the United States and Argentina. We have traveled many times to Brazil using our Argentine Nationality identifications without the need for a visa.

The ship was going to stop in Brazil, and I inquired in the the Brazilian Consulate in Miami if we needed a visa, since for Brazil we are recognized of our Argentine dual citizen citizenship, and hence we could enter Brazil with our Argentina IDs, without the need to obtain a visa in our US Passports. I was informed I did not need a visa. In fact, I have now a letter from the Brazilian Consulate indicating to me us that we did not need a visa.

Upon boarding in Barcelona, we left both our US Passports, and the Argentina IDs at the front desk, as everybody else did.

The officer in charge said he recognized that we were dual citizens.

The ship stopped in Cadiz, Spain, and then after one day at sea in Casablanca, Morocco.

Upon returning from our visit in Casablanca, one hour before departure, we were summoned to the front desk. Then a couple of officers indicated to us we had to abandon ship, at once, since we had no Brazilian Visa. I explained to them our situation, but to no avail. They even refused to let me show them online the requirements for entry into Brazil for dual citizens.

I even mentioned we had recently visited Iguazu and entered Brazil with the Argentine IDs in hand.

A couple of officers escorted us out the ship, into the Casablanca night. Days later, other passengers mentioned they thought we had been arrested !!

Next day we went to the Rabat Brazilian Embassy in Morocco , and the Embassy officer said...we did not need a Visa ! I begged him to give me one in the US Passport, and he did.

We flew to Tenerife from Casablanca three days after being disembarked, and continue the cruise from that port.

The Brazilian Officer that boarded the ship in Recife stated we were treated "brutally".

The Captain of the ship said our situation was unheard of. A couple of Italian agents called me from Italy to tell me "the way we handle this is after you return to the US".

But last I hear from MSC is they are not going to do anything about our expenses, not even were sorry for what happened. Upon our return I made MSC aware of what happened and they did not even issue an apology for their actions. I think your readers should know what type of a “luxury travel company” they are dealing with prior to making a reservation.

so you are still so upset more then a year later that you post this on every cruise board you can find. Sad that...

Hope someday you will figure out how to get past this and move on with your life. Until then good luck in the future.

In November of 2010 my wife and I took a cruise with MSC. I wanted to share with your readers what a disastrous experience it was and how the actions taken by the staff of a company that holds itself out as a luxury service provider ruined the trip, and caused a financial loss to us.

In Nov. 2010 we went into on a cruise from Barcelona to Buenos Aires. My wife and myself were born in Argentina, but we both are US Citizens. Most countries, including Brazil and Argentina recognize us as dual citizens of both the United States and Argentina. We have traveled many times to Brazil using our Argentine Nationality identifications without the need for a visa.

The ship was going to stop in Brazil, and I inquired in the the Brazilian Consulate in Miami if we needed a visa, since for Brazil we are recognized of our Argentine dual citizen citizenship, and hence we could enter Brazil with our Argentina IDs, without the need to obtain a visa in our US Passports. I was informed I did not need a visa. In fact, I have now a letter from the Brazilian Consulate indicating to me us that we did not need a visa.

Upon boarding in Barcelona, we left both our US Passports, and the Argentina IDs at the front desk, as everybody else did.

The officer in charge said he recognized that we were dual citizens.

The ship stopped in Cadiz, Spain, and then after one day at sea in Casablanca, Morocco.

Upon returning from our visit in Casablanca, one hour before departure, we were summoned to the front desk. Then a couple of officers indicated to us we had to abandon ship, at once, since we had no Brazilian Visa. I explained to them our situation, but to no avail. They even refused to let me show them online the requirements for entry into Brazil for dual citizens.

I even mentioned we had recently visited Iguazu and entered Brazil with the Argentine IDs in hand.

A couple of officers escorted us out the ship, into the Casablanca night. Days later, other passengers mentioned they thought we had been arrested !!

Next day we went to the Rabat Brazilian Embassy in Morocco , and the Embassy officer said...we did not need a Visa ! I begged him to give me one in the US Passport, and he did.

We flew to Tenerife from Casablanca three days after being disembarked, and continue the cruise from that port.

The Brazilian Officer that boarded the ship in Recife stated we were treated "brutally".

The Captain of the ship said our situation was unheard of. A couple of Italian agents called me from Italy to tell me "the way we handle this is after you return to the US".

But last I hear from MSC is they are not going to do anything about our expenses, not even were sorry for what happened. Upon our return I made MSC aware of what happened and they did not even issue an apology for their actions. I think your readers should know what type of a “luxury travel company” they are dealing with prior to making a reservation.

Do people get paid good by Corp. to post bull :p??

...and I have copies of all my letters to MSC, who recently told me to fly a kite...! I wonder if YOU are not paid to attempt to disqualify passengers that tell the truth about their experiences !!

so you are still so upset more then a year later that you post this on every cruise board you can find. Sad that...

 

Hope someday you will figure out how to get past this and move on with your life. Until then good luck in the future.

Well Carolin.. the fact I was cheated by MSC will not define my life: but this post, written in good faith, is to be taken into consideration by those who would like to avoid to be taken...

Meanwhile, I hope you the best for your future. I am a Senior Citizen, evidently you are a young lady. It is not decent to cheat a couple of retirees who saved their dollars for the trip of their life, and are treated like dirt by MSC, contemptuous of our USA Passports...

Best of luck to you !!

Do people get paid good by Corp. to post bull :p??

I am a Senior Citizen, holding a US Passport, and I believe it was possibly central to the decision of MSC to throw my elderly wife and myself to our own devices in the Casablanca night, due to their lack of knowledge.

I could go to Court in Miami to sue MSC: but being an Italian Corporation, lawyers are not willing to take a case that MSC will try to envelope into an international case. The plain truth is that no one paid me anything: I used my savings for the vacation of my life. I am sure you are younger than us: I recommend you not to be so cynical about other people and life. Even if ultimately you are cheated by MSC. Best regards.

But if you are also Argentine citizens, why didn't you sail presenting only your Argentinian passports, knowing that Brasil requires a visa for US citizens???

But if you are also Argentine citizens, why didn't you sail presenting only your Argentinian passports, knowing that Brasil requires a visa for US citizens???

Because we do not need an Argentina Passport to enter Brazil: just read any of the Visa Requirements of Brazil for Argentina born subjects. Their Argentinian ID is sufficient to enter Brazil. We had entered Brazil from Iguazzu with no problems holding BOTH our US Passport and our Argentina ID.

I have a letter from the Miami Consulate indicating that, The Brazilian Officer at the Rabat Embassy said we did not need a visa in our US Passports. The Brazilian Officer that boarded the ship said so to me, adding that we were treated "brutally" and he expecting MSC to resolve our ordeal "amicably". The MSC Immigration Officer in Barcelona said we were dual citizens. We traveled three days till one hour before departure from Casablanca we were escorted off the ship.

It was rather obvious that the fact we had a US Passport was central into throwing into the Casablanca night.

MSC is taking advantage of their Italian ownership to ignore us. I worn US citizens about MSC "policies" when they are abroad.

But if you are also Argentine citizens, why didn't you sail presenting only your Argentinian passports, knowing that Brasil requires a visa for US citizens???

Hello Capricruiser !!

I see that you live in Italy and I assume you "defend" the cruise lines with Italian ownership !

But I am a US Senior Citizen, 71 years old, and did not neet to enter Brazil but my Argentina ID. The MSC Officers did not want to even read online, three days after we were on the ship, that my elderly wife and myself did not need an Argentine Passport and our Argentina ID were all required. The first Officer said it was OK, in Barcelona. Then other officers threw us out. The Captain of the ship, with whom I had a meeting in his office after our return, did not even know we had been forced out in Casablanca.

It is obvious that MSC, taking advantage of their Italian residence, is abusing us, holders of US Passports, ignoring us. I worn US Citizens about using this line.

I initially felt sorry for you - but not any longer. I see you are also posting rabid comments on the MSC roll calls as well. Sir, you've got a problem and it isn't with MSC or any of us on the forum.

p.s. by the way, the spelling is "wArn."

I initially felt sorry for you - but not any longer. I see you are also posting rabid comments on the MSC roll calls as well. Sir, you've got a problem and it isn't with MSC or any of us on the forum.

p.s. by the way, the spelling is "wArn."

Mr Capricruiser !

Perhaps you have an interest into defending MSC "policies". Located in Capri, close to MSC Headquarters, anyone can see how precise, intimately, you follow MSC postings. MSC conduct was prejudicial and disgraceful towards us. I just want to WARN US Passport holders of the manner MSC proceeded towards us. Best regards !

Hello Capricruiser !!

 

I see that you live in Italy and I assume you "defend" the cruise lines with Italian ownership !

But I am a US Senior Citizen, 71 years old, and did not neet to enter Brazil but my Argentina ID. The MSC Officers did not want to even read online, three days after we were on the ship, that my elderly wife and myself did not need an Argentine Passport and our Argentina ID were all required. The first Officer said it was OK, in Barcelona. Then other officers threw us out. The Captain of the ship, with whom I had a meeting in his office after our return, did not even know we had been forced out in Casablanca.

It is obvious that MSC, taking advantage of their Italian residence, is abusing us, holders of US Passports, ignoring us. I worn US Citizens about using this line.

Would you mind to post letters from MSC to you??? I will never belive ,that cruise line would do so unless they had reasons.

Because we do not need an Argentina Passport to enter Brazil: just read any of the Visa Requirements of Brazil for Argentina born subjects. Their Argentinian ID is sufficient to enter Brazil. We had entered Brazil from Iguazzu with no problems holding BOTH our US Passport and our Argentina ID.

I have a letter from the Miami Consulate indicating that, The Brazilian Officer at the Rabat Embassy said we did not need a visa in our US Passports. The Brazilian Officer that boarded the ship said so to me, adding that we were treated "brutally" and he expecting MSC to resolve our ordeal "amicably". The MSC Immigration Officer in Barcelona said we were dual citizens. We traveled three days till one hour before departure from Casablanca we were escorted off the ship.

It was rather obvious that the fact we had a US Passport was central into throwing into the Casablanca night.

MSC is taking advantage of their Italian ownership to ignore us. I worn US citizens about MSC "policies" when they are abroad.

STOP this bull ,stop blaiming MSC for your own **** ups. ALL US sitezens must have passport and VISA to enter Brazil!

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1072.html

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Brazil requires U.S. citizens to carry a valid U.S. passport and a visa when traveling to Brazil for any purpose. You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to your place of residence. There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry to Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. The U.S. Government cannot assist travelers who arrive in Brazil without proper documentation.

The MSC Officers did not want to even read online, three days after we were on the ship, that my elderly wife and myself did not need an Argentine Passport and our Argentina ID were all required. The first Officer said it was OK, in Barcelona. Then other officers threw us out. The Captain of the ship, with whom I had a meeting in his office after our return, did not even know we had been forced out in Casablanca.

STOP this bull ,stop blaiming MSC for your own **** ups. ALL US sitezens must have passport and VISA to enter Brazil!

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1072.html

You still don't get it Goldenbonny. An Argentine citizen doesn't have to have a visa to enter Brasil. He just needs to show his AR ID to lawfully enter Brasil. You have been told this several times above. Even if this were not so, MSC told him it was ok and Leoparana relied upon that advice.

Leopardo, it may be too late, but I would consult a Miami based maritime law specialist to see if s/he would be willing to take your case. The conduct of MSC officers rises to the level where punitive damages are a very real possibility. You can google "Maritime lawyers - Florida" and you will get a lot of lawyers specaqilizing in suing cruise ships. You may be required to conduct an arbitration but I believe that on the facts you present, you have a claim worthwhile pursuing.

You still don't get it Goldenbonny. An Argentine citizen doesn't have a visa to enter Brasil. He just needs to show his AR ID to lawfully enter Brasil. You have been told this several times above. Even if this were not so, MSC told him it was ok and Leoparana relied upon that advice.

 

Leopardo, it may be too late, but I would consult a Miami based maritime law specialist to see if s/he would be willing to take your case. The conduct of MSC officers rises to the level where punitive damages are a very real possibility. You can google "Maritime lawyers - Florida" and you will get a lot of lawyers specaqilizing in suing cruise ships. You may be required to conduct an arbitration but I believe that on the facts you present, you have a claim worthwhile pursuing.

Thanks for your advice ! The MSC officers did not get it either. We are 71 years of age, and the officers did not let me even go online to show them we did not need a visa. I believe some of the replies are by MSC agents, that do PR to cover up for the unscrupulous actions of this "luxury line". Best regards !!

I must say your conspiracy theory that you were singled out because you were American is quite hilarious, what about the thousands of US passport holders that cruise MSC annually, do they also get thrown off after three days onboard.

The fact that lawyers are not willing to take on your case says one thing for me..........YOU HAVE NO CASE.

It seems more likely that you had received inaccurate information from the embassy and you are taking your frustration out on MSC......you say that you could travel into brazil on your argentinine ID card.......brazilians can't even enter brazil on just an ID card.

Passengers interacting with immigration officials? How did you gain access to him and still how did he find time, or interest to listen to your story?

On deconstruction your story seems very much, either a work of fiction or pure delusion.

I must say your conspiracy theory that you were singled out because you were American is quite hilarious, what about the thousands of US passport holders that cruise MSC annually, do they also get thrown off after three days onboard.

 

The fact that lawyers are not willing to take on your case says one thing for me..........YOU HAVE NO CASE.

 

It seems more likely that you had received inaccurate information from the embassy and you are taking your frustration out on MSC......you say that you could travel into brazil on your argentinine ID card.......brazilians can't even enter brazil on just an ID card.

 

Passengers interacting with immigration officials? How did you gain access to him and still how did he find time, or interest to listen to your story?

 

On deconstruction your story seems very much, either a work of fiction or pure delusion.

- - - -

http://www.braziltravelguide.com/visa-requirements.html

Who can enter without a passport?

Nationals of the following countries can enter Brazil with an alternative document of identification (such as ID card): Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.

- - - -

Evidently, you are an agent of MSC !! You will call "delusion" any comment that exposes MSC to their shady behavior. Their officers were ignorant, and you have the job to cover up their abominable actions. Best regards !!

I must say your conspiracy theory that you were singled out because you were American is quite hilarious, what about the thousands of US passport holders that cruise MSC annually, do they also get thrown off after three days onboard.

 

The fact that lawyers are not willing to take on your case says one thing for me..........YOU HAVE NO CASE.

 

It seems more likely that you had received inaccurate information from the embassy and you are taking your frustration out on MSC......you say that you could travel into brazil on your argentinine ID card.......brazilians can't even enter brazil on just an ID card.

 

Passengers interacting with immigration officials? How did you gain access to him and still how did he find time, or interest to listen to your story?

 

On deconstruction your story seems very much, either a work of fiction or pure delusion.

:)

Fiction...? The Embassy gave me inaccurate info ? You must be an MSC officer, who functions of your own rules and regulations. I have a letter from the Brazilian Consulate in Miami indicating I did not need a visa in my US Passport, and that my Argentina ID was sufficient. I posted the official requirements on a different answer to you, with the Brazil Official site online that the ignorant officers of the Lyrica refused to see.

You still don't get it Goldenbonny. An Argentine citizen doesn't have to have a visa to enter Brasil. He just needs to show his AR ID to lawfully enter Brasil. You have been told this several times above. Even if this were not so, MSC told him it was ok and Leoparana relied upon that advice.

 

Leopardo, it may be too late, but I would consult a Miami based maritime law specialist to see if s/he would be willing to take your case. The conduct of MSC officers rises to the level where punitive damages are a very real possibility. You can google "Maritime lawyers - Florida" and you will get a lot of lawyers specaqilizing in suing cruise ships. You may be required to conduct an arbitration but I believe that on the facts you present, you have a claim worthwhile pursuing.

Yes,I do get it. He did not enter ship as Brazilian citizen,he regester himself as US citizen whith US passport and nobody care how many more citizenships he has. He is US citizen by low in this case and has to have visa on this cruise.Not to have a problems he had to cruise with Argentine passport or get visa in US passport- very simple. All information form ship goes to customs and no way they care how many citizenships you ave ,they just look on your info .It dose not works as simple as many people think .you dont just show up and say look I have 10 more passports. It would happened to him on any line any cruise ship and not only on cruise ships.

I must say your conspiracy theory that you were singled out because you were American is quite hilarious, what about the thousands of US passport holders that cruise MSC annually, do they also get thrown off after three days onboard.

 

The fact that lawyers are not willing to take on your case says one thing for me..........YOU HAVE NO CASE.

 

It seems more likely that you had received inaccurate information from the embassy and you are taking your frustration out on MSC......you say that you could travel into brazil on your argentinine ID card.......brazilians can't even enter brazil on just an ID card.

 

Passengers interacting with immigration officials? How did you gain access to him and still how did he find time, or interest to listen to your story?

 

On deconstruction your story seems very much, either a work of fiction or pure delusion.

ITs more like HE gave wrong information to embassy. If you ask: Do I need visa as a Argentinian citizen to go Brazil? The answer is NO.But he should ask :do I need visa to go AS of US citizen on cruise ship to Brazil??? And he would get different answer.

Not an agent, just someone who gets frustrated by people who don't think before they speak or in this case write. Having looked at your link it struck me that like the EU a person can travel from South American county to South American country on just their ID card.......good enough, but you were not coming from a South American county were you? The US Department of State has a website (Travel.State.Gov) which clearly indicates that US citizens with dual citizenship (USA and Brazil) will need to procure a Brazilian Passport to enter Brazil.........so my question to you is, what makes you and your wife so special that you can enter brazil with an Argentinian ID card.

So please stop trying to save face, you didn't do your homework and as a result were left wanting........it is known that people embarrassed by their own short comings will automatically lash out and find fault elsewhere.

I am disgusted by your attempt to turn what happened into a xenophobic issue when in fact you just didn't do your homework..........and should you feel the need to continue this tirade by referring to the letter from the embassy Isuggest you post the letter from the embassy.

Not an agent, just someone who gets frustrated by people who don't think before they speak or in this case write. Having looked at your link it struck me that like the EU a person can travel from South American county to South American country on just their ID card.......good enough, but you were not coming from a South American county were you? The US Department of State has a website (Travel.State.Gov) which clearly indicates that US citizens with dual citizenship (USA and Brazil) will need to procure a Brazilian Passport to enter Brazil.........so my question to you is, what makes you and your wife so special that you can enter brazil with an Argentinian ID card.

 

So please stop trying to save face, you didn't do your homework and as a result were left wanting........it is known that people embarrassed by their own short comings will automatically lash out and find fault elsewhere.

 

I am disgusted by your attempt to turn what happened into a xenophobic issue when in fact you just didn't do your homework..........and should you feel the need to continue this tirade by referring to the letter from the embassy Isuggest you post the letter from the embassy.

Thank you .Maybe now he will understand why he got off ship

Yes,I do get it. He did not enter ship as Brazilian citizen,he regester himself as US citizen whith US passport and nobody care how many more citizenships he has. He is US citizen by low in this case and has to have visa on this cruise.Not to have a problems he had to cruise with Argentine passport or get visa in US passport- very simple. All information form ship goes to customs and no way they care how many citizenships you ave ,they just look on your info .It dose not works as simple as many people think .you dont just show up and say look I have 10 more passports. It would happened to him on any line any cruise ship and not only on cruise ships.

Well...here we go again...you are an MSC agent, no doubt. Your opinion is more valid than the letter I have from the Brazilian Consul...!!! You make a rule, and that's the way it is...!!

I quote you: "It would happened to him on any line any cruise ship and not only on cruise ships". You mean MSC cruise ships....well...I traveled in Celebrity and had NO problems with my US Passport and my Argentina ID..!!!

So..it is not with "any" cruise line: it happens with a cruise line that fancies itself as "luxury line", but has ignorant Immigration Officers...that are quick to act if you have A US PASSPORT !!

Almost same case on Costa . It was very clear on Costa web and documents,that you cannot go if you ever entered Israel ,but some people just dont care and blamed cruise line after all.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=273577