MSC's newest, unannounced, onboard additions and subtractions

[Beamafar]

There are constant changes and tweakings to offerings which often makes it difficult to categorically state what's on offer onboard an MSC ship from one week to another. It would be great if there were a sticky thread where we could post any newfound changes we come across on our cruises. There are 5 that I can think of: 2 that I discovered, another 2 that came to light from BermudaBound2014's reviews of her Divina experiences and 1 from Mikesa.

 

1. It is now possible to upgrade your drinks package onboard.

 

This, for me, is a plus for my Sinfonia Venice to Durban cruise in October as I'm booked in an Aurea Suite which has Allegrissimo included. As I usually get the Premium package when not in YC and could not upgrade at the time of booking unless I paid full price, I'm very pleased with this introduction.

 

2. There are a number of rewards in the casino, depending on your level of play.

 

It's a bit of a mystery to me at the moment of how this works. Suffice it to say on my April cruise I received a voucher entitling me to 30% off my next cruise with €50 OBC with T&Cs attached (plus Voyagers' Club entitlement of 5%, making a total of almost 35% off!) ....... I wonder what the big spenders get!

 

3. No more future cruise vouchers for €/$10 converting to OBC on Early Booking Rates.

 

4. No more matchplay in casino where MSC would match your first €/$10 play.

 

5. Changes to embarkation procedures which include cruisecards now being left in the cabins for collection on boarding.

 

There may be more changes that aren't listed here. Perhaps others will share any they discover.

Edited July 31, 2016 by Beamafar

[TheSoccerCoach]

We were just on. When did they start putting the cruise cards in the cabin? Seems a bit odd...

[Beamafar]

We were just on. When did they start putting the cruise cards in the cabin? Seems a bit odd...

 

It was introduced very recently on Med cruises. Mikesa had posted about the announcement which was made on an Italian MSC website (I think) and that same day another poster mentioned in a review that they'd experienced it. Apologies to those concerned ............. I can't remember offhand who they are - I'd have to search the forum; but I'm chilling for the evening so I'll pass on that.

[riclop]

We were just on. When did they start putting the cruise cards in the cabin? Seems a bit odd...

 

That is not for the Divina in the caribbean yet.

[zangjuf]

It was introduced very recently on Med cruises. Mikesa had posted about the announcement which was made on an Italian MSC website (I think) and that same day another poster mentioned in a review that they'd experienced it. Apologies to those concerned ............. I can't remember offhand who they are - I'd have to search the forum; but I'm chilling for the evening so I'll pass on that.

 

Yes, we were surprised at it, you find your cruiecard waiting in your cabin and need to go with it to the 3 machines standing around the reception to activate them! So don't go standing in the line at reception as we did and then find out! On Sinfonia you also have to book entrance for the shows in advance.

[zangjuf]

you can also now book your next cruise on board, they give you price garantee

 

Flexibility to change as long as it stays in same trimester and how do you say it? same area, europe or greek islands etc.

 

and BCO going up with the booked cabin.:)

[Beamafar]

Thanks for the info re booking the shows in advance. That's something I haven't experienced before, though I'd heard about it. The theatre capacity couldn't be increased when the Lirica class ships underwent the Renaissance programme, hence the need to prebook seats.

 

Also, having to activate the cruisecard is something I can't recall being mentioned - though your credit card has to be registered anyway so I suppose the 2 can be done at the same time. Here's hoping there won't be mad queues at the machines :eek:

[1fifthavenue]

Thanks for the info re booking the shows in advance. That's something I haven't experienced before, though I'd heard about it. The theatre capacity couldn't be increased when the Lirica class ships underwent the Renaissance programme, hence the need to prebook seats.

 

Also, having to activate the cruisecard is something I can't recall being mentioned - though your credit card has to be registered anyway so I suppose the 2 can be done at the same time. Here's hoping there won't be mad queues at the machines :eek:

 

Hi Bea

 

It was my review of Armonia where the cruise card was in the cabin. On Splendida again in 18 days time so we'll see whether it is all voyages or just the Lirica class....

 

Never experienced an issue activating the cruise cards - basically you take it to the machine, scan it, put in your credit card and that's it. It's much quicker than having it done at check in and speeds up embarkation

 

Tim

[Beamafar]

Cheers, Tim. I'm on Sinfonia in 11 days so I'll be checking it out. Did you notice if there were long queues at the machines following embarkation? I would imagine if people were having problems that it would cause quite a delay :(

 

Still, it's good to see MSC implementing changes and constantly improving the product. If this innovation leads to quicker and less stressful embarkation procedures then - great! So far, there hasn't been any negative feedback, though it's early days yet. As it hasn't been introduced on Divina, yet, we won't get much comment here. It'll be interesting to see the reaction when it is brought in. :eek: :D

[1fifthavenue]

On our Christmas cruise on Fantasia and May cruise on Splendida the machines were present - they were easy to use and no problems here either.

 

There were no queues. Obviously if there is a lot of people embarking at once, there may be a bit of a queue. There were ample machines though.

 

On Armonia there were also a lot of machines to book a theatre slot - I'm not entirely sure on the purpose as you don't reserve an actual seat and no one checks your reservation - I wonder if it's more something to make you stick to one particular show and spread the crowds out?

[zangjuf]

On our Christmas cruise on Fantasia and May cruise on Splendida the machines were present - they were easy to use and no problems here either.

 

There were no queues. Obviously if there is a lot of people embarking at once, there may be a bit of a queue. There were ample machines though.

 

On Armonia there were also a lot of machines to book a theatre slot - I'm not entirely sure on the purpose as you don't reserve an actual seat and no one checks your reservation - I wonder if it's more something to make you stick to one particular show and spread the crowds out?

 

On the sinfonia they scanned our cruiscard at the entrance and when it was full you didn't get in (happend my daughter and son in law one evening)

[zangjuf]

Cheers, Tim. I'm on Sinfonia in 11 days so I'll be checking it out. Did you notice if there were long queues at the machines following embarkation? I would imagine if people were having problems that it would cause quite a delay :(

 

Still, it's good to see MSC implementing changes and constantly improving the product. If this innovation leads to quicker and less stressful embarkation procedures then - great! So far, there hasn't been any negative feedback, though it's early days yet. As it hasn't been introduced on Divina, yet, we won't get much comment here. It'll be interesting to see the reaction when it is brought in. :eek: :D

 

first line is check-inn where they thoroughly checked passports cruiseticket etc. then through douane and by stepping up on board you have to hand over the ticket then they make a picture of you do an quick face search if you're not wanted. and then you can go to your cabin!! if you can get there early there are no lines, they begin boarding at 11 oçlock. after15.00 uur there were lines!!!

[Beamafar]

Zangjuf ................ We have MSC transfers from the airport to the port but I think we'll get a taxi just so we'll be ahead of the posse. With priority boarding we should be onboard good and early. On our Magnifica cruise in April, from Venice, we were sitting in the MDR for lunch by 12.15pm. We're hoping to repeat that on our upcoming cruise. :D

 

 

Tim .............. I've used the machines for registering my credit card and witnessed people having problems. If everyone has to activate their cruisecards at the same time, I imagine there's a chance of chaos. Especially a cruise out of Venice where the majority board at that port, unlike the Western Med, where the ship is like a bus picking up and dropping people off at almost every stop! As for pre-booking the shows - that'll focus me as I never normally commit to going to one 'til the last minute. :rolleyes:

[electro]

Do the machines for registering your credit card require a chip and pin card?

 

for those of you who have cruise the Spendida in the Med, what time is early and late seating?

 

Thanks

 

Lois

[riclop]

We were just on. When did they start putting the cruise cards in the cabin? Seems a bit odd...

 

Right now it's only in the Med.

[1fifthavenue]

Do the machines for registering your credit card require a chip and pin card?

 

for those of you who have cruise the Spendida in the Med, what time is early and late seating?

 

Thanks

 

Lois

 

Hi Lois, there is the option for chip and pin, or if your credit card doesn't have a chip then there is an electronic screen which you can sign with a stylus- like for tracked mail

 

From memory, early sitting is about 6.30 and second about 8.45, though I'm not 100% on that... we prefer early as it gives time for dinner to settle and for some drinks before bed

[paddy1112]

Cruise card in the cabin seems strange to me.

Very often you can embark earlier than the cabins are ready.

So you can´t purchase drinks up to the time your cabin is ready?

 

Patrick

[Beamafar]

Cruise card in the cabin seems strange to me.

Very often you can embark earlier than the cabins are ready.

So you can´t purchase drinks up to the time your cabin is ready?

 

Patrick

 

You will be able to purchase drinks without having a cruisecard. You just give the server your room number - your photo will have been entered into the system at embarkation so the crew will be able to confirm that you're assigned to that cabin.