Cabins on MSC Fantasia- restricted view?

[antiq]

Hi,

 

Can anyone tell me if Ocean View cabins 8084 ans 8161 have restricted view? Thank you.

[Skipper Tim]

8064 and 8161 are directly above the lifeboats and beneath the overhang of the balcony above. Apart from not having a balcony and just. 'large porthole' type window, they are otherwise identical to a balcony cabin and therefore potentially good value though, yes, the davits and balcony overhang may be considered to restrict the view a little.

 

You can clearly see them on this super sized photo (well 8161 is on the other side but has its mirror image on this): http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/MSC_Fantasia/Fantasia_110330-2806_b.jpg

 

I don't have the tools to mark their location but just look at first the row of balconies above the lifeboats and then for the cabins on that deck, Midships and forward, which only have windows instead of balconies.

 

In the same category (O-2) however, are the aft cabins on deck 13 (13199-13206). I had one of these on my Fantasia voyage. These are standard balcony cabins with full patio window/door but the 'Juliette' balcony is only just deep enough to stand on. The views on the stern at deck 13 are mesmerising.

 

These cabins are also extremely convenient for the quieter, aft section of the buffet (L'Africana) with its superb Ethnic Corner, own bar and free drinks station and the quieter pool, jacuzzi and bar area (Lido Catalano) directly above it via the 'private' staircases at the ends of that corridor. The nearest lifts take you directly down to the entrance of the panoramic restaurant which on my cruise was the one MDR used for breakfast and lunch and to which I was assigned to for dinner. Add in Allegrissimo and you have 'the poor man's yacht club' for these reasons.

 

On the Divina and Preziosa, the equivalent cabins are sold as balcony (B-1) cabins and priced accordingly. Grab one if you can!

Edited December 1, 2014 by Skipper Tim

[JohnLocke2012]

It's so bizarre that MSC classifies those deck 13 stern staterooms as balconies on the Divinia. I'd be pretty mad if I booked a balcony room and got placed in one of them. As an oceanview it's one hell of a room though.

[antiq]

Hi Skipper Tim,

 

Thank you so much. We will be travelling with my kids and paranoid of the balcony :(. We couldn't get on the Preziosa for July next year. No oceanview cabins left and can't even get 3 quads cabins on the same deck. We ended on the Fantasia by default :) 2 ocean view cabins on deck 8 and 1 inside cabin on deck 10, that's the best they can do for quads cabins. MSC must be very popular in Europe. We went on the Divina, oceanview as well, last year and had a ball.

 

Any suggestion on private cruise excursion for 11 of us?

[antiq]

What did you guys think of the Fantasia? I heard is very similar to the Divina.

[Beamafar]

What did you guys think of the Fantasia? I heard is very similar to the Divina.

 

Fantasia was my first MSC cruise ship experience (loved it!) and will be on her again for the second time on Thursday - three years later for a similar itinerary and another 11 nighter!

 

There are more similarities than differences. Divina has more cabins, speciality restaurants are different and a few other small additions. The layout is practically the same so, once you've been on one, you'll find your way around the other. Check out the deck plans for each on the website which will give you more of an insight.

[Skipper Tim]

We went on the Divina, oceanview as well, last year and had a ball.

 

Any suggestion on private cruise excursion for 11 of us?

 

On that itinerary, possibly the most exciting stop is Tunis. Just wandering around the attractions of the cruise terminal complex is rewarding with shops, cafes, camel rides and musicians. However if you are feeling more adventurous, take the train into Tunis and wander around the medina in the old city. I was last there over ten years ago but it was very local and 'authentic' then. If you have a short shopping list it will make your time even more entertaining.

 

Also a wander along La Rambla, in Barcelona, full of street entertainers, is free and umissable.

[Skipper Tim]

Thank you so much. We will be travelling with my kids and paranoid of the balcony :(.

 

P.S. The furthest anyone could fall from a deck 13 aft balcony is a deck 12 aft balcony as they are tiered all the way down the stern - a consideration when you feel less paranoid!

[antiq]

Hahaha..Hope next trip we will be game enough to get the Balcony. Maybe we should avoid European summer. I like MSC itineraries, I just hope Tunisia is easy to do.

 

I did like the Divina, it was a full ship but didn't feel that crowded as people tend to spread out. The smoking near the pool area is bad though.

 

The main downside with MSC is that Australian prices are more expensive and being Australian resident we had to buy from Australian agents.

[Skipper Tim]

Hahaha..Hope next trip we will be game enough to get the Balcony. Maybe we should avoid European summer. I like MSC itineraries, I just hope Tunisia is easy to do.

 

I did like the Divina, it was a full ship but didn't feel that crowded as people tend to spread out. The smoking near the pool area is bad though.

 

The main downside with MSC is that Australian prices are more expensive and being Australian resident we had to buy from Australian agents.

 

On MSC smoking, where permitted, is strictly on the port-side (left facing forwards) of the ship. Once you know, and if it offends you, you can always walk on the starboard side. There are very few areas now where people are allowed to smoke. I have never smoked but having smoking friends, I know where these areas are in order to socialise with them.

 

Despite MSC's antics, you are not tied to their Australian pricing. Travel agents the World over will take your business, as they should. There are all sorts of techniques but, if you have a particular cruise in mind, simply search for it by its description in "quotation marks". You will get results from all around the World at different prices.

Edited December 1, 2014 by Skipper Tim

[antiq]

Hi Tim, I tried to get a few quotes from different US agents, they just simply refused to sell me. Last year I got mine from Vacation to go but now they refuse. Apparently they are not allowed by MSC to sell to Australian. I had to resort getting ours from here and the rest of the family members (non-AU citizens) from a US agent. Australian agent will even not match the US quote!!! Very disappointed.

[Skipper Tim]

Hi Tim, I tried to get a few quotes from different US agents, they just simply refused to sell me. Last year I got mine from Vacation to go but now they refuse. Apparently they are not allowed by MSC to sell to Australian. I had to resort getting ours from here and the rest of the family members (non-AU citizens) from a US agent. Australian agent will even not match the US quote!!! Very disappointed.

 

I don't know how long this post will be allowed to remain but US agent 'cruises n more' have a special department just for non US bookers. I booked with them via Skype the first time. Since, email has been sufficient as they have most of my details on file.

[antiq]

Those agents will sell me Norwegian, RCI and one other I can't remember :) but not MSC. They even warn me of being denied boarding and apparently some people were asked to pay more on boarding (not sure which liner) I will look into the one you recommend for future booking. I had to book quickly as cabins were selling fast so no choice. You will get cheaper airfares from UK to Australia but the other way around is much more ;)

[antiq]

Those agents will sell me Norwegian, RCI and one other I can't remember :) but not MSC. They even warn me of being denied boarding and apparently some people were asked to pay more on boarding (not sure which liner) I will look into the one you recommend for future booking. I had to book quickly as cabins were selling fast so no choice. You will get cheaper airfares from UK to Australia but the other way around is much more ;)

[Babyeddiedog]

Yes unfortunately antiq is right. US agents also can't sell Holland and America or Princess to non US clients. Cruiselines protect their respective markets. We're based in Italy but luckily still have a UK address, so booking in the UK is still an option, although I book most of mine (when I can) through a great US agent.