Convince me to sail MSC (or not)

[spirite]

We are relatively experienced cruisers (UK and Europe) but are monogamous - only ever sailed Royal Caribbean. We are looking at Arabian Gulf on MSC Lirica as the RCI dates and prices don't work out for us.

 

I've read and heard quite a lot of good and bad about MSC, so am in two minds. We are used to European travel/people/cultures and more than happy to experience something different to the standard RCI stuff.

 

Can anyone convice me either way...?

[T.O.cruisers]

I think if you have to be convinced to try MSC you will spend your time being very judgmental. We have just sailed on MSC Poesia for the second time last week and enjoyed it for the second time. We are not as experienced cruisers as you may be but have cruised before on RCCL, Carnival and Sitmar which is no longer. You might find by reading CC that most of the negative comments are from American cruisers who are very used to the American ships and the American style, including the food. MSC is definitely a different cruise experience but it is still one's own personal taste whether or not it is for them. We personally love the style, elegance and class; and we enjoy helping the staff to try to communicate and improve their English. Our dining room server Dodo from Indonesia is an excellent example of a server who wants to do the best he can, he was friendly, he knew we wanted lemon with our water and that we wanted coffee with milk along with our dessert.

Entertainment is different too, but it is still enjoyable, maybe a bit too short.

The prices in the Caribbean can't be beat. But the low prices do attract a different element of people as well. Cruising MSC on the other side of the pond may be much different that cruising MSC on this side. I would suggest you go and make your own opinion.

[spirite]

Thanks T.O.

 

Hoping not be be judgemental - really just looking to understand the differences so that we can set our expectations accordingly and, if we go, simply have a great time on a different ship & line.

[Cruiser23490578]

We really enjoyed our vacation. I thought the food was very good, my husband disagreed, he thought just ok. Our son has an egg allergy and they went way, way, way, above and beyond to make sure he had something great to eat every day, incuding dessert, which I know is a difficult task.

 

The ship was beautiful, the staff spoke many languages to accomodate the various passengers so sometimes we had to find someone who spoke english. I loved that my son had the opportunity to sail with children from Europe and experience Italian, German etc. children's friendship.

 

We did not go to any of the shows so I can't comment on that.

 

Embarkation - boring, Debarkation - swift.

 

We would definitely sail them again and wish we could transfer our Carnival Platinum status over to this line to get a few more perks, like laundry.

[Capricruiser]

Cruisefanman: If you joined the MSC Club during or after your cruise, you will already get a 5% discount on your next including a 20% discount on laundry, 10% internet, €10 in casino chips, etc.

[Cruiser23490578]

Cruisefanman: If you joined the MSC Club during or after your cruise, you will already get a 5% discount on your next including a 20% discount on laundry, 10% internet, €10 in casino chips, etc.

 

WOW! I had to said 10x on Carnival just to get the laundry!

[AmoMondo]

The Lirica (in my opinion) is a very nice smallish ship. I've never sailed RCCL so can't compare. I would never try to convince anyone to sail or not sail any line but having sailed a lot with MSC and twice on the Lirica, would be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

[monicajay]

Thanks T.O.

 

Hoping not be be judgemental - really just looking to understand the differences so that we can set our expectations accordingly and, if we go, simply have a great time on a different ship & line.

 

Have only done one MSC and one RCCL.

 

Found the meat way better on RCCL but all the other food was more enjoyable on MSC. Found the entertainment better on MSC but liked the RCCL casino better.

 

If you go with an open mind (and you sound like you are ready to do that), I'm sure you will have fun. If you go looking to find and point out all the differences it will get dull fast.

 

Haven't been on a bad cruise yet!

[Zambini]

We are relatively experienced cruisers (UK and Europe) but are monogamous - only ever sailed Royal Caribbean. We are looking at Arabian Gulf on MSC Lirica as the RCI dates and prices don't work out for us.

 

I've read and heard quite a lot of good and bad about MSC, so am in two minds. We are used to European travel/people/cultures and more than happy to experience something different to the standard RCI stuff.

 

Can anyone convice me either way...?

 

Get one of the drink packages, as it is highly recommended to drink heavily.

 

Do it right and you won't feel the pain.

[spirite]

Get one of the drink packages, as it is highly recommended to drink heavily.

 

Do it right and you won't feel the pain.

 

Not travelling with the MiL, so less pain than normal :)

[Zambini]

Not travelling with the MiL, so less pain than normal :)

 

LOL!, great plan!

 

Have a good cruise