Are MSC as Bad as Reviews Claim?

[Tatka]

What do you mean by overly "americanize"?

 

By the way on Poesia this past Caribbean season Italians were a minor group. Swiss, Germans, French were reprizented better. It was an equal split between Americans and Europeans I believe.

 

I also think that with all marketing MSC has done for Divina here in US majority will be North Americans, but I do not really see what's will be Americanized. Iced water was on the tables.

[AmoMondo]

What do you mean by overly "americanize"?

 

By the way on Poesia this past Caribbean season Italians were a minor group. Swiss, Germans, French were reprizented better. It was an equal split between Americans and Europeans I believe.

 

I also think that with all marketing MSC has done for Divina here in US majority will be North Americans, but I do not really see what's will be Americanized. Iced water was on the tables.

 

Whilst Capricruiser is more than capable of explaining himself, I take it to mean that they won't transform the Divina into yet another American cruise ship and remove all trace of the Italian MSC experience. They do seem to be planning on making changes to suit the US market since she won't be returning to Europe. some people are worried they will change it too much! that's all.

[Tatka]

Thank you.

Well I just cannot see what needs to be changed much.

The only change I can see is adding more comedy shows and such, but it will not be possible, because of international guests. Maybe in smaller lounges.

 

Also maybe improving a quality of meat dishes.

 

Other than this I do not see what needs to be changed for American public to like Divina. :)

 

MSC has all standard features other lines have and more.

[Capricruiser]

What do you mean by overly "americanize"?

 

By the way on Poesia this past Caribbean season Italians were a minor group. Swiss, Germans, French were reprizented better. It was an equal split between Americans and Europeans I believe.

 

I also think that with all marketing MSC has done for Divina here in US majority will be North Americans, but I do not really see what's will be Americanized. Iced water was on the tables.

I was responding to Bamelin's post nr. 73 above.

[Tatka]

I understand, but I don't understand americanization part. NCL is catering mostly to NA crowd, but they have almost all elements described above. Circus types of shows, tons of live music. On Dawn and Jewel we had Italian singer and pianist, singing Italian songs. It did not make this line less American whatever it means.

 

MSC has already made some minor adjusments to accomodate basic needs for Caribbean cruisers in previous years, but I do not see how it has affected whole experience.

[Evita1216]

I understand, but I don't understand americanization part. ... It did not make this line less American whatever it means.

In deed, what does it mean? Courteous service from the reservations desk staff? Wait staff that is attentive? Consistently good dining room fare? You know, the features that are absent on the European ships of MSC.

Edited November 7, 2013 by Evita1216

[Capricruiser]

"Americanization" is a term I've seen many times in these forums. In this context I believe it means to make a ship or itinerary more palatable to a certain passenger market, in this case North American. A case in point would be Costa's modifications for their ships sailing their far east itineraries. The Costa Victoria, and before her the Marina and the Allegra were "Chinasized" with added Chinese crew members, cuisine, menus, internal and external signs, expanded casinos, game tables, etc., all designed to appeal to a Chinese or oriental passenger. I understand MSC ships sailing the Caribbean itineraries in the past had a special American menu for NA passengers, and more American staff. I've never taken a Caribbean or Far East cruise so I'm just guessing from what I've read on CC over the years.

[papcx]

In deed, what does it mean? Courteous service from the reservations desk staff? Wait staff that is attentive? Consistently good dining room fare? You know, the features that are absent on the European ships of MSC.

 

Absent on European ships of MSC?

 

Not on the 2 MSC cruises I've done.

[Tatka]

"Americanization" is a term I've seen many times in these forums. In this context I believe it means to make a ship or itinerary more palatable to a certain passenger market, in this case North American. A case in point would be Costa's modifications for their ships sailing their far east itineraries. The Costa Victoria, and before her the Marina and the Allegra were "Chinasized" with added Chinese crew members, cuisine, menus, internal and external signs, expanded casinos, game tables, etc., all designed to appeal to a Chinese or oriental passenger. I understand MSC ships sailing the Caribbean itineraries in the past had a special American menu for NA passengers, and more American staff. I've never taken a Caribbean or Far East cruise so I'm just guessing from what I've read on CC over the years.

 

On Poesia this March all officers were Itallian, waiters were Asian and others. One of the girls from the bar told us that MSC used their regular staff but with previous experience on cruises in North America. She worked on RCI ships before MSC so she was pi cked.

[phider]

In deed, what does it mean? Courteous service from the reservations desk staff? Wait staff that is attentive? Consistently good dining room fare? You know, the features that are absent on the European ships of MSC.

 

Seems like youre just supporting the point, and are obviously American and need American adapted experiences. So here you go.

 

- Up your face service, that tries to act as if you are a friend. Fake service and fake smiles. Staff that acts as slaves.

 

- Food that has as many calories as possible to ensure that you are obese before reaching 40.

 

- Meat, Lobster and Salmon every day Ad libitum.

 

- Chlorine tap water that stink for hours on your table - with ice Ad libitum.

 

- Lemonade Ad libitum.

 

- Ice Tea Ad libitum.

 

- Coffee ritual at the dinner instead of at the bar.

 

Enjoy.

 

Philip

[AmoMondo]

"Americanization" is a term I've seen many times in these forums. In this context I believe it means to make a ship or itinerary more palatable to a certain passenger market, in this case North American. A case in point would be Costa's modifications for their ships sailing their far east itineraries. The Costa Victoria, and before her the Marina and the Allegra were "Chinasized" with added Chinese crew members, cuisine, menus, internal and external signs, expanded casinos, game tables, etc., all designed to appeal to a Chinese or oriental passenger. I understand MSC ships sailing the Caribbean itineraries in the past had a special American menu for NA passengers, and more American staff. I've never taken a Caribbean or Far East cruise so I'm just guessing from what I've read on CC over the years.

 

I have experience of an 11 night round trip sailing from FLL and have to say that I didn't enjoy it as much as my other cruises. Yes MSC made changes to suit the US market like free iced water and iced tea available, American foods on the emu, everything proced in dollars, dinner times much earlier. Of those whT, the only thing I disliked was the very early dining times. The air conditioning in the dining room appeared to be set much cooler as well. It was more the general vibe onboard that seemed very different. Passenger age was definitely significantly older (guess it's retiree that can take a longer holiday). Didn't notice more US. Few but definitely bigger proposition of US passengers and a lot of them were hating th European differences and whining non stop. That was several years ago though whilst they were only sending a Lirica class ship.

[Tatka]

Seems like youre just supporting the point, and are obviously American and need American adapted experiences. So here you go.

 

- Up your face service, that tries to act as if you are a friend. Fake service and fake smiles. Staff that acts as slaves.

- Food that has as many calories as possible to ensure that you are obese before reaching 40.

- Meat, Lobster and Salmon every day Ad libitum.

- Chlorine tap water that stink for hours on your table - with ice Ad libitum.

- Lemonade Ad libitum.

- Ice Tea Ad libitum.

- Coffee ritual at the dinner instead of at the bar.

Enjoy.

 

Philip

 

Wow , what a strange assessment.

 

Fake smiles, waiters are slaves.... What kind of stereotyped thinking is this?:rolleyes: I could have expected statements like this from my former countrymen, who saw US only from zombie-tv with tons of propaganda, but not from world travelers.....

 

Ice water is actually not a water from bathroom. It does not tastes as chlorinated. In fact European guests were drinking it without horror on their faces. they could've bought bottled one. It was available. And i saw Americans and Europeans buying it too. They do not make you to drink iced water you know. :) Just like on the ships of other companies you have a choice.

 

Also what is wrong with Lobster and other foods? you are not forced to eat it, and consume all calories. It is completely up to you. If you cannot control yourself.. is it a cruise company problem.

 

Disclaimer: When I am using a word "you", I do not have in mind anybody in particular.

[Tatka]

I have experience of an 11 night round trip sailing from FLL and have to say that I didn't enjoy it as much as my other cruises. Yes MSC made changes to suit the US market like free iced water and iced tea available, American foods on the emu, everything proced in dollars, dinner times much earlier. Of those whT, the only thing I disliked was the very early dining times. The air conditioning in the dining room appeared to be set much cooler as well. It was more the general vibe onboard that seemed very different. Passenger age was definitely significantly older (guess it's retiree that can take a longer holiday). Didn't notice more US. Few but definitely bigger proposition of US passengers and a lot of them were hating th European differences and whining non stop. That was several years ago though whilst they were only sending a Lirica class ship.

 

On our cruise pax was a regular different in age. All ages with maybe less kids, as I assume it is a bit more expensive to bring large families overseas. American food was only addition to the regular food.

 

I loved atmosphere on board. I guess great entertainment was a big part of this. Italian and non-Italian music everywhere!

 

To be honest even though pax was 1/2 American, aside from language, I could not really tell a difference, maybe a bit.

[The_Big_M]

Wow , what a strange assessment.

 

Fake smiles, waiters are slaves.... What kind of stereotyped thinking is this?:rolleyes: I could have expected statements like this from my former countrymen, who saw US only from zombie-tv with tons of propaganda, but not from world travelers.....

 

Ice water is actually not a water from bathroom. It does not tastes as chlorinated. In fact European guests were drinking it without horror on their faces. they could've bought bottled one. It was available. And i saw Americans and Europeans buying it too. They do not make you to drink iced water you know. :) Just like on the ships of other companies you have a choice.

 

Also what is wrong with Lobster and other foods? you are not forced to eat it, and consume all calories. It is completely up to you. If you cannot control yourself.. is it a cruise company problem.

 

Disclaimer: When I am using a word "you", I do not have in mind anybody in particular.

 

Agreed, I found it a very odd assessment - even though I found the post he was replying to as amusing - as with many sweeping generalisations that can't be borne out. :D

 

For example, to claim that servers who try to be pleasant, which is what many do is "up your face" makes me worry about his own pleasantness and cordiality. It's not as though there's only two possible states of service: rude/indifferent, or false. To believe so reflects poorly on the individual making that claim.

[Tatka]

Agreed, I found it a very odd assessment - even though I found the post he was replying to as amusing - as with many sweeping generalisations that can't be borne out. :D

 

:o Ooops. I missed Philip's intentions. :o

 

Drinking vodka and listening to the bears playing balalaikas does not help. :D

Edited November 8, 2013 by Tatka

[sun/moon]

I really think the reviews are what people make there experiece to be... And all it takes is one bad review to start the gossip..Respect goes along way and when you see how hard and long the staff works they deserve your respect it is amazing how a smile can brighten there day or a tip...I am looking forward to MSC coming to North America and yes we in North America are not Euorpean and they have chosen to make home here for the Divina..So there will be adjustments for them ...but I think what the biggest confusion has been is getting the prices in place and not having them change example would be drink packages...reastaurts. .ect...but I think we are good now...I for one welcome them and look forward to my cruise in Dec...

 

Sent from my GT-P5113 using Forums mobile app

[phider]

Wow , what a strange assessment.

 

Fake smiles, waiters are slaves.... What kind of stereotyped thinking is this?:rolleyes: I could have expected statements like this from my former countrymen, who saw US only from zombie-tv with tons of propaganda, but not from world travelers.....

 

Ice water is actually not a water from bathroom. It does not tastes as chlorinated. In fact European guests were drinking it without horror on their faces. they could've bought bottled one. It was available. And i saw Americans and Europeans buying it too. They do not make you to drink iced water you know. :) Just like on the ships of other companies you have a choice.

 

Also what is wrong with Lobster and other foods? you are not forced to eat it, and consume all calories. It is completely up to you. If you cannot control yourself.. is it a cruise company problem.

 

Disclaimer: When I am using a word "you", I do not have in mind anybody in particular.

 

Sorry if my response didnt come across as intended, but I was trying to be sarcastic (my fault that it wasnt clear).

 

My point was that there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers, which was what i was trying to respond to.

 

Also, another point which is a little out of subject to this, is that any American travelling on a European line should adapt to just that, and dont expect anything else - doing so is not completely sane.

 

In respect to service - yes, the service approach between US and European countries is different, but what is not different is that both continents have both good and bad service as common, with pople that should never have gotten a job in the service industry or severely lack coaching or education within the field.

 

Philip

[Tatka]

Philip, sorry, I got your sarcasm... later. :)

[Trouvailless]

I have booked my first MSC on Fantasia for a winter Mediterranean cruise , the majority of reviews for MSC are very poor WHY???? is the food and service really all that bad ???????? what is the worst aspect of a MSC cruise in Europe ?

 

any insight would be truly appreciated as I have talked 3 others onto this MSC cruise too :confused:

Hi Glittergal. I have just returned from my first MSC Med cruise and have posted a very lengthy review which is still in the pending file with these forums, but I think as a regular Celebrity cruiser, although from The Channel. Islands of Great Britain myself I feel able to express views on both sides. The Splendida is very very large, miles of walking back to cabins, but adequate elevators. The service was excellent, and in keeping with a good class hotel/restaurant in Europe and, although I didn't think about it at the time, it was more relaxing in the restaurant not to have to constantly cope with refilling water and coffee service offers at breakfast, as when served the waiters wait a decent time until one could reasonably have consumed a drink before reoffering. We had the Allegrissimo package so had bottled water included, but whilst the iced water on CC is refreshing, it is not always quite as perfect as one Poster has implied. The food in the Buffet was of a very good standard, including carvery and every type of bread and cake, plus everything else CC offers and a special ethnic corner with daily choices. We didn't breakfast there after the first try as being half term holiday it was very very noisy with parents and kids, but did have relatively quiet lunches and there is no complaint with the quality of the food. I had seen a comment from some months ago that the waiting staff in the Buffet were little more than table clearers, but this was not the case. Drinks requirements were always met immediately by waiters in the general vicinity, not hovering to keep pressing you to have a drink. The food in the MDR was variable: good choices on the menus, mainly very good starters and desserts, but not necessarily good main dishes, but this depended on what one had chosen of course. The quality of the ingredients was not at fault just the finished product on a couple pf occasions, but certainly no more than we have had on CC or Princess when I have had to return dishes from time to time. The service in the MDR is very very good. Professional and swift. Maybe we had a good table location, and others may not have experienced the same, but unlike the US lines we did not have separate Sommeliers but our waiter was able to discuss and offer advice on any wines from considerable knowledge. No pressure to choose this or that, just their characteristics explained. Also, and this is more pertinent in this day and age surely, no over familiarity such as "my name is ... And I will be your waiter for tonight" rather they just relied on their name tags to give this information. After all in a top restaurant in Europe certainly, and in Jersey we have of course many top restaurants including Michelin starred ones, it is not expected to have this level of chumminess. Why should it be?

 

The lack on this boat for us was no real alternative eating place, other than The TexMex restaurant, which is certainly likely to appeal to many families, but for my money an alternative would be a good a la carte italian or French restaurant with many choices. I think those guests having withdrawal symptoms for large steaks might have to go there, but although I love large steaks, I am happy to have more fine dining.

 

The cabins were large, we had a balcony midships, and well maintained. Although I have read of them being very large we felt that they were much the same as Solstice class, and the bathrooms were definitely not as large.

 

The embarkation and disembarkation was remarkable, possibly because of all the getting on and off ports so there were never huge numbers going anywhere at one time. The shore excursions were well sorted out and on time, although the actual excursions were not that great for choices, but possibly limited by the short shore time on some destinations.

 

As aeveral Posters have said the attitude of the guest to the staff is a contributory factor in the response of the staff to him/her, but we found the reception and shore excursion staff to be welcoming, polite and efficient. There was a noticeable lack of cabin trolleys in the corridors and the cabin staff were not ingratiating themselves every time one stepped out of the cabin, which was a relief, as there are only so many times one can say hello to the same person in one day, and still sound sincere. The beds are very comfortable, not just from our own opinion, but most people we spoke to commented on this. You do have to pay extra for cabin service, except for Continental breakfast, but as the fares are so much lower than the US lines you are unlikely to be out of pocket, as the charges are very low anyway.

 

Rudeness of other passengers was apparent only on one or two occasions in our experience, but may of course have been different in the pool area when guarding one's chosen lounger! The demographic of these Italian ships is so different from the older age ranges of CC, HAL and Princess, it is not surprising in some ways. In short we love the US ships and will continue to cruise with them, but this had more of an atmosphere of holiday relaxation than a formal outing. The big gripe was the lack of daytime at sea entertainment, but again if poolside is your thing, this would not be a problem. Thankfully no pseudo art auctions however, and very genuine shopping facilities with good Italian lines.

 

Not going to be our first choice for future cruises, but certainly not in any way a bad experience. Speaking English we were seated with other English speakers and indeed had very good Welsh table companions, but we would have been happy to have shared with other nationalities to have got more from the cruise. Language is rarely a barrier if one is prepared to make the effort to communicate.

[Tatka]

Yea, MSC does a good job pairing tablemates with the same language when possible.

[AmoMondo]

Hi Glittergal. I have just returned from my first MSC Med cruise and have posted a very lengthy review which is still in the pending file with these forums, but I think as a regular Celebrity cruiser, although from The Channel. Islands of Great Britain myself I feel able to express views on both sides. The Splendida is very very large, miles of walking back to cabins, but adequate elevators. The service was excellent, and in keeping with a good class hotel/restaurant in Europe and, although I didn't think about it at the time, it was more relaxing in the restaurant not to have to constantly cope with refilling water and coffee service offers at breakfast, as when served the waiters wait a decent time until one could reasonably have consumed a drink before reoffering. We had the Allegrissimo package so had bottled water included, but whilst the iced water on CC is refreshing, it is not always quite as perfect as one Poster has implied. The food in the Buffet was of a very good standard, including carvery and every type of bread and cake, plus everything else CC offers and a special ethnic corner with daily choices. We didn't breakfast there after the first try as being half term holiday it was very very noisy with parents and kids, but did have relatively quiet lunches and there is no complaint with the quality of the food. I had seen a comment from some months ago that the waiting staff in the Buffet were little more than table clearers, but this was not the case. Drinks requirements were always met immediately by waiters in the general vicinity, not hovering to keep pressing you to have a drink. The food in the MDR was variable: good choices on the menus, mainly very good starters and desserts, but not necessarily good main dishes, but this depended on what one had chosen of course. The quality of the ingredients was not at fault just the finished product on a couple pf occasions, but certainly no more than we have had on CC or Princess when I have had to return dishes from time to time. The service in the MDR is very very good. Professional and swift. Maybe we had a good table location, and others may not have experienced the same, but unlike the US lines we did not have separate Sommeliers but our waiter was able to discuss and offer advice on any wines from considerable knowledge. No pressure to choose this or that, just their characteristics explained. Also, and this is more pertinent in this day and age surely, no over familiarity such as "my name is ... And I will be your waiter for tonight" rather they just relied on their name tags to give this information. After all in a top restaurant in Europe certainly, and in Jersey we have of course many top restaurants including Michelin starred ones, it is not expected to have this level of chumminess. Why should it be?

 

The lack on this boat for us was no real alternative eating place, other than The TexMex restaurant, which is certainly likely to appeal to many families, but for my money an alternative would be a good a la carte italian or French restaurant with many choices. I think those guests having withdrawal symptoms for large steaks might have to go there, but although I love large steaks, I am happy to have more fine dining.

 

The cabins were large, we had a balcony midships, and well maintained. Although I have read of them being very large we felt that they were much the same as Solstice class, and the bathrooms were definitely not as large.

 

The embarkation and disembarkation was remarkable, possibly because of all the getting on and off ports so there were never huge numbers going anywhere at one time. The shore excursions were well sorted out and on time, although the actual excursions were not that great for choices, but possibly limited by the short shore time on some destinations.

 

As aeveral Posters have said the attitude of the guest to the staff is a contributory factor in the response of the staff to him/her, but we found the reception and shore excursion staff to be welcoming, polite and efficient. There was a noticeable lack of cabin trolleys in the corridors and the cabin staff were not ingratiating themselves every time one stepped out of the cabin, which was a relief, as there are only so many times one can say hello to the same person in one day, and still sound sincere. The beds are very comfortable, not just from our own opinion, but most people we spoke to commented on this. You do have to pay extra for cabin service, except for Continental breakfast, but as the fares are so much lower than the US lines you are unlikely to be out of pocket, as the charges are very low anyway.

 

Rudeness of other passengers was apparent only on one or two occasions in our experience, but may of course have been different in the pool area when guarding one's chosen lounger! The demographic of these Italian ships is so different from the older age ranges of CC, HAL and Princess, it is not surprising in some ways. In short we love the US ships and will continue to cruise with them, but this had more of an atmosphere of holiday relaxation than a formal outing. The big gripe was the lack of daytime at sea entertainment, but again if poolside is your thing, this would not be a problem. Thankfully no pseudo art auctions however, and very genuine shopping facilities with good Italian lines.

 

Not going to be our first choice for future cruises, but certainly not in any way a bad experience. Speaking English we were seated with other English speakers and indeed had very good Welsh table companions, but we would have been happy to have shared with other nationalities to have got more from the cruise. Language is rarely a barrier if one is prepared to make the effort to communicate.

 

Glad you found your cruise relaxing. I've dined in some of jersey's fine dining restaurants and have very fond memories of them. If you do consider MSC again, you may wish to. Insider the Musica class (Musica, orchestra! Poesia and Magnifica) as they all have a speciality a la carte restaurant at the rear of deck 13 which are very good with presentation, food quality and taste, ambience and service being comparable to a fine dining experience but not Michelin Star but then at €24 for 3 courses, not Michelin prices either.

[Trouvailless]

Thanks for the compliment re Jersey's restaurants. Needless to say my dining experiences here are mainly in the non Michelin ones, but all of a good standard nevertheless. I note your remarks re the a la carte options on the Musica ships and should I go again on MSC i will certainly check these out, but really my remarks were just to indicate the lack of a less dedicated dining venue than the TexMex, and I am fairly sure I had read in MSC's own literature that there was another restaurant as well, but too much internetting might have made me delusional.

[The_Big_M]

really my remarks were just to indicate the lack of a less dedicated dining venue than the TexMex, and I am fairly sure I had read in MSC's own literature that there was another restaurant as well, but too much internetting might have made me delusional.

 

It may not have been MSC but if you were reading older links online, which is quite common, Splendida used to have another speciality dining restaurant.

 

However, it was lost when they renovated, I think when Yacht Club was introduced. (I would have liked to have tried it too, but c'est la vie.)

Edited November 13, 2013 by The_Big_M

[Trouvailless]

Yes you are quite right Big M. I checked out another MSC site and their l'Olivio restaurant is now only available to Yacht Clubbers. CC have he same thing with their Aqua class, but they still have other dining options for lesser mortals!

[glittergal1]

hi Trouvailless thank you for taking the time to reply The more I read about MSC and research it I think I will be fine and enjoy it immensely the food issue I think will be fine as I eat mainly vegetarian meals and these tend to be the same wherever I go and the lack of activities will probably be my saviour and force me to slow down and actually relax on holiday for a change I plan to invest in a Kindle and just read a lot I dont cruise until March but on return I too will post a full review :D