Any questions regarding Magnifica...

[rugbyfan]

Thanks for your great answers. Can I just clarify about the boarding? Our cruise is scheduled to leave Venice at 5pm so I am assuming we can't board until three hours before that. What time did your cruise depart? I assume it was much earlier since you boarded in the morning? I'm just hoping to work out what time to get to the port! Thanks again.:)

[Ann Halliday]

Our camera has a specialized rechargeable battery. I have a current converter. Will it be useable on the ship? Thanks.

[jmitchmpd]

Thanks for your great answers. Can I just clarify about the boarding? Our cruise is scheduled to leave Venice at 5pm so I am assuming we can't board until three hours before that. What time did your cruise depart? I assume it was much earlier since you boarded in the morning? I'm just hoping to work out what time to get to the port! Thanks again.:)

 

You're right, for some reason I was thinking we left our hotel the morning of the cruise earlier than we actually did. I honestly think we got to the port around 12:30 or so and honestly I don't think the whole process for us took much more than an hour. Whether this had anything to do with how quickly we got on I can't say but we did register online prior to the cruise and I do recommend that. As part of our vacation package we had a private water taxi take us from our hotel to the port and I think that picked us up at 11:30. If embarkation time was 2pm we must have been allowed onboard right at that time cause I know that we had enough time to go eat lunch before it closed. Sorry some of the details of this part are hazy, was still dealing with jet lag! Let me say this, it won't hurt to be there early. They have a huge building there at the port with plenty of seats, air conditioning, shops, bathrooms, etc. Better to wait there for a little while and get right on than wait in line for hours.

[jmitchmpd]

Our camera has a specialized rechargeable battery. I have a current converter. Will it be useable on the ship? Thanks.

 

They have both types of outlets onboard the ship, 110 and 220. You won't need the converter unless you stay somewhere before or after the cruise that doesn't have both outlets available.

[Atomica]

Overall I was pretty happy with the experience. If you speak English you must be prepared to feel like a minority and in some respects be treated as such. You must also be prepared for the Italian style of waiting in line, which means they just ram in front of you like you don't exist.

 

Some impressions of the ship...the pools are a little small and close fairly early. Some people seem to have a lot of issues with the dining aspects...no water at dinner (other than bottled), the late dining times, the lack of a dinner buffet, etc. IMHO, the food was decent for the most part (some misses for sure) but the course by course presentation each night did get a little old. The breakfast & luch buffets are ok, though there's not a lot of variety from day to day, especially at breakfast. Smoking is allowed in some areas of the ship (certain areas of the bars, casino, outside decks) so be prepared for that if that is a huge issue for you.

 

I have to say that my main purpose for going was the itinerary and what you got to see for the price, and with that being said, I was very satisfied and would do it again.

 

Thanks - your response was tremendously helpful!

[sally10]

Just returned from the May 29th - June 5th cruise on Magnifica. While everything is still relatively fresh in my mind I will be happy to try and answer any questions you may have. And btw, I'm American so my opinions are from that perspective.

 

Just wondering if many men were wearing their tuxs on the formal nights or is a smart suit acceptable?

[jmitchmpd]

Just wondering if many men were wearing their tuxs on the formal nights or is a smart suit acceptable?

 

 

I don't remember seeing anyone in a tux. Most men wore suits, especially the first formal night. The first formal night they really make a big deal out of it. They have free drinks and appetizers in a couple of the bars, they take lots of photos, and you have the opportunity to meet the captain and have your photo with him. The second formal night was not nearly as big of an affair and the dress was certainly not as formal. But a suit will be just fine, and trust me, I even saw a few jeans tucked in here and there.

[jimrobjo]

Hi,

Is it necessary to book trips off boat or are there buses etc handy for diy touring

thanks going next april

[AmoMondo]

Hi,

Is it necessary to book trips off boat or are there buses etc handy for diy touring

thanks going next april

 

Hi jimrobjo

 

Really depends on the ports in question. I've yet to encounter a port in the Med where it isn't possible to DIY by walking, bus, train or port shuttle and/or the occasional taxi.

 

I suggest that you look up each port on the ports of call section of this forum nd you'll find loads of tips on how to do ports on your own nd what there is to do too. I'm not a huge fan of Hop on Hop Off (HOHO) buses but they can be good for people with minimal experienc and language skills of the country in question. A lot of them have a stop at or near ports too.

[jimrobjo]

Thanks, very useful.

[No.1.cruiser]

Hello,

Thank you for offering info on your recent experience on the Magnifica. That is exactly what I need - recent experiences rather than opinions based on other posts. We are sailing in January 2011. So, I have a few questions for you:

 

1. Did you by any chance see the children facilities? If so, what did you think?

 

2. Was there a buffet open at night? We are worried about coming back from an excursion at a time that is too late for lunch but way too early for dinner.

 

3. What was the WATER situation in the dining room, Free or only for purchase?

 

4. Do you know if there is an OK beach near the port of Kataklon?

 

I will certainly appreciate your answers.

 

There's plenty to do for children and an Animation Team. They'll also enjoy the theatre acts (when the compere had finished his announcements in about 5 languages!) The excursions are all planned to get you back in time for various meals and there's always afternoon tea.

Water is Free from a dispenser in the buffet restaurant up to lunch time, then you pay for that, and tea or coffee at 2.5 Euros =15% Service Charge.

Katakolon has a flat beach only about 200-300 yards to the right, from where you dock, and the water is very shallow.......many cafes and little shops nearby.

[drblue]

There's plenty to do for children and an Animation Team. They'll also enjoy the theatre acts (when the compere had finished his announcements in about 5 languages!) The excursions are all planned to get you back in time for various meals and there's always afternoon tea.

Water is Free from a dispenser in the buffet restaurant up to lunch time, then you pay for that, and tea or coffee at 2.5 Euros =15% Service Charge.

Katakolon has a flat beach only about 200-300 yards to the right, from where you dock, and the water is very shallow.......many cafes and little shops nearby.

Thank you for the info No.1cruiser.

The specific details help with the planning. We still have time (January sailing), but the more prepared we are the better.

[woodofpine]

We are a family of five, children are aged between13 and 7. I was wondering what anyones opinion might be on the following.on day one we were going to take the trip to the caves in Bari,on day 2 in Kataklon we were going to just get the taxi into Olympia, on day 3 in Ismir we thought we d probably have to take the official excursion to epheus unless anyone has any other suggestions , on day 4 we intend to tour around Istanbul on our own and similarily in Dubrovnik we just intend to take the bus into the old city. What would anyone think of that as a plan?

 

 

OP's experiences amd impressions largely mirror my own. I travel with a family of 6, 4 kids ranging 12-17 (I'ved done your age bracket).

 

Bari - The caves trip sounds good (esp. w/kids). We walked the old town and enjoyed it as a 'real Italian' mid-lights rather than highlights experience. There are some nice restaurants toward the 'back' of the old town adjacent the police station (women drying pasta in the streets, native scene).

 

Katakolon - there are beaches a klick or so S of town and over the land spur where the ship ports to the N. The beaches are not world beating but the village itself is 'cute'. But there is little time for that AND the ruins. The ruins were MUCH better than I anticipated (and don't miss the museum). Youngsters are free. We reserved and rented a car. It was very easy and quick right off the pier. With 10 euro of gas it cost about 55-60 euro. For a family of 5, total cost including ruins admission (2 adults) would run about 75 euro.

 

http://www.rentacarkatakolo.gr/main.htm

 

Izmir - Do Ephesus. Having done it before, we wandered the Kameralti Bazaar which is a nice diversion - but Ephesus is rightfully the 'must do'. Going with the line is the easiest best way to go.

 

Istanbul - It's easily done independently. I really got great use of the DK Eyewitness guidebook on Istanbul. Hit an ATM in Izmir or Istanbul for Lira and take the tram 1/2 block for the pier terminal. I strongly suggest the Topkapi first off (even if you loiter there until opening time) as it doesn't handle crowds well and gets overrun quickly. You'll need lira cash for admissions to Topkapi and Hagia Sophia. The walk from the Grand Bazaar (rear entrances) down hill through the han district to the Egyptian-Spice Bazaar is interesting and that's the best place to pick-up the tram for return to the ship. The Spice Bazaar is more atmospheric and better priced than the Grand Bazaar (which is overwhelming in size but is a 'must' to walk through). For kids, there is a fun pet market immediately adjacent the Spice Bazaar building fronting a park and outdoor restaurants (and the 'New' Mosque).

 

Dubrovnik - As others have said, its easy. You'll want to 'walk the walls'. The tickets for that are just to the right after entering the Pila Gate and require cash. They may or may not take Euro, depends on gosh knows what, but if they insist on Kuna there are ATMs nearby. Vendors otherwise are very euro/credit card oriented.

 

Enjoy!:)

[Carolla5501]

Hi! I am looking at booking what sounds like the exact same cruise for May 2011. My only concern is "port time" In some cities it seems very short. Was that an issue?

 

How long were you in Dubrovnik? We have actually spent several days there so I think we may just head for the Buza bar :)

 

Thanks!

[dogandchief]

Hi,

I wonder if I could ask you about the luggage situation at Venice at Emberkation.

 

At the port of Venice, where do you drop off your luggage for MSC Cruises? Do you hand over your luggage at the 'check-in desk' inside the terminal building or do they have a separate section just outside of the building exclusively for dropping off your luggage just like Costa Cruises?

 

I've been on Costa Serena out of Venice (the same itinerary as Magnifica) but not MSC yet (although I must say I'm very tempted). Costa Cruises had a separate section outside of the terminal building (the left hand side of the building at the back towards the Alilaguna stop, if I remember it right) which worked out really well as this means we could drop off our luggage straight away there, with no wait at all and even without having to go inside the terminal building (we wanted to go into town to squeeze in a bit of sight-seeing in a very short space of time, which we managed!). We were also given a card with a number when dropped off our luggage which was our number for the boarding. By the time we got back to the terminal for the actual check-in, they were alreading calling out the number which was a later group than ours so we didn't have to wait, we could get onboard the ship straight away! It was really hussle free, luggage-free sight-seeing, no wait, straight onto a ship:).

 

Anyway, the reason why I'm asking you this is;

A friend of mine is going on Maginifica at the end of this month so we've been wondering how it is with the luggage situation, comparing to that of Costa's.

 

She will be landing at Marco Polo airport but did not book a transfer package through MSC so will be taking a land taxi. She's trying to find out whether 1) She should go to the port fist, drop off the luggage and then do the sight-seeing or 2) Go to the Piazzale Roma first and leave her luggage at the left-luggage facilty at the Piazzale Roma (approx. EUR 4 per luggage I gather?!), do the sight-seeing and then head to the port after picking up her luggage:confused:.

 

Many people seemed to complain about the nightmarish long queue for the MSC check-in so I just wondered if this is where she has to drop her luggage off or outside, away from the check-in queue!

 

Many thanks in advane for your help!

[Satincruz]

Hi,

I wonder if I could ask you about the luggage situation at Venice at Emberkation.

 

At the port of Venice, where do you drop off your luggage for MSC Cruises? Do you hand over your luggage at the 'check-in desk' inside the terminal building or do they have a separate section just outside of the building exclusively for dropping off your luggage just like Costa Cruises?

 

I've been on Costa Serena out of Venice (the same itinerary as Magnifica) but not MSC yet (although I must say I'm very tempted). Costa Cruises had a separate section outside of the terminal building (the left hand side of the building at the back towards the Alilaguna stop, if I remember it right) which worked out really well as this means we could drop off our luggage straight away there, with no wait at all and even without having to go inside the terminal building (we wanted to go into town to squeeze in a bit of sight-seeing in a very short space of time, which we managed!). We were also given a card with a number when dropped off our luggage which was our number for the boarding. By the time we got back to the terminal for the actual check-in, they were alreading calling out the number which was a later group than ours so we didn't have to wait, we could get onboard the ship straight away! It was really hussle free, luggage-free sight-seeing, no wait, straight onto a ship:).

 

Anyway, the reason why I'm asking you this is;

A friend of mine is going on Maginifica at the end of this month so we've been wondering how it is with the luggage situation, comparing to that of Costa's.

 

She will be landing at Marco Polo airport but did not book a transfer package through MSC so will be taking a land taxi. She's trying to find out whether 1) She should go to the port fist, drop off the luggage and then do the sight-seeing or 2) Go to the Piazzale Roma first and leave her luggage at the left-luggage facilty at the Piazzale Roma (approx. EUR 4 per luggage I gather?!), do the sight-seeing and then head to the port after picking up her luggage:confused:.

 

Many people seemed to complain about the nightmarish long queue for the MSC check-in so I just wondered if this is where she has to drop her luggage off or outside, away from the check-in queue!

 

Many thanks in advane for your help!

 

Hi dogandchief,

 

Others will probably be able to share their recent personal experiences, but for now I have found you one older thread that may be somewhat helpful:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1070254

 

And a web page with some other left-luggage locations in Venice, including some right at the port. At least that will save a trip in case it turns out that your friend does end up needing to store her luggage:

 

http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/venice-left-luggage.htm

[cruisevirgin66]

Hi, can anyone tell me if/where smoking is allowed on Magnifica? We are hoping to travel next April, and will book a balcony cabin. Can you smoke on your balcony? Not travelled with MSC before, been an Ocean Villager! Thanks

[WeehawkenCruiser]

Was there any room service available on the ship? If so, was there a fee?

 

Did you purchase a drink package? If yes, how much was it?

 

I have been on a lot of other cruises and have heard that this line and in particular this region is very different (not in a good way). How do you think it compares to US cruises?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Ann Halliday]

There is room service for breakfast only. You fill out the card and put it on your door before 2-3 a.m. and it is delivered at the time you requested. I had coffee every morning while I was getting ready for the day. I've never been on an "american" cruise so I can't compare but I thought this cruise was wonderful.

[dogandchief]

Hi dogandchief,

 

Others will probably be able to share their recent personal experiences, but for now I have found you one older thread that may be somewhat helpful:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1070254

 

And a web page with some other left-luggage locations in Venice, including some right at the port. At least that will save a trip in case it turns out that your friend does end up needing to store her luggage:

 

http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/venice-left-luggage.htm

 

 

Hi Satincruz,

 

Thank you very much for finding those threads for me - they were all helpful and have answered my questions! It looks like the lugagge are taken away before you get to the check-in desk for boarding so no need to wait in a queue just to drop off luggage.

 

I have since come across that there is a new public transport system in place in Venice called 'People Mover' which is apparently a 'land funicular' that connects Piazzale Roma and the Cruise terminal in less than 2 mins at EUR 1 each way operating between the hours of 7am and 11pm every 8 mins!

http://www.vtp.it/terminal/trasporti.jsp?idm=GXF6Z749385R3V3WW5JA4N46ORE6C97X&prg=2&page=2

 

http://www.asmvenezia.it/accita/peoplemover.html

 

I don't know what exactly the 'land funicular' is but I'm guessing it's a some kind of tram system. Unfortunately the People Mover's website is in Italian languages only. This wasn't certainly in place when I was there 2 yrs ago.

 

I suppose this has been now put in place to overcome the problems of over-crowding free shuttle buses (between P. Roma and Cruise terminal) & Alilaguna (between S. Marco and Cruise terminal). So it would be bettwe flow of day trippers off the ship.

[Capricruiser]

The People Mover is an elevated monorail train that runs from Piazzale Roma to the Cruise Terminal in less than two minutes. It operates from 7 in the morning until 11 at night and there is a departure every eight minutes. This definitely eliminates those shuttle buses that we used to have to take.

[onthebalcony]

I checked MSC brochure and smoking is only allowed "indoors in the casino and in one dedicated lounge, one side of the sun deck, no smoking in staterooms or balconies. Remaining areas are totally smoke-free." Of course, some smokers seem to ignore these rules as stated in other threads!! My husband smokes so I will make sure he follows them!

 

Hope this helps.

[Satincruz]

Hi Satincruz,

 

Thank you very much for finding those threads for me - they were all helpful and have answered my questions! It looks like the lugagge are taken away before you get to the check-in desk for boarding so no need to wait in a queue just to drop off luggage.

 

I have since come across that there is a new public transport system in place in Venice called 'People Mover' which is apparently a 'land funicular' that connects Piazzale Roma and the Cruise terminal in less than 2 mins at EUR 1 each way operating between the hours of 7am and 11pm every 8 mins!

http://www.vtp.it/terminal/trasporti.jsp?idm=GXF6Z749385R3V3WW5JA4N46ORE6C97X&prg=2&page=2

 

http://www.asmvenezia.it/accita/peoplemover.html

 

I don't know what exactly the 'land funicular' is but I'm guessing it's a some kind of tram system. Unfortunately the People Mover's website is in Italian languages only. This wasn't certainly in place when I was there 2 yrs ago.

 

I suppose this has been now put in place to overcome the problems of over-crowding free shuttle buses (between P. Roma and Cruise terminal) & Alilaguna (between S. Marco and Cruise terminal). So it would be bettwe flow of day trippers off the ship.

 

 

Hi dogandchief,

 

That is nice to learn that there is even another option in Venice now! I hope that your friend will have an easy time transferring and getting around for sight-seeing in Venice :)

[AmoMondo]

Thanks for posting that info about the people mover doandchief. I'd never heard of that. On my next cruise I'm staying the night before in mestre and was either going to get a taxi straight to the terminal but now may consider using the hotel's shuttle to Piazzale Roma and getting this funicular the rest of the way. (I'll decide on the day depending on how much luggage I end up taking with me!)