Orchestra 1/31-2/7/09 cruise first review

[wldflr]

Hi all,

 

Just a quick note to start what will be a series of reviews once I return to Ohio with about 1500 fellow Supercruisers (super bowl cruise)...

 

To those of you on the fence whether to book or change to another cruiseline...do it. Change or be very disappointed. No kidding from this forty+ yr. old.

 

Our group was on the Carnival Freedom last year, had a fabulous cruise and right now as we get to the last few days of the cruise we're on now, the co-ordinators are afraid to show their faces in public. It's that bad.

 

Food, service, attitude...all need a lot of work.

 

And this is the first ship that I've sailed on that didn't open the FULL casino while at sea by 10am. Orchestra opens the tables at 4pm which is a shame since we're a group of gamblers! And we've been kicked out at 2am most nights.

 

But more details once I get back on land...which sounds pretty good right now to a lot of people.

 

And thankfully our group will sail on the Carnival Dream in 2010!

[hess2201]

So, the entire cruise is a bust because you cant gamble 24/7??

 

sounds like you should have gone to las vegas!

[lawton54]

You post a positive review on here and everyone sings your praises, but those that have had different experiences on previous sailings seem to respect you opinion and don't post any type of retort.

 

Let me just say the we had a wonderful time on the Orchestra.

 

Not one flaming or questioning response.

 

But let someone else say that they are having an unpleasant experience and what is your response?

 

"So, the entire cruise is a bust because you cant gamble 24/7??

sounds like you should have gone to las vegas!"

 

That's very respectful of OTHER'S rights to post here, isn't it.

 

Wldflr, thanks for having the courage to open yourself up for what appears sure to come.

[harryfrancis]

We sailed the Celebrity Century last March and they didn't open the casino there til afternoon. I haven't been on either cruise line(yet) but I know from reading about both that they are NOT the same in many areas. Carnival has a reputation for being a party line right? Of course MSC and Carnival are going to be different... :confused:

[BonnieVA]

But I just can't anymore. I've been following all the Orchestra threads because we HAD been booked on her but cancelled when all the negative reviews came out. We only had about a week before final payment was due so it wasn't enough time to hear from future cruisers. We weren't willing to spend our vacation $ on a cruise we'd HOPE would be a good one ... we wanted something more reliable. But I'm watching because maybe things will get better & we'll book her for another cruise later on.

 

So, anyway, I do agree that posters w/ anything negative to say are getting their heads chewed off. I have no idea whether these people are too picky or if they have totally valid complaints. But I can't judge & won't criticize them. I'm just here to listen.

 

And, if you read what the OP wrote carefully, you'd see they didn't JUST complain about gambling. They also mentioned food, service & attitiude & that they'd write more later. After all, they're on the ship & their internet minutes aren't free so we'll have to wait & see the fianl review.

[VA_CRUISERS]

Agreed. Everyone has a right to be heard & their opinions should not simply be written off as 'picky'. We had a wonderful time on our trip, but everyone has their own opinions and experiences. Safe to say that I've seen folks displeased on every cruise I've ever been on. Often times I wouldn't agree with their gripes, but they had every right to make them.

[boca7]

SORRY bonnie VA THAT YOU WEREN`T OPEN MINDED TO LISTEN TO COMPLAINTS & EVALUATE THERE MERIT, THEY WERE VERY ONE SIDED. YOU HAVE MISSED A FABULOUS CRUISE, HOPEFULLY THEY WILL COME BACK NEXT YEAR . I HAVE BEEN ON 4 MSC CRUISES & ARE LOOKING TO GO BACK AGAIN.

[BonnieVA]

OK, here we go ...

 

I wasn't "open minded"? I'd call myself a smart shopper. Where I spend my money is completely up to me & we made a decision after reading BOTH positive AND negative reviews. We also "shopped" for the alternate cruise we chose, after reading both positive AND negative reviews. Saying I am not "open minded" is yet another unnecessary, aggressive accusation being made on the MSC threads over & over again.

 

I was not supporting the MSC haters. And I was not supporting the MSC worshippers. I simply said that I needed more time to make a judgement before spending that much money on our vacation. Would I be "open minded" if I only put merit in the positive reviews? I guess so, according to several posters here.

 

And, I have to say, I was wary of our MSC experience for a few months BEFORE the Jan reviews came in. There was just something about the MSC experience that wasn't sitting well w/ me. Just a gut feeling. I was apprehensive for months. So, now we are booked on another line & I am beyond myself w/ excitment ... I'm more excited about the line, the ship AND the ports. Whether the actual experience will be better I will never know but I KNOW that, for now, MSC is not for our family. So if my closed-mindedness brought me to this better place, this place of excitmenet & anticipation, then so be it!

[nevis92]

Emotions seem to run high when one is planning/researching cruises. After all, this is a decision that will impact an entire week of someone's life. But let us all remember, it is a vacation; not life and death.

 

We all know who the few troublemakers are on this site. I suggest we ignore them and don't dignify the personal attacks with a response. Let's learn from each other by sharing our experiences, both good and bad, and respect that we all have different tastes and expectations.

 

I wouldn't blame someone for canceling their cruise after reading the very mixed reviews. I actually canceled our 3/21 Orchestra cruise after reading about the TA 17 day and the 2 day negatives. But I've sailed with MSC before and know what to expect. I therefore decided to re-book and plan to enjoy what will be a very unique cruising experience.

 

For those considering a cruise with MSC, I hope to see many more reviews, both good and bad, so folks can make an informed decision. For those already booked like me, these reviews are invaluable in helping us know what to expect.

[br0kwrx]

To be honest, I had the time of my life on the Jan 24th sailing, but I dont blame anyone for backing down, nor do I think I would recommend the cruise line to anyone either. Why? Because it seems too risky.

 

There's no way for me to know, with all the negative reviews, if the cruise line is really as satifying as I think it is, or if I just lucked out on my cruise, with my service, my food, the entertainement, the weather, and how all of the above fit my priorities.

 

I personally wouldnt have even known there was a casino if I didnt have to walk through it to get places. Couldnt care less. But maybe thats important to someone. Althought I thought the dining was always very good...I generally want to be in an out (and thats what we did...2-3 courses per meal...in/out in 45 minutes). Maybe those who like to stick arround and receive a lot of attention from the waiters, would have been disapointed.

 

Emotions likely run high because I feel MSC accomplished exactly what I was looking for on this cruise. I wouldnt want to see it change into just another american cruise line.

[tazaroo]

You post a positive review on here and everyone sings your praises, but those that have had different experiences on previous sailings seem to respect you opinion and don't post any type of retort.

 

Let me just say the we had a wonderful time on the Orchestra.

 

Not one flaming or questioning response.

 

But let someone else say that they are having an unpleasant experience and what is your response?

 

"So, the entire cruise is a bust because you cant gamble 24/7??

sounds like you should have gone to las vegas!"

 

That's very respectful of OTHER'S rights to post here, isn't it.

 

Wldflr, thanks for having the courage to open yourself up for what appears sure to come.

 

 

I think this person posted this because it sounded exactly like that is why the original thread starter was disappointed in the cruise. Maybe they are going to add more later. That is a positive to me if you don't like gambling. I have been on Carnival cruise and I must say I had a good time but they do focus too much on the "party life".

 

I am bringing my kids on this cruise and am glad that it isn't going to be catered about gambling, loud music at the pool and such.

[owl61]

Please post your review or recommendation ONLY in response to request...do not start a new thread. Thanks!

(The CC staff). Does this CC notice apply to the cruiseline boards as well as the port boards?

[WhoDat]

Emotions seem to run high when one is planning/researching cruises. After all, this is a decision that will impact an entire week of someone's life. But let us all remember, it is a vacation; not life and death.

 

Yes, and not just a week, maybe more maybe less, of someone's life. It's also the money involved. And with today's economy, some of us may be digging into the budget and having to justify even taking a vacation.

[gracecarmo]

I am now on the Orchestra with the Supercruise group. We really do not have any complaints, but this is our first cruise with this group so we do not have anything to compare with. Many in the group have complaints, as the Orchestra is much different than Carnival, which they are use to.

 

For us, the ship is clean, food is adequate (good, but not great) and the casino is too smokey. The service in our cabin is excellent, but other personnel seem to have a language barrier.

 

I guess it all comes down to what you expect re past cruises? Celebrity is our real choice, but really, no major complaints re the Orchestra for us.

 

Entertainment for us in the theatre is really good...last night they had a Celtic program that was like Riverdance....standing ovation.

 

We are also continuing on with the Feb.7 cruise, the Irish Stars.

 

I will post a little more as the week progresses.

[cruzinmom]

:) Thanks. It's so nice of you to post while on the Orchestra. Have you tried the steam room yet? Enjoy the rest of your cruise:)

[noblepa]

Once again, we have the case in which two people are on the same ship at the same time and one says, in effect, "don't waste your money", while the other says things are good.

 

Wldflr claims its terrible. Gracecarmo says its nice. Both seem to be experienced cruisers. Whose judgement do you base your own decisions on?

 

We're sailing on the Orchestra in April. We'll just have to keep an open mind and hope for the best. Some may think my attitude is trite, but I really do believe that a bad day at sea is better than a good day at the office. I intend to have a good time and I've found that that is the most important ingredient of an enjoyable vacation.

 

I'll report back here, when I return.

 

Paul

[AmoMondo]

I'll throw in my tuppence worth....

 

Really sorry to hear that the OP and his group are hating their trip. However i don't find it that surprising as they state how much they like Carnival. MSC is almost the complete opposite of Carnival. Personally speaking if I were on a Carnival ship right now I'm pretty sure I'd be as miserable as they appear to be on the orchestra.

 

Thankfully, people are all different with very differing tastes and preferences (not bad or good just different) and thankfully their are a variety of cruiselines that offer a product more geared to those variations. The nack is to hit on the one that suits what you like or most of what you like. if you get it completely wrong, i can fully understand why we get such varying opinions of the exact same cruise.

[mresend]

This is a thread post from the same cruise on another thread. Everyone has there own opinion.

I think it is what you make of a vacation. Our family will be together and thats what matters most. I'm not worried about a casino being open by a certain time like the first post.

 

________________________________________________________

Relax everyone....the Orchestra is really wonderful.

Food....just as good as X, or RCCL. No complaints there.

Entertainment: mostly dancing, and jugglers, acrobats. Not as good as X or Rccl.

Rooms: clean and adequate, a little smaller than X or Rccl, but really very nice.

Service: no complaints...never had anyone being rude.

Dinner times...early at 5:30, late at 8.

 

Internet really slow....back later.

 

Oh, embarkation a breeze...we got there around 11 and went right in.

If you have the Express Pass....don't go in that line! Everyone else is there. The regular line was much quicker!

 

One glitch....tendering at Levantado....a real disaster. We never got off. The tenders were slow in letting people off at Levantado, as another ship was in port.

__________________

Grace

 

Over 45 cruises on 12 lines....RCL (4), Sun (1), Costa (1), NCL(4), Epirotiki (1), Princess (10), Regency(1),HAL(4), Cunard(1), Celebrity(17), KD(1), Grand Circle(3)

[bobar]

It's ironic that a year or 2 ago it was the people who had anything positive to say about MSC that were attacked..I was one of them..I have sailed MSC 3 times in my 37 cruises that include all the major cruise lines except princess... My favorite is MSC, 2nd is Costa, 3rd is NCL...What they all have in common is they are different..I love MSC andam devistated that due to the economy I had to cancel my 2/28 cruise on the Orchestra. Iwas so looking forward to it..

I will admit, and i am a gambler, that their casinos are not their priority,

but their shows are great.The best at sea besiddes NCLS broadway shows.

Their food, to this 47 yr old italian, who orders only italian food when i sail on them is great..not so good steak ,but italians dont eat a lot of steak..

Stick to the italian stuff and you'll love it..

You definately have to want to sail on an italian ship, that is italian in all it does to enjoy MSC or Costa, but if you are into experiencing that atmosphere you cant go wrong..

If you are not into that and still can you probably should cancel your cruise and book a more mainstream american line..

I'm sorry to those who didn't have a good time ,especially if you did ytour research and found out all the nuanses before you sailed, and thrilled to see so many people enjoying MSC..Hopefully i'll be able to get back on again this fall...

Peace, Love and to anyone out there with comments ,either negative or positive ,be specific and honest as you are helping other people to decide where tospend their money and providing a valuable free service to all of us out here that try make decisions as to what we would or wold not enjoy on a cruise....

THanks for reading this and hope to hear lots more about the Orchestra..she sure looks beautiful!:cool:

[gracecarmo]

It's now the new embarkation day in FLL...we are also on the 2-7 cruise.

 

The majority of the Supercruisers were unhappy, due to the cruise not being up to the standards that they received on Carnival.

 

For us, (we were also part of the Supercruisers, first time with them) we did find a few minor issues, compared to X and RCCL. But these issues were in no way making our cruise not enjoyable.

 

I asked what the Supercruisers did not like and they indicated that the casino was too small, and the port times too short. Also, their special cocktail parties were not as good as Carnival.

 

We found the food good, not excellent. The other minor issue we did have was with communication at the main desk.

 

I think if you go into this cruise with high expectations you will be somewhat disappointed. However, the price was low and what can you expect?

 

Future cruisers....just relax and enjoy.

[Lard Greystoke]

The majority of the Supercruisers were unhappy, due to the cruise not being up to the standards that they received on Carnival.

 

For us, (we were also part of the Supercruisers, first time with them) we did find a few minor issues, compared to X and RCCL. But these issues were in no way making our cruise not enjoyable.

 

I asked what the Supercruisers did not like and they indicated that the casino was too small, and the port times too short. Also, their special cocktail parties were not as good as Carnival.

 

This is the sort of factual information we can use. For many of us, gambling and booze are not as all-important as for some others. In fact, MSC's "lower standards" in this area are for me a plus. Those who wish to simultaneously perforate their livers and wallets are welcome to Carnival.

 

Future cruisers....just relax and enjoy.

 

zzzot

[Rumball]

for those puzzled by the last post: "zzzot" is a desperate cry for attention.

[wldflr]

Okay cruisers, so now I'm back in Ohio after what turned out to be a somewhat disappointing cruise on the Orchestra.

 

And before some of you flame me, let me say that I have been on 10+ cruises from a 2 week Royal Caribbean cruise of Scand./Russia to spending a week on the Legacy on Windjammer in the Caribbean - both ends of the cruising spectrum when it comes to high end to all-out party boat.

 

And in many ways, yes, our group of 1500 were comparing MSC to Carnival since many of the previous 15 annual cruises were on that cruiseline (but not all). We've done Costa as well and last week, Costa looked really, really good to many. Heck, ALL the other cruise ships docked in port looked good.

 

So when you cruise as much as our friends and us have cruised, you come to expect a minimal level of food quality, service and attitude. IT JUST WASN'T ON THIS SHIP...I hope you see this CEO Richard Sasso. I soooo wanted to send the execs. from MSC on the other cruise ships in the Caribbean just so they could get an idea of what is normal.

 

But charging extra for ice cream on the pool deck?

Charging extra for pizza in the evening 8-11pm?

Charging for all room service other than the free coffee/croissants in the morning? Sorry, breakfast in your cabin on your balcony...it's gonna cost ya.

 

And speaking of room service...Our friends called for room service at 2:30am after the casino closed only to be told "nobody here right now, we'll call you back." They never did and there was no place for them to get anything to eat until the buffet opened at 6am.

 

Food in the dining room wasn't that great either, even the italian-based dishes (is risotto supposed to be crunchy?). And is it just me or do other cruise lines offer more than 4 choices of entrees, 2 salads and only 2 choices for dessert? I went thru chocolate withdrawal...none to be had.

 

And where were the crew members walking around the pool area with trays of the "drink of the day" avail...nope. Not on this ship.

 

Speaking of the pool deck...one afternoon on a sea day, I walked thru and heard NOTHING..."where's the music or a band?" I asked. And the giant video board was a non-stop commercial for MSC. No movies shown on it.

 

And it was the exception, not the norm to have a staff member say a cheerful "hello" when passing them in the halls. Not once did our cabin steward visit us. Most people had no idea that the slot by the door just inside their cabin was for their room card to turn on the lights and to let the steward know they were in the room. Lots of stories of stewards entering the cabins while people were getting dressed/showering!

 

On several occasions, we saw several staff members yell/chew out subordinate crew in public areas right in front of us in the buffet area as we sat there eating. Hmmm....it was quite a show watching the italian officers go off.

 

To all the first-time cruisers traveling with us, we kept saying..."it's not normally like this!" for everything.

 

You should have seen the very long line of people at the accounting desk asking to have the tip $ removed from their credit cards. We were NOT alone...

 

We could not cash our travelers checks in the casino at the cashier window one evening (a first for me). They told us that we would have to wait until the next morning to do it at the accounting desk at 9am. We ended up putting $ on our room card instead so we could gamble and then paying it back the following a.m. with our checks (minus a 3% fee, of course).

 

We arrived in ALL ports of call late, and actually most passengers stayed on the ship at our first port, MSC's private island when getting off by tenders was taking forever. They started at 11:15am and we were still waiting to get off at 1pm and there were lots of people behind us. Last group called to get off at 1:40pm. All passengers had to be back by 4...not much of a beach 'day' huh?

 

We signed up for the Canopy tour on Antigua...tour didn't leave until 10am, 30 minute cab ride to the site...we only got to do the 9 zip lines, and not the 'challenge course' afterwards due to the fact that we had to be back on the ship by 1pm (got back at 1:20 actually). No time for shopping in the gift shop or buy pictures they took. Hurried us all back in the cabs. We did this tour 2 years ago and we're very disappointed that we paid $90 for half a tour this time. We asked for 1/2 $ back but the Excursion desk staff said too bad.

 

Arrived in Nassau at 3pm instead of noon and had to be back by 6:30...so we hopped a cab to Atlantis, had lunch (yum, real food!), played slots for 45 minutes and made it back barely.

 

The Orchestra is pretty, but I nicknamed it the 'ship of mirrors' since they were freakin' everywhere! How about getting in an elevator with 4 walls of mirrors? It was unnerving at times. Wall-to-wall mirrors on every stair landing (other ships put lovely murals or artwork here, right? I've taken pics before and I know it!) Large floor-to-ceiling mirrors in every cabin too. If you're vain, THIS is your ship :)

 

My lunch hour is over here at work and I'm just getting started...darn.

 

And really, folks...I have 2 vacation rules. 1. If something goes wrong, get over it and have a good time, you're on vacation. 2. If there is something you want to see/buy/do and it's within reason, SEE/BUY/DO it - my rule of no regrets.

 

This past week was a true test of my 2 vacation rules...and I've had a cruise ship sail without us and we still had a good time! So not divas here.

 

Okay...now it's everyone else's turn to reply and I'll be back later...but I know our group will not be re-booking with MSC again. Period. And just so you know, we all paid exactly the same as we did last year sailing on the Carnival Freedom so that really hurt too!

[Janan]

should I? Nah....

 

Andy

[br0kwrx]

Its too bad you had such a poor time. I have to admin I did not experience your problems, but the only part that would bug me was being late to dock/tender. That would be a real pain as it is truly the part I really look forward to. Fortunately I did not experience that on the Jan 24th sailing.

 

I am surprised though that none of the crew said hello to you - I experienced the opposite, we noticed we couldnt sneak by without getting a warm hello and a smile from all the crew.

 

It's a shame that you missed the day at Cayo Laventado. Definitely one of the highlights for me. :/