Rooms on Lirica...

[royandjenn]

Hello there...

We just booked a room on the lirica for jan 3 2009. I booked an inside room... #8115 to be exact. There will be 2 adults and 2 children (9 and 11). We have sailed on Carnival before. Just wondering if anyone has been in these rooms before. Are they an alright size? What floor would u recommend? I also read that the rooms aren't the greatest for sound proofing... We figured inside rooms weren't a big deal because we are in our room to sleep, and change our clothes. I also saw that there are 2 family cabins on the ship? I am told I can change my room at any time.... Does anyone have a clue about that one? Thanks for all the info u can give me!! My hubby is leaving all the booking up to me... so want to make sure everything turns out good! Any additional information would be fantastic!

[sea-explorer]

I sailed on this last year, same deck in an inside cabin for four.

 

I expected to be a little cramped inside the cabin & accepted this. My eldest, who is 20, hadn't been on holiday with us for years but when he knew I was looking at a cruise he was suddenly interested. As he is a student we had to stand the cost so for us it was a cabin for four or no cruise.:)

 

Also, I think we Brits see size slightly differently to our transatlantic cousins as we are used to the room sizes in hotels etc, & also probably in our own homes, so my take on it might be slightly different.;)

 

The bottom line is that when both the bunks are down, it is awkward to get into the bed. You either have to walk under the bunk bent over, or crawl across the bed. This wasn't really a problem, as I said, it was the price I felt I had to pay at the time. With hindsight though, it might have been easier to move around if we had asked the stewards to split the bottom bed into 2 singles, leaving a walkway down the centre. For the most part, we had the bunks up which made it easier. We weren't in the cabin too much either..at least the boys weren't, so we didn't really have any problems.

 

Having said that the cabins are immaculate. I found enough storage space to unpack everything, (I do not travel light), & store the 4 cases & hand luggage under the bed. I also took a travel kettle with me to make those early morning & late night drinks which I found useful.

 

The deck was fine, the decks above & below were cabin decks. Two decks down to the restaurant & some bars. I didn't hear a sound from the other cabins or decks but I think that is more down to luck who is next door. Maybe the neighbours heard us? :cool:

[royandjenn]

Thank you for the info... That prepares us well. Do u know if the outside cabins are the same size? I was quoted an extra 500.00 for an outside cabin, which to me is not worth it. Was told all the suites were taken... and the cruise is a year away! We were in an inside cabin on carnival destiny, and did fine. Only problem was getting up in the morning! Do u know if msc has pop cards? Like 35.00 and u get unlimited soda's? Trying to see what beverages are included in price... I know alcohol isn't... Thanks again... any more info on food... advice for our kids.... etc etc would be fantastic!

[gmhohio]

Hi royandjenn,

 

I was on the Lirica last week. The outside and inside cabins are exactly the same size. The inside cabins have a large mirror from ceiling to about three feet from the floor.

 

The food is OK. I didn't find anything to complain about but then again I didn't find anyting to rave about either. If you enjoy pasta, they have a great selection with interesting and unusual sauces.

 

There are some major differences from other cruise lines, but did enjoy the differences.

 

Iced Tea, Fruit Juices and regular coffee are included in the price of the cruise. They have a 'pop card', but it's for a limited number of soft drinks.

 

Overall it was a great cruise and a great value.

 

Hope this helps you out.

[DHux]

Hello, we have sailed on the Lirica few times, the inside and oceanview staterooms are 140 sq ft. Balcony suites are 249 sq ft with a 48 sq ft balcony..... with a family of four you will be tight, but not impossible...so just know this before you sail and have a wonderful cruise .......the reason the suites are all booked is because there is only 132 staterooms and they sell first.....the staterooms are wonderful with a walk in closet and good size bathroom with tub......I could not believe you would have to pay $500.00 more for a window is that for all of you ?????? or p.p. I would keep checking rates...............they are offering some wonderful ship board credits and reduce deposits..............I would keep checking rates and maybe you can save a bit more..............

have a wonderful cruise...............we are sailing again on the Lirica March 9, 2008 and we are booked for the new Orchestra for 2009

Bill and Deb

[Seago2]

Thank you for the info... That prepares us well. Do u know if the outside cabins are the same size? I was quoted an extra 500.00 for an outside cabin, which to me is not worth it. Was told all the suites were taken... and the cruise is a year away! We were in an inside cabin on carnival destiny, and did fine. Only problem was getting up in the morning! Do u know if msc has pop cards? Like 35.00 and u get unlimited soda's? Trying to see what beverages are included in price... I know alcohol isn't... Thanks again... any more info on food... advice for our kids.... etc etc would be fantastic!

 

We are leaving on Lirica in a few days. We booked an obstructed view outside- it was just a tiny bit more money than an inside. Maybe you could try that?

[royandjenn]

Thanks for all the feedback!! I think the ship sounds like we'd like it! We are happy go lucky people. I am guessing we can fold the bunks back into the wall for the day? dumb question I know... We are paying $1900.00 for the four of us ( i hope i can talk about prices!). The extra $500.00 is for the four of us for a category 8. I can't justify spending 2400.00 instead of 1900 all for a window. I will check and find out about a category 6 though. I read somewhere that this ship has no children's programs on the caribbean itineraries... is this true? Do they check your carry on when u first board the ship? Thought i could visit the duty free on my way there... Also, when we sailed carnival.. everytime we would board the ship... It was like going thru airport security. Do they have the scanners and all that jazz with msc. I understand the reasoning for some of this... but I had hoped to bring on the odd beverage at the odd port of call! Also, is there a place to get info on tours they offer? I look forward to your reviews when u return from the ship! Let me know which floor is the best to stay on!!!!!! Take care!

[ncbulldog]

Hey royandjenn,:eek: its easy,

just go to msccruisesusa.com and follow the instructions clicking on the date of your cruise, under fleet pick the ship and you will find all the right info that you need. they even have the excursions listed for each cruise.

write to them and ask if you are entitled to any upgrades..

[MMDown Under]

What was the power point connection/voltage for the travel kettle, eg European/American?

 

I used the free 24 hour room service for my early morning cup of tea on my last cruise, but guess all cruises don't have that free service. As I found scheduled breakfast too late for an early riser, I used to ask for milk, with my tea, and make myself a cereal (from previous day's buffet).

[sea-explorer]

I'm trying to remember. I did take an adaptor with me, but I've a feeling I didn't need it. I think there is a European, UK & US outlet.

 

 

There is room service, but I don't think it is free. I'm not sure about coffee etc but we used it for bowls of fruit & did have to pay. It was not too much though as far as I remember, about 4 euros for a bowl of fruit I think. We were inexperienced cruisers though, & next time I'll probably order breakfast in the cabin for our early morning coffee & a light bite, & maybe go to the restaurant after if the boys want something more. As there were 4 of us in the cabin, it was easier to just go to the restaurant..no waiting as I believe there can be in the self service areas, and we could sit comfortably.

 

It's a matter of choice, but I personally wouldn't pay an extra $500 for an outside cabin on one of these cruises. A larger outside with a balcony is a different matter though as it gives more space + of course the outside area too.

[mapsmith]

I read somewhere that this ship has no children's programs on the caribbean itineraries... is this true? Do they check your carry on when u first board the ship? Thought i could visit the duty free on my way there... Also, when we sailed carnival.. everytime we would board the ship... It was like going thru airport security. Do they have the scanners and all that jazz with msc. I understand the reasoning for some of this... but I had hoped to bring on the odd beverage at the odd port of call! Also, is there a place to get info on tours they offer? I look forward to your reviews when u return from the ship! Let me know which floor is the best to stay on!!!!!! Take care!

 

On our eastern Caribbean cruise this Jan. there was a childrens program for the very young (under 6 by the looks of it) They do have the security on reboarding and you are SUPPOSED to give them any of the alcohol purchased in port. In most cases only one or two bottles seemed to have been given up. most people ignored the signs and just carried it to their rooms. So you should not have problems like on Carnival or RCCL. Just carry it directly to your room.

[mapsmith]

I read somewhere that this ship has no children's programs on the caribbean itineraries... is this true? Do they check your carry on when u first board the ship? Thought i could visit the duty free on my way there... Also, when we sailed carnival.. everytime we would board the ship... It was like going thru airport security. Do they have the scanners and all that jazz with msc. I understand the reasoning for some of this... but I had hoped to bring on the odd beverage at the odd port of call! Also, is there a place to get info on tours they offer? I look forward to your reviews when u return from the ship! Let me know which floor is the best to stay on!!!!!! Take care!

 

On our eastern Caribbean cruise this Jan. there was a childrens program for the very young (under 6 by the looks of it) They do have the security on reboarding and you are SUPPOSED to give them any of the alcohol purchased in port. In most cases only one or two bottles seemed to have been given up. most people ignored the signs and just carried it to their rooms. So you should not have problems like on Carnival or RCCL. Just carry it directly to your room.

[gmhohio]

What was the power point connection/voltage for the travel kettle, eg European/American?

 

Hi Downunder,

There are two of each types of power points, both European and American above the desk. Since I use a safety razor, I did not note what they had in the bathroom. Speaking of bathrooms, do get ready for the tiny corner shower with the sticky shower curtain.

[royandjenn]

Out of curiosity... I know there is lots of pasta for dinner... how about seafood... like shrimp, lobster... Just wondering!

[cruzinmom]

mmm.. shrimp, lobster..sounds good. I love seafood. I hope they have some on the Orchestra too. :)

[DHux]

Yes, to all your questions about seafood......all the seafood on the MSC line is wonderful ...so if you like pasta and like seafood this is the cruise for you............................

Room service is no charge in the caribbean ....there is a charge in Europe sailings.....but no charge in the caribbean..............

I hope all questions have been answered

I will post a report after I return from my March 9, 2008 sailing .........counting the days down

[brandibak]

We did the 10-day Carib, 2 weeks ago. Loved it! We were in #8175 on the corner & didnt hear much noise at all. We had 2 adults & 2 teen girls (15&16). The room was tight but very workable. Yes, the shower is tiny w/ a friendly shower curtain:p . Hint: to shave your legs you need to put your foot on the toilet or you may drowned! The girls hung out at the pool when we returned from port. They had some things from "The Entertainers that they joined in on. The shows were good. You will have several choices at dinner to choose from. There is always a seafood choice. You can order a steak anytime, lobster was on the Gala nights. Risoto is awesome! Room service was free & fairly quick. We did take a few extra yogurts & stuff from the breakfast buffet to keep in the room. There is fruit bowl that is filled as needed. You will have a great time & Im sure they will treat you right! We are already planning next years w/ MSC! Have Fun:)

[Seago2]

Thank you, brandibak, for your positive comments! As you can see, we are about to leave. Thanks for the tip re: shaving my legs- it's always gymnastics of some kind on a cruise;) .

 

We'll post when we get back. Can't wait!

[cruisingtheword]

We are leaving on Lirica in a few days. We booked an obstructed view outside- it was just a tiny bit more money than an inside. Maybe you could try that?

 

Be careful of the obstructed view cabins - we were "upgraded" to one after booking a guaranteed insided cabin. The obstructed view cabins are smaller than all the other standard inside and outside cabins (we were in 7109). We had no cabinet around the sink which which meant no storage room in the bathroom, also smaller amount of floor space in bathroom (which is small in the standard cabins). The biggest problem was instead of 3 closets (one of which was filled with 6 drawers and 2 shelves) we only had two closets, both with hanging space but no drawers. The room was so narrow, if the two beds were pushed together you had to climb over the corner of the bed to get in and out of bed. The only drawer in the entire room was in the small desk/vanity and it was a shallow middle drawer. We complained, asked for anything else, inside, outside we didn't care - we just did not have room to unpack our 4 large suitcases (we drive to the port so we don't have airline luggage weight restrictions). The ship was considerd sold out, but once they raised the gangplank and sailed, they did change us to a standard, unobstructed view outside cabin at no extra cost so it all worked out fine and we had a wonderful cruise.

 

There are only about 15 of these "obstructed" view cabins, but they are not worth the extra money - on top of the small size, in the room we were in, the lifeboat was totally blocking the window and was very close to the window, so you had no view and very little light coming in. The standard inside and outside rooms are 140 ft, my dh roughly measured the smaller room and it was ~108 ft.

 

Susan and Neil

[royandjenn]

Thanks Branibak... great feedback. We so long away from when we go... but It's nice to have everything ready ahead of time. Everything paid for too... yeah! What is the earliest u can board the ship? We would arrive the night before if it means boarding the ship earlier the next day (around lunch time or sooner if possible!!!) We want to have a 2 week vacation, which means 4 nights in fort lauderdale. Oh, and I also went to msc website.. and the only shore excursions it will let me see are for the european itinerary.

[gmhohio]

On Feb 8th, we arrived at the terminal around 11:00 and were in Group 3. Around noon, they called Groups 1 and 2. Approximately 5 - 10 minutes later we were called back. We were on board within 30 minutes of our Group being called. When you board, there is someone who will escort you to your cabin.

 

The boarding process from arrival to entering our cabin was quick and painless.

[Seago2]

On Feb 8th, we arrived at the terminal around 11:00 and were in Group 3. Around noon, they called Groups 1 and 2. Approximately 5 - 10 minutes later we were called back. We were on board within 30 minutes of our Group being called. When you board, there is someone who will escort you to your cabin.

 

The boarding process from arrival to entering our cabin was quick and painless.

 

Was that for an 8pm departure????

 

Oh well, too bad I'll be in an obstructed OV in about 48 hours... sounds appealing ;) .

[gmhohio]

Was that for an 8pm departure????

 

Oh well, too bad I'll be in an obstructed OV in about 48 hours... sounds appealing ;) .

 

 

Yes, we left at 8:00 PM. We arrived in Florida the previous day. This time of year, one never knows what the weather in Ohio will be like, so we decided not to chance it.

 

Hope you all have a great time on your cruise.

[cruisingtheword]

Was that for an 8pm departure????

 

Oh well, too bad I'll be in an obstructed OV in about 48 hours... sounds appealing ;) .

 

Carla, you will have a wonderful time no matter what room you're in. That was the attitude my husband and I took, if we hadn't been able to change our room, we were still going to have fun - fortunately, it worked out for us that we were able to change, but you spend so little time in your room that it won't matter. The steward in that area was wonderful, before we changed rooms, he offered to turn the furniture any way we wanted to try to make more open floorspace, and when we came back to get our luggage after being swapped, he had rearranged the furniture for us even though he knew we were trying to change. We told the chief housekeeper (who was responsible for changing our room), how great the steward was and he said yes, he was something special. So know you will have that advantage. Also be sure and walk to the back of the ship on deck 7 and go out the back door (the other passenger decks as well, but the one on 7 is the largest). There is a very nice large back deck with some deck chairs. It is never crowded, matter of fact we basically had it almost to ourselves the entire cruise. Listen, I would trade places with you in a minute even in an obstructed view room to be back on the ship - it was great!

 

Sorry to even post anything negative so soon before your trip, but I thought people would be interested in knowing about these rooms and if it is a real problem for you, remember, even when they insist the ship is full, like they did with us, it was possible to change. Insist you speak to the chief housekeeper, the women at the service desk will just give you the standard line that the ship is full and all the rooms are the same size. I don't think they know, but the chief housekeeper knew - he told us he was familiar with the room and I really think he made it a priority to change us if possible.

 

Have a great cruise

 

Susan and Neil

[MMDown Under]

Thanks Greg.

 

If the shower curtain bothers this well rounded couple too much, so we feel like we're in a tiny caravan, we'll try leaving the curtain open and wiping the floor. :)

 

Thinking of you enjoying your cruise, Carla.