Costa vs. MSC

[AmoMondo]

There was an evening buffet on the Favolosa at New Year -it was limited hours. Then around 9, it became a pizza restaurant (no charge) with waiter service. May just be on the larger Costa ships.

[AmoMondo]

I cruise frequently on both lines. In Costa Club I am Gold Pearl and in MSC Club Black!

To me Costa is for Americans with a touch of European culture and MSC for Europeans.

 

Only have limited Costa experience compared to you, but I'd agree with you on that. It explains why I prefer MSC too!

[mmt44]

I booked a Med cruise for March 2013 on MSC mainly because I read here that they do limit smoking on MSC. I am allergic to smoke, eyes water, breathing trouble, etc. I preferred the Costa itinerary. However I read that smoke smell is pervasive all over the Costa boats. If someone can tell me differently I may change.

[ellamalta]

Never been on Costa so I cannot comment. There was smoking on MSC though, in the Casino, on the outer decks on one side of the ship and in some bars. I felt my asthma was a bit worse because of the smoke, especially in the Piazzetta since there is an open smoking area and in the Casino. But if you avoid this area and most of the bars you will be ok, since they do not allow smoking in the buffet or restaurants.

[AmoMondo]

Having sailed with both lines, MDC restrict smoking slightly more than Costa do but it's still there. Certainly fewer places than there used to be. The Casino is then worst area and I avoided it like the plague, even going up a deck along and then back down to get to the theatre. Smoking amongst passengers varies depending on the region and passenger mix. Have to say that on Med cruises it's pretty prevalent and some ignore the no smoking signs.

 

If smoke is a particular issue for you, maybe neither line is suitable. I'm asthmatic and smoke is one of my triggers but never have become I'll on either line although have had to be selective on where I go at times.

[snaxs]

Odd this - I read that this was the case before we took our first cruise on MSC, from which we returned just today. However, we asked for tap water on the first night, and got it every night without having to ask again. We also had coffee at the table every night, too, and I was under the impression this also was a chargeable item?

 

 

I have sailed 4 times with MSC and for 3 times I asked for tap water and was denied in the dinning restaurant. I have never seen any table with a Jar of water. Bottle of water costs 2.88 euro (ca 3.80 USD); also have never seen coffee being served at the dining restaurant.:(

[sthelder]

To me, MSC edged it, because of the buffet and smoke. But my cruise with MSC was on Splendida and Costa was smaller ship.

 

Unless Costa has itinerary plus fantastic price that one just could not resist, I would go for MSC.

 

Btw, am I right to think the trend is to hang lifeboats besides the deck? The few minutes it saves to bring the boats down could be fatal?

[AmoMondo]

I have sailed 4 times with MSC and for 3 times I asked for tap water and was denied in the dinning restaurant. I have never seen any table with a Jar of water. Bottle of water costs 2.88 euro (ca 3.80 USD); also have never seen coffee being served at the dining restaurant.:(

 

It all depends on where you are sailing on MSC. Jugs of water are no problem on US sailings. Getting free tap water on repositioning trips, also no bother. Getting free tap water in the Med, difficult to impossible in my experience.

 

We had coffee served every night at the end of dinner on our repo cruise from Buenos Aires. However agree that it is rare to get it now. Used to be always back in 2005 and 2006.

[Deckhandoug]

It all depends on where you are sailing on MSC. Jugs of water are no problem on US sailings. Getting free tap water on repositioning trips, also no bother. Getting free tap water in the Med, difficult to impossible in my experience.

 

We had coffee served every night at the end of dinner on our repo cruise from Buenos Aires. However agree that it is rare to get it now. Used to be always back in 2005 and 2006.

 

Different cultures do different things. In China most toilets provide no paper, so everyone knows to bring a little pack around with you. No beverages are normally served WITH the meal, Tea perhaps before and Alcohol after but usually nothing during.

 

Don't let it ruin your day