puschi1906

We did see a short line at the ticket counter. But there are ticket machines as well which accept credit cards, no line there at all 🙂 

Europe is big 🙂 I do research on tipping habits before I go to a European country I haven't been to yet. Here in Germany for example we do tip at restaurants, 5 - 10 % of the bill. But 15 - 20 % like in the US would be way too much (even though it would make the waiter happy 😉 )

I never tip at cruise ports in Europe or Airports. 

Take a look at https://www.civitatours.com/en/

They do transfers and have very good reviews. We need a shuttle from the port to the airport.

On 4/7/2019 at 1:29 AM, rkacruiser said:

Forgive this question if it offends, but I am just starting to research a MSC booking.  Why does this issue cause concern?

It does not cause concern to everyone. I don't care much for chocolate or icecream, so it doesn't affect my cruise pleasure 🙂 I have the old classic package. 

https://www.taxi211211.de/en/services/cruise-center.htm

That's our biggest taxi company. 

18 minutes ago, realnamez said:

That's good to know. Thanks puschi1906! I appreciate your feedback as locals.

And thanks for the tip of taxi app! Will definitely check it out.

Are you arriving July 7th? On that day the Orchestra is the only cruise ship in Hamburg. 

At Altona cruise terminal there are normally enough Taxis waiting. You can also use the App "mytaxi Hamburg". On a Sunday morning 30 minutes taxi ride or less should be realistic  (on a week day in rush hour much longer). If the ship arrives in time you should be able to catch your flight 🙂

The only reason we booked Fantastica is that we can choose our dining time. 9:30 pm would be way too late for us. We are Europeans but not from Southern Europe 😉 We are not used to eat dinner that late. 

If you are fine with any dining option you get assigned to,  there is no need to spend extra money on the Fantastica experience. 

48 minutes ago, Aplmac said:

.

CAN Dover even accommodate such a large ship?

 

I have no idea -just asking a question..

I don't know. But all cruiseships which go to Dover so far are much smaller. 

I just read that the roller coaster has a high restriction of maximum 76 inches. That's a real bummer for my husband as he is taller than that 😕

On the German Carnival website it says Southampton. But who knows.... 🙂

On 1/25/2019 at 9:20 PM, Zephyr173 said:

Hi John,

 

It is quite a short ride in Kiel.  Around 5 minutes, 10Euros including tip for the luggage.  In fact, even with luggage it is close enough to walk, and the sidewalks along the water are nice and even.

 

It is simple to get from Hamburg Hbf to the airport, with  the S1 line of the U-Bahn.  However, I Don't know exactly how to effect that trip, as we were in Hamburg before our cruise, but went to Berlin after it.  In that direction, the S1 line splits at Olhsdorf; one arm goes to the airport , the other to Poppenbüttel😩.

 

Patrick

It's simple: The first 3 cars of the S-Bahn (train) go to the airport 🙂 

We are docking in Toulon as well and I have no idea yet what we are doing there. Found this wine tour: http://bandolwinetours.com/english/shore-excursions.html

But I am still in the process of researching. 

Hank, this is not only a matter of Americans. You will find it everywhere that people travel to another country and complain. I've read many reviews about US-American cruiselines which depart from Germany (like NCL does) and Germans complain that "the breakfast is too American, it is not a German standard!" oder "The entertainment is very American!" and other things. Of course not... it is not a German cruise line... I can only shake my head and wonder about my fellow citicens.

I just received a reply from the German customer service (after my 3rd question about the 8 USD limit in the old classic package regarging to the new prices of drinks) which I don't understand... I translated it to English: 

We would like to inform you that the price restriction is valid for the newly introduced packages.

According to the information of the responsible department, a folder with the description of the old and the new packages will be available on board for information on the tables in the bars and restaurants. 

We ask for your understanding.

12 minutes ago, mlbdude said:

First bar hit on Divina with upgraded DOU to Classic, $8 maximum is holding.  With most drink prices matching Seaside mixed drinks are out.

 

Going to guest services now.

I am very curious what they are going to say.

The only thing that the customer service confirmed to me in their email reply is that the classic package we have is still valid in the specialty restaurants. 

18 minutes ago, sidari said:

You get what was in the Classic package 

That's what MSC told me. But they did not answer my question about the cocktails and I asked twice. My question was "In the description of the classic is stated that I get cocktails up to a price of $8. But there aren't any for this price in the new bar menus. So what do I get?". 

They didn't even answer that they don't know yet, they totally ignored the question. But following this thread I get aware of the fact that it is the same regardless which country... I dealt with the German customer service. 

Don't know about the Preziosa but Hamburg is a good choice (ok I have to admit that it is my hometown and I  am not objective 😉 ) and a cruise to Norway and its Fjords is absolutely beautiful! We did it this summer for the first time. 

1 hour ago, sidari said:

Seaside began using the new menus yesterday.

 So does anyone know by now how this affects the old classic package if you bought it before the change? Maybe we get some sort of information live from board 🙂

German page is OK now.

Not here...... I looked 1 Minute ago. I guess I just have to be patient. :halo:

Its ok. They had their towels out to reserve so they didnt miss out! ;p

:evilsmile::'):'):confused:

The German site still doesn't work :(

Thank you!

Yes, we dock in Punta Langosta with the MSC Seaside. So we take a Taxi now as we know where it is.

I found Captain Marvins, they offer different tour start times: https://www.captainmarvins.com

Unless it has moved again Hard Rock is in The Royal Village opposite International Pier, south of town.

 

As far as i know MSC, docks at Punta Langosta, the in town pier so you would need a taxi or long hot walk to Hard Rock.

Thanks. I guess we take a Taxi. I read that there are plenty and that they are reliable.