mikemoate

Thanks for all the info. I think I'll definitely lean towards booking this earlier rather than later, and definitely not waiting until on board.

 

Amo, appreciate the commentary on the waiters and service, I'm living in Italy and am relieved that the non-pestering style of waiters will be aboard. I detest constantly being harassed :-) it's hard to smile and be as nice to the 5th waiter asking if you want to buy something...

We found the actual serving staff to be absolutely 1st class. The bar supervisors and floor managers much less so. The entertainment in all lounges was very good. If you are looking to be served in a bar/lounge, leave the menu/bar list upright and a member of staff will be with you very quickly, place it down on your table and they will know you are not waitning to be served.

Agree with Amo, all inclusive wasn't available to purchase on board MSC Opera when we sailed from Dover on 17th July. As it happened we came in about 100 euro under the cost of all inclusive and certainly had sufficient to satisfy our tastebuds and thirst.

Various packages and books of coupons are available on board, there are daily special offers, and a happy hour, 5 to 6, when cocktails are 2 for the price of 1.

Drinks are fairly expensive, a large beer 5.41, regular cocktail 7.71, spirits from 5.41 and upwards. A half litre carafe in the restaurant was good value at 8.05, and I think wine by the glass was reasonable too (all prices quoted include 15% service charge).

Of course it all depends upon how much you drink and your intinerary. We were fairly port intensive with some early morning starts, hence taking it easy the night before. More sea days and later port arrivals, with a healthy thirst and all inclusive may be worthwhile.