.jpg.d6ccd3550df270b7bcaabcf7cfabbc84.jpg)
gatlinburg
-
Posts
197 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by gatlinburg
-
-
50 minutes ago, Mordecai79 said:
There was a designated window for Aurea passengers when I checked in to Meraviglia last week. Easiest embarkation ever. And we got on at about 11:30, even though our eticket said something like 3:00.
Thanks for the heads up. We usually just cruise in normal Fantastica level, and Embarkation has been fine, but wanted to know if there was designated Aurea window. Thanks for the info.
-
First time cruising under the Aurea package, and it said something about on Embarkation day only
we're supposed to have "priority boarding?" How will this work exactly. We're sailing out of Venice,
and have heard how packed that Port is in the Summer. Is there a designated window for check-in
so we don't have to be in the long line?
-
On 3/1/2019 at 12:08 PM, cruiser man 60 said:
I have never had a problem getting through and always speak to a very helpful person. I am in UK so maybe it's just the American staff where there is a problem.
We're from the US, and have never had a problem on the phone and always do our bookings directly with a US Rep with MSC.
Seems we're the lucky ones and had helpful individuals. :-)
-
On 3/5/2019 at 6:01 AM, Freeman3030 said:
Hello,
I am about to book a cruise from Marseille on the MSC Meravigilla for a week.
We've found flights for a good price, but just wondering how easy it is to get from Marseille airport to the cruise terminal. I prefer using the train rather than getting a bus as we can use the ticket machines to purchase tickets and take our time as my french isn't that good. But I can't find if its a bus or train from the airport to cruise terminal. Does anyone know?
Also, with regards to what to pack. Having never sailed with MSC, what are their attire requirements for dinner? When we've been with P&O in the past they have a couple of black tie nights which adds weight to your luggage for extra shoes, tux etc.
Many thanks,
J
We were on Meraviglia last April, and started off in Marseille. We had Sun Transfers pick us up in a mini-van due to six suitcases, and they were lovely. Professional, affordable, and reliable. Other times we used Uber with no problems either.
Check out their link: https://www.suntransfers.com/marseille-airport?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2rHb5Nft4AIVQkCGCh2luQ7NEAAYASAAEgJzjvD_BwE
TRIPADVISOR reviews:
-
On 2/1/2019 at 11:08 PM, cparker01 said:
We are looking at Musica departing Venice May 24th 2020. I have a booking for the same itinerary on the NCL Dawn. MSC is about $1500 cheaper but I'm a little afraid there will be few english speaking travelers sailing with us.
I'd rather sail with MSC, just sailed Seaside last May and will sail this May on Bellissima in the Mediterranean. We always bring our kids, 9 and 11, so I'm not sure how much kids activities are on Musica?!
And yes flights look pricey! We are in Atlanta and try to use points to fly. Plus we can't book flights till mid summer when they become available.
cparker01, we booked Aurea experience balcony cabin, for Summer 2020. (July 21 departure out of Venice). Traveling with our two children who will be 8/10yrs old. They loved being on MSC Meraviglia in April out of Marseille, but wanted to do Greek side this time. Wish you were onboard with us. Happy Cruising! We love MSC.
-
1 hour ago, Globaliser said:
Thanks for your help~ :-)
It's actually quite hard to reach such a view reliably unless you're sure that you're comparing like with like. Amongst other factors, fares can vary by month, day and time of travel; by month, day and time of booking; and by interval between booking and travel. In addition, even if you compare the same travel date booked at the same booking date, there can be expected variations because of other factors like the date of Easter. So you're trying to compare one small set of personal observations about one year against one small set of personal observations about another year when you're looking at what is in truth a six- or eight-dimensional space. Even Obi Wan Kenobi would have had a hard time doing that and reaching any reliable view, so we mere mortals probably shouldn't try.
-
thanks for the info. :-)
-
1
-
-
58 minutes ago, waterbug123 said:
I'm confused by your statement that "prices are not nearly as good right now." If your trip isn't until June 2020, you can't see prices yet, so I'm not sure what you're looking at to compare to what you paid for flights last April.
Anyhow, if you're set on eliminating Delta/AirFrance/KLM based on price, you have either American or United, or you can look at European airlines. If you're looking for nonstops only, you'll be limited to those two or possibly Alitalia.
Meg, sorry to be confusing. Just commenting that flights this year overall are much higher than when we flew last April.
Know we still can't price June 2020 flights, but checking trends, etc ahead of time usually ensures we know what to expect.
We're kind of poor, and have to do all the research we can, and appreciate all the advise given. Thanks again. Appreciate you taking time to help out.
-
The waiting game on booking flights is difficult. In April we flew from VA to Marseille on Air France and Delta. Great service all around, but prices are not nearly as good right now. What are some of your favorite Airlines to use out of Washington DC, Charlotte, Baltimore, and Raleigh to Milan, Rome, or Venice? We will be shopping around for the next six months at least since our next MSC Cruise to Eastern Mediterranean is not until June 2020 out of Venice. Sure do appreciate all your feedback so far. I am taking notes and consider all your advise. Happy Cruising everyone.
-
26 minutes ago, gatlinburg said:
please share what you would recommend for this Itinerary and best sites besides Viator to book. We don't travel until June of 2020, but doing same ports. Traveling with 8/10yr olds. Thanks~
Sorry. Just now saw your other response and helpful info, and links. Thanks!
-
On 7/30/2018 at 5:14 PM, Leekaz said:
Kotor is beautiful! You walk right off the ship into the town. It’s like sailing into a fjord! We had 2 12 year old twins at the time and walked right up to the top of the mountain, looking down towards the ship. Then we just looked round the cobbled streets, had a drink in a restro then the girls paddled in the sea.
In Corfu, we went straight to the waterpark with the girls which was really really good fun!
our kids at going to be 8/10 on our Cruise June 2020. What is this Waterpark you referred to?
-
On 7/30/2018 at 3:17 PM, strikerSBG said:
I would preebock the tour to Olympia in Katakolon, as well as the HoHo in Piräus. All other things you can get right in the port... If you want I can post here tomorrow the two companies, where I booked the tours.
please share what you would recommend for this Itinerary and best sites besides Viator to book. We don't travel until June of 2020, but doing same ports. Traveling with 8/10yr olds. Thanks~
-
1
-
-
4 hours ago, gatlinburg said:
Thanks Waterbug. We live in Roanoke, VA. (reasonable is possibly under $1200 roundtrip for adult, $800-$1,000 for children tickets? Having to fly into Venice, or nearby so we could take railway into Port area.
3 minutes ago, Zach1213 said:Also, Raleigh has a couple of flights to Europe (AA to LHR, and Delta to CDG) that I have seen some decent deals on over the years. Both connect to Venice flights, though CDG will likely present better connection times based on the schedules I am seeing.
Zach, thanks so much. Also, we're looking into flying into Zurich, or somewhere within a train ride to Venice for sightseeing. Flights from D.C. to Zurich are crazy affordable. Hmmmmm....
-
On 2/1/2019 at 11:08 PM, cparker01 said:
We are looking at Musica departing Venice May 24th 2020. I have a booking for the same itinerary on the NCL Dawn. MSC is about $1500 cheaper but I'm a little afraid there will be few english speaking travelers sailing with us.
I'd rather sail with MSC, just sailed Seaside last May and will sail this May on Bellissima in the Mediterranean. We always bring our kids, 9 and 11, so I'm not sure how much kids activities are on Musica?!
And yes flights look pricey! We are in Atlanta and try to use points to fly. Plus we can't book flights till mid summer when they become available.
we're close to booking June 14, 21, or 28th Summer of 2020 on Musica. (7 & 9yr old) Kids are keen on going to Athens and Santorini. Our third grader is studying Ancient Greece right now. :-) What kinds of deals have you gotten with Flights? Flights into Venice are crazy. lol
-
On 2/2/2019 at 8:08 AM, waterbug123 said:
What do you consider "reasonable?"
What are you exact travel dates and is there any leeway?
Where do you live? "Under 4 hours from DC" doesn't tell us much. Are you north of DC, meaning JFK and BOS are possible airports? South of DC, meaning Richmond or Raleigh are possible airports? West of DC, where maybe Pittsburgh is an option?
Do you have any other parameters that are deal breakers? I only ask, because folks frequently say hey I need help finding flights. And then in response to lots of good suggestions, they start coming up with other parameters like nonstop only, a certain airline alliance only, specific flight times or arrival times etc. The more open you are, the more options you'll have.
Thanks Waterbug. We live in Roanoke, VA. (reasonable is possibly under $1200 roundtrip for adult, $800-$1,000 for children tickets? Having to fly into Venice, or nearby so we could take railway into Port area.
-
Please point us in the right direction for finding reasonably priced International flight bookings. Looking at doing Greek Islands on MSC Musica in June 2020. Researching flights and options now that we have found the best Itinerary for our Family. Please share Airfare tips and links for booking flights from US to Venice. We live under four hours from D.C.
-
we sailed on Meraviglia out of Marseille. Loved it there, and were onboard the Ship by 12:00pm. Balcony cabin was nice and spacious enough for two adults, and our children loved the converted Sofa/bunkbeds. Pools were all heated nicely, especially the outside Atmosphere pool. Hot tubs could have been warmer, but just fine. Drinks were good, food was adequate considering our normal food on a working weekday when we're not on a Vacation. Staff was lovely, and we did not find the Staff overly pushy at all with their Sales. We had pre-booked several things, so they pretty much left us alone. Loved having the Laundry package. The Gelato onboard and bread was delicious. Enjoy.
-
grew up over in Cyprus. Can't wait. We loved doing France, Italy, Malta and Barcelona this past April.
Have not been on a smaller MSC ship like Musica. We were spoiled on Meraviglia. lol
-
thank you. Will take a look see. We usually use Delta or Air France site directly, but prices or horrible lately. Appreciate you giving us this info.
-
On 1/19/2019 at 8:41 PM, cparker01 said:
We are looking to book a cruise to Greece. Any preferences on either Opera, Orchestra or Musica? Those appear to be our options not sure if they are of the same class/age or is one better than the other? We will be with a 12 and 10 yr old so want to make sure it's good for the two of them.
We are looking to book as well. Have heard Musica has best Greece Itinerary if you want Athens and Santorini. We are just waiting to find some decent Flights available from the US.
-
Hi all. We are still in the planning stages of our next venture to the Greek Islands. Back in April the flights over to France from the US was very affordable, but now has increased by over $300-$500. Please share some places online you all are having good luck booking reasonable airfares from the Washington, DC area over to Venice, Italy. We flew Air France last April, and Delta, but are not opposed to flying with other Airlines if the price is under $1300 for Adults, and less for our two children (7/9yrs). Thanks for any helpful website info. Cruises are priced reasonably enough, but have not booked anything yet due to high cost of International flights over. :-(
-
-
Chocolate creations
-
Aurea Hot Tub
Lovely Atmosphere Pool (heated)
Bamboo (indoor heated pool)
Differnce between Aurea Balcony Suite and Fantastico Balcony
in MSC Cruises
Posted
how exactly does My Choice Dining work? Next Summer we've booked Aurea Balcony for Greek Cruise. The downgraded drinks package/Easy will suit us fine since we mostly drink Water, but was curious how the My Choice Dining works. Can you vary your time for Dining day to day? We previously did early seating on Meraviglia. Thank you.