Just have to say!!!!!

[marcoigna]

I understand the differences in Cultures between European and American passengers.

But really – this MSC board is getting a little out of hand for me with the extremely rude comments flying back and forth. – I only hope, truly in my heart, that some of these comments are being interpreted differently than they were meant when posted. I do not see much of this on any other main-stream cruise board.

We all need to accept what is being posted and take it with a grain of salt – we are all very different in our own ways. Each of us love varying aspects of a cruise and everyone’s expectation can be completely different of what they are looking for in a cruise – Not every cruise line is for everyone, but the only way one knows is to try it for themselves.

I am personally looking forward to my first MSC cruise and I only hope that MSC keeps it European Flair as this is what sets them apart from other ships sailing from North America Today…..

I hope that people just respect each other opinions and if there is a battle to be had, I kindly ask that it be taken to other social media avenues – Or better yet, exchange phone numbers/e-mail addresses or become friends (LOL!!!!) on facebook and battle it out there. As for me, I am just getting tired of the disrespectful and degrading comments towards each other…..

[pictonite]

Well said, Marcoigna! As North Americans who appreciate all things European, we love MSC, and hope that the Italian flavour remains on the Divina!

 

Cheers!

[maryann2]

Thank you for bringing this up and I so agree.

 

Unfortunately there are a few on this board who have been ruling the roost and don't like it when their feathers are ruffled.

 

I sailed MSC for the first time in October (in Europe) and have booked another for May again in Europe.

[TravelRocker]

Hi, I whole heartedly agree with you. We are all different and like different things. There's a cruise line for everyone. I personally love to travel world wide, I prefer some countries over others...but I don't bash those other countries...I just don't go there. Re: cruising, I prefer semi-adult lines so don't book on Disney, (for families and kids) or Carnival (for the Spring Break) type of cruising. But I don't hang out on those Forums bashing those cruisers. I LOVE Italy so last year tried MSC, (Poesia) and had a blast. Sure, it's a little different than Princess, a previous cruise, but I enjoyed it just as much. Sure the food was different, and the service different, if not a little slow but who wants cookie-cutter cruising! I'm sailing on Divinia next March and can't wait.

 

I think it may be a case for those who complain a lot that they just have not done enough homework before their cruise. If you read several reviews that the service in the main dining room is slow, (Euro style), and that really bothers you than maybe MSC is not for you. If you want slides, comedians and lots of kids activities than maybe it's not for you either. If you like class and style and like to try new things, engage in conversation with other cruisers from other countries, and see entertainment that includes Opera for instance than MSC is for you. Observations and suggestions are always welcome to other readers but I've seen flat out ranting about Italians on here that was eye-popping. A whole culture did "whaaaaat" to you!!! Is bottled water THAT important to you that it ruined your whole vacation???

 

Again, do your research. I have an example I will never forget. Back in the days of film cameras we were on a 2 week coach tour of Italy. There was an older couple who brought 5 rolls of film for all 2 weeks, 5 rolls of film for 2 weeks!!! I used that up the 1st day in Rome! I researched Italy for 6 months before going and knew of its beauty and photo opportunities. (I packed 56 rolls of film and used every one). They spent a lot of time in different cities looking for camera shops or kiosks that sold film and they paid dearly for it. Do your research and be prepared.

 

People, enjoy your lifes experiences and just laugh if something happens that can be classified as an annoyance, Viva la Difference! Thank you, :)

Edited December 12, 2013 by TravelRocker

[spirit8]

I am so glad you put this on the board. I too was a newbie to MSC in October. with all the negative opinions, even to a point of folks who have never sailed MSC I really questioned the good reports. This cruise took me to spending much more time to researching, but then I am retired.

 

I believe that negative comments are also important for my research but there does not seem to be any other boards that folks spend so much time negatively "spending" the time living in negativity, as opposed to just moving on.

 

I too have booked my next cruise in September for many more days and on one of their older ships and not the Preziosa. I too love European travels, but particularly Italian and I would be saddened to see MSC take that away. My guess would be that the boards would still be used as "attacks" on not only MSC but individuals who use this board.

 

My MSC experience took me back to the days of the old "Noordam" on HAL. The ship was being retired as it was the oldest ship, it was my first HAL cruise, and while I continued to use HAL and others I believe that the services never matched.

 

There have cruises where I would never use the line but I too don't spend the time on their boards nor did I never cruise their lines again. I have many friends who love the lines which is great but they just werren't for me.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

Very frustrating to start reading a thread to acquire input, only to have it disrupted by two or three miserable souls who find happiness in spewing what they assume is superior knowledge of facts, figures, jogging tracks, pool ratios, cc polls

 

Enough already, please...we ignore these posters, but it does get old.

 

Skipper Tim has a suggested fix if you just cannot digest them any longer..

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1955437

 

I cannot understand the enjoyment one might receive from continuously bashing a line or product that they did not like. I tried NCL, did not like it, I have not been on the NCL board since. Case closed.

Edited December 12, 2013 by MTL=CRUISEFAMILY

[AmoMondo]

 

I cannot understand the enjoyment one might receive from continuously bashing a line or product that they did not like. I tried NCL, did not like it, I have not been on the NCL board since. Case closed.

 

I don't get it either. I once had an absolutely miserable experience with a hotel in the Seychelles. Couldn't find another so made he best of it. When I returned I posted the review to TripAdvisor and moved on. I don't haunt the forum continuing to tell people how bad that hotel and chain are. What a negative way to live your life.

[joysav]

To Ignore a CC Member

 

Click on > Members Name

 

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Click on > User Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (New Screen just under the Avatar/Image)

 

Click on > Add to Ignore List

 

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You can see a particular post if you want to

and

You will see their post if quoted

 

.

[obiris]

Well said and thanks for saying it!!

[Gwendy]

I don't get it either. I once had an absolutely miserable experience with a hotel in the Seychelles. Couldn't find another so made he best of it. When I returned I posted the review to TripAdvisor and moved on. I don't haunt the forum continuing to tell people how bad that hotel and chain are. What a negative way to live your life.

Yep agree totally - travel is what you make of it. Some is bad, most is good. Concentrate on the positives and make the best of the negatives. Every place I have ever been, good or bad has been a worthwhile, learning experience. I am so grateful to be able to travel. Bad experience - say your piece - move on.

[Katgoesonholiday]

I'm baffled by the fixation on bottled water and how every review specifically mentions whether it was available.

 

I've chosen MSC for our first cruise next year because we love authentic Italian food and the whole tipping culture encountered in America confuses and intimidates me. Plus the Italians do REALLY good coffee!

[Skipper Tim]

I'm baffled by the fixation on bottled water and how every review specifically mentions whether it was available.

 

I've chosen MSC for our first cruise next year because we love authentic Italian food and the whole tipping culture encountered in America confuses and intimidates me. Plus the Italians do REALLY good coffee!

 

Very good reasons! Having lived in Milan and Turin, I can confirm that the food aboard MSC is authentic Italian and not the American-Italian interpretation that we often find in the UK. I cannot believe the number of complaints I have read on the MSC forum about MSC not knowing how to make pizza! I am sure you will love your first cruise.

 

I agree there is a hysterical over-reaction to minor differences between mainstream US cruise lines and MSC. Yes, I would like free water served at the table. I would like free wine too but I don't consider either an inalienable right :).

 

Some of the comments I read are worth of an old couple who have only ever visited the same B&B in Blackpool all their lives. Anything different is bad!

 

Tim.

Edited December 18, 2013 by Skipper Tim

[magpie23]

:)I totally agree with what all have said.We are,for the first time,travelling with MSC next year and cannot wait to experience the italian culture(and food) that will be offered.

Having travelled on Celebrity Equinox in Europe I have to say although it was OK,it wasnt my favourite cruise...and I look forward to MSC Preziosa and what she offers

[RMS Olympic]

I am planning on sailing Divina this fall and hope the European flavor is not washed away. The negative comments remind me of the comments directed towards Costa back in the 80"s. Me, I loved it and only fell out of love for Costa when Carnival took them over and changed the product.

The complaints I see on Cruise Critic are bewildering to me. I can understand the difference in tastes, issues in cabins that are not addressed or mechanical issues that may disrupt a cruise. But to take issue with so many small things.....just don't get it.

In todays world, just the ability to take a cruise is a true luxury. If you are going on holiday to complain, then stay home and save the money.

True, each has his or her opinions, but there is a limit.

On my last cruise I heard a women complain it was hot and humid.....at Grand Turk. Another person complained the ship creaked, and it was ruining their vacation...all that noise.

Me, I like to try all cruise lines to experience the difference. Now there is one aspect I am guilty of.........I do complain about rude passengers. Those rude to fellow passengers and even more those rude to crew. Me, I'll even speak up if I see a crew member being yelled at. True two wrongs do not make a right, but rudeness and cruelty pushes all my buttons.

So I look forward to trying this new ship, and this cruise line. In the meantime I have the Coral Princess in Feb and the new Getaway in September to dream about. Divina, either the last week in Nov or the first week in Dec.

Thanks for this thread.

[Shippy]

Before we went, I read all the negative reviews on CruiseCritic .

I really didn't get it then.....or now.

The main complaints were things like....

Listening to the announcements in 5 languages...I actually thought that a bit charming.

Coffee to strong...I always asked for a small pot of hot water in the restaurant. The waiters new I was deleting the coffe a bit but never made me feel bad about it

We were served water with dinner.

Having been on almost every cruise line & almost 50 cruises, I rank MSC as one of the nicest and certainly among the most elegant.

 

Our only main problem was so many people that did not speak English. There were times we were sat a a table and could not understand anyone. I wrote this off because the ship was not here very long and assumed that a lot of people from other countries felt comfortable coming over here on an Italian ship.

I am assuming there will be more English speaking people on the Divina since she will be staying here.

AND NOW THE BEST......

Divina next month in the YACHT CLUB ! How can life get any better than that !

[cruisetrail]

The complaints I see on Cruise Critic are bewildering to me. I can understand the difference in tastes, issues in cabins that are not addressed or mechanical issues that may disrupt a cruise. But to take issue with so many small things.....just don't get it.

 

Cannot agree more.

It's fun to read about washcloth, urinals, foreign languages....

That infamous provincial nonsense - no free water at dinner - has been fixed already. Nothing to talk about.

The ship has major disadvantages - lack of amenities in comparison with other lines in the Caribbean, too many people per square inch.

It's nice to read about some improvements (in comparison with what it was like before Miami) related to food quality in the buffet.

Obvious attractions are the new ship + alcoholissimo package + kids sail free.

 

I will probably focus on what MSC has to offer in the Mediterranean where choices are fewer (in most cases only MSC or Costa fit my schedule...).

 

Skip minor things, pay attention to major ones - if it's ok for you - go ahead and enjoy your cruise!

[AmoMondo]

I

Now there is one aspect I am guilty of.........I do complain about rude passengers. Those rude to fellow passengers and even more those rude to crew. Me, I'll even speak up if I see a crew member being yelled at. True two wrongs do not make a right, but rudeness and cruelty pushes all my buttons.

So I look forward to trying this new ship, and this cruise line. In the meantime I have the Coral Princess in Feb and the new Getaway in September to dream about. Divina, either the last week in Nov or the first week in Dec.

Thanks for this thread.

 

You and I would get on very well should we ever have the opportunity to cruise together. It's the rude passengers that incense me especially those ripping into the crew for the most trivial of reasons. Have never managed to hold my tongue and wade in with my opinion of their complete lack of respect and manners. The crew dare not retaliate for fear of their contract being cut short and them disembarked with no air fare home. I'm more than happy to defend them though. It's so often over the most trivial of things too. Like the guy going nuts at a receptionist because she could not tell him the breed of bird he'd spotted earlier somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic!

Edited December 18, 2013 by AmoMondo

[Shippy]

Cannot agree more.

It's fun to read about washcloth, urinals, foreign languages....

That infamous provincial nonsense - no free water at dinner - has been fixed already. Nothing to talk about.

The ship has major disadvantages - lack of amenities in comparison with other lines in the Caribbean, too many people per square inch.

It's nice to read about some improvements (in comparison with what it was like before Miami) related to food quality in the buffet.

Obvious attractions are the new ship + alcoholissimo package + kids sail free.

 

I will probably focus on what MSC has to offer in the Mediterranean where choices are fewer (in most cases only MSC or Costa fit my schedule...).

 

Skip minor things, pay attention to major ones - if it's ok for you - go ahead and enjoy your cruise!

 

When I first read about the Yacht Club, that is exactly what I thought.

How can they have not only a dedicated restaurant but the Top Sail Lounge AND a dedicated pool area for such a small percentage of the people.

It is obvious that it has to take away from the majority.

I almost felt guilty booking my YC2 cabin but......

2 full rooms with all the included things for a price that was probably half what I would pay on any other line.

It really seems like they are bringing back the old 'class' system. On other cruiselines, when you get a suite, it is just more amenities you get....not so much dedicated space outside of your cabin.

[risotoman]

When I first read about the Yacht Club, that is exactly what I thought.

How can they have not only a dedicated restaurant but the Top Sail Lounge AND a dedicated pool area for such a small percentage of the people.

It is obvious that it has to take away from the majority.

I almost felt guilty booking my YC2 cabin but......

2 full rooms with all the included things for a price that was probably half what I would pay on any other line.

It really seems like they are bringing back the old 'class' system. On other cruiselines, when you get a suite, it is just more amenities you get....not so much dedicated space outside of your cabin.

 

 

Yatch club bring in way more money its that simple

 

I've been reading on many review / comments that it's unfair that yatch club have so much and they represent less then 10% off passenger but no one says that that they bring anywhere for twice to for time the same amount on money that others cruiser.

I've sail on carnival in suite and felt like as full it's just litel bigger then as balcony cabin twice the price and you get nothing in extra for your trouble no priority seating in restaurant nothing priority debarkation that is not applicable beside when you go back to home b port

[IowaChuck]

I wonder if the Yacht Club people don't spend more on the cruise than the average passenger. I was on Divina for Thanksgiving. I am single. But my bill at the end was $3,340. None of that was spent on alcohol. So I spent it in other areas. I didn't spend a penny on gambling. And I paid almost $4000 for my cabin.

 

Am I a typical Yacht Club passenger as far as spending? I don't know. But there must be some reason MSC is willing to devote space for fewer people. They have figured it out that in the end it is worth it.

[risotoman]

I wonder if the Yacht Club people don't spend more on the cruise than the average passenger. I was on Divina for Thanksgiving. I am single. But my bill at the end was $3,340. None of that was spent on alcohol. So I spent it in other areas. I didn't spend a penny on gambling. And I paid almost $4000 for my cabin.

 

Am I a typical Yacht Club passenger as far as spending? I don't know. But there must be some reason MSC is willing to devote space for fewer people. They have figured it out that in the end it is worth it.

 

Off course they spend more for one thing is it's all include so they have the mind set I can indulge. And it usually people that have more "free" money to spend if you book as 2k cabin plus air fare this does not include excursion spa gift off all kind speciality restaurant high end boos casino it's that you have money to burn you work hard all year this is you threat.

 

Compare to inside cabin where they question if is as good value to take a 30$ as day drinking package ... One couple in yatch club can spend 3-4, cabin worth of inside cabin .... So business wise its make sense to protect and cultivate this big customer .

 

But again "american " do like to face with the reality that some people will not be treated equally it's the same complain we ear in airports with the priorities boarding Frist class we always ear "its not fare I've been here for 45 min and that guys is already in the plane he waited only 3 min to get in" for me this statement is so funny ...

[cruisetrail]

 

i've been reading on many review / comments that it's unfair that yatch club have so much and they represent less then 10% off passenger

 

~4%

[cruisetrail]

When I first read about the Yacht Club, that is exactly what I thought.

How can they have not only a dedicated restaurant but the Top Sail Lounge AND a dedicated pool area for such a small percentage of the people.

It is obvious that it has to take away from the majority.

I almost felt guilty booking my YC2 cabin but......

2 full rooms with all the included things for a price that was probably half what I would pay on any other line.

It really seems like they are bringing back the old 'class' system. On other cruiselines, when you get a suite, it is just more amenities you get....not so much dedicated space outside of your cabin.

 

We have retuned from a cruise on a ship where exclusive YC amenities are standard or available for a small surcharge (specialty dining). We also added Hydropool Suite (not available on MSC). The whole ship was like YC (actually better due to better amenities).

Price? Roughly 50% or less of what we would pay for YC.

 

It really seems like they are bringing back the old 'class' system.

Far from that. First class on the Normandie was 43% (36% on the Queen Mary). What is 4%?:)

[risotoman]

We have retuned from a cruise on a ship where exclusive YC amenities are standard or available for a small surcharge (specialty dining). We also added Hydropool Suite (not available on MSC). The whole ship was like YC (actually better due to better amenities).

Price? Roughly 50% or less of what we would pay for YC.

 

 

Far from that. First class on the Normandie was 43% (36% on the Queen Mary). What is 4%?:)

 

What company ? I'm interested

 

And 4% it's depend of level occupancy it vary form 5-10%

[Shippy]

We have retuned from a cruise on a ship where exclusive YC amenities are standard or available for a small surcharge (specialty dining). We also added Hydropool Suite (not available on MSC). The whole ship was like YC (actually better due to better amenities).

Price? Roughly 50% or less of what we would pay for YC.

 

 

Far from that. First class on the Normandie was 43% (36% on the Queen Mary). What is 4%?:)

 

Having sailed on just about every cruise line there is.......I have never come across such a deal.

Please tell us the name of the ship !