Might be time to try MSC.....

[Miller Loves Cruising]

I have been disappointed with NCL over the past couple of years, the new fees, level of service declining etc..

After I saw this I figured it might be time to try MSC

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Loyalty-Match-Program.aspx

I will let you all know how it goes.

Cruise on!

[LrgPizza]

The level of service has gotten better and better with each and every NCL cruise I've taken. If it was the way it uses to be, I'd be gone. Most report service (and food!) are continuing to improve.

 

That said, I hope to sail MSC Divina some time. That ship looks cool.

 

Have fun wherever your travels take you! Enjoy.

Edited June 11, 2016 by LrgPizza

[Swells1]

I'm also thinking of trying MSC. Not because of any issues with NCL, but because I think it might be nice to try something different. I'd be interested in any comparisons between the two lines.

[rvsullivan]

I know MSC has been running this promotion for quite some time (6 mo-1 yr?). Since NCL does not provide us with a "membership card" for each level of Latitudes, what have others been using as "proof" on the MSC form?

[All-ready2cruise]

The question of cruising on MSC has been coming up more often recently, not sure why but seems there's lots of interest.

 

I went ahead and investigated what's being said about MSC and it's the same as any other cruise line, some good, some bad.

 

Getting "status matched" is pretty simple, I took a screen shot of our Platinum status on MyNCL, filled out the form on their website and sent it in. I had my response in approx. a week and was matched to Black, their highest level. Apparently the response is getting quicker, seems their website isn't the best either so it's improving.

 

As far as their ships go, they look interesting, also, it's a very European cruise line and most complaints are directed at the pax... not sure how that works. I expect things to be different, who wants everything to be same anyway? The Divina, named for Sophia Loren, is supposedly their most beautiful ship but it will only be doing the Caribbean cruises for another year I think, you'd have to check their site.

 

Happy cruising

 

PS Here's the Sticky which includes a lot of great info for MSC:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2224649

Edited June 11, 2016 by All-ready2cruise
Forgot to add Sticky

[BirdTravels]

We take 5-6 cruises a year. We feel that the quality of service is increasing, variety of service is increasing, and focus on the cruise experience is increasing. Fee increases are pretty consistent with the industry, so while it is a true statement, it's the way the industry is going. Hope you have a great MSC experience.

[Aixia]

I've only ever sailed on NCL, but I try my first MSC cruise in a week on Divina. Status matching was easy, I sent in a screenshot as well. I'm so happy with the way NCL handles dining, going to the traditional style is going to be an adventure. The ship looks great, even if it's missing the Away-class activity I'm used to. I'm looking forward to a much slower pace on a cruise. I'll have to come back and do a review about it from a frequent NCL'er perspective.

[NLH Arizona]

I have been disappointed with NCL over the past couple of years, the new fees, level of service declining etc..

After I saw this I figured it might be time to try MSC

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Loyalty-Match-Program.aspx

I will let you all know how it goes.

Cruise on!

I think if you've been disappointed over the past couple of years, a change might be good. Let us know how MSC is.

[April42749]

I went on MSC last year and loved it.

The entertainment was excellent.

The food was good.

The ship was beautiful.

The passengers, for the most part were not American. What this meant was that they dressed well ( I don't mean that they "dressed up"....I mean that they were very stylish with whatever they wore) and they were, for the most part in better physical condition than Americans.

[LMaxwell]

Did the Status Match, no problem getting that handled. Went on Divina in April. Ship is spotless and gorgeous. Service and food was very good. Entertainment was varied; different show every night and plenty of live music all over. Value was simply unbeatable. I'd definitely go again.

 

Their dining times and dress code are a bit more "classic cruise experience" than NCL Freestyle but overall I find it easy to recommend the Divina for trying something different.

[Two Wheels Only]

I went on MSC last year and loved it.

The entertainment was excellent.

The food was good.

The ship was beautiful.

The passengers, for the most part were not American. What this meant was that they dressed well ( I don't mean that they "dressed up"....I mean that they were very stylish with whatever they wore) and they were, for the most part in better physical condition than Americans.

 

Interesting...:)

 

We're going to try MSC for the first time in 2018 on Seaside. We dress for dinner on NCL so we should fit right in. I'm a little worried about how long meals will be but hopefully it won't be too bad.

 

Yacht Club vs Haven is something that I'm looking forward to. MSC already won the 1st "round" because of price.

[luvtheships]

If I'm not mistaken when I looked into Msc my main issue was that many indoor venues were smoking venues

 

Some Bars etc allowed smoking versus only casino indoor for Ncl.

[April42749]

It wasn't a "dressing for dinner" issue.

The people dressed well...all day...no matter where they were.

It's more "sense of style". For example, the women wore beautiful shoes...with their shorts etc. (I love shoes. I kept asking "Where did you get those?"...and I'd get answers like Dubai, Brazil etc. Nobody said Target)

[Homosassa]

On the Divina, the only indoor smoking area was a Cigar Bar that was sealed off from the rest of the ship. I couldn't detect a stink when I walked by the outside of the bar.

[LMaxwell]

If I'm not mistaken when I looked into Msc my main issue was that many indoor venues were smoking venues

 

Some Bars etc allowed smoking versus only casino indoor for Ncl.

 

Not in the US on Divina.

 

The only indoor smoking venue is a fully enclosed cigar bar.

 

There is no smoking allowed in the casino on Divina

[asubaru]

Funny!

 

Did they have many alternatives for the traditional, set dining times?

 

Did you play in the casino? If so, what are your thoughts?

 

Thanks, Sue

 

 

It wasn't a "dressing for dinner" issue.

The people dressed well...all day...no matter where they were.

It's more "sense of style". For example, the women wore beautiful shoes...with their shorts etc. (I love shoes. I kept asking "Where did you get those?"...and I'd get answers like Dubai, Brazil etc. Nobody said Target)

[April42749]

Funny!

 

Did they have many alternatives for the traditional, set dining times?

 

Did you play in the casino? If so, what are your thoughts?

 

Thanks, Sue

 

They have a nice buffet. If you like pizza you will be in heaven. Many types available...all day. We didn't go to the MDR.

 

As for the casino, I always expect to lose all my money. As usual, I was a loser....but it took me quite a will to lose it. I'd say the machines were more "slot player friendly" than on NCL.

[swedish weave]

I have been disappointed with NCL over the past couple of years, the new fees, level of service declining etc..

After I saw this I figured it might be time to try MSC

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Loyalty-Match-Program.aspx

I will let you all know how it goes.

Cruise on!

 

Since NCL management change, my last few cruises with them have left me with the feeling of "waiting for the other shoe to drop". I am not cmfortable with that and with all the changes they have made.

 

I have directed much of my cruising budget to other lines, and I hope MSC will start cruising from Los Angeles in the near future.

[iamaqt2]

I tried the Divina and will never sail MSC again. While the ship was beautiful, and the food good, the activities were poorly run, and the ship has too few public spaces large enough to accommodate all the pax who want to participate. 100's of people would show up for an activity being held in a lounge. The evening shows while well done, tend to be repetitious as the week goes on. I also have a personal grievance with their customer service, and even though I wrote to them after my cruise listing the issues I had, they never responded.

So my two cents is if you just want a nice floating hotel with food provided, and don't care about participating in any of the daily events, then you would probably enjoy the ship.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2125312

[graphicguy]

Like others have mentioned, I've found NCL's service, food, entertainment has been better on each cruise I've taken with them over the last 5 or so years.

 

Looking forward to the Getaway in a couple of weeks.

 

That said, I've sort of looked at Divina. But, probably won't be on her for another year plus as I have a cruise certificate for RCCL to use first.

[tallnthensome]

We loved the service on the Escape so that wasn't an issue. We are also booked on the new MSC Seaside for 2018. First time with them as well. The Seaside looks great and cutting edge. The prices are great too and to be honest we are looking more forward to the MSC Seaside in 2018 then we are on the new Carnival Vista for 2017. We aren't loyal to any particular line and I feel they all deserve a chance. How anyone can only sail with one line and not try another is beyond me.

[anonmom]

The question of cruising on MSC has been coming up more often recently, not sure why but seems there's lots of interest.

 

I went ahead and investigated what's being said about MSC and it's the same as any other cruise line, some good, some bad.

 

Getting "status matched" is pretty simple, I took a screen shot of our Platinum status on MyNCL, filled out the form on their website and sent it in. I had my response in approx. a week and was matched to Black, their highest level. Apparently the response is getting quicker, seems their website isn't the best either so it's improving.

 

As far as their ships go, they look interesting, also, it's a very European cruise line and most complaints are directed at the pax... not sure how that works. I expect things to be different, who wants everything to be same anyway? The Divina, named for Sophia Loren, is supposedly their most beautiful ship but it will only be doing the Caribbean cruises for another year I think, you'd have to check their site.

 

Happy cruising

 

PS Here's the Sticky which includes a lot of great info for MSC:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2224649

 

So NCL Platinum = MSC Black

How do other levels match up?

[luvtheships]

Not in the US on Divina.

 

 

 

The only indoor smoking venue is a fully enclosed cigar bar.

 

 

 

There is no smoking allowed in the casino on Divina

 

 

Well that's great news!!!

 

So the divina casino is totally non smoking?

 

Do you know how much smoking is allowed outdoors?

 

Is it only certain locations as other ships do?

 

 

My real concerns are with Med cruises and if I recall the smoking is quite liberal indoors and out

 

Do you have any good info on Med Msc smoking situations?

 

I've looked at the website and felt it would be overwhelming smoke wise

 

Any insite? Anyone who is a non smoker cruised Msc in the med recently?

Edited June 11, 2016 by luvtheships

[dexddd]

Applied for status match last November and never heard. Wrote to their "contact us" and never heard back. Checked on MSC forum and people were applying recently on line and getting response anywhere from next day to roughly a week so I tried again and got in a week.

 

Just did a screen shot of NCL status as others did.

 

Suites on the new ships overall smaller but so are the prices. Looking at Divina this Fall or Seaside when it comes out. Plus their private island will be coming online for the Seaside.

[Diver2014]

We have 2 cabins booked for 4 of us on MSC Divina at the end of next month. Nice looking ship, I used to be able to see her docked in Miami when I worked in one of the Biscayne Blvd office buildings. I've been on numerous NCL cruises and have never had a bad experience. I don't consider myself partial to any one cruise line but I've been on more NCL and Holland America ships than any other. I like NCL. I enjoy cruising, I don't care where they go or all the ins and outs of the ship. After reading Cruise Critic for a few years, I've opined that too many people expect VIP treatment and want a 'perfect' cruise, which is never going to happen. I'd rather be on any ship going any where than in a land based vacation in a hotel.