Need help preparing for my first MSC cruise

[jjdc]

I've recently booked a 9-night Med cruise on MSC Magnifica from Venice for this upcoming January. I've read some of the threads here and tried searching but am having difficulty finding answers to some of my questions. I'll appreciate any info on the below questions or anything else you think a first time cruiser on MSC should know.

 

Does MSC have a self-disembarkation program in Venice? I hope to travel pretty light on this trip and would like to disembark as early as possible.

 

I'm considering booking a couple of their shore excursions for the 2-day stop in Israel. There is no specification as to what language will be spoken on the shore excursions. I suspect that there may not be many English speakers on board. What can I expect for the shore excursions in Israel? Will commentary be Italian only or in multiple languages including English or might they have a separate English-speaking group?

 

I'm in a guarantee cabin so the website isn't letting me book tours online. Can I call MSC and book tours now before they assign me a cabin? I'm concerned that the tours I want for the 2 days in Israel will be full if I can't book them soon. If I can't book those, then the main reason I booked the cruise will be lost.

 

How do they typically handle assigning solo cruisers to dinner tables? I'm very happy to be at a table with multiple nationalities but as a solo cruiser, I would be uncomfortable at a table with a group who are all traveling together, especially if there is a language barrier.

 

Is there a promenade deck? Can you walk around the entire ship on that deck? Does it have deck chairs? I typically avoid the pool deck, but like the lower level, covered promenade decks.

 

What do people mean when talking about the two sides of the menu -- a sort of Italian side and an American side? I haven't seen anything like that in the menus I've seen posted. I'm quite happy eating Italian food all week, but I was trying to understand what people are referring to.

 

Does anyone have the menu for the specialty restaurant on Magnifica? Do you need to make reservations?

 

Thanks in advance for any info!

[Capricruiser]

I've recently booked a 9-night Med cruise on MSC Magnifica from Venice for this upcoming January. I've read some of the threads here and tried searching but am having difficulty finding answers to some of my questions. I'll appreciate any info on the below questions or anything else you think a first time cruiser on MSC should know.

 

Does MSC have a self-disembarkation program in Venice? I hope to travel pretty light on this trip and would like to disembark as early as possible.

 

I'm considering booking a couple of their shore excursions for the 2-day stop in Israel. There is no specification as to what language will be spoken on the shore excursions. I suspect that there may not be many English speakers on board. What can I expect for the shore excursions in Israel? Will commentary be Italian only or in multiple languages including English or might they have a separate English-speaking group?

 

I'm in a guarantee cabin so the website isn't letting me book tours online. Can I call MSC and book tours now before they assign me a cabin? I'm concerned that the tours I want for the 2 days in Israel will be full if I can't book them soon. If I can't book those, then the main reason I booked the cruise will be lost.

 

How do they typically handle assigning solo cruisers to dinner tables? I'm very happy to be at a table with multiple nationalities but as a solo cruiser, I would be uncomfortable at a table with a group who are all traveling together, especially if there is a language barrier.

 

Is there a promenade deck? Can you walk around the entire ship on that deck? Does it have deck chairs? I typically avoid the pool deck, but like the lower level, covered promenade decks.

 

What do people mean when talking about the two sides of the menu -- a sort of Italian side and an American side? I haven't seen anything like that in the menus I've seen posted. I'm quite happy eating Italian food all week, but I was trying to understand what people are referring to.

 

Does anyone have the menu for the specialty restaurant on Magnifica? Do you need to make reservations?

 

Thanks in advance for any info!

I've never been specifically on the Magnifica but I think I can answer most of your questions:

1) Self disembarkation: There's no problem disembarking pulling your suitcase behind you. It will take 30-60 minutes after arrival before the ship is cleared for disembarkation and you can just walk off with the first groups.

2) Shore excursions: When you sign up for an excursion you have to specify what language group you want. The tour buses and guides are separated by language. In cases where there aren't enough English speakers you may find yourself in a bus with, say, Germans and a bilingual guide who will give the commentary in both languages.

3) I've never had a guarantee cabin so I don't know this. As soon as you get a cabin number you can book on-line or wait until you embark. The Israel excursions shouldn't fill up early.

4) Table: Table assignments in the MDR are by language group. You will be seated with all English speakers. Sometimes they put all the solos together at the same table, other times you'll find yourself with couples or a combination of the two.

5) Promenade deck: It would appear from the Magnifica's deck plans that Deck 7 would be what you want.

6) Menu: The two-sided menu is found only on sailings from US ports to accomodate American/Canadian tastes. In the Med it will be international but mostly Italian offerings with the cuisine of a different Italian city featured each evening.

7) Speciality restaurant: I can't answer this, but for sure you'll need to reserve.

Hope this helps. Maybe someone who's been on the Magnifica can give further assistance.

[Marylebone37]

And one other suggestion to help you prepare... LOWER LOWER LOWER your expectations! I see by your profile that, like me, you have a quite a few cruise experiences under your belt on other lines. Just go in with an open mind and don't expect too much.

[wurmine]

Just returned from a 7 night Med tour with the Magnifica from Venice. The ship is very nice.

I ´ll try to answer:

 

How do they typically handle assigning solo cruisers to dinner tables? I'm very happy to be at a table with multiple nationalities but as a solo cruiser, I would be uncomfortable at a table with a group who are all traveling together, especially if there is a language barrier.

They try to place poeple speaking the same language together- with english, this won´t be a prob and they place solo travellers together if possible. (I spend some time at the Maitres table for changing our table, so I heard that)

 

Is there a promenade deck? Can you walk around the entire ship on that deck? Does it have deck chairs? I typically avoid the pool deck, but like the lower level, covered promenade decks.

There is, but due to works, we weren´t able to walk all the way round. There is a nice walk to do on deck 14 too.

 

What do people mean when talking about the two sides of the menu -- a sort of Italian side and an American side? I haven't seen anything like that in the menus I've seen posted. I'm quite happy eating Italian food all week, but I was trying to understand what people are referring to.

The menue is quite italien and there aren´t two sides. From my experience, it is a good choice to order the proposed "italien regional menue of the day".

 

Does anyone have the menu for the specialty restaurant on Magnifica? Do you need to make reservations?

 

I do not have a menu, but in the Asian Restaurant you pay a la carte and it is focused on Sushi ect. The other one is the Panaramic Restaurant. But this is actually part of the Sahara Caffeteria. They offer a 3 course menue for 20 €, which is not really overwhelming. You won´t need reservations for either of them, very few people seem to go. I would not spend that money again, but try yourself.

 

Embarkation in Venice is easy. If you walk of, you can go to the Allilaguna boat (5minutes walk) , which takes you right to San Marco or the airport. We were in the first groupe but I do not think, that anyone askes you. Just go to the meeting point for the first embarkation groupe and follow them.

[AmoMondo]

I've had a guaranteed cabin a few times and your cabin number is not allocated until your tickets/e-tickets are sent to you, which can be anything from 7-21 days before your cruise. I don't know what the cut off point is for booking tours online, as I almost never go on them. If you want to book before you get onboard, then contact the MSC office or TA you booked with, to find out if they can help. Many passengers don't book until they are onboard.

 

I've not been on the Magnifica but have eaten in the panorama restaurant on both the Orchestra and Musica. Although I did not have to pay 20 euros (MSC club perk), I would happily have done the food, presentation and service were far superior to the main

dining room. Although not busy, you do need to make a reservation, so they are expecting you and have your table set up and ready for you.

[jjdc]

Thank you for the really helpful responses! I hadn't expected to so quickly receive responses to all my questions.

 

I'm actually a little disappointed that I may be solely with English speakers for dinner, but that is more comfortable than being the only English speaker if everyone else shares a common language. Very helpful to know about the option of choosing the language for the shore excursion. I have no idea how long it will take for MSC to assign me a cabin, but I'll look forward to booking my shore excursions.

 

I'll likely take the advice about ordering the Italian regional menu of the day unless it has something that I really dislike. Based on the few menus I've seen, I don't think I'm going to have any problem finding things I like. :) On Royal Caribbean, I've being going increasingly to the specialty restaurants mainly because I've became bored and unimpressed with the offerings in the main dining room. Since all the menus will be new to me on MSC, I might not see a reason to venture beyond the main dining room.

 

I realize that I will likely find some significant differences between MSC and the American cruise lines I've sailed. I'm looking forward to a bit different experience. If I find it isn't quite to my liking, then I'll have learned that for myself. My biggest concern is that some of the public areas might be too smoky for me to enjoy but that happened on my last cruise on Royal Caribbean as well and it didn't ruin the overall cruise.

[All aboard??]

My biggest concern is that some of the public areas might be too smoky for me to enjoy but that happened on my last cruise on Royal Caribbean as well and it didn't ruin the overall cruise.

 

Don't stress about this. MSC follows EU policies in this reagrd.....smoking, save for closed off cigar lounges and the casino is not permitted indoors, so your biggest issue will be when walking out onto deck (which is generally where us smokers gather). At the pool deck steer well away from the Port side as this is a further little haven for us in the sun.

[wurmine]

On our cruise, smoking war also permitted in certain areas of some lounges, but the aircon worked quite well, so it did not stress me to be in that lounge, even with my children. Just do not pick a table right next to the smoking area.

The Magnifica is a very nice ship. I suppose, you will have an enjoyable cruise and the food is very nice if you like real italien food. The menue focuses on a certain area of Italy every evening, which I liked. (One evening it was Sorrento e.i ) A display will tell you more about that region and its specialities.

[jjdc]

Thanks for the additional information. I always see it as a bonus to me if the casino is smoky. It keeps me from losing money that I shouldn't be gambling with anyway! It is good to know that the air conditioner worked well in those areas that do have smoking sections. That was the big problem on the Royal Caribbean cruise. The ventilation system wasn't sufficient to allow for lounges with both smoking and non-smoking areas.

 

Amomondo -- I hadn't seen your post before my last reply. Thanks for the info on when to expect my cabin assignment. I'll work with my TA to see if they will let me book the Israel tours in advance. I'm typically one who tours on my own, but in Israel, I want to be on a cruiseline tour because the distance to Jerusalem from Haifa is pretty far and a private tour alone would be too costly for me.

 

I'm looking forward to the experience. Many years ago I spent about 6 weeks in Italy, 4 of them in Florence. I've been fortunate enough to visit since then a couple of times, but it has been about 6 years since my last visit. I believe I'll really enjoy the different regional menus. I'm a fan of regional dishes like orecchiette and rapini. I don't expect all Italian dishes to be pasta with a red sauce, which is likely what many (certainly not all) Americans expect and are then disappointed.

[AmoMondo]

 

I'm actually a little disappointed that I may be solely with English speakers for dinner, but that is more comfortable than being the only English speaker if everyone else shares a common language.

.

 

Well in that case, go to the MDR at lunch and you'll get your wish to be seated with other nationalities. The most enjoyable lunch I had last month on the Orchestra was when I was seated with a young Italian couple (she spoke some English, he didn't) and 3 Spanish pensioners (only one spoke a little English). We mainly conversed in Spanish with me using a tiny amount of Italian and rusty Latin to translate. It was an absolute hoot! We all had a great time trying to speak to each other.

 

If you can and are willing to speak other languages, you'll find them very willing to talk to you. There are very few who won't be like that. English speakers who are multi lingual are a bit of a rarity, but they are very appreciative, as are the crew.

[KJSY]

We're doing this cruise in December and looking at Venice accommodation for the night before the cruise and also when we get back. Any suggestions on this? I have looked through Agoda but have never been to Italy so I have no idea where most of the hotels are located. Have also read that it is nice to be near the cruise terminal, but this isn't the nice quaint part of Venice.

 

Any leads appreciated. KJSY

[AmoMondo]

We're doing this cruise in December and looking at Venice accommodation for the night before the cruise and also when we get back. Any suggestions on this? I have looked through Agoda but have never been to Italy so I have no idea where most of the hotels are located. Have also read that it is nice to be near the cruise terminal, but this isn't the nice quaint part of Venice.

 

Any leads appreciated. KJSY

 

It really depends whether you want convenience for getting to/from the port, or whether you are prepared (light luggage & no mobility issues) to put up with the inconvenience of being somewhere else -lots of bridges with stairsnto cross to be somewhere else. Cost is alsoma factor too. On a a land vacation, InstayednatbthenGabrielli Sandwerth which was expensive but a really old beautiful building, with great views of San Marco, a lovely internal courtyard garden which theybused for breakfast, very close to the bridge of Sighs and handy for vaporetti stops and walking distance to loads of cafes and restaurants close by. Personally I'd staybthere again but notbif I were having a one nightbstay before a cruise. I'd go for PiazzalenRoma (near the port) or I'd stay out in Mestre. I never travel light, so prefer the convenience of being able to get a land taxi to mybhotel and cruise terminal. It really depends on whatbyoubare lookingnfor, are willing to spend and how much time you'll have

to spend. Younarevstill on the Laguna, with a hotel near the port and can easilybwalk or getba vaporetti down the Grand Canal to sightsee.

[Deckhandoug]

Thanks for the additional information. I always see it as a bonus to me if the casino is smoky. It keeps me from losing money that I shouldn't be gambling with anyway! It is good to know that the air conditioner worked well in those areas that do have smoking sections. That was the big problem on the Royal Caribbean cruise. The ventilation system wasn't sufficient to allow for lounges with both smoking and non-smoking areas.

 

Amomondo -- I hadn't seen your post before my last reply. Thanks for the info on when to expect my cabin assignment. I'll work with my TA to see if they will let me book the Israel tours in advance. I'm typically one who tours on my own, but in Israel, I want to be on a cruiseline tour because the distance to Jerusalem from Haifa is pretty far and a private tour alone would be too costly for me.

 

I'm looking forward to the experience. Many years ago I spent about 6 weeks in Italy, 4 of them in Florence. I've been fortunate enough to visit since then a couple of times, but it has been about 6 years since my last visit. I believe I'll really enjoy the different regional menus. I'm a fan of regional dishes like orecchiette and rapini. I don't expect all Italian dishes to be pasta with a red sauce, which is likely what many (certainly not all) Americans expect and are then disappointed.

 

The issues with the food are not as simple as that, we've traveled Italy extensively on land and there was a big difference on MSC in the food.

 

Keep in mind you get what you pay for, and as others have suggested adjust expectations accordingly, and there is nothing wrong in that, just don't expect 5 star dining at 3 star prices.

 

A concern should be that passengers that haven't taken a land tour of Italy think the experience on MSC is indicative of the whole Italian culture and cuisine, when it clearly is not, kind of like thinking a Carnival cruise to Miami is a fair representation of the U.S. and it's gastronomic offerings.

[jjdc]

The issues with the food are not as simple as that, we've traveled Italy extensively on land and there was a big difference on MSC in the food.

 

Keep in mind you get what you pay for, and as others have suggested adjust expectations accordingly, and there is nothing wrong in that, just don't expect 5 star dining at 3 star prices.

 

A concern should be that passengers that haven't taken a land tour of Italy think the experience on MSC is indicative of the whole Italian culture and cuisine, when it clearly is not, kind of like thinking a Carnival cruise to Miami is a fair representation of the U.S. and it's gastronomic offerings.

 

Good points. I did oversimplify. I especially liked your last sentence.

 

My expectations of the standard of food on any ship where the kitchen is preparing meals for over 2000 people is relatively low. I might want to lower them another notch for this cruise and hope then to have some pleasant surprises that exceed my low expectations. I do look forward to some nice Italian meals in Venice, before and after the cruise, and in Bari.

[Deckhandoug]

Good points. I did oversimplify. I especially liked your last sentence.

 

My expectations of the standard of food on any ship where the kitchen is preparing meals for over 2000 people is relatively low. I might want to lower them another notch for this cruise and hope then to have some pleasant surprises that exceed my low expectations. I do look forward to some nice Italian meals in Venice, before and after the cruise, and in Bari.

 

You are absolutely right, it is typical cruise food most of the time, but the Osso bucco was one of those surprises that was GREAT!:D

[Homer88]

about staying in Venice for one night before the cruise- the other note is right- all depends on luggage and mobility. There is a People Mover now from Piazzale Roma to the cruise terminal areas (several terminals)- so all you have to do is get to Piazzale Roma. but the thing that folks who have not visited yet don't realize- Venice has no cars or motorbikes. it really is 400+ islands connected with 100 bridges- which means you are carrying your luggage up and down stairs constantly- depending on what hotel you pick. I would go with closer to PR- it is only 20 minute walk from San Marco square. There is the water taxi- vaporetto- and there are 2 that have stops at Piazzale Roma, but they take time - so allow yourself an hour to get from your hotel to end point. I would not stay in Mestre- you want to wander Venice in the evening after the "tourists" go home. ;) dress warmly- cold and breeze off the water. We have lived in Vicenza for 2 years with the US Army (45 minutes away) and Venice is great to visit- but can be exhausting walking- especially if it is your first day after a 12 hour plane ride and time change. Have fun!! We have friends on the 18 Dec Magnifica trip- which are you on?:)

[jjdc]

about staying in Venice for one night before the cruise- the other note is right- all depends on luggage and mobility. There is a People Mover now from Piazzale Roma to the cruise terminal areas (several terminals)- so all you have to do is get to Piazzale Roma. but the thing that folks who have not visited yet don't realize- Venice has no cars or motorbikes. it really is 400+ islands connected with 100 bridges- which means you are carrying your luggage up and down stairs constantly- depending on what hotel you pick. I would go with closer to PR- it is only 20 minute walk from San Marco square. There is the water taxi- vaporetto- and there are 2 that have stops at Piazzale Roma, but they take time - so allow yourself an hour to get from your hotel to end point. I would not stay in Mestre- you want to wander Venice in the evening after the "tourists" go home. ;) dress warmly- cold and breeze off the water. We have lived in Vicenza for 2 years with the US Army (45 minutes away) and Venice is great to visit- but can be exhausting walking- especially if it is your first day after a 12 hour plane ride and time change. Have fun!! We have friends on the 18 Dec Magnifica trip- which are you on?:)

 

Sorry, I missed your post. Thanks for the added info. I'm likely going to stay around Piazzale Roma to make it easy to get to and from my hotel with luggage. I don't mind walking lots without my luggage, but I really don't want to have to go far with it. My trip is 14 January so I have a few more weeks to wait. Fortunately, I'll be coming from the UK so my flight it much shorter than a transatlantic trip, but with needing to change flights along the way it will still be a several hour trip. I would love to hear what your friends think of their trip.

[Railwaylass]

We did an MSC Magnifica cruise out of Venice last March and stayed the night before at the Hotel Canal and Walter. I found and booked it online before we left because of the location and we loved the place! We lucked out with a corner room that had the Grand Canal in front and a little canal on the side. The room was gorgeous and comfortable and very Italian.

 

It is right on the Grand Canal, across from the railway station. It's only about a 5 minute walk to the P Roma and there were just 2 easy bridges to navigate, even with 2 large suitcases.

 

I had a look and a single in January is only 60.80 euros - this lovely place is well worth it!

 

Here is the link: http://www.hotelcanal.com/

 

Hope that you have a great cruise! We certainly did!

[sbsmutoni]

We're doing this cruise in December and looking at Venice accommodation for the night before the cruise and also when we get back. Any suggestions on this? I have looked through Agoda but have never been to Italy so I have no idea where most of the hotels are located. Have also read that it is nice to be near the cruise terminal, but this isn't the nice quaint part of Venice.

 

Any leads appreciated. KJSY

 

 

We stayed at the Hotel ad Duca di Venezia in Venice. It was a little boutique hotel, and was VERY nice and very hospitable. I think my deal on Orbitz was about 180 euro a night....well worth it!

[sbsmutoni]

And one other suggestion to help you prepare... LOWER LOWER LOWER your expectations! I see by your profile that, like me, you have a quite a few cruise experiences under your belt on other lines. Just go in with an open mind and don't expect too much.

 

 

I have to respectfully disagree in the idea of lowering your expectations. I just returned from a 9 day cruise on the Magnifica. I have been on a number of cruises, and in my humble opinion, just like anything else (cities, hotels, cruises, airlines), there are some things better and some things not as good as others you are comparing to. I think the food was good, if not great, the ship was beautiful, the iterary was fabulous, and the service was very good. Of course, everyone has their own experience and their own opinions, but I think you will enjoy this cruise.

[jjdc]

I have to respectfully disagree in the idea of lowering your expectations. I just returned from a 9 day cruise on the Magnifica. I have been on a number of cruises, and in my humble opinion, just like anything else (cities, hotels, cruises, airlines), there are some things better and some things not as good as others you are comparing to. I think the food was good, if not great, the ship was beautiful, the iterary was fabulous, and the service was very good. Of course, everyone has their own experience and their own opinions, but I think you will enjoy this cruise.

 

Thanks for the positive thoughts and the hotel information. I'm going to make my hotel reservation this weekend. I should have done it ages ago.... Unfortunately, I'm only there 1 night pre-cruise but since I'm arriving from the UK I at least won't have jet lag to deal with and can make the most of what little time I have in Venice.