RICHARD@SEA

One point that I have not seen is that (excluding the small percentage of passengers that eat in the specialty restaurants onboard) if there are 2 dining times - Late & Early  - mostly split 50/50...those in the late seating usually aren't finished their dinners in time to make a show or have much of a nite life.

I've been on cruises since the 1970's & the days of late late nights of dancing, midnite buffets & more fun  are long gone.  I have over 100 days on HAL but haven't cruised on HAL for a few years as the quality has gone down to a point where it doesn't make sense enjoyment or cost wise.

If I want a quality  & Itin focused experience I'll pick a Viking cruise next time - If I just want a warm weather getaway I've found MSC a good fit.  a mid ship balcony keeps me happy.

The cutbacks on HAL are so evident - even the postings of longtime cruisers on the World cruise now(they belong to Presidents club & have many many days on HAL ships) have notes of cold food, extremely slow service, mediocre entertainment options & other cutbacks.  The world cruise sounds like a far cry from the extroadinary experience it should be(and the $$$ spent on passage).

This is quite remarkable that HAL management once again pulls the plug on a normal accommodation.  I like late seating dinner , after dinner drinks &  listening to music afterwards.... if the bars close down at midnight that cuts my evening short.  The fact they cut down on live bands etc is like sailing in a floating Holiday Inn Hotel.

Even longtime fans of HAL have mentioned the food being bland & repetitive and entertainment that isn't very entertaining (even on the "GRAND" World Cruise).

Enough of the lines making excuses for cost cutting & thereby padding the Carnivore & HAL Executives Bonuses & pockets. Instead of spreading the crews among so many ships  - why not consolidate the crews to a few ships & run a quality operation that will bring repeat customers & good PR.

This is ridiculous!!!!

We use to do the 5 night crossing on QE2 & spend a few days in either Paris or  London...did the 5 nite FRANCE to LeHavre w Paris & touring the continent - so we could do 7/8 to weeks holidays.  The 5 day crosssings are gone forever I imagine  - the QE2 & FRANCE sailed like nothing else since them. 

The longer crossing(unless  they do LeHavre & Southampton are too long - I love the sea days but 7 is enough... tho I am looking to come back from Europe this year on QM2

23 hours ago, skleeb said:

Thanks for info. This is for May, 2024. Actually, I was thinking of walking from Penn Station(taking the train from MD) to a hotel, then getting transportation to the Brooklyn dock the next day. You think there is a better way for me? Solo traveler, 67 years young by then, 2 rolling carry-on size suitcases, 

As a Manhattanite I can strongly suggest staying away from the Penn Station area as it is one of the worst areas in NYC as far as crime , drugs & Meth Clinique.

Best to Uber or cab to the Midtown Hilton - lots to see & do safely.

On 3/1/2023 at 8:07 PM, JanR said:

Richard,

 

I chuckled at your "marking an X on the pier" comment.  I made a mental note of which berth in Barcelona we boarded the MSC Poesia.  If we are in another berth, I've vowed to walk to where we started.  It's my "Reform Club" (reference to Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days)

 

We are currently on Day 54 of our cruise having left Brisbane yesterday and arriving in Cairns tomorrow.  We are having a wonderful time.

 

MSC is one of those lines that invokes strong opinions both ways by American cruisers.  But as you've sailed MSC several times before, you know what to expect.  

 

As for a blog, we are actually posting a YouTube short for each day of our cruise.  It runs about 4 days behind In Real Life.  We do plan to make some longer form videos that covers our packing, how to survive a world cruise, cruise hacks we used and a full review of our experience.  That probably won't be edited and posted until May-June.  The link to our YouTube playlist is below.

 

Feel free to shoot any questions and we'll do the best we can to answer.

 

Jan  

 

 

Thanks so much .... I'll finish watching your Youtube videos today.... yes i like MSC & the itin is the driving force for me now.  Tho I have been to many of the ports already via land tours - the simple idea of just going around the world is my dream.  Now I have the time.

As far as MSC - i found it to be a good contemporary option.  Back in the early 2000's I did the first leg of the QE2 world cruise - very formal, elegant sophisticated. The luggage alone was a mountain 7 I loved every minute.  Those days are gone ...I have a home in NYC & still get dressed up to go out & every so often put on a dinner jacket or tuxedo.  

But w the changing times & quality of the cruise experience I too have changed...I see you booked an aft balcony cabin....I always book a midship balcony....less motion - tho I am a good sailor - and the balcony gives me respite from all the rah rah floating mall atmosphere on the mega  liners.  I never cared for buffets but found msc buffet, pizza & gelato great options. I sort of live an alternative schedule from most other passengers.

In most ports I do major sites on private tours or research museums & architecture of interest w a lunch or dinner at a nice restaurant.  I enjoy just being on the ship when most people are off on tours.

So enjoy your voyage & I look forward to seeing your videos & review. and hopefully when I get to Barcelona again I'll find your spot where you started you around the world voyage -...

Full moon & smooth seas to you both!!!!

On 2/4/2023 at 12:52 PM, JanR said:

Some great comments already.  DW and I are currently on Day 29 on the MSC Poesia World Cruise.

 

Our considerations were the following:

1.  Budget.  Depending upon your financial situation, this is a great place to start as it automatically screens out many higher-priced options.  I retired in August at age 54 which means most of our retirement funds are still 5 years away.  So, this helped slim down our choices very quickly

2. Circumnavigation or Grand Voyage-type World Cruise.  What is the reason you want to sail on a world cruise?  For us, it was the Phileas Fogg idea of starting and stopping at the same place (Barcelona for us).  Others look for an extended voyage that shows them many different places in the world, but doesn't necessarily have to transit 360 degrees of longitude.  Either is fine--as long as you follow your preference.

3.  Itinerary.  We were looking at Princess and MSC and the major consideration was that the MSC itinerary seemed more interesting to us.   A rule-of-thumb is a ration of 50%+ ports: 50%- sea days.  If you are doing a circumnavigation, you will not get around the fact that you will have several days of straight port days followed by several days of sea days.  It's just part of doing a world cruise.

4.  Comfortability with the Cruise Line.  It is advisable that you have sailed on what ever line you decide to book a world cruise on.  What is the service, food, inclusions like on each line?  Although that's not at all what we did.  When we decided to book our cruise we had not sailed on either Princess nor MSC.  Although we did a lot of research and were very well aware of the negative attitudes that many (most?) Americans had towards MSC.  However, we had lived in Europe for several years and assumed that it would be largely like going around the world in Italy (which largely it has).

 

Anyway, what ever your situation and preferences you have regarding these four considerations, I think you'll find the world cruise that is best for you.  I think that the biggest advice I have is that once you get on board, embrace the challenge.  We can all find things we don't like about any cruiseline/cruise ship (our recent cruise on the Regent Splendor wasn't perfect either), but realize that you will be on the ship for 100+ days, make the best of it!

 

Let us know which you decide to take.

JanR, 

Thanks so much for posting...I had wanted to do this years WC w MSC....Thankfully today I read the 2025 WC MSC Grandiosa is the itin I want to do.

I want the complete round the globe experience - I'll start & end in Italy).  I plan on marking an X on the pier when I first sail & hop on it when I disembark the final day.  I have travelled a great deal so many ports I just walk & have nice lunches & dinners in local establishments. 

I have travelled on MSC many times the last few years & like the Euro atmosphere(I'm American).  My first pick for a WC would been on QE@ or SS FRANCE RT NYC but I missed those boats by a few years(I did a leg of the WC on QE2 years ago & it was FABULOUS & I don't say that about anything really).

I like smaller ships but have no interest in anything longer than 3- 4 months onboard.

JanR  - do you have a blog or do you regularly post about your WC...or will you do a review upon your return - I & I'm sure many others would be very interested in your experience.....

Have a wonderful time - wherever you are....

thank you!!!

I

I've done both a TA & The 4th July cruise w Cunard.

They do have a little bit of difference in that the TA is more relaxed & dressy...all the sea days give people time to really enjoy the ship & its activities with not having to rush for touring different ports. Also more time to enjoy cocktail hour & dressing formally for the evenings(the temps are also cooler usually).

The 4th 0f July cruise is a little more lively in that its a major holiday & the Fireworks are truly wonderful to see from the deck of a ship.  The first time I did the 4th cruise was on QE2 & the last one on QM.  I never saw people misbehaving like on a Carnivore Cruise & also it was more lively than a Holland America cruise.  nice mix of people enjoying the ship & all the activities.  The ports are easy to explore on your own or w a tour guide.

I like a TA instead of flying to & from Europe, dressing up & relaxing.  I've lived in NYC for close to 40 years & the 4th of July cruise was so easy - just a 10 minute cab ride to the ship and my holiday started. The only downside was the cruise was only 7 days.

Saying that putting the TA together w the 4th of July cruise is a wonderful idea.....just go & enjoy...the weather will be warmer in NY & Boston so you'll enjoy the outside areas of the ship.  

As far as dressing for dinner etc - most people who sail on CUNARD are aware of the dress codes & enjoy it....the others really aren't a concern.

about 3 years ago the cost of an assisted living apt in NY for one person was $7500 monthly which included 3 meals, no medical expenses.  The apartments were nice in an upscale Sheraton type hotel /residence.

Bon Voyage Dahling Roscoe.....

Son at last all is well with the world(or at least the bubbled world you & I live in,,, obviously not together but on opposite sides of the globe)

Most importantly of all / more than # of life boats or if the Astors are onboard...HOW MANY PAIRS OF SHOES DID YOU PACK???

Have an absolutely faboo voayage - I know the other passengers, crew & Captain will now that you are once again onboard!!!

Champagne for everyone....Well hello Roscoe, yes hello Roscoe...its so nice to have you back where you belong.....

Its probably more advantageous to think about all those CRYSTAL CRUISES passengers that were  burnt by the collapse / bankruptcy of the line & the many many passengers that were & are out thousands of dollars in  booking payments.

So basically 2 old ships are rehabbed to accommodate more passengers at higher rates with the premise of paying upfront of deposits without even proving the line can deliver what it promises.

Buyer beware!!!

It's not just Crystal(old or new) it's how business is conducted today.  A fool & their money will soon be parted!!!

On 1/20/2023 at 4:18 AM, roscoe39 said:

Hey Oslo,

 

I am joining the QV on 7 February in San Francisco and will be blogging on 

http://butarewethereyet.blogspot.com

which is a continuation of my cruising blogs and picking up after the South American 2020 voyage....only sidelined over the last two years by the dreaded lurgy.

 Ill start it in the next few days.

 

regards Roscoe

Oh Dahling.....thank goodness you qill be back at sea...MOST IMPORTANTLY...HOW MANY PAIRS OF SHOES????

Hugs

A friend just emailed an itin on an RCCL sailing to ST Petersburg in 2024....IMO - is RCCL kidding me....

with Russia's long standing attitude about the gay community & its current war against UKRAINE...why would anyone in their right mind go to Russia...for any reason>>>

RCCL *****????

52 minutes ago, CDNPolar said:

While I appreciate your comments and concerns at various points of your reply here, I am a married gay man that works with Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, and the UK.  My husband is Chinese and I am white Canadian.  I work with cultures that don't openly accept me as gay.  I have run diversity councils for my current company and other companies.  I am a beacon for inclusion in everything that I do... 

 

I have to respectfully state that from purely MY PERSPECTIVE you may be looking for too much especially from tour operators in countries like Jakarta.  I do not think that you cannot expect all these people in countries like this to be open and inclusive.  Being gay may not fit their norm at all and that is not Viking's fault.  We as LGBT people - again in my personal opinion - must be aware that we may live in a culture and society that is welcoming and open, but many of the countries that we choose to visit are not as advanced or open in their thinking.

 

I am sorry that you found Viking crew to not be open and inclusive because that has not been our experience on now 7 Viking cruises.  That is unfortunate for sure.

 

As much as I am an ongoing advocate for diversity and inclusion, I do strongly believe that we are not in a global state where we can expect this in every corner of the world that we travel.

 

Just my opinion, and not meant in any way to offend.

Thank you CDNPolar for putting into words my same thoughts about the original post.  The world has turned into a "ME/MY" society ...when in  reality its an "US" world.  I grew up in the suburbs of NY, worked & lived in NYC for 40 years and after travelling on cruises & land holidays from Connecticut to the Great Wall, South America  & most of Europe - whether solo or w my partner, I never once encountered a problem.  I respect other cultures  and conduct myself accordingly.  I'm no shrinking flower either.  I worked in corporate & my partner was a polceman.

Any local where I believe we might encounter a problem I / we:

1. avoid the area

2 do not support the economy

3 never return.

But certainly never once did I have a problem being gay onboard any ship w multi nationalities...I first sailed in the early 1970's and still love being at sea.

Maybe the originial poster is not a sinclusive as he would like the world to be.

I am an American from NY & travelled a great deal all my life...the Italian lines were always the best...and FUN!!!

On MSC I found the European atmosphere more to my liking...I'll never sailed on a Carnival cruise & never will...even lines owned by Carnivore Corp have watered down entertainment compared to MSC.

Also the European passengers know how to have fun...each evening people were up dancing in the various lounges & even the pool games were fully embraced.

I'm not one for the mega ships & sailed in MSC ships for at least 12 years now - I really enoy the experience.

On 12/9/2022 at 11:46 AM, DenGNNJ said:

I would like to think, no… it’s not about getting older.  I feel it’s more about not only wanting to have longer vacation experiences, but also having the opportunities to be able to do so.  
 

Our next cruise is 17 nights, Australia/New Zealand… we’ll be away from home a few days shy of four weeks so yes, we’re definitely doing what you described. We always look for cruises that are longer than seven nights and if we can’t find one that suits us, we always extend on the front and back ends.  
 

The only exception to that would be Bermuda, Canada, or other cruises where there is no flying involved to get to/from the cruise port (Cape Liberty NJ or NYC).

Thats funny   - I too try to avoid the 7 day or less cruises - even for Bermuda - next time I'll do 2 7 day cruises...Bermuda is wonderful.

Also it seems that it doesn't matter the # of days...it all goes too fast.  Your australia cruise should be wonderful...its definitely worth extending since its such a long flight...enjoy evrty minute.

Just now, RICHARD@SEA said:

Don't mess with Mother Nature....

 

back in the 1990's I was a cruise to Bermuda on the Celebrity Zenith that sailed out of NYC.  There was a reported storm  - the idiot of a captain decided to sail anyway - Cunard decided to keep the QE2 in NYC an extra day to avoid the same storm.

Well we went through HELL - I'm talking passengers & furniture being tossed around, the ship went into lock down & we were 24 hours late docking in Hamilton Bermuda.  Many passengers left the ship in Bermuda & flew home.

 

When we disembarked the ship in Bermuda - the front of the hull was dented in several places due to the pounding of waves against it during the storm.  The Zenith was fairly new at the time.....

 

After more than 40+ cruises - it was the worst storm I ever encountered & the last time I was on a Celebrity ship.

 

Rogue waves can occur anytime - its not the Captains or ships fault  - its just Mother Nature!!!

PS -

In the case of the Bermuda cruise I was on  - it was the Captains fault...the ship never should of left NYC

Don't mess with Mother Nature....

back in the 1990's I was a cruise to Bermuda on the Celebrity Zenith that sailed out of NYC.  There was a reported storm  - the idiot of a captain decided to sail anyway - Cunard decided to keep the QE2 in NYC an extra day to avoid the same storm.

Well we went through HELL - I'm talking passengers & furniture being tossed around, the ship went into lock down & we were 24 hours late docking in Hamilton Bermuda.  Many passengers left the ship in Bermuda & flew home.

When we disembarked the ship in Bermuda - the front of the hull was dented in several places due to the pounding of waves against it during the storm.  The Zenith was fairly new at the time.....

After more than 40+ cruises - it was the worst storm I ever encountered & the last time I was on a Celebrity ship.

Rogue waves can occur anytime - its not the Captains or ships fault  - its just Mother Nature!!!

after being on ships for years(back to the 1970's when you could open a port hole in the cabin) and loved being at sea, I have cut back on the # of cruises I plan to take for a couple of reasons.

I believe covid is now just a fact of life  - something the human race will have to live with until a cure is found...I am vaccinated & boosted & try to stay away from gatherings where it might be a problem.  I do travel but more land based trips ...mostly in the US & Europe.

After 2 cruises being cancelled & one w Cunard on QM2 this past July I am cautious. In July the nite before the cruise CUNARD sent an email offering a full refund due to the corona virus situation onboard(this was the 7 day July 4 th sailing out of NYC)  I opted out & just unpacked.

First lesson is being personally responsible for choices made.

Second lesson is always having travel insurance( this was not an issue in July as Cunard initiated the offer of full refund).  

 Third lesson is to be fully aware of what's happening.  I really miss being at sea  but not at the risk of my health. I believe today that corporations act solely in their own profitable interests.  I sometimes laugh when people expect compensation or the corporates to do whats best for their customers(I am not a guest or family on a ship as I PAID $$$ for my passage).  Look at Crystal Cruise Line that went bust & left many customers without their payments for future cruises in the dust.  And yet there are people that await the resurrection / recreation of Crystal...a fool & his money....  Or even other cruise lines  that had reports from passengers being left stranded in ports during covid close downs(some world cruise passengers have detailed these experiences).  The poor crew & how they were treated.

so hopefully I'll be back at sea ...but w real expectation & precautions taken to ensure a safe journey.

On 11/24/2022 at 12:59 PM, JoshuaLifter said:

I agree completely! So tempted to do one this winter, my son would be estactic, but the North Atlantic in the winter? IDK Could be a cool adventure!

The North Atlantic can be a crap shoot..I did  a West bound on QE2 in November(years ago) & the ocean was like glass.  another westbound in May on Prinsendam(16 days NYC to Barcelona) was a wild ride...thankfully both ships were built to handle TA's.

I've done a 13 day carib out of NYC on QM2 in February & she handled the ocean down the coast quite well...the design & size of the ship made the difference.  I wouldn't suggest a TA anytime of year on a smaller "CRUISE SHIP", as their  shallow draft does not make for  such a comfortable ride.

Another point to consider is having a midship cabin - you won't feel the motion as much.  As much as I think the suites in Queens & Princess Grills are wonderful they tend to be too high up & too far forward or aft.  Back in 2002 I sailed in QE2 on the first leg of her world cruise - I chose a One Deck midship cabin(the old first class deck) where alot of the repeat world cruise passengers were.  These repeaters / old salts always said they felt bad for the passengers that chose the newer forward upper suites.... you didn't want to be there crossing the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans...and certain other areas.

Children will have plenty to do & they are pampered by passengers, crew & officers alike.

Queen Mary 2 is a one off & there may never be a ship like her built again - I'm looking to book the Rome to NYC in June for one last ride....  go for it!!!

Just to throw in more info:

I booked the Virtuosa for 21 days RT Southampton. in January 2023.  I'm an American citizen travelling to London for 6 days & then down to Southampton to board Virtuosa.  

as I understand it MSC has several embark ports along the way, Hamburg being another embark port.  

I have sailed in MSC for several years - out of US ports so it should be interesting to see the difference in the Euro cruise.  I've sailed on cruises since the 1970's & find MSC a nice modern product that suits me.  I have a Fantastica Balcony cabin & usually eat late.

this is also my first post covid cruise(I booked QM2 back in July & cancelled the nite before due to covid onboard the ship - per a Cunard notice sent to myself & TA).

should be interesting.....so there will be at least one Amerocan onboard.

19 minutes ago, JoshuaLifter said:

Thank you so much, I think it will be a great adventure, we have done some repositioning cruises, and I actually look forward to those sea days. We have met some great guys, I was just curiouse what a longer stretch at sea would be like.

The sea days are up to you really - I've find I fall into a rhythm that can change whenever I like - I'm doing a 21 day cruise in January w 8 sea days dispersed.  On the TA's I took - the days sort fly by as there is lots to choose to do or not.  On QM2 its almost magical to think you are crossing the Atlantic Ocean - the week does go by quickly & the newer ships have lots of facilities ( gym, spa, sauna) and I imagine  important for you lots of activities for children.  

there usually is lgbq meet & greets and music, shows, pubs & just watching the ocean go by to pass the days.  Meals are a little bit more leisurely...  you'll also probably meet other men like yourself to join activities with. People are friendly & its up to you whether or not to join in.  Your son will have ample opportunities to meet other children.  The crews onboard tend to take extra care in making sure the chi;dren are ok & having fun.

The first & last days are a blur w boarding & disembarking but the days in between are up to you....you'll find you & your son falling into bed, sleeping well & up the next day excited to do a repeat.

Go for it - it already sounds like you are ready to make a reservation. Have  great time.  I'm planning on taking a ship back & forth to Europe as often asi can - sure beats flying!!! 

thank you.... I'll arrive around 3-4 pm... I'll have 21 days onboard so I'm in no rush.

I chose a 4:00 pm flight from Heathrow so I'm not really concerned about disembarking...hope this way I'll miss most of the crazy w embark / disembarking....

After many cruises since 1975(I was a baby) and a 16 day Transatlantic crossing my longest - I just booked a 21 day Euro cruise where I'll spend a week in London before boarding the ship.  I was thinking of doing a full world cruise but covid put the breaks on that(I recently had one cruise cancelled the nite before sailing, by the cruise line, due to a high # of covid cases onboard).

Now i find myself looking at longer cruises & even spending a month or 2 on a ship floating around someplace warm during the winter.

I now use the ships more as a mode of getting from point a to b... Transatlantic  crossings instead of flying & then travelling on land to the places I want to see,

is it a symptom of getting older or just that its so easy to do these days...anyone else finding themselves doing this???

Hello Josh -

You'll probably get quite a few replies as the TA's are becoming more popular.

You're fortunate in that you live in FL(so it seems) & there are many options leaving from Miami & Port Everglades.  In the spring & fall there are many repo cruises to choose from...so pick a few ports you are interested in & go from there.  You might also like flying to a port in Europe & returning to Mia by ship.  I recently found a 13 day on the Queen Mary that leaves Rome(Cittavicci) to London to NYC - I'm booked already.  I have to decide on the Eastbound crossing soon.

I've done several TA's, from the classic 5 day on QE2 (NYC to Southampton)to a 16 day NY to Barcelona on the HAL Prinsendam.  I'm looking at doing 2 this spring One eastbound , then 6 weeks in Italy & one TA westbound back home.

There are many lines so if you have a favorite look into that one first.  The newer ships have very good gym facilities.  The itinerary is a big factor in that your enjoyment / tolerance for seas days can be a deciding factor.  I love being at sea, but 8 days straight of ocean can be a bit much.

Saying that I have to say the time flies as there ares o many options of things to do onboard & you'll most likely meet other people to join &  have fun with - so don't let the longer crossings scare you.

Also depending on your son's age the facilities onboard will be a factor for you.  Again, the newer ships tend to have dedicated teen / youth facilities - so your son could meet others his own age.

The lines tend to pull out all the  stops for entertainment for TA's including special speakers etc.  and most lines have FOD get togethers.

I'm leaving in 7 weeks for a 21 day cruise around Europe and I only wish part was a TA!!!

Go for it!

The cruise I booked for January 2023 has a sailing time of 8PM out of Southampton.

I'll be in London for the week before boarding & taking a private transfer.  Has anyone boarded in Southampton closer to sailing time - for myself I'm looking at 4-6 pm time slot.

Thank you.