Any recent Cruisers on the Lirica?

We, 2 couples in mid to upper 50's, will be on the Lirica April 7, 2007 for an 11 night cruise doing Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Roatan, Cozumel and Jamaica.

 

I have read some reviews which say this is best ship afloat and some which say it is the worst.

 

I am concerned with food and service. I realize the cabin is small how big can 140 sq ft be?

 

Anyone care to enlighten me? I have sail most the major mass marklet ships. I love Costa. To date Princess and NCL are my least liked cruise lines. RCI is a close second to Costa. Carnival to be fair it has been so long since I was on a Carnival ship I don't know how I feel about them any more. I can say I have never been on a bad cruise just some of them have been better than others.

 

Don

Just off the Lirica Monday. We were on the Southern so can't help with how they handle the ports you'll be at.

 

Over all we enjoyed the cruise. The food and entertainment are very Italian. Sure there were some items that we didn't care for but we never sent anything back and at leat 98% of the time we all that we had ordered.

 

I have sent in a review and hope it will be up soon.

 

We decided that if when looking again for a cruie and MSC has an itenery and price we like we would cruise with them again.

 

We have only cruised with Princess prior and it definitely was nothing like them.

Sorry about double post.

My review has now been posted.

But where??? Cannot find your post.

But where??? Cannot find your post.

 

On the top banner click on reviews, then click on Lirica in ship drop down. This is where the review is.

 

Don

First, I liked to say that we really got our money's worth. It was a great value and the intinerary (Barbados) that I had been targeting. We have only been on Celebrity Horizon prior and, now, felt like that was a 1st class experience. Ship is very clean. Offerings were plentiful in the buffet for breakfast and lunch. Dinner offered fewer selections than Celebrity, but they were fine. The only disappointing meal was followed by our servers concern and attention to make me satisfied. What more can you ask for? I enjoyed that alcoholic beverages are not pushed at all.

Second, you will most likely be the YOUNGEST people aboard. Average age of passengers must have been 72 and up!

Third, if you have a certain point at the port that you would wish to visit, bring your own detailed maps. The shopping advisor maps have poor info.

Cabin size was okay. We had an inside room, and found it had plenty of storage space. Closets, endstands, and desk were very helpful.

A big problem was at the end of the cruise at disembarking. They appeared to be a glitch with some passengers and the Immigration process. Without reliving the whole process all over again, I would just make sure that you have PLENTY of time to catch your flight or ride home.

Have a wonderful cruise!

Mike & Phyllis

We had a great time! I had been reading the reviews since August and I was really doubting this line. Now, I have to say the line is wonderful and I would go with MSC again. If you don't have a good time, you've only got yourself to blame!!!

We (me, husband, and 12-year old daughter) are just back from an 11-day cruise on the Lirica over Christmas. We went to Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Hondorus. Unfortunately we couldn't dock in Grand Cayman due to rough seas.

 

I loved this cruise. I had only been on Princess ships before and although they are both very different, I was more than happy with the Lirica. The ship is spotless. Our waiter was fabulous. The food was divine. I think we, as Americans, were in the minority for passengers, and a few Americans that we spoke with weren't happy with the food at all. They said it was the worst they've had. I guess everyone is different, but my family and I loved every meal. I think people were expecting Olive Garden type food every night and that's just not authentic Italian. Lots of fish, olive oil, garlic...I was in heaven. I believe it was a six-course meal every night but there were several different choices available for each course. If you can't find something you like then I guess you are just unpleasable!

 

The ports were great; not at all what I was expecting. I thought Columbia would be seedy and dangerous -- not the case (at least I felt safe with our ship-sponsored tour). It's a beautiful country.

 

Embarkation and disembarking were a breeze. I have no complaints. Well, I guess if I have to find something to complain about it would be the music. I became very tired of the not-so-good reggae band that played on Deck 11. I mean, I like Bob Marley just as well as the next person, but hearing the same stuff over and over for 11 days was a little much. But that's it -- that's my only complaint. I recommend MSC and am looking into booking a cruise to the Med for 2008.

How were the casion payouts? We like to hit the slot most every night, but if they are really tight, we'd pick a different cruiseline.

How were the casion payouts? We like to hit the slot most every night, but if they are really tight, we'd pick a different cruiseline.

Casinovery small.older machines, tight tight. EX. at table games,they use the same deck the whole trip, near end of trip cards pretty much worn out, no class. Better to do casnio at port.

First, the slots are modern, all electronic. As far as the payout, I don't play slots. But my wife won about $130 over 10 days with them. I only play blackjack. They do use new cards; but, not as often as casinos in the states. If you are an experienced BJ player, can see the "clumping" with a new deck. The casino is fun, but certainly not the reason we took the cruise.

We, 2 couples in mid to upper 50's, will be on the Lirica April 7, 2007 for an 11 night cruise doing Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Roatan, Cozumel and Jamaica.

Don

 

I will also be on this cruise. JOHN:)

Looks like there will be a lot of older passengers on the Lirica when I sail in April which is great for my mom...I hope, however, that I can find someone to talk with...

This will be my 3d transAtlantic crossing aboard Lirica.

We found everything from an infant up to the elderly. This is, by no means, a seniors cruise.

Have a great cruise!

mdelacono

We cruise on the Lirica in Feburary E/S carib. We found the ship very clean, and the service just fine. The food at dinner was always good (if you get the Fish). The beef, pork, veal, and chicken are a bit tough. The pastas, and soups were always good.

 

The Buffet lunch had a good variety, The pizza buffet between the pool area and main buffet was a good lunch, and they also had a pasta of the day prepaired on the spot.

 

We prefered the buffet for breakfast (the food in the dining room was cold by time we got it).

 

Overall we had a great time, (but remember you are on a European cruise line) so don't expect American cruise style. We found it to be a nice change.

Can any recent cruisers tell me how many formal nights there are on the 11 day cruise. Additionally, what was the prevailing dress for men? Were there many tuxedos worn those evenings?

Can any recent cruisers tell me how many formal nights there are on the 11 day cruise. Additionally, what was the prevailing dress for men? Were there many tuxedos worn those evenings?

 

3 formal nights, just got off of the Opera. Some tux, I'd say 35%, either way is fine.

On the Lirica 3 formal nights in 11 days. about the same 30% Tux. The rest were suit and tie. I also saw business casual about 20% on formal nights.

3 formal nights, just got off of the Opera. Some tux, I'd say 35%, either way is fine.

Joybaby, were there tuxedos for rent onboard like most other cruise lines have? If so, do you know the approx. cost for rentals?

Will also be on the 4/7 cruise!

Can any recent cruisers tell me how many formal nights there are on the 11 day cruise. Additionally, what was the prevailing dress for men? Were there many tuxedos worn those evenings?

 

 

Yo-

 

Dark blue Travel Smith and white mocturtle neck was more than adequate-eh!

 

Happy Cruisin'

 

Mike

Joybaby, were there tuxedos for rent onboard like most other cruise lines have? If so, do you know the approx. cost for rentals?

 

No rentals, almost nothing in the shops. A suit or very nice blazer will be perfect. You will look fine!

The shops are closed a lot. Not the the American cruise lines.

For purchases, I mean gifts, hit St. Maarten's. The following ports will be higher in price.

It's a lay back cruise, if you are not dressed to the T, no problem.

3 formal nights on an 11 day cruise.

Now that we are getting closer I have a couple of questions for those of you who have been on the LIRICA.

 

What time should we expect to disembark on our arrival back into Fort Lauderdale. They switched our flight and we are going to have plenty of time and hopefully they won't rush us off too fast. I thought it better this way than trying to get off early and catch a 10:45 flight which at first they switched us to.

 

When is the life boat drill? I assume it would be the first evening before sail away but since we leave a little later than usual I was questioning this.

 

If we put liquor in our checked luggage will it make it to the cabin?

Flights go off first, all color coded. I didn't get off until 10 a.m. since I drove, last group to get off.

 

Drill is not until the next day - 10 a.m. which was great!

 

Liquor went through fine in checked luggage.