travelberlin

Friends of us have done it. Full prices. Do not expect to become cheaper fares on Yacht Club. It would not be fair for the ones who book in advance. Yacht Club is known by its better product than normal MSC experience. It might be worth it for you to book that experience in advance. Ivi

All cruises in the Mediterranean are hop on hop off with MSC. Ivi

To the OP, the entertainment from MSC is one of the best on a cruise ship. Spectacular performances in the theater (cirque of soleil type of performance included). And most important the Italian core with Opera performers (I love that). To a certain point it is for me like a seal of quality for an Italian cruise line. There is a basic quality and users from MSC cruises all over the world like to see the consistency in the type of entertainment offered Having said that, MSC offers regional type of entertainment. I have been on Ships sailing from Brasil who had Brasilian performers. Bosanova, Samba, etc. Ships from Argentinian had performers from Argentina, like tango, Malambo, etc. On several cruises in Spain and Portugal, there were flamenco dancers, fado singers, etc. I imagine that on the US sailings, US type of entertainment is also included (what would that be? Country music? Comedians? Magicians?). Even though MSC sails from US ports, I hope it will not loose the internationality nor the Italian way of cruising. Many South Americans for example sail with MSC from US ports, because MSC is friendly towards the Spanish or Portuguese speaking guests. Sailing from US ports is from my point of view not only to attract US guests but also to offer guests from every where, the possibility to sail from USA without the limitation of having to be fluent in English. Besides that, there are plenty of Royal Caribbean or Carnival Ships, which serve the US market for those guests who prefer not to have the internationally type of public that MSC has. Ivi

Smart casual is the best way to go. We have dressed more elegant during Christmas holidays but not really formal dresses. For the New years eve, white is the dress code for us, and on Azamara ships it is often also the white night. Ivi

I don’t think that you will be doing much dancing on Azamara in South America or somewhere else. The ships are very quiet in the night. One nice opportunity for dancing, is the white night. But it does not last long either. And Ballroom dancing? I have not seen it onboard. Ivi

Which ports would you be visiting during your cruise? We have enjoyed Norway very much. The Fiords are fantastic. All Norwegian ports have their charm. One port I like is Alesund. Another one is Molde. And of course Bergen. Ivi

Porto Venere is one of my favorite Italian Ports. Easy to do things on your own. I would prefer to visit Cinque Terre during a longer stay, but it is also one of the shore excursions usually offered from Porto Venere. Ivi

We will also sail from Santos. Good to know that there is a test station within the terminal building. I hope that we find a place the day before but unfortunately it is Sunday. I will check with the places you have mentioned. Ivi

The antigen test is very simple. Each time I had to take one, it was done immediately on site and there is no need of a laboratory. Results in 15 minutes. I will try to find out a place like a pharmacy or a test station for that. PCR is a different story. PCR has to be analyzed in Laboratory. Ivi

I think internet is free in Yacht Club. Is this correct ? Ivi

This seems expensive to me. And a rapid antigen test which usually takes 15 minutes would take 3 hours? I am also looking for places for the antigen test before my cruise either for Sao Paulo or Santos. Ivi

It is indeed quite far. Chioggia appears to be a lovely place but it is just not easy to access from Venice or from the Venice Airport. Due to this port of embarkation being difficult for us to access we have decided against our cruise with Azamara departing from Chioggia 😔. We continue searching… Ivi

Thanks I am looking at the one departing on April 22nd. Ivi

When in April is your cruise? Are you departing from Venice? Ivi

Thanks for this suggestion. I have done that for a voyage I am considering and there is nothing in terms of Azamazing Evening. It will be very disappointing if nothing would be planned. How many months in advance the Azamazing Evenings are planned now? The voyage I am looking at is in April. Ivi

I am planning a cruise leaving from Venice in April next year. We are hesitating because of not knowing where actually will Azamara dock. I was with Azamara many times in San Basilio and it is a pity that that port can not be used anymore. After reading that Azamara would return to Venice starting April 2023, I was very glad, but now it looks like the probably docking places are not in central Venice like San Basilio, but somewhere else. Ivi

Thanks a lot for your review. I am enjoying reading it. If you are still onboard, could you please find out what are the benefits of booking on board? Is there on board credit? How much for a 7 night cruise? Ivi

Unfortunately MSC is still requiring tests for the Grand Voyages. I hope they will change this policy. The tests pre cruise are not stopping COVID onboard. We came back infected with COVID from a cruise with MSC despite the requirement of every body presenting a negative test to board. Lots of inconvenience to find the place to get the test and at the end it did not stop infection. Ivi

Thanks for your review. I hope you remain healthy. We had a packed MSC ship some months ago. We were sick with COVID after debarking. Many people coughing and not wearing masks or keeping distance. Ivi

What is the dress code on those parties for Yacht Club members? Ivi

What is the earliest you can embark if you are booked on Yacht Club? Ivi

As someone who sails MSC quite often and not just on Yacht Club, I am curious how come you call non Yacht Club guests a “herd”. This is quite narrow minded in my opinion. Ivi

Unfortunately it happens with other cruise lines also. For example the extinct Crystal and also with Azamara. Ivi

Every time I see this type of experience, I rush to check at my booking 😃. Until now everything Ok. Ivi

Unbelievable! Fortunately I have never traveled with such rude people. Ivi