Opinions of MSC

[kellyccz]

I have only sailed Carnival to date. I am very laid back and find it hard to find fault on any cruise (at least that has been the case so far). I do not need to be overly pampered or waited on, just ask for good service and polite crew, and of course good food. My friend and I are contemplating the MSC Armonia Mediterranean cruise for this coming August and would like opinions from people on how MSC compares to Carnival.

 

All thoughts and input are welcome.

 

Thanks in advance.

[tom_uk]

In the Mediteranean, chalk & cheese:

 

a) as an english speaker you'll be in a very small minority. The largest group will probably be Italians, followed by Spaniards, Germans, and French. Then odd-balls such as Brits, scandinavians, and - yes - Americans;

 

b) the ships themselves are quite a bit smaller - Armonia is 58,000 tons. The decor in the public rooms is pretty restrained, much less glitz than on Carnival ships;

 

c) I don't how bothered about this you are, but there'll not be much interest in the Casino - doesn't seem to be a european thing;

 

d) the food will be pretty european and not american. Probably less meat (certainly less beef and/or steak), more veggies, more chicken, more fish. And lots of pasta of course!

 

I did a review of Sinfonia last May in the Western Med here:-

http://www.cruiseserver.net/travelpage/yourfav/yfc_md_sinfonia.asp

 

Sinfonia is still doing the same cruise all this year if you fancy looking at the western med. Or if you would prefer a larger ship, MSC's new ship Musica, about 90,000 tons, will be in service by August, and cruising in the eastern Med like Armonia, but with a different itinerary.

[kellyccz]

Thank you very much for the detail and specifics. I don't mind being in the minority, and am in fact, learning Italian. Not worried about glitz either or the casino popularity. I might check out the Musica too. Thank you again!

[caviargal]

MSC:

 

- Elegant, understated decor

- Lido buffets limited selection and limited hours vs Carnival

- Room service is at a charge

- House wine by carafe in the dining room, a bargain

- Announcements in mulitple languages

- Totally different options for nightlife than on CCL

- Food relies more on herbs and seasonings than on salt and fat (I do not like the food on CCL)

- Service more polished and European

- no singing, dancing waiters in sight

- no gold by the inch, shopping is in upscale boutiques

- nice, small ships

- limited fitness facilities

- WAY expensive spa prices

 

 

Carnival:

 

- Bigger cabins

[Stevanb]

MSC:

 

- Elegant, understated decor

- Lido buffets limited selection and limited hours vs Carnival

- Room service is at a charge

- House wine by carafe in the dining room, a bargain

- Announcements in mulitple languages

- Totally different options for nightlife than on CCL

- Food relies more on herbs and seasonings than on salt and fat (I do not like the food on CCL)

- Service more polished and European

- no singing, dancing waiters in sight

- no gold by the inch, shopping is in upscale boutiques

- nice, small ships

- limited fitness facilities

- WAY expensive spa prices

 

 

Carnival:

 

- Bigger cabins

 

 

EXACTLY RIGHT ON

 

- deck chairs do not let you sit up as high

- announcements very very few

- no 15% service charge

- great happy hour before dinner $4.00

[resistk]

That's the old MSC:

 

MSC:

 

- Elegant, understated decor

- Lido buffets limited selection and limited hours vs Carnival

- Room service is at a charge

- House wine by carafe in the dining room, a bargain

- Announcements in mulitple languages

- Totally different options for nightlife than on CCL

- Food relies more on herbs and seasonings than on salt and fat (I do not like the food on CCL)

- Service more polished and European

- no singing, dancing waiters in sight

- no gold by the inch, shopping is in upscale boutiques

- nice, small ships

- limited fitness facilities

- WAY expensive spa prices

 

New MSC ( difference between Feb. 05 and January 06)

 

Art Auctions, Bingo, Gold by Inch - Yes

Food - Bland and salty

Service - More Indonesians than Italians now (an imporvment actually)

House Wine - Tablemate sent it back, said it had turned to vinegar

Animation team gone - no more slapstick impromptu comedy

Entertainment Team and stupid poolside games all day, every day, yes

[Stevanb]

That's the old MSC:

 

MSC:

 

- Elegant, understated decor

- Lido buffets limited selection and limited hours vs Carnival

- Room service is at a charge

- House wine by carafe in the dining room, a bargain

- Announcements in mulitple languages

- Totally different options for nightlife than on CCL

- Food relies more on herbs and seasonings than on salt and fat (I do not like the food on CCL)

- Service more polished and European

- no singing, dancing waiters in sight

- no gold by the inch, shopping is in upscale boutiques

- nice, small ships

- limited fitness facilities

- WAY expensive spa prices

 

New MSC ( difference between Feb. 05 and January 06)

 

Art Auctions, Bingo, Gold by Inch - Yes

Food - Bland and salty

Service - More Indonesians than Italians now (an imporvment actually)

House Wine - Tablemate sent it back, said it had turned to vinegar

Animation team gone - no more slapstick impromptu comedy

Entertainment Team and stupid poolside games all day, every day, yes

 

 

I was just got off Lirica what you posted was not all there only Art Auctions, Bingo and Indonesians.

 

Where you on OPERA ??

[Downdie]

Tom:

Like yourself, I'm glad I had my MSC cruise experience in the Mediterranean on the Opera. It would appear that our old friend Dan (Czechmate) may be proved correct as he predicted many months ago that Sasso and his North American team would screw up the product.

[tom_uk]

Like yourself, I'm glad I had my MSC cruise experience in the Mediterranean on the Opera. It would appear that our old friend Dan (Czechmate) may be proved correct as he predicted many months ago that Sasso and his North American team would screw up the product.

 

I'm wondering if there are differences between the way the ships are run in the Caribbean during the winter, and in the Med during the summer. I also read & post on various european-based (mainly UK-based) boards, and I've never heard comments about MSC from Mediterranean cruisers such are being made here.

 

I await the spring return to Europe with interest...

[Magwa]

I have enjoyed 3 wonderful MSC cruises in the Med and will be taking another this summer. However it will almost certainly be my last if there are any Art Auctions, Inch of Gold or other Americansims. Why oh Why cannot MSC see that it is purely their 'away from all this crap' that gives them the egde for some. If I want an American Experience I go on a US vessel, I do not wish to have the same experience on every single ship out there.

 

There are plenty of vessels serving up the Art Auctions etc, let them keep it, it's pure rubbish [imho anyway:)]. MSC stay as you are without this stuff, unless you intend to only keep it for ex US sailings. It is not wanted in Europe.

[venicecruiser]

Pam - As far as Im concerned, art auctions are not wanted over here, either! On Lirica over Christmas, I never saw any "inch of gold" nonsense...

 

Claudia

[Magwa]

I am glad you didn't see any Claudia. I know many from both sides of the pond who dislike the Art Auctions and the clutter around ships. I have been to some purely to collect a glass of whatever is on offer and to observe who actually buys anything. I am often completely amazed at some of the prices paid for this stuff, it is obviously an earner for some lines; then again I went to one auction where only one item was purchased.. LOL the auctioneer was getting a bit 'ruffled':)

 

But it is not something that MSC should be promoting and I hope it doesn't make the Med. I can't see it taking over there to be honest with such a different mix/type of passenger.

[seagulls]

I am just off the Opera where they had the art auction debut . These daily auctions seemed to be well attended and when I sat in on one one day I was amazed at how much money some of these prints went for. I also saw inch of gold being sold too.

[ctdahlquist]

If there was a $4.00 happy hour, then I completely missed it. I felt drinks were very expensive, averaging around $7.25. The "specials" I saw were around $6.25. The carafe and half carafe wine options are a great deal, but expect table wine. I is just plain wine without much body, so I can see how some might think it is a little vinegary.

[caviargal]

Tom:

Like yourself, I'm glad I had my MSC cruise experience in the Mediterranean on the Opera. It would appear that our old friend Dan (Czechmate) may be proved correct as he predicted many months ago that Sasso and his North American team would screw up the product.

 

As a TA who had a recent, very negative experiece with Sasso and his team, I can tell you that I will never do business with them again. I enjoyed my cruise on Sinfonia but this cruise line totally screwed over my best clients and then added insult to injury.

 

I will post a full story shortly on this site as well as in a national agent publication who was aware of the situation and stepped it to try and get it resolve.

 

My friend Czechmate knows my story and it validated his own experiences, which is really sad.

[antcyd]

Caviargal,

As a fellow TA and a repeat passanger of MSC I am anxiously awaiting to hear what happened. I am sooo hesitant to put most of my clients on an MSC cruise for fear their expectations will not meet the actual product and hence blame me and I will lose their future business. In addition, I am one of those few TA's out there with a heart , I would lose sleep worrying about some of my clients on an MSC cruise, whether I lose their business or not is not the point , I dont want anybody to be unhappy, regardless of the price, I want their vacations to be a good one.

Please post as soon as you can, inquiring minds are dying to know LOL

Cindee

[RD64]

Kelly

 

I will be going to Italy with my fourteen year old niece - as part of her Grade 8 graduation present we are looking at the Sinfonia in August. I am also looking at the itineraries of the Splendour of the Seas (an extra day at sea), and the Costa Victoria and Mediterranea from Venice on similar itineraries. In addition the Costa Marina will be sailing from Trieste (1/2 hour from my grandmother's house).

 

I am waiting to make any decision based on my upcoming March cruise on the Opera. I assume that MSC in the Caribbean is different from the Mediterranean, but I hope it gives me a good idea of what the experience will be like.

 

One other thing to consider, if you can avoid going in August - especially around the 15th - do so at all costs. August the 15th is Ferragosto - the Feast of the Assumption - and probably the biggest holiday in Italy. It seems as if everyone in Italy is going on vacation at that time - many cities are empty as the population migrates to the sea or the mountains. At this time I assume that the ships will be full to the last upper berth.

 

We will be there in August for my grandmother's birthday and only have a three week window, so our options are more limited. You might also want to check out the Noordam of HAL - the prices on their August 9th sailing from Rome are VERY good right now. My last five cruises have all been with HAL, and it is an excellent experience. I thought it was time for a change - that is why I am trying MSC.

 

Will let you know my comments on the Opera when I return.

 

Cheers - RD

[donnaw]

Caviargal,

As a fellow TA and a repeat passanger of MSC I am anxiously awaiting to hear what happened. I am sooo hesitant to put most of my clients on an MSC cruise for fear their expectations will not meet the actual product and hence blame me and I will lose their future business. In addition, I am one of those few TA's out there with a heart , I would lose sleep worrying about some of my clients on an MSC cruise, whether I lose their business or not is not the point , I dont want anybody to be unhappy, regardless of the price, I want their vacations to be a good one.

Please post as soon as you can, inquiring minds are dying to know LOL

Cindee

 

Cindee, You have every right to be wary. Ta's got nailed after our disembarkation from the first Opera Caribbean cruise this season and much of it was on the changes from last season (not helped by late disembarkation). Many repeat cruisers were very unhappy with much higher drink prices, lack of iced tea by the pool and the rest of the changes. Our TA told us the favorite was the gelato by the pool. When we were on it was soft serve ice cream and charged for. We knew of major changes from CC so weren't surprised by the changes and our TA is totally in the clear as far as we are concerned but many others did not feel that way.

 

It appears that there is a definite divide between Europe operations and Caribbean operations and it looks like the intention is to keep it that way which is good for the Med cruises. The one good thing on the Caribbean is the very limited but no charge room service (our attendant forgot to pull the charge menu and replaced it while we were there).

 

I also missed the $4.00 Happy Hour on the Opera and looked back at the dailies but didn't see it listed.

[Oxo]

On the Lirica, 1/13 - 24/06 there was no ice cream on the pool deck. The soft ice cream maker was broken and the buffet did not serve any ice cream. In fact the deserts on the buffet were very poor!

[antcyd]

On the Lirica Xmas cruise I took Dec 17th, the soft serve machine was broken, it is possible that they still hadnt fixed it as of Jan 24th??? Over a month later????

I truly thought it would be fixed sometime during our cruise but that never happened but was sure it would be fixed once we got back to Ft Lauderdale. Talk about taking their sweet time, that is absurd. By the way, I dont even eat ice cream but there were so many disappointed guests on our cruise who complained I am shocked to learn how long it has taken, wonder if its working yet???

[caviargal]

Caviargal,

As a fellow TA and a repeat passanger of MSC I am anxiously awaiting to hear what happened. I am sooo hesitant to put most of my clients on an MSC cruise for fear their expectations will not meet the actual product and hence blame me and I will lose their future business. In addition, I am one of those few TA's out there with a heart , I would lose sleep worrying about some of my clients on an MSC cruise, whether I lose their business or not is not the point , I dont want anybody to be unhappy, regardless of the price, I want their vacations to be a good one.

Please post as soon as you can, inquiring minds are dying to know LOL

Cindee

 

Hey Cindee, you really would not believe my story. I have been in the biz for 20+ years and have never seen anything like it.

 

Email me at caviargal@comcast.net and I will tell you.

 

It goes far beyond food. And I agree that the client comes first, though MSC does not subscribe to that theory. And I can promise you that agents come dead last! It is hard to believe that this is the same Sasso who brought Celebrity to where they are today.

[kellyccz]

Ok, it's getting a little hairy here now. We had decided to go on the Costa Victoria but just today decided on the MSC Armonia - August 6 sailing. I am trying to sort through all of these opinions. And I guess I need to know:

 

1. Is there food available most of the day?

 

2. How much is the charge for room service?

 

3. Is there a casino? I generally don't play a lot, but would like it available if desired.

 

As for the art auctions and inch of gold, I am not interested at all, but if it's on the ship, it will not detract from my cruise experience.

 

4. Is the service good?

 

5. Are the crew all Italian or from all countries?

 

6. Are you allowed to bring on any of your own alcohol?

 

7. What sort of day/night entertainment is available?

[Oxo]

Ok, it's getting a little hairy here now. We had decided to go on the Costa Victoria but just today decided on the MSC Armonia - August 6 sailing. I am trying to sort through all of these opinions. And I guess I need to know:

 

1. Is there food available most of the day? NO!

 

2. How much is the charge for room service? ?

 

3. Is there a casino? I generally don't play a lot, but would like it available if desired. VERY SMALL!

 

As for the art auctions and inch of gold, I am not interested at all, but if it's on the ship, it will not detract from my cruise experience.

 

4. Is the service good? NO!

 

5. Are the crew all Italian or from all countries? FOREIGN

 

6. Are you allowed to bring on any of your own alcohol? NO

 

7. What sort of day/night entertainment is available?

LIMITED Daytime. Very good at NIGHT!

 

This is our experience on the Lirica 01/06. Read the recent postings on this site for much more detail.

[donnaw]

Ok, it's getting a little hairy here now. We had decided to go on the Costa Victoria but just today decided on the MSC Armonia - August 6 sailing. I am trying to sort through all of these opinions. And I guess I need to know:

 

1. Is there food available most of the day?

 

2. How much is the charge for room service?

 

3. Is there a casino? I generally don't play a lot, but would like it available if desired.

 

As for the art auctions and inch of gold, I am not interested at all, but if it's on the ship, it will not detract from my cruise experience.

 

4. Is the service good?

 

5. Are the crew all Italian or from all countries?

 

6. Are you allowed to bring on any of your own alcohol?

 

7. What sort of day/night entertainment is available?

 

Kelly, What your seeing here is in relation to Opera and Lirica in the Caribbean which is a totally different operation from the Med (different management). Hopefully, one of the Med cruisers can get on and answer your questions.

[kellyccz]

Ok - thank you so much Donna for clarifying that. It would take a lot to make a bad cruise for me, but it's helpful to know what to expect.