LIVE REPORT Christmas Markets-MSC Euribia 1-8th Dec 2023 -New Ship-YC Balcony suite

[ConnieTact]

People getting off the ship. The folk who are going home (with cases etc) have a longer walk to the cruise terminal. (Bottom right of picture) 

 

Those going to the shuttle turn right. There now seems to be a very long queue for the shuttle. Actually two! 

Edited December 6, 2023 by ConnieTact

[ConnieTact]

The taxi line is not as long but only one taxi every 10 minutes or so. 
I highly recommend speaking to whoever you are next to in the ‘line’ and ask if they would like to share a taxi with you. Half the price and possibly less of a wait! 

[ConnieTact]

I never thought we’d enjoy a balcony in December and after wearing multiple layers in our last ports of call we are enjoying this sun trap! 
I think we’ll wait for the queues to die down before venturing off the ship. 

[ConnieTact]

Update- the queue for shuttle seems just as long. There was 10 minutes between them.

just now the taxi line seems to be the quickest with three taxis on a line at one time! The taxi company obviously put the word out! 
If we catch one later, I’ll report how much it cost. 

Here’s the information regarding the shuttle bus.

 

[ConnieTact]

Good morning from Le Havre! What a beautiful skies during sunrise today with a regal presence too! Queen Victoria has docked today and I awoke to see her docked nearby with the glorious illumination behind her! 

[ConnieTact]

More snaps from the balcony this morning.

This shows there is no queue for shuttle and a few buses ready for excursions out there.

[ConnieTact]

Yesterday we got off the ship in the afternoon after the queues had gone. We decided it best to get a taxi as this cost  a flat fare of €10 to the centre. The shuttle is €14 each return, so for two or more people it is cheaper.

 

When we were coming home we stood at the Taxi rank for 15 minutes and, as it was starting to get cold and there were no taxis in sight, we decided to walk back to the ship. The walk is an easy flat one with only one slight incline. It takes 25 minutes and around a mile and a half. There was a huge queue for the shuttle. 

[ConnieTact]

In Le Havre we looked for a Christmas market and although there were a few wooden shacks there they weren’t open or being used yet- perhaps a bit early for this. Hopefully they will be open for later cruises to enjoy.

We walked accords the square and around the shopping area to look at the seasonal displays in the shop windows. Here are a few of them.

 

I loved this idea! A Christmas macaroon tree! Looks great and I bet it’s delicious too!

 

also, This shop front was my favourite, so very beautiful and pastels for Christmas? Not a colour scheme I have ever tried but this does look fabulous!

[ConnieTact]

Next we went to Le Sublim’s a very traditional French Cafe on Rue de St Bernardin for a coffee and pot of tea to soak in the atmosphere. We enjoyed it there as it really did feel French. 
 

[ConnieTact]

As you can see, the ship is visible from the centre of Le Havre, we couldn’t miss it although did use my navigation app for the best walking route. 

[ConnieTact]

We decided to take it easy and make full use of room service last night. We had pizzas in the room and drinks delivery too. The service was prompt and excellent.

we watched TV and took a break from the ship’s entertainment offerings.

 

[Mark_T]

1 hour ago, ConnieTact said:

We decided to take it easy and make full use of room service last night. We had pizzas in the room and drinks delivery too. The service was prompt and excellent.

we watched TV and took a break from the ship’s entertainment offerings.

 

Sometimes something simple makes for the most relaxing evening...

 

 

[ConnieTact]

1 minute ago, Mark_T said:

Sometimes something simple makes for the most relaxing evening...

 

 

So true! Pizza is Mr CTs favourite and it’s never served in YC restaurant! It’s ok in a balcony suite as there’s a table but less comfortable in an inside. 

[ConnieTact]

 

Hola! Was unexpectedly closed this lunch time so our booking was. Moved to Le Grill.

i knew I wouldn’t want a marinas I don’t eat steak. I asked about the diver sole but that wasn’t included with our package and would have cost an extra €17.50 and I didn’t think it was worth that for me. So, I asked for three side dishes instead. They didn’t charge extra for this (as only one included). I chose a jacket potato with two veg dishes. The menu did not indicate the pan roasted Brussels were cooked with bacon, so would be a strange discovery if one is vegetarian.  the asparagus side was over salted with sea salt but the replacement was tasty, crunchy and serve hot. 
MrCT enjoyed his NY strip steak and we both enjoyed the desserts. Service was fine but if the place was busy I think they’d struggle. There were only five tables taken while we were there.
 

[ConnieTact]

Le Grill replaces the Butchers Cut on Virtuosa and is located in the French bar L’Atelier du Voyageur.

Another difference is that Robbie the robot bar tender and his bar has been replaced by Helios Wine Maker.
The manager showed us around and explained the concept of the wine tasting venue at an add on cost. There are fancy screens offering information on a wide variety of wines and regions of winemaking.

[insidecabin]

Looked at Le grill menu not impressed with the experience choices compared to butchers cut(that might have changed?)

 

No Fillet or lamb included, our go to.

 

Not essential if in YC as they do both there but when in cattle it's a treat.

[snoozecrooze]

3 hours ago, ConnieTact said:

Le Grill replaces the Butchers Cut on Virtuosa and is located in the French bar L’Atelier du Voyageur.

Another difference is that Robbie the robot bar tender and his bar has been replaced by Helios Wine Maker.

Hi @ConnieTact, ever since returning from the Virtuosa, I've been doing some mental comparisons with your experience on the Euribia (beautiful photos, by the way, thank you sharing them!). And I've been wondering if you think Le Grill is an adequate replacement for Butcher's Cut? Do the "attendance" and menu feel comparable? And hopefully Helios gets more visits than Robbie ever did on the Virtuosa for us!

 

Also, the Carousel Lounge on the Euribia has the all-new design that looks packed to the gills every time they have a show there but the lounge on the Virtuosa was also criminally underused, so I'm wondering on your thoughts - which do you prefer, now that you've experienced both? Thanks 🙂

[derekthesailor]

2 hours ago, insidecabin said:

Looked at Le grill menu not impressed with the experience choices compared to butchers cut(that might have changed?)

 

No Fillet or lamb included, our go to.

 

Not essential if in YC as they do both there but when in cattle it's a treat.

Sadly the upgrade fairy has not arrived for tomorrows sailing so steerage again 😪.

I totally agree that the menu seems to have been downgraded. I expect soon Diamond members will lose the included meal as well. 

Will they allow 2 or 3 starters instead of an entree. ?

 

[derekthesailor]

Hi @Connietact

 

Thank you for all your reports and photos this week. They have really added to our anticipation for first time Euribia tomorrow. We have enjoyed our trips on Virtuosa in the past so we are looking with interest to the changes. You have only shown the carousel lounge at nighttime. Are those wonderful views of the wake blocked off during the day. We hope not.

First time in an inside cabin. We decided that the time of year and the fact that we have been to all the ports before it was worth saving a few pounds.

Safe journey home and once again  THANKS

Derek & Fran 

 

[insidecabin]

57 minutes ago, derekthesailor said:

Hi @Connietact

 

Thank you for all your reports and photos this week. They have really added to our anticipation for first time Euribia tomorrow. We have enjoyed our trips on Virtuosa in the past so we are looking with interest to the changes. You have only shown the carousel lounge at nighttime. Are those wonderful views of the wake blocked off during the day. We hope not.

First time in an inside cabin. We decided that the time of year and the fact that we have been to all the ports before it was worth saving a few pounds.

Safe journey home and once again  THANKS

Derek & Fran 

 

Carousel lounge was available on Virtuosa during the day when no events.

 

Most never found it, quiet spot, no bar.

 

This should be a good change for Euribia much better use of the space.

There are 2 outside terraces.

 

Insides are fine for a week just go out a lot.

 

 

[Preziosa]

You Can use Caroussel lounge all Day long. The bar is Open and They serve fingerfoods. Nice Place to sit for coffee, fantastic view

[ConnieTact]

Thanks for the posts- I’ll catch up tomorrow- for now- I’m enjoy a fab last nite and making the best of the extra hour! 

[insidecabin]

Welcome back.

[ConnieTact]

Home again! I’ll report about our fabulous last night later. We’ve been told UK immigration wants everyone disembarked by 11am latest. Those remaining onboard need to be seen by them too. 

[showingdiva]

Thanks for all the photos.

 

Safe journey home