Cruzinforpeace***

It seems like they know they’re a no frills, low cost cruise line and that’s it; you get what you get.

Wish I could. That’s a good idea!

That’s good news. I never heard of such a thing happening on a cruise ship before but of course this is our first time on MSC so I’m training myself to expect nothing from all the negative reviews I’ve been reading. This way we will be pleasantly surprised when things turn out otherwise. I’m trying to stay positive while at the same time be prepared.

Say it ain’t so! I’m hearing in recent reviews that there is a lack of ketchup on board! We will bringing our own just in case. We are “ketchupholics”. Any suggestions on how to get this on board? Are packets or bottles easier to bring on board? Will they confiscate the contraband or are sealed items like ketchup allowed?

Sounds cool but I’m scared of heights.😬

No. I’ll check that out. Thank you! I did a search but I think I was in the wrong forum.

Gee thanks. I’ve been doing that. Was looking for recommendations.

We’ve been to Disney (don’t want to go anymore anyway), the Pontoon Boat, the whole Space Center thing. Was thinking Cocoa Beach but it doesn’t look that interesting. Is there anything else nearby the port that is fun to do? We like nature, amusementy things and quirky things. Are there any shops or restaurants near the port?

Looks like they’re kicking the Christmas decorations up to high gear now.

Thanks! Are there any fun things to do there besides the beach? I don’t know if it will be warm enough for that in February.

Anyone know recent Uber costs from the port to Cocoa Beach area; Ron Jon shop and shopping? We just wanted to walk around there and have lunch. The excursion will cost $150. I think that’s a bit high.

Thanks! Those prices are not bad for our situation. Don’t think a drink package will be worth it for us.

Thank you for all the info. I think we will need to try to be as flexible as possible and just take it as it comes. I put in the special needs form and we’ll see what happens there. I was going to buy us all non alcoholic drink packages (my husband and I don’t really drink alcohol) but we don’t drink many sweet drinks. Juice and coffee in the morning, water and tea at lunch and dinner and possibly a soda (mostly my son) here and there. I think we’ll buy our drinks a’la carte. Does anyone know the current pricing for soft drinks?

Love that picture from the Bahamas! Gorgeous.

Just like The Simpsons!

Thanks. I’m going to submit the special needs form tomorrow. We’ve been doing it since he was 2 years old when he started cruising on the other cruise lines. This will be his 18th cruise. Usually the other cruise lines allow us to bring some of his own food on board which I doubt MSC will allow us to do. I just wasn’t sure how MSC works with this type of accommodation. I’m already starting to prepare him for the different “European” style of food. Our goal between now and the cruise is to try pizza again since I’ve read over and over again how good the pizza is on MSC. He’s better than he used to be believe it or not. We were once on an NCL cruise when he was 4 or 5 years old and we bribed him to try a little piece of baked chicken. He took one bite, gagged and vomited at the table. We try to avoid these types of scenes on cruises since then. He’s been in and out of “feeding therapy” since he was 3. It’s very difficult to go away on cruises with his eating issues but we’ve managed with some accommodations. Usually the cruise restaurant staff is very helpful and attentive.

I guess I should be happy about that (lol)

First timer on MSC. Does anyone know or have any advice regarding having a VERY picky eater who is a teenager? I’m seeing the kids menus for the MDR on other MSC ships and I’m getting nervous for my son who has some sensory issues that affect his diet. He eats very few things and it doesn’t include pasta and pizza. He eats chicken nuggets, fries, hamburgers and grilled cheese. That’s basically it for dinner (not very Italian). We usually bring a jar of unopened peanut butter onboard on other cruise lines. I’m hoping they don’t confiscate it from me on MSC. We would like to avoid the buffet at night. Does anyone know if they will accommodate this kind of dietary issue and if so how would be the best way to address it? Special needs department? Directly with the restaurant staff?

Thank you for this inside look at a non yacht club experience. We are sailing on the Meraviglia in February (steerage class) and really appreciate this review. The MSC boards are definitely very heavy on the Yacht Club experience and conversation. It’s tough to find info like this. Thank you!

What a beautiful tone and so effortless.

I agree. If you’re paying 1/2 the money you have to expect it’s not going to be a truly 5 star experience. You will be pleasantly surprised when things occasionally exceed that expectation. I do think MSC knows they’re in a really great position to capture those of us from other cruise lines tired of paying exhorbitant pricing with increasingly less service and quality. They are “finding their way” in the American market. Don’t be surprised if prices go up as quality goes up.

How many kids do you have?

We were on Royal Caribbean The Anthem of the Seas last November and there were also rough seas. A hurricane was in the area so they re routed to The Dominican Republic and Haiti. It was great. We were supposed to be doing Florida and the Bahamas. I wish MSC had an alternative route in that area. It would make for happier passengers for sure.

People may need to mind their own business and let the ship crew deal with it. Just enjoy your cruise and stop judging others. You have no idea what people’s financial situations are like. Perhaps they saved for many years for that cruise, don’t have much money left for “elegant” clothes and/or maybe it’s their first cruise and they don’t know any better. They also just might choose not to dress up because they like a relaxed dress code. You’ll have a better cruise if you focus on getting to know your fellow cruisers as people and not criticize what they’re wearing. We all look the same underneath those clothes, whether it’s an evening gown or cargo shorts. I don’t believe it’s an intentional snub to the fancy dressers.