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MSC Cruises
One of the biggest contributing factors was the ship's layout and flow. Some areas lead to dead ends, while others force you to enter busy areas — like the massive Marketplace Buffet — to find stairs to go up or down a deck. In several bars and lounges in the main atrium, tables and chairs are scattered so close to the main staircase that it's difficult for two-way passenger traffic to move through the space.
Shows for a fee
Everything is in English (signage, first language, announcements), and there is an American steakhouse. I have never said, "No other cruise line does it like this," as much as I did on our first day on board MSC Seashore. The line's American clientele tends to dress more casually at night, as well, but the line suggests "smart casual" attire for dinner. That might include khakis with button-down or polo-style collared shirts for men and sundresses or nice pants with a flowy top for women. Dark, unripped jeans are also acceptable for both men and women. You must be 21 to consume alcohol on MSC Meraviglia's sailings from the U.S.
Why I left Royal Caribbean for MSC Cruises
Our standard balcony cabin was nice, and my family of four survived remarkably well in one room for a week, which is reason enough to thank MSC Cruises for a successful vacation. My kids (and I) needed alternatives, as they would on any line. Technically, based on the fare class we purchased, we were entitled to free continental breakfast via room service. But since there was no table on our balcony, and only a cluttered desk surface where you could put down dishes, we'd likely be eating in our beds, so we ended up skipping in-cabin food service.
MSC Seascape Dining Options Abound; Specialty Restaurants Take the Cake
On the flip side, if you're going to make people watch a video instead of doing a live demonstration, why make everyone go to their stations simultaneously? The process creates a chaotic environment where, in my case, people were required to walk into the theater, do a lap around it (for reasons nobody ever actually explained) and immediately exit again. During these shows, themed scenes — including deck plans for the muster drill, dinosaurs and volcanos during the "Jurassic" dome show and even famous ceilings — appear overhead. They're the metaphorical heartbeat of the ship, and you can't help but stop to watch. The ship exudes the same glitz that's typical of other MSC vessels, despite its mass-market appeal and penchant for attracting budget travelers.
How To Choose The Best Cruise Ship Cabin For You
One thing I disliked about MSC was that the one device internet package actually meant one device. Once you logged on to the internet on one device, whether your phone or computer, you could not switch between devices for the rest of the sailing. On an American cruise line, the ship’s pizza venue has to match the quality of a chain like Papa Johns.
MSC Cruises does not offer self-service laundry facilities on any of its ships. However, passengers can send their clothing out to be washed, folded, pressed or dry-cleaned for a fee. Another free entertainment option worth mentioning is daytime street theater that includes contortionists, roving musicians, magic workshops and flash mob-style performances by the onboard singers and dancers. If you happen to be passing through the promenade area when a flash mob happens, you're likely to see a punk rock-themed song-and-dance routine or, perhaps, one where the cast is dressed up like flowers, insects and birds.
This is clear once you step in one of their old, dirty, overcrowded ships, but also when you wait in line for about 90 minutes check in. Long queue at the buffet and not enough food or places to seat. Unable to manage rude and noisy passengers.Unable to help you in any little request. You and your family will feel helpless and trapped.From day 2 I tried, without luck, to find flights and disembark early. The crowds made me less likely to eat at the buffet compared to other dining venues, and I was grateful that there were several other complimentary venues to choose from on the MSC World Europa. I’ve heard other MSC ships only have two complimentary options, the buffet and main dining room, and this seems like a nightmare from a crowd perspective.
Where does MSC Meraviglia sail to?
Unfortunately, paying for water seems to be the case on MSC ships as well, at least in the Mediterranean. I’ve yet to have had a cooler, more unique experience on a cruise ship than MSC World Europa’s speakeasy bar. In fact, I didn’t even know this bar existed when I boarded the ship. Most cruise lines have gone digital for check-in, meaning you can show your cruise ticket on your phone or the cruise line’s app. For my MSC cruise, on the contrary, I had to print out my ticket ahead of time to show to port officials at the cruise terminal.
We especially enjoyed the steakhouse Butcher's Cut and the upscale atmosphere of seafood-focused Ocean Cay, but you can't go wrong with any of them. With 11 restaurants on board MSC Seascape, you'll have a cornucopia of choices. The ship's complimentary eateries -- the buffet and the four-restaurant main dining room -- are decent options. We liked the layout of the Marketplace buffet and its bistro-like ambiance, and the main dining room's restaurants offer a substantial level of intimacy not typically found on ships with large dining rooms. The quality of the food and of the service, however, tends to be inconsistent. You'll also be presented with a wristband that acts as your cruise card, so it opens your door and pays for drinks and onboard purchases, like a SmartWatch.
If budget matters above all else, an interior cabin is a wise choice. You could also save money by booking a saver fare offered by some cruise lines. Choosing your cruise ship cabin or stateroom is an essential part of planning a dream cruise vacation. The right accommodation can enhance your cruise experience, providing you with a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure, but some choices may turn out to be an expensive mistake. If my experience on my first MSC cruise taught me anything, it’s to never put too much faith in online reviews. People love to complain, and if I would have taken the myths of bad service and entertainment as reality, I never would have booked the cruise and made the memories I did on my recent sailing.
Despite the high number of decks, MSC Seascape manages to deliver intimate spaces that do a good job at limiting overcrowding. One way the ship achieves this is by breaking up the traditional main dining room into four smaller restaurants spread across Decks 6-8, each with distinct décor and feel but identical service and menus. In addition to lower prices on drinks were lower cover charges at specialty restaurants. I’m used to paying between $50-60 for dinner at specialty restaurants on a cruise ship, so I often refrain from the specialty dining venues in favor of complimentary venues. I did not purchase a drink package for my sailing, so I initially figured I would only be able to enjoy a few drinks throughout the week. Most cruise lines charge around $14 for a single cocktail, which can quickly add up after a few days.
The sun area was really nice, could just do with a bit more wind protection. We paid extra for a package that covered drinks, tips and WiFi, and another that gave us 2 speciality restaurants and one of the special shows plus drink. Drinks were up to a value of £13 which covered all we wanted, as well as Lanson champagne by the glass in the Champagne Bar. Very Cirque du Soleil in their style and brilliantly executed. We ate in the Butchers cut and Vietnamese/French fusion restaurants. The theatre cast were also excellent and we very much enjoyed their shows.
12 things I loved and hated about my first MSC cruise - Cruise Blog
12 things I loved and hated about my first MSC cruise.
Posted: Mon, 22 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
MSC Cruises is a family-oriented cruise line that was founded in 1960 in Naples, Italy. The company is now one of the largest cruise lines in the world, with a fleet of 23 ships that sail to destinations around the globe. MSC Cruises offers a wide range of itineraries, from short Caribbean cruises to transatlantic voyages and longer world cruises. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
Some travelers enjoy having a more international experience aboard as well, since many passengers are European (and specifically Italian, go figure). This package is for adults 21 and older and includes drinks up to $12 each. It’s valid onboard including the specialty restaurants and at Ocean Cay. This package is for adults 21 and older and includes all drinks by the glass. These packages are available at all onboard bars, the self-service buffet, and included restaurants. When it comes to dining, most cruise lines give you the option of early, late or anytime dining.
Both times I ate at the Marketplace Buffet, I witnessed crew members stopping adults from taking food from a particular section of kid-friendly foods. "No, those are for children only," a crew member behind the counter told a parent who was trying to grab dessert for his son, who was outside by the pool. The feeling of overcrowding was exacerbated by service inconveniences like long waits for drinks, meals and elevators. When I arrived, lines snaked outside the terminal and down the sidewalk in front of the building. I had multiple passengers throughout my voyage tell me that they waited between two and three hours in line to board the vessel. The drawback is that, like lots of other cool pastimes on MSC Meraviglia, it all costs extra (except for sports court use).
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