mef_57

I use a TA in Canada and my refundable deposit was under $130 for 3 week cruise.

17 hours ago, craftykitty said:

Use www.msccruises.ca and you should be able to create an account to link your cruise and see the details. If not let me know and I'll see what I can do to help.

Yep, that is the only website I can access that recognizes my name.  I created an account, I can sign in, but I get the same pop up message as WebWorm above.  I tried to link using IE, Chrome and Firefox.  It says it can't recognize my booking number and to re enter them.  Canada Customer Service told me 3 weeks ago that they sent a ticket to their IT to look at it. We have verified the booking number does exist and is mine. I can log in using it and see the trip.

I won't be purchasing extras until after final payment, so can be patient, but if I can't link in order to check in on line, then I have a problem....

(can you legitimately list your business email address on CC?)

4 minutes ago, brandy3415 said:

Thanks.  I will have to think about how to deal with this as "mineral water" is a no-no for me and my husband hates it.

Oh, I am quite sure you can just ask for a pitcher of water.  

On 11/2/2019 at 3:21 PM, mnocket said:

I booked my only MSC so far directly with them.  Fortunately, I didn't have any need for pre-cruise customer service.  Having learned from reading other's posts, I would never book direct with MSC again.  I'd use a TA and let them deal with the MSC nightmare.

They don't necessarily work any better for the TAs.  I booked through one but it is still a headache.  

When I asked her to enquire why I couldn't see any excursions or activities, she was told it was not available until after final payment. No longer think that is correct, but it is better than the BS that says Canadians can't book until after boarding.

US website has had its fair share of mess too, which seems to be the MSC MO.

No one can seem to link my booking to my general log in. At least a few excursions are showing up, and the Drinks and Spa options that weren't there 3 or 4 weeks ago are now accessible via my booking number...so some improvement.

When I initially called Canadian support back in July, it was only a 3 minute delay and person seemed competent.  Seems they must have fired the competent ones as they have a collection of newbies who are helpless at the present time.

I haven't even taken my first cruise yet, and though I have my eye on another one, I am not sure I can stand the inconsistent service.

My booking confirmation had a note on page 3 that states 'mineral water and coffee in MDR' - no charge.

Looks to be plenty of dive shops and resorts offering snorkeling in the area.

Seems evisa only for land entry. https://www.evisatanzania.com/faqs

See paragraph 2, 'what are the documents and information.....

Even the visa page of the Embassy states only limited eligible points of entry....all land.

Are you applying for the actual single visit visa?  And if you wouldn't mind, what country are you applying from?  I can try and look through it online.

Did you get any answer from the TripAdvisor thread?

Embassy, now that I think about it, you can apply through there, but it was still more than if you just did it at landing.  I might ask whether there is a process to get the visa at the Zanzibar port. I know often the port screening is rather simplified.

For land entry to Tanzania, I always just got it at the airport in person. $50US in newer clean bills. $100 for US citizens. Should be availsble from port as well. What are the impossible questions? Here is the TripAdvisor thread that may offer insight https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g293747-i9226-k12128434-Tanzania_eVisa_Online_Visa-Tanzania.html

Ensure you are applying for the single entry visa, not the transit visa....and you will be using the same entry exit....thus, not transiting.

Also, are you up to date with their yellow fever requirements?

On 10/25/2019 at 8:37 AM, G.M.T. said:

Healthwise has the highest of priorities.

 

If MSC cannot accommodate your requirements, it's so simple: cancel and rebook on the cruise lines that have met your requirements in the past.

My sentiments.  Besides needing to comply to health standards as a business, they have a right to set the rules. As there are choices, you need to make the ones that work for you and your daughter.  I fully understand making accommodations for children's and adult's food sensitivities and allergies. For some it is easier to roll with than for others.

8 minutes ago, Jayayeff said:

I’m not sure there is a textile heritage as the two countries (India and what is now the UAE) have always been close trading partners, which is why all those traders and tradesmen, i.e. tailors etc. beside the Creek tend to be of Indian origin.  The traditional UAE female dress is also very similar to the Indian shalwar khameez  - tunic and ankle cuff pants, worn beneath their abayas.  Although today's generation tend to wear more Western dress underneath their abayas!!!  If you are interested in women’s heritage, a visit to the Women’s Museum may be of interest if you have time.  That is also quite close to the Creek but across on the Deira side..

http://womenmuseumuae.com/eng/
 

Anne...

 

 

Thanks for the tidbit about the similarity in women's dress.....I typically see western dress or abayas on any footage (inexperienced tourist here).  Good to know, as I had some ideas for sewing items for that cruise that were more on the line of the shalwar khameez as I have an India trip in my mind for soon so double duty would work.  I do plan on seeing the women's museum.  Maybe I better see that before the market.  I also need to learn more about the trading history. I did see the trading dhows on the creek videos and wondered where they all went.  More to read.  Thanks.

7 hours ago, Jayayeff said:

You are referring to one and the same place - Meena Bazaar is just a name that has been adopted for the streets in the area you mention,   https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai/meena-bazaar-a-slice-of-india-in-dubai

 

I’m afraid handicrafts have never been my forte so I can’t really offer any advice on the topic or the materials used.  As with anything - bargaining, bartering, call it what you will, is all about paying what you believe to be a fair and acceptable price.  There is no typical percentage off, if you feel something is more than you thought it would be, or are willing to pay then just make it known you find it too expensive and take it from there until you either get a fair/acceptable price or walk away and try elsewhere.   I’m not sure what the exchange rate is for the Canadian $ against the Dirham but if you go knowing what it is you will have a better idea of whether something is value for money or not by having a benchmark to work from....

 

Anne...

Thank you Anne.  I will say that when I used Google Maps, the bazaars seemed separate, but close enough, I guess. And your article confirms that much if it is more India based that UAE. (I think the original Meena Bazaar is in Delhi, so I can see how the name was adopted). I would prefer to buy my India fabrics in India, so was wondering if there was a textile heritage for UAE.

I sometimes do a little currency conversion table for myself before travel. I most likely will have to this trip as I think I'll be working with 6 different currencies during this cruise. I am also used to comparison shopping, which isn't possible with no price tags or knowledge of what is a fair price for an item. I certainly don't want to haggle to the last fil, but it is intimidating and was wondering if there was a loose rule of thumb. Some places seem to be 50%, but I'll stumble along.

Thank you for your time for this reply and all the answers to the myriad of questions here. They wre invaluable.

I sew as a hobby and have an interest in local fabrics or needlework. I was wwtching some Youtube videos and wondering if the Textile souk closer to the Dubai Museum and the Creek is better than Meena Bazaar for trims and fabrics? It seems very julticultural, so hoping for something a little more locally authentic. Is there such a thing? Did local womem have a specific type of needlework or fabric use I should look for?

I am not good at bartering, but I know it is expected and part of the fun. What is a typical percentage reduction I should aim for?

Thanks Anne.

3 minutes ago, Raynebaby said:

I might be better off looking for one during our time in Rome instead. Thanks for the reply. unfortunately i cant wear any stones at work which is why I don't wear my original one

Are you going to Florence?  I still covet my mother in law's wedding band from their visit to Florence in the early 70's as a replacement to her original band. Beautiful filagree gold.  That might be a problem if in a hospital environment for cleaning, but even when I was there in 2002, the Ponte Vecchio still was full of gold and jewelry stores and my, they have beautiful unique designs to snap up. Nothing like you see in North America. 

25 minutes ago, aprilF said:

True.  We are traveling in May so I wouldnt expect any snowstorms.  LOL  But your point is well taken.  The best flight I am currently looking at has a 5 hour layover in Detroit before heading out to Rome BUT there are flights from Raleigh to Detroit at approx 2 hour intervals prior.  Maybe move up a flight for some added comfort.

I am Canadian, what can I say? I often travel in Winter and it can sometimes take me 3 weeks of planning on and off to find the best flight for taking snow cancellations into consideration - that was a flight to Ecuador before an incountry flight to the Amazon.  With only one flight a day from only one of 3 airports in the US and none from Canada - I had to plan carefully...and do 2 overnights to ensure I didn't miss that Amazon flight.  I have also been just saved from flights in March to Florida for cruises when the runways got cleared just in time for my flights.  

I certainly am comfortable with 3 hour layovers.  Enough time to get to the right gate area, stretch your legs, have a bite, but not so much time that you are bored or frustrated.  Good luck.

27 minutes ago, jkrislc said:

I have found some of the best international airfares during Thanksgiving week from the U.S. I've also flown to both Paris and London and then booked separate tickets to fly to my final destination in Europe and saved about $1200 doing this even after accounting for the additional costs of a hotel in London or Paris before flying home. If you do this, keep in mind that the airlines won't book your baggage through to your final destination, so you'll need to go through immigration, collect your bags, and then recheck them. We have ourselves 5 hours between flights just to be safe. 

Maybe time of year matters.  5 hours certainly won't be enough when a winter snow storm grounds the eastern seaboard for 36 hours.

23 hours ago, aprilF said:

A bump to an old thread because I have some questions about booking international airfare as Ive never done it before.  Ive been looking at Expedia to get from Raleigh, NC to Rome, Italy.  Obviously I fly a couple of different airlines to do this.  If I could find cheaper fare individually, is it possible to link the reservations across lines.  My concern is that if flight #1 is delayed and I miss flight #2 what happens?  I know when I book multi stop itineraries altogether the airlines just help me get on the next available flight. 

 

Many people talk about flying this way (having one flight to get to a major international hub and then another flight to get where ever they were ultimately going) so I know its doable, just wondering how much more of a hassle if things go sideways on flight #1.

 

Also if anyone has a suggestion for a whole itinerary booker other than Expedia I am all ears.  Thank you!

No, you can't link tickets. If you book each leg on different tickets, you are out of luck if you miss one.

I expect from Raleigh you have to do connecting flights.  I use Matrix ITA (it doesn't sell flights) to plan my travel.  It is the old software travel agents used to plan travel.  You can ask for nearby airports, give or take a day (sometimes flexibility leads to cheaper pricing) and then filter by your criteria.  Some people take the risk of separate tickets, but I would only consider that if I was going to spend a day or two in the connecting city.  From Canada and a secondary airport, I rarely find the deal - unless it was to fly cheap to a place in Europe and then get a cheap ticket on one of the European cheapo airlines.  Others use flight consolidators, or join a 'club' with fare discounts.  But you need to consider your risk quotient.  Know that anything you book off the main airline site, if things go wrong, the airline isn't going to be helpful.  You will have to go back to the company that sold you the ticket.  Expedia is pretty strong about being helpful, but who knows about the consolidator or  the club.

Alternately, you could enquire about flights through the airline.  You won't have much control about the times, but maybe they have some good charter pricing from say JFK to Rome and they'll arr

ange the Raliegh flight as well.

19 hours ago, copper6606 said:

We are on The MSC Meraviglia for a 21 day Repositioning Cruise in April.

Paying $1400 is just out of the question for the Liquore Pkg! Does anyone know if you can Pre Purchase a bottle of liquor for your room  prior to Boarding as you can on other Lines.

I always thought the price was very inflated to do this... but maybe its better than a per night price for a 21 day cruise 😉

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated 😃🥃

I am also in a repositioning cruise in April - but it's international. So is the OPs cruise. I would love to hear it was that easy from Europe.

When I could see things on my Canadian booking site, there was no hard liquor to buy, but you could gift yourself wine.  I was also looking at trying to get a bottle on board, but my arrival port is Dubai which means buying in the airport upon arrival, and if they hold it until final port, there is no way I can drink a bottle of 'anything' in the 3 days I have there....hmm unless it was Port, which though fortified, isn't the same.

15 hours ago, vacationut said:

We were on the Seaside in June and was able to bring booze aboard at almost each port. I bought a bottle and though they would take it until the last day. Instead, it went through the x-ray and they let me keep it. You could try buying a bottle or two at the first port you come to. 

And was this a Caribbean sailing? It seems they are a bit more lenient there.

23 minutes ago, SirWolf said:

We book on MSC USA website and the excursions show up to different times depending on itinerary. Excursions on Med cruises are usually available very early , 6-9 months ahead of cruise. Excursions on Baltic Sea cruises were available 5 months ahead of cruise. Excursions on Grand Voyage (March 2020) are created as I type this answer... some ports of calls are showing up, some don’t. 

We book ahead to save the 20% discount and to secure spots. Excursions have definitely nothing to do with the date if final payment. We have booked excursions far ahead of final payment and some after final payment.

That's one of the many challenges of MSC, isn't it? Different websites, different customer service experiences, even. I appreciate your comment that they show up on the  US site, because my original booking was there and I was sure I saw them, but then got transferred to the Cndn site, where there is nothing. So, maybe it is just a website problem.

I don't mind waiting until payment date, but I will be pushing then, for sure.

On 10/17/2019 at 6:40 PM, new.b.cruiser said:

I'm wondering the same thing. We will be on the Armonia this February and there is no option for me to view / reserve excursions... 

On 10/17/2019 at 8:42 PM, touesns said:

Per my call to the MSC office, Canadian customers have to book excursions onboard.  We are not able to prebook excursions prior to cruising.  I am on-board on the 21st and there is still no option for excursions.

So I asked my TA to check so she called. She said they can't be bought before final payment but they are a 20% discount bought ahead.  Maybe they aren't even visible until then, or it could just be the problems they are having on the MSC Canada website at the moment.

I am guessing you February sailors haven't paid final yet? Would you be willing to come back after payment to let us know if it changes?

Thanks.

12 hours ago, redlady62 said:

Evening everyone: not really sewing related but I figured you guys would be a great resource.  I have a lovely evening bag that I believe is made with satin. And of course it has a stain/watermark of some sort on it. Meant to clean it post cruise last fall. . . .  you know where this is going . . .  any suggestions?

 

Thank you in advance,

Sue >M<

Because I sew a variety of fabrics, I tend to have less regard of the 'dry clean only' labels so sometime more DIY tha  recommended. I wash silks, for example. So I checked google and see there are several techniques for cleaning your handbag. I suggest following ones that clean the entire fabric, rather than spot cleaning. Of course, you can spot clean any heavily soiled areas first (dabbing, not rubbing) and then do an overall clean. This way, any texture or colour changes are uniform and makes the bag reusable. One suggests soaking the bag in luke warm water and mild soap for 2 hours. I would check after 10 minutes and again at 20 to see if there is colour bleed. If the purse has a light lining, dark exterior, that could be messy well before 2 hours. If it is a vintage bag, 2 hours could mean rust starting on any metal frame.

Personaly, I would soak an hour, look to see if stains have lifted. If not, rub lightly with a little diluted baking soda and a clean sponge. Rinse out sponge, move bag to clean luke warm water, and give entire surface a very light brush (or dabs) with sponge over all surface. This is to dislodge any residual dirt. If water isn't looking dirty, then you are done. Put hand towel inside. With a low nap towel...like a dish drying towel press and blot exterior surface to remove as much water as you can. Dry any metal work.  During drying, you can give it some shots of warm air from a blowdryer to the inside of the bag only. Close it to hold shape and hang to dry. If there is some air circulation, even better.  You don't want to force immediate drying but you want to reduce any chance of any metal pieces rusting, so help it along.

Some bags actually are hand sewn to the metal frame, in which case, I would unstitch and clean them separately...restitching after fabric is totally dry.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks for all the feedback and experiences. 

No pre booking?  I guess I'll be having a chat with my TA about what she knows about it.  I only want to book 2 and the spa package.  Of course, as they need to be paid for at time of booking, the sensible side of me says to wait until after cruise paid for date in January....but I would like to see pricing for budget or alternatives. 

First time on MSC and it does try the patience.  But for a solo traveler, the pricing...and also the itineraries are making me think I have to work on the patience thing.

Thanks again and good luck on your excursion plans.

From where? There are at least 3 different MSC websites that I know of - Europe, US and Canada.  I know the Canadian site is having some problems with other aspects of access. Even the Client service reps can't make it work.

Yes, it is quite a mess this time around with the road closures, traffic disruptions, trains, buses and flights impacted more than 2 years ago.  Not sure where your hotel is, and most likely a moot point now, but changing to a port hotel has the advantage of a shorter walk with luggage....and hoping that is carry on size.

I learned after a tram strike in Belgium 30 years ago that you better not pack more than you can move for a mile or so. Got to test out my new lightweight 25 inch in Southampton in December, not realizing just how crappy the various sidewalk (and I say that loosely) finishes were.  Still too big.

Good luck, allow lots of time, and aim for an early embarkation.

On 10/15/2019 at 6:19 PM, MikeNKim said:

Thank you all.   I think I should stay an extr night in Venice.   

I have come to the stage of age and travel experience that I don't trust ships to arrive as it says on paper.  Given the infrequency of flights per day from Venice to Canada, I would recommend spending the extra night.  Store your luggage at the train station, wander the back districts for the items of 2nd or 3rd tier tourist interests, have a casual local ciccheti and spritz and then head to an airport hotel (if an early early flight) or a nice canal side hotel for prossecco and gondola watching. Head to the airport in the morning.  Depending on your dates, there is a Biennale on for several months. Architecture one year, arts the next.  2020 is Architecture, so that might be of interest and worth spending the extra time in Venice for.