Magnifica cruise UK from Southampton to northern ports January 4th 2022

[ellie1145]

We have never tried MSC (and avoid Southampton like the plague), but they have some amazing offers on at the moment so we are tempted. We have done 5 cruises this summer on RCI and Princess which were amazing. We are not expecting much from MSC so will we be agreeably surprised or wish we’d never bothered? 🤣

 

Is Magnifica as bad as the reviews say? Bed bugs, awful food, awful entertainment?

 

And is smoking everywhere a big problem?

 

Also, what Covid measures do they take? Do they require masks and social distancing, both of which we prefer. Are the ships packed?

 

Any info would be gratefully received 

 

Many thanks!

[Cruiseforever11]

Hi I've been on the Magnifica a few years ago and departing on her again next Tuesday out of Southampton and then I'm back on her again out of Southampton on 1st May. 

To be honest I am looking forward to getting back on her and a smaller ship as the last few have been on msc bigger ships.

 

Ok so the reviews I have been on 7/8 msc cruises now and never had a problem regarding bed bugs. If anything the ships are the cleanest and the most sparkling ships I've been on. 

The food ok its not the best and its not the worst but each to their own. We've had some really good meals and they have the very best pizzas at sea.

Entertainment I have to say that it has we think improved over the years. Some shows are really good but some aren't.

Smoking. When we were on the Magnifica a few years ago they allowed smoking in the casino and some nights it was bad but not to the point it would spoil our cruise. Not sure if it's still the same now what with covid etc we don't tend to go to the casino only to walk through to get to a & b. I guess I will find out next week.

 

Regarding covid back in July when on the Virtuosa we had to wear masks round the ship have our temperature check at least once a day and we got tested once during the cruise.

I would assume this is still in place we are expecting those rules to still apply especially as covid is now kicking off in Europe again.

You do have to be double jab and you do have to have covid cover in your insurance plus you will need to do a RT-PCR test within 72hrs of embarkation. 

 

Msc once on the ship the staff the ships themselves are great. Yes read reviews and yes there are some shockers but it's not all bad and I have another 3 cruises booked with them after next week and if I read all the negatives and took them on board I'd never cruise again. It is at the end of the day what you make of it. 

Edited November 25, 2021 by Cruiseforever11

[CaroleC]

2 hours ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Hi I've been on the Magnifica a few years ago and departing on her again next Tuesday out of Southampton

Hi Suzanne, any more news on going ashore at the various ports? I had an email from MSC earlier this week and immediately thought it was about cancelling ports or having to use MSC excursions. But no, they were just sending my tickets (again lol). I’ve just checked my booking and the itinerary hasn’t changed so hopefully we should be able to go ashore in all the ports on our own as planned.

[kernow]

We are booked for February and looking forward to it. I don't know why there are such bad reviews for Magnifica, we were on in 2018 and enjoyed it. I did a live thread at the time which is probably still around if you search. Entertainment is a bit different mainly due to the many different languages of passengers onboard (be aware that the main embarkation port for these cruise is Hamburg so lots of German passengers). We've always found the food on MSC reasonable to good, again they have to cater to many nationalities. As mentioned above, ships have always been immaculate.

 

There is a big group on the site that cannot be mentioned with current passengers posting daily and almost everything that I have read has been good.

 

This summer we did cruises on Virtuosa and Anthem and in many ways I preferred Virtuosa so it can't be all bad!

[kernow]

5 minutes ago, CaroleC said:

Hi Suzanne, any more news on going ashore at the various ports? I had an email from MSC earlier this week and immediately thought it was about cancelling ports or having to use MSC excursions. But no, they were just sending my tickets (again lol). I’ve just checked my booking and the itinerary hasn’t changed so hopefully we should be able to go ashore in all the ports on our own as planned.

I saw someone onboard post yesterday that from this week unvaccinated children will no longer be allowed off in Hamburg even on an excursion, but that is the only change so far. 

[ellie1145]

3 hours ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Hi I've been on the Magnifica a few years ago and departing on her again next Tuesday out of Southampton and then I'm back on her again out of Southampton on 1st May. 

To be honest I am looking forward to getting back on her and a smaller ship as the last few have been on msc bigger ships.

 

Ok so the reviews I have been on 7/8 msc cruises now and never had a problem regarding bed bugs. If anything the ships are the cleanest and the most sparkling ships I've been on. 

The food ok its not the best and its not the worst but each to their own. We've had some really good meals and they have the very best pizzas at sea.

Entertainment I have to say that it has we think improved over the years. Some shows are really good but some aren't.

Smoking. When we were on the Magnifica a few years ago they allowed smoking in the casino and some nights it was bad but not to the point it would spoil our cruise. Not sure if it's still the same now what with covid etc we don't tend to go to the casino only to walk through to get to a & b. I guess I will find out next week.

 

Regarding covid back in July when on the Virtuosa we had to wear masks round the ship have our temperature check at least once a day and we got tested once during the cruise.

I would assume this is still in place we are expecting those rules to still apply especially as covid is now kicking off in Europe again.

You do have to be double jab and you do have to have covid cover in your insurance plus you will need to do a RT-PCR test within 72hrs of embarkation. 

 

Msc once on the ship the staff the ships themselves are great. Yes read reviews and yes there are some shockers but it's not all bad and I have another 3 cruises booked with them after next week and if I read all the negatives and took them on board I'd never cruise again. It is at the end of the day what you make of it. 

 

Thank you so much to you, and everyone who has posted.

 

 It’s good to read some positive reviews. I do hope you will update us on your experience next Tuesday. As we are MSC virgins it will be good to hear what it’s like at the moment.

 

At the price we’ve paid it’s amazing value and I shall enjoy not cooking and getting my bed made each day! 
 

As they say, it is what it is. I’m sure we will enjoy it.

Happy Cruising Next week!

 

[CaroleC]

30 minutes ago, kernow said:

There is a big group on the site that cannot be mentioned with current passengers posting daily and almost everything that I have read has been good.

I tried to search that site earlier for the Magnifica winter sailings but I couldn’t find anything. I know you can’t mention the site but are you allowed to post the name of the group here? 

[Cruiseforever11]

1 hour ago, CaroleC said:

Hi Suzanne, any more news on going ashore at the various ports? I had an email from MSC earlier this week and immediately thought it was about cancelling ports or having to use MSC excursions. But no, they were just sending my tickets (again lol). I’ve just checked my booking and the itinerary hasn’t changed so hopefully we should be able to go ashore in all the ports on our own as planned.

Hi Carol hope your OK. No news yet although the Dutch are making an announcement tomorrow of harder restrictions whatever that may mean. They are already semi lockdown in the evening so I hope they aren't about to go full lockdown but will let everyone know as soon as its confirmed what they are doing. 

[Cruiseforever11]

8 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

 

Thank you so much to you, and everyone who has posted.

 

 It’s good to read some positive reviews. I do hope you will update us on your experience next Tuesday. As we are MSC virgins it will be good to hear what it’s like at the moment.

 

At the price we’ve paid it’s amazing value and I shall enjoy not cooking and getting my bed made each day! 
 

As they say, it is what it is. I’m sure we will enjoy it.

Happy Cruising Next week!

 

Thank you. I will let you all know when I get back 😊

[kernow]

17 minutes ago, CaroleC said:

I tried to search that site earlier for the Magnifica winter sailings but I couldn’t find anything. I know you can’t mention the site but are you allowed to post the name of the group 

It's the general UK Magnifica forum. I just searched for MSC Magnifica and found it.

[CaroleC]

2 hours ago, kernow said:

It's the general UK Magnifica forum. I just searched for MSC Magnifica and found it.

Thanks Julie

[CaroleC]

2 hours ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Hi Carol hope your OK. No news yet although the Dutch are making an announcement tomorrow of harder restrictions whatever that may mean. They are already semi lockdown in the evening so I hope they aren't about to go full lockdown but will let everyone know as soon as its confirmed what they are doing. 

Yeh we’re good thanks Suzanne, looking forward to our cruise over New Year. Can’t wait to hear all about yours, not long to go now, I bet you’re getting really excited. Can I be cheeky and remind you about checking out the currency being used in the casino for Mick, only if it’s not too much trouble of course. Also, whenever you are in a bar, could you have a look at the cost of a glass of Asti sparkling wine. I’m hoping it’s not over £/€8 which is the price limit of the drinks included in the Easy Plus package which we’ve got. Cheers 🥂

[Cruiseforever11]

8 minutes ago, CaroleC said:

Yeh we’re good thanks Suzanne, looking forward to our cruise over New Year. Can’t wait to hear all about yours, not long to go now, I bet you’re getting really excited. Can I be cheeky and remind you about checking out the currency being used in the casino for Mick, only if it’s not too much trouble of course. Also, whenever you are in a bar, could you have a look at the cost of a glass of Asti sparkling wine. I’m hoping it’s not over £/€8 which is the price limit of the drinks included in the Easy Plus package which we’ve got. Cheers 🥂

Yes started packing now I like to be organised!😁 Especially with the amount of paperwork this time round too. We got our PCRs booked for Saturday 11.30 fingers crossed they come back negative we have been good only going out when needed and with masks on. Then Sunday sort out the PLF for UK & Belgium

Sort the form out for France and also now for Germany. The Netherlands fingers crossed but its not looking great. 

No I haven't forgotten I have a list. Julie asked me ages ago to check out the Aurea Thermal/spa place see if it's open and what is now included for Aurea suite and freebies.

Casino & Asti on the list 😄

We have now included an Easy Plus drink package on our cruise Nick said it would be silly not too! 🤣😉🍸🍹🍺🥂🍷🍾

I'm also going to take pictures of inside the Magnifica this time along with our cabin. 5 days to go! 🤗 

[CaroleC]

35 minutes ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Yes started packing now I like to be organised!😁 Especially with the amount of paperwork this time round too. We got our PCRs booked for Saturday 11.30 fingers crossed they come back negative we have been good only going out when needed and with masks on. Then Sunday sort out the PLF for UK & Belgium

Sort the form out for France and also now for Germany. The Netherlands fingers crossed but its not looking great. 

No I haven't forgotten I have a list. Julie asked me ages ago to check out the Aurea Thermal/spa place see if it's open and what is now included for Aurea suite and freebies.

Casino & Asti on the list 😄

We have now included an Easy Plus drink package on our cruise Nick said it would be silly not too! 🤣😉🍸🍹🍺🥂🍷🍾

I'm also going to take pictures of inside the Magnifica this time along with our cabin. 5 days to go! 🤗 

Still haven’t really got my head around the paperwork. My plan is, a couple of weeks before we sail, to ask you exactly what I need to do! 🤣🤣

I agree with Nick about the DP, only way to go I reckon. Wonder if Spritz Hugo is on the menu lol.

Have a great cruise Suzanne, look forward to seeing your pics on your return ⚓️

[Cruiseforever11]

Hi guys if you've not heard we have now got to book pcr tests when arriving back in the UK and to take before the end of day 2 and isolate till we get the negative results 😳  I was just about to book my lateral flow tests to be posted out for us which was needed when we got back and it's a good job I didn't as that would of been money down the drain! However we still have got to shell out another £70pp for another set of PCRs to book before we leave on Tuesday🙄 

[CaroleC]

6 minutes ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Hi guys if you've not heard we have now got to book pcr tests when arriving back in the UK and to take before the end of day 2 and isolate till we get the negative results 😳  I was just about to book my lateral flow tests to be posted out for us which was needed when we got back and it's a good job I didn't as that would of been money down the drain! However we still have got to shell out another £70pp for another set of PCRs to book before we leave on Tuesday🙄 

Hi Suzanne, was just thinking about you and Nick when I was listening  to Boris. What a good job you hadn’t ordered the LFT’s! Mick’s not happy as he was due to go back to work the day after we come back. I’m not due back until the Thursday so I may be ok. More expense, so annoying! ☹️

[Cruiseforever11]

6 minutes ago, CaroleC said:

Hi Suzanne, was just thinking about you and Nick when I was listening  to Boris. What a good job you hadn’t ordered the LFT’s! Mick’s not happy as he was due to go back to work the day after we come back. I’m not due back until the Thursday so I may be ok. More expense, so annoying! ☹️

I know. Nick is lucky he works from home so at least he can work while isolating so going to order some postal ones this time for when we get back instead having to go over to Gateshead. I just hope and pray nothing changes over the channel and they need extra testing etc. At this point in time though all is still the same! 🤯

PCRs done today though for Tuesday so should know by tomorrow night the results fingers crossed 🤞 

[CaroleC]

1 minute ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

I know. Nick is lucky he works from home so at least he can work while isolating so going to order some postal ones this time for when we get back instead having to go over to Gateshead. I just hope and pray nothing changes over the channel and they need extra testing etc. At this point in time though all is still the same! 🤯

PCRs done today though for Tuesday so should know by tomorrow night the results fingers crossed 🤞 

Have you both had your boosters? I’ve had mine and Mick’s getting his next Saturday. They’re saying this new variant is far more resistant to the vaccine so it’s all a bit worrying.

[Cruiseforever11]

35 minutes ago, CaroleC said:

Have you both had your boosters? I’ve had mine and Mick’s getting his next Saturday. They’re saying this new variant is far more resistant to the vaccine so it’s all a bit worrying.

No we haven't yet. Going to do that after the cruise as after both jabs I wasn't well afterwards plus we can't get appointments till Dec anyway.

[Bandofox]

On 11/25/2021 at 2:07 PM, ellie1145 said:

We have never tried MSC (and avoid Southampton like the plague), but they have some amazing offers on at the moment so we are tempted. We have done 5 cruises this summer on RCI and Princess which were amazing. We are not expecting much from MSC so will we be agreeably surprised or wish we’d never bothered? 🤣

 

Is Magnifica as bad as the reviews say? Bed bugs, awful food, awful entertainment?

 

And is smoking everywhere a big problem?

 

Also, what Covid measures do they take? Do they require masks and social distancing, both of which we prefer. Are the ships packed?

 

Any info would be gratefully received 

 

Many thanks!

We were on the first sailing out of Southampton on 16/11 and had never cruised before.

I read all the bad reviews after booking and was more than a little concerned.

However it was really good. the ship was spotless and the food excellent. 

I think the reviews about the food came from non Europeans as they said it lacked flavour. 

[Cruiseforever11]

1 hour ago, Bandofox said:

We were on the first sailing out of Southampton on 16/11 and had never cruised before.

I read all the bad reviews after booking and was more than a little concerned.

However it was really good. the ship was spotless and the food excellent. 

I think the reviews about the food came from non Europeans as they said it lacked flavour. 

Hi did they have kettles in the cabins or have I got to send hubby up 2 decks to get me a cuppa in the morning! 😁 (only asked as when on Virtuosa in July they had kettles in the cabins for us brits).

[Bandofox]

4 hours ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Hi did they have kettles in the cabins or have I got to send hubby up 2 decks to get me a cuppa in the morning! 😁 (only asked as when on Virtuosa in July they had kettles in the cabins for us brits).

Yes they had kettles but only coffee whitener  British tea does seam to me a mystery to the rest of the world😂 I would take our own tea bags another time as they were very weak but it depends how you like your tea.

[Cruiseforever11]

15 minutes ago, Bandofox said:

Yes they had kettles but only coffee whitener  British tea does seam to me a mystery to the rest of the world😂 I would take our own tea bags another time as they were very weak but it depends how you like your tea.

Ah that's fab news! Hubby will be please😄 we sail this Tuesday. yes I always order sachets of pg tips like you get in hotels off Amazon to take with me as I like my tea strong and we always go to the buffet every evening and get a fresh glass of milk to put into the mini bar fridge in the room for the morning. Thank you for getting back to me with that very important information 😊

I'm glad you had a good cruise when you went as well. 

Edited November 28, 2021 by Cruiseforever11

[CaroleC]

20 hours ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Ah that's fab news! Hubby will be please😄 we sail this Tuesday. yes I always order sachets of pg tips like you get in hotels off Amazon to take with me as I like my tea strong and we always go to the buffet every evening and get a fresh glass of milk to put into the mini bar fridge in the room for the morning. Thank you for getting back to me with that very important information 😊

I'm glad you had a good cruise when you went as well. 

Have a great time Suzanne, let us know how it goes 🥂⚓️

[Cruiseforever11]

13 minutes ago, CaroleC said:

Have a great time Suzanne, let us know how it goes 🥂⚓️

Hi ya we will! 😀 Omg had so much fun filling in forms today! The German one we can't do till 3 days before.

You would laugh I've got a case of paperwork! Printed out everything I said to Nick not taking any chances cus it would be sods law an app/internet would go down or I'd lose my phone! 

Pcrs all ok and all booked for when we come back.

Just going to finish packing and get an early night as leaving at 3am. We've had really bad weather up here so not taking any chances.

I will take lots of pics and update when I get back and I haven't forgotten my list of requests!

Until then I'm off cruising! 🥂🍹🍸🍾⚓🚢😁

 

 

Edited November 29, 2021 by Cruiseforever11