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

[Cruiseforever11]

18 hours ago, CaroleC said:

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

We made it! On board! Check in took about an hour but this was due to the staff checking absolutely everything and they will boot you off if not correct. They are checking insurance and the wording of the covid bit and they are also checking timings of PCR tests to make sure within 72hrs. Only 400 on at Southampton other guests can board at other ports. Ship does feel full at all which is nice. Decks 8&9 are the covid wards as I like to call them. 

Julie if you read this Aurea is open fully and the gym. One free massage with a aurea suite.

Carol I've not got to the casino yet just making my way through the pool bar drinks menu!😄 there is Asti included in the easy plus dp.🥂the staff so far are amazing ship so far amazing will update more at some point or when I get back until then cheers! 😀 

 

[CaroleC]

1 hour ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

We made it! On board! Check in took about an hour but this was due to the staff checking absolutely everything and they will boot you off if not correct. They are checking insurance and the wording of the covid bit and they are also checking timings of PCR tests to make sure within 72hrs. Only 400 on at Southampton other guests can board at other ports. Ship does feel full at all which is nice. Decks 8&9 are the covid wards as I like to call them. 

Julie if you read this Aurea is open fully and the gym. One free massage with a aurea suite.

Carol I've not got to the casino yet just making my way through the pool bar drinks menu!😄 there is Asti included in the easy plus dp.🥂the staff so far are amazing ship so far amazing will update more at some point or when I get back until then cheers! 😀 

 

Thanks for the update Suzanne, so pleased to hear Asti’s included. Glad you’re making use of your DP already, can’t wait to start using ours 😁🥂

[Bgcruising]

Can anyone tell me how the covid testing works for US citizens? We are arriving the day before the cruise and dont understand completely the 2 day test rule.

[CruisingFox27]

1 hour ago, Bgcruising said:

Can anyone tell me how the covid testing works for US citizens? We are arriving the day before the cruise and dont understand completely the 2 day test rule.

 

Hopefully, this explains it. 

 

If you are entering the UK from a foreign country (apart from Ireland), you have two days to take a PCR test - a lateral flow test will no longer be accepted.

The PCR test must be booked before you travel, and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers.

While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate - whether or not you have been vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if your test is negative.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52544307

 

If you're fully vaccinated and can prove it, you don't need a test prior to traveling. 

 

You'll need to get your tests done and the results very quickly if you only arrive the day before you're due to sail. 

[Bgcruising]

32 minutes ago, CruisingFox27 said:

 

Hopefully, this explains it. 

 

If you are entering the UK from a foreign country (apart from Ireland), you have two days to take a PCR test - a lateral flow test will no longer be accepted.

The PCR test must be booked before you travel, and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers.

While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate - whether or not you have been vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if your test is negative.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52544307

 

If you're fully vaccinated and can prove it, you don't need a test prior to traveling. 

 

You'll need to get your tests done and the results very quickly if you only arrive the day before you're due to sail. 

Thanks, but also it says that if you are leaving within 2 days you dont need the test but need to schedule it anyway. I'll be leaving the day after I arrive.

[Cruiseforever11]

16 hours ago, CaroleC said:

Thanks for the update Suzanne, so pleased to hear Asti’s included. Glad you’re making use of your DP already, can’t wait to start using ours 😁🥂

Hi Carol went through Casino last night and everything is Euros. The official starting point for this cruise is actually Hamburg hence Euros. So far really good and after being on some of the bigger ships we really appreciate the smaller ships even more and at least we had some where to sit and watch some good entertainment! So in total there is just under a 1000 people on board so it's really nice 😊

[CruisingFox27]

9 hours ago, Bgcruising said:

Thanks, but also it says that if you are leaving within 2 days you dont need the test but need to schedule it anyway. I'll be leaving the day after I arrive.

As far as I know you need it booked to add the details on your PLF, which you need for entry in to the UK.

[kernow]

On 11/30/2021 at 2:19 PM, Cruiseforever11 said:

We made it! On board! Check in took about an hour but this was due to the staff checking absolutely everything and they will boot you off if not correct. They are checking insurance and the wording of the covid bit and they are also checking timings of PCR tests to make sure within 72hrs. Only 400 on at Southampton other guests can board at other ports. Ship does feel full at all which is nice. Decks 8&9 are the covid wards as I like to call them. 

Julie if you read this Aurea is open fully and the gym. One free massage with a aurea suite.

Carol I've not got to the casino yet just making my way through the pool bar drinks menu!😄 there is Asti included in the easy plus dp.🥂the staff so far are amazing ship so far amazing will update more at some point or when I get back until then cheers! 😀 

 

Thank you so much. Look forward to hearing more, have a lovely time.

[CaroleC]

6 hours ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Hi Carol went through Casino last night and everything is Euros. The official starting point for this cruise is actually Hamburg hence Euros. So far really good and after being on some of the bigger ships we really appreciate the smaller ships even more and at least we had some where to sit and watch some good entertainment! So in total there is just under a 1000 people on board so it's really nice 😊

Thanks Suzanne. I thought it would probably be Euros but Mick thought it may be Sterling. Should have known really with the cruise originating in Hamburg. Sounds like you’re enjoying yourselves, is the ship noticeably smaller than the Virtuosa when you’re inside? I actually thought the Virtuosa didn’t seem that big as a large part was taken up by YC. We were on Royal’s Harmony in September and that seemed absolutely enormous in comparison. I bet there’s going to be a lot more than a thousand on board when we go on the 28th, I’m hoping it’s not going to feel too crowded. 

[Cruiseforever11]

6 minutes ago, CaroleC said:

Thanks Suzanne. I thought it would probably be Euros but Mick thought it may be Sterling. Should have known really with the cruise originating in Hamburg. Sounds like you’re enjoying yourselves, is the ship noticeably smaller than the Virtuosa when you’re inside? I actually thought the Virtuosa didn’t seem that big as a large part was taken up by YC. We were on Royal’s Harmony in September and that seemed absolutely enormous in comparison. I bet there’s going to be a lot more than a thousand on board when we go on the 28th, I’m hoping it’s not going to feel too crowded. 

Yes it feels bigger and I love it as there are bigger lounges to sit in see pics. The ship takes 3000ish paxs so is smaller when the Virtuosa takes 5k paxs so more cabins but less room so I guess it's why the Virtuosa feels small. Alot of the Virtuosa is also taken up by the shopping/restaurants mall. The weather is very windy and rainy, the crossing last night was rough and its going to be the same going to Belgium tonight by the looks of things. We are going into Bruges tomorrow 1st Xmas market so looking forward to it! Oh just let you be aware the French have now decided you need to take a test before entering the country it flashed up on a news feed so check that out before you cruise 🙄

[ConnieTact]

We love the Magnifica and have been onboard for a total of 24 days. We went on one for 10 days and came home and rebooked another one for 2 weeks as we couldn’t wait to get back on. This was back in 2018 so I don’t know what it’s like now. Such a shame there is no YC onboard as we now have experienced it and enjoy the extra pampering!

the ship was command clean and the staff all great.

Some of the U.K. passengers were rude and hard to please, determinedly finding fault!

The entertainment team were really fab onboard back then and we had a great time joining in the fun and games. They were generous with the prizes and this made it more interesting.

Suzanne let me know what the entertainment team is like now- I wonder if covid has somehow stopped some of the activities. Also, have a Hugo Spitz for me! Cheers! 🥂

[CaroleC]

5 hours ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Yes it feels bigger and I love it as there are bigger lounges to sit in see pics. The ship takes 3000ish paxs so is smaller when the Virtuosa takes 5k paxs so more cabins but less room so I guess it's why the Virtuosa feels small. Alot of the Virtuosa is also taken up by the shopping/restaurants mall. The weather is very windy and rainy, the crossing last night was rough and its going to be the same going to Belgium tonight by the looks of things. We are going into Bruges tomorrow 1st Xmas market so looking forward to it! Oh just let you be aware the French have now decided you need to take a test before entering the country it flashed up on a news feed so check that out before you cruise 🙄

Love the pics Suzanne, the ship looks fab. I hadn’t heard about the new requirements for France, I’ll have to check it out. Is your cabin ok btw? 

[Cruiseforever11]

Hi all well all is at sea 🌊 🤢 we have sailed onto the Netherlands and delayed by 2hrs arriving today was due in at 12pm now due in at 2pm we missed out Belgium altogether as the weather was to bad to get in to port and I'm not joking rough as hell and I don't get sea sick as a rule but this morning yuck! 

Hi Teri hope you are well good to hear from you the! The entertainment is really good. We like sitting in the lounges listening to the bands. Beatles night in the Tiger bar tonight so looking forward to that. Haven't been in the theatre yet as no shows on till tonight but everything has changed as now we are staying overnight in the Netherlands. 

[Cruiseforever11]

17 hours ago, CaroleC said:

Love the pics Suzanne, the ship looks fab. I hadn’t heard about the new requirements for France, I’ll have to check it out. Is your cabin ok btw? 

Oh yes the cabin yes it's OK but on the small side. So used to having a seated area then a balcony but it's clean and kettle in the room which is good and we've got all our clothes in the wardrobe and draws. The bathroom is clean and you can swing a cat round it so it's OK!  We happy with it for this cruise. Its dark when we get up and dark when we leave port so even if we had a balcony we wouldn't use it and couldn't use it because the weather has been so bad.

[CaroleC]

4 hours ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Oh yes the cabin yes it's OK but on the small side. So used to having a seated area then a balcony but it's clean and kettle in the room which is good and we've got all our clothes in the wardrobe and draws. The bathroom is clean and you can swing a cat round it so it's OK!  We happy with it for this cruise. Its dark when we get up and dark when we leave port so even if we had a balcony we wouldn't use it and couldn't use it because the weather has been so bad.

Sounds ok Suzanne. I always say I don’t care what the room’s like as long as it’s clean!
I’ve just seen a post on the other site from someone sailing on Magnifica in January. She has apparently received an email this afternoon from MSC advising pax only allowed to get off now if on ship excursions. Have you heard anything?

[Cruiseforever11]

Just now, CaroleC said:

Sounds ok Suzanne. I always say I don’t care what the room’s like as long as it’s clean!
I’ve just seen a post on the other site from someone sailing on Magnifica in January. She has apparently received an email this afternoon from MSC advising pax only allowed to get off now if on ship excursions. Have you heard anything?

No we got into the Netherlands eventually (here now overnight) we were allowed off the ship do our own thing but had to be back on board by 10pm as the port closes for restrictions however shops etc all close 5 in the whole of the Netherlands. There isn't much to do in port there's a beach to walk to which we saw from the ship. We are on tour in Hamburg to a xmas market which is for fully vaccinated guests only and Germany now has said lockdown for unvaccinated guests so it keeps changing 🙄

[sm9690]

I'm on next tuesday's sailing, very excited! 

 

For the cancelled port stop, did they give you a letter? My travel insurance pays £100 per missed port 

[Cruiseforever11]

12 minutes ago, sm9690 said:

I'm on next tuesday's sailing, very excited! 

 

For the cancelled port stop, did they give you a letter? My travel insurance pays £100 per missed port 

Hi yes we got a letter to confirm in cabin as they were making the announcement. I could claim but not worth it after paying excess and it was due to adverse weather conditions and not going to hold that against msc. Apart from that it's been a fab cruise even with all the rocking and rolling at sea!🌊

[sm9690]

2 minutes ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Hi yes we got a letter to confirm in cabin as they were making the announcement. I could claim but not worth it after paying excess and it was due to adverse weather conditions and not going to hold that against msc. Apart from that it's been a fab cruise even with all the rocking and rolling at sea!🌊

Great, thanks! With mine there is no excess for missed port cover....might be worth double checking yours?

 

I definitely wouldn't hold it against msc and i'm expecting at least one missed port!

I haven't bought a drinks package as it was £196, do you know how much it is on board? I'm not a huge drinker so might just buy a few drinks on the first night

[CaroleC]

17 minutes ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Apart from that it's been a fab cruise even with all the rocking and rolling at sea!🌊

I really hope we get calm seas on our sailing as I’m not too good if it’s rough! 🤢🤮

[Cruiseforever11]

6 minutes ago, CaroleC said:

I really hope we get calm seas on our sailing as I’m not too good if it’s rough! 🤢🤮

Lol I know how you would feel! I don't usually get that bad but it was all night and all morning till we got to port just after lunch. They weren't allowing people out on deck it was that bad no one in the pools they were like the biggest wave machines ever! Take some sea sickness pills just incase! 

[CaroleC]

2 minutes ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

Take some sea sickness pills just incase! 

Will do lol. The worst we’ve ever had it was on a cross channel ferry years ago, I thought I was going to die I felt that ill!

[Cruiseforever11]

34 minutes ago, sm9690 said:

Great, thanks! With mine there is no excess for missed port cover....might be worth double checking yours?

 

I definitely wouldn't hold it against msc and i'm expecting at least one missed port!

I haven't bought a drinks package as it was £196, do you know how much it is on board? I'm not a huge drinker so might just buy a few drinks on the first night

Hi the drinks range from €3 to €15 

Most cocktails range between €4.50 & €10

There is a kettle in your cabin tea and coffee provided but my advice is to get fresh milk from buffet in a cup and then put in the mini bar fridge in your room as they only provide sachets of some dried creamer stuff which personally is not great in Tea. 

Edited December 2, 2021 by Cruiseforever11

[CaroleC]

15 minutes ago, Cruiseforever11 said:

There is a kettle in your cabin tea and coffee provided but my advice is to get fresh milk from buffet in a cup and then put in the mini bar fridge in your room as they only provide sachets of some dried creamer stuff which personally is not great in Tea. 

Suzanne, what toiletries are provided in the bathroom? Is it 2 wall dispensers, one of shower gel and the other shampoo plus bars of soap for the sink? I think that’s what we had on Virtuosa but I wasn’t sure if it’s the same on Magnifica. Also, please tell me it’s not a shower curtain, I hate those things lol.

[Cruiseforever11]

58 minutes ago, CaroleC said:

Suzanne, what toiletries are provided in the bathroom? Is it 2 wall dispensers, one of shower gel and the other shampoo plus bars of soap for the sink? I think that’s what we had on Virtuosa but I wasn’t sure if it’s the same on Magnifica. Also, please tell me it’s not a shower curtain, I hate those things lol.

Now yes we are in a Bella grade at mo so we have the shower gel and shampoo plus hand soap from a dispenser. Unfortunately it's a shower curtain and yes tell me about it you turn around and the thing sticks like glue to you!! The newer ships all have glass doors which is soooo much nicer.