News: "MSC Cruises introduces new fare structure"

[Skipper Tim]

The rollout has reached the UK.

 

MSC Cruises introduces new fare structure

 

 

 

MSC Cruises has launched a new fare structure linked to onboard service and access to facilities rather than simply the type of cabin.

 

 

Its 'no frills' option, 'Bella', is for guests staying in inside, Ocean View and Balcony cabins who will have to pay extra for certain facilities, such as room service or fitness classes.

 

 

Guests who opt for Fantastic will receive 24-hour room service, a 50% discount on fitness classes, special kids events and free breakfast in their cabin plus priority choice for dinner sittings. They will also be allowed to change the name on the booking.

 

 

While Aurea all-inclusive fares come with a complimentary spa package, access to the Thermal Area for the entire cruise, a massage, 20-minutes in the Solarium and a welcome cocktail.

 

 

In addition, Aurea guests will receive priority embarkation, a complimentary bathrobe, slippers and spa products in their suite plus unlimited complimentary drinks with meals.

 

 

At the top end, MSC has its Yacht Club Experience for guests staying in suite accommodation, who have access to a private restaurant, lounge, pool and sun deck and 24-hour butler and concierge service.

 

 

For the winter, MSC Orchestra will replace MSC Lirica in the United Arab Emirates and MSC Preziosa will depart from Venice, rather than Genoa. At the same time, the newly-refurbished MSC Armonia will return to service with 200 new balcony cabins.

 

 

 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

 

http://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2010462&c=setreg&region=2

[JoPublic]

The rollout has reached the UK.

 

 

 

http://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2010462&c=setreg&region=2

 

Hi

 

Yes I too have noticed this however what happens to those that have booked already - are we going to be slotted into one if these categories?

[Skipper Tim]

Hi

 

Yes I too have noticed this however what happens to those that have booked already - are we going to be slotted into one if these categories?

 

I doubt it. MSC have proved adept at delivering many different 'customer experiences' simultaneously depending upon where the booking was made thus far. The new experience categories are probably a simplification and globalisation of what has already gone on before.

 

If only someone at MSC could speak without the ridiculous marketing angle, we may have a slither of an idea of what they are up to.

[Norwegian Cruiser 73]

I don't understand what they write about the fleet deployment. MSC Preziosa is scheduled to sail in South America next winter while MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida are scheduled on 11 and 7 night cruises in the Med and Canaries sailing from Genova and Civitavecchia.

[papcx]

I doubt it. MSC have proved adept at delivering many different 'customer experiences' simultaneously depending upon where the booking was made thus far. The new experience categories are probably a simplification and globalisation of what has already gone on before.

 

 

 

If only someone at MSC could speak without the ridiculous marketing angle, we may have a slither of an idea of what they are up to.

 

 

From the recent webinar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sidari]

Tim ... Did you not get the E mail from MSC regarding the introduction ?

 

Papcx ... Did anything of interest come out of the webinar?

[saphir]

B2 balcont room is which category? Bella or Fantasia? Or other???:confused:

[Willow1686]

There is something ironic about the fact that MSC keeps sending me emails about how the very best cruises depart from Southampton. :(

[YVRCruiser]

It looks like they are following Costa's lead on this. It is unfortunate as this was one of the reasons we tried MSC and booked again. I only want coffee in my room every morning and it was either 5 Euros PP, or booking the mid range fare. Maybe they can do a little better with the "breakfast" that is delivered.

 

I suppose I will learn to live with it....I will still enjoy my cruise.

[Skipper Tim]

Tim ... Did you not get the E mail from MSC regarding the introduction ?

 

In a word, no. In a few more, I receive emails on behalf of half a dozen people from MSC and still no.

Edited March 11, 2014 by Skipper Tim

[papcx]

Papcx ... Did anything of interest come out of the webinar?

 

 

Not really!

 

Basically what you've seen here plus talking about the Australian grand voyage, and only 25% solo supplements on "selected" Divina cruises.

 

They did answer some questions (mainly about drinks packages, but the others were unmemorable) but ignored mine about our re-scheduled Aromonia treatment.

 

Edited March 11, 2014 by papcx

[sidari]

Willow ... I had another one yesterday pushing the cruises from Southampton.

 

Tim ... It is only recently that MSC E mails have found their way through to me.

 

Papacx ... No real surprise that they refused to discuss the issues regarding the repositioning of the Armonia cruise. It appears they only want to discuss what they want to push at people!

 

Going off how they are taking senior people from other brands it looks like the family friendly ownership of MSC is on its way out, certainly in the USA at least.

[Beamafar]

I see on the MSC website they have the deck plans for Winter 2014/2015 showing the cabin categories relating to the new price structures. And just when I was getting familiar with the recent balcony rating of B1, B2, B3.:rolleyes:

[AmoMondo]

I see on the MSC website they have the deck plans for Winter 2014/2015 showing the cabin categories relating to the new price structures. And just when I was getting familiar with the recent balcony rating of B1, B2, B3.:rolleyes:

 

And if you're looking at a Lirica class ship, some have the pre and post stretch plans too!

[Beamafar]

And if you're looking at a Lirica class ship, some have the pre and post stretch plans too!

Good to know. Must have a look as I fancy giving a repo a try next year. I've only been on the Fantasia class ships so far. Hopefully the balcony cabins will be a bit more competitively priced.

I know the info re the timing for the stretches was posted here. I'd saved the info on my laptop which has since decided to die so I'll have to trawl back to find it.