Questions from a MSC newbie

[sw1002]

We are leaving with the Armonia on 28th of sept from Venicefor the eastern Med. as we are MSC newbies here a few questions:

 

- what kind of drinks are free during meal time in the restaurants?

 

- our 2 yr old likes fruit juices, is there a drink package with fruit juices included (not soda!)?

 

- my mother requires sometimes to see the doctor, is there a doctor on board also during port days? does the doctor have oxygene in case she needs it to cope with her heartache ?

 

- as our toddler is 2,5 ys old can she go and play in the kids area?

 

- is thereany animation for kids this age?

 

- is it possible to get hot water on the cabin from the room service and do they charge for that?

 

- which language is the main language spoken on board on our cruise?

 

- is there an ATM on board where we can get cash from? any other way to get cash on board?

 

- can somebody give us secret hints concerning the Armonia and MSC in general ? e.g. what meals to omitt, which shows to see etc. - if You know what I mean, things that are not written on the MSC homepage and are of interest.

[AmoMondo]

I can answer some of these questions, but notions relating to children and their programmed.

 

No drinks included free at lunch or dinner in the main dining room. You may be successful in getting free tap water but they're more geared for the Italians who want to buy bottled water. At breakfast juice, tea or coffee is included. If you go to the buffet area they have a water, tea and coffee station which is open 24 hours.

 

You could go for the Vitamin package which you buy onboard. It includes non alcoholic cocktails, fruit juices and smoothies. It's basically a book of vouchers where you pay for 10 but get 12 vouchers which can be used at any bar and bought from any bar during the cruise.

 

There will be 5 main languages onboard: Italian, French, German, Spanish and English. Italian will most likely be the widest used. English in the minority but menus, daily programmed etc will have English. At dinner if you've asked for a bigger table, you'll be seated with other English speaking passengers and your waiter will have a reasonable or good command of English.

 

There is a medical centre on all MSC ships which will have a doctor. It opens limited hours although there is out of hours medical cover. The service costs extra with out of hours service costing more than the published opening hours. This is not there for people travelling with pre existing conditions that need regular attention but more for unexpected illnesses and minor aliments at that. If someone is seriously ill, they will try to stabilise and then disembark the passenger to an onshore hospital. You really need to refer to section 10 of Carriage Conditions - Health and Fitness to travel. Heart conditions that require regular medical assistance would need to be notified to MSC at time of booking and they may refuse carriage or insist on a doctor's certificate saying she's fit to travel. Also consider the cost of medical treatment onboard or medical evacuation ashore. It's unlikely travel insurance will pay for this if it's a pre existing condition unless it's been declared and the insurer confirmed they will cover. You'll also need to speak to MSC specifically regardingnthe treatment she may require, they may not have this available.

 

No ATM onboard. Bets use ATMs when you are in ports.

[maryyl]

We were on the Armonia in July 2011.

 

There are few water fountains - you have to hunt for them, and sometimes they are actually locked. You can ask for a jug of tap water at dinner, although they prefer that you buy bottled water. There is no alternative buffet at dinnertime, so you HAVE to eat in the MDR.

 

All announcements are in 5 languages. Most of the staff that you will deal with, speak English as a second language.

 

My grand-kids (aged 5 and 7) enjoyed the Kids Club, but you might not be allowed to leave your 2-yr-old unless you stay with her. (I believe the minimum age is 3 to "abandon" your child there.

 

Hope you enjoy your cruise!