IHLOZ

I seem to have hit a raw nerve with some YCers, I'm not suggesting anyone thinks they are above the rest of us, just found it a bit strange myself. Maybe if I get to experience it I may feel differently.

Thanks for the review. It does sound like Princess is a better fit for you .

There are good and not so good points about both lines but I'm not reviewing Princess here, simply saying that the app idea is great and hope they can get it out quickly to the rest of the ships I don't have any experience of the MSC app yet but found the Princess one to be very good. If the MSC one is anything like it, it will be a great plus for passengers.

Our last experience of AI drinks was exactly that, so assumed (and were told by TA) it would be so with MSC too.

So Do you feel 2nd class if you're not in YC? I just couldn't afford it. Maybe next time if we like MSC .

 

Sent from my SM-J700T1 using Forums mobile app

We were going to upgrade but I'm glad we didn't. I found it to be a bit pretentious in that they have their own sun bathing area, their own restaurant, their own area in the theatre so it does feel like us none YCers are riff raff and not worthy to be mingling with them. Sorry if you are staunch YC but that's how it feels on the other side of the fence, but in answer to your question I didn't feel second class, I am in a class of my own ;):D:cool:

Any negative comments are points of note for others who may be bothered by it, they not complaints or moaning.

We recently boarded Preziosa in Hamburg on 3rd September and had 3 nights onboard before disembarking at Southampton. Both myself and my husband plus our 2 friends have celebrated a special wedding anniversary this year. They have been contemplating a cruise for a while but weren’t sure if they would like it so when this came up we suggested a little taster cruise. My husband and I have cruised several times before but never with MSC, then we saw one of the ships on Jane McDonalds Cruise show so expected it to be a decent ship, we were not disappointed. The ship was immaculate and very modern. It could do with an app and I know it is being rolled out onto all ships but the quicker they do that the better. We found the Princess@Sea app very useful last year.

We booked balcony rooms (B2) with fantastica experience and were allocated 10241 and 10233 but changed 10233 for 10240 because of the long balcony with restricted view (just before the hump). We usually go inside because we are never in cabin long enough to warrant paying for a window/balcony but it was a free upgrade, still don’t think I would pay for it though as we never sat out there. There were tea and coffee making facilities, wasn’t expecting that, but I never made use of them as I hate UHT milk. They could do with finding a place for the tray when not in use because it takes up a lot of space on the dressing table. I daresay our cabin steward would have taken it away if I had asked. The mini bar was well stocked but still had enough room for our own water and I believe that everything could have been taken out if we had asked. The room was a very good size with a very comfy king-size bed and a double sofa bed, a dressing table (although there was no room on it for all the cruise paraphernalia) good size bathroom too with plenty of places to put toiletries. It had loads of cupboards and drawers but the wardrobe is a little small if you are sailing for any decent length of time, we only just had enough room for 3 days’ worth of clothes. It can get a little tight on space if using the wardrobe at the same time as someone else going in and out of the bathroom. There was room under the bed for the cases. No towel animals or chocolates on the pillow ☹

We booked in February through Cruise Nation and the deal at the time was a free all-inclusive drinks package. There was a lot of confusion about the drinks package as we had previously seen it referred to as the Alegressimo and we were led to believe that everything that had gone before had been scrapped and that the all-inclusive actually meant everything. We had all-inclusive last year on Princess and it meant any beverage on the ship. It wasn’t until I read up on here that there were different packages and it wasn’t until 2 weeks to go when we got our tickets that I got actual confirmation that it was just the basic package, which is fine because it was free, but we were led to believe that it was everything so there really should be better distinction between them. There were still questions because the wording has changed again and it is very unclear whether glasses of sparkling of wine are included – Im happy to report that they are, a dry and a sweet. As it had been my husband’s birthday the day before we boarded, my mother paid for the beer package for him as he is a bit particular about his beer and the vouchers were delivered to our room. I also paid for a bottle of wine from our children which was there when we boarded. The drinks packages should be a lot easier to understand than they are but the fact that there are 2 all-inclusives is a bit misleading because all-inclusive means everything. Then there is the fact that they are called different names in different parts of the world so you go on a forum or start looking it up on google and it gets more confusing because people are telling you different things. Then they go and change the wording again, after you have the package, but don’t bother letting you know.

I really cant understand why there are so many people moaning about the food. The buffet station is the largest Ive seen, they are always well stocked and the food was never cold unless it was meant to be. If the tray is almost empty then common sense says it wouldn’t be as fresh and maybe not as warm but it doesn’t take the staff long to replace with a new tray so just come back. It would be impossible to NOT find anything to eat, even the fussiest diner would be hard pushed to not find anything. The stations are changed over for different times of the day and there will be times when there is a reduced amount of food available but the times are listed so plan when you eat instead of moaning that there isn’t anything available. The food in the MDR was what I would call healthy Goldilocks portions – not too much that you are left feeling like a burst sofa and not too little that you still need something else – just right. If you are used to bigger portion sizes, you can always ask for more and they will oblige or you can go and fill your boots at the buffet after, or you could always use the speciality dining rooms. I was a little disappointed with the cheese board selection and would like to see more of that. It isn’t the most refined food Ive ever had on a cruise but who cares, it certainly wouldn’t stop me from booking again on that point. I would have liked the option for a coffee after my meal too but unfortunately they don’t do coffee, having said that I never had a decent one on board anyway but maybe we weren’t on long enough for me to seek it out.

Personally, I don’t get the speciality dining concept Im afraid. Ive never seen anyone in one, why would you pay for food when there is plenty on board that is already included in what you have paid for. The sports bar, I believe has burgers – they are available at the buffet. The La Locanda bar and Eataly do pasta and pizza, again available in the buffet. Ice cream and cake available on deck 14. There was a pancake station in the covered pool area but Im fairly sure that pancakes and chocolate sauce were on the breakfast buffet. I cant comment on any of these because we only ate in the buffet or MDR for breakfast and evening meal with a light snack at lunchtime.

Entertainment….the first night was a tribute to Frank Sinatra which was ok, we had to go after evening meal to the only show that evening because we had lifeboat drill before food. The second night was an adaptation of the film The Mask, we really enjoyed that and that was before evening meal. Im very surprised that drinks are not allowed in the auditorium. The third night was an Italian night, singing opera or arias which we weren’t interested in. We ventured into the Galaxy disco one night but didn’t stay long. The main area for fun seems to be the Safari bar where there was a 60/70 and 80’s theme one night and various games for people to get involved in – although seems to be geared towards the Europeans which is fair enough as there are more of them than Brits. We only really ever used the pool bars, Safari, La Locanda wine bar – where they serve tapas and nibbles and have a very good guitarist, the Casino bar so cant really comment on any of the others but found the staff to be very friendly, especially in the Casino bar. Drinks seem to take a while to be served in the Safari bar, not sure if that is just to try and slow the AI drinkers down a bit. There appears to be a lot going on for anyone who gets easily bored with their own company on sailing days, in particular lots of dance classes. There also appears to be plenty for children to do from little ones to teenagers.

We had one formal night whilst onboard but what a job I had trying to find out if there would be one or not. When we booked I phoned MSC to ask and was told no because it was only a 3 night cruise. After coming on here I realised that the route seems to be like a bus route whereby anyone can get off and on at any port of call so there isn’t really a specific and defined cruise option. It wasn’t until 2 days before sailing that I eventually found out – from the Direct Sales Executive – that there would definitely be one. It may not be a big issue for a lot of people but I love the chance to dress up and always do when cruising, even on the non formal nights I still like to dress as though Im going somewhere special. We didn’t want to be carrying tuxedos and ball gowns if there was no need for them and likewise I would have been very disappointed, not only for ourselves but our friends who’s first cruise it was, if we didn’t have appropriate clothing to join in. So it was one mad dash at the last minute. I was very surprised at the lack of takeup – especially amongst the men, I didn’t see very many men in formal wear. Each to their own but I love looking at all the ball gowns and seeing everyone looking so smart and I think that’s a very nice part of cruising.

Not sure what to make of the Yacht Club, we did consider upgrading but glad we didn’t now, I find it a bit pretentious to be cordoned off from the rest of the passengers with their own seating area in the auditorium, their own dining room and their own sun bathing area – it just felt as though the rest of us were riff raff and they were being segregated to make sure we didn’t mingle. Sorry if you are a YC enthusiast but that’s just how it felt on the other side.

Destination – we didn’t do this for the ports of call so Im not going to comment other than to say our overnight stay in Hamburg was amazing but didn’t think much of Le Havre.

On the whole, the cruise was great, Im not sure how I would feel after a week or more of every public announcement being made in 6 languages – that was doing my head in by the end of 3 days! We may do another MSC cruise but I don’t think it will be in Europe – felt a bit like Butlins at sea aka a Thompson cruise at times but that’s just me being a cruise snob, because I believe a cruise is special.

Im doing the same review on TripAdvisor and will score a 4 – the thing that stops it being a 5 is the lack of information and discoordination, the staff in Italy do not seem to have a clue what goes on onboard, I got several different answers to the same question. We had a fabulous time and for what we paid I cannot even understand how they made a profit from us so have nothing to complain about.

thanks but Ive already sailed and been back a week but still have no idea what it was because there were no cocktail parties while we were onboard

disembarked from Preziosa last Wednesday

buffet food - if you cant find something you like then you are the fussiest eater on the planet, the selection is huge and is changed regularly - theres no fear of anyone starving. As for it being cold - no, it obviously wont be as fresh and hot as when it was first put out if the tray is nearly empty but just wait until the tray is changed.

MDR - the portion sizes are adequate for what people should eat - if you normally eat more than a healthy sized portion then you will feel short changed. I would call it a Goldilocks meal, not too small to leave you still hungry, not too big to leave you feeling stuffed - just right. Admittedly I have had more refined dining on other ships but hells teeth, you are still getting a decent meal and if you really don't like it then go to one of the speciality restaurants

does anyone look at the MSC site for updates??

https://www.msccruises.co.uk/en-gb/About-MSC/News/MSC-Cruises-Hurricane-Irma-Updates.aspx

Our tickets just mention the two extra you have above but do not say on what nights they happen, this is from the tickets....

 

Things to pack: casual clothes for life on board;

a swimsuit; a tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark

suit/formal gown or cocktail dress for gala

evenings; party outfits for the white party and

70s night; shoes and tracksuit for gym lovers; a

pullover or a shawl for the change in

temperature; a travel adapter for any electrical

devices.

I think they all say that, I wouldn't get too hung up about it tbh. In our party we took evening gowns and tuxedos but very few were dressed the same. The European clientele don't seem to bother much with dressing up

Thank you very much for posting that little nugget. 👍🏻:hearteyes: :*

 

Dave (Sidari) .... hope you see this - your other half will be glad to hear it! I know I am - I'm now looking forward to having it available in 3 weeks on Magnifica as we only have the basic package this time. It'll sure supplement the wine package I'm purchasing! :p

 

Have a wonderful cruise, IHLOZ!!!!!

Thanks Bea - we had a fab time

disembarked yesterday in Southampton. We joined the ship in Hamburg and although our boarding cards said 13:45 we were on by noon with the quickest and most steamlined process Ive experienced. Rooms we.ren't ready until 2:30pm but we just showed the bar staff our booking confirmation to show that we had a drinks package (absolutely worth every penny). I had no problem with the sparkling wine, had both prosecco and asti. We didn't register a credit card and didn't have any problems making purchases, only bought photos and a internet but did have onboard credit

I'm onboard Preziosa now and I'mhappy to say that sparkling wine/prosecco/asti is on the basic AI

I'd give them a ring, if I were you.

 

You'll get vouchers for the beer - possibly the wine, too and perhaps select a bottle from a list they may have. :confused: I've booked a wine package and have a choice from a selection - I've never come across just pre-ordering one bottle so can't comment.

thanks for replying. I think I may have to ring although I usually do everything by email so I have evidence.

Ive just picked up on this thread and will be extremely unhappy if there is no sparkling wine as this is what I drink. I'm not able to get the all inclusive drinks package details up on our booking because we are only onboard for 3 nights and it shouldn't be available except our TA managed to sort it out for us to get it added on. Surely they cannot get away with letting you book a package and then change it before you get onboard. If anyone has a screen shot of the previous wording can you please post it here.

IHLOZ - I will take a decent frock on our 3 night mini cruise, but my husband is just taking a good pair of trousers and good shirt with a tie - no jacket. From what I have read on other threads that should be OK to use the MDR on MSC formal nights (or we hope so as we are away for a week and are only checking in one suitcase between us for our Easyjet flight out to Hamburg).

Ive now had it confirmed by the Director of Sales at MSC that there will be a formal night onboard on the 4th so the tux and sparkly outfit is in the case - I love the chance to get dressed up

regarding the taxi, we've contacted a few as we are a party of 4 and the standard type wont be enough with our cases too - the best one we have found for price so far is https://www.taxi-stambula.de/

Yesterday I purchased the beer package and a bottle of wine and did it online through the MSC site "customise your cruise" part. I had thought there would be somewhere to stipulate whether white or red was required and I'm assuming that it will be in our room when we arrive but I also wanted to add a note because its a birthday gift for my hubby. Likewise with the beer package, I don't suppose they drop 14 bottles of beer off at our room so do we get vouchers and if so where do we pick them up from - there's no info on the confirmation form I got either. Ive emailed them to ask these questions but it generally takes them a while to reply and we leave on Friday morning so I know you guys will have the answers.

Hi Tring

We are getting on in Hamburg with you - are you doing the full 6 days to Amsterdam?

So here goes..... we got here about 1.30pm avoid queue at luggage drop (as black), priority boarding straight to front of queue, checked in, security and on the ship!!! They had started boarding at 12.30. Were very rigid with numbers for boarding. There is a shop and a cafe in Hamburg terminal. €25 for taxi from Crowne Plaza to ship.

 

They have no list for formal nights for next cruise yet. Hope this helps you guys!!!

thanks for checking about the formal nights - I think I'm going to have to pack something in case - would hate to miss the opportunity for glaming up

we are going to chance it and turn up at 12:30 even though our tickets say 15:45

You can't pay the difference in price. If you want an item on the menu that's not covered in your drinks package, you'll pay full price plus 15% service charge.

:(

I had a feeling that would be the answer but couldn't understand what I saw written

Absolutely - plus anything else just ask x

Thank you, if you don't mind can you check something else for me please. Weve got the all inclusive drinks package but are thinking of upgrading to the deluxe, however, Ive seen a drinks menu that says if you want a "luxury" drink you can pay €1.50 extra ie instead of Gordons gin you can get a Hendricks by paying the €1.50. If you spot anything like that on the drinks menu can you please let me know. Many thanks

thanks that's brilliant, Ive had confirmation back from MSC that we have been invited to a cocktail party, we sail on 3rd September from Hamburg to Southampton so it could be Summer 17

Give me Chance to get on ship on Thursday and I will make it my business to ask for you. Btw the cruise starts in Hamburg we are jumping ship 2 days before the end on 1st in Southampton. So think it's fair to say there may well be a formal night - but will ask and let you know x

that will be fab thank you

Probably not very helpful, though!

 

I can see that there isn't another cruise beforehand with the same itinerary - so that doesn't help, either.

 

Your 1st day onboard is a sea day (and the only one for that cruise). So, like Dave (Sidari) has said, that may be one of the formal nights. I take it you'd like there to be one?

I have a feeling that there will be one on the Tuesday as we are at sea - I would like there to be one as I love them, love the glitz and glamour

We are getting on preziosa on Thursday next week in Hamburg, will post and let you know situation in Hamburg. Our allocated time is 14.05 for embarkation and ship departs at 19.00. We get off in Southampton on 1st.

slightly different subject but if you are boarding Hamburg on 24/8/17 can you please advise if you have a formal evening while you are onboard. We booked a 3 night cruise embarking in Hamburg on 3rd September and have assumed that there will not be one as the official information says not - however, I found out after booking that we are joining part way through a 7 night cruise and usually the formal nights are on sea days so I'm now wondering if I need to pack a glitzy frock for Monday 4th - any info you can give will be greatly appreciated. I realise that Preziosa is not really doing a particular circuit at the moment (probably why we got such an amazing deal on 3 nights) :cool:

thank you for your answers

We have booked a mini cruise for 3 nights and I have assumed that there will not be any formal nights. However Ive found out that we are joining midway on the 7 night cruise that starts in Southampton on 1st so now has me wondering if there will be a formal event - any idea if there is any advance information on when or if there will be a formal evening