bwlewer

We were at the port early, and could have been off around 8am. 12:40 flight should be fine and there were plenty of Taxi's at the ready. We made it to a 10am train to Paris.

We stayed one night pre cruise in Marseille Dec 31 - Jan 1. Stayed at the only Marriott in town: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mrsar-ac-hotel-marseille-prado-velodrome/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0 Fine little hotel, but a decent distance from the port. We arrived via train from Paris, and took an Uber to the hotel and to the port the next day, pretty easy. Use "MPCT - Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal" in the app to get to the right place.

Hi there. In Pompeii, we booked the "on your own in Pompeii". Bus tour to the site, and a pickup time. We then used https://www.getyourguide.com/ to book skip the line entry tickets that you pickup across the road from the site. Come with an audio guide and map! In Palma, we just too the shuttle to the city centre for $13, and walk around the old city. Easy.

Just back from my latest trip with MSC, and it summary: Amazing, but different! I'm still relatively new to cruising, most of my family vacations have been Disney centric, but over the last 6 years we've taken 6 MSC cruises including Caribbean, Mediterranean, South American and even Middle East. We did cruise on one Holland America this year that had an itinerary that interested us, but we were eager to get back on to an MSC ship. Also note that this was after SEVERAL rebookings, all covid timing related (or testing positive just before). This was originally a March 2022 on Grandiosa, then was Virtuosa, and finally Bellissima. The rebookings created some OBC that worked out well. This was also the second time on Bellissima, the last out out of Dubai. And final note, we have always sailed in Yacht Club, including this time, and therefore all of my commentary is based on living in the "ship within a ship". It's quite possible that others may have had different experiences. Some overall thoughts and observations: - Within the YC, service was excellent, especially in Top Sail, Deck 19, and the YC Restaurant. Concierge consistently resolved any problems quickly and to my satisfaction. The room attendant did a fantastic job and seemed to always be their when we needed him. The butler however was RARELY around. In fact, I didn't personally meet him. Several; other butlers walked us on/off the ship or to other venue, and never our own. Oh well. What was different from past sailings was now there are Top Sail only servers who are not official butlers. Each one of them were amazing. They knew us individually and what we liked to order. - The ship was still looking great. Many many crew were visibly shining chrome, and washing, and keeping things in order. All the activities were open and in working order from what I can tell. As usual, I tried everything from F1 to the ropes course (its really high for my liking). It was REALLY cold, so not that much in terms of water slides. - We ate mostly in YC, was pretty consistent food the entire time. There was some overlap in the first and last day in menu options that was REALLY noticeable. Our preference is breakfast at the pool, lunch in the port, and dinner in the YC restaurant. All well done. - The internet was slow, constantly up/down, and overall poor. At least it was free an unlimited, so there is that. - We had excursions most days except Palma. They were MUCH shorter than usual, but I found the prices cheaper than usual. We were easily back to port for lunch every day. We did a couple "on your own" which essentially was just the bus ride. That works well for places like Pisa and Pompeii. - Nightly treats were good, from little lemon merengue pies to biscotti. They still are pushing the dark chocolate on pillows that only one of four of us liked. - The drinks in the mini bar were constantly refreshed so that made a few less trips to Top Sail when we looking for a beverage. - I bought a 40 piece laundry package. All came back within a day, all cleaned and folded or put on hangers. Cheap easy solution to packing for half the days of a trip IMO - In the embarkation lounge, they now ask you for the printed paper preference and which bottle of alcohol you'd like in your room. and its a LOT of options which was great. We also had a bottle of wine and Prosecco (Diamond member) - Entertainment is in the eye of the beholder. I personally loved the MSC stage shows. 35 min singing/dancing to a different theme every night. Its not name brand grand shows like other likes, but easily consumable. We did go to the new "Carousel Productions" replacing the Cirque shows. Still VERY high quality entertainment worth the extra $, but it was MAYBE 1/3 full. It doesn't seem likely that these shows will have much a a lifespan. The Opera, Carmen was truly the best content on stage. - Disembarkation was quick and easy, since its one of the smaller ports. We were off in about 5 min and in a taxi. Lots more to say and happy to answer any questions.

Now that I am back from the cruise, I can confirm that the YC elevator DOES IN FACT go to Deck 14

I've been on Seaside and Seaview, and both had a Pullman from the ceiling or bunk sofa in our YC cabin. I've been on Meraviglia and Bellissima and they didn't...at least I didn't get a YC cabin with them.

Exactly. Thanks for that. The deck plan shape of YC deck 14 elevator was different than 16/18/19 so I was less "sure".

Excellent! The deck plan seemed to be less detailed that I envisioned.

Hey there. We were one of the several families that had a Med booking on Virtuosa before they switched it with the Bellissima for the winter sailings. We were booked on the Virtuosa deck 16 (we have only every sailed deck 16 on MSC), we now have been rebooked to deck 14 on Bellissima with no more rooms at the Inn for any other deck. I know there is YC specific elevator within the YC area (a single one). We took it all the time from 16 to 19. Does anyone know if it goes all the way down to deck 14? It's not entirely obvious from the deck plans online. If it doesn't that means leaving the YC area, taking stairs or main elevators. Not a huge burden but a bit of pain. thanks!

Oosterdam Aug 21-28 Neptune Lounge was self service. And complimentary beverages in the evening.

Extra expresso shot. That being said, I'm pretty sure over the days of coming 3-4 times a day the crew at the cafe prepared the beverage differently than what they ordered in the system completely to my benefit... lol. I enjoyed my favourite beverage multiple times without losing all my credits, and the customer service is exceptional. I do want to mention that I had the Signature package and didn't upgrade to Elite. Not once did we get to 15 beverages per day (with one of us). Neptune lounge had beverages, and we had Aqua Panna bottles water delivered on the first day.

Yes, during the Captain Q&A, he did mention that they had to move to the industrial port overnight since their late schedule changes and didn't have a slip available. We were bussed from the Tronchetto terminal in Venice all the way to the tent at the Trieste industrial port.

Trieste, Split, Korcula, Mykonos, Kuşadası, Athens

Just back from my first trip with Holland America, and it summary: Brilliant! I'm still relatively new to cursing, most of my family vacations have been Disney centric, but over the last 6 years we've taken 6 MSC cruises including Caribbean, Mediterranean, South American and even Middle East. The original and continued attraction was the status match that put me in the top category for my very first sailing. We chose Holland American for this trip for the itinerary. It was the only line that hit the ports we wanted to visit in the month we wanted to travel (for our anniversary). We have always travelled Yacht Club at MSC, so decided to try Neptune Suite on the Oosterdam. This was a great decision. (Note: it was exceptionally expensive so I'm not recommending it for everyone...we would have had just as great time in other other cabin with a balcony) Some overall thoughts and observations: - By far, the most impressive part was the service. Literally every single crew member was delightful. Every interaction was left me with the impression that they cared for me personally, that I received the best service possible, and that they genuinely enjoyed their role. From the EXCEPTIONAL room steward (Ko) to the concierge, to the staff at the EXC cafe, to the MDR wait staff, to the security. Every single crew member was top notch. This is VERY different than MSC where I have had exceptional interactions, and awful ones. - The ship, while older, was in top top shape. The cabin show signs of aging, but was immaculate, and large. Plenty of room to relax. Its also a much smaller ship than the MSC ones I've sailed, but that became irrelevant. - Plenty of good food options. We mostly had in-room breakfast, and Dive In lunch (my fav), and MDR dinners. All with plenty of options. Note: if you want the vegetarian menu, it took us a few times to find someone who knew about it. Orange Club sis have a special line and a special entrée, but IMO, it wasn't that special to call out. - The internet was slow-ish, but I was on vacation so not really a problem - We had excursions every day that I thought were well organized. I had a few last min changes I wanted to make and the excursion team was right on them and quickly resolved. - I spent a log time at Explorations cafe. Really good speciality coffee. Strangely though, extra shots and syrups are counted as drinks even if the total price is under $11. I ordered an iced vanilla latte with an extra shot and that cost me 3 drinks (of the 15). Didn't make that mistake a second time. That's a fault of the crew, they know its an odd thing, but the computer system enforced it - I really didn't use the Neptune Lounge that much. A few snacks here and there and a question or two of the concierge. It is true that 5pm to 8pm there is no cost for the honour bar. - All I can eat laundry was spectacular. I came home with 90% clean clothes for the trip! - Entertainment is in the eye of the beholder. I personally loved the EXC lectures, very well produced and the cruise director did a really great job presenting. I also likes the dancers/singers every night. We are early risers and early to bed so didn't really spend time at the bars/music places. For anyone who is looking for large stage shows, not on this ship. - Embarkation was at the old commercial port in Trieste. Seemed to be just a temporary tent so no bells or whistles. We didn't get anything priority but very few passengers were boarding when we did. Side note, only 1200 or so passengers on this sailing. The ship seemed empty most of the time, never waiting for an MDR seat or elevator. On a very positive note, from the bus to the cabin was no more than 15 min. Literally never been that fast on any sailing! I'm now looking to see what options are available for next year! Lots more to say and happy to answer any questions.