Is MSC Magnifica a COKE or PEPSI ship?

[drblue]

We're scheduled for a Mediterranean cruise on the Magnifica this coming January 2011. Before ordering the soft-drinks package, does anyone know for sure if the Magnifica serves COKE or PEPSI? Apparently, the difference is very important for my wife. I called MSC,and they told me that it could be either one: some ships serve Coke and others serve Pepsi. They were supposed to find out and call me back; that was 2 weeks ago.

 

So, has anyone sailed recently on the Magnifica? Please let me know which soft drink you actually saw being served.

 

I will certainly appreciate your answer.

[Ann Halliday]

I didn't actually see any coke/pepsi's being served but there was Coke in my mini bar on Magnifica. I remember this because I asked if they could replace it with coke zero or diet coke even though I never drank it. Enjoy the cruise!

[drblue]

I didn't actually see any coke/pepsi's being served but there was Coke in my mini bar on Magnifica. I remember this because I asked if they could replace it with coke zero or diet coke even though I never drank it. Enjoy the cruise!

Thank you for the info.

[mahondi2389]

I am a soft drink fanatic. They only served Coke/Diet Coke and that was fine with me. As a matter of fact, that was all that was served at all the ports too. The trip was fantastic. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

[drblue]

I am a soft drink fanatic. They only served Coke/Diet Coke and that was fine with me. As a matter of fact, that was all that was served at all the ports too. The trip was fantastic. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Thank you for the info Mahondi2389,

We were planning to purchase the soft-drink package, but only if it was based on Coke products. So, thank you for the update.

Since you just came back from the MSC Magnifica, would you please answer a few questions?

1. How bad was the smoking on the ship?

2. How did you get to the ship in Venice?

3. Did you see the children's facilities (we are taking a 3 year old son)?

4. Was there an alternative buffet open during DINNER time (not the specialty restaurants)?

5. Did you stop in Dubrovnik, Croatia? If so, is it doable on your own?

6. We read many negative reviews. Could you please tell me what made this trip good (in you ropinion)?

 

I would appreciate any info yo can provide.

[mahondi2389]

Dr Blue:

 

I too had all those questions so let me help you the best I can.

 

Smoking: There is no smoking on the balconies of our rooms (although our next door neighbor would occassionally smoke out there). This wasn't a problem as it was rare and the breeze is always there and didn't bother us. On the other hand, there is smoking allowed on the top deck where you will find the pools (13th fl). It was only on one side of the ship. I didn't see any specific signs, but that's just the way it was. With that, let me say it was not noticable on the other side where there was no smoking. There is no smoking in any of the lounges or in any dining rooms. Again, I did not find this to be a problem and I was especially sensitive as I have just stopped smoking about 3 months ago.

 

Getting to the ship: Here's my story. I live in Italy and my sister flew over from the states. I was going to drive to the port, but time wasn't allowing me to trust I'd find it correctly so I chickened out and drove straight to the airport. I left my car there and took a cab to the port. That was a very wise move on my part. That day was very hot, very rushed and when I saw where people park their cars close to the port allegedly, I discovered it's a long walk to the ship itself, a very long walk. So if I had to, I'd do it again and park my car at the Marco Polo airport and take a cab. Parking cost 82 Euro and the cab costs about 50 Euro.

 

Children's facilities: Not a lot that I noticed, but with that let me say that there were many, many young children and there are many pools on that 13th floor. I'm sure your child will find a friend within the first day. They appeared to be quite safe and there are always adults around watching out for them.

 

When we signed on the ship we were given a card that told us what seating we had (first) and out table number. I can't help you there because that was the only place we took dinner everynight. Again, there were plenty of children at that seating. I am unaware of any other buffet available. Perhaps someone else will read this and correct me.

 

Croatia: We didn't take any excusion there, but signed up for a bus ride into oldtown. That is a good idea. I think it was 10 Euro per person round trip. Once you get there, be prepared to walk alot and it's very crouded. Other options are boat excursions that are available, but sign up early because they get booked early.

 

What was good for me? Well, like you, I read all the negative things and was ready for the worst. I can honestly say I didn't find anything negative. Other folks who have take many American style cruises were a little critical about the food, but I can't say I was ever hungry. No, you did not have prime rib, but you had lamb, duck, chicken, turkey just to name some meat dishes and they were all quite good. The ship is spotless. You no sooner see someone leave a table when the staff are over there clearing off dishes and preparing the table. The staff were incredibly professional and curteous. There was nothing needed. The italians can get a little loud, but it's an Italian cruise line and living in Italy (although not speaking the language) I was used to their behavior. I did not find them rude or pushy either. Everyone got along great. The casino was a little small, but even that place was amazing. For instance, you can smoke in the casino (only other indoor place allowed). One guest asked for a non smoking table and the pit boss created one on the spot. Another time I wanted to play 3 card poker and there wasn't anyone dealing it so they told me to go to the cashier and ask for a dealer for the table. Within 5 minutes we were playing 3 card poker at a non smoking table. I've thought about this cruise and spoken to my sister about it and we both agree, there was no unpleasant experience about it.

 

One last word of advice - disembarking. The night before you leave you receive a notice as to what color you are assigned for disembarking. We were told to wait in one of 4 lounges to hear our color be called. We decided to wait on the pool deck and we could hear each color be called. I thought it would be a little crazy putting the entire ship in 4 lounges and the theater area just to wait. We were right. The ice cream and bar was open on the 13th floor where we waited and when out color was called, we just took the elevator down to the 4th floor and departed.

 

I hope this is a help to you. Remember you're in Europe and not America. Europeans are a little different and that's part of the joy of the cruise. I hope you have a wonderful time and feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

 

Bon Voyage.;)

[drblue]

Hello Mahondi2389,

Thank you for all your answers and suggestions. They are practical and very helpful. I especially like your suggestion on disembarking. It would be hard to sit patiently in a crowded lounge with a very active 3 year-old boy. We are going on this trip with an open mind and an attitude that things do not always go as planned, even on land vacations. We certainly found that out on previous trips to Europe. So, hopefully, our vacation also reflects the positive experience you had on the MSC Magnifica.

Cheers