Giving Serious Thought to MSC. Thoughts?

[cruiseracer]

Hi All,

 

We are active, middle-aged, experienced cruisers. She loves the sun and sand (wishes there was an onboard beach, maybe even a sandbox) and I've got salt in me veins... Have tried nearly all lines except for MSC and would like to give it a go. A balcony or better is a must and we'll probably go for a 7-night or more on the Divina or Seashore. I've reviewed the FAQ's, however input from past cruisers is always valued. Please forgive our long list of questions. We welcome all opinions and advice.  

 

In no particular order:

 

·         Concerning WIFI: DW and I will need to occasionally check in with work via Zoom. Should we upgrade to the best available wifi? How is reception in the cabins?

·         We are modest drinkers while on vacation, but enjoy nicer blends (wine & cocktails) and the convenience of using a drink package. It looks like the math comes out to about 6 drinks per day to break even and this is about our max. Please share your thoughts on purchasing a 'package' vs a la carte.

·         Along those same lines - I enjoy a good Old-Fashioned (bourbon) while sailing. Can anyone recommend an onboard bar that makes a can't miss OF?

·         If we book using the free wifi & drinks promo, but desire to upgrade either offer - would we just pay the difference between the promo and the upgraded price? How does this work?

·         If we purchase the lowest drink package, but occasionally desire a more expensive drink, do we pay full tilt for the expensive drink, or only the difference between the 2?

·         Another possible option would be to purchase a bottle of our favorite spill & mixers for the cabin and not get a drink package. It's nice to pour a glass or 2 while sitting on the balcony before dinner... Does MSC offer this?

·         Can we request anytime dining for the entire cruise?

·         Are the specialty-dining venues worth the added cost?

·         I've read that it's recommended to use a TA. I enjoy doing the research beforehand, then book online or through a PVP-type. Is this a recipe for disaster?

·         We heard from some friends that there is no craps-table in the casino. How about live Texas-hold-em? If yes, do they use live dealers or the poker-pro machines?

·         Is there a smoking policy in the casino?

·         Are there any must-do's that we should look into?

·         What's with the all-white themed dinner(s)? I told my DW about this and she just rolled her eyes. Is it a thing?

·         We noticed a couple of the longer cruises on the Divina begin at Pt. Canaveral and end in Miami. Seems strange. Do they offer transportation back to Pt. Canaveral?

 

Thanks in advance!

Edited July 21, 2022 by cruiseracer

[wcook]

Get the upgraded internet if you have a must zoom call. 
 

I like not having to think when ordering drinks, so I get the drink package if I think it’s going to be even close to break even. Especially on MSC where I don’t get hounded for tips on the drinks.  And then I don’t count. I have friends who have to count and drink to get their money’s worth.  I wouldn’t recommend the package for such people.

 

You can only get anytime dining if you are at Aurua level or higher. 
 

None of the speciality restaurants are worth the money to me. For dinner.  Sometimes I’ll get an appetizer in the afternoon while drinking. 
 

If you get a package that included “free” WiFi or drinks, you can pay to upgrade. No idea how they calculate the cost. 
 

if you get a more expensive drink than what’s covered by your package, you pay the full price of the drink, not the difference.  
 

I love MSC, but wouldn’t count on a can’t miss OF anywhere. Not saying you won’t, just don’t count on it. 
 

Casinos are smoke friendly. Which keeps me out so I can’t comment on craps or Holdem. 
 

White night is entirely optional. MSC is much more of a do your own thing clientele than a judge you for not complying. Well, maybe up in yacht club they care more. They don’t let riff raff like me in there. 
 

I’ve never used a TA for any cruise and see no reason to use one for MSC. Unless you want to of course. MSC has a reputation for longer hold times on the phone (true? who knows) which may, possibly, maybe be a reason to TA. 
 

No idea if you can get a bottle of booze for the room. 

Edited July 21, 2022 by wcook

[Morgsmom]

57 minutes ago, cruiseracer said:

·         Concerning WIFI: DW and I will need to occasionally check in with work via Zoom. Should we upgrade to the best available wifi? How is reception in the cabins?  Regular Wifi does not support streaming at all

·         We are modest drinkers while on vacation, but enjoy nicer blends (wine & cocktails) and the convenience of using a drink package. It looks like the math comes out to about 6 drinks per day to break even and this is about our max. Please share your thoughts on purchasing a 'package' vs a la carte. Package for sure, but that's also because I can put away quite a few specialty coffees in the morning and bottled water at all meals and for my cabin

·         Along those same lines - I enjoy a good Old-Fashioned (bourbon) while sailing. Can anyone recommend an onboard bar that makes a can't miss OF?  Unfortunately, no, can't recommend

·         If we book using the free wifi & drinks promo, but desire to upgrade either offer - would we just pay the difference between the promo and the upgraded price? How does this work?  Yes, you upgrade and pay the difference

·         If we purchase the lowest drink package, but occasionally desire a more expensive drink, do we pay full tilt for the expensive drink, or only the difference between the 2? You pay for the full drink plus gratuity

·         Another possible option would be to purchase a bottle of our favorite spill & mixers for the cabin and not get a drink package. It's nice to pour a glass or 2 while sitting on the balcony before dinner... Does MSC offer this?  You can preorder wine, not sure about harder spirts

·         Can we request anytime dining for the entire cruise? only if you are Aurea or Yacht Club (which includes the Prem Plus beverage package and basic wifi), if you buy Fantastica you can request early or late dining, if you are Bella you are assigned 

·         Are the specialty-dining venues worth the added cost? To us, yes, but totally personal choice

·         I've read that it's recommended to use a TA. I enjoy doing the research beforehand, then book online or through a PVP-type. Is this a recipe for disaster?  We have booked MSC both ways.  Many agents will not book MSC because of the customer service and IT issues.  Plan on getting a small credit or discount if you use a TA.

·         We heard from some friends that there is no craps-table in the casino. How about live Texas-hold-em? If yes, do they use live dealers or the poker-pro machines?  Yes, there is live Texas Hold 'em

·         Is there a smoking policy in the casino?  there are some non smoking times and/or evenings

·         Are there any must-do's that we should look into?  Depends on what you like!  

·         What's with the all-white themed dinner(s)? I told my DW about this and she just rolled her eyes. Is it a thing?  There's a white night, Italian night, gala night and "flower power" (70s) night.  Totally optional

·         We noticed a couple of the longer cruises on the Divina begin at Pt. Canaveral and end in Miami. Seems strange. Do they offer transportation back to Pt. Canaveral?  They do not offer transport back and these would be only a few repositioning cruises.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[Nunagoras]

Both @wcook and @Morgsmom have said most of it, many thanks! Let me just to add:

 

If the ship is really the destination for you; go for the Seashore. Not that the Divina is a bad ship. Actually I prefer the older MSC ships than the newer ones, with the Fantasia class where the Divina belongs being my favorite, but for an active middle-aged, perhaps in search for some activity on a ship as a destination, the newer ones will offer you more amenities and perhaps an, even if slightly, more vibrant vibe. The Divina is great, but it is classier than the Seashore. Perhaps better fit for a relaxed cruise with no extra fun on the mix and perhaps that would be better appreciated from an older crowd or from the ones in search for very port intensive cruises or even for those in search of a little weekend getaway.

 

Bear in mind that the alcoholic drinks packages also contain most non alcoholic items. From bottled water to specialty coffees or sodas there is a long range of options. A few $ here, plus a few $ there adds to the count. Bear also in mind that the basic internet package won't permit you to stream audio or video by default. You'll need the higher one.

 

Are there any things you should do? If you are in that mood, why not to take a few moments to a photo on those atrium Swarovski stairs around the atrium? All ships Fantasia class and above have them. Those are the little moments that actually will endure on our memories for the eternity!... The MSC's atrium areas use to be extremely beautiful!... On Fantasia class they used to have classical music playing there mostly all day, live at evening. So relaxing doing those photos there!... On Seaside class where the Seashore belongs, it seems that it is more on the likes of a rock band of sorts, but hey!... That may provide a wonderful and colorful photo moment as well!...

[cruiseracer]

Thanks for the advice all. Looks like we have some more research to do. The Aurea/Yacht Club/Fantastica concepts are new to us. I suspect it comes down to value to us specifically. Let me know if any more thoughts come to mind... Much appreciated!

[Nunagoras]

10 hours ago, cruiseracer said:

Thanks for the advice all. Looks like we have some more research to do. The Aurea/Yacht Club/Fantastica concepts are new to us. I suspect it comes down to value to us specifically. Let me know if any more thoughts come to mind... Much appreciated!

By the way, like on a "legacy" airline with tickets ranging from "discount" to "executive" classes: Just my advice: Unless you're very last minute, try to avoid the Bella category. It's just like a "no frills" low cost airline ticket. You have a right to go, a cabin chosen by them, a slot on the MDR chosen by them, etc. usually among the leftovers on close sailing's selling day... So, now: At a slightly higher rate they are offering Fantastica category which is just your typical mainstream cruise ticket with fixed at your choice cabin and MDR dinner slot. In most places they are offering a basic drinks package and possibly an internet package with that deal. Then there is Aurea. It used to be a great value for the buck due to the inclusions. Not anymore, unless a special promo gives some of those inclusions back at an affordable price tag, IMHO. Yeah: Priority boarding, anytime dining and a dedicated exclusive bar and sundeck plus a few discounts here and there plus the larger better placed cabins might to be interesting... But it is somewhat overpriced right now for the real benefits. And then there is the so acclaimed Yacht club. It is a ship inside the ship concept with a premium suite level service, exclusive dedicated areas, exclusive dedicated restaurant, etc. While there are some nice deals on that, prices have escalated lately, to a point of being clearly overpriced for the value, IMHO, unless being outside the crowds is really that important for you. Though, in some sailings it is quite possible to find some nice deals on Yacht Club insides that are unique on the whole industry and which nobody can really beat. Search carefully and book if one appears to you!... Hope to have helped a bit!...

[cruiseracer]

57 minutes ago, Nunagoras said:

By the way, like on a "legacy" airline with tickets ranging from "discount" to "executive" classes: Just my advice: Unless you're very last minute, try to avoid the Bella category. It's just like a "no frills" low cost airline ticket. You have a right to go, a cabin chosen by them, a slot on the MDR chosen by them, etc. usually among the leftovers on close sailing's selling day... So, now: At a slightly higher rate they are offering Fantastica category which is just your typical mainstream cruise ticket with fixed at your choice cabin and MDR dinner slot. In most places they are offering a basic drinks package and possibly an internet package with that deal. Then there is Aurea. It used to be a great value for the buck due to the inclusions. Not anymore, unless a special promo gives some of those inclusions back at an affordable price tag, IMHO. Yeah: Priority boarding, anytime dining and a dedicated exclusive bar and sundeck plus a few discounts here and there plus the larger better placed cabins might to be interesting... But it is somewhat overpriced right now for the real benefits. And then there is the so acclaimed Yacht club. It is a ship inside the ship concept with a premium suite level service, exclusive dedicated areas, exclusive dedicated restaurant, etc. While there are some nice deals on that, prices have escalated lately, to a point of being clearly overpriced for the value, IMHO, unless being outside the crowds is really that important for you. Though, in some sailings it is quite possible to find some nice deals on Yacht Club insides that are unique on the whole industry and which nobody can really beat. Search carefully and book if one appears to you!... Hope to have helped a bit!...

Yes, thank you for your detailed reply. Priority boarding is not a big deal for us. In fact, we usually wait until a couple of hours before sailing to board in order to miss the mad rush. Anytime dining has become our thing as we like the convenience. We can go with the flow on other benefits too. Time to do some more research... This information helps - thank you!

 

[shipgeeks]

If anytime dining is important to you, then as noted above, Aurea is the way to go.

If you have a good loyalty level with another cruise line, it could be worth your while to apply for Status Match with MSC.  If they match you to a nice MSC level, there could be some benefits for you.  We have only sailed Bella level (we only want fixed dining), but we had a nice cabin, as well as some additional benefits, due to our match.

We loved our MSC cruises; we were very pleased that we took the chance on them.

[mscdivina2016]

Use a TA!!!!!

 

I have had my share of issues and then some.

Worst IT and customer service in the industry.

I like the product but if you have an issue they will outright lie to you. A manager will call in 48-72 hours. Lol.

 

If you need to call for any reason they most likely will screw up your booking.

 

I have 5 booked all with a TA and in the last month have had 2 issues already.

Still have an issue from 2020 that we expect to settle this month and one from 2021 that has no end in sight except for me to keep poking till they have had enough and finally do something.

 

[JAGR]

18 hours ago, cruiseracer said:

Hi All,

 

We are active, middle-aged, experienced cruisers. She loves the sun and sand (wishes there was an onboard beach, maybe even a sandbox) and I've got salt in me veins... Have tried nearly all lines except for MSC and would like to give it a go. A balcony or better is a must and we'll probably go for a 7-night or more on the Divina or Seashore. I've reviewed the FAQ's, however input from past cruisers is always valued. Please forgive our long list of questions. We welcome all opinions and advice.  

 

In no particular order:

 

·         Concerning WIFI: DW and I will need to occasionally check in with work via Zoom. Should we upgrade to the best available wifi? How is reception in the cabins?

·         We are modest drinkers while on vacation, but enjoy nicer blends (wine & cocktails) and the convenience of using a drink package. It looks like the math comes out to about 6 drinks per day to break even and this is about our max. Please share your thoughts on purchasing a 'package' vs a la carte.

·         Along those same lines - I enjoy a good Old-Fashioned (bourbon) while sailing. Can anyone recommend an onboard bar that makes a can't miss OF?  For the most part, it depends on the skill and knowledge level of the bartender.  On Seashore, the best place for a good quality OF if going to be the Cocktail Bar by the entry to the specialty restaurants.  The bartenders are usually veterans of several stints on MSC cruises.

·         If we book using the free wifi & drinks promo, but desire to upgrade either offer - would we just pay the difference between the promo and the upgraded price? How does this work?

·         If we purchase the lowest drink package, but occasionally desire a more expensive drink, do we pay full tilt for the expensive drink, or only the difference between the 2?

·         Another possible option would be to purchase a bottle of our favorite spill & mixers for the cabin and not get a drink package. It's nice to pour a glass or 2 while sitting on the balcony before dinner... Does MSC offer this?  The only alcohol that can be pre-ordered is wine.

·         Can we request anytime dining for the entire cruise?

·         Are the specialty-dining venues worth the added cost?  To us, they are not.  We sail in YC, and are satisfied with choices/flexibility there.  We do get one free specialty dining meal for two on each cruise, and we tend to use it for lunch to try something different.  You may get the meal as well is you are high elite on another cruise line and do MSC's status match.

·         I've read that it's recommended to use a TA. I enjoy doing the research beforehand, then book online or through a PVP-type. Is this a recipe for disaster?  Like you, we prefer to plan na book ourselves.  We usually then transfer to the booking to a TA who has to do nothing but will give us some OBC.

·         We heard from some friends that there is no craps-table in the casino. How about live Texas-hold-em? If yes, do they use live dealers or the poker-pro machines?  No craps tables.  I've only seen the machines used for individual play, not a group table like on Carnival.  I do not remember a live dealer.

·         Is there a smoking policy in the casino?  Seashore is a non-smoking casino.  It was restricted on Divina, but there is a cigar lounge right by the casino.

·         Are there any must-do's that we should look into?

·         What's with the all-white themed dinner(s)? I told my DW about this and she just rolled her eyes. Is it a thing?  A matter of semantics, I think.  There is the ubiquitous White Night, celebration, but that is an evening on deck affair for the most part.  There are other theme nights, but for the restaurants, there is only one "Elegant Night" per 7-day cruise, encouraging but not requiring fancy dress.

·         We noticed a couple of the longer cruises on the Divina begin at Pt. Canaveral and end in Miami. Seems strange. Do they offer transportation back to Pt. Canaveral?

 

Thanks in advance!

Morgsmom and Nunagoras have given you the most accurate information.  I have not been on Divina  since eight years ago, but recently sailed on Seashore on a B2B.  Seashore is newer and glitzier and would be my preference between your two choices.. I've added my thoughts on your questions where I think clarification is in order.

[bones774]

Re; Telephone wait times. I've sailed 3x with MSC and there have been some problems but once onboard I've always enjoyed. I've learned now to visit their website and sign in or register an account with them, proceed to book a cruise and stop at payment page, within a day or two a cruise consultant will call you back. The more times you do mock bookings the more consultants that will call back. Talk with as many as you like or dont answer, pick one who you favor.

[cellfree]

17 hours ago, cruiseracer said:

Thanks for the advice all. Looks like we have some more research to do. The Aurea/Yacht Club/Fantastica concepts are new to us. I suspect it comes down to value to us specifically. Let me know if any more thoughts come to mind... Much appreciated!

We have been on several MSC cruises, both out of Miami and Port Canaveral, never Aurea or Yacht Club. We usually choose the “beverage easy plus/internet” package when booking. The Wi-Fi has been decent for emailing and the easy plus beverage package works great for us. I always research what Cabin I want and then call MSC and book through them, waiting until my confirmation comes through before I hang up. I choose Fantastica simply because I research my location in ship. We have sailed Divina and Armonia and Seaside and Meraviglia - enjoyed each one. MSCs private island is the best, your wife will love it, unlike other cruise lines the beverage package works on the island. 

[phissy]

3 hours ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Use a TA!!!!!

 

I have had my share of issues and then some.

Worst IT and customer service in the industry.

I like the product but if you have an issue they will outright lie to you. A manager will call in 48-72 hours. Lol.

 

If you need to call for any reason they most likely will screw up your booking.

 

I have 5 booked all with a TA and in the last month have had 2 issues already.

Still have an issue from 2020 that we expect to settle this month and one from 2021 that has no end in sight except for me to keep poking till they have had enough and finally do something.

 

We always use TA  for MSC.
We cannot give name of agencies here but there are a few in Florida that regularly do business with MSC.

He always gives us discount on cruise fare and makes sure our OBC are posted correctly. 
We have had issues with cruises cancelled ( Covid)  cruises changed to another ship, date and itinerary, and cabins changed without notice.

He has handled all of these. In the first two, received refunds ( YC) and he had them change cabin back and get us further discount.

MSC can be very trying to deal with landslide, as you can tell from post.

Onboard, we really enjoy sailing with them.

 

As far as the repositioning cruises ( Miami and Port Canaveral) we did this in November and doing one again in October. 
We fly one ways , so no issue. 
Some on our cruise this year ( port Canaveral ending Miami) are driving to Miami and leaving cars in long term parking. Taking rental car to Port Canaveral and then rental car shuttle to cruise ship.

When we were at car rental last year, there were those who cruised with us getting cars to drive back to Miami or Fort Lauderdale homes. We got car just to drive from port to Orlando airport area and stayed a few days to avoid Thanksgiving air traffic.

Lots to consider, good luck.

 

[GonzoWCS]

Thanks for all of the information here.  Great stuff!

 

Cheers

[cruiseracer]

7 hours ago, shipgeeks said:

If anytime dining is important to you, then as noted above, Aurea is the way to go.

If you have a good loyalty level with another cruise line, it could be worth your while to apply for Status Match with MSC.  If they match you to a nice MSC level, there could be some benefits for you.  We have only sailed Bella level (we only want fixed dining), but we had a nice cabin, as well as some additional benefits, due to our match.

We loved our MSC cruises; we were very pleased that we took the chance on them.

Just signed up for Status Match. Thanks for the tip and advice!

[cruiseracer]

6 hours ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Use a TA!!!!!

 

I have had my share of issues and then some.

Worst IT and customer service in the industry.

I like the product but if you have an issue they will outright lie to you. A manager will call in 48-72 hours. Lol.

 

If you need to call for any reason they most likely will screw up your booking.

 

I have 5 booked all with a TA and in the last month have had 2 issues already.

Still have an issue from 2020 that we expect to settle this month and one from 2021 that has no end in sight except for me to keep poking till they have had enough and finally do something.

 

Wow. That's awful! Look like a TA is in our future... Thanks.

[cruiseracer]

6 hours ago, JAGR said:

Morgsmom and Nunagoras have given you the most accurate information.  I have not been on Divina  since eight years ago, but recently sailed on Seashore on a B2B.  Seashore is newer and glitzier and would be my preference between your two choices.. I've added my thoughts on your questions where I think clarification is in order.

Good tip on using a TA after booking. I didn't know this could be done. Thanks for the detail...

[cruiseracer]

2 hours ago, phissy said:

We always use TA  for MSC.
We cannot give name of agencies here but there are a few in Florida that regularly do business with MSC.

He always gives us discount on cruise fare and makes sure our OBC are posted correctly. 
We have had issues with cruises cancelled ( Covid)  cruises changed to another ship, date and itinerary, and cabins changed without notice.

He has handled all of these. In the first two, received refunds ( YC) and he had them change cabin back and get us further discount.

MSC can be very trying to deal with landslide, as you can tell from post.

Onboard, we really enjoy sailing with them.

 

As far as the repositioning cruises ( Miami and Port Canaveral) we did this in November and doing one again in October. 
We fly one ways , so no issue. 
Some on our cruise this year ( port Canaveral ending Miami) are driving to Miami and leaving cars in long term parking. Taking rental car to Port Canaveral and then rental car shuttle to cruise ship.

When we were at car rental last year, there were those who cruised with us getting cars to drive back to Miami or Fort Lauderdale homes. We got car just to drive from port to Orlando airport area and stayed a few days to avoid Thanksgiving air traffic.

Lots to consider, good luck.

 

We're located in Florida. It's a shame TA's cannot be recommended. Perhaps a conflict... We'll look into the rental car option. Thanks!

[Nunagoras]

8 hours ago, shipgeeks said:

If anytime dining is important to you, then as noted above, Aurea is the way to go.

If you have a good loyalty level with another cruise line, it could be worth your while to apply for Status Match with MSC.  If they match you to a nice MSC level, there could be some benefits for you.  We have only sailed Bella level (we only want fixed dining), but we had a nice cabin, as well as some additional benefits, due to our match.

We loved our MSC cruises; we were very pleased that we took the chance on them.

Yes, that's it. At very least such a 5% discount on your booking is certain for Voyagers Club members, even if status matched. Pick your highest level on another cruise line and send them the proof of it (a photo of your most recent cruise card suffixes). In certain sailings you might even have some better promos, depending from where you are and from where a cruise departs. I'm receiving some nice deals in my email invoice for Barcelona cruises, (Barcelona is just a 1 and a half hour flight from Lisbon). It's a "last minute" 5+5% or even better. Nice if you have the chance!... And if you're given top membership or near it, a specialty meal will to be one of the perks.

[Essiesmom]

One caution:  if not booking Aurea or Yacht Club on Divina, do not book any cabin labeled ‘junior’.  They are very small.  Fine if you are sailing solo, but couples might find them cramped.  EM

[Nunagoras]

9 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

One caution:  if not booking Aurea or Yacht Club on Divina, do not book any cabin labeled ‘junior’.  They are very small.  Fine if you are sailing solo, but couples might find them cramped.  EM

The recent MSC's opening of the "Junior" cabins, especially insides, to single occupancy at a very affordable rate wouldn't to be just occasional... Sadly most "junior" cabins are also Bella experience, so... No frills cruising for solos!...

[cruiseracer]

Status match process was smooth & seamless. Awarded gold status within 25 hours of submission. Hope our future experience with MSC goes so well.

[unrealHeather]

If you are a Bourbon drinker you want to at least get the middle grade drink package.  See: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/on-board/dining-drinks/drink-comparison-chart

[cruiseracer]

4 hours ago, unrealHeather said:

If you are a Bourbon drinker you want to at least get the middle grade drink package.  See: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/on-board/dining-drinks/drink-comparison-chart

Woodford Reserve! 👍 Thank you...

[JAGR]

6 minutes ago, cruiseracer said:

Woodford Reserve! 👍 Thank you...

Just got a bottle of the Batch Proof 118.4!