Tracey/Thom

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me!

I should've been more specific! I want to go from USA to UK on the QM2, but couldn't seem to find a repositioning cruise. Seems like they don't do that, just the one way transatlantic, back and forth all year. Looks fine, but now I"m considering using another cruise line to take that journey as it looks like it'll be cheaper (repositioning) rather than a one-way transatlantic. Got some great ideas already, thanks everyone for your input.

Thank you, so very helpful!

Yes, I've figured that out. Anybody know of a website that has the repositioning dates for the major cruiselines?

Can't seem to find a website to find repositioning cruises that cross the Atlantic!

We hope to take a USA-UK QM2 next year. Is there a repositioning cruise, or do we just have to get a one way transatlantic? Thanks!

In My Booking, there is no Minors Package for sale. The website is still a pain to deal with!

Has anyone used the Alcohol Free package on MSC? I"m travelling with a 16 year old in July, 2024 and considering it. But I'd like some details on what it entails - I read the list on the MSC website (it's still not a great website and I love MSC!). Protein cocktails - like what? Energy drinks - for example? Hot drinks and ice cream - isn't that already included? (We're Fantastica experience) And what's the limit on the non alchol cocktails, is it still $9 each? Thanks for your help

We sailed MSC Divina to the Caribbean prior to Covid, and just returned from a HAL Niew Amsterdam cruise to Alaska. If itineraries are the same, I'd go with MSC. Divina was the most incredibly elegant, beautiful ship we've ever sailed on. The clientele were varied (not just majority Americans), Germans, Australian, Brits, Italians (which we absolutely loved. The entertainment on Divina was Vegas quality. Opera, professional dancing, far surpassed anything we experienced on the HAL ship. The food on both cruises was very good, but MSC Divina had a bit more of an international flair. The dancing/evening choices were better on MSC Divina. We found HAL to be more suitable for people older than us (those who've been retired for a few years). While we 're not clubbers, the Divina had a lot more lively things to do. Both were full of hardworking, gracious, friendly staff who earn every dime they work for. We preferred our Alaska itinerary over the Caribbean, but there's really no comparison, apples and oranges. Go with MSC!

I think it's the best stateroom on the ship. We sailed to Alaska this year, bucket list trip, and bucket list stateroom. On the 7th deck, aft (not a Pinnacle, suite) I think it was 7149, but I could be wrong. CONS: It was a bit of a walk all the way to the back of the ship from the front theatre. Also, in Alaska, they opened up the bow, so more people could get up close and personal with the glaciers. Having recently recovered from leg surgery, it was a long walk! PROS: So many pros! It was fast to get to the dining rooms below. The elevators were far enough away that you couldn't hear them ding all night. Far away from the stairs, so less traffic, less noise outside your door. We asked for twice a day cleanings, and because we so close to the fancy suites, those staff people seemed to be much better, faster and professional than a lot of others we've had (not that we have any complaints, whatsoever. Cruise staff work all day and all night and deserve their gratuities and any extra cash they get!) Our aft balcony made our room seem so much bigger, just because of the light, and the ability to sit somewhere other than on the bed. Our sofa opened out into a bed, but with only 2 of us, we didn't use it. We turned it and placed it directly in front of the balcony so we could see glaciers and ocean when it got a bit too windy/cold to sit out. The rest of the time it was a catch all. The room was plenty big. Just being able to sit and watch the wake over the ship is one big PRO. Balconies are great, but the view over the aft, is the absolute best view of any balcony, on any ship. Quiet, peaceful, we would absolutely recommend an aft balcony, worth the extra money! The balcony dividers were high, and went all the way to the floor. At no time could we see any other balcony passengers. One would have to literally lean over the railing and twist one's body to see into the balcony next door. We could hear them when they were on the balcony if they were talking loudly, but for the most part, we found everyone to be respectful of privacy and act accordingly. Sea spray was a bit of a problem on windy days, but we just wiped down the 2 recliners and table with a towel. Holland America supplied 2 blankets (we even purchased one for $35) which we used every day on our balcony, it was so cozy and comfortable. Their bathrobes were also plush and cosy. We usually purchase just an interior cabin when we cruise because we spend so little time in the room. However, when you have an aft balcony, we actually found ourselves wanting to spend more time there because it's so peaceful and relaxing watching the wake. We had no problems with vibration, indeed, no problems with anything at all. Don't know where you're going, but if you're going to Alaska, an aft balcony is most definitely the way to go to enjoy every single moment of your cruise. We got an upgrade to a regular balcony when we cruised to the Caribbean, and decided that we preferred the activities on the ship to sitting on that balcony. The wake made all the difference for us, and glaciers of course. We hope to return to Alaska, and will be booking an aft balcony again. Otherwise, we're not spending the money on a balcony for the many Caribbean cruise itineraries. (Unless of course, we get an upgrade!) Have a great cruise, enjoy the aft view!

Blows Cunard QM2 out of the water?? That's high praise indeed, I wouldn't have thought that MSC Divina (the only MSC we've been on) could do that - but that's why I asked the question. Love the discussions on the boards, even if the comments are sometimes diametrically opposed!LOL

Will do. I love doing reviews after the cruise, helps me to relive it and keep the joy going a bit longer!

No rational comparison? LOL We're booked and going on the QM2 in 2023. Just wondering how it compared (perhaps irrationally!) to the other gorgeous ship we went on. I think I've got my answer. Thanks to all.

Thanks so much for all the input!

You're welcome! And we were glad for that delay! (Although if you traverse that route regularly, I'm sure it would get annoying!)