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We're about to book our first European cruise so I've been waiting to check out the Memorial Day sale. I got the email this morning but when I looked at our particular 7-day journey, the price was the same as it was on tuesday midday.

Would that have already been the sale price even tho the email hadn't gone out?

Or are MSC sales typically not across the board - just for certain dates/itineraries?

OR is it like NCL where it's the same price just repackaged (35% two guests vs. 70% the second guest!)? 

I'm more curious than anything. Since the stateroom category is filling up, it probably isn't worth waiting for a possible July 4 sale, if they even do those.

Drinks and wifi are included in YC too. I wish the MSC site would recognize what's included with YC, Aurea, etc and not "offer" those things for purchase.

Thanks to everyone for all this latest info. (for some reason I wasn't getting notifications for this thread)

Looks like it really is up to the ship chef since the access form Cricket posted states they cannot accommodate vegan menus or meal requests(!).

It's good to know that it's baked goods and the like that are prepared off the ship. I was thinking it was complete dishes with sauce and other components which couldn't be modified.

Thanks to input here, I'm not going to dwell on the meals as much since this is a port intensive itinerary. But I'd have second thoughts for NCL when we plan to just enjoy the ship.

Thanks again.

My take on the MSC water options -

I stick to a low sodium diet at home. We rarely eat out and never fast food, so that makes it easier. And tastebuds really do change over time to crave less salt, believe it or not! 

Within a few days on the Seascape in March, my ankles swelled up (which had never happened) and my blood pressure went up (I travel with a cuff).

I drink lots of (filtered) tap water at home but drank the bottled still and sparkling waters in the cabin (YC) and at meals. As others point out, there are various minerals in them including a lot of sodium. And of the food is all heavily salted.

SO...I found sodium-free canned club soda at the bars and filled up on the tap water in the buffet as well. Plus I loaded up on fruit - just about the only thing I could think of that didn't have added salt! Back to normal after one day at home!

5 hours ago, Tapi said:

We did our first Mediterranean cruise on MSC. 

Enjoy your cruise! The Mediterranean was truly one of our favorite cruises, and now we're booked to do Northern Europe next year! 

Sounds like we're on the right track according to your experiences. Not seeing any itineraries with Valletta but I'll keep it in mind for next time because I'm sure we'll want to return!

38 minutes ago, Tierun said:

World Europa from Barcelona. Arrive a day early and stay a day later to see the city and you will have multiple stops in Italy including Sicily. 

That's the exact itinerary we're zeroing in on! Plus a few days tacked on to the beginning to hopefully ease jetlag while exploring the city. 

Should we expect the (high) possibility of rough seas in March? 

17 hours ago, alserrod said:

Well... if your intention is to visit the Mediterranean, it is not bad to choose a company called "Mediterranean Shipping Company" (it is the full name of MSC).

Forgot to mention earlier that before I originally posted, I researched other lines to see what all was out there. To your point that Mediterranean is in their name, I could find zero other options on all the major lines and several of the boutique ones that sailed during the first half of March except one Majestic Princess 7-day that has two sea days which doesn't seem ideal!

2 hours ago, 80sGal said:

We did our first European itinerary in 2022 and loved it so much we went back (from KY) last summer.  The first time we really enjoyed Portugal and France (Lisbon and Porto, Le Harve and La Rochelle) where the ship offered fantastic excursions at every stop.   Brussels was also unique and Spain was nice too.  Of you choose that area of Europe, I'd recommend itineraries that include Portugal and France.   Agree 100% with other posts that planning ahead for excursions is essential in Europe!!  The second time we did Rome pre-cruise and then sailed to various Greek islands.  Crete (Chania) was beautiful but we focused more on the Greek historical sites with the excursions in Athens and Rhodes.   Santorini gave us the classic blue domed photo but it is SO heavily tourist .... I would recommend Athens, early excursion before the crowds get too heavy .... and Sounio for some breathtaking scenery along the way.    Lindos in Rhodes  .... and if you choose Rome as your home port, a great hotel I found thru CC is Hotel Barocco.  It was a wonderful boutique hotel in reasonable walking distance of every major tourist site in Rome except the Vatican.   We are booked to go back to Europe for Round 3 in 2026.  

We spent a few weeks in Portugal in 2022 and loved it, of course. My partner's parents were born there and we're hoping "some day" to move there full time. What a luxury that would be - to explore Europe with train rides and relatively short flights - all those cultures readily accessible. Other than Portugal, we've only been to London and Paris. 

Rome, France and Greece are definitely on our list to see tho Greece may have to wait as it's not on the itineraries we're finding. 

I'm glad our dates are in the spring. Summer travel with the heat as perakcruiser and Essiesmom mentioned and all the tourists (like you said regarding Santorini) doesn't seem ideal. 

2 hours ago, alserrod said:

 

 

 

Hi, enjoy your anniversary!!!!

 

Weather. In March it is fine. You will still need a sweater because it is late winter/early spring but it is fine. I rather prefer then than in a very hot summer like 2022 for instance.

 

Multi-boarding can surprise you but it will not change anything on the cruise. There will be seven days, seven nights, etc.... The main issue is.... for example, for you white party could be the third one and gala night the sixth one. For other people it could be conversely or so (first nigh white party, fourth nigh gala night, and so on...)

 

Ports and destination.... just glance a travel brochure and you will see options to go for a week at Rome, or Rome and Florence and all the Tuscany or 10 days within Rome, Florence and Venice.... or a week on the French Blue Coast (Cote d'Azur) and its villages, or staying in Barcelona and visiting some other towns and Pyrenees or staying for a week in Mallorca islands...

 

Just be sure, for many Europeans, these plans are their main holidays along all the year (and nothing near their home).

 

I am sure any airport will fit to you. 

Thanks, it will our 28th anniversary and my partner's 65th bday, hence the big trip!

Speaking of Gala night, I'm thinking it will be more formal (in a good way) than what we're used to here. And good to know there will be a white party - I didn't think through that.

I've been researching flights using google flights which is fantastic - you can search multiple airports on each end and compare them easily. I also will look at using our American Air or United miles too, but that's a whole other set of gymnastics to dive into. 

Once we decide on departure port and ports of call, I'll dig into each - plenty of resources for that. We realize we'll just be scratching the surface of every port! 

Thank you all for this detailed information - it gets me headed in the right direction and with more focus.

We're looking at early/mid March 2025 to coincide with a birthday and anniversary so weather and holiday crowds shouldn't be too bad - fingers crossed.

That's an excellent point that travel from a particular European airport to the cruise port is a small fraction of overall travel time. And it looks like there are options from both Mallorca and Genoa so I'll check out flights.

The circular itinerary with multi-boarding cities will be new. The only thing we've ever done like that was boarding a Panama Canal cruise in San Diego that originated in Seattle. It was the smoothest/quickest boarding we've ever had. I assume in Europe they board simultaneously while everyone who wants to leave the ship gets off? That complicates doing a B2B a bit - you'd debark and then embark on another itinerary in a city that both cruises share I guess. Since each city is a destination in its own, probably not a need for a B2B this first trip! But I do like that idea of doing both western and eastern cruises as long as we're there. 

Thanks again for all the advice and insights. Even if I didn't mention some of it, I made notes - it didn't fall on deaf ears!

3 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Lots of fun!  EM

Yes, this is very fun! The planning is a great part of the trip as are the memories later. 

The plan for this trip has been a bit overwhelming so thank you for all the insights. The fact that MSC gets you closest to Venice is the kind of fact I hadn't discovered. The smaller lines were on my radar too but would rather go with a line we've sailed and are familiar with.

I ordered Rick's Med ports book today per your suggestion and saw the Scandinavia and North Europe books on offer. I had forgotten about Lonely Planet - I have a few of their guides somewhere, none for the Med tho. 

Thanks again!

Thank you Essiesmom for this truly useful information!

We're coming from San Francisco area but will likely stop on the east coast along the way - I've discovered I don't do well on flights over 8 hours - even with a lie flat seat, ambien, earplugs, the works, I just don't sleep - maybe it's the altitude the cabin is adjusted to. Who knows.

I'll check out cruisetimetables.com - didn't know them. And of course Rick Steves - didn't know he had specific cruise books.

We'd love to go to Venice if they still allow cruise visitors next year.

And what a treat to not have vendors badgering us for tours!! 

Forgot to mention I'm also juggling the pros and cons of each ship but I think I have a handled on that with our past cruise experiences. 

5 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. My wife is vegetarian (not vegan, so she does consume cheese and other dairy products), and she's also kind of picky in what she eats, and we haven't had any trouble on any cruise finding good options for her. I've even seen NCL staff at the grills using separate pans for cooking plant-based dishes to order. I would find out who the manager of F&B is on the ship and have a talk with him/her.

That's great to hear. We're not overly concerned about cross contamination but it's great to know that's even on their radar! 

5 hours ago, Ellis1138 said:

 

In my opinion, the PoA is best used as a floating B&B. Sleep there, get up, eat breakfast and then eat a really good, big lunch on each island so that all you need is maybe a salad or light dinner. The food on PoA is edible, but not even as good as standard NCL cruise ship fare. 

Very good point - and a good reminder that was the reason we booked in the first place pre-covid! We'll be off the ship a good part of the time. And this cruise isn't about the ship, it's about seeing so many islands with relative ease. Thank you!

We've sailed our fair share of the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda and various cruise lines' private islands. So we have a good idea of which ports and excursions to hit or miss. And which are a "one and done".

Now that we're planning our first European cruise, we're lost to say the least. I've been reading many "Live" threads, destination boards, etc. There are definite trends but the more I read, the more confused I get. 

Looking for general advice on which airport(s) are best for embark/debark (proximity to port), ports that are "don't bother" at least for first timers, that kind of thing. 

We've sailed Divina many times as well as Seascape but really looking forward to MSC in Europe instead of the Americanized MSC.

We're leaning towards itineraries that include Italy and Spain but open to anything and we realize we'll be getting just a taste of each port.

That happened on our first cruise that stopped in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We loved it so much we did a ten day vacation there the next year. 

Thanks for any cheatsheet advice you can offer!

7 minutes ago, Ellis1138 said:

I'm not sure if this is where the Access Desk Form is warranted, but definitely contact NCL ahead of time (like a month maybe) to see where it is that you should put in the request.

 

There are definitely plant-based options, I remember seeing those when I was scouring the menus for allergy purposes.

 

The PoA has the same exact fleet-wide food, though, and sadly they were not as up to the task of special dietary needs as the other NCL ships I was on. Go to https://profcruise.com/ncl-menus-2024/ (Prof cruise menus) and you'll be able to see the approximation of what's offered and what you might be able to eat.

 

One caveat on all NCL ships is that certain items are "sourced off ship", meaning they get loaded on the ship already made. So NCL can't guarantee the ingredients.

Whoa, thanks for all this info, It came through just as I was responding to DCGuy. 

I will check out the menus you linked to - it's good to know that some of the food is made off ship and not to order (like on an airplane?!). So the idea of making substitutions really isn't an option for those dishes. We can certainly pick around things we don't eat. 

It's enlightening that this ship in particular wasn't up for special needs as much as the others - at least in your experience. I guess PoA isn't "have it your way" Burger King!

Thanks again.

5 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

It might be worth contacting them ahead of time. When is your cruise? My wife is vegetarian and we usually get in touch with them before the cruise so they're aware.

Thanks, the cruise is March 2025, but I'm questioning if I should even keep the booking rather than roll the dice on what we may wind up with every meal!

Hello,

After numerous cancellations of our Pride of America bookings throughout covid and life getting in the way after they started sailing again, we're considering them for this once-in-a-lifetime cruise. 

We are plant based and can usually maneuver our way around restaurant menus - with mixed results. Haven't sailed NCL in years so wondering if they have taken a step in the veggie direction at all, on this ship in particular. 

Is it the same old "talk to them on the first day to see what they can pull together routine"? I'm hoping given the price of this itinerary (plus flights!) that their chefs are competent and can deliver something besides pasta with red sauce every night. Not looking for any breakthroughs and would be happy with Asian/Indian options. But since this is an American crew I may be expecting too much!

Thanks for any insights you may have.

Thanks all - sounds like we will not be disappointed.

And since she'll be in drydock for a few weeks in early 2025, there's even more reason to book it!

8 hours ago, Mosaic said:

Nice dressing area and a very large balcony that is deeper.  You can get out of the sun and wind much easier! The main part of the Neptune Suite is the same size as the other ships---for all practicality. The Neptune Lounge is also very similar.....

Thank you - that's great that the balcony is even deeper especially with the Panama Canal itinerary - to get out of the sun OR rain like we had last trip. 

7 hours ago, kazu said:

If you check the beginning of my Live thread, you will see how very helpful the concierge was to the “Merry Widows” when catastrophe struck with my firend’s luggage handle and my walking stick.

Thanks for all the info regarding the room size, the TV, the food and the overall smaller ship advantages.

Concierge story - On our other trip through the canal, a guest forgot his belt and asked Hector in the Neptune Suite where he could get one - Hector took off his own and handed it to the guy without a thought! 

Maybe they'd get more traction if they used clear plexi on the top so people can see what they're putting their hands into. 🧐  On day three when the novelty wears off, add some disco lighting in there to keep the interest going. 

3 hours ago, KAKcruiser said:

The Neptune Suite on the Zaandam has a bigger cabin and balcony than the Nieuw Amsterdam.  However, the bathroom is smaller with only one sink and a combination tub/shower.

Oh, thank you for that info. 

We'd rather have more of the space in the main part of the cabin and balcony(!) than the bath area anyway - tho a separate shower is always a luxury. And that little dressing area with closets was great.

In my mind, the best bathroom at sea is on NCL's jewel class ships in the haven - really large with double sinks plus separate shower and tub with ocean views when at sea. But possibly seeing eye to eye with neighbors when in port!

28 minutes ago, Navybikermom said:

if I had my druthers, I’d sail on the Zaandam over the Nieuw Amsterdam any day. 

Thanks very much for all the useful information.

Sounds like it's a bit different (which will be fun to explore) with unique pluses of its own.

It's great to hear there are nice music options - we don't have much at home so we love to enjoy them on cruises. 

I didn't know about the taco bar or the current pop-ups. 

And I guess I need to refresh my memory on Exploration Cafe vs Explorer's Lounge!

My partner and I had a great time celebrating a "big" birthday on a 17-day Panama Canal cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam in October 2021 (San Diego to Ft Lauderdale). We're considering doing another (in the reverse direction) in Spring 2025 for another "big" bday on Zaandam 

We had SUCH an amazing time, I've been researching to be sure the things we enjoyed will be on this one as well.

(Yep, I know all cruises vary - I'm not trying to relive the last one - and a bad day at sea beats a good day on land, etc.!)

The first big question is the Neptune Suite. From the videos I've seen, the cabin setup looks similar. The couch/chair setup seem different (smaller?) but no big deal. The bathroom/dressing area doesn't seem as large overall but spacious enough. One thing - it looks like the TV is on a stand sitting on the cabinetry not mounted on the opposite wall. I know it seems minor, but every few nights, we liked to stay in and watch movies. Ridiculous with a whole ship to explore but we like it!

Is the Explorer's Lounge just as nice on both ships - with the great view, fantastic coffees and puzzles I can never finish?

Lincoln Center is gone so that's a major bummer. And doesn't look like BB Kings is on this ship. Any suitable venues you enjoy to fill in those blank spaces? 

It doesn't look like NY Pizza is on this ship, but I assume pizza is avail on the buffet or through room service - same quality? 

And looks like no Tamarind or sushi.

Hmm, maybe I'm starting to answer my own question. Or maybe, HOPEFULLY, there are some really great pluses to this ship that I'm missing!

Thanks for any info you wish to share.  

My two cents having sailed Divina YC three times and Seascape YC once -

I don't mind the walk to and from Le Muse now that we figured out how to avoid the smoking bar just outside. The service seemed more personal too. But the downside is the cabins - they are dark and small - definitely not a step up from a standard balcony cabin. 

The Seascape restaurant and Lounge are bright and airy. Sometime too bright (sun in your eyes) if you're having dinner on the west side before sunset! But the servers seemed frazzled - not as relaxing an experience for us. The cabins are a big step up - bright, spacious, decorated well.