Live review: MSC Armonia from Las Palmas to Venice

[Skipper Tim]

 

Waiting to disembark at Venice, Jeffrey and James demonstrate their newly acquired Flamenco skills.

 

 

 

Back to reality. Angela has a sip of wine as we leave Manchester on the train.

 

 

 

The camel photo that got substituted with a second photo of the ship earlier.

 

Finally, a brief video clip of the musicians in Dubrovnik.

Edited April 4, 2014 by Skipper Tim

[Elmartellama]

Nice pictures!

 

What's this about? Security guys? o_O

 

[AmoMondo]

Great photos Tim!

[alexkrn46]

thanks for the photos and the blog, I enjoyed it.

[P&O SUE]

I've just come to this thread and have read the whole lot at once! Really enjoyed it all and the photos - thanks for posting :D

Edited April 5, 2014 by P&O SUE

[samnewbie]

Really enjoyed following this and love the photos!

 

We are considering this or another possible MSC cruise for next year.

I'm wondering if they will increase their gluten free menus on the Armonia after it's had it's stretch and thus been 'upgraded'.

 

Fab live blog though, loved the bartering for the pouffe.

 

Thankyou!

 

Sent from my GT-P3110 using Forums mobile app

[hammer24a]

Tim’s photos are excellent but scary in the sense that I visibly put on a stone and age 10 years in the space of a few day... the side effect of allegrissimo. In future I will have to schedule in a haircut and spa detox!

It was great to meet so many fun people, although would have been nice to meet people on day 1... I was under the impression the White Lion (AKA white pig) gathering on day 1 had been cancelled and we (Me, Andi, James and Jeffrey) ended up on a separate table for lunch on day 2 (we did have the company of an interesting Norwegian lady and a blind german lady) and the first new person we met was moomoocow (Jane)... albeit by accident in the white pig several days into the cruise.

Las Palmas was rather uneventful, despite arriving a day early, I was too tired after a very busy week at work and early start. The weather didn’t help. It was good to recover in familiar surroundings and we had a pleasant Saturday morning and lunch in a Spanish Bistro and then proceeded to relax on the balcony (reassured by the fact that we could see the ship, Andi had alarmed me the night before by pointing to an MSC container vessel and suggesting that might be our abode for the coming days).

We made our way to check in at 4pm and it was quite surprisingly a painless process, the queue moved quickly and everything seemed to be in order except we were on separate tables for dinner. We were directed to the Maitre d’ who had set up shop in the Duomo bar, so we had to stop off and have a drink to before engaging him.

We then went to check the cabin, mine was a balcony cabin but Andi’s had an inside cabin which I found small and a tad claustrophobic, so that cabin was used abandoned in favour of mine. After settling in we went to explore the ship and see how far start the perilous allegrissimo journey. It was great to have a sea a whole day at sea to get used to our surroundings (particularly the bars!).

Casablanca was my first trek into Africa but had been warned by many not to expect much, my low expectations were exceeded. We walked to the mosque, only to realise we were using a map of Kuwait! We explored the more rustic parts of town and enjoyed a beverage in a traditional coffee house before exploring the souk and purchasing sandals and local lunch – only £5 for 4 and an experience to boot! We had a frantic last minute purchase of a man bag and retired back to ship.

Cadiz is a bit of a haze as I overindulged in allegrissimo... We have been to Malaga a few times but thought it would be nice to go for a walk and some tapas, we went to a little place in a secluded square sandwiched between the Thyssen Museum and a homeless charity. We then popped into el Corte Ingles, to find that it was the first day of the 80% sale... bargains for all... although I do regret not buying another man bag.

Another sea day and then La Goullette. This was probably my favourite stop despite the taxi drivers who just would not give up. We walked to the train station and were directed to a bank to obtain local currency and paid less than 70p return for both of us to Tunis. The train was old but the service was frequent. Tunis is not particularly Touristy so you see more of the local culture. Unfortunately, we did not have much time there so after a 2 hours of wandering, buying (much cheaper than Casablanca but harder to find decent stuff in the immense Souk in the old town) and sightseeing we hurried back to the station to get back to the cruise terminal. We stopped for refreshment to use up our remaining Dinars only to be confronted with a mediocre coffee and a cold cup of tea. Managed to get a good deal on some souvenirs as the traders in the terminal knew that everyone was returning to the ship.

Valetta was interesting but very tiring walking up and down the steep streets, especially after another late night.

Agrostoli , Kefalonia, is a small town and the best feature are the views of the mountains. We walked around town for a while and enjoyed some local beverages on the riverside, purchased some local herbs (all legal!) and retired.

Dubrovnik was a short trip but adequate time look around the compact old town. We took a taxi which worked out cheaper (and more convenient) even for two of us than the MSC bus (€20 return as opposed to €25.80 for two bus tickets). A lot to see in a very small place

Split was pleasant but after yet another heavy night, we walked around town, had a local lunch and retired.

As a novice cruiser, I had expected time on ship to be boring particularly as few (if any) of the organised activities appealed.. far from it. Despite the Spanish youngsters (surprised nobody else has mentioned them so far... or have I missed something) being given free run of the ship, particularly by the Cruise Director and the DJ, it was relatively easy to find refuge from them although, every so often, some of them would turn up. The disco started closing at 2 am instead of the usual 4 am as the youngsters thought it was acceptable to help themselves to drinks. The food in the buffet was always cold and the baked beans were unlike any I have seen but the restaurant food was generally good (although it rarely reflected the description). Most of the staff were fantastic (and those that weren’t, were at least amusing), particularly the Casino duo Vlad and Iulia, our designated dinner waiter Gabriel to mention just a few.

The thing that really made the cruise was the people, it was great to have dinner with Mairi, Chung and Mike (as well as the Js) followed by random drinks (trying my best to avoid flaming lamorghinis and B52s!) with the early diners. It was fab... it can only go downhill from here lol

I am tempted to sign up to another cruise already... any suggestions? Perhaps new year.... although the only one that would work from MSCs offering is the 7 day Canaries.

When do they do repos? I know there has been talk of prices going up but still might be worth considering if there is enough of a discount.

[Skipper Tim]

We then went to check the cabin, mine was a balcony cabin but Andi’s had an inside cabin which I found small and a tad claustrophobic, so that cabin was used abandoned in favour of mine.

 

Yes, I didn't really mention my inside cabin because I didn't spend much time awake there. It was my first ever experience of an inside. In the past I have booked inside guarantee cabins but have always been upgraded - until this time.

 

Firstly, the insides on the Lirica class ships are exactly the same as the outsides in every regard with the one exception being the obvious - there is no window in the insides. In its place is a large mirror which I happened to find the most useful. They are on the compact side but everything in it is full-sized within them. The safe is hidden behind a corner wall mirror above the dressing table. I didn't use a quarter of the storage space but then I was a sole-occupier travelling with just 10kg hand luggage.

 

Insides are amazing for sleeping. When the others were complaining about being woken up by the fog horn coming into Venice, I was awake but heard nothing. In fact the loudest sound I ever heard in my cabin was the rustle of clothes or occasional spoken word as people walked past my door. They are totally silent. They must also be very well acoustically insulated from the neighbouring cabins as I listened for, but never heard, the telephone ring when I called my mother next door. In this respect they are far better than the average hotel room. And of corse there is no daylight to wake you up, unless you put the TV on to the deck cam channel and leave it on overnight.

 

Overall, an inside cabin is a good combination with Allegrissimo. Without a view or a balcony, there is no reason to spend any time in an inside other than washing, changing and sleeping. In contrast all the public areas of the ship have temptations and deadly efficient waiter service which Allegrissimo covers. Without Allegrissimo, I would be far more inclined to pay the extra for a balcony and spend quality time on it.

 

I am tempted to sign up to another cruise already... any suggestions? Perhaps new year.... although the only one that would work from MSCs offering is the 7 day Canaries.

When do they do repos? I know there has been talk of prices going up but still might be worth considering if there is enough of a discount.

 

Join us on the land cruise! It will be just the same without all the hassle of getting on and off the ship - unless you choose to do so - and you won't have to sign for drinks either. Every cabin is a deluxe balcony suite and there is even a natural sandy beach of several hundred metres on deck. There are the same forced daytime activities and terrible nighttime shows. Allegrissimo is almost as generous and included in the fare. The weather and sea temperature should be perfect in Southern Turkey at that time of year. October there is like September elsewhere in the Med.

 

As for MSC repositioning cruises, they generally occur in March and April from Italy and October and November to Italy. The exceptions to this are when MSC accepts a lucrative charter such as the Divina being used as a floating hotel for the World Cup in Brazil and the Orchestra from Perth, Australia to Italy for the Gallipoli centenary. Charters create positioning opportunities before and/or after them.

 

The new UK pricing is around three times the rates of recent years so quite off putting. However, if MSC UK has a quota to sell expect deep discounting at short notice. I would expect good deals after others have paid their balances, i.e. from around two months before the cruise. Repos never, ever sell out. The high proportion of sea days, crossing vast oceans and inevitable long haul flight(s) are enough to put most people off. Let MSC try higher fares.

 

I noticed with interest that high-pricing coincided with the arrival of the new head of MSC UK (and since other English-speaking parts of the World), Giles Hawke, and the recent departure of the head of UK sales - perhaps a trifle disagreement between the two? Perhaps disastrous sales figures so far?

 

Tim.

Edited April 7, 2014 by Skipper Tim

[bobstheboy]

Tim

 

Your comments are always well thought out and very welcomed.

 

I agree with your comments on inside cabins. Being retired and having no ties re dates, we always look for bargains which have included most cabin grades over the years. An inside never bothers us, although I would be lying if I said we haven't enjoyed a nice balcony if the price is right.

 

MSC are like all cruise companies and will discount if there are plenty of empty cabins near to a sail date. We are hoping to take our first Msc cruise in December on the Armonia around the Canaries and again are hoping the price will be similar to last year when a suite cost £249 for a week.

[Skipper Tim]

As for MSC repositioning cruises, they generally occur in March and April from Italy and October and November to Italy.

 

Oops, I got that the wrong way round.

 

As for MSC repositioning cruises, they generally occur in March and April to Italy and October and November from Italy.

 

Tim

 

Your comments are always well thought out and very welcomed.

 

Bobstheboy, thank you very much for your flattery. I don't get much flattery so when I do get it, it is very well received indeed.

 

I agree with your comments on inside cabins. Being retired and having no ties re dates, we always look for bargains which have included most cabin grades over the years. An inside never bothers us, although I would be lying if I said we haven't enjoyed a nice balcony if the price is right.

 

MSC are like all cruise companies and will discount if there are plenty of empty cabins near to a sail date. We are hoping to take our first Msc cruise in December on the Armonia around the Canaries and again are hoping the price will be similar to last year when a suite cost £249 for a week.

 

I am massively attracted to the Dubai-Perth Repo in February 2015 but the fares are silly and MSC are claiming it is already 90% sold. I suspect much of that 90% is travel agents block-booking and will eventually be consolidated at far lower fares than I was originally prepared to pay. The cruise is in my diary and I may even book the return flight with Avios as the cancellation charge is bearable. Who would book a 33 night repo cruise across the World at short notice? Me.

 

I am sure MSC will have more last-minute bargains than ever given the steep hike in fares. Hold your horses and wait for the bargains to come to you!

 

Tim.

[Daffodil192]

Very entertaining blog and great photos Tim. Brought back many happy memories of our Fantasia cruise. Lovely to see Keith, Angela, Michael, Chung and yourself looking so well.

Glad you all had a good cruise and just wish we had been able to join you.

 

Please keep me in the loop with the 'land cruise' as we are certainly free to holiday in October .

[WarumistdieBananekrumm]

Wednesday, 2nd April. Good morning from a rather chilly and foggy Venice. The Armonia docked on time around 8 a.m. and disembarkation has been underway since 8:35. I am sitting at my usual morning perch at Il Girasole up on deck 11. Eight of us will be having lunch on board before we finally part. Five of us will take the water bus from the cruise terminal to the Lido. There we will have a night in the Boulevard hotel before our flight back to Manchester.

 

You may have noticed that my previous post was dated 1st April We did in fact arrive at Split as per schedule. Mother and Necia reported that Split is even more beautiful than Dubrovnik. I, however, just did not find the time yesterday to go ashore - the problem with such an active roll call is that life onboard becomes "an endless series of social engagements". Eight of us had a jolly lunch and there barely time to have a few caipirinhas before the sail away party on the stern and then barely time to change before meeting for dinner.

 

Compared to previous repositioning cruises, we missed the more laid back sea days, especially the five or six consecutive sea days crossing the Atlantic. However, we all agree it has been a wonderful cruise with great company, food and service and, for what we paid, it has been embarrassingly good value. I can feel the onset of 'post-bliss' already.

 

I will post photos of our voyage on this thread in a couple of days.

 

Until then, arrivederci!

 

Tim.

 

where, in Venice, did you dock?

 

at the proposed commercial docking facility or at the up to now / or recently, used cruise ship docks, sailing in and out of the Guidecca Canal?

 

Thanks

[Skipper Tim]

where, in Venice, did you dock?

 

at the proposed commercial docking facility or at the up to now / or recently, used cruise ship docks, sailing in and out of the Guidecca Canal?

 

Thanks

 

We docked at the usual commercial docking facility, around 10 metres away from the last time on the Fantasia. We almost certainly arrived via the Guidecca Canal but the thick fog meant that we could not see anything. I am surprised we were allowed in in such conditions.

 

The ban is meant to come into place towards the end of 2014 but has been suspended for now and in any case does not apply for MSC Lirica and Musica class ships.

 

Tim.

[WarumistdieBananekrumm]

We docked at the usual commercial docking facility, around 10 metres away from the last time on the Fantasia. We almost certainly arrived via the Guidecca Canal but the thick fog meant that we could not see anything. I am surprised we were allowed in in such conditions.

 

The ban is meant to come into place towards the end of 2014 but has been suspended for now and in any case does not apply for MSC Lirica and Musica class ships.

 

Tim.

 

thank you very much for your prompt and helpful information; we hope The May 17. /26. docking will be as well at the customary port approached past San Marco and Giudecca, ......minus the fog .......;)

 

Thanks again. :)

[papcx]

We almost certainly arrived via the Guidecca Canal but the thick fog meant that we could not see anything. I am surprised we were allowed in in such conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

For our whole cruise I told everyone who'd listen that the sail-in to Venice is unforgettable.

 

Ours certainly was. So glad we got up early!

[papcx]

Most of the staff were fantastic (and those that weren’t, were at least amusing), particularly the Casino duo Vlad and Julia

 

 

Totally agree. Vlad & Julia were good fun. Miss them (and their B52's (heavy on the Kalua, light on the Grand Marnia)) already.

 

Vlad & Julia. by papcx, on Flickr

 

 

Vlad, Julia & Group. by papcx, on Flickr

[JessicaB]

Thanks Tim and Paul for posting photos. Although still cruising on Armonia - today Piraeus and only one more port, Split before cruise ends, photos bring back wonderful memories of places and CC members.

A future CC reunion cruise?

Tim the Dubai to Fremantle cruise increased by au$2000 and l'm waiting for cruises from Fremantle to be released as only 4hour flight for me.

Overall looks like MSC prices increased. What dates is new MSC brochure for?

Elena, future cruise consultant on board Armonia has copy of Italian brochure up to March 2016.

AmoMondo l loved walking couple ports with you and sorry didn't get to say goodbye. Hope you enjoy your trip to HongKong, Fiji and Australia later this year and pity l will be cruising when/if you come to Melbourne otherwise would catch up. Wendy

Edited April 8, 2014 by JessicaB
Spell error

[Skipper Tim]

Tim the Dubai to Fremantle cruise increased by au$2000 and l'm waiting for cruises from Fremantle to be released as only 4hour flight for me.

Overall looks like MSC prices increased.

 

UK prices have remained constant (or should that be constantly high?). I think MSC were inspired by the sky-high fares and fast sell-out of the following ANZAC charter (Freemantle to Civitavecchia). I have now booked my flight back from Perth using Avios and will wait for last-minute pricing on the cruise.

 

How are your new dining companions? (Assuming they won't be reading this).

 

Enjoy the rest of your time on the Armonia!

 

Tim.

Edited April 8, 2014 by Skipper Tim

[Skipper Tim]

There are two stories yet to tell. The first I hinted at was from our departure from the Lido, the other is from our last moments aboard.

 

The five of us - Angela, Keith, Necia, Mother and I - all enjoyed our day and night at Le Boulevard hotel on the Lido. Totally unexpectedly, Chung and Michael appeared in the lobby mid-afternoon and the party continued. Apparently, I gave a speech that night before retiring, not one word of which I recollect.

 

I was at breakfast shortly after 7, where I met the couple who had not officially joined our roll call but had joined in with us anyway.

 

"Morning Tim"

 

were the first words I heard. They then proceeded to tell me about another "couple" from our cruise in the hotel who turned out to be Angela and (brother) Keith. I settled down to my tepid bacon and scrambled eggs. They were aiming for a flight at exactly the same time but were catching the water bus one hour earlier. I can't stand waiting around in airports.

 

Angela and Keith set off 10 minutes before us for the 9:10 water bus to the airport. I waited in reception for my mother and Necia. We all arrived in very good time and before anyone else. When the water bus arrived, we were told to stand aside while locals with 'season tickets' boarded. I heard them counting up in Italian and suspected space may be limited. I told them we have a flight to catch but was ignored. We were told "next boat". one of the few times I have shouted in my life was then,

 

"We were the first here".

 

The employee just shook his head.

 

If the policy is always to board locals first we would never get to the airport in time.

 

"Insurance"

 

I said to the others, disguising my anger, frustration, and self-annoyance.

 

We were seriously discussing private water taxis etc. when another water bus appeared, this one completely empty and, chances are, put on especially because of the numbers left behind at previous stops.

 

We made it it but it is not how I would have preferred to have left Venice.

 

The second story is harder to describe. On the Musica, I had been required to sign the final account to agree with it and post it in a box by the accounts desk. On the Fantasia, I did not have to take any action with the final account unless I disagreed with it. No signature, no visit, far easier. I was surprised that on the Armonia I was asked to sign and return a copy to the accounts desk.

 

I figured that some people may have complained in the past about unexpected charges and that signing and returning the bill reduces MSC's liability. I had my signed invoice, put it in my pocket but had no intention of taking it there unless I happened to be passing - I agreed with it and MSC would charge me anyway. James said he was making a special trip to Accounts so I asked him to "post" my signed invoice.

 

An hour later, a very drained-looking James announced that HE had paid my bill. Not only that but in order to do so, my account and his and Jeffrey's had been combined. I was incredulous. He showed the five pages or so of charges which were now totally interleaved. "How did this happen?" I asked.

 

James will have to explain. My best understanding is that when we checked in my mother and I were put on the same account. We immediately asked for separate accounts and at that point a credit card was taken off my on board account. When James arrived to "post" my modest bill he was made to pay.

 

It was a very MSC way to end the cruise. Chaos, disorganisation with a hint of madness.

 

Tim.

[hammer24a]

The five of us - Angela, Keith, Necia, Mother and I - all enjoyed our day and night at Le Boulevard hotel on the Lido. Totally unexpectedly, Chung and Michael appeared in the lobby mid-afternoon and the party continued. Apparently, I gave a speech that night before retiring, not one word of which I recollect.

 

Clearly we need to get Molly, Necia and Angela blogging to get the full story!

[more_tea_vicar?]

Hello all,

 

Here are some of my pics from cruise, will be uploading more so keep checking.

 

http://instagram.com/snarskiexpress

 

Andi

[sidari]

It was a very MSC way to end the cruise. Chaos, disorganisation with a hint of madness.

 

Tim ... I believe you have found the New Slogan for MSC .... :D

[Skipper Tim]

Hello all,

 

Here are some of my pics from cruise, will be uploading more so keep checking.

 

http://instagram.com/snarskiexpress

 

Andi

 

Andi, really enjoyed those and your company. Many thanks and see you on the next adventure!

 

Chaos, disorganisation with a hint of madness.

 

Tim ... I believe you have found the New Slogan for MSC .... :D

 

Now, I would sail with any line that advertised itself with a slogan like that. MSC is totally undersold. (Oops was that me complaining about the new prices?)

 

Tim.

[Skipper Tim]

It could be from MSC publicity except for the wet decks, another photo of the Armonia on the way to Kefalonia.

 

 

 

Tim.

Edited April 11, 2014 by Skipper Tim

[Norwegian Cruiser 73]

WOW, very beautiful photo from the MSC Armonia, thanks for sharing with us:)