RikB2000

Thanks - the idea was born out of the ships all being different and it being really difficulty to find out what you are paying for in advance!

It can be really difficult to find out what the various 'extras' are before choosing this package. I have searched many websites and watched even more You Tube videos with varying success. The ships all offer different things and - as we wouldn't pay extra simply to get a quieter place to sunbathe (without nearby access to pool to boot!) - we are swayed by two or three things:- 1/ The TOPXX Sundeck:- Does it have it's own jacuzzi's? Does it have it's own bar? 2/ Is the TOPXX Sundeck:- Is it more (or appears more) luxurious? 3/ The AUREA SPA:- Does the thermal area have a jacuzzi or similar or just the bog standard sauna/steam room? So to kick it of:- MSC MAGNIFICA - (WOULD recommend Aurea) 1/ Jacuzzi's X2; Fixed Bar. 2/ Nothing too special but partitions and also offered good viewing of pool entertainment. 3/ Yes - A couple of nice jacuzzi's with floor to ceiling windows. Good steam rooms. MSC OPERA - (Would NOT recommend Aurea) 1/ NO Jacuzzi's; Temporary bar. 2/ Nothing too special.....some rattan 'dome' sunbeds. 3/ NO Jacuzzi's. MSC FANTASIA - (Would NOT recommend Aurea) 1/ Large Jacuzzi (I think only one?); No bar - but was winter!? 2/ Nothing too special. 3/ NO Jacuzzi's. When it comes the the second criterion - I am thinking of what I have seen on You Tube for the MSC SEASIDE. The sundeck has everything you need and looks very classy with more comfortable seating. Haven't been on the ship but it looks like it is a plus for #2 - although this is not as important as 1 & 2. Would be great to get reviews of other MSC ships. Thanks!!

Hello all Just how difficult is it to get information on facilities on these ships in the spa and on the Top 18 (for Fantasia.....different decks for other ships)???? We enjoyed the facilties on the Magnifica where the TOP 16 was great with a staffed bar and two whirl pools. It also had a good view down on to the entertainment below glass in hand! The spa had two steams rooms with different aromas and at least one sauna. It also had one or two large whirlpools (memory fading!) with a great view out of the glass wall. However, on the Opera recently there was a mobile bar (unstaffed) on Top 13, and one sauna, one steam room and NO whirlpools in the spa. It was so disapointing - now I understand that the great deal was not so great. I expect that MSC don't want to give it all away! So, I am always pretty happy with the balcony cabins and don't think there is much between them (and also very happy to have Premium Extra drinks package) but would love some info on the spa. I can at least see on the ship plan on the MSC site that the TOP 18 has a whirlpool. Any info on Aurea faciities on the Fantasia most welcome. So far, I DO recommend Magnifica but DON'T recommend Opera. This pretty much goes for the whole cruise experience. We thought the Sinfonia was fine (although another smallish ship). R