"YEA--New good review of Orchestra"

[owl61]

Janan - I authored the below reviews of the Azamara Journey, the NCL Jade, and the Oceania Insignia. They are all positive. No hidden agenda. I think MSC is bad and TA members contemplating choosing it should be forewarned. I am not obsessed with turning members away from it as the infrequency of my posts here would demonstrate. I have occasionally responded to inquiries of others setting forth my opinion of MSC in no uncertain terms. I have also remarked upon the vacuous platitudes that are invoked to rationalize the poor MSC product. I have a tendency to reply to asinine personal attacks. I confess I find it amusing.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=35968

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=41103

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=27928

 

Nonsense42, why don't we stick to critiquing cruise lines instead of fellow posters. Your insinuation that I am pedantic is silly. (I might have used "pretentious", but I didn't want to use a word you would have to look up.) You didn't vote for the McCain/Palin ticket by any chance, did you? They, especially she, showed the same disdain for carefully chosen words and proper sentence structure as you seem to. Anyway, I look forward to reading your review when you return from your first MSC cruise.

 

Angel, I'm afraid you missed the point. It is this. I do not maintain that my opinions are facts. Nothing I wrote supports that criticism. I do maintain that not all opinions are entitled to the same weight. When a person opines that cold hash is just as good as filet mignon, that ornery service from the concierge desk is as good as cheerful service or that little scratchy towels and a lumpy bed are better than big fluffy towels and a comfy bed, the vast majority of people would conclude that such a person's opinions are not credible and that s/he has low standards/bad taste. Do you really disagree with that?

 

Look, guys, the bottom line is whether choosing the inferior MSC product is justified because of its low price. If the MSC product is not inferior I would expect the members' reviews to reflect as much. As far as I can tell they do not.

[Davinababe]

Hi all, i've been reading this post with interest. I'm due to embark on my 1st MSC cruise on Tuesday, on the Orchestra transatlantic leaving from Genoa. I am going with an open mind and if it's as good a cruise as my 1st ever cruise last Christmas on the Costa Europa, i'll be very happy. I understand that Italian ships don't have the same organisation and managment as American companies, but i love the European ambience and style and Italian flavour

 

Anyway, 16 nights on the Orchestra definitely beats being at home in the UK with bad weather!

 

Davina

[AngelOfDistress]

Janan - I authored the below reviews of the Azamara Journey, the NCL Jade, and the Oceania Insignia. They are all positive. No hidden agenda. I think MSC is bad and TA members contemplating choosing it should be forewarned. I am not obsessed with turning members away from it as the infrequency of my posts here would demonstrate. I have occasionally responded to inquiries of others setting forth my opinion of MSC in no uncertain terms. I have also remarked upon the vacuous platitudes that are invoked to rationalize the poor MSC product. I have a tendency to reply to asinine personal attacks. I confess I find it amusing.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=35968

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=41103

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=27928

 

Nonsense42, why don't we stick to critiquing cruise lines instead of fellow posters. Your insinuation that I am pedantic is silly. (I might have used "pretentious", but I didn't want to use a word you would have to look up.) You didn't vote for the McCain/Palin ticket by any chance, did you? They, especially she, showed the same disdain for carefully chosen words and proper sentence structure as you seem to. Anyway, I look forward to reading your review when you return from your first MSC cruise.

 

Angel, I'm afraid you missed the point. It is this. I do not maintain that my opinions are facts. Nothing I wrote supports that criticism. I do maintain that not all opinions are entitled to the same weight. When a person opines that cold hash is just as good as filet mignon, that ornery service from the concierge desk is as good as cheerful service or that little scratchy towels and a lumpy bed are better than big fluffy towels and a comfy bed, the vast majority of people would conclude that such a person's opinions are not credible and that s/he has low standards/bad taste. Do you really disagree with that?

 

Look, guys, the bottom line is whether choosing the inferior MSC product is justified because of its low price. If the MSC product is not inferior I would expect the members' reviews to reflect as much. As far as I can tell they do not.

 

 

If I go to a little fast food where I'll pay 5.99$ for a hot dog, french fries and a cola, will I have the same culinary experience then if I pay 200$ to go to a 5 stars restaurant? Of course not! Will I still enjoy my hot dog? Of course I will.

 

Enough said..if you still don't understand the point, there's nothing more I can do!

[45014]

Owl61,

After reading your reviews, I have just 3 words

 

GET OVER YOURSELF

[nononsense42]

Hi Owl,

I find it most amusing that you asked me if I voted in the US election. How silly of you.

I'm Canadian, eh?!

Now look that up in YOUR dictionary

 

 

Janan - I authored the below reviews of the Azamara Journey, the NCL Jade, and the Oceania Insignia. They are all positive. No hidden agenda. I think MSC is bad and TA members contemplating choosing it should be forewarned. I am not obsessed with turning members away from it as the infrequency of my posts here would demonstrate. I have occasionally responded to inquiries of others setting forth my opinion of MSC in no uncertain terms. I have also remarked upon the vacuous platitudes that are invoked to rationalize the poor MSC product. I have a tendency to reply to asinine personal attacks. I confess I find it amusing.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=35968

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=41103

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=27928

 

Nonsense42, why don't we stick to critiquing cruise lines instead of fellow posters. Your insinuation that I am pedantic is silly. (I might have used "pretentious", but I didn't want to use a word you would have to look up.) You didn't vote for the McCain/Palin ticket by any chance, did you? They, especially she, showed the same disdain for carefully chosen words and proper sentence structure as you seem to. Anyway, I look forward to reading your review when you return from your first MSC cruise.

 

Angel, I'm afraid you missed the point. It is this. I do not maintain that my opinions are facts. Nothing I wrote supports that criticism. I do maintain that not all opinions are entitled to the same weight. When a person opines that cold hash is just as good as filet mignon, that ornery service from the concierge desk is as good as cheerful service or that little scratchy towels and a lumpy bed are better than big fluffy towels and a comfy bed, the vast majority of people would conclude that such a person's opinions are not credible and that s/he has low standards/bad taste. Do you really disagree with that?

 

Look, guys, the bottom line is whether choosing the inferior MSC product is justified because of its low price. If the MSC product is not inferior I would expect the members' reviews to reflect as much. As far as I can tell they do not.

[monicajay]

I read Owls response and it is very well worded. So well worded, I had to look up the meaning of the word "apropos."

It means: with reference to; in respect or regard to: apropos of the preceding statement.

Some people are just too eager to show how well-educated they are to the point of using "big" words at every possible turn. While it is true that "big" words tend to impress the casual readers, those who have excellent command of the language will readily see through it - like listening to music, the masters can instantaneously detect off-key notes.

I'm certainly not a master, but I'm sure we have more than a few here at Cruise Critic.

I have been on 16 cruises and this will be my first MSC cruise. We are sailing on Feb. 27th. I will post a review when I return. I haven't been on a bad cruise yet, and I have gone with several lines. It is all in your expectations and balancing the positive with the negative. Too many times we hear the negative and not enough of the positive.

 

Minor heart attack when I read this post. Departing on the 27th??? did I book the wrong day for the flight?? I'm flying on the 27th:eek:. Actually went to MSC site just to be sure and Nononsense your with me and we cruise on the 28th. Looking forward to meeting you. Breathing regularly again. :D

[nononsense42]

Hi, Sorry for the scare. We are flying out on the 27th and sailing on the 28th:) Glad to be back on the topic of crusing again:) Do you know if there is a "Meet and Greet" group? We are sailing with a family group of 12. I have 2 grandsons, 12 and 15 that sailed on Costa last year and had a great time. Hope they have some good programs for them. I'm easy to please:)

 

Minor heart attack when I read this post. Departing on the 27th??? did I book the wrong day for the flight?? I'm flying on the 27th:eek:. Actually went to MSC site just to be sure and Nononsense your with me and we cruise on the 28th. Looking forward to meeting you. Breathing regularly again. :D

[monicajay]

Nononsense,

 

No meet and greet organized yet, but I'm sure we will plan one. Follow the roll call and you will see it posted. Last year on Costa we all just met at the a specific spot at the pool bar and wore mardi gras beads to recognize each other. Very informal and lots of fun. At the meet and greet we also all agreed to meet back at the same spot at cocktail hour on the last day.

[lovetexas]

I know all of yall are devoted.... but PLEASE post reviews when you return!!

 

We do not cruise till March and any and all points I will gladly take and listen to--------

 

We are 2 adults and one 9 yo dd

 

Thanks and can't wait.

 

Sorry guys, I did not mean to get everyone riled up (as we say in Texas)

 

Oh, by the way,, yes I love Mrs. Palin! I mean anyone like her should be commended.. I'm from Texas and I also like to hunt, shoot, and am proud of the American, strong woman she is!!!

[Shocker]

It appears you are from Kansas, if not a graduate or appreciate a great school, we are from Kansas nad traveling on the Orchestra 1/ 24/09. When are you going?

 

Shocker

[gracecarmo]

Shocker: I guess you were directing your question to me? Yes...we do live in Lawrence.

All graduates of KU except DH, and I taught there as well.

Are you a KU grad?

 

We sail on the Orchestra, doing a b2b, Jan 31, and Feb.7.

[gperney]

I'm a Jayhawk grad (now in FL). I just picked up an MSC pamphlet the other day and am now considering a cruise. It will be good to hear the reviews when y'all get back.

[Kwaj girl]

Having read that MSC charges extra for pizza and room service - wonder if that will change to compete with other lines once the ship sails from US ports..

[AmoMondo]

Having read that MSC charges extra for pizza and room service - wonder if that will change to compete with other lines once the ship sails from US ports..

 

I've never been charged for pizza regardless of where the ship is cruising, so unless they have brought this charge in since September this year, I very much doubt you will pay extra for it. Room service is free in the US ports. It's ice cream they charge you for, if you dont have it in the dining room as part of lunch or dinner

[Kwaj girl]

storyweaver said in a cc member review of the Orchestra: <QUOTE You could have a chinese meal (at cost) or a 'better' meal at an exclusive restaurant (at cost), or a pizza (at cost).> Yet others have said "no charge". That's why I asked.

[AmoMondo]

storyweaver said in a cc member review of the Orchestra: <QUOTE You could have a chinese meal (at cost) or a 'better' meal at an exclusive restaurant (at cost), or a pizza (at cost).> Yet others have said "no charge". That's why I asked.

Well perhaps the orchestra has a premium restaurant at extra charge that they serve pizza at. However on the open air pizzaria open during the day on the pool deck on other ships its free. In any case i doubt that they will charge in the US

[gracecarmo]

My TA reported that there is no charge for pizza on the Orchestra in the Caribbean. She went on the Orchestra in the Med, to get a feel for the ship and answer some of the questions that many of her group were asking as well.

 

AmoMondo: do you know anything about the casino? What type of cash is used....foreign or US?

[AmoMondo]

If it is the same as the Opera and Lirica, then its Euros on European cruises and dollars in the Caribbean, the same as the currency and pricing onboard

[gracecarmo]

AmoMondo: thanks for the reply, however, I am still a bit confused about how the casino handles their money.

If in the Med and Europe the slot machines take Euros how does it work in the Caribbean? Do they change the coins or what? Or do they use tokens? (I bet they do!)

Can you put an American dollar in the slot of the machine to play, or do you have to insert a token (if used)?

We usually go into the casino after dinner for fun....and donations!

 

I hear the Orchestra is a stunning ship.

[AmoMondo]

Sorry i don't know. The slot machines were outside the casino and I never used them. I only played at the roulette tables a few times.

[owl61]

Earlier I wrote that "at the risk of offending some die hard MSC apologists, I would share a few thoughts about "opinions' , tastes, and the utility of these boards. I also wrote that the issue boils down to: is the price differential worth what you get on board MSC ? ... My experience with MSC, consistent with what I read on these boards, is that it is not worth the lower price to sail with MSC because the product is so much worse than the other mass market cruise lines. In response to that and a list of my positive reviews about other ships I got the following from 45014:

 

Owl61,

After reading your reviews, I have just 3 words

GET OVER YOURSELF

 

Gee 45014, I am flattered you actually took the time to read all my reviews, but isn't it against the rules of this site to insult/flame a fellow poster simply because you don't share his opinion?

By the way, what about the real subject of this thread, i.e. MSC?

In that regard please see the following reviews/comments from just the first page of this thread:

1. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=895424

(We have been on 18 previous cruises - all different cruiselines - this was our first and last on MSC. This cruise was so terrible that I have to write a review just to get it off my chest so I feel better about all my vacation time that was totally wasted.)

 

2. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=894622

( The staff were rude and unhelpful. The food was poor – mediocre. And MSC have become the nickel and dime champions – as well as the famous water policy, they now want to charge you for a newspaper (I just would quite like a ‘Britain today’ like other lines do for free) and the best one of all, no maps are given out for ports of call but you can purchase a copy at reception.

There is simply less included in an MSC cruise fare than other lines (including NCL). The service was so poor that for the first time in my 40 cruises I asked for the service charge to be removed from my account and tipped directly just the 2 people who provided me directly with good service.

With this cruise I was giving MSC a second chance, I was feeling lucky and full of hope. I’m afraid there is very unlikely to be a 3rd chance. Personally I can't help hoping that MSC decide to focus on their core business of moving containers around the world and sell the passenger side to a company than knows how to deal with people...

 

3. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=895208

(Personnel:We had the most difficulty with the ship's staff. W knew that English would not be the first language of many of them and anticipated the language barrier, but we found it especially difficult in the dining room. If you asked the waiter what was in a ish, they looked at you like you were crazy.

The Food:Mediocre at best. If you have cruised other lines you will likely be dissappointed.

 

4. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=894360

(I was not going to listen to the negativity of previous posters and form my own opinion about thie MSC cruise line. Well my husband and I took the week long Christmas cruise and will not use this line in the future. (We have been on 26 cruises in the past from all lines including other Eurpoean lines).

( Not my job was the reply from amny staff members, or they would ignore you and walk away.... It seemed that lack of communication was not the language barrier, it was the willingness for anyone in the manager position to help. Som individuals went beyond their means to help. Others quite frankly didn't care.

 

5. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=892010

(Food: The food looked beautiful, but was mediocre at best. Dinner consisted of at least five courses including a pasta course. The buffets offered in the casual dining room were also bland. If fine dining is important to your experience, you will be disappointed.

Personnel: This was the worse aspect of our vacation. Very few of the personnel had English as their first language which was sometimes frustrating. However, we were prepared for this, but we were not prepared for the air of general disdain & lack of knowledge about the ship, ports of call, and general procedures. We made a joke of it early on- joking about whose turn it was to ask a question at Reception, Accounting, or the Excursion desk. )

 

6. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=850454

(I read MSC boards and the majority of the people complain. Yes MSC cruises are cheap and their ships are beautiful but they are not for Americans. This senior Italian American has sailed on just about every cruise line from RCCL to CRYSTAL including MSC.

Christmas 2006 we sailed the OPERA from Genoa to Fort Lauderdale. The ship was largely Europeans, mostly Italian with few Americans. The entertainment was at best amateur night and how many nights can you see a tenor and two baritones in the theater? The food was at best mediocre with poor dining room service. For most of the cruise we were attended to by a dining room capitan after receiving the Italian handshake. Yes, the cruise staff was energetic but thier concept of fun is not ours. Frankly the 18 days were a bore with a few screw ups along the way. Pay the money and stick to the usual American lines.)

 

It doesn't appear MSC is improving.

[gracecarmo]

Owl: what ship were you on? I have found that within the same line there could be a vast difference between ships, re service, food, etc.

[kf657]

Myself and my family are traveling on the Orchestra in April. We are leaving from Fort Lauderdale, and we are also experienced cruisers...All I can say is that we are going with an open mind and we expect to have a good time reqardless. I feel that for the money and the fact we are now in NY with minus 1 wind chill...How bad can it be? A vacation is a vacation. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!:o

[Shocker]

we are leaving on the Orchestra 1/24/09. I will post my opinions about the ship, the crew, food etc. I am a firm believer there are not an bad cruises only some are better than others. I never take one circumstance and downgrade the entire cruise. I hope others post before I go.

[nevis92]

We spent a week in the Caribbean aboard the Opera (Spring of 2005). We were traveling with our two children who were 6 and 8 at the time. We had a wonderful cruise, enjoying most every aspect of it.

 

On the last morning of the cruise, we were sitting in the theater, waiting to disembark, and overheard several people complaining to each other about how disappointed they were with MSC. My wife and I sat there quietly in stunned disbelief at some of the comments. Could these folks have been on the Opera with us all week?

 

As you can see from my prior cruises, I have a lot of different cruise experiences to compare it to. Frankly, I find that we Americans, as a general rule, don't adapt well to change. MSC is a change from the norm.

 

From the aspect of service, it is as close to spending a week in Italy one will find without actually traveling there. It just proves the point that one should go with an open mind. If you are expecting a floating American shopping mall environment, with mass quantities of buffet food, stick with what you know and don't try something new.

 

Again, as you can see by my past cruises, I like to have new experiences on my vacation. I guarantee MSC will be a unique and enjoyable experience for the easy going traveler.