5 days to go

[kevg1889]

Just 5 days to go until my DW and I board our first cruise from Marseille on the MSC Fantasia - really excited - any last minute tips for us first timers??

[Stockjock]

Just 5 days to go until my DW and I board our first cruise from Marseille on the MSC Fantasia - really excited - any last minute tips for us first timers??

 

Just got back from Divina. Had a great time!

 

If you book the unlimited Alligrissimo drink package (we did), do it in advance and pay in Euro. It's much cheaper than in dollars (26 Euro/day vs. $35/day). The drink package included coffee drinks and gelato (yum).

 

Bring an extension cord, as there's only one outlet (as is the case with ships).

 

Make sure you check out a number of the shows. We thought they were very good.

 

Don't get hung up on very minor annoyances. Some slam MSC because of what I consider to be minor issues. Don't sweat the small stuff.

 

And above all, have fun!

Edited October 20, 2015 by Stockjock

[kevg1889]

Glad you had a great time Stockjock. We booked the Allegrissimo at the time of booking & plan to get our moneys worth, especially on cocktails. I bought a 4 plug extension lead after advise on here, so hopefully that will see us through. I cant wait to see the shows, and just take in the luxury of the ship. Got a feeling I could become hooked!!

[goody1]

My Wife and I are just off the sister ship, the Preziosa. We had a great time and the ship was stunning. We also had the Allegrissimo Package which is worthwhile, however we prepaid prior to the cruise at £22 pppd. With the rates as they are, I would wait until check-in. The current Euro rate works out at £19.50pppd. On our ship 7 of the bars had nightly entertainment, most of which was really good. Enjoy your cruise.

[kevg1889]

Which ports did you have on your cruise? We depart from Marseille calling at Genoa, Naples, Messina, Valletta, Palma & Barcelona

[Bra_BE2014]

Have fun! Msc Fantasia was my first cruise too ans I loved it! Can't wait to be back in February!!!!

[goody1]

Which ports did you have on your cruise? We depart from Marseille calling at Genoa, Naples, Messina, Valletta, Palma & Barcelona

 

We started in Genoa, then Civitaveccia, Palermo, Cagliari, Palma, Valencia, Marseille and back to Genoa. We found that because MSC embark/disembark passengers at each stop there wasn't the huge crowds waiting to get on/off that we have experienced with other cruise lines. The weather was also superb, the only rain was on the Wed morning as we sailed from Sardinia to Majorca.

[Skier52]

My Wife and I are just off the sister ship, the Preziosa. We had a great time and the ship was stunning. We also had the Allegrissimo Package which is worthwhile, however we prepaid prior to the cruise at £22 pppd. With the rates as they are, I would wait until check-in. The current Euro rate works out at £19.50pppd. On our ship 7 of the bars had nightly entertainment, most of which was really good. Enjoy your cruise.

 

It's probably too late to pre book now; and the onboard rate will have 15% service charge added making it £22.43. Not much in it, but it is still cheaper to prebook.

Edited October 20, 2015 by Skier52

[goody1]

It's probably too late to pre book now; and the onboard rate will have 15% service charge added making it £22.43. Not much in it, but it is still cheaper to prebook.

 

Point taken. I didn't realise that 15% was added to the quoted 26 Euros pppd, although to be honest I didn't pay much attention to the Desks having already pre-purchased the Package..

[lindabodrum]

Did any of u go it alone with excursions and any tips or highlights. We go 26/2/16

[Stockjock]

Did any of u go it alone with excursions and any tips or highlights. We go 26/2/16

 

We mostly did the MSC tours. For the most part, we thought they were pretty good and well-priced. True, not as personal as arranging private tours, but very convenient and again at a lower cost than I was used to with other cruise lines.