msc newbie

Hello, I have a couple of questions about MSC cruise line...I live in Vancouver Canada.. and this cruise line is not common over here, but it looks beautiful. We have sailed Princess NCL and Carnival...is the standard the same with this cruise line? What is the food menus, and the buffets like? I love the drink package, very reasonably priced..does the drink package include fancy cocktails and highballs (Rum and Coke) or only beer and wine? Is the on board casino and dress codes (resort casual and a formal nite) the same? I know its a lot of questions...cant wait to hear all the responses :p

Hello, I have a couple of questions about MSC cruise line...I live in Vancouver Canada.. and this cruise line is not common over here, but it looks beautiful. We have sailed Princess NCL and Carnival...is the standard the same with this cruise line? What is the food menus, and the buffets like? I love the drink package, very reasonably priced..does the drink package include fancy cocktails and highballs (Rum and Coke) or only beer and wine? Is the on board casino and dress codes (resort casual and a formal nite) the same? I know its a lot of questions...cant wait to hear all the responses :p

FYI...we are thinking of a Northern European cruise July/August....is it possible to suntan at this time up there...or is it hit or miss like our cruises up to Alaska, weather can change day to day.

Hello, I have a couple of questions about MSC cruise line...I live in Vancouver Canada.. and this cruise line is not common over here, but it looks beautiful. We have sailed Princess NCL and Carnival...is the standard the same with this cruise line? What is the food menus, and the buffets like? I love the drink package, very reasonably priced..does the drink package include fancy cocktails and highballs (Rum and Coke) or only beer and wine? Is the on board casino and dress codes (resort casual and a formal nite) the same? I know its a lot of questions...cant wait to hear all the responses :p

It's a wonderful line, lots of live music, food is subjective, dress code is about the same as Princess. It is impeccably clean, small casino, non smoking!

There are several drink packages. We did the 15 for $72. No tips if pre paid. It was any kind of drink, just no high end spirits. There are other choices if you drink more. You can also order the drink package the first 2 days of sailing but with the 15% gratuities. Good day time activities when at sea.

It is a huge ship and there is lots of walking, so consider that if that is an issue with you or anyone in your party. They have lots of lounges with dancing and music, but not a party ship in a Carnival Sense. Several pools, one with a retractable dome.

I have also been on the sister ships out of Fl ( now elsewhere) the Poesia and the Opera, also delightful.

I am sure you will get more input from others.

I have cruised many times and this is a cut above for me.

Joy- casino is only non-smoking on Divina Carribean cruises.

From my ipad

Hi,

We have just returned from our first MSC cruise (12 days British Isles) in August. We loved it! But we're German and some American friends said that they'd prefer to go back to Carnival etc after this one. They were bored on the sea days.

We had the Allegrissimo package and it included basically most everything (and even most of the fantastic cocktails:D)...it was way worth it!

I wrote (and still am writing) an extensive (and I mean EXTENSIVE:eek:) picture review on our cruise...be my guest to check it out to get a feel for the MSC ships!

Stef

Weather in Northern Europe in summer can be variable. It may be beautiful, warm and sunny even hot some days but it could also be cooler and wet. If you want to suntan and want Europe then you'd be better heading to sthe Med.

Since you're not going to be on the Divina, please bear in mind they have adjusted this ship formthe US market and reviews and responses to questions is dominated by that ship. A North European cruise will be different. Biggest change will be far more Europeans onboard and almost no North Americans. Many English speakers will be Scandinavian and speaking it as a second language. Expect 5 or 6 languages to be spoken onboard of which English is one of them. Some people are uncomfortable in an environment when they are surrounded by passengers who do not have the same or similar customs or behaviour or language as they do. Others see it as a plus. Entertainment especially shows have to be musical or visual because of this. There will not be any comedians or other forms of entertainment that rely soley on the spoken word. They do have quizzes and bingo but expect them to rattle it off in 5 languages.

Iced water is not served as standard in MDR but North Americans booking through MSC USA get a free book of vouchers for bottled water at dinner. If you go for Allegrissimo it won't matter as you'll be able to order as many bottles as you want without incurring an additional cost. It is a great package and is cheaper in Europe than on the US sailings. Even light drinkers have no bother breaking even or saving money.

The only other line I've experience of is Costa so I can't make any comparisons for you againstbthe lines you mention. All MEC ships have a strong Italian theme and are kept spotlessly clean and well maintained. They are more understated or elegant than in your face glitzy. There is no hard sell onboard of drinks or anything. Service is European style which means they are less obvious and will hover in the background. They will not keep coming back to serve you unless you indicate to them you want something. Usually making eye contact with them works fine. I like this, especially at the pool where I can listen to my music or read my kindle without any interruptions. Others don't like it as the drinks don't come fast enough for their liking.

Weather in Northern Europe in summer can be variable. It may be beautiful, warm and sunny even hot some days but it could also be cooler and wet. If you want to suntan and want Europe then you'd be better heading to sthe Med.

 

Since you're not going to be on the Divina, please bear in mind they have adjusted this ship formthe US market and reviews and responses to questions is dominated by that ship. A North European cruise will be different. Biggest change will be far more Europeans onboard and almost no North Americans. Many English speakers will be Scandinavian and speaking it as a second language. Expect 5 or 6 languages to be spoken onboard of which English is one of them. Some people are uncomfortable in an environment when they are surrounded by passengers who do not have the same or similar customs or behaviour or language as they do. Others see it as a plus. Entertainment especially shows have to be musical or visual because of this. There will not be any comedians or other forms of entertainment that rely soley on the spoken word. They do have quizzes and bingo but expect them to rattle it off in 5 languages.

 

Iced water is not served as standard in MDR but North Americans booking through MSC USA get a free book of vouchers for bottled water at dinner. If you go for Allegrissimo it won't matter as you'll be able to order as many bottles as you want without incurring an additional cost. It is a great package and is cheaper in Europe than on the US sailings. Even light drinkers have no bother breaking even or saving money.

 

The only other line I've experience of is Costa so I can't make any comparisons for you againstbthe lines you mention. All MEC ships have a strong Italian theme and are kept spotlessly clean and well maintained. They are more understated or elegant than in your face glitzy. There is no hard sell onboard of drinks or anything. Service is European style which means they are less obvious and will hover in the background. They will not keep coming back to serve you unless you indicate to them you want something. Usually making eye contact with them works fine. I like this, especially at the pool where I can listen to my music or read my kindle without any interruptions. Others don't like it as the drinks don't come fast enough for their liking.

That you so much for your answer it was very helpful. Our Alaska cruises can also be really hot or really cold even in July..so that's ok. I am aware service expectations are different in North America, I actually moved to Canada from England when I was a kid so I know the difference, not a big thing...but.. I never thought about entertainment..no stand up comics etc. I will research some more..but I still think it might be ok...

Hello, I have a couple of questions about MSC cruise line...I live in Vancouver Canada.. and this cruise line is not common over here, but it looks beautiful. We have sailed Princess NCL and Carnival...is the standard the same with this cruise line? What is the food menus, and the buffets like? I love the drink package, very reasonably priced..does the drink package include fancy cocktails and highballs (Rum and Coke) or only beer and wine? Is the on board casino and dress codes (resort casual and a formal nite) the same? I know its a lot of questions...cant wait to hear all the responses :p

Hey sailingsusie,

We happen to be from Vancouver and just completed the Northern Europe cruise on the MSC Magnifica. Here's a link to my review of the cruise as it was our first MSC cruise. I hope it answers some of your questions.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=262738

Hey sailingsusie,

 

We happen to be from Vancouver and just completed the Northern Europe cruise on the MSC Magnifica. Here's a link to my review of the cruise as it was our first MSC cruise. I hope it answers some of your questions.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=262738

Another Vancouverite here. I enjoyed your review.

I was on the Preziosa last October, Med cruise from Barcelona. Armonia this May, Eastern Med from Ancona Italy, most people embarked in Venice. This is what is different in Europe embarking at different ports.

Kids sail free on MSC so there will probably be lots July and August. Last October it was half term in Europe so lots of kids on that one while in May hardly any.

As AmoMondo has mentioned the Allegrissimo package is the way to go especially as it includes cappuccinos, lattes etc and bottled water. It is only 23 euros/day in Europe so less expensive than in the USA.

I have also sailed a B2B on the Divina last month. Few kids as back to school. Loved it.

If you have any more questions would be glad to help. I usually travel solo although my son joined me on the Armonia.

We are newbies going onFantasia November.

Can you get cash in casinos to use in the ports?

I did not see a pkg of drinks to buys. We only bought a wine pckage and beer package ( did not want all inclusive drink package)

Can we buy a pck of drink coupons?

We are newbies going onFantasia November.

 

Can you get cash in casinos to use in the ports?

 

I did not see a pkg of drinks to buys. We only bought a wine pckage and beer package ( did not want all inclusive drink package)

Can we buy a pck of drink coupons?

You'll need to check the onboard services options for the country you booked through. Whatnother kind of drink package do you want? If you are already buying beer and wine and now want other alcholic drinks, you'd be far better off with Allegrissimo at €23 per day per person.

They will also have packages to buy onboard like a package for water or soft drinks or cocktails. They incurs a 15% service charge.

Hey sailingsusie,

 

We happen to be from Vancouver and just completed the Northern Europe cruise on the MSC Magnifica. Here's a link to my review of the cruise as it was our first MSC cruise. I hope it answers some of your questions.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=262738

love your review...Im glad you answered, its nice to hear the opinion of someone from "home" I noticed on your list of sailed cruises you went to Hawaii and Fanning Island on NCL Wind a few years back...that one was a fave of ours

AmoMondo

Thanks for all your help lately w our cruise. Travel agent now on Prezsoia (sp) and we sail w him and another couple next week on Fatansia. I thought they were not going w allegrismo package but now they are. We tried calling CS cuz website is down today. He said to try tomorrow. We are trying to delete wine packages so we can book all inclusive. I ready your tips and look forward to trying different drinks, etc. Will make cruise much more pleasurable. We have sailed mostly Carnival and a few Princess and Royal Carribbean. This is our first MSC and our first long cruise. We stay in rome 4 nights post cruise. Have booked a 12 day repo cruise in Feb with lots of cruise people. May need to do all inclusive on that one since there is 6 sea days! happy travels and thanks again. Looking forward to many many beverages. DH likes irish whisky in coffee drinks which Im sure is not included. But like Amaretto. any other ideas for after dinner drinks since your the pro!!!!!

DH likes irish whisky in coffee drinks which Im sure is not included. But like Amaretto. any other ideas for after dinner drinks since your the pro!!!!!

Order a whiskey AND a coffee - then add one to the other. If you order an Irish Coffee it'll contain 1cl of whiskey - order the shot - it will be 4cl !!!! I know this because I like Baileys with my hot chocolate :D

Bytheway it will be included in the Allegrissimo package.

For after dinner drinks - you can order Limoncello and Drambuie in the MDRs. I think there are a couple of others but I always had the Limoncello - yum!

Great tips!!!! I like Limoncello ( well I ve only tried it once or twice)

I like half Baileys and half Kahlua over ice. Do they have Kahlua?

Caffe Sport DH said he used to drink many many years ago in Italy.

What's a good foo foo drink or sailaway drink? Thanks again for tips.

Can't say if they had Kahlua as I don't drink it.

For a sailaway you could have a nice glass of Prosecco or perhaps an Aperol spritz.

I have a question on the drink package - Are you able to order the drink package once boarding the ship in Europe?

I have a question on the drink package - Are you able to order the drink package once boarding the ship in Europe?

Yes - you can order it at embarkation as well as afterwards when onboard. The tables in the ship's bars will have information leaflets along with the bar menus. The packages incur a 15% service charge - this can be avoided if you pre-book before sailing.

Yes - you can order it at embarkation as well as afterwards when onboard. The tables in the ship's bars will have information leaflets along with the bar menus. The packages incur a 15% service charge - this can be avoided if you pre-book before sailing.

Thanks for the info. I will pre-order it when the cruise get closer.

Thanks for the info. I will pre-order it when the cruise get closer.

Prior to cruising - You have to order at least 4 days out. If you order on the ship it will include a 15% gratuity and is only available the first 2 days.

Thanks Bea

I had to look up Aperol Spritz since I never heard of it. I make spritzers at home a lot with just wine and flavored seltzers. I was mostly a beer and margarita gal but lately have been doing a lot of wine tastings. I'm starting to like red blends, and getting away from sweet wines. However, can you guys rec a wine that's a little sweet, guess a Moscato and Reisling type???

We are packed ( well I am ) One more day of work and we are off for Venice. the last 20 cruises were all Caribbean mostly so I looking forward to first Italy trip. We are doing private excursion in Malta, but will tend to do a few MSC excursions as well. Dubrovnik and Athens on our own.

Thanks again

Thanks Bea

I had to look up Aperol Spritz since I never heard of it. I make spritzers at home a lot with just wine and flavored seltzers. I was mostly a beer and margarita gal but lately have been doing a lot of wine tastings. I'm starting to like red blends, and getting away from sweet wines. However, can you guys rec a wine that's a little sweet, guess a Moscato and Reisling type???

 

 

We are packed ( well I am ) One more day of work and we are off for Venice. the last 20 cruises were all Caribbean mostly so I looking forward to first Italy trip. We are doing private excursion in Malta, but will tend to do a few MSC excursions as well. Dubrovnik and Athens on our own.

 

Thanks again

Have a wonderful trip - you'll love Venice and Dubrovnik is stunning.

The Aperol Spritz on the ship is a little dry which makes it perfect as an aperitif. I've no idea how they make it as I tried to get just Aperol (I first had Aperol in Venice) and it didn't taste or look anything like the Aperol served in Venice.

If you're getting a drinks package, you will be limited in choices of wine in the MDR - the inclusive wines aren't anything to write home about. It might be an idea to check out the dedicated wine bar La Cantina Toscana on Deck 7 - they may be able to recommend wines for you to try.

Have a wonderful trip - you'll love Venice and Dubrovnik is stunning.

 

The Aperol Spritz on the ship is a little dry which makes it perfect as an aperitif. I've no idea how they make it as I tried to get just Aperol (I first had Aperol in Venice) and it didn't taste or look anything like the Aperol served in Venice.

 

If you're getting a drinks package, you will be limited in choices of wine in the MDR - the inclusive wines aren't anything to write home about. It might be an idea to check out the dedicated wine bar La Cantina Toscana on Deck 7 - they may be able to recommend wines for you to try.

Agree with Bea, included wines are not great. Sangiovese if they have it on US sailings, is the better of the reds. The Prosecco is good and definitely recommended if you like a bit of fizz. Don't drink white much, so no idea what the included whites are.

The wine bar is fabulous. Great atmosphere, great choice of wines and free food with it. Lovely cooked meats, cheeses, olives, breads and that sort of thing.

On our Europe cruises the sparkling has been Borgomolino, on the Divina repo they changed it to one called Fontana Fredda! not as nice as Borgomolino.

Thanks all. Can't wait to find wine bar! So if the wines are so so, what are favorite drinks from the all inclusive list?