neptuno

Having sailed many MSC cruises out of FL, Poesia, Divina, Seaside and finally Meraviglia, we found Merviglia disapointing, mostly for the lack of dance venues.  While architecturally remarkable, the Galleria is unique and marvelous, perhaps the most stunning shipside architecture we have experienced, there simply was not a great dance venue going, like on previous MSC cruises.  Even the staff agreed.  Perhaps it was due to the eastern european music director who  was a great musician in his own right, but perhaps uneducated in Caribbean music?

This a good topic, hope others will respond.  Personally we have no desire to cruise in the near future, however we miss the opportunity.  MSC is lacking in hygiene but still a fun experience.  Difficult to dismiss.

Glad you are happy!

Refunds are still slow to non-existant.  Please let us know if you have received yours?

Well, having loved MSC and been unrequited when they changed the Club Rules, we would have been Black Card now.  But, knowing that MSC is just looking out for nobody but  themselves, not even customer loyalty, we are convinced they are still a CARGO line.  And I say this hoping they will listen...and invest in their customer relations.

Just wondering?

Well, glass boxes or whatever, just can not get excited about cruising again until there is a vaccine or something.  Every cruise has close quarters, and if you are older or compromised is it worth the risk of death?

lucky 'brits have more consumer protection.

Seriously?  How can you verify this info?  Sounds like the time Poesia ran aground years ago.  Is this storm related?

Does anyone know if the ships sailed away, or could they ride out Arthur with engines at anchor?

Yes, you can show up anytime, but be prepared to wait in line.

Well if you can get trip cancellation insurance, even if they are scheduling, hurricane season may be a large factor.

Well, with the current storm brewing, maybe a few more?

2 hours ago, cruisingator2 said:

... My credit card company will not play games with MSC...

This is the best way one can secure a refund, challenge the credit card billing.

Interesting there was little about screening crew?  How many times have you been served by a coughing wait person on MSC?  For us, it was frequent on MSC.  In fact, we have come home sick off MSC about 50% of the time.

9 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

The short answer is YES! Other cruise lines are providing refunds. 

 

 

  Even the biggest fans of MSC acknowledge that shore side service has been historically shabby.

Why so slow on refunds?

Sorry to hear that you too are having problems with MSC, as are many others while this company is most likely experiencing severe cash flow problems.  Without knowing the particulars of your cancellation, perhaps you will find recourse through your credit card company?

3 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

@Bob7 unless I misread the statement, I believe that Neptuno received a refund for a past sailing (not a corona cancelled sailing). I am unaware of anyone seeing a Corona cash Refund yet. I was certainly one of the very first to request a cash refund (3/14). I don't believe they were offering them much before that. I'm still waiting.  If I'm wrong, I hope Neptuno corrects me.

You are correct, not a Corona cancellation.  I received a relatively prompt refund from MSC for a cancelled reservation on Divina before the virus issues.  Having said that, there was no email confirmation from MSC.  I had to copy every email address I had, including Voyagers Club.  And then even, no confirmation of my cancellation.  Just a refund about two weeks later.

Ocean Cay has no shelter for big ships.  There is no way they could mothball their Caribbean fleet there.

We have sailed both Seaside and Meraviglia in the Caribbean, and found them to be two entirely different ships.  While Seaside was designed with an abundance of tropical outdoor spaces to sit, read, and dine Meraviglia would be a better choice for cold weather.  The Galleria on Meraviglia was an outstanding design of genius and quite an enjoyable place to stroll indoors any time of the day or night.  However, our personal taste for live dance music was not fulfilled aboard Meraviglia, perhaps just a passing problem, but something to consider.  As for dining, both were similar out of Miami, three short Americanized seatings;  rushed to end by elevated lighting, and for us quite disappointing.  BTW, the seven course dinner menu has disappeared from North America.  Both ships have a much smaller main theater than of traditional ships.  While the shows were short, we were not inclined to schedule into them.

Reportedly, the Achille Lauro eventually burned and sank under MSC ownership.  We all hope that MSC can re-elevate its cruise brand to command the respect of those it supposedly serves,  its customers.  Our experience with MSC over nearly a decade has been frustrated by a lack of organization at the customer service level here in North America.  Cannot speak as to their European corporate operation in the cruise business, but they certainly know how to move cargo.

According to Wikipedia, Lauro lines went bankrupt and the Achille Lauro was taken over under a charter agreement by Chandris Lines (now Celebrity) in 1985 shortly before the hijacking.

Sorry to hear that MSC would take advantage of you like that.  Sometimes they are clueless.  When they would not refund my deposit after I cancelled prior to final payment I escalated to the credit card company.  It took four months, but I got my deposit back.

Skier Pete, like you we have done it the hardway, only to be gypped by MSC when they changed the program.  While we do not have any malice towards anyone from another line who gets "matched", it was very cruel of MSC to dump us and then not even offer to "match" our previous status as loyal cruisers.