ConnieTact

So true! Pizza is Mr CTs favourite and it’s never served in YC restaurant! It’s ok in a balcony suite as there’s a table but less comfortable in an inside.

We decided to take it easy and make full use of room service last night. We had pizzas in the room and drinks delivery too. The service was prompt and excellent. we watched TV and took a break from the ship’s entertainment offerings.

As you can see, the ship is visible from the centre of Le Havre, we couldn’t miss it although did use my navigation app for the best walking route.

Next we went to Le Sublim’s a very traditional French Cafe on Rue de St Bernardin for a coffee and pot of tea to soak in the atmosphere. We enjoyed it there as it really did feel French.

In Le Havre we looked for a Christmas market and although there were a few wooden shacks there they weren’t open or being used yet- perhaps a bit early for this. Hopefully they will be open for later cruises to enjoy. We walked accords the square and around the shopping area to look at the seasonal displays in the shop windows. Here are a few of them. I loved this idea! A Christmas macaroon tree! Looks great and I bet it’s delicious too! also, This shop front was my favourite, so very beautiful and pastels for Christmas? Not a colour scheme I have ever tried but this does look fabulous!

Yesterday we got off the ship in the afternoon after the queues had gone. We decided it best to get a taxi as this cost a flat fare of €10 to the centre. The shuttle is €14 each return, so for two or more people it is cheaper. When we were coming home we stood at the Taxi rank for 15 minutes and, as it was starting to get cold and there were no taxis in sight, we decided to walk back to the ship. The walk is an easy flat one with only one slight incline. It takes 25 minutes and around a mile and a half. There was a huge queue for the shuttle.

More snaps from the balcony this morning. This shows there is no queue for shuttle and a few buses ready for excursions out there.

Good morning from Le Havre! What a beautiful skies during sunrise today with a regal presence too! Queen Victoria has docked today and I awoke to see her docked nearby with the glorious illumination behind her!

Update- the queue for shuttle seems just as long. There was 10 minutes between them. just now the taxi line seems to be the quickest with three taxis on a line at one time! The taxi company obviously put the word out! If we catch one later, I’ll report how much it cost. Here’s the information regarding the shuttle bus.

I never thought we’d enjoy a balcony in December and after wearing multiple layers in our last ports of call we are enjoying this sun trap! I think we’ll wait for the queues to die down before venturing off the ship.

The taxi line is not as long but only one taxi every 10 minutes or so. I highly recommend speaking to whoever you are next to in the ‘line’ and ask if they would like to share a taxi with you. Half the price and possibly less of a wait!

People getting off the ship. The folk who are going home (with cases etc) have a longer walk to the cruise terminal. (Bottom right of picture) Those going to the shuttle turn right. There now seems to be a very long queue for the shuttle. Actually two!

….and we arrived! We have an overnight in France and the sun is shining.

Warm enough to eat on balcony & watch the captain’s parking skills! 😂

Arriving Le Havre! Reversing in!

Lastly we watched some of the Sunshine party from the deck above! the 60s, 70s, 80s, party is often the highlight of them all on MSC cruises. The sunshine party looked like it reached those dazzling, cheerful heights! IMG_4533.mov

Christina Rogers IMG_4529.mov

The C arousel lounge was packed full last night. We stayed for a few songs of the fabulous Christina Rogers backed by the big band. What a fantastic sound. That woman is hugely talented and MSC are lucky to have her guesting. Even luckier were those who bagged the seating! When she asked who had seen her earlier show that night, most people cheered. I guess the others, who didn’t see her, were those of us standing! Her performance was powerful and outstanding. It was difficult to leave the show and we wished that the two performances had been ticketed and would have allowed everyone to have enjoyed it. I know it would mean clearing the venue but ultimately would please a lot more guests. Another idea would be to use the wrap around screen above and around the venue, to project her image so those who were in non stage facing seats could look up and watch their performance from these.

Dinner photos!

Last night we popped into the Yacht club lounge and had pre dinner snacks and listened to piano music. Then we went to the theatre show and to the first set from Roberto in the Master of the Seas pub.

Pre dinner snacks.

Yesterdays lunch. I chose a ‘bunless’ burger.

The show last night was Jukebox Jive and was fine. The singers sounded loud enough and the visuals from the screen behind were bright and cheery. The yacht club area was being well guarded by the butlers but when the show started, and the rest of the seats were full, people were being guided in front of the secured area. The latecomers were taken around and up to seats behind, filling up the remaining empty yacht club reserved seating area. Apart from disturbing the show for all those who paid extra to have that area, doesn’t that encourage late arrivals? People were led in 5 minutes, 10 minutes and even 15 minutes late! Surely the door could be closed and people told to come back for a later show. This would ensure an undisturbed performance for those who had made the effort to be there on time, and would show respect for the live performers too. Here’s some pictures from last night.

“I don’t want to hear your opinions and I don’t want to buy anything!” I said firmly to hairdresser the fully engaged with her sales pattern. Sadly, this appears to be the norm for MSC spa staff to criticise, in order to then provide the costly solution to whatever ‘dry or sensitive condition’ they have mustered up! This is not the relaxing and enjoyable customer experience one had looked forward to! Customers happily spend their hard earned money on treats and want to feel special during them and this type of pushy sales technique ruins that! So much better to receive a warm welcome, have someone show interest in you and compliment rather than be criticise. Let people leave the salon feeling a million dollars! During manicures, pedicures, massages and now hair appointments on MSC, I have come across the same issue. I now make sure I have my nails done before a cruise and have learned to stop the sales patter before it gets legs! “I don’t want to buy anything!” Seems to stop them in their tracks. I just don’t want to go through that every time. On returning to the cabin, MrCT said, “Oh no! That’s a shame. It was meant to be something nice for you.” He then told me it did look lovely though! I was happy with the result and the 10% yacht club discount, which wasn’t applied on my last cruise on Virtuosa but, I might just pack my own hair products and do it myself next time!