8420PR

🙂 I didn't mean to pass judgement, my main message from my post was to go for it. Based on my experience it will be no problem, and the worst thing that can happen is the cans get confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise.

Based on the rules: Not allowed. Based on my experience: - In US, anyone with any liquids in their hand luggage was sent to a separate desk at security to check the contents, where they sniff tested my half drunk bottle of water 🙂. A bottle of prosecco in checked luggage was OK. - In the Med, no issue with having wine in either hand luggage or checked luggage. I have no experience of boarding in Southampton. The reality is worst case is it gets confiscated. I am not bringing wine onboard to drink, but will frequently pick up bottles on the way (e.g. gifts from hotels, or visiting a winery in Spain or Italy before the cruise) and it has never been an issue.

They are correct that the free change is excluding reimbursement if the new cruise is lower cost. Below are the T&C: _____________________________________________________________ FANTASTICA, AUREA, YACHT CLUB: One Free of Charge* *Any change to a date that is more than 90 calendar days from the original departure date will result in a fee of £50 per person, applicable to all experiences. Any subsequent departure date change will result in a fee of £50 per person. It is understood that, in addition to the administration fee mentioned above, if the price of the New Holiday Package is higher than that of the Original Holiday Package, the difference in price as well as in insurance premium will be borne exclusively by the Passenger. On the other hand if the price of the New Holiday Package is lower than that of the Original Holiday Package, no reimbursement will be due to the Passenger. _____________________________________________________________ For the cancelation you would just lose the deposit to MSC if you cancel more than 62 days before the cruise. I suspect the £50 is the cancellation charge from your TA - the TA I use in the UK charges a £50 cancellation fee in addition to the loss of deposit.

Is Seaside sailing back empty? Going into dry dock? I see it is currently in Las Palmas, after sailing from St Maarten.

I think there is a very big difference in the vibe between Europe and Caribbean cruises, though perhaps this reflects how I cruise: Caribbean: For many the ship is the destination, and pools, bars and amenities are generally busier. I think it holds true that on many cruise lines (including MSC) the atmosphere is more party in the Caribbean. Europe: Each day you are stopping in great cities full of culture, food and things to do and experience. During the day I think there are less people just drinking by the pool, and while you can still find a party in the evening they are smaller.

Keep the receipts for the accommodation and food, and either you, your TA or insurance company can submit them to MSC for reimbursement (up to €80 per night for the accommodation for 3 nights). https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/ship/index_en.htm As per MSC T&C you have 2 months to make the claim. 20.3 Complaints based on Regulation (EU) 1177/2010 regarding accessibility, cancellation or delays must be lodged within 2 months from the date of the provision of services in this regard. The carrier must comment within one month on whether the complaint is justified, has been rejected or is still being processed. The final decision will be communicated within 3 months. The traveler is obliged to provide the company with all information necessary to process the complaint. If the traveler does not agree with the decision, he is free to appeal to the body responsible for his complaint in the country of the port of embarkation.

Others are reporting they were offered to change to a cruise leaving on the 7th April for free? Did they not offer this to you?

You risk getting turned away from the topsail lounge or restaurant if you wear shorts.

It's no problem - take your booking confirmation with you (either on your phone or printed) and when you leave your baggage the porters will write the bag tags manually and then MSC will check you in at the terminal. No idea about the $200 credit though...

If you have a dinner time preference, maybe send MSC an email and they can add it to your booking. Below is what I see in my booking confirmation, for a booking with Bella experience. One problem is you can only request early (1730) or late (1930? or 2130?) - so by requesting late it could be very late.

Nothing has changed on the UK website since last November. It still says Fantastica gets "Chance to request preferred dinner sitting (subject to availability)" and allows dining time selection during booking for both Bella and Fantastica (and in the past I have also changed it by contacting MSC): There were some posts last year that MSC were piloting "anytime dining" on the 3 night cruises from Orlando on MSC Seaside - perhaps what you are seeing is related to that (and cruise specific).

It's good to see the numbers are being recorded and published - thanks for sharing @Até. One thing I saw on my last 2 MSC cruises was a laminated notice in each cabin explaining how to report incidents to the FBI - I haven't seen this previously or on other cruise lines (e.g. 2 Celebrity cruises last year).

The reason is the ships currently in the Middle East (MSC Virtuosa and MSC Opera) cannot use the Suez Canal due to at attacks by the Houthi on shipping, so it looks like they are repositioning empty via Southern Africa. I think the compensation differs based on where you have booked - MSC in the UK and Germany typically offers a cruise move without any additional payments and an OBC if you rebook another MSC cruise. I haven't heard of MSC refunding flight or hotel costs.

I would give it a couple of days - my experience is the $50 OBC is added to the booking overnight after entering the voyagers club number and you will receive a new booking confirmation email that includes the OBC.

In my opinion, both food and service on Celebrity is significantly better than MSC and worth a 30% premium on the price, but I do note that wasn't your question: Evening & Late Night Entertainment: MSC is more lively in the evening, with a slightly younger crowd, multigenerational families etc, and better entertainment venues (in my opinion). But there is still nightlife on celebrity, just a bit smaller. The crowd: Celebrity will be largely older American guests, whereas MSC is more international and younger. MSC will be more crowded. The cocktails: Celebrity wins for the Martini Bar and World Class Bar - only if you have the premium drinks package or are willing to pay an upcharge. I still think it comes down to how much you are willing to pay, and if you enjoyed your MSC Euribia cruise you will enjoy both MSC Seascape and Celebrity Beyond.