MSC Armonia christmas cruise - early or late dining depending on show times

[aravindndeepa]

Hi everyone ,

My TA told us that under fantastica we dont get flexible dining.So she requested early dining which is 5:30 to 7:30.She said we will know exact time only when we get into ship. What is time range for late dining and will it clash with nightly entertainment? Can some one share dinner times and also show times for armonia. Also do christmas cruises have any special shows or dinners?Thanks in advance.

[Essiesmom]

I wouldn't trust what your TA says.  We were just on Armonia Aug. 26 - Sept. 4, and early dining was 6:30pm.  Second seating was 9pm.  Show times were 7:15 for those with late seating, 9:15 for early seating.  So with late seating, you see the show before you eat.  EM

[aravindndeepa]

thanks Essiesmom. I am booked under fantastica experience. Do i still get a fixed time slot before i board?

[cellfree]

You will be assigned a time (first or second) on your card upon embarkation. Do not be alarmed. You can go by Marco Polo Dining Room (I think by noon or after) and request a different time if you choose. We did so, no problem, very accommodating. Armonia has early and late dining, and two show nightly so whatever dining time you choose works. 

[kidless]

I just got off Armonia on Monday. We had OV Fantastica cabin. We had early dinner in Macro Polo Restaurant @ 6 pm. 

 

First seating guests where suppose to go to the 900 pm show. Second seating to the 7:15 show. 

[perakcruiser]

Oh, the kicked out the Fantastica Balcony guests from the La Pergola. And you can read this also in the way that even Aurea Balcony cannot dine in the La Pergola, only Aurea suite. Typical MSC style, if you can create confusion, create it 

 

Yes, there are special Christmas and Easter menus.

[aravindndeepa]

thanks celfree and kidless.

perakcruiser - only planning to dine in main dining room .other than main dining rooms and buffet, any other area food covered part of fantastica or cruise fare?

[cellfree]

There are about four items on the Sports Bar (not official name, cannot think of it right now, Deck 5 forward) menu, would be for any cruiser. Also at Coffee Bar there are usually cookies or mini desserts, complimentary for any cruiser. 

[perakcruiser]

2 hours ago, aravindndeepa said:

perakcruiser - only planning to dine in main dining room .other than main dining rooms and buffet, any other area food covered part of fantastica or cruise fare?

Yes, indeed. There are sandwiches and small cakes available in der Bar del Duomo cafe. This is very nice when you want to have a real cappuccino in the afternoon and not hang around with the masses at the buffet. 

 

Edit: Oh, question already answered correctly by someone else ☺️

Edited October 3, 2019 by perakcruiser

[cellfree]

It is a very nice cafe (always called it Coffee Bar as could never remember “proper” name) and as perakcruiser said it is a very nice place to avoid the masses. If you have the Easy Drink Package almost everything is under $6.00 on the menu so you can try all the options. 

[Essiesmom]

The sports bar is the White Lion Pub.  EM

[aravindndeepa]

Thanks Essiemom, perak and cellfree for all the info!