thephatmaster

Hello all, Following on from my general questions about the MSC Northern Europe itinerary - I now know the MSC Virtuosa will be doing the UK-based sailings. Does anyone have any Ship-specific tips they'd like to share? I'd love to hearing them if so.

I should also say, thanks for the discussion - I have read all of the above posts, even those I didn't quote or reply to. I've had a great time hearing your experiences and tips, and have found myself an agent to discuss with further. Thanks again. Steve

This is good to know. Ironically, both of those youtubers mention Cruise Critic a fair bit as a source of good information Youtube works for me because I have a little one, so can listen more easily than I can read

You'll love Bruges, something for everyone and a really pleasant and easy place to visit and enjoy. We've been there loads just hopping on the car-train and driving - every time has been a joy

You know what, I'd say that's a con. In some imaginary world I'd like to be greeted each day by name and handed my usual fwappy-cappy-drink-a-chino... But I recon most of my family would agree with you!

Thanks I'll check out Virtuosa. My apologies, I thought the forum would be on first name terms with the main two Cruise youtubers I'd been watching Gary (Bambridge - tips for travellers) and Emma Cruises. The Comedy of MSC errors post is exactly the kind of faff I'd like to avoid. On more specific things, I'd love to hear your experiences of the following: 1. Is there a good agent for a budget trip like this, who nows MSC's quirks? 2. The base package has hot drinks / water included. We pretty much only drink that at home and won't want alcohol, so I assume that will be fine. Are there any complications about the package I don't know about? 3. I note there is (was?) a £379 balcony deal with *****. Direct that price seems to be £549, which is over-budget. A balcony would be amazing at the ***** price. Is that deal likely to resurface or have I missed the metaphorical boat. 3.1 Assuming I can get a balcony deal. 3.2 If the cabin is unsuitable (noisy, obstructed etc? what are the chances of getting moved? 3.3 Is £50 to pick the cabin worth it? Is that per person? 4. Kids club seems to be free. If that's right does anyone know what this entails for a 3YO? Especially one who doesn't go to nursery yet, so isn't used to being left with random people / a bunch of other kids. 5. The itinerary looks fine for Hamburg and Amsterdam. I plan to just self book local transport as the attractions aren't far from port. With LeHarve it's clearly not "Paris" as billed. Does anyone have any local tips? 6. I've heard mixed reviews about entertainment on MSC. Evening entertainment may be out, as at least one of us will be with the little one in the evening anyway. How is the daytime entertainment for families? 7. Facilities. From videos I've seen, the aquapark looks good for kids, is that right? Is it included in the fare? Similarly with bowling (I think I saw bowling)? 8. Are gratuities really included, or will I need cash onboard for various in-person gratuities? 9. Whats the coffee, pizza and ice cream sitch? Free, semi-free, paid?

Hi all, I've been kindly pointed to this MSC board after posting the below in First Time Cruisers This may be a purely academic excercise, but I thought it was worth posting anyway, as I could learn a lot from the discussion. I was tempted to book myself, partner and 3YO onto the MSC Preziosa for the above cruise, which some of our family members are going on. I travel well, and am happy to slum it a bit for a cheap deal. My partner will tolerate minor annoyances but gets flustered easily on holiday. Who knows about my 3YO! I watched a lot of Gary and Emma's videos, and read reviews and am unsure about this line and itinerary as a first cruise for us What I'm looking for: - cheap and cheerful, lighthearted / relaxing getaway with the family - package that is as "all inclusive" as possible - Balcony cabin Concerns: - Fom reviews it seems MSC run a somewhat chaotic experience, and I can expect some things to go wrong, and not much customer care if they do. - reviewers also say the food is bad, and the crew / passengers can be a bit rowdy. - I worry that there will be lots more money to pay onboard. - Seasickness - I don't get it AFAIK, but we've never cruised before. Are tablets advisable on this route? I have 10 more detailed Qs about the trip, but would love to hear your experiences first