I booked an MSC cruise even after being refused by my TA. Beautiful ship but many cons.

[Hutcha]

When asked, my TA confirmed that dealing with MSC is very time consuming and tedious. It took months, and dozens of calls and emails to get a military discount applied to my two bookings.

 

On your list of complaints/drawbacks, don't let others minimize your viewpoint. If it's important to you, that's all that matters. Someone else might have the same views as you, and they'll appreciate your insight. 

 

Thanks for the info! 

[styles27]

On 4/30/2023 at 9:31 PM, JamieLogical said:

 

I was able to pre-buy the Carousel Lounge show online in the "Specialty Dining" area of the website for my booking. I wasn't able to pick a day/time for the show until I was onboard and I had to go to the specialty dining reservation desk (inside the Ocean Cay restaurant) to do that on embarkation day.

 

Hot-spotting is not possible on all phones. I specifically have a Google Pixel 5, so I know it is possible on my phone and some other android phones. It is not possible on an iPhone.

We use our iPhones for hotspot all the time. 

[styles27]

On 5/1/2023 at 11:22 AM, KKB said:

None of those things were deal breakers.

And the lack of common courtesy by far too many passengers COULD be in the future, if it is truly a pattern. But I try not to judge based on one experience--could be situational.

3 weeks coming up on the Preziosa in Europe--guess I'll know by the end of the month!

(then again comparing Caribbean to Europe cruises...not quite the same either, is it?)

The lack of common courtesy from many passengers is the main reason I cannot get my husband to book another MSC cruise from the US. 
He is open to booking another one from Europe though as our experience was very different so I’m currently searching for something before he changes his mind. 
Unfortunately I’m reading daily negatives about passenger behavior (especially out of Miami) on other sites.😏

 

[mvh]

On 5/3/2023 at 9:44 PM, 1kaper said:

 

I keep reading this but I’ve talked to 4 different travel agents who deal with MSC and all of them had no issues working with MSC. One worked exclusively with MSC. 
I brought up the issue with customer service and was told they don’t have the issue. 
 

 

From what I’ve read here there may be different levels for TAs dealing with MSX Not quite sure how to describe it or how it works. If that’s true that may be a factor. All I know is not every TA hates working with MSC. 

Any TA that won't work with MSC is just flat our lazy and wants to make money and do nothing. Seriously, how difficult is it to make a few phone calls and book a cruise. I would never use a TA that wouldn't book what I wanted.  Every TA I have used has never complained about MSC, even if it was a little more work.

[KKB]

4 hours ago, styles27 said:

The lack of common courtesy from many passengers is the main reason I cannot get my husband to book another MSC cruise from the US. 
He is open to booking another one from Europe though as our experience was very different so I’m currently searching for something before he changes his mind. 
Unfortunately I’m reading daily negatives about passenger behavior (especially out of Miami) on other sites.😏

 

It is quite as bad on this Europe sailing…but still worse than other lines I’ve sailed from US

[20165]

4 hours ago, styles27 said:

The lack of common courtesy from many passengers is the main reason I cannot get my husband to book another MSC cruise from the US. 
He is open to booking another one from Europe though as our experience was very different so I’m currently searching for something before he changes his mind. 
Unfortunately I’m reading daily negatives about passenger behavior (especially out of Miami) on other sites.😏

 

Would you say this is because of non US passengers or the low price that MSC has been offering has been attracting more first time cruisers?

[styles27]

24 minutes ago, 20165 said:

Would you say this is because of non US passengers or the low price that MSC has been offering has been attracting more first time cruisers?

I really think it was the super low pricing which included the all in alcohol.  What we paid for 2 weeks all in was half the price of other lines we looked at. 

[styles27]

41 minutes ago, KKB said:

It is quite as bad on this Europe sailing…but still worse than other lines I’ve sailed from US

Ugh I’m sorry to hear this. What is happening? 
Just came back from NCL to Bermuda a few weeks ago and saw none of that…and we had a sold out ship during school vacation. I don’t get it. 

Having said that one week on NCL was more $$ than our 2 weeks on MSC and we did not have the drink package on NCL. 

[1kaper]

5 hours ago, styles27 said:

The lack of common courtesy from many passengers is the main reason I cannot get my husband to book another MSC cruise from the US. 
He is open to booking another one from Europe though as our experience was very different so I’m currently searching for something before he changes his mind. 
Unfortunately I’m reading daily negatives about passenger behavior (especially out of Miami) on other sites.😏

 

 

I just got off a cruise and can say this is the worst behaviour I’ve seen. 
The elevators were a complete disaster. You often had to wait for the 3rd or 4th elevator and so many just jumped on despite others waiting before them. 
There was a long, long line to enter the dining room that moved slowly. A whole family cut in line in front of my niece. The people in front of them pointed out twice that the line started way behind. They just laughed. My niece said something about it and the response was “you must be some hungry to care”. 
someone described the south beach pool on seaday as “jersey shore” (as in the show). 
This was just a few things. 
I’ve only ever sailed MSC and Carnival.  I hear a lot about bad behaviour on carnival but I haven’t seen much bad behaviour there. the worst I’ve seen was this cruise. Granted it was a 4 night which I know tend to be a little more rowdy. 

[styles27]

1 minute ago, 1kaper said:

 

I just got off a cruise and can say this is the worst behaviour I’ve seen. 
The elevators were a complete disaster. You often had to wait for the 3rd or 4th elevator and so many just jumped on despite others waiting before them. 
There was a long, long line to enter the dining room that moved slowly. A whole family cut in line in front of my niece. The people in front of them pointed out twice that the line started way behind. They just laughed. My niece said something about it and the response was “you must be some hungry to care”. 
someone described the south beach pool on seaday as “jersey shore” (as in the show). 
This was just a few things. 
I’ve only ever sailed MSC and Carnival.  I hear a lot about bad behaviour on carnival but I haven’t seen much bad behaviour there. the worst I’ve seen was this cruise. Granted it was a 4 night which I know tend to be a little more rowdy. 

I don’t understand why this is becoming common ground on their ships. 
I agree…we’ve sailed Carnival many many times in the past when our kids were young and while there were some party-ers who drank too much it was nothing compared to the rude jerks on our cruise. On Carnival they were the minority on Divina they were the majority and it wasn’t fun. 

 

It’s a real shame that adults act like this. 

[Illbcruzn4life]

3 hours ago, styles27 said:

I don’t understand why this is becoming common ground on their ships. 
I agree…we’ve sailed Carnival many many times in the past when our kids were young and while there were some party-ers who drank too much it was nothing compared to the rude jerks on our cruise. On Carnival they were the minority on Divina they were the majority and it wasn’t fun. 

 

It’s a real shame that adults act like this. 

Like there wasn't enough negative stuff about MSC. We have 3 cruises booked but if the one we are taking next month is filled with rude pax it might be one and done.

[JamieLogical]

10 hours ago, styles27 said:

We use our iPhones for hotspot all the time. 

 

My understanding is that iPhones can only be used to hotspot if/when they have a cell signal. They cannot be used to hotspot when they only have a wifi signal. I could be completely wrong, though. I have I have never owned an iPhone and am only going by what I have read online.

[20165]

15 hours ago, styles27 said:

I really think it was the super low pricing which included the all in alcohol.  What we paid for 2 weeks all in was half the price of other lines we looked at. 

Thank you and thats what i was afraid of and the reason we dont sail carnival.  This is a last minute cruise for us,  booked about 3 weeks ago so we didnt get those ultra cheap prices.  We just have to cruise on a certain date and this one seemed to be the best fit. Fingers crossed we have a better experience...

[taxesbyt]

On 4/30/2023 at 9:28 PM, Illbcruzn4life said:

As has been mentioned about their IT, I have the easy plus and wanted to upgrade to the next package.

 

Neither the website or the app even acknowledge that I even have a drink package and say I can buy the easy plus for $427. Smh

I have this issue too, I was told to talk to them when I get on the ship and see if I can upgrade at that time.

 

[mizLORInj]

Wait, there is a charge for some shows? 

 

I remember Norwegian charged for "Choir of Man" and I think some other murder mystery from years back.  Other than that, no Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean or Virgin Voyages show had a charge for entertainment that I can recall.   

 

[JamieLogical]

4 minutes ago, mizLORInj said:

Wait, there is a charge for some shows? 

 

I remember Norwegian charged for "Choir of Man" and I think some other murder mystery from years back.  Other than that, no Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean or Virgin Voyages show had a charge for entertainment that I can recall.   

 

 

On the Meraviglia at least, there is a charge for the shows in the Carousel Lounge, which is a separate venue from the main theater. There are currently two shows being offered there: Rock Circus and House of Houdini. The price is $18pp if booked onboard, $12pp if booked online ahead of time, and $5pp if booked onboard and you have a Specialty Dining package (though it does not count as one of your specialty dining credits, since there is no food involved). There are pre-set cocktails included in the cost of the show.

[1kaper]

34 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Since you sail in the YC, can you tell me if the muster drill is the same for us?  I can't imagine them making us walk down flights of stairs to check in for that.  I would picture them doing it in our area of the ship.

 

You have to walk to your muster station to become familiar with where it is, that's why they have you check in there. It would all depend on where the muster station is in YC.  In my case, our muster station was 2 floors down (not YC)  

Edited May 17, 2023 by 1kaper

[NCteacherlovescruising]

35 minutes ago, 1kaper said:

 

You have to walk to your muster station to become familiar with where it is, that's why they have you check in there. It would all depend on where the muster station is in YC.  In my case, our muster station was 2 floors down (not YC)  

I didn't think about that.

[JAGR]

1 hour ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

I didn't think about that.

It can be a pretty good descent (and then climb!).  On Seashore, we went from  Top Sail on16 to the casino on 7.

[rsail203]

Amazing that this topic is still going strong

 OP here. I  decided to book  the Dec. 2nd Meraviglia cruise without my TA. I've  had a status match to Gold and gotten my discounts by talking on the phone with MSC. So far so good. I'm  wondering  how check-in  will go in September. 

 

[luv2sailAgain]

On 4/30/2023 at 7:34 PM, lovemycruisetoo said:

We only deal with our MSC cruise concierge to book our cruises. We have never had to call their center ever. I just send an email or text him and within a few minutes, he calls me. We have 8 YC booked and there have been some special circumstances that he was able to help us with.  

 

I found your post while researching after my TA declined to book my cruise. I have two questions and was hoping you would be willing to give me some advice.

 

I am researching booking two state rooms in the MSC YC. When I am searching on the MSCUSA site, a pop-up appears asking if I would like a cruise concierge to call me.  Is this how to access the same type of cruise concierge you are referencing? 

 

I am planning a trip for two college age kids, my mom, and myself. I rarely make changes once my plans are made.However, my mom may be more likely to require a change. Clearly, life happens and any of us could have a problem. Should an unfortunate event happen, would the cruise concierge have the ability to make a sailing date or name change?

 

Thank you for any help!

Edited June 21, 2023 by luv2sailAgain

[chaparro28906]

There are many more reasons that your TA refuses to offer MSC cruises. MSC nickels and dimes you to death. Their photographers (of which there is an army) constantly hound you to buy photos. Every announcement is advertising more opportunities to spend.  And the daily paper is half advertising to sell you more stuff! But the worst, especially for your travel agent, is the fact that MSC if a private company, and answers to no one.  Not shareholders, not Travel agents, and certainly not you.  They have owed me $3500 for over 6 months and constantly give me new reasons that they cannot pay me.  This morning I was told that I needed to provide a copy of my passport. To get a refund?!! Each month they send me a refund order and tell me that I should have it in a few days, then after I email them 5 times asking for an update they tell me that something is wrong. Or they need this.  Or that.  They refuse to refund to my credit card.  Nope. Too easy 

I know what your TA is thinking but not saying.  Because of the dishonesty of MSC she won't do business with them.  I wish I had listened to your TA.

[JamieLogical]

5 hours ago, chaparro28906 said:

There are many more reasons that your TA refuses to offer MSC cruises. MSC nickels and dimes you to death. Their photographers (of which there is an army) constantly hound you to buy photos. Every announcement is advertising more opportunities to spend.  And the daily paper is half advertising to sell you more stuff! But the worst, especially for your travel agent, is the fact that MSC if a private company, and answers to no one.  Not shareholders, not Travel agents, and certainly not you.  They have owed me $3500 for over 6 months and constantly give me new reasons that they cannot pay me.  This morning I was told that I needed to provide a copy of my passport. To get a refund?!! Each month they send me a refund order and tell me that I should have it in a few days, then after I email them 5 times asking for an update they tell me that something is wrong. Or they need this.  Or that.  They refuse to refund to my credit card.  Nope. Too easy 

I know what your TA is thinking but not saying.  Because of the dishonesty of MSC she won't do business with them.  I wish I had listened to your TA.

 

I don't know anything about why you are deserving of a $3500 refund or why you haven't received it yet, but I was onboard the Meraviglia for 18 days in April and I don't remember even once being spoken to by a photographer or any announcements about spending more money onboard...

[perakcruiser]

21 hours ago, luv2sailAgain said:

I found your post while researching after my TA declined to book my cruise. I have two questions and was hoping you would be willing to give me some advice.

 

The truth is that it is all about status. Your TA probably has the lowest status with MSC, so no dedicated hotline, no perks, no bonuses, it is the same as with us passengers, some are YC, some are Bella Inside and they will not get the same experience with MSC 😉 

21 hours ago, luv2sailAgain said:

Should an unfortunate event happen, would the cruise concierge have the ability to make a sailing date or name change?

 

 

Not sure how this works, but my TA (not in US market, so no use for you) can handle this things. He has the highest status for TA with MSC, that is COMMANDER. On the other hand exactly this TA complains a lot about Celebrity Cruises, they ignore questions, reply extremely slow, bad availability on the phone and so on. 

 

To make it short, a TA who has a excellent business status with RCCL probably will tell you bad things about MSC and that he don´t want to do business with them. And opposite with MSC "Commanders". So always keep in mind, what a TA tells you always depends on HIS relationship with the cruise line and not your cruise experience. 

 

[Envelope21]

I've only been on one MSC cruise, but do have another booked in 4 weeks. Their prices are usually cheaper. The ship we were on was beautiful.

 

I agree with some of what the OP stated. MSC definitely has a different style than other cruises lines I've been on (RCCI, NCL, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, Viking). I found the service in the MDR to be particularly troublesome, but that might have been that particular ship or that particular server. One really odd thing he did was he took the order from one couple, then left, then came back to take another couple and then came back again to take ours. One person ordered a glass of wine and it didn't come until she had her desert. 

 

The thing about no drinks in the theater is certainly not a deal breaker, but just surprising when you are used to other cruise lines where they actually have a bar inside the theater and sell drinks there. i saw many unhappy people who didn't know about the policy and showed up at the theater with a recently purchased drink, and they couldn't bring it in.

 

I thought the shows were a little sub par. The singers and dancers were OK, but we noticed that the choreography in all three shows was almost identical. It became comical when they did the exact same things in all three shows. It was like they changed costumes and set design, but did the same dance steps.

 

I have not had a TA refuse to book an MSC cruise, but I have had them try to discourage me from doing so.

 

Finally, another weird thing that happened was that I had paid for Fantastica for the sole purpose of being able to pick my cabin. DH has mobility issues and I wanted a cabin near an elevator. Two days before the cruise, I noticed they had moved us to a different cabin. It was actually an upgraded cabin, but it was at the far end of the ship. It took 4 phone calls to get it straighten out.