Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Live from the Musica

AmoMondo

By AmoMondo,
in MSC Cruises

Recommended Posts

AmoMondo

AmoMondo

Posted
Posted

so on day 2 of a 7 night east Med cruise onnthe Musica.

 

There was some security scare yesterday morning which had then police cracking down on every vehicle entering and leaving the port. Not sure what the problem was but resulted in my taxi being a bit late picking me up from my hotel (Vivit) in the heart of Mestre. It was a bit slow getting in to the port but I was soon outside the terminal with my luggage. Checking was meant to start at 2pm but I was there at 12.30. There was already a small queue for dropping offf luggage but they had a separate line for MSC Club members, so I was escorted right away to take my luggage to the porters andnthen upstairs to check in. There was non queues there, so didn't bother using the priority line. All was accomplished very quickly and I got tonboard straight away. I was outside my cabin in under 20 minutes from being dropped by my taxi. Unfortunately I was so early they were still finishing my cabin. No big deal just dropped my carry on innthe room and headed up to the spa, to get all mynappointments sorted out for a package I'd booked online.

 

There was some kind of admin mixup (not that rare with MSC!) and they knew nothing about my spa booking. Fortunately I'd printed the reservation out and afterbgettingna manager, it was all sorted out in just over 5 minutes. Next it was down to reception to get my daily newspaper booked. Wee bit of bother there, he couldn't find either Great Britain, Britain or UK on his list of countries for newspaper publications. I was just about to go for another English speaking countries newspaper when I spotted the St Andrew's cross flag in his booklet. Turns out they list the papers for the UK it's 4 constituent countries.had 5 or 6 to chose from.I also got a password and account sorted out to use wifi onboard. I've gone for 8 hours for €50. I can't use it in my cabin as I've only brought my IPad and you need to use a cable to connect in the cabin. There are hotspots on all the public decks and so far it's as fast as it is on my wifi at home.(just remember to logout your session eachntime you're finished ornthe minutes keepnrunningneven if you're not using them).

Next it was a quick stop to my cabin, where my case had already appeared (about an hour or less). the MDR wasntnopen for lunch somI headed up to Gli Archi on deck 13 for the buffet. Had some pizza, some cold selections and a couple of things from the ethnic corner which was Mediteeranean.

 

Next we had our Muster Drill. I've sailed MDC many times, but noticed a difference this time. First we had to hand over a card to prove our attendance. It took longer and everyone (passengers and crew) were much quieter and taking it more seriously. Also noted that in today's daily programme, there's another drill for people boarding in Bari.

 

Met up with a nice couple I'd smetana on my roll call for a drink at the Blue Marlin bar on the pool deck to watch the sail away out of Venice. Absolutely stunning.

 

Then on to the spa for the first of my 4 treatments - sunset Likud which consisted of a body scrub, full body and head massage and a facial. Lasted 90 minutes and was so relaxing. Perfect way to unwind and get in to the holiday mood.

 

I was to late to make it to the show, so quickly unpacked and got ready for dinner. I was on second which is 9.30 and allocated to the smaller much nicer Maxim on deck 6. I was seated with a young Irish couple on their first cruise and honeymoon, an English couple and an AMerican couple. What a laugh we all had. We really belled. They nearly had to switch the lights off to get us to move out!

 

We are all on the Allegrissimo package (which is also available onboard for €23 + 15% service charge per person per day). It's great value and we are all happy we got it. Had no trouble getting wine refills at dinner either. The reds are a Montepulciano or a Merlot and the whites a Oave or Trebbiano. Not sure what the Rose was. The sparkling was nice too.

 

At breakfast this morning, I used the package to have fresh squeezed orange juice (big glass) and a cappuccino. I'm definitely getting through more than my £20.70 per day.

 

Were in Bari at the moment. Not going ashore as I've been a few times before, so am catching up on emails after lunch before heading poolside for a gelato and chilling out with my kindle whilst the ship is quiet.

 

If anyone has anything they want me to find out for them, lye me know as I'll be checking in most days.

 

Bye for now the sun awaits! Ciao!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AmoMondo

AmoMondo

Posted
  • Author
Posted
One of many more questions to come i'm sure Could you confirm which nights are which with regards to the dinner dress code. Are there 2 formal nights and the rest are casual, or are there some in between nights?

 

2 formal nights - Katakalon and Corfu.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AmoMondo

AmoMondo

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Is there a technique to being allocated to the plusher Maxim's?

If you are in a higher category balcony or suite you're supposed to be allocated to Maxim's. I in it and it's definitely better than the larger MDR on deck 5. You could always ask the Maitre D'. I've not always been allocated to the better restaurant, whe in a high cat cabin. Sometimes there are few English speaking passengers onboard, they have to forego that policy in order to give you the table size and sitting you want.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AmoMondo

AmoMondo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I had intended doing a daily update but my iPad has frozen. Can't even switch it off and the battery is taking for ever to run out!

 

Anyway, all is going well. Yesterday I just wandered around Katakalon as I've "done" Olympia before. Not much to it, basically 2 streets. One has shops and the other waterfront bars and restaurants.

 

Today we were in Santorini. Fortunately I had a priority tender ticket delivered to my cabin last night (MSC club status) so I got straight off the ship early whilst others had to queue in the theatre for a ticket, so I was on the dock by 9.30. There were 3 other ships in, so there was ready a long line for the cable car, which got worse as the morning wore on. I waited about 30-40 minutes. There were alternatives, like boat trips Roy d to Oia, ora donkey ride up. Would not recommend walking up unless you are fit and agile. 537 steps is an awful lot, especially in the heat. I came back down around noon and there was no queue for the cable car nor the tender back to the ship.

The Allegrissimo package is working out well. Definitely saving money and have no problem getting my wine glass refilled at lunch or dinner.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Skipper Tim

Skipper Tim

Posted
Posted
1. We will be on the MSC Musica in 2 weeks and 2 days time. Is it easy to find the MSC cruise terminal in Venice. Does MSC supply details with your documents that you receive from the travel agent concerning the location?

 

If you are travelling direct from Venice Marco Polo airport then take the bus to Piazale Roma. Full info with fares & timetable here:

http://www.atvo.it/images_doc/linee/Linea_35_dal_25.03_al_27.10.2012.pdf

 

Here is the port's own website with a local map:

http://www.vtp.it/azienda/mappa.jsp

 

I understand that there will be free shuttle busses running roughly every 30 mins from the South East corner of Piazale Romana all the way to the ship. Make sure yours says Musica on the front. Alternatively there is a new mass-transit system running from the same square to the port gates. This is more frequent but less convenient.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Tim

(currently in Stoupa, Greece)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AmoMondo

AmoMondo

Posted
  • Author
Posted
1. We will be on the MSC Musica in 2 weeks and 2 days time. Is it easy to find the MSC cruise terminal in Venice. Does MSC supply details with your documents that you receive from the travel agent concerning the location?

 

2. How have the food been so far?

1. No they provide instructions. I always get a taxi. Once you get to the port, you can easily see the different ships and where to go. How are you planning on getting to the port.

2. Something's good, some great. I'm well used toMSC and like the food on all their ships. If I didn't, I would not continue to cruise with them. Food is very subjective and influenced by personal preferences though

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AmoMondo

AmoMondo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Had an amazing dinner last night in the speciality restaurant - Il Giardino.

 

They had. 4 course tasting menu on and live music too (pianist, mix of instrumental numbers and well known songs). It costs €24 and drinks are extra, even if you have the Allegrissimo package.

 

Staff were exceptional. good and Beverage Manager arrived at the start to introduce himself and explain the menu. (not sure if he always does that or it was because I've got the MSC Club Black Card).

 

First course was a Parmesan crust basket with rocket and scallops, surrounded by smoked salmon and swordfish, black olives and cherry tomatoes.

 

Next up was the most exquisite pasta I've ever had, served al dente with wild mushrooms and a really light tomato creamy sauce.

 

Main course was a mixed grill but nothing like what that term conjures up in your mind from the British version! Presentation was simply beautiful. Had a lamb chop, small piece of pork and really juicy, slightly rare piece of fillet steak served with some kind of potato cake. All very enjoyable, but I was seriously starting to struggle to eat it all by this point.

 

Finally dessert arrived which was a glorious medley - light fluffy warm chocolate soufflé with chocolate sauce in the centre, strawberry ice cream served on top of cream and a little cherry soaked in something tasting fairly alcoholic.

 

All washed down with a glass of Soave, then a glass of Merlot and an espresso to end.

 

I was given the option of having my table moved outside if I'd wished, but decided to remain indoors so I could hear the pianist.

 

Throughout the meal, the staff were very attentive and courteous.

 

The restaurant is at the back of the buffet and I was slightly concerned that now that they offer an evening buffet, it was spoil the peace and quiet of the restaurant. However there was no problem at all. They separate the restaurant off from the rest of the buffet with room dividers. You have to leave the buffet and cross over the stairway to access it in the veining, so well separated from the hustle and noise of the buffet area.

 

So it's now the second last day, so sad, where has the week gone? We arrive in Corfu at around 1pm today, which I'm looking forward to. It's evidently a 20 minute coach ride to Corfu town, so I've bought their shuttle bus ticket at €8. I dare say there will be local transport alternatives for cheaper, but just prefer the convenience of the ship's shuttle.

 

Well off for a bit sunshine up on deck now. Also going to look out for the cruise tomorrow stand as they are selling vouchers for €10 that will give you an onboard credit of upmto €400 on a future cruise depending on cabin category booked.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AmoMondo

AmoMondo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks all - hadn't noticed I'd reached that milestone!

 

So final night onboard ;(

 

Last Mojitobefore dinner.

 

Been another good cruise. Ivetaken the advantage of the Choose Today, Cruise Tomorrow onboard deal where you pay €10 to get up to €400 OBC on a future cruise. So where shall I go next?

 

Well dinner awaits, so must dash

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Skipper Tim

Skipper Tim

Posted
Posted
Been another good cruise. Ivetaken the advantage of the Choose Today, Cruise Tomorrow onboard deal where you pay €10 to get up to €400 OBC on a future cruise. So where shall I go next?

 

I imagine by the time you read this it is welcome back!

 

"Choose Today" but I gather you don't have to choose your next cruise, just the cruise line?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AmoMondo

AmoMondo

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I imagine by the time you read this it is welcome back!

 

"Choose Today" but I gather you don't have to choose your next cruise, just the cruise line?

 

No, not exactly, I'm still onboard (just). Using up the last of my wifi minutes whilst I wait for them to call my colour so I can get off.

 

Yes it's a bit of a daft name as you don't really choose your cruise at the time of buying the voucher. You can use it up until 18 months of the final day of your cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...