Opera at Sea. 8th April

[czechmate]

Paul - Good to hear that your plans in Italy went well and that you are now safely home - albeit for only a few weeks as you anticipate that beautiful Baltic Cruise.

 

We very much enjoyed meeting you and Sue and spending time in your excellent company. Thank you for your very kind and complimentary words - I blush!!

[love to cruz]

Hi everyone:

We got home to Florida about midnight last night, very tired but very happy. I can describe our Opera Transatlantic sailing in one word. "Magnificent." I was quite concerned after reading the terribly negative reviews about taking the Opera. But now I am wondering if we were on the same ship as the other people, or maybe the same planet. The food was nothing short of awesome. My husband is Italian and fussy about his homeland food, and he said it was wonderful. He like it so much he ate pasta or risotto with every meal. The lamb, steaks, and prime rib were so tender you could cut them with a fork.

After 25+ cruises, this is the first time I cried on the day we got off the ship. We met so many wonderful, caring people from all over the world and truly hated to say good bye. We are hoping to be part of a "reunion cruise" next April on the transatlantic crossing of the Opera. If anyone is sailing on the Opera soon please tell Daniella (of the animation team) her "American Mama" says hello, and tell Romansia the singer with the Popcorn band I miss her. Many of our little group stayed in the Caruso Lounge nightly long after the band was done. To all our special Cruise Critic friends we loved every minute we spent with you, and look forward to meeting again, soon hopefully.

[stowaway2k]

Hopefully there will be other singles I'll meet but if not I'll still enjoy as I usually travel by myself.

 

Hello Traveling Lady,

I don't doubt that there will be many singles aboard this crossing, myself among them. I believe that there will be a reception for those of us sailing solo, which should be the first full day out.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone here that will be on Lirica. If our crossing is as good as the Opera's, and it will, then we're all in for a great time.

 

Kyle

[czechmate]

Kyle and Traveling Lady

I am sure that you will soon meet and make good friends with fellow passengers some travelling solo and some as couples and groups.

 

The first full day at sea is the Welcome Cocktail Party. The singles Cocktail

Party was at 11.30 a.m. on the second full day at sea.

 

I am sure that your experience on Lirica is going to be every bit as good and as happy as was ours. All the ingredients are there - take advantage of them and you will be happy happy happy.

 

Carol and Vic (love to cruz) would it not be wonderful to meet this evening and again share fun times in Caruso Lounge! It hardly seems possible that you are home already but delighted that all went well for you. Thank you for your great company. Will write e-mail later today. Just you remember that April 2006 date now.

 

Barry

[traveling lady]

Hello Traveling Lady,

I don't doubt that there will be many singles aboard this crossing, myself among them. I believe that there will be a reception for those of us sailing solo, which should be the first full day out.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone here that will be on Lirica. If our crossing is as good as the Opera's, and it will, then we're all in for a great time.

 

Kyle

Stowaway2K, Shugette,

Our time will soon be here. I'm flying in from St. Louis the same day. No cabin no. (gty) yet but have other documents. I'm a little older

but still do 4-5 trips each year, usually two cruises. Looking forward to meeting everyone and if you see a 70 year old with a Mexican cane, that will be me

Traveling Lady.

.

[stowaway2k]

if you see a 70 year old with a Mexican cane, that will be me

Traveling Lady.

 

I'll look for you (and your cane) at the singles party!

 

Kyle

[Benitad]

OK, you transatlantic crew. time for the REVIEW!

[czechmate]

Benita - I will try to get something there in next 48 hours. Am also working on the photos!!

We are entertaining our USA visitors so time is pretty hard to find right now.

It is a case of a few minutes here and there.

Barry

[henri]

Hello,

 

Barry,

maybe it is an idea if you ask LauraS ( Community Manager of this board ) to change the name that you by mistake give to this thread.

I think something like "Opera at sea, Transatlantic, 2 april 2005 and futher" should be a good name.

 

Benita,

like (all) the others, we are still "recovering":D from this wonderfull trip, so it will take a while when it's all on the rails. I think Barry is the best writer:p, so he will start and the rest will follow with supplements.

 

Greetings, Henri.

[love to cruz]

Benitad: I will leave the review writing to Czechmate, as he is our eloquent leader. However, I will tell you our impressions of the Transatlantic Opera sailing. It was the shortest 17 days of our lives, and by far the most fun filled. We were in cabin 8160, and while it was not the roomiest cabin we have had, there was ample drawer space, and the cabin seemed much larger if left with a twin bed configuration. The shower, on the other hand, was pitifully small. The ship was kept immaculately clean, and the use of very large windows out to the sea were great. With the exception of one meal the food was wonderful. For those that like food without too many spices this might not be the ship for them, but for the rest the food was awesome. The only problem is the waiters do not take no for an answer, thus we way over ate every day. The five days at sea just flew by. The "Animation Team" had something going from 9:00 in the morning to midnight. There were trivia games, Italian lessons, arts & crafts daily, dance lessons daily (given by Joe, from Brazil). What a wonderful dancer & teacher. Unlike another cruise line that gives out "a solid 14 carat gold, plastic ship on a stick" the Opera gave out CD cases, wallets, baseball caps and even backpacks with the ships logo for prizes at the Animation Team activities. The Team made it a point to go around every evening and dance with the ladies. Of course, there were numerous other games and activities by the pool and indoors. A very nice feature I have not seen on other ships were the lounge chairs by the pool. They all had a canopy on the top. so we could shield our faces from the sun, and there was never a problem finding a lounge chair. The musical groups on the ship were wonderful. Many of us met in the Caruso Lounge after the second show and helped close the lounge down nightly. The Popcorn Band plays there, and the lead singer, Romanscia, became a nice friend during the cruise. The shows varied during the cruise, some were great such as the opera singer, and one bombed terribly, but when a ship is trying to entertain people from all over the world for 17 days (when they only need to entertain for 7 to 10 days normally) the task must be extremely difficult. This was our second experience with Cruise Critic and I must say I doubt if we will ever have a cruise again that was so much fun, and such wonderful companionship. Our first meet & mingle on the Brilliance was a bust. On the Opera we met everyday at 5:00, took two private tours together, mingled every day with our fellow passengers, and cried when we parted. We are so very greatful to Cruise Critic for being the forum that allowed us all to chat and ultimately meet. We have made life long friends on this sailing. Several of us are already planning on booking the Opera's 2006 transatlantic sailing, so we may all meet again. Now Barry it is your turn to do the professional review as only you could do.

[czechmate]

Carol (love to cruz) and Henri Thank you for the kind words and the responsibility!! I better get very busy and put my thoughts here a.s.a.p.

 

An e-mail is on the way to Laura asking for a change in thread title - as you suggested Henri. Will also express the sincere thanks from us all to CruiseCritic for bringing us together.

[czechmate]

Thanks to the very considerable help of our good friend and saviour Magwa/Pam there are now a few of our photographs to view at http://public.fotki/DanBarry/mscopera. There are about 200 more to go.

 

Gino (Varadero) took so many pics and downloaded to his notebook all ours plus those of Mary/Boro and I believe others and has promised to create a site where all the pics can be seen. Gino we need you!!!

[Magwa]

http://public.fotki.com/DanBarry/ ;)

[cronestein]

Thanks to the very considerable help of our good friend and saviour Magwa/Pam there are now a few of our photographs to view at http://public.fotki/DanBarry/mscopera. There are about 200 more to go.

 

 

 

czechmate,

It was if I was there,St Thomas is well known by me.Great pics!!

Curious to the others.

 

Greetings,

Eternity

[Benitad]

Awesome photos! And what a great-looking group. Even Sylvester was there.

 

I just can't wait for ...

the REST of the story!

Come ON, you slackers!!

[Joan of Oz]

Hi Everyone

:)

 

It was wonderful to meet such interesting and friendly "Cruise Critic" fellow companions - you made us feel very welcome and we really enjoyed your company.

 

All the pre-cruise organising by Barry was really appreciated - and it was a nice touch that Daniel made each of us a name tag so that we could put a face to those that had spoken on this site for some time. The tours together were the best.

 

The rough weather experienced on the MSC Opera cruise was mainly at night - when all you "Night Owls" were still raging on - us oldies were tucked up in bed with our glasses of Scotch and didn't notice it too much.

 

Agree with the comments that others have posted re the cruise. We too thought that the food was good but was not as well presented as say on the Princess line that does cater more for the American market. The Italian classes were fun - will have the "Diploma" framed but hopefully don't have to prove the expertise to a visiting Italian.

 

The disembarkation was not handled very well as we like many others waited in the Caruso Lounge as requested only to find that the Passports were being handed out in the Opera Theatre. We fortunately managed to get on the first bus to Milan Airport and we did not have a problem - however noted there were some irate passengers not able to make their connection.

 

We flew on to Turkey to Istanbul and had a wonderful four days staying in a small tradional hotel in the old quarter - right opposite the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome where once the Romans held chariot races. If you have not visited Istanbul - there is much to see.

 

Living "Down Under" it is a long way home. We flew from Istanbul and had a day in Dubai - very hot but fascinating - the many great buildings, immaculate landscaping are all under 10 years old - it is a very modern city built on the money from oil - we should have stayed longer. A long flight home via Singapore - over 15 hours.

 

We are now back home and back to reality - although it is Autumn the weather is lovely.

 

Thankyou again everyone - let's hope we all keep in touch.

 

Joan and Neville

[henri]

Dear Joan & Neville,

we are glad that you are save at home:).

So,... one by one our CC-OPERA-members are coming at their homes. Some almost only to clean and pack (Paul & Sue) for the next cruise to the Baltic.

A few more to come, although Robyn will be on the way for a while.

Greetings, Henri.

[czechmate]

Joan

we are pleased that you are home safely and enjoyed your time in Istanbul.

 

We so enjoyed meeting you and spending happy fun filled hours in your company. Every time that we look at the little koala bears you presented to us all we will be reminded of you and the good times we shared.

 

Take care till we meet again.

 

Barry and Daniel

[varadero]

for more pictures go to thread : opera 2nd april - transatlantic - back to reality

[czechmate]

Gino

Please can you put the "lead" to the pictures here. That would be very helpful.

 

Many thanks and hoping that all goes well with you and Cynthia.

I hav sent you e-mail to both addresses.

 

Barry

[czechmate]

This is the lead to the site where Ginos pics can be seen

[varadero]

Sorry Barry,

The link is not correct :

It should be : http://gino.slider.be/fotocollage/index.html

But you may also visit the main entrance : http://gino.slider.be

GINO

PS... I will try to update the next pictures tonight

[glowing amber]

Are translating crossing was like a dream. We had a wonderful time, meet GREAT people, it was all over to soon were did 17 days go? Yes we would do it again,.

May, even next year .......We cont. our trip with a wk in sicilly driving,

and than on to visit our dgt in hamburg...

Henri, how are the tulips? We are thinking of visiting next weekend - is that still too early?

The Cadiz package arrived in Hamburg yesterday.

 

Carol & Mike

[czechmate]

MSC Opera. Transatlantic Crossing Fort Lauderdale to Genoa 2nd to 19th April, 2005.

 

Although this is our own personal thoughts and opinions based on our experience from time to

time there may be comment upon opinions and thoughts of some of the people with whom we

spent time during our 17 days.

 

This was not our first cruise with MSC and what really concerned us was that changes

may have been made during the 2005 Caribbean Season that might reduce our personal

enjoyment. On board there were a couple who have taken 38 cruises with MSC, a lady

on her 32nd cruise with MSC, a lady who had sailed with MSC westbound in November

and loved it so much that she had stayed on board throughout the 2005 Caribbean season

and a couple who had sailed westbound and enjoyed it so much that they immediately

booked the return to cruise eastbound. It can be seen therefore that we are not alone in

our appreciation of the MSC product.

 

There were some very minor changes which we thought were not for the good. For instance

previously there was a jug of water in the cabins and this was refreshed twice daily. Now

there was bottled water to be purchased. In the dining room a jug of iced water was delivered to

the table and remained there throughout the meal - now you had to wait for the wine steward

to refill the glasses. There had been orange juice and pineapple juice available all day along

with tea, coffee and iced tea but now the juices had disappeared. Previously we had been able

to purchase ashore local spirits and take back on board or purchase in the shop on board and

take to the cabin and open. This was no longer permissible. The pool towels were delivered to

and collected from the cabin on a daily basis. None of these minor changes spoiled our over

all good impression and all other things remained as we remembered.

 

We found Opera to be every bit as elegant and stylish as her sister ship Lirica. Whilst the Opera

colours may have been more vibrant there were always tasteful and attractive. There were again

some lovely lighting features as you would expect on an Italian ship. The very highest standards

of cleanliness were again visible everywhere. Night and Day the staff were hard at work keeping

Opera spotless. We love the size, the design, the space, the intimate atmoshpere and the

facilities on Opera and Lirica. Not for us are the massive ships including the MSC new builds.

 

When cruising we are not interested in the casino or the onboard shopping so whilst there are

cruise liners with supposed superior facilities these would not be of concern to us. We love the

"old fashioned" quality and charm of MSC. Dining at a fixed time at a fixed table in a fixed

restauant with the same waiter who comes to understand our likes and dislikes is very high on

our list of "wants" on a cruise.

 

Towards the very end of the cruise we did encounter extreme rudeness from one particular area

but overall the staff were impeccable in their behaviou and service. Wherever we went we were

treated politely and greeted with huge smiles and this continued every day. The staff were so

willing to do anything they could to please and assist. Nothing was a bother or trouble. Even

late at night in the lounges the stewards willingly and smilngly would bring a glass of water when

requested.

 

Nothing was forced or pushed upon us. There was no harassment or pushing of drinks,

photographs or any other item. Good natured cajoling by the entertainment team to take part

in their activities could easily be rejected and was accepted gracefully.

 

Let me now deal with the negative aspects although I would stress that not one was a major

problem and certainly did not spoil our enjoyment nor create the feeling that we would not sail

with MSC again.

 

1) MSC are not an easy company to deal with.

Requests for brochures are ignored, Faxes and letters are ignored. You are advised

requests regarding dining etc are just that "requests" and nothing is guaranteed. There

should be a far greater urgency to fulfill customer wishes in this highly competitive field.

Information provided by the company varies from country to country and most certainly is

not always accurate. Two very good examples of this lack of liason were

A) USA passengers were given a total incorrect arrival time in Genoa which caused great

problems for some and worry whilst on the cruise in trying to make new arrangements

for their onward travel. In fairness to MSC the staff did endeavour to help and provided

free internet access to facilitate these plans

B) The confusion regarding buses from Genoa to Milan. Even during the cruise the staff

were trying to get information from their Italian Head Office

MSC have a complicated sales programme in different countries

with huge fare differences.

(I do have to say that for our dining requests finally I did receive

a "guarantee" after a long distance telephone call and this was honoured)

 

2) The manner in which our complaint for rudeness via the telephone was not well handled.

There was a closing of ranks to protect the guilty party. The Hotel Director was contradictory

in his response. First he needed the identity of the person responsible but when we tried

to discover this we were blocked because "if one person was rude then it is the fault of

everyone and we cannot give one name".

 

3) The Virtual Reality Games Room was totally empty of games. This was upsetting for

some and especially those with pre-teen and teen agers.

 

4) The DJ in the disco had no interest in catering to the tastes of the passengers. The

DJ would frequently disappear for up to an hour leaving the most terrible "noise" blasting

out!!

 

5) I have the highest respect for the very hard working entertainment team and joined in

some of their activities!! However we could not disagree with those who voiced the view

that some of the games were overlong, a little repetitive and a touch too "loud". This was

especially true of the area of the pool - the main "relaxing area" for many. Possibly

changes of venues would have been an advantage!

However this was minor as overall they do a superb job especially with solo passengers

and must be exhausted with very few hours sleep per night

 

6) I felt that the staff lost a wonderful chance for a huge deck "Goodbye Caribbean"

Party the day we departed Barbados. Similarly the arrival in the first European port was

very low key.

 

7) The grilled frazzled bacon at breakfast is terrible!! I did read via "Boston Globe" that

a chef had been employed especially to cook the bacon as "european chefs" were no

good at that!! Well it seems the employee does not understand that not everyone

wants there bacon prepared the same way and served cremated!!

 

8) The "Welcome Cocktail Party" was in 2 venues Caruso Lounge and Sotto Vento

Lounge. We opted for Sotto Vento and there was not one officer or higher ranked

person or member of the entertainment staff present to indicate "Welcome". That

said it was unanimous that MSC were THE MOST generous hosts with unlimited

complimentary cocktails and canapes.This was true of the "Welcome", Repeaters

and "Farewell" cocktail parties

.

9) The wine glasses at the dining table are small and unsuitable. We did manage to

finally get long stemmed large bowled "Barolo" glasses to fully enjoy our red wine each

evening

 

10) Some of the late night buffets were moved indoors to La Vele. This really was not

large enough. This was especially true of the Farewell Buffet Magnifique. We did not

want to eat just to view but it was a terrible battle to get in and many gave up.

Some other late night buffets were billed as in "the lounges" frequently this did not

seem to include the Caruso Lounge. Since we did not wish to consume food at that

time it was not a problem for us but some were unhappy.

 

11) The shore excursions were limited, not very extensive and pricey, compared to

what could be done on ones own. MSC do not organise the excursions they have

different agents in each port. Consequently they do not accept liability. We heard

a number of complaints at the language groups being mixed and some people

having virtually no information in their mother tongue. One of our group had a

poor experience in this regard.

 

12) Unlike our previous cruises with MSC the Disembarkation system whilst good in

theory worked poorly in practise. There was misinformation and misunderstanding.

There was ignorance as to the nationalities and the immigration requirements for

all nationalities.

 

Part Two will follow

[czechmate]

Now for the many many positives and there were so many.

 

EMBARKATION.

This was so easy. We arrived about 10.45 and although there were people waiting

we were included in Group 1. Within 30 minutes they were on to Groups 4 and 5.

Group 1 was called and it was an easy less than 10 minutes to do the procedure

take the picture and issue the identity/charge/key card. At 11.45 we were already

on board. We understand that about 15 minutes later there were some problems

with the gangplank and the wind in Fort Lauderdale and there was a delay of about

20 minutes to rectify

We were welcomed on board and escorted to our cabin by a white gloved young

steward - who insisted on taking both items of hand luggage.

 

One of our members lost the card - went to reception and they immediately reissued the card with a new security code.

 

SERVICE

I have already indicated that the service was of an exceptionally high standard.

Some staff were not fluent in english but spoken to slowly and courteously with

understanding did correctly interpret requests. The staff could not do enough to

help passengers. Each and every day wherever we went we were greeted warmly

with huge smiles and a friendly "how are you". Staff who came from islands like

Antigua and Barbados were only to eagre to give information as to how to get the

best out of their islands.

These people really cared.

 

FOOD

The food generally was very varied and exceptionally good.

The special buffets that featured several days during lunch were excellent.

The pizzas were delicious and even the New Yorkers agreed on that scrore!

There were one or two items on the menu I did not enjoy. The Tournedo Rossini

was especially poor and not the correct cut and this day the mange tout (snow

peas) were yellow and way overcooked. The Prime Rib on the other hand was

Ambrosia! The lamb too was outstanding!!

The lobster and seafood/fish in general were perfect!

Our waiter (and others too) was happy to serve as a meal 2 appetizers or two

entrees, to bring a small portion of risotto and a small portion of the pasta both

of which were excellent. Requests for off menu items were received well and

met with pleasure.

I heard comments about individual menus. For instance one evening "Cheese"

there was one cheese dish in the appetizers. Cheese included in one soup.

Cheese included in the salad. Cheese in the Risotto. Melted cheese with one of

the entrees. Quiche was the vegetarian dish that day. There was a selection of

cheeses and then a cheesecake. I hasten to add all the cheeses were of different

types!. My meal that day was a white fish and orange mousse, the risotto - a small

portion only, a grilled steak with salad, and then fresh fruit. Delicious and certainly

not "cheesed off".

We specifically ¨requested L' Approdo and were not disapponted. We like the

"feel" of this restaurant far more than the larger La Caravella.

First sitting was at 6 p.m. Second Sitting was 8.30 p.m.

We had selected second sitting always enjoyed a leisurely meal and left the

restaurant every evening by 10.30 at the very latest.

The "show" for second sitting diners was 10.45p.m. so this worked out well.

 

ENTERTAINMENT.

Generally were good although there was one disaster. The Tenor left us at

San Juan and we picked up various other entertainers at other ports who did "one

off" shows. The predatory lady singer who joined us at Tenerife was certainly

not in the same class as Romancia - a wonderful young lady from Barbados

and a great singer with a varied repertoire with the PopCorn band in Caruso Lounge.

We believe that they and she should have been used far more throughout the cruise.

We rolled with laughter when she received a complaint that she did not sing all her

numbers in English!!

The magician was a great entertainer and he and his wife were genuine delightful and

very approachable people happy to mix with the passengers and give special

"off stage and close up" shows.

The dancers were outstanding. The Can Can and RiverDance routines left the

audience breathless.

There were numerous standing ovations.

 

THE BANDS.

The various musicians were brilliant. Very varied from classic to Dance to Pop

to Latin. There was something for all tastes.

There was music at the buffet lunch, music at high tea and then from 5 p.m.

music in at least one of the lounges.

People managed to enjoy dancing of all styles and we certainly did our bit to

wear the floors out in the various venues.We danced in the morning at

Le Piscine, we sometimes danced at lunch at Il Patio, we danced in the afternoon,

we danced in the evening and we danced at 3 (sometimes 4) in the morning!

 

THE ITINERARY.

We enjoyed all our ports of call very much. San Juan/St. Thomas/Antigua/

Martinique/Barbados/Tenerife/Cadiz/Mallorca. They were interesting and we

always felt safe. We were a little diappointed at some of our port times but

we knew these well in advance and were prepared. We were fortunate in that

we arrived 2 hours early at 18.00 hours in San Juan. We departed

Martinique one hour later and Barbados 2 hours later. This extra time in the ports

was very much appreciated by the passengers

A lot of advance research had been done and this was pooled between our group

who had all met through the internet and we were able to maximise the time in

each port. Thank you Henri for many brilliant suggestions.

At St. Thomas we were berthed at Charlotte Amalie adjacent to QM2. This was

a busy day in port with 4 of the largest liners afloat all in harbour that day.

We had arranged our own tour - as we did at Martinique - and had a wonderful time.

 

ACTIVITIES

There were just so many that it was impossible to take part in everything.

 

PASSENGERS.

Mainly senior citizens but with the hearts and minds of twenty somethings.

Through the wonder of internet we were part of a group of varied, interesting,

educated people of several nationalities. It is amazing how well we gelled and

bonded. The wonderful atmosphere generated only added to the overall enjoyment.

I would like to say a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all my ship mates who

might read this. May we all sail again together in the near future.

 

Would I sail with MSC again? Without a doubt! In fact I am already booked on

the transatlantic crossing (all different ports) of Opera deúarting Fort Lauderdale

8th April, 2006. This was a wonderful unforgettable 17 days that passed far far

too quickly.

 

This was truly a unique and wonderful experience. Thank you MSC for the enormous pleasure and the memories to last a lifetime.