jdevine

On 3/5/2024 at 5:25 PM, Anastas617 said:

The ship itself is beautiful. A few minor things I didn't like was the bathtub/shower combo and the minimal clothing storage in my studio balcony room.

 

It was much different than on Meraviglia (almost identical) since it was a port intensive cruise, so I didn't have as much lounging time, but I still never had a problem finding loungers on the Horizon deck (aft pool area) and they had plenty of entertainment during the day around the Lido Pool.

 

One thing that stood out to me was the hot tubs...seems like every time I walked through the enclosed pool area there was a line of people at least a dozen long waiting to get into the hot tub. Not sure if this is a European thing, but I've never seen a queue of people hovering over people in hot tubs before this cruise.

 

Went off-tangent, but based strictly on ship itself Meraviglia/Grandiosa are excellent if you are okay with larger ships (5,000+ guests). It's the other little things that seem to bring negative reactions rather than the ship.

 

*as someone that dabbles in the casino, I found Grandiosa to be very poor in slot selection, but it was also noticeably less popular than on any U.S. based cruise I've been on.

Thank you very much for the information. I appreciate it. 

On 2/28/2024 at 9:34 PM, Anastas617 said:

Yes. I did Mediterranean cruise on Grandiosa this past October. Reservations for the free theatre shows opens at 6pm (If I remember correctly) the evening prior to the show so that the newly boarded passengers have a shot at reservations. Almost every performance eventually "sold out" when I was on the ship.

How did you like the ship?

Great review. We are leaving on MSC in April. It was great to read more about the cruise line since this will be our first MSC cruise. 

55 minutes ago, alserrod said:

 

 

About Barcelona

 

Have a look in THIS PAGE.

Atop you will see

 

• Home  >> Categories  >> Cruise Lines “A – O”  >> MSC Cruises  >> New MSC Cruisers

 

you may go to 

 

• Home   >> Categories   >> Ports of Call  >> Europe  >> Mediterranean - Eastern & Western  >> Spain Ports

 

and you will find a lot of information

 

I link you some of them

 

Customs in Spain. Those things to know first time you come to Spain

(95% are also valid for Italy and France)

 

 

 

How to move in Barcelona (by taxi, subway or whatever)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The most known area to visit in Barcelona. City centre and Gothic quarter. Recommendations

 

 

 

Another corner to visit in Barcelona (after Gothic quarter and Sagrada Familia)

 

 

 

 

If you want to do a day trip by train: Zaragoza

(hint, it is my homecity, if you need thousands of tips about it, do not worry)

 

 

 

 

How to move by train in Spain

(in Europe, movement among cities being not far is by railway, not by plane)

 

 

 

 

Hope they are interesting for you.

 

Please, ask anything INSIDE those threads

 

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you very much for sharing. I will take a look at them all. 

2 minutes ago, alserrod said:

 

 

 

About languages, what I want to say is that MSC by his loudskeapers say everything in Italian, English, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese.... ending and maybe back to Italian with next message.

The order of languages is set just by the number of passengers with each native language. They assure all of them, not the order.

 

There are some cruisers that find it annoying.... but it is the reality in Europe

European Union = 27 nations = 24 official languages (plus a lot of unofficial but largely spoken languages) where most native spoken languages are (in this order) German, French, Italian and Spanish

Understood. Thank you for clarifying. 

2 minutes ago, alserrod said:

 

 

 

There will surely be

- 1 gala night

- 1 white night (to dress full with white clothes)

- 1 fancy night

- 4 casual 

How dressy are these gala and fancy nights?

17 hours ago, alserrod said:

 

 

About MSC, I would let you read hundreds of questions&answers posted here

 

About European cruises, there would be some niceties.

- there will be multi embarking ports. This is, it doesn't matter where you will embark for first day. Next day surely there will be people who disembark and people who embark again in that port. It has some advantages and disadvantages. For example, only 25% of people will embark at the same time. It is easier by far, but you will hear all the days embarking news for new passengers

- it is a fact, MSC cruises will use six languages and the order in that cruise will be according of passengers origin. There are people who doesn't mind, who find it annoying and who find it a different way to feel they have traveled ago. Each one has its own opinion

- People who has traveled in MSC in several continents say dinning portions may be smaller in Europe than in Caribe. But... second entree is free in Europe (5$ extra in Caribe if you ask a second entree). This is... you can ask extra entrees as many as you want.

- Spectacles must be booked. You do not book a seat but just to entry into. Five minutes before all no-shows are gone and all people without booking will entry. It is not because Europe but because MSC. Seats.... first to come, first to seat

- Spectacles will have not any dialogues, or the minimum ones. They will be based on dancing, magic, music or whatever without dialogues (because.... try to choose one dialogue that could be understood by everyone)

 

 

 

And... ANYTHING you want about Barcelona, please, ask...

 

I have posted some information (in the Ports information area) that hope it helps... and anything extra... really, just ask for it

 

 

 

 

Alserrod: Thank you again for all the information this is great. The only question I had on your post was the six languages part. Not sure what you mean but this. 

Also, This will be the our first time in Barcelona do you have any must-sees or eat while we are in port? We do not have an excursion booked at this point yet. 

17 hours ago, alserrod said:

 

 

 

Hi Joe

 

MSC has these kind of rates:

- Experiencia Bella. You cannot choose time for dinner

- Experiencia Fantastica. You can choose time for dinner. Everyday will be same MDR, same table, same time

- Experiencia Aurea. You can choose and book each time dinner with an app. Absolutely flexible

- Yatch club. There are no times. You can just go when you want without booking.

 

In YOUR case, Experiencia Fantastica, choose one time and it will be the same for all the cruise.

It is important to have a look to your card asap to check time is correct (when embarking first day). If it is not, go to the restaurant asap to correct it.

 

In addition, there are some extras you can choose with Fantastica, not too many but.... one of them is free delivery for breakfast in your room

 

 

 

Thanks for the information. We selected early seating, so I will make sure it is correct when we get on the boat. Do they do formal nights and just how formal is it. I know each cruise line seems to be getting more casual even on a formal evening. 

17 hours ago, Fergus said:

We will be behind you by a few weeks (mid-May) on the Grandiosa.  (Hope you will post a review when you return!!) My status match request got me a Gold status on MSC, just FYI.

Not sure I will do a full trip report, but I will make sure you know how the ship is when I get back. 

14 hours ago, Preziosa said:

You have to prebook on the ship if you Will Be sure to have a Seat.

5 min before the shows They fill up with guests who did not prebook

Thanks that’s definitely something I’m not used to having to do. 

11 hours ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Use a TA!!

If something goes wrong you will find a TA invaluable.

Costs you nothing and you probably can get a kickback as well.

I should have went this route, but I’m already booked and leaving in 70 days. So now I’m just trying to learn everything I can. 

43 minutes ago, shipgeeks said:

Do you have a loyalty status with Carnival?  If so, have you applied for a status match?

You will be assigned a dinner time and table.  

Yes, I am Platinum on Carnival. I will have to apply for the match. 

15 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

Which ship are you going to be on?

 

Which "experience" did you book?

 

 

We are going on the MSC Grandiosa and the experience is the fantastica. 

27 minutes ago, JT1962 said:

Realize that there will be some differences between MSC & Carnival - MSC has fewer complimentary dining options (usually just the buffet or main dining room on most ships), MSC has passengers boarding and debarking at each port on the Mediterranean itineraries, wash cloths & top sheets on the beds are usually not provided (but can be requested), the menus will feature more seafood & pasta and less red meat & potatoes than Carnival, MSC does not have a separate comedy club and may not have a comedian on any night in the theater. These aren’t meant as negatives, just pointing out differences to expect so you aren’t surprised / disappointed. 

I appreciate it any insight thats why I figured I would ask. I want to know what to expect before hand. 

1 hour ago, Preziosa said:

Don t miss she shows in the theater in the evenings.

Have your breakfast in the restaurant and not in the buffet. The buffet is to crowdy.

Order coffee for early coffee and crussant to enjoy on the balcony.
It s fantastic to sit there and see comming to a new harbour.

Enjoy your Cruise.

Do you have to prebook the shows in the theater?

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping people can assist me. We are going to be cruising on MSC at the end of April in the Mediterranean. I am hoping everyone can help. What are things you wish you knew about MSC? Are there things I should be doing to make this the best cruise? We are 2 rooms totaling 6 people (3 adults, 18- Boy, 15-boy, 12-boy) We usually cruise Carnival if that helps. 

Thank you in advance. 

Joe

We have brought zip lock bags and had sandwiches from deli. 

My wife and I did it in September on the pride. It was well worth it. You get a galley tour and eat a couple of appetizers there while enjoying champagne. Then we moved where the 14 of us enjoyed dinner. They give you complimentary red and white wine. They also have soda which is complimentary. Here are some good pics with the menu. They go in order of the menu. 

22 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

Thanks for reading! Forum rules do not allow me to post my PVP's information, but if you want to share your email I can. 😎

Thanks was not trying to be a rule breaker 😈

An email would be great, jdevine14@hotmail.com

Again much appreciated. 

On 6/15/2022 at 6:54 PM, Jamman54 said:

Post Cruise  (May 8th)  -  Happy Mother’s Day!!! 

 

Happy Mother’s Day!!! This is going to be short and sweet since the camera was put away for most of the day. The morning was spent relaxing, and working on the pictures for the review. It’s a beautiful day, and around noon we hopped in the car and headed to Crystal River, Florida which is about an hour and a half away. It’s located on the west coast, north of Tampa…….

 

 

Just about every time we are down in Florida, we visit with our friends Howard and Elle……

 

 

 

Howard has been my PVP with Carnival for going on fourteen years. After walking around Heritage Village and checking out some of the shops, we went and had dinner at Stumpknocker’s.

 

 

After a great dinner and visit, we made our way back to the Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando, getting back at 9pm.

 

To be continued……

Wonderful review as always Jeff. I was wondering if you would share your PVP's contact info. I have always done it on my own, but it would nice to have some help sometimes. We leave on the Pride on 9/2 out of Dover, England on our first Mediterranean Cruise. 

On 8/4/2022 at 2:37 PM, Despegue said:

Walk from the Cruise pier towards the centre, and then go visit the Roman Theatre and museum. After this ( approx. 1 hour) go and explore the city centre, with its beautiful art deco facades, shadowy squares ( don’t forget to have a coffee on a terrace), and stroll towards the covered market mercado de Santa Florentina, for an AUTHENTIC market feel ( and not like in Barcelona on the Ramblas) .  Market of Santa Florentina
+34 968 12 33 76
https://goo.gl/maps/E5DUymKZzr3XFwR9A
 

after a look around, head back South, and visit the Artisanal shop sponsored by the Region of Murcia ( Cartagena is a city situated in Murcia)

Centro de Artesanía
de Cartagena
https://goo.gl/maps/JWwLKofKBpzjJvLy8

 

closeby, you also find the ruins of the Forum Romana, which are great if you are into Roman Antiquities and history.

 

there is also a nice boatride from near the cruise pier towards the old defense cannons and fortifications around Cartagena.

Barco Turístico
+34 968 50 00 93
https://maps.google.com?q=Barco Turístico, P.º Alfonso XII, 30201 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain&ftid=0xd6342295f6c0fc3:0xa3785146f1b76e84&hl=en-BE&gl=be&entry=gps

 

Cartagena is a Naval base for the Spanish Navy, and a very famous shipyard, specialised in Submarines. As a matter of fact, the newest class of Subs for the Spanish Navy are being constructed here. ( and designed also). They are the World’s most advanced Non-nuclear subs by the way. The Natural harbour is extremely deep, and can be compared with Pearl Harbour.

 

 

For lunch, you have a plethora of options really. 
let me give you my personal favourites, from simple to more elaborate...

 

La Uva Jumillana
+34 868 04 73 22
https://goo.gl/maps/JwMDZrYnounPPVPRA
a simple bar with very cheap tapas and great Vermut on tap. ( a must to try when visiting Spain. ). On the other side of the small street, you have another bar, called Bodega la Fuente, owned by the same people. This one specializes in Boquerones tapas ( anchoa).

 

El Viejo Almacen
+34 968 50 63 00
https://goo.gl/maps/qoigCg5BbcRtd7zX7
good tapas.

Restaurante Techos Bajos
+34 968 50 50 20
https://goo.gl/maps/B7aqwagGZWPGB3GE9

the best place for cheap fish and seafood, very busy with locals for lunch. Very simple, but finger-licking good if you like seafood/fish . Be aware that a lot of the offers are fried, but all is coming right from the boats on the other side of  the roundabout.

 

La alacena de María
+34 642 45 11 70
https://goo.gl/maps/AEs5a1hpjnzJfti9A
My absolute recommendation for a menu del dia ( Menu of the day). 15 Euro for a great, and actually quite refined 3 course meal, with a glass of wine or other drink included!. The restaurant is small and family-run, so reservations are a must. 
 

Restaurante Magoga
+34 629 98 02 57
https://goo.gl/maps/RUeeMe1kraToLeSw5
the absolute ( Michelin) Star of Cartagena.

Chef Maria’s Institution has a Michelin star since 2020 and is poised to get a second one soon. Obviously not cheap, but the food at Magoga is sublime and all sourced locally, showcasing the quality of the local produce ( Murcia is known as the orchard of Europe). If you like cheese, the cheese trolley has Spain’s biggest selection of Cheeses, a dream.

Beware that a lunch will take several hours ( we don’t rush food in Europe) and keep your ship’s departure time in mind. 

Thank you very much I appreciate all the info. 

5 hours ago, Despegue said:

Hello,

 

We live 30 minutes from Cartagena ( at the famous Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, which is a must to visit if you are an avid golfer)

 

Cartagena centre does not have a beach.

your closes option is Cala Cortina .

Cala Cortina
https://goo.gl/maps/SCQWTiatq723ou1F9

 

this small sand beach has crystal clear water and next to it a great restaurant for lunch. To get there, you can walk, but it is very far, so I suggest a quick taxi ride of 10 minutes.

 

be aware however, that in August, and especially during the weekend, this beach is absolutely swamped with people. 
 

for some of the most unspoilt beaches in the Mediterranean, the Playa Calblanque beaches , which are situated in a Natural protected area, are 20min. Away by car. Some beaches don’t require any swimsuit either, so you can skinny dip if you want to try it...

 

Personally, I would not really bother with visiting a beach in Amazing Cartagena. There is so much to see and experience.

 

 

What would you recommend at must see?

I'm having issues as well. I am assuming the website must be down. 

1 hour ago, seleever77 said:

We were on this cruise as well. We carried on a bottle of prosecco, Fireball, and cans of Coke. No one checked a thing.

Perfect, that makes things nice being able to carry a bottle on with you. 

46 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

On a b2b2b on Carnival Splendor a few years back, I debarked the ship, walked into town until I found a liquor store, bought a bottle of scotch, walked back to the ship, and took the bottle straight to my cabin. No problem.

That's great to know! Thank you for responding.