poshtotty

To be able to draw any sort of inference about MSC one must start with a randomly selected sample of MSC guests. Cruise Critic is dominated by North Americans who are accustomed to American cruise lines. MSC is not an American cruise line and does many things differently to them. North Americans are a tiny minority of MSC guests yet dominate the CC reviews and ratings.

 

Further, 'seasoned' NA cruisers are likely to be the most critical simply because they are most likely to be set in their ways and not appreciative of change and 'foreign' ways of doing things.

 

So, just how can any conclusions be drawn from the opinions of the most disgruntled, axe-grinding, self-selected minority of a minority of MSC guests?

 

They cannot! They cannot.

 

I will be on the QM2 next week and I am sorely tempted to document my observations as 'a rude European' of this American line. However, there will be strengths and weaknesses as there are with any line or travel experience and I hope I never write such tosh, even in anger.

 

Cruising is no longer restricted to just the American way of cruising, thank heavens.

 

Rude European,

Great observation Skipper Tim and well said.....

I enjoy all your blogs Captn... you are my breakfast reading.So sorry to hear about your fall...pure negligence...hope there are no lasting effects and the remainder of your cruise is not affected. You mentioned a lot of schoolchildren embarked yesterday , do you think they are a school party or travelling with family and has the number of children impacted on your experience so far ....An elderly neighbour of ours is embarking at Southampton next week and was looking for a relaxing time...Any tips for him ?...he does like a dram or two, is there a particular bar you would recommend?

The extra labels will be provided by the porters who you leave your luggage with. They are incredibly efficient to the point where you'd wonder "How did they print that label and get it attached so quickly?" Having experienced it myself, I'm still at a loss - I suppose they're so well practised and, also, they have to keep things moving on the dockside or else it would become incredibly congested.

 

So, your neighbour needn't worry - it certainly won't (or at least shouldn't) delay embarkation.

Thank you so much Beamafar, will pass on the information in the morning...

I have never cruised with MSC so was unable to help with the following query from a neighbour who is sailing from Southampton shortly..So I came to the experts .....Apparently he has received only 2 MSC luggage labels from his TA, (with the instruction not to photocopy) the family will have 4 pieces of luggage.I understand extra labels can be obtained at the dock, who will provide the extra labels and where can they be obtained. Will this slow down the embarkation process...Many thanks.

Ask and you shall receive.:) Not a fellow countrywoman but we share the same town.;)

http://www.northerncheapskate.com/how-to-make-homemade-wrinkle-releaser/

Thank you for link, I'll give it a try.....I'm afraid I'm allergic to wrinkles :) and love to see my carefully chosen clothing fresh and carefully pressed. (perhaps it's a British thing!) I actually enjoy ironing and find it relaxing....nothing like a pile of freshly pressed linen. You'll be telling me next you don't iron towels and underwear :eek:

Agee with Lutece, I live in England and travel to mainland Europe regularly. White is not a colour I would wear in the cooler months Oct-end of March (except a shirt of course),certainly not shoes or pants I love my white linen but keep it for Spring and Summer..Neutral colours and black are my colours of choice, brightened with a splash of colour in my accessories.My code is "less is more " Italian and French women in particular have this down to a fine art.!! I looked ,watched and learnt. Style not fashion is my mantra!:)

I'm a folder not a roller...Just a few tips for packing generally....Be kind to your back by standing upright and using an ironing board to fold garments rather than bending over to fold on bed or floor.......I place bubble wrap on bottom and top of luggage contents to prevent slippage. The suitcase should be as full as possible ( no trouble there !) again to prevent slippage. Wrinkles occur when contents get moved around. I interleave all my items with tissue paper and place my gowns and dresses in dry cleaner bags.Takes a little time but I always arrive "wrinkle-free"...Unpacking is fun, you can find yourself enveloped in clouds of tissue :) , can't say I'm this fussy when packing to come home !! Oh and if you pack dresses, gowns, shirts etc still on hangers this helps save time unpacking.I always carry some of my own really slender hangers and remove the bulky ones from the closet...More closet space.... I also collect freebe hotel and ship showercaps to individually wrap my shoes ....Job done.....

I never use conditioner on a cruise, my hair just loses all it's "body" if I do....I use a little less shampoo and more "body building " mousse to style.

I have a half slip that I've had in my drawer for years!! Still put it in under my dresses that can be seen threw in the sun. I don't care if I never see those people again , to me it's the point that it's not Just my legs they can see it's all the way to my to my pantie covered crotch and I like to not expose myself to just anyone.

I guess I'll just never get to that point where I have the " who cares / I paid for it me" mentality.

...disclaimer this is just my opinion please do not throw stones...

So agree with you toxicfairy I have three half slips (black,white and nude) that have served me well over the years. They have given me a smooth silouhette , helped with clinging fabrics and occasionally helped protect my modesty !! Almost all my dresses now are fully lined negating my need for a slip.

Hi. The dress I'm wearing is a jersey knit, very light weight and no wrinkles! Hubby's sport coat is a silk/wool blend that we have traveled with before. No wrinkles, light weight and breathable. We will have umbrellas and shoes that can get wet. I'm not concerned with the temps, but very high humidity is the pits!

 

I would be happier being thought of as "why is she so dressed up? Rather than why is she so casually dressed". I'm just that way. My friends and family know me -- I'm just not a jeans, sweats, sneakers gal.

 

After you get to know me, whatever I wear doesn't matter!!

 

Margee

Your choice of outfit sounds perfect to me !!! Sounds like you're a girl after my own heart....

I've worn maxis throughout many European summers...comfort depends on fabric and style...I certainly would find a "floaty" maxi cooler than jeans/pants and T shirts etc.

Fishnets a no no !!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Perhaps its an English thing but fishnets certainly not an option under any circumstances JMHO

There are really beautiful wedge sandals on the market these days....In England there is a brand called Moda In Pelle, don't know if they are available in U.S. Retail around the £80-£100 mark, very glam !!! I own three pairs,would usually only wear them with pants.

Just bought yet another maxi dress....navy and white (very nautical !!) It''s the fine jersey fabric I know travels very well. I will team with navy, white or red wedge sandals....very patriotic !..Just counting the sleeps to wear it :)[/quote

 

 

Hi,hope you don't mind me asking but where do you tend to buy yours from?

I have a few jersey ones from Monsoon.

 

Hi gonecroozin, I buy my maxis at Phase Eight, Marks and Spencer and Fatface...I'm a Monsoon fan too :-)

Of course I would be sensible in adverse conditions ,but I enjoy wearing heels to compliment an elegant dress....I have taken up to 14 pairs of shoes on a two week cruise !! I have worn heels since I was sixteen years old and still have pretty feet and no foot problems.I would certainly only wear heels to dinner wether at sea or at home ...:)

Just bought yet another maxi dress....navy and white (very nautical !!) It''s the fine jersey fabric I know travels very well. I will team with navy, white or red wedge sandals....very patriotic !..Just counting the sleeps to wear it :)

Maxi dresses are most certainly " in " in Europe....just returned from Italy and wore mine almost daily. I own six in different colours and styles and find them "carefree dressing" and more comfortable than separates..Planning my wardrobe for our Med October cruise , maxi dresses will certainly feature. I find Phase Eight, Marks and Spencer and Fatface have the best most flattering designs.

My off-white Pashmina. It keeps me warm on chilly planes and cold restaurants and in off-white it works for any season and any dress. It goes with me whenever I travel.

I'm a pashmina fan too,I have three ,cream,cobalt blue and magenta... they are so versatile you can wear them with a casual outfit or formal..My favourite dresses to travel with are Phase Eight, absolutely gorgeous, very flattering and always arrive wrinkle-free.A travelling girls dream !!!

They are certainly not out of fashion in England...pantyhose or as we call them tights finish off a well groomed look (must be sheer though, 5 denier at most and must compliment the outfit )

I'm a Chanel 5 lady too...I layer my fragrance, Chanel 5 bath oil, body lotion and finish with the perfume for evening..Daytime I love India Hicks or Jo Malone...I wouldn't dream of going on holiday without taking all my perfumes...:)

So happy he has made it safely to Eclipse for our upcoming trip :) Am also curious as to which lounge he is performing in...we always call in on his show on the way to bed and have a nightcap enjoying his unique style.We will certainly be "assuming the position" :D

First time on Eclipse this Summer, this thread has been invaluable in planning ahead where all our "bits and bobbins" will fit..I have sourced the magnetic hooks here in England through Amazon. I think these will be great to hang my posh frocks and prevent them being squished if closet space is limited.I am not a light packer...;)

Many thanks GeorgesGal for your speedy response..We too are starboard, so I'm certain we will take advantage of this facility :)

Another question about the Relaxation lounge..We will shortly be Aqua on Eclipse, can we access the lounge from the Penthouse Deck i.e. from the corridor outside our room or only from the Spa area?

Another question on this wonderfully informative thread...Is the Relaxation Lounge on Penthouse Deck Eclipse accessible to all guests or only Aqua Class ? :)