help from Costa and MSC Cruisers (actual cruisers, and not the internet experts)

[Griff4AU]

‘Sorry for the somewhat direct thread title, but one of my frustrations with this (and many) internet forums is the “armchair quarterback wisdom” rather than the experienced advice. I am looking for the latter here.

 

For reasons I don’t want to get in to here, it looks like me and the better half will be spending the holidays in Brasil instead of the US and I am going to be getting crushed with some Princess cancelation fees. I still want to be on the water between Christmas and New Years and I am not as familiar with the choices I have.

 

I am posting this in the Princess forum because Princess is my sweet-spot. For me it’s the right blend of polish and fun and service tied in to price. However I am anything but “high maintenance and I expect everything to be perfect every single minute” That’s not me. Heck, I have had fun on some Carnival boats... (sacrilege to some of the folks who hang out in this forum).   So I am looking for fellow Princess travelers who have been on MSC and Costa.

 

I haven’t been on a Costa boat in 30+ years (I guess I am old). I’ve never been on a MSC ship. My choices are the newer MSC boats (Seaside, Seashore… 5* and 5,400ish pax), some of the older MSC boats (Musica, Preziosa, Fantasia, Armonia), the Rhapsody (older RCL boat - I know what I am getting), and some of the older Costa boats (Pacifica, Favolosa, Fortuna). 

 

I know the clientele is different. I am in Central or South America no less than 8 times per year – so I get it. I am hoping there are some folks here who have actually been on those lines / ships can offer some advice as I make a decision.

 

Your experience would be appreciated.

[alyssamma]

1 minute ago, Griff4AU said:

‘Sorry for the somewhat direct thread title, but one of my frustrations with this (and many) internet forums is the “armchair quarterback wisdom” rather than the experienced advice. I am looking for the latter here.

 

For reasons I don’t want to get in to here, it looks like me and the better half will be spending the holidays in Brasil instead of the US and I am going to be getting crushed with some Princess cancelation fees. I still want to be on the water between Christmas and New Years and I am not as familiar with the choices I have.

 

I am posting this in the Princess forum because Princess is my sweet-spot. For me it’s the right blend of polish and fun and service tied in to price. However I am anything but “high maintenance and I expect everything to be perfect every single minute” That’s not me. Heck, I have had fun on some Carnival boats... (sacrilege to some of the folks who hang out in this forum).   So I am looking for fellow Princess travelers who have been on MSC and Costa.

 

I haven’t been on a Costa boat in 30+ years (I guess I am old). I’ve never been on a MSC ship. My choices are the newer MSC boats (Seaside, Seashore… 5* and 5,400ish pax), some of the older MSC boats (Musica, Preziosa, Fantasia, Armonia), the Rhapsody (older RCL boat - I know what I am getting), and some of the older Costa boats (Pacifica, Favolosa, Fortuna). 

 

I know the clientele is different. I am in Central or South America no less than 8 times per year – so I get it. I am hoping there are some folks here who have actually been on those lines / ships can offer some advice as I make a decision.

 

Your experience would be appreciated.

For MSC, your experience will be vastly different between Yacht Club and non. Do you know what class you would be sailing in?

 

I will also add that MSC customer service is probably the worst amongst the cruise lines.

[Griff4AU]

1 minute ago, alyssamma said:

For MSC, your experience will be vastly different between Yacht Club and non. Do you know what class you would be sailing in?

 

I will also add that MSC customer service is probably the worst amongst the cruise lines.

Thank you. I have heard that Yacht Club is special. That might be beyond my price point due to the bath I am going to take from Princess and the remaining YC cabins are the "purchase a new car" rates. But it is something to consider.

The MSC (lack of) customer service is something that concerns me. That's why I am considering the older RCL Rhapsody.

[alyssamma]

2 minutes ago, Griff4AU said:

Thank you. I have heard that Yacht Club is special. That might be beyond my price point due to the bath I am going to take from Princess and the remaining YC cabins are the "purchase a new car" rates. But it is something to consider.

The MSC (lack of) customer service is something that concerns me. That's why I am considering the older RCL Rhapsody.

I haven't sailed Costa so can't help you there. But sailed a lot of MSC. Unfortunately I've only been in the YC. I can say that once you are onboard, it's a good experience, but very different from a traditional cruise. For example, shows tend to be short...30min or so...and focus on singing and acrobats. No real comedians unless it's slapstick. This is because of the many languages onboard... entertainment has to be something everyone can understand.

 

I've eaten in the buffet a few times and found it to be average. 

 

The ships themselves are gorgeous and the pizza and gelato is great.

 

Karaoke is big, at least on the US sailings.

 

You can typically find good prices on sailings.

 

As you alluded to, sailing from there will be mostly south American pax 

 

 

[dog]

I’ve been on both of those cruise lines. Much prefer Princess for affordable balconies, room service, mini bar set up, FCD- OBC, elite benefits- what’s left of them.   Not interested in cruising with either again- Princess, Celebrity, even RCL are a step up.

[iamaqt2]

MSC was a one and done for me.  However, they do status match, so if you are Elite with Princess they will match you with their highest Tier level which is Black.  It offers a nice discount.

[Griff4AU]

6 minutes ago, iamaqt2 said:

MSC was a one and done for me.  However, they do status match, so if you are Elite with Princess they will match you with their highest Tier level which is Black.  It offers a nice discount.

Thank you. Would you mind sharing which ship was the "one and done". I am wondering if the newer vs older ships offer totally different experiences. Just like an older RCL boat is a totally different experience than the newer ships.

They matched me to Gold (I am Platinum with Princess), so I appreciated the Match.

[iamaqt2]

Just now, Griff4AU said:

Thank you. Would you mind sharing which ship was the "one and done". I am wondering if the newer vs older ships offer totally different experiences. Just like an older RCL boat is a totally different experience than the newer ships.

They matched me to Gold (I am Platinum with Princess), so I appreciated the Match.

We cruised on the Divina in the Caribbean.  Best part of the whole cruise was the pizza.

[Steelers36]

9 minutes ago, iamaqt2 said:

Best part of the whole cruise was the pizza.

That's not saying much - whatever the cruise line.  I'd avoid if that's their best feature.

[reedprincess]

We cruise MSC often, and Princess often also. (Black in MSC - earned it, not my matching and Elite on Princess).

Personally, we love MSC - a lot! Stunning ships, great food, very lively atmosphere, different entertainment, etc from the mainstream US lines. We just completed another 7 nights on Divina 2 weeks ago, and will be on Regal in 13 days....

We've done Bella, Aurea and Yacht Club - all have been wonderful. The trick is to understand what your Experience includes - many people book the basic cheap rates (Bella) and don't realize that it doesn't include some of the things you may be used to on more mainstream lines, ie you don't get to choose your room location, you don't get to choose anytime dining, room service is not included (extra charge both delivery and food), etc. And then they get ticked off that it's not like the line their used to!   Each step up the Experience ladder adds more benefits and inclusions.  Yacht Club is great, but not a must IMO. We're perfectly happy in "steerage" and have had just as enjoyable a time.. 

Of the ships, Preziosa is a favorite, and Fantasia... I'd skip Armonia.. haven't tried Musica yet 

If the budget stretches, Aurea will give you everything you're familiar with on Princess, ie included room service, anytime dining plus some extras like dedicated Aurea only deck, etc. Worth checking.. 

Enjoy! 

[alyssamma]

1 hour ago, iamaqt2 said:

We cruised on the Divina in the Caribbean.  Best part of the whole cruise was the pizza.

What didn't you like about the Divina? I've been on that ship and personally love it. Great layout, good music venues, free wings in the sports bar, etc.

 

To the OP, @reedprincess gave an excellent summary of MSC...I agree 100% with what they said.

[reedprincess]

I'll add a couple things..

There is a very diverse demographic aboard, and North American is generally half or less than half, even when sailing from Florida. announcements are in 5-7 languages, entertainment is more visual and musical as shows with themes don't translate across the cultures, and - you have multiple different cultures mingling in tight spaces - not every culture waits in order for elevators or buffet lines, gives way on the same side of the stairs or walkways, etc.  

Service aboard is continental style, not NA style. You want a drink, flag the waiter. Need something else at dinner, flag the waiter. They will get to know your preferences, same as any other line - but they won't he at your table every 10 minutes checking on you. Some people don't like that style of service, we happen to really enjoy not being intruded 9m when enjoying our meal... 

Food is more continental, portions are accurate not super sized, there is Always Available beef, chicken, salmon, all that good stuff. Pastas, risottos, gelato, all outstanding. Beef, not a strong point in the MDR but Butcher's Cut blows Crown Grill out of the water.. Lobster one night on 7 night or longer cruises (usually), etc.  

Trivia, bingo, pool games, music by the pool, dance classes (real ones with straight up professional dancers), all the standard cruise stuff . More smaller intimate lounges with different styles of music rather than 2 or 3 bigger ones... Stunning ships. Comfy beds. Smallish staterooms, but perfectly adequate. 

Shore side customer service is dismal. Use a TA if at all possible as they can handle it for you instead of you getting frustrated by it.. onboard, very very good..

Drinks packages are very reasonable and unlimited. 

Variety is the spice of life! 

[iamaqt2]

1 minute ago, alyssamma said:

What didn't you like about the Divina? I've been on that ship and personally love it. Great layout, good music venues, free wings in the sports bar, etc.

 

To the OP, @reedprincess gave an excellent summary of MSC...I agree 100% with what they said.

I had to go hunt down my review.  Couldn't find my CC review, but I had it saved in my Yelp reviews.  
It wasn't a pleasant memory to reread it.
11/11/14
Day of Embarkation we arrived at the terminal around 1:30 pm, and waited in line about 30 mins. Not terribly long, but it was chilly  with the AC being very strong at some points in the line. Once we got to the front, DH split off with DS and I took DD. We were both notified that they could not locate our reservation, and they were going to have to contact a supervisor. 25 minutes later, and no updates in between at all, we are told "we have you on the manifest, but no other record of you." 15 minutes after that, they were able to print us cruise cards, and we boarded the ship. At this point we knew we needed to switch room cards to put the kids in their own room, so we headed down to guest services to take care of this. This was actually handled fairly smoothly. Then off to the casino to pick up my prepaid packages (which I wasn't feeling very confident about, considering my lost reservation). I was right to be concerned, as they had no record of them, and sent me back to deal with guest services.
This is where my whole cruise was soured, as I had to spend the next 5 days, and 15 encounters with the desk to finally get resolution to my problem. Apparently MSC has a "process" that they MUST follow if a guest has a problem onboard, which involves them emailing the problem to the home office, then waiting for a reply back. I understand that this would be more efficient for an international traveler, but I was booked through the US office, and a quick phone call would have cleared my problem up immediately. My request to speak with the Guest Relations Manager was denied.
I had printed documentation outlining exactly what I had booked and paid for, including copies of my credit card charge, as I had previously read of others having problems. So I figured it should be a quick matter to clear up, and be on my way. NOPE... The desk informed me that it could be up to 2 days before I received a resolution. They sent off an email, and told me to check back with them that evening. At this point, I needed to also go see the Maitre 'D as we had no dining assignment either, due to them losing our reservation. This had to be the longest line I waited in all cruise. After waiting 45 minutes we were finally assigned a table for 4 for early dining. But after all this running around on board, we were just too tired to get ready for dinner, so skipped first night.
I went back to our room, called my TA and let her know what was going on. She called me back in 20 mins, said a supervisor at MSC was working on it, and it would be cleared up within the hour. At this point I figured let it go, and check back with the desk later.
Checked back 3 times that night, no resolution. And apparently I wasn't the only unhappy passenger, as the lines on both sides of guest services was long, and people were yelling!! Yikes!
The next day, I checked in with the desk 4 times, and was finally told they would contact me if they heard anything. That afternoon they called and said they finally heard back, everything is ok and paid for( like I already said and had proof of) and to come down in 3 hours and my packages would be ready. So I show up 3 hours later, but they're not ready yet. But come back in 15 minutes, and they'll have it ready!!
At this point, it's time for dinner, so I say we'll be back later. We go to dinner, and tell them our assigned table, and get seated. The waiter asks to see my card, as he says we're not the guests who sat there the evening prior. No problem, I show it to him, and on with our dinner. Then back to the desk to pick up packages. Ask about my prepaid excursions, and told to check in with the excursion desk the next day. Also I need to clear up all beverages already purchased one by one with drink tickets..... one receipt at a time.... 30 minutes later...
Show up to the excursion desk the next morning, and SURPRISE! they have no record of my booking. I explain to the gentleman all the issues with my prepaid bookings, and he has to go straighten it out with the desk. 30 minutes later I finally have my excursion tickets in hand. Then back to desk to see if prior drink charges are cleared up yet. Nope... told to give them time to take care of it.
Show up for dinner on 3rd night, get seated, then told we're sitting at someone else's table. WHAT?!? Mario the asst. Maitre D explains to us that he doesn't know how we got assigned that table, as it isn't logged in the system. He tells us that he has a table for us, but we need to move. At this point the other people decide to let it go for the night, but we need to move the next night.
On the 5th day of the cruise they finally cleared up all the previous drink charges, but I realized that the 2 bottles of Asti Spumante I prepaid to have for sailaway on our balcony had never arrived. So another call to the desk to ask if they would please credit these back to our account, as we didn't want or need them this late in the cruise. NOPE...  MSC NEVER AGAIN

[reedprincess]

17 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

What didn't you like about the Divina? I've been on that ship and personally love it. Great layout, good music venues, free wings in the sports bar, etc.

 

To the OP, @reedprincess gave an excellent summary of MSC...I agree 100% with what they said.

Unfortunately - no more free wings on Divina.. ☹️

They now charge.  And pricing is similar to Seaside - it's cheaper to buy to orders of 6 than one of 12! Lol.. 

[alyssamma]

4 minutes ago, iamaqt2 said:

I had to go hunt down my review.  Couldn't find my CC review, but I had it saved in my Yelp reviews.  
It wasn't a pleasant memory to reread it.
11/11/14
Day of Embarkation we arrived at the terminal around 1:30 pm, and waited in line about 30 mins. Not terribly long, but it was chilly  with the AC being very strong at some points in the line. Once we got to the front, DH split off with DS and I took DD. We were both notified that they could not locate our reservation, and they were going to have to contact a supervisor. 25 minutes later, and no updates in between at all, we are told "we have you on the manifest, but no other record of you." 15 minutes after that, they were able to print us cruise cards, and we boarded the ship. At this point we knew we needed to switch room cards to put the kids in their own room, so we headed down to guest services to take care of this. This was actually handled fairly smoothly. Then off to the casino to pick up my prepaid packages (which I wasn't feeling very confident about, considering my lost reservation). I was right to be concerned, as they had no record of them, and sent me back to deal with guest services.
This is where my whole cruise was soured, as I had to spend the next 5 days, and 15 encounters with the desk to finally get resolution to my problem. Apparently MSC has a "process" that they MUST follow if a guest has a problem onboard, which involves them emailing the problem to the home office, then waiting for a reply back. I understand that this would be more efficient for an international traveler, but I was booked through the US office, and a quick phone call would have cleared my problem up immediately. My request to speak with the Guest Relations Manager was denied.
I had printed documentation outlining exactly what I had booked and paid for, including copies of my credit card charge, as I had previously read of others having problems. So I figured it should be a quick matter to clear up, and be on my way. NOPE... The desk informed me that it could be up to 2 days before I received a resolution. They sent off an email, and told me to check back with them that evening. At this point, I needed to also go see the Maitre 'D as we had no dining assignment either, due to them losing our reservation. This had to be the longest line I waited in all cruise. After waiting 45 minutes we were finally assigned a table for 4 for early dining. But after all this running around on board, we were just too tired to get ready for dinner, so skipped first night.
I went back to our room, called my TA and let her know what was going on. She called me back in 20 mins, said a supervisor at MSC was working on it, and it would be cleared up within the hour. At this point I figured let it go, and check back with the desk later.
Checked back 3 times that night, no resolution. And apparently I wasn't the only unhappy passenger, as the lines on both sides of guest services was long, and people were yelling!! Yikes!
The next day, I checked in with the desk 4 times, and was finally told they would contact me if they heard anything. That afternoon they called and said they finally heard back, everything is ok and paid for( like I already said and had proof of) and to come down in 3 hours and my packages would be ready. So I show up 3 hours later, but they're not ready yet. But come back in 15 minutes, and they'll have it ready!!
At this point, it's time for dinner, so I say we'll be back later. We go to dinner, and tell them our assigned table, and get seated. The waiter asks to see my card, as he says we're not the guests who sat there the evening prior. No problem, I show it to him, and on with our dinner. Then back to the desk to pick up packages. Ask about my prepaid excursions, and told to check in with the excursion desk the next day. Also I need to clear up all beverages already purchased one by one with drink tickets..... one receipt at a time.... 30 minutes later...
Show up to the excursion desk the next morning, and SURPRISE! they have no record of my booking. I explain to the gentleman all the issues with my prepaid bookings, and he has to go straighten it out with the desk. 30 minutes later I finally have my excursion tickets in hand. Then back to desk to see if prior drink charges are cleared up yet. Nope... told to give them time to take care of it.
Show up for dinner on 3rd night, get seated, then told we're sitting at someone else's table. WHAT?!? Mario the asst. Maitre D explains to us that he doesn't know how we got assigned that table, as it isn't logged in the system. He tells us that he has a table for us, but we need to move. At this point the other people decide to let it go for the night, but we need to move the next night.
On the 5th day of the cruise they finally cleared up all the previous drink charges, but I realized that the 2 bottles of Asti Spumante I prepaid to have for sailaway on our balcony had never arrived. So another call to the desk to ask if they would please credit these back to our account, as we didn't want or need them this late in the cruise. NOPE...  MSC NEVER AGAIN

OK, this makes sense. You are talking about the service when dealing with MSC...I agree completely and, honestly, had stopped cruising them but like Godfather 3 I got pulled back in to two upcoming cruises, but I swear I'm done after that 🙂

 

I thought it was the ship itself you didn't like.

[alyssamma]

3 minutes ago, reedprincess said:

Unfortunately - no more free wings on Divina.. ☹️

They now charge.  And pricing is similar to Seaside - it's cheaper to buy to orders of 6 than one of 12! Lol.. 

Say it isn't so! Oh well, they've made lots of changes I know to YC perks, what you (no longer) get with the different experiences, and pricing, so I guess this makes sense...

[iamaqt2]

Just now, alyssamma said:

OK, this makes sense. You are talking about the service when dealing with MSC...I agree completely and, honestly, had stopped cruising them but like Godfather 3 I got pulled back in to two upcoming cruises, but I swear I'm done after that 🙂

 

I thought it was the ship itself you didn't like.

Thinking back, I actually didn't like the layout of the ship either.  The lounges were much too small for the volume of passengers, and in inclement weather when everyone was forced inside, it was jammed full of people.  Also having only 2 decks to move forward and aft on the ship was a complete hassle and created huge traffic jams in the photo area.  

[alyssamma]

9 minutes ago, iamaqt2 said:

created huge traffic jams in the photo area. 

This I actually agree with, but I didn't otherwise fine the ship to be crowded. It's possible it sailed full with you and less so with me. I sailed right before covid hit, but still don't know how full it was.

[Essiesmom]

We enjoyed MSC, the diversity, but I think the experience in South America will be different from what we experienced in the Caribbean, even with half of the guests being from somewhere other than North America.  I think your demographic will be perhaps half Italian, the rest from South America.  Entertainment is mostly musical, comedy doesn’t translate well among different cultures.  We liked Divina and Seaside.  I thought the cabins on Divina and Seaside were large, much larger than Princess.  On Divina, don’t book anything that says ‘junior’ unless you are sailing solo.  We enjoyed Armonia, but she is problematic .  The Armonia/Lirica class were stretched, with balconies tacked onto OV cabins, like Carnival did with the Fantasy class ships.  We had an OV cabin, and it was a bit cool and very humid.  Trying to up the temp made the humidity more apparent.  Humid like, they leave paper stuff in your cabin, and when you pick it up it sort of drapes over your hand.  I think with the section inserted in the middle of the ship, the a/c system wasn’t well installed.  You could walk the corridor and feel the climatic zones change.

 

Armonia was much more low key than Divina or Seaside.  Lots of open lounges with group seating.  They want people to relax and mingle.  It is intentional.  The MDR was odd, divided in half with an elevator bank coming down in the middle.  
  In the Caribbean, the European guests, particularly the women, dressed with more care than many Americans, especially in the evenings, not just on formal nights.  
  Anyway, that is just my take.  EM

[Griff4AU]

Thank you all.

 

@reedprincess that is what I am looking for. @Essiesmomand @alyssamma (again) -very helpful and appreciated.

 

‘Having lived in 3 countries and 15 states, I am much more accepting of other cultures and styles than most from the US. I love our country, but we’re a little close-minded here (for the most part). I enjoy the cruise community because  folks here have at least experienced other cultures.

 am thinking a December MSC sailing out of Brazil or Argentina will largely be Europeans (we have Winter, down there it's Summer) and South Americans.. Way over generalizing here, but both cultures tend to life life large. It should be fun. It will be fun.

 

The Armonia was probably lowest on the list, but I am believing I would rather try a newer MSC ship than a very old and small RCL ship. Zero desire to go back to an old RCL boats... I thought they were terrible.

 

The Seaview (‘18) , Seashore (‘21) and Seaview look good. I appreciate saying you like Preziosa as I had eliminated it as it was “”older” and I think only had YC available, but then again I still love the Caribbean Princess and by some standards she is ancient (‘04 with a ’17 refurb). I will look at the Preziosa again.

As for the service level, admittedly I have been spoiled by Princess and X, but I have learned that anywhere (anywhere, any segment) that if you treat people well and talk TO people and not AT them, you will almost always have great service. 

Edited November 20, 2022 by Griff4AU

[reedprincess]

We've been on Seaside, sister ship to Seaview - fab ship. She's beautiful. And has the outdoor seating / promenade area for buffet or just lounging on 8.. great addition over Preziosa - and the thermal suite is much much better with hydro pool, salt room, mixed gender, etc.  If you're into that sort of thing, the Sea class is wonderful.

One other thing - items purchased in advance are definitely cheaper than aboard.. ie spa treatments are approximately 15-30% less expensive, and no automatic gratuity added on, unlike purchasing aboard at full price plus the 15% gratuity.. photo package is a decent deal, etc.. 

You'd likely enjoy it - the mix of cultures is fantastic - to us... And I'm always amazed at the cruise staff and how hard they work compared to other lines, and being multilingual I'm at least 3 languages each. It's impressive... Same for the theater shows - full singers and dancers two to three times a night, every single night whereas you get one or two production shows a week on X or Princess!  

Open minds and realistic expectations go a long way. 

Enjoy, whatever you choose!! 

[dog]

14 hours ago, iamaqt2 said:

We cruised on the Divina in the Caribbean.  Best part of the whole cruise was the pizza.

Ha! I thought the same.  Altough the price was very good when I sailed them

 

OP can get some first-hand experience on those cruise line forums on cruise critic.

[dog]

On 11/19/2022 at 8:42 PM, iamaqt2 said:

We cruised on the Divina in the Caribbean.  Best part of the whole cruise was the pizza.

And I priced out their TA- keep adding $$$ for everything. Get water & coffee in basic fare.  Room service also charges.  I seem to remember them locking mini fridge day before cruise ended. Maybe things have changed?

Edited November 27, 2022 by dog

[tcdcruiser]

Coming up on my 500th night on Princess.  Here is my comments about Costa.

 

In my experience

 

The ship, the crew and the destinations are all wonderful.  However, the cultural / passenger experience is quite different from Princess.

 

Americans and English speakers are in the vast minority.  Costa, while a Carnival Corp line, targets the Italian and European markets.   It is not a US / UK / Australian / Canadian / etc. experience.  

 

This can be either wonderful or not so wonderful based on your expectations and travel desires.
 

I remember the welcome aboard show being hosted in multiple languages (Italian, French, German, English and i think Spanish).   Now, I do not mean you have a choice of shows based on language.  You go to a single show and listen to all 5 languages.

 

Safe Travels 

 

 

 

 

 

[Essiesmom]

Here is a fairly recent thread from the MSC board about the Brazil cruises: