cruiser man 60

We had wifi on Splendida and it was fantastic, very quick and despite using constantly we still had data left over.

the desk were very helpful in sorting out internet problems for people and had information leaflets in several languages explains wifi.

we also found the food in the MDR and buffet to be very good and service all round the ship to be excellent. as soon S we sat down we were asked if we wanted drinks which were always brought with a snack like crisps, nuts etc and every bar had a slightly different snack. Obviously at busy times around the pool then service would be slower.

every bar had a full coffee service offering experesso, latte etc unlike NCL where you had to go the coffee place to get decent coffee, we also had a kettle in room so we could have tea every morning in bed.

All cruise lines sort out visas if you go on excursions, we were there in June and you have to take passport and get checked out individually by customs/passport control and then passport stamped for stay.

if you book independent excursions and many do with various companies recommended on TA they also sort out.

if you want to go off on your own then you will need a visa but the cost would be as much as a trip.

We just got off Splendida after a great cruise on her. We got on ship at noon after taking taxi from hotel , there were no queues and boarded about 10 minutes later.

others on our dinner table boarded at 10.30 after a MSC transfer bus collection from overnight flight.

when we were disemabarking yesterday there were passengers boarding at 9am and heading up for breakfast. So I would say head down about 11 .

Some of the bars will give you other cocktails and some won't but just get a non alcoholic cocktail and get a shot of rum or whatever.

the measures for spirits are free pour so can be very strong and I had to ask for the can of tonic to water down a bit!!

The muster drill was held at about 20.15 I think with no prior warning which meant everyone had to go back to rooms to get life jackets. It was fairly disorganized as meany have said before and consisted of telling you what warning signal was and showing you how to put life jacket on. Took about 45/50 minutes and was right in middle of a Liverpool game I was watching in sports bar so inconvenient!!

Just got off the Splendida and there is still confusion over drinks packages, some bars would give you drinks like Daquiris and others wouldn't.

we had classic included under a previous deal but most staff were saying only drinks under easy package included, as we only drink mainly G& T, prosecco and some wine it was really not a problem for us and certainly the bottled water, coffees etc were very useful.

saw a few arguments with staff and I guess as time goes on then the new packages will be more usual and staff will not know about old packages leading to more confusion.

We just got off Splendida in Dubai and boarded at 12 last week even though it said 17.50 on out tickets.there were no queues and we just went straight through and on board in about 10 minutes.

we spoke to others who boarded at 10.30 am and when we disembarked today there were people boarding at 9am with captain announcing rooms should Ben ready at 10.30!

i should think Lirica will be similar.

They are offering water for U.K. Guests at mealtimes in restaurants, I guess you need to check US site for any offer for US guests.

i think the drinks vouchers have gone and you need to buy a drinks package although MSC are offering free drinks packages for U.K. guests on selected sailings and in certain category of cabin.

Hi anyone who's been on a UAE cruise recently know if they show the premier league football in the sports bar or anywhere?

also in general do MSC show English football games on TV?

But I guess on the easy package you can have a mocktail and then add a shot of rum to whatever from included spirits so you get a variety?

If you have booked a cruise and then at a later date MSC then offer extras like free drinks packages for same cabin what is MSC position on upgrading your experience? I am thinking that if you had booked a fantastica or Aurea cabin a few months ago on cruises that are now offering enhanced drinks packages for free then you would not be happy.

if you called MSC would they amend your booking for free to include drinks packages or would you need to cancel or rebook as if you have only paid £100 deposit it could be worthwhile?

i know NCL for example are amenable to amending before final payment date.

On the laundry packages do you have to send all 20 or however many all that same time or can you send 10 one day and 10 later in week?

We booked a reposition cruise in Aurea recently for £15pppd over fantastica which I thought was good value for easy drinks package, spa and my time dining.

we will probably drink a lot of soft drinks, bottled water, coffees during day and cost soon adds up even for non alcoholic drinks.

Meant now including Premium drinks package!

What's MSC stance if you have previously booked a fantastica or Aurea cabin añd they are nods including deluxe drinks package, will they add in to your booking if you call up or do you need to cancel and rebook?

On the selected cruises the Aurea has the deluxe package included in the price so the same as fantastica with the extra benefits e.g. Spa

What time do you normally have to vacate rooms and latest time to disembark in Dubai?

we are staying for a few days but want to stay as late as possible before going to hotel as rooms nit normally ready.

Has anyone used the easy drinks package yet could comment on what wines are available and are they any good?

The Colosseum is a must and I would also suggest the Vatican which is fantastic even to see from outside. Ensure you book both online before you go and get guided tour otherwise you will queue for hours in the sun to gain entry. With online booking you just walk to front at allocated time.

i would get the train to cruise port as its cheapest and quickest but it f you have small children/heavy luggage get a transfer, there are plenty and best looking at trip advisor for reviews.

I cannot see most passengers waiting until 5pm to board especially if they have landed on the early morning flight at c7am as many do.

i am having an overnight in Dubai to avoid the overnights flight so will not impact us as much but will still be aiming to get to terminal early afternoon.

I had the same in my e ticket, boardint time 19.00, who is going to board then and miss lunch and possibly dinner if you are early sitting?

if last departure from ship is c10am why do they put such stupid times on tickets for boarding?

It's the cost over fantastica for a 28 night cruise so with soft drinks, coffee, some wine at dinner the cost of drinks would soon mount with 15% service charge added.

Hi looking to book a further cruise on MSC Bellisima and wanted to ask if it's worth booking the Aurea experience with new easy drinks package? It costs c £20pp per day extra and including easy drinks package includes the spa and sun deck access.

anyone used the spa on Meragavlia the sister ship who can say what it's like? 

I got the same message from MSC UK site and I booked in UK so seems it is another problem with websites

Thanks for all tips, we are U.K. Based so will be flying back to U.K. Prefer Gatwick or Manchester. We could book our own flights but for some dates there is no reduction in price and others only about £200 pp so cunard can obviously get some good rates from the airlines.