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I’m sorry you’re having this problem. We matched to Gold from Celebrity Elite Plus and are now Blue Diamond with MSC. I’ve had issues with Voyager’s Club twice, but both were resolved when I kept emailing. Keep on them; the problem is that a different rep answers the emails on a rotation, but I referred back to my previous emails and received a solution. I know it’s frustrating, but don’t give up. You should be Gold by MSC’s own chart: https://info.msccruises.com/rs/271-DJN-199/images/Status Match_Conversion Table.pdf

Thanks, All. I’ve booked our hotel and will report back here, and on the MSC threads, once we have more experience.

I’ve found, over the years, that MSC cruisers outside the Caribbean, are not active on CC. We’ve done 3 Europe cruisers with them, and none had a CC thread. I checked the thread you suggested, and there is nothing there either. I’ve also searched CC for Bari threads and found little info, which is so surprising to me. Ah, well… @Fairgarth - Thank you! The festival is actually on our full day there, and we’re excited to see all the festivities for the St. Nicolas Day! I had no idea, until you mentioned it, and have read all about it.

Thanks, All! This is helpful. We’re arriving to FCO early on the 5th, heading down to Bari, then cruising on the 7th. Will probably take the train and relax. Any hotel recs? I’ve flagged a few but haven’t booked yet.

With ships sailing out of Bari, and after searching 100s of posts, we have questions the CC community can answer. 1). Train from FCO to Bari? Any better ways? 2). Hotels in Bari near the port? Lots of options, but where in the City Center should we look? 3). Coming in early, what are the must-do things in and around Bari? Thanks!

We’ve not had that experience in booking at all; our son is single and has scored YC interior cabins whenever we do YC. When booking onboard, and I’m a TA, their future cruise person specifically looks for solo deals for him. Never been a problem.

Jumping in to say we were ‘loyal to Royal’ for a decade, moved to Celebrity for 10+ years, then cruised MSC starting in 2018, all through Covid, and never left. We’re 15 cruises in with MSC and have another in Dec 2024. By far, they have the best crew of any line, and we’ve sailed both Yacht Club and balconies with them. We love all the dining options. If you’re sailing the Caribbean, Ocean Cay is the best private island out there. Also, check out the MSC Foundation; they’re doing things no other cruise company is.

Thank you. I’ve been looking at transfers and have been quoted anywhere from $260-$390. I’m so surprised there aren’t more economical transfers; in Rome, it was always easy to do private or shared rides.

Is it really this difficult? We are arriving to LHR and need transport to and from Southampton. With all the ships porting there, and International Friends only driving one day in the month of March, I need suggestions on a transfer service, train route or bus.

We always go to Bimini Beach, even when we’re YC guests. However, since we overnighted there last month, we chose lounge chairs on the grassy area at the YC for our 2nd day. It was lovely, and butler service there was great. As mentioned above, the food is also very good.

The upgrade bid emails often go out after you check in online. I have clients sailing on Oct 6th, and they all received one yesterday. We bid an upgrade on Seaside last month and went to YC. We’ve sailed MSC 11 times, 3 times in YC, and it is well worth the bid. Our bid cost us about 25% of what retail YC would have.

This is surprising to me both as an avid MSC cruiser and as a TA. I book solo cabins with MSC all the time. Granted, there is sometimes a “single supplement”, but, as previously stated, they also run promos for singles. A good TA can let you know when those dates are available. Again, I’ve never not been able to book singles.. If this a group booking, I’d call MSC directly and have them facilitate it for you.

Has anyone done the AI at 40 Cañones? It’s almost twice as much as Nohoch. Thoughts?

It was very nice. Yes, free drinks. MSC often offers free drink and wifi with your booking. Much cheaper than adding a pkg.

Onboard this week as well. You tap your cruise card to the door, and it unlocks your cabin. Dining service is excellent. We’ve also eaten in the specialty restaurants, and they are exceptional. Def worth buying a package with 3 1/2 sea days. The food in the buffet is very good. I’m gluten free and have found plenty of healthy options. Today, the buffet had a dessert bar (I’ll post a pic below), and tomorrow’s will be all chocolate according to the pastry chef. Yes, there is a welcome back cocktail party. Ours is today (Friday) at 5pm.

Currently onboard the Meraviglia for the 6th time. We came over from Celebrity and haven’t looked back. For the money, you get a great product with MSC. Don’t walk onboard comparing it to any other line; they’re all unique. Been on 5 MSC ships and can honestly say their staff is the best. For those complaining about the food, I offer a few current pics.

Just a heads up - the balcony is TINY. We’ve never had such a small space. The “view” is completely blocked if you sit in the chairs. IMG_6960.MOV