Any (big) difference between Caribbean cruise and Med cruise with MSC ?

[newbie8]

We have only sailed with the Divina (Caribbean) and are aware of certain MSC practices (e.g. multi language annoucements etc.)

 

Now we are going to sail in the Med and I am wondering whether there are (big) differences that I should be aware of. For example, I have found out that in Europe, no water(free by the glass) is provided at dinner and if you want to have water with your dinner then you need to buy bottles v.s. Divina, they give you (free) ice water by the glass with your dinner.

Not a big deal but good to know in advance so that we can pre-order bottles of water.

 

Are there any other "differences" btw US sailings and Med sailings that we should be aware of ???? We like to be well prepared !

[1fifthavenue]

Smoking is a little more common place in the med, generally half of the casino is designated smoking, and one half of the outside deck space. Some people have reported bars / atrium being smoking areas. This is not the case so don't worry about that.

 

From what I've seen of the Divina menus (not cruised Divina/Caribbean but have sailed many times other ships in the med) the food in the med is perhaps more of an Italian influence - with dinner being six or seven courses whereas it appears on Divina it looks to be three or four?

[Beamafar]

Euro is the currency onboard in the Med.

 

The all-inclusive drinks package (Allegrissimo - soon to be known as "All-Inclusive Restaurant and Bar Drink Package") is cheaper, though there is a wider selection on Divina (MoreforLess - soon to be known as "All-Inclusive Classic Drink Package") for the extra cost which went unnoticed by both me and DH - the brands we like are included on both - maybe it'll be more of an issue for those from the US if a particular brand is not available :confused:

[Bra_BE2014]

From what I read on this forums, people are more likely to dress up on the med. I know that on my med cruises people were looking polished even on non-gala days.

 

 

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[CruiseCrew123]

I've cruised on both med and Caribbean - currently on Divina. The food and drinks available are so much better than in the med , where portions are very small and you will not find steak unless you pay for it :(

[newbie8]

I've cruised on both med and Caribbean - currently on Divina. The food and drinks available are so much better than in the med , where portions are very small and you will not find steak unless you pay for it :(

 

Thanks everyone for their input.

 

This does not sound good ! We don't mind small portions but we do like steaks for dinner. So you need to pay an upcharge if you want to choose steaks in the main dining room ?

 

Does anyone have the latest Splendida menu (main dining room) ?

[1fifthavenue]

I dont have any copies of the menu, but typically the small plates are due to the fact there are seven courses available, and many people will have five or six.

 

The charge for a t-bone steak with a glass of wine was from memory 15euro

 

 

Of course if you book the Yacht Club steak is an always available option

[Beamafar]

The charge for a t-bone steak with a glass of wine was from memory 15euro

 

It was €18 on Sinfonia, but it was huge! And the wine was "a glass of Brunello di Montalcino 'Col d'Orcia'" which was very nice, indeed! I got 2 as DH is not a wine drinker :D

[1fifthavenue]

15 wasn't a bad guess then ;)

 

We're usually able to find something we fancy, and can have steak any time at home so we've never taken up the offer - especially as we have the premium drinks package these days.

 

 

There's usually three or four choices of entree, plus the always available selection, so you should be able to find something you would enjoy. The prime roast rib of beef and duck in cherry sauce are among our favourites

[Beamafar]

We only ordered it as it was a special occasion - we've never felt the need to go off menu, otherwise. We also get the premium package and the choice of reds are more than adequate on the 'available' list. I agree with you - the prime rib is really very good!

[Stdavids]

Hi Everyone, is the striploin steak not on the 'always available' section of the menu??

Anyone know if it's any good?

Thanks.

[Beamafar]

Hi Everyone, is the striploin steak not on the 'always available' section of the menu??

 

Not on Med cruises. There is a steak known as a 'beef paillard' which looks like something you'd sole your shoe with and doesn't taste much better!