(bit of a long winded) Review on Sinfonia - Livorno to Durban Oct-Nov 2009

[AmoMondo]

Finally got around to finishing my review of my last cruise.

 

here's the link for anyone interested

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=62937.

[leedspice]

Hi A M

Even though I am going on a different Ship, I checked out your review and found it interesting and informative, what tips have you got for a first timer like me. Thanks

J

[sbtw13]

thanks for posting. I enjoyed reading your review. I can't believe people staged a sit in at disembarkation- what on earth did they think they were going to accomplish? What a way to ruin their holiday- because they didn't think they got everything they were entitled to....

I'm curious- I think the cruise before this for you was the Fantasia- how was switching to a smaller ship?

[Capricruiser]

Amo, I enjoyed your review very much. That is a cruise I would like to take some day. Glad to hear that you were able to get it with the single supplement waived, and that MSC made a nice effort to appease you regarding the currency issue. I cruise both MSC and Costa but I'm beginning to like MSC more.

[AmoMondo]

thanks for posting. I enjoyed reading your review. I can't believe people staged a sit in at disembarkation- what on earth did they think they were going to accomplish? What a way to ruin their holiday- because they didn't think they got everything they were entitled to....

I'm curious- I think the cruise before this for you was the Fantasia- how was switching to a smaller ship?

Actually, the Fantasia was my first and only experience of a bigger 9enormous) ship. Sinfonia is pretty much the same as the Opera and Lirica that I've cruised on previously, but my first impression waiting to board and when I got onboard was how small it seemed and not so glitzy (others were raving about ho beautiful it was). That said, i did the fantasia with a friend, so loved it. Not so sure I'd have felt the same if I'd be on a long journey on my own. Suree I like all the extra frills but there is something so much more friendlier about the smaller ships and that was really a big factor on the Durban trip

[AmoMondo]

Hi A M

Even though I am going on a different Ship, I checked out your review and found it interesting and informative, what tips have you got for a first timer like me. Thanks

J

 

Thanks Jane

 

Without being too long winded

- go with an open mind and be prepared to enjoy yourself

- go to the embarkation talk that will be held on the first day - it will give you a chance to meet other English speaking passengers, the English Host and learn the ropes of ship life

- don't waste space in your luggage packing beac towels (I did on my first cruise) - they provide them at the pool and for going ashore

- always read the daily programme - it tells you all the stuff that is on the next day, where and when, as well as dress code for dinner and the cocktail of the day!

- definitely go to the shows - one of their really strong points

- make sure you have the toiletries you like with you - they have a shop with basics but not much of a selection and very expensive

-the ship is a cashless society, so take a small handbag/evening bag with you as you won't be needing to cart as much stuff around with you in the evenings as you would on a conventoinal holiday - but avoid one with a magnetised fastener as it demagnitises your cruise card and will mean you can't get in to your cabin and will have to trail doen to reception to get it fixed

-Most importantly - have a blast!

 

Mairi:)

[leedspice]

Thanks Mairi, particularly looking forward to cocktail of the day! I was wondering about the compulsary service charge they add to your bill. Do you just pay this and not worry about giving extra tips?

[MMDown Under]

Was delighted to come across your review on your MSC cruise to South Africa.

 

As you'd said it was "long winded", I made a cup of tea, because I knew I was in for a treat, reading your review.

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to go into so much detail, which will be of invaluable assistance to anyone planning a similar trip, plus anyone cruising on MSC for the first time.

 

Pleased you received a good response from MSC to your valid written complaint.

 

You are a gem, Mairi.

[AmoMondo]

Thanks Mairi, particularly looking forward to cocktail of the day! I was wondering about the compulsary service charge they add to your bill. Do you just pay this and not worry about giving extra tips?

 

Ah you're a woman after my own heart!

 

I always leave the service charge on my account (although technically you can increase, decrease or remove it by filling in a form at the Accounts Desk). I also usually tip a bit extra in cash to anyone that I come in to contact with a lot and have looked after me well ( cabin steward, or waiter or sometimes a bar men - especially the ones that save me a seat at the bar and have my drink lined up for me as I walk in!) You don't have to do that though, it is up to you. If you do decide to tip a bit extra to someone, you don't do it during the cruise (you don't carry cash around with you onboard), hand it out on the last evening.

[AmoMondo]

Was delighted to come across your review on your MSC cruise to South Africa.

 

As you'd said it was "long winded", I made a cup of tea, because I knew I was in for a treat, reading your review.

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to go into so much detail, which will be of invaluable assistance to anyone planning a similar trip, plus anyone cruising on MSC for the first time.

 

Pleased you received a good response from MSC to your valid written complaint.

 

You are a gem, Mairi.

 

Thanks marion

 

I always think that a calm rational letter of complaint without being hysterical or widely exaggerating the situation usually works just fine. In fact i was just contacted by them again to offer me a plcae on the pre Christening do on the new Magnifica at the end of the month in Southampton. It was only 1 night but it was in a Yacht Club suite and I'm absolutely gutted that with work commitments, I had to decline!

[MMDown Under]

Thanks marion

 

In fact i was just contacted by them again to offer me a plcae on the pre Christening do on the new Magnifica at the end of the month in Southampton. It was only 1 night but it was in a Yacht Club suite and I'm absolutely gutted that with work commitments, I had to decline!

 

What a pity, Mairi.