KINGBOBOFTHENORTH

I'm not positive. I've sailed on Seashore, Virtuosa & Seaview in the past year and the announcements were in numerous languages. Perhaps they alter the languages they use based on the known nationalities of the passengers on board.

The purpose of the embarkation times is to spread-out arrivals so the terminal isn't as crowded. It's something MSC added post-covid. As a practical matter, only people who drive their own cars to the terminal can control when they get there. If you fly, you land and get your baggage and then take whatever transportation has been arranged or is available and you get there when you get there. In Kiel, Germany we arrived via train and then took the MSC bus. In Miami and Dubai, we arrived by air and then took taxis to the port. We got there when we got there. As I mentioned above, no one will ask to see you embarkation time so don't be pointing out to anyone that you're early. Just get the assistance you need and they'll lead you to the queues. If MSC is still requiring a health questionnaire, they will ask to see those.

My reviews from our MSC Seashore sailing in April: 70's Party: http://www.orlandoentertainmentnews.com/?p=15977 White Night Party: http://www.orlandoentertainmentnews.com/?p=16000

Correct. I've NEVER had anyone at the cruise terminal ask to see our embarkation time. Just get there when you get there.

When MSC first began sailing in the American market, Reception desk crew members tended to be unsmiling and did not go out of their way to meet your requests. It was a feeling of indifference. Room stewards did tend to be invisible. It's hard to remember exactly because our first couple MSC cruises were in 2010 and 2015. Knowing they're competing with American cruise lines, they've up'd their game. Everyone is much friendlier and they're trying to meet your requirements. As for room stewards, our last couple were very friendly and wanting to chit chat whenever we were coming and going through the hallways. Heck, they worked on other cruise lines prior to MSC so they know their role and how to make extra gratuities. I prefer to pick my own cabin. I study the deck plans and always pick a cabin that has other cabins above and below me. If you let the cruise line pick your cabin, you could end up above or below the theater, pool deck, disco or music lounges, all-night buffet, etc. No matter the soundproofing, you will hear those things if you're just one floor away. MSC changed their pricing scheme last year and their lead prices are called Bella which are Guarantee cabins. For about $40pp more on a 7nt cruise, I'd rather decide where I'll be staying.

Nearly every cruise line charges 2X for single cruisers. I know some NCL ships have some inside cabins for singles that they charge somewhere between 1X and 2X for. Two single cruisers on our last MSC cruise said they chose MSC because they were not charged 2X. Not sure if that's true or not but if they don't charge double for singles, that would be huge.

MSC is definitely an international experience with announcements in 5-6 languages. I love it. The meal choices, especially at the buffet, are more varied as well. They've come along way in trying to become more Americanized for cruises that depart here. Crew is much friendlier than they originally were when they first entered the U.S. market. Keep in mind that the Bella category (the cheapest) no longer lets you pick your cabin up front; MSC will assign it prior to your sailing. If you want to actually pick your cabin at the time of booking, you'll need to go above Bella but it's usually not much more. Once you pick it, stick with it. It's when you contact MSC U.S. reservations that things can get messed up. So before yo select your cabin, study the deck plans so you know what is above and below you that might create noise. We've done 8 cruises now with MSC and really like them.

This is the first time I've had MSC cruise dates shifted. Fortunately I had not booked airline reservations yet.

Yes, you can disembark on Friday if you want to and I don't recall needing any advance permission. Just get off and go. And if you want to get off Friday night and head to the airport for a Friday night/early in the morning Saturday flight, please be aware that there are taxis outside the cruise terminal at all hours.