MSC Magnifica, 21 Aug 2010, Venice - Anyone else booked?

[mahondi2389]

Hi all. Okay, I'm brand new to this. My sister (seasoned cruiser) and I have booked our cruise as stated above. I'm excited and a little intimidated. Last time I was on a ship (NCL to Cancun, Ocho Rios etc.) I was sick for the first 4 days and my husband was sick for the last 3 days. That was 30 yrs ago and it's taken me this long to get up the nerve to get on another cruise. I'll be sure to take plenty of sea sickness meds this time. I've read a lot about MSC and it seems a little harsh, but I'm thinking that's just the American way. We tend to be critical. I find myself doing that and I have been living in Italy for the past year and a half and I have to keep reminding myself that it's a different culture, not better, not worse, just different and I try to learn something from each experience whether it's food, road signs or customer service. I'm planning on going on the cruise, having a great time, not getting sea sick. Any new advice would be appreciated and hope to meet up with some other folks who will be on this cruise as well. Ciao for now.:)

[Misty1937]

Hi all. Okay, I'm brand new to this. My sister (seasoned cruiser) and I have booked our cruise as stated above. I'm excited and a little intimidated. Last time I was on a ship (NCL to Cancun, Ocho Rios etc.) I was sick for the first 4 days and my husband was sick for the last 3 days. That was 30 yrs ago and it's taken me this long to get up the nerve to get on another cruise. I'll be sure to take plenty of sea sickness meds this time. I've read a lot about MSC and it seems a little harsh, but I'm thinking that's just the American way. We tend to be critical. I find myself doing that and I have been living in Italy for the past year and a half and I have to keep reminding myself that it's a different culture, not better, not worse, just different and I try to learn something from each experience whether it's food, road signs or customer service. I'm planning on going on the cruise, having a great time, not getting sea sick. Any new advice would be appreciated and hope to meet up with some other folks who will be on this cruise as well. Ciao for now.:)

Hi Mahondi and welcome to cruise critic.

 

I have not cruised on Magnifica but on Musica & Opera and thoroughly enjoyed both. I see there are now postings saying how lovely your ship is. With you attitude I am sure you will enjoy the experience and there are now so many good remedies for sea sickness.

 

Regarding meeting others cruising with you may I suggest you go into MSC Roll Calls and post there as that is the best place to meet other cruisers on your particular cruise. We did this and met up with some wonderful people from other countries who we shared private tours in the ports with. We found those tours much cheaper and also not so rushed and crowded.

 

Best wishes for a great cruise, Misty

[AmoMondo]

Welcome mahondi

 

I think that the fact you have been living in Italy will mean you will have less problems with MSC than some others have. You are not accustomed to how the US llines currently do things, so are not going to be going with certain preconceived notions of what should happen. Don't expect you'll be incensed because jugs of ice water won't appear on your table and things like that. being surrounded by booisterous Italians is unlikly to faze you either if you've been living along side them for a while.

 

As for being seasick, the med in August is realtively calm normally. There is a chance of unseasonal storm, but it is not going to last your entire cruise. If you last sailed 30 years ago, then the ship you were on was most likely a tiddler in comparison to the behemoth ships of today. They really do ride rough weather well. In the unlikely event they encounter rough seas, they'll put the stabilisers on. Places to avoid in these circumstances are the highest decks at the bows, as you'll feel the motion more there.

 

It is highly unlikely that you are going to feel ill, but if you do, you'll be able to get sea sick medicine from reception (usually free of charge). if for any reason you feel really bad, then the ship's doctor or nurse can provide an injection which sorts you out in 15 to 20 mins.

 

Sailing out of Venice is a magical experience 9even for seasoned cruisers) and you are going to be going to be going to some interesting and exciting places on a beatiful new ship in the height of summer. I'd focus on that, and put sea sickness to the very back of your mind.

 

Hope you have a fantastci time

[Capricruiser]

Welcome Mahondi. We need more Italian commentary on the MSC forum. Don't worry, you'll have a great time on the Magnifica!