MSC Opera vs X - A 'JMO' Review

[donnaw]

Hi Gail,

 

Ok, next episode please! He is still alive and I promise he will stay that way for awhile but the episodes do a wonderful job of rubbing it in! This way your saying I told you so and not me! Absolutely diabolical!

[tuggers]

The evening of day 2 I was tired, full of wine from the Captain's Table and more than a little buzzed. I went to the show for a few minutes to hear Ketty do the introductions in 5 languages and then toddled off to bed. There was a message waiting but I ignored it. Bad move.

 

 

The next day I was having my coffee and rye toast when the phone rang. Chief Housekeeper Betty G left me a voice mail the day before asking me to meet her at 6pm. I was in a private cocktail party for the Baseball Greats who were on this sailing at that time. I said I was sorry and yes, I could meet her in her office at 10am. Oh, all right, but why? What does she want. I thought it was sort of a bother, but I did go.

 

First, I want to say that Betty is gorgeous! She should be on the cover of a magazine. Tall, blond, thin, beautiful. She wanted to know if I would be more comfortable in a suite. Heck, yeah! You bet your bippy! I'm a suite kinda gal!

Thirty minutes later (now that was some power packing!) the cabin steward has moved me into a front facing suite. There are two of the front facing ones and Im am told they are where the owner stays when he's onboard. Oh Yeah, I am definitely happier! BTW, the hair dryers on the O really BLOW!!

 

The suite is small, only a little larger than a CC cabin on X. There is a small foyer with a built in shelf and full length storage cabnets, a walkin closet with wardrobe built in, a tub and shower combo, a desk set in a corner past the foyer, a queen bed, sofa/sitting area and a credenza, small balcony. It really is quite nice, just don't book a suite thinking you are getting 1000 square feet. The balcony is small but at one time we had 14 people on it! Did a lot of sailaway champagne parties! With the baseball guys and their wives. They were a fun group!

 

Did I mention that my four person team won the Baseball Trivia contest? We each got a baseball signed by all the players onboard. Kind of neat ball. I know nothing about baseball, but my job was to buy the booze for the team! And I did that quite well! Brian, the friend I met onboard had a good job - he ran the slips of paper with the answers on it up to the table! The other two on the team actually knew their stuff! So we won! We were the 'Boozers Minus One' because we didn't think the lady drank (wrong!).

 

Everyone is wanting to know how the Millie compared with the Opera, so I am going to do thiat now.

 

I did not go on O expecting anything. I tried to board with an open mind, remembering that different is just that, different, and that it is not bad to be different. I didn't want to spend a week saying, 'on X it's like this'. So I made a real attemp as self talk and getting onboard with an attitude of let's see how good of a time I can have. And a VERY good time, I had!

 

There was no sorbet at 2 by the pool, there were no icey towels when we came in from ports, but there was a lovely sit down tea served everyday in one of the lounges. The room service breakfast was a little bit sparse, but after my coffee it drove me to the buffet and that lovely, glassed in aft view.

The casino is very small, but the machines pay off! The casino manager comes round to most everyone and chats. It's a friendly place.

 

The food is very good on O. I think that X does a great job with beef, pork and lamb, but is a little lacking in the fish and pasta department. The O excells in pasta and fish! The desserts on O are a little less sweet than we Americans like, but still very good. Also, O has no corkage fee if you bring your own wine and they also have that red and white house wine by the pitcher that I mentioned before. The silver is quite different with O going for more a casual, European way of serving (you approach your table at dinner to find a knife and fork, no 2 foot wide place setting. As you ordered you were supplied with the cuttlery you needed. I thought it was refreshing!

 

Room service on X is usually flawless and I can get cereal in the morning. O is more a true continental and there were several mistakes until I made a discovery. The hang tag for breakfast is very crowded because everything is in 5 languages! So I got out my highlighter and after filling out my selections, I highlighted every row that had something in it. Worked! No more mistakes.

 

One thing I would say that O needs to improve if they want to stay in this North American market is to teach English to more of the crew that provides service directly to the pax. The Officers, GR's, main staff, etc all speak our language, but the cleaners and delivery people are not as fluent. Makes for some interesting conversations!

 

The embarking and disembarking went great. By taking your picture where you check in they eliminated a whole step. Disembarking was fast and efficient. It took me all of ten minutes to get onboard.

 

O has two English speaking Social Hostesses and various International ones.

One SH will be 'assigned' to you. She will just always be around to answer questions, help out with most anything or just listen to you blabber on!! They have a couple of hours each day where they are by the pool, the buffet, pizza ovens etc. They are there to help in any way they can or just answer questions.

 

There are no Art Auctions! Yea!!!! Go O!

 

There are NO ANNOUNCEMENTS!!! Go O!

 

There are ENOUGH CHAIRS!!!!!!!!! Go O!

 

I liked both ships. I would go on either one in a heartbeat. The Opera is a new deal in town. Trying it out is an adventure worth doing. I'm not saying to dessert X, just make a little room in your schedule for the MSC ships. I think you'll like it! Plus the Italian guys onboard are great to look at!!!!

 

I'm very tired tonight so more later.

 

Gail

[sunpsyche]

Thanks Gail. We will definately check out this line. Pasta and some eye candy...and chairs to admire them in...mmmmmm...

[gkm]

Very nice Gail. You really are doing a great review! Thanks.

 

Garry

[Ma Bell]

Sounds like fun Gail.:)

[donnaw]

Gail, Wow!

 

I do think that I will edit out the Italian guys before I hit him over the head with the latest installment though! Just keeps sounding better and better! We have actually done one European line and my sil was dissapointed that they weren't trying to sell anything. I thought it was a little bit of heaven!

[Char]

Hey Gail :D

 

Really nice review~~makes us want to try it out. Now, did you get the suite upgrade because you were so wonderful at the Captain's table?:p Do you even know why you were upgraded? A nudge from Rick Sasso?;)

[RodPat]

Gail, If anyone deserves and upgrade it should be you. Glad you had a good time. If I can find the time, I will definitely try this ship. Pat

[tuggers]

Good Day. Just got back from picking up my mom's things at the nursing home so I'm here for a little diversion!

 

One thing singles should keep in mind is that MSC has a price catagory for us. No % supplement, just a price like everyone else. And so far, very favorable. They have made a commitment to do right by solo travelers and I like the prices I've seen. Not that it is trying to be the Love Boat, just not ripping us singles off so much!

 

A couple of final things about the food. O also has chilled soups but they are a good deal richer than X's (so now I like them both!) and are quite good.

I actually ate off a midnight buffet (something I hadn't done in years). I slept through dinner and was hungry so went down. It was on the pool deck but at the glassed in part by one of the outside bars. Mostly cold meats and salads, wonderful breads and a big dessert table.

 

I went to the disco that night and the Animation Team was doing a Haloween Party with costumes and everything. Was fun.

 

There is a Martini Bar with a mixologist whose name I can't spell, but it means old, used toothbrush. He got that name because when he signed on the first time he had a crew cut and it kept growing out and looking bad so they gave him a nickname. He did a good job on the Limon' and Apple Martini's. Martini's are $4.95 for a regualar sized one. They had three drinks that were $4 for the entire cruise. I know two were Cosmo's and Long Island Iced Tea, but I can't remember the third one. As I said before, that was the price, no 15% gratuity. The literature says they have figured in 10% for a tip but it is included in what ever price you see. A $4 drink says $4 on the bill.

 

Tipping was not required as MSC pays their staff a living wage without tips. I tipped only the people who had given extraodinary service. Maybe four people. Gave the Matre'd a big tip because he did so much for me, getting the cc'ers a table together, sending wine at lunch, etc. His name is Mario and he is the greatest. Always kisses the ladies hands when he greets them.

Loved it!!!

 

Music by the pool tends to be Latin or Oldies, no ragae or Caribbean. I liked it, but some said they missed the island type music. Somedays I stayed up by the quiet end of the pool but a couple of days I sat by all the action and it was pretty fun. I'm usually the sit and laugh at others making fools of themselves type, but the Animation Team got me to join in for some things. One I didn't do but was fun to watch was the sing off. Men vs Women, about 8 on a side, everytime the mic gets to you you have to sing a portion of a REAL song that hasn't been already used. After a few rounds we were down to Twinkle, Twinkle and Jingle Bells. Really fun watching people wracking their brains for a line or two of a song.

 

One thing I found lacking on O was a decent library. There are few books and then they are split between several languages, so the variety was small. I did, however, manage to find a book I had not read. I always take something of my own but go to the library to supplement. Hate to drag everything I am going to read with me. Maybe if I think of it next time I will take them a couple of books I can leave. Help them fill up the shelves a little! On Millie, the womnderful librarian held discussion groups. I went to one for mystery lovers and got some names of new authors I want to try. So great to be able to share knowledge with others in that format. And the Millie library is great, two floors!

 

I should also mention that once again, on this trip, Notes was very underused. I would not be surprised to see that space used for something else soon.

 

I promise, tonight I will read over my notes and get this mostly finished over the weekend. I've just been winging it today from memory.

 

Gail

[bepsf]

Great review, Gail - and very accurate!!!

 

 

Loved spending time with you aboard Opera - hope to sail with you again!!! :D

[Andy]

Hi Gail !

 

Outstanding review. Congrats on the Upgrade.

 

I was waiting to hear your review on MSC, before I booked. I am going to give her a try later this year, when she is back in Florida. As Celebrity doesnt seem to be very interested in the Florida market, then I am glad that MSC wants to capitalize on that. We will give them a try !

 

Welcome Home !

[Char]

I was waiting to hear your review on MSC, before I booked. I am going to give her a try later this year, when she is back in Florida. As Celebrity doesnt seem to be very interested in the Florida market, then I am glad that MSC wants to capitalize on that. We will give them a try !

Host Andy, do you know something I haven't been able to find out? I have been looking for MSC schedules for the fall/winter, but on the MSC web site they show no ships in the US. The Lirica is showing Med all the way through December and the Opera doesn't show any schedule past, I think, October. No transatlantics westbound shown at all.

 

We'd love to try MSC, but so far, there are no US schedules posted past April when Lirica goes back to Europe. Gail, do you have any info on future US schedules?

[Andy]

Host Andy, do you know something I haven't been able to find out? I have been looking for MSC schedules for the fall/winter, but on the MSC web site they show no ships in the US. The Lirica is showing Med all the way through December and the Opera doesn't show any schedule past, I think, October. No transatlantics westbound shown at all.

 

We'd love to try MSC, but so far, there are no US schedules posted past April when Lirica goes back to Europe. Gail, do you have any info on future US schedules?

 

Hi Char !

 

MSC's schedules are not out yet, but I have been told they will be back in Florida next season. I am sorry, but I do not have any more info other than that. I do expect the schedules to be out fairly soon though.

[turtlemichael]

Well done Gail.. You write really readably!!!

 

 

I can't get prices to come up on the MSC site - I get "contact your travel agent" (I also get that same message on the Princess site). Is that common to all or because I am not based in the US? Not sure whether I am asking in the right place but at least we are talking about MSC! :confused:

[eroller]

Hi Char !

 

MSC's schedules are not out yet, but I have been told they will be back in Florida next season. I am sorry, but I do not have any more info other than that. I do expect the schedules to be out fairly soon though.

 

 

Actually, MSC schedules are out for Fall 2005/Winter 2006 although they are not on the MSC website.

 

MSC OPERA will will return to Florida for 7-night Caribbean cruises but not until January 2006. The transatlantic crossing from Europe to Florida will commence on Dec 27, 2005 from Genoa. The 7-day cruises from Florida will be to the Eastern Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale. First one is 1/14/2006 and the last is April 1, 2006. Ports include two I've never heard of: La Romana and Cayo Levantado + San Juan and St. Maartin. After that, the ship returns to Europe. Rates start at $650 per person + tax.

 

MSC LIRICA also returns. Her main schedule is 11-night Panama Cruises and 11-night Deep Caribbean cruises. Her first Florida cruise will be December 10 and the last will be April 22 before returning to Europe. The 11 night cruises begin at $1100 per person + tax. MSC LIRICA is also scheduled for a few one-off cruises ... a 7-day, a 6-day, a 10-day, and a special holiday 11-night sailing.

 

Ernie

[Char]

Actually, MSC schedules are out for Fall 2005/Winter 2006 although they are not on the MSC website.

 

MSC OPERA will will return to Florida for 7-night Caribbean cruises but not until January 2006. The transatlantic crossing from Europe to Florida will commence on Dec 27, 2005 from Genoa. The 7-day cruises from Florida will be to the Eastern Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale. First one is 1/14/2006 and the last is April 1, 2006. Ports include two I've never heard of: La Romana and Cayo Levantado + San Juan and St. Maartin. After that, the ship returns to Europe. Rates start at $650 per person + tax.

 

MSC LIRICA also returns. Her main schedule is 11-night Panama Cruises and 11-night Deep Caribbean cruises. Her first Florida cruise will be December 10 and the last will be April 22 before returning to Europe. The 11 night cruises begin at $1100 per person + tax. MSC LIRICA is also scheduled for a few one-off cruises ... a 7-day, a 6-day, a 10-day, and a special holiday 11-night sailing.

 

Ernie

Thanks Ernie :D We will know what time frame to start thinking about.

[Andy]

Actually, MSC schedules are out for Fall 2005/Winter 2006 although they are not on the MSC website.

 

MSC OPERA will will return to Florida for 7-night Caribbean cruises but not until January 2006. The transatlantic crossing from Europe to Florida will commence on Dec 27, 2005 from Genoa. The 7-day cruises from Florida will be to the Eastern Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale. First one is 1/14/2006 and the last is April 1, 2006. Ports include two I've never heard of: La Romana and Cayo Levantado + San Juan and St. Maartin. After that, the ship returns to Europe. Rates start at $650 per person + tax.

 

MSC LIRICA also returns. Her main schedule is 11-night Panama Cruises and 11-night Deep Caribbean cruises. Her first Florida cruise will be December 10 and the last will be April 22 before returning to Europe. The 11 night cruises begin at $1100 per person + tax. MSC LIRICA is also scheduled for a few one-off cruises ... a 7-day, a 6-day, a 10-day, and a special holiday 11-night sailing.

 

Ernie

 

Hi Ernie !

 

Great information..... the only thing I find amusing, is that when I asked MSC yesterday, they confirmed they would be back, but did not have information on itineraries ! Oh well.... I am glad you had the information.

 

Too bad MSC's Caribbean season will be shorter next year.

 

You mentioned La Romana. That is likely the same port as Casa De Campo, as it's in the same general area. While I dont know much about Cayo Levantado, I do know it is a fairly small island, also in the Dominican Republic, and not very far from Casa De Campo.

 

I hope this information helps !

[turtlemichael]

Well done Gail.. You write really readably!!!

 

 

I can't get prices to come up on the MSC site - I get "contact your travel agent" (I also get that same message on the Princess site). Is that common to all or because I am not based in the US? Not sure whether I am asking in the right place but at least we are talking about MSC! :confused:

 

Following up, is any one able to look at their website and see if they get prices? Thanks

[eroller]

Hi Ernie !

 

Great information..... the only thing I find amusing, is that when I asked MSC yesterday, they confirmed they would be back, but did not have information on itineraries ! Oh well.... I am glad you had the information.

 

Too bad MSC's Caribbean season will be shorter next year.

 

You mentioned La Romana. That is likely the same port as Casa De Campo, as it's in the same general area. While I dont know much about Cayo Levantado, I do know it is a fairly small island, also in the Dominican Republic, and not very far from Casa De Campo.

 

I hope this information helps !

 

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the port info. Those are two I've never heard of before. I think it's nice that MSC is trying something new. I've hit just about every other major cruise port in the Caribbean.

 

Regarding the MSC itineraries ... well, never go by the reservations department of any cruise line! They seem to be the last to know.

 

Take care,

Ernie

[Char]

Following up, is any one able to look at their website and see if they get prices? Thanks

Nope, no prices on the web site. You have to call them or your travel agent. Wish their web site had the cabin dimensions along with the cabin pictures. I have seen other posts that give approximate size, but it is always nice to see the "official" sq. footage.

[turtlemichael]

Hi Char, thanks for doing that. You're a gem! MSC is actually not the best cruise website I have seen.

 

Sometimes we get blocked out of prices when they are tailored to the US market. Can't get Princess prices either (Not that I want them that much!).

[eroller]

Nope, no prices on the web site. You have to call them or your travel agent. Wish their web site had the cabin dimensions along with the cabin pictures. I have seen other posts that give approximate size, but it is always nice to see the "official" sq. footage.

 

 

Hi Char,

On MSC OPERA and MSC LIRICA the standard inside and standard outside cabins measure 140 sq ft. A standard balcony cabin is 170 sq ft (including the balcony), and a suite (really a mini-suite) is 280 sq ft (including balcony). The cabins are a little smaller than average but extremely well laid out and spotless. Those familiar with cabins on CENTURY, MERCURY, and GALAXY will find similarities, such as the desk area with the safe behind the mirror.

 

I have some professional photos of MSC OPERA on my photo site. Included are photos of several cabin types. You can have a look at this link:

http://public.fotki.com/eroller/msc_opera/

 

Hope that helps.

 

Ernie

 

PS - MSC MUSICA is being built in France as we speak. She will be the next generation MSC Cruises ship. She will be larger and offer many more balconies. The ship is largely modeled after CORAL PRINCESS. Frankly I think I would rather stick with the smaller ships and I hope MSC doesn't become too mainstream. Anyway, MSC MUSICA (to be followed by sister MSC ORCHESTRA) will make her way to N. America in 2006. Stay tuned.

[eurodolphin]

Gail, thx for the info, could you tell us some more about your fellow passengers and the "ambiance" please ?

[Sunnystone]

Like Andy, we were also waiting for your review before booking. As former platinum Princess passengers we have been sailing Celebrity since the Princess sale. We need a change and some new itneraries so we are looking for variety and MSC may fit the bill. Thanks for being the deciding factor!

[Radio]

Thanks Gail for your review!

You have a great eye for details....

I have been anticipating a review on the Opera/Lirica. It sounds wonderful, and I hope to be sailing her soon !

 

Radio

;) ;)