CruisingFox27

Yes. We've booked through a UK TA and MSC direct. Both now include gratuities.

Officially it's not allowed. We've seen bottles allowed and we've seen them held.

We had Nicolas Feuillatte on our most recent Mediterranean cruise. I have seen others mentioned, it's definitely region dependent.

@Captain-John we were on Lirica in April, and although the decor is more traditional and less glitzy than the new ships, there were absolutely no issues with how she was maintained. Oh that's useful to know regarding the menus Bea. I'll test that next week. I'm loving reading yours, I've been living on salad for 2 months in preparation for our repo 😂

Looking forward to reading your review. Thank you for taking the time. Wishing you both a wonderful time.

There are a selection of non alcoholic cocktails available, including a virgin pina colada. I've never looked into the non alcoholic package but assume they're included.

I just noticed that for our upcoming cruise the booking documents have a premium drinks limit of €13. The cruise was booked in July, surely the limit should be €14, that's the limit shown on the new drinks package?

Thank you for the entertaining and amusing review. We board in 2 weeks and are very much looking forward to our sailing.

Only the coffee machines, as far as I'm aware. No kettles, unless sailing from Southampton. You can just call the butler and request tea or a pot of hot water at anytime, though.

Historically the upgrade fairy visited anyone, regardless of cabin or experience booked. Since MSC introduced the upgrade bid programme the fairy is far less common.

We've used the laundry regularly in the past but having read a few unfavourable reviews of late, we've not booked a package for our upcoming trip. Grateful to know it's been used recently without issue, if we do need it.

If you keep the robe you'll be charged. The slippers, you're free to keep.

Updated to add - I've now been able to log in to my booking normally, with my account this morning.

I've been seeing 'error 500' for a day or so now, when I try to access my booking. Although, last night I looked at general excursions through the destinations page. After clicking on one, it allowed me to log in, see my upcoming cruise and book the excursion. On another platform a lot of people were reporting issues accessing their booking. And it doesn't appear to be a problem with specific countries websites either, it was a varied number of people using a lot of different ones.

CruiseMapper shows that Musica is heading for Limassol. A reshuffle of itinerary no doubt, given the issues in Haifa. I'm delighted to hear all of your glowing reports on Rhodes, we've never visited but are scheduled there next month. Assuming our itinerary is unchanged. On another platform, there is an MSC Splendida forum, where a world of panic has broken out due to the Israel situation. We aren't scheduled to go to Israel but to Alexandria, where there was an incident involving Israel tourists on Saturday, Suez Canal and then Jordan. All miles away 🙂 I appreciate the unrest in the area is a concern, but it is confined to Gaza/Israel. I daren't mention to them that we also sail through pirate territory ☠️😂 Back on topic (sorry Bea) Mein Schiff 5 is due in Haifa tomorrow, if they dock elsewhere it probably confirms Musica and others won't call this week.

The Aurea passengers maybe able to move to fixed dining with the Fantastica passengers in the MDR. If the maitre'd can accommodate once you're onboard. The Fantastica passengers can't join the Aurea passengers in the Aurea area.

I've never been able to see the excursion prices until the cruise is booked. If you list the itinerary and excursions you're considering, others may have it booked and could advise on prices.

I've never had an issue with one small bottle, in hand luggage, that you're obviously clearly using. It's turning up with a 2ltr bottle or packs of drinks that's the issue. In my experience anyway.

Just room service. Except where there is a medical situation, injury or sever illness.

I've only ever seen the "Behind the Scenes " tour available to book once onboard. The tour does usually run more than once on a sailing, depending on how long you're cruising for obviously. I'd certainly advise asking to book as soon as you're on the ship as they can be popular.

In the buffet, at the rear. Beer, wine and soda dispensers. I think the reviewer has managed to get themselves very confused. I agree, they were using the soda machine not the water machine within the free tea and coffee area. I've always seen water available for free.

Thanks EM. I've only ever been into the speciality restaurants for the Diamond meal. I knew it was offered then, but didn't know if it also applied when you've booked the tasting menu. No help to the OP so, I'll not mention it 😉

Do you still get the 50% discount on other dishes ordered?

Personally, we find the extra hour allowed in the cabin to be a very useful benefit. Even on USA cruises. Just allows for a more relaxed departure.

Indeed, I was very confused when a notification popped up. This has reminded me how excited we were about trying Butchers Cut on our Meraviglia cruise and unfortunately, reminded me of the worst meal experience we've ever had on a ship! I can't believe it's 4 years since our sailing 😱