Acrobatu2

On 6/18/2023 at 12:09 PM, peder said:

 

Reviving an old thread, but I've seen pictures that suggest the World Europa's Top 20 Exclusive Solarium has a dedicated bar?

I was wrong on many topics about this ship, I had my best cruise vacation on board of the MSC Europa and I confirm there is a bar on the Top 20 lounge and is exclusive to Aurea guest. I wish I could delete this thread

3 hours ago, Nunagoras said:

Here in Europe, port taxes are dealt separately from the base price by the law of the land, even though for facilitation purposes they might to be part of the advertisement package offer. Unused or overpaid port taxes is money on the hands of the client, because the states didn't require that. Balancing thing may be a slow sort of thing, but they always ultimately do so.

Same in US, port fee are show separately.

3 hours ago, 8420PR said:

When you book a cruise onboard it is assigned to the MSC office or travel agent where you booked the original cruise.  E.g. If you booked the Caribbean cruise with MSC in Italy then the Med cruise booked onboard will be with MSC in Italy.  I would assume the MSC office you called to make final payment is the country with the booking.

 

At least in Europe I don't think port fees are a 'thing' - I have never seen them separately shown on bookings and itinerary changes haven't results in more or less fees.

unfortunately I booked the original cruise with MSC US, because I live in US now, so I guess I am stuck with the US office now, and I confirm that on the bookings the port fee are showed separately from the cruise fee. But you give me the idea to call directly the agent, she was a nice person, maybe she  'll help.

Thanks. 

2 hours ago, Nunagoras said:

As per my experience; if the port taxes lowers till your sailing date, from where you have paid, you'll get a refund some 5 to 6 weeks after your cruise to the credit card you use to link your account. Same goes in case for any reason ship is unable to call a port. Those are basically state and port administration fees. They should have given you the current price, and you're very lucky on this one because our EU "consumer protection act" runs highly on your favor. In case of doubt ask guest services for guidance onboard, please.

Thanks for the reply.

That will be great, and it makes sense, who knows if US costumers have the same protection rights.

1 hour ago, Homosassa said:

Did you book through the US website or is your booking through a European site?

 

Your booking terms are different and US passengers will not be able to help you.

I booked through the future cruise desk while on another cruise in the Caribbean, so I believe I used the US MSC terms.

1 hour ago, B_A_H said:

MSC changed the port tax on quite a few European sailings.  It affected a bunch of us.  You should have gotten a new booking confirmation via e-mail showing the adjusted amount.  If you had already paid the higher amount, your booking should show a credit.  How you get that back God only knows.

 

When something impacts the cruise fare, like a port tax change, the reservation is repriced at the current rate vs. the rate at the time of booking.  Make sure your cruise fare didn't get repriced higher than you were originally quoted.

 

Your best bet is to e-mail mscexistingreservations@msccruisesusa.com to get your situation resolved. 

Unfortunately my booking doesn't show a credit, actually show exactly the same amount in port fee and everything else, despite was rebooked the same day I did the final payment.

I just don't feel comfortable to reach MSC again and touch my booking before the sailing.

Anyway, thanks for the advice.

As stated in the title: I just find out that the port fee for a cruise with the World Europa are down by 50-60%.

When I called the costumer care for make the final payment, last week, the operator saw two different prices (one 150 cheaper) but she couldn't figure out why. 

In the end I payed the higher price just for now realizing what really happened (the drop of port fee).

I'm asking, please. if somebody with experience in a similar case have the issue resolved and how.

What do you recommends? call back the costumer care, with the risk of rebooking with a more expensive overall price, or once onboard deal with the costumer desk an have maybe issue an onboard credit?

First at all congratulations on reaching so many goals and growth.

I love MSC, the ship side experience is great, has the taste of "vacation".

But I have to agree with the gentlemen writing before me:

1) IT needs a total revamp.

2) US costumer care is a nightmare, it needs to buried under a concrete casting 😁: they  can't answer basic questions, they are often in conflict with each other, if you try to change diner sitting now your cruise costs 5.000 dollars more, often they can't pronounce Italian words, as ship names etc. it give me the sensation that I called the wrong number.  

3)Voyager club need a boost, having the same status of somebody that did the status match leaves a bitter taste in any loyal costumer.

4) World America needs to be different from World Europa, the latter is a  beautiful ship but is kind of anonymous, it misses a observation lounge  (like meraviglia class) and a sport bar like the seashore. Please hire the Italian designer Piero Lissoni, he did an amazing job on the NCL prima.

5) Please, please, we need Galveston and Alaska cruises.

Aside from those points, everything else is great: I love the food, I love the international vibe, I love the ships design and luxury, I love the continues challenge that make the company grow.

From a 2 times MSC cruiser year round.

Best regards. 

On 1/25/2023 at 8:23 PM, ssmea03 said:

Are the breakfast tea and elevenses covered by packages? Or are they the same as afternoon tea? And is it real clotted cream?

It depends which drink package you have, Premium package is included, Easy not included, about Easy + I don't know.

8 hours ago, Eli_6 said:

Your statements include a lot of misperceptions about Texans. I am a lifelong Texan and have traveled all over the world.  I went to grad school in the United Kingdom even.  Further, the city I live in (Houston--which happens to be closest to Galveston) is the most culturally, ethnically, AND religiously diverse city in the entire United States. We are also the second fastest growing city in the US. In fact: 24 percent of Houstonians are foreign born.  In my son's class this year, he got new students who moved here from Italy, England, Canada,  Trinidad, and South Africa....in addition to a slew of Californians. 

Of course you are right,  probably your opinion is different than mine because we meet and deal with different people from different background.

Also I was talking in general, about the American people  and I quote "most US tourists are scared about different cultures" not only Texan.

But in the end, the fact that the majority of US cruise company resemble a "luna park" or because there are American "classic" venues around the cruise ports and inside the ships just for accommodate the US tourist is a tangible.

But I was unfair to the Americans: I remember a friend of mine ordering a pizza in Greece while we were on vacation, and he ( he is Italian) complained so much about the taste of it, while all of us enjoyed our delicious Greek food, he constantly remarked for the rest of the vacation that Greeks don't know how make Italian food 🤣 

10 hours ago, JT1962 said:

 MSC may decide to offer some cruises to Ocean Cay (their private island), Nassau & Key West to give an alternative to the typical itinerary provided by other lines from Galveston.

I would love it, maybe they can offer an 11 days cruise, (not going to happen, unfortunately) I could cruise twice a year.

IMHO I believe is not going to happen for one reason: Texans are a little cold towards MSC and European culture, they expect a cruise to be loud, colorful and not too different from their habits, an example: a Starbucks or a hooters kind business that is what are looking for.

I was so confused to find a Starbuck and Hooters in Mexico, just too accommodate Americans expectations, also Starbucks and place like Guy fiery kitchen, are presents also on some cruise ships. I don't get what is the point to explore new places but to expect to find exactly the same venues and cultures that you just left behind, I believe it's because, most US tourists are scared about different cultures (hope to don't start a flame)

I really hope MSC will do it, I believe it's just a pipe dream.

By the way everyone knows if it's possible for a 7 day cruise from Galveston to dock in Ocean Cay and dock also in Dominican Republic or it will be too far away? 

10 hours ago, Irishcanuck said:

How do you use your 5% off WiFi voyager club benefit? Tried adding it to my cart on my booking but not showing any discount.

 

 

The price that you see supposed already include the discount, perhaps a more experienced cruiser can confirm. 

My wife got her discount only one time, it was combinable with the voyager club discount.

She had to send an e mail with her license, her badge and 2 recent paystubs, I believe one of the requirements is not necessary (I don't remember which). anyway we got approved after one week and the final price cut down of 30% back then, now the discount is less.

Their email is: mschealthcarehero@msccruisesusa.com

But 2nd and 3rd time she was rejected because 2 time we had the casino discount, and 3rd time we had the "future cruise deal". 

About the future cruise deal I'm a little skeptical of their decision to reject, please if everybody knows more info about that, share your experience.

Sorry for my grammar English is my second language.

13 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I think the OP has to understand that all cruisers have their own likes, dislikes, and preferences.  While some want buffets others want MDRs.  Some could care less about cuisine while others cruise to eat.  For us, we would not consider cruising on MSC unless we were in the Yacht Club...while others would never spend the extra money to be in the Yacht Club.   MSC also has its target groups (just like every other line).  Amenities that might appeal to American could turn-off many Europeans.  A Gin Bar might be a strong attraction for folks from the UK, but a Tequilia Bar might hit the spot with many Americans.  Personally, I would prefer a Scotch and Cognac Bar...but that is not going to happen.  

 

We can find faults (from our point of view) on every ship we have cruised, and also find things we like.  MSC is a true innovator in the cruise industry with its entire "Experience" mode of operation.  Their Yacht Club concept is the best ship within a ship concept in the industry.  Having pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner is somewhat unique to MSC.  Trying to compare the Oasis Class to the World Europa is the wrong approach since MSC is trying to do their own thing and not necessarily duplicate a RCI vessel.  

 

So, let's give MSC a chance and "wait and see" the reaction to the World Europa once there are some real passengers with real experience.  If MSC has missed the mark with their design, they will likely make adjustments on future builds and likely do some redesign on the World Europa as they find what works and what fails.

 

Hank

I think as we say in Italy " the ship is sailed" it means that MSC had their" big opportunity to innovate", the MSC world Europa is already their future ship and their approach was wrong on my opinion, It seems that they they wasted good location and space for kids stuff, and actually, they are following RC.

Example, their top 20 solarium is the worst of the fleet, and I paid premium for that (being in aurea experience), also the lack of a sky lounge is, in my opinion and according to  a more conservative cruiser audience, a huge let down, (they used that space for the gym and the kid club; still is not making any sense to me, as a fellow cruiser noticed, why use a prime location for gym and baby club???).

There are 2 deck with arcade games, on deck 8 and on deck 19, it is redundant.

About YC you are totally right. 

And finally, I never praised RC, but I recognized that they know how to "risk" and innovate, did you see their "Pearl  district" on board of the Icon of the sea? The Pearl  district is so beautiful and magnificent,  I expected that MSC came up with that idea.

By the way, no hard feelings, I just was annoyed about how RC got so much attention and already sold out on the Icon of the sea.

PS. I still believe MSC is a great company, and I will enjoy my time on board, (I love the new cigar lounge, spacious and classy).

PPS. There is a secret location on board, you can access only by appointment and standing by an  old London telephone boot, not kidding, is inspired to the  prohibitionist era. 

16 hours ago, Nunagoras said:

For World America they'll need to add some more lounge space, perhaps by removing the afternoon tea venue that doesn't seem to make most sense on such a mainstream 2022 onward vessel

Yes, totally agree, anyway I didn't praise the RC Icon for its design but for its innovation and for  setting a line.

About the gin bar, I agree that there are gin aficionados,  despite for me, gin and grappa is totally out, but I was complaining also that the gin bar is taking a huge space in the ship promenade.

Anyway I believe I will give it a shot next spring.

Thanks for the reply.

1 hour ago, Nikita4 said:

The World Europa isn't finished at the moment, so there are no Videos oder so. She is still in St Nazaire unter construction.

 

The Sky Lounge on the Meraviglia/Grandiosa is often empty, so they put better another venue there. 
We are European/Italien an we like fish and will try the Pescaderia wenn we are in Dezember on the World Europa. We also like Gin, there are so many different types of Gin.

 

And its a european cruise line, most of the customers are european.

 

For us, there are enough infos about the new ship for the moment.

Actually the ship was jus delivered yesterday, but as I said seems almost nobody noticed.

When I sailed the Meraviglia the lounge was all the time lively, offering free appetizers and good music, it's such a good concept that, the yacht club has their own sky lounge on every new ship .

14 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

Since World America will supposedly be "tuned" for the American market, maybe there will be changes that will impress.

I hope so, despite I'm Italian 🙂 

I find the new ship to be very dull and lame.

I love MSC but I don't understand their marketing and business model so far.

The event of World Europa supposed to be hyped and get a lot of attentions, but instead the Royal Caribbean Icon of the seas has received tons of promotion and detailed videos (and really well made)from RC, explaining all the new contents, and all that, for a ship not even built yet.

The reality is that the World Europa has very little to offer.

Those are the main disappointing features that make me confusing (just my opinion):

1) Lack of a sky lounge like in the Meraviglia, instead MSC used the same space for the gym and for the KIDS CLUB, why???

2) Top solarium for Aurea guest without a dedicated Bar exclusive only for Aurea.

3) Waste of spaces; why we need a bar only for gin lovers, is really gin so loved?? Also is redundant, already there is a malt lounge on deck 8, which I prefer.

4) The Pescaderia is another waste of useful space, already ocean key restaurant was underwhelming, why extend the same concept and adding a fish market... do really MSC believes that cruisers going to buy or to choose fish to bring in their cabin? Also who wants to smell fish while eating??? 

5) the most embarrassing waste of space is the chef garden, really we need to grow basil and other herbs inside a ship? and after I read the menu I was even more skeptical, for example meringue for desert look so cheap.

6) K-pop, no seriously?

7) every bar is the same except for the name, I mean every bar suppose to offer different perks to choose from, for example a bar can offer hors d'oeuvres or tapas, another can offer live sports, a Nutella station etc. ( I loved the sport bar in the Seashore, with those little boots for watching sport tv)

8. Those voyager club points are really worthless, as already stated in this forum, I know is not related to the ship, just whish I had those point for Princess or RC now.

...

I could continue for another ten points, but also I understand that in Europe and for Mediterranean cruises is more important the destination than the ship itself.

Only good thing in this ships seems to be the Yacht Club. 

I just needed to take it off my chest and probably ask for any recommends if cancel my upcoming the trip in may, or just enjoy the cruise port in Europe, even I have been to every port except in Malta.

Rant off

1 minute ago, perakcruiser said:

I am not a TA but I know the system of MSC. You have to have the MSC TA rank "COMMANDER" to get a good connection to MSC. My TA is a "Commander" 😄 and has a very good connection to MSC, even can change a Bella booking that technically cannot be changed. Commanders also get special bonuses, incentives and so on. Usually all TA have a special connection with one or two lines and then of cause they will try to move their clients to these lines. 

Can I ask you the contact of your TA and if He/She caters to the US market?

10 hours ago, Wor1dTrave11er said:

Just got off Grandiosa and frozen drinks were included in the Easy Plus, at least the BBC, Miami Vice etc., up to 9 euro.

Thank you, it's a great news.

16 hours ago, Geeynots said:

I've never had it but is sure sounds good! And for my cruise, the frozen cocktails are not included in the cheapest package. 

Unfortunately, it seems that the frozen drinks are not available altogether for Mediterranean cruises , despite having the easy plus packages, or even for the premier package.

What?!?  no frozen drinks for Mediterranean cruises? I hope is a mistake, my favorite cocktail is the frozen Toblerone

34 minutes ago, Norway_cruiser said:

Hi,

 

What happens if i have the Easy Drink Package and wold like to buy a drink at a higher price than included? Will i have to pay the difference or the whole list price fot the drink?

You have to pay the full price plus the 15% gratuities, but many times, if you become friend with the bar tender they will close an eye 😁

1 hour ago, blueskadoo said:

I was told by the YC Concierge that you can't hook up a DVD player to the Divina TVs. I would love to know if that's false and we'll pack ours too! 

I follow on that, I believe you need to have an universal remote or use an app on your phone if your phone has infrared connectivity, but I don't know for sure.