My review of MSC - its long, sorry

[IHLOZ]

Any negative comments are points of note for others who may be bothered by it, they not complaints or moaning.

 

We recently boarded Preziosa in Hamburg on 3rd September and had 3 nights onboard before disembarking at Southampton. Both myself and my husband plus our 2 friends have celebrated a special wedding anniversary this year. They have been contemplating a cruise for a while but weren’t sure if they would like it so when this came up we suggested a little taster cruise. My husband and I have cruised several times before but never with MSC, then we saw one of the ships on Jane McDonalds Cruise show so expected it to be a decent ship, we were not disappointed. The ship was immaculate and very modern. It could do with an app and I know it is being rolled out onto all ships but the quicker they do that the better. We found the Princess@Sea app very useful last year.

 

We booked balcony rooms (B2) with fantastica experience and were allocated 10241 and 10233 but changed 10233 for 10240 because of the long balcony with restricted view (just before the hump). We usually go inside because we are never in cabin long enough to warrant paying for a window/balcony but it was a free upgrade, still don’t think I would pay for it though as we never sat out there. There were tea and coffee making facilities, wasn’t expecting that, but I never made use of them as I hate UHT milk. They could do with finding a place for the tray when not in use because it takes up a lot of space on the dressing table. I daresay our cabin steward would have taken it away if I had asked. The mini bar was well stocked but still had enough room for our own water and I believe that everything could have been taken out if we had asked. The room was a very good size with a very comfy king-size bed and a double sofa bed, a dressing table (although there was no room on it for all the cruise paraphernalia) good size bathroom too with plenty of places to put toiletries. It had loads of cupboards and drawers but the wardrobe is a little small if you are sailing for any decent length of time, we only just had enough room for 3 days’ worth of clothes. It can get a little tight on space if using the wardrobe at the same time as someone else going in and out of the bathroom. There was room under the bed for the cases. No towel animals or chocolates on the pillow ☹

 

We booked in February through Cruise Nation and the deal at the time was a free all-inclusive drinks package. There was a lot of confusion about the drinks package as we had previously seen it referred to as the Alegressimo and we were led to believe that everything that had gone before had been scrapped and that the all-inclusive actually meant everything. We had all-inclusive last year on Princess and it meant any beverage on the ship. It wasn’t until I read up on here that there were different packages and it wasn’t until 2 weeks to go when we got our tickets that I got actual confirmation that it was just the basic package, which is fine because it was free, but we were led to believe that it was everything so there really should be better distinction between them. There were still questions because the wording has changed again and it is very unclear whether glasses of sparkling of wine are included – Im happy to report that they are, a dry and a sweet. As it had been my husband’s birthday the day before we boarded, my mother paid for the beer package for him as he is a bit particular about his beer and the vouchers were delivered to our room. I also paid for a bottle of wine from our children which was there when we boarded. The drinks packages should be a lot easier to understand than they are but the fact that there are 2 all-inclusives is a bit misleading because all-inclusive means everything. Then there is the fact that they are called different names in different parts of the world so you go on a forum or start looking it up on google and it gets more confusing because people are telling you different things. Then they go and change the wording again, after you have the package, but don’t bother letting you know.

 

I really cant understand why there are so many people moaning about the food. The buffet station is the largest Ive seen, they are always well stocked and the food was never cold unless it was meant to be. If the tray is almost empty then common sense says it wouldn’t be as fresh and maybe not as warm but it doesn’t take the staff long to replace with a new tray so just come back. It would be impossible to NOT find anything to eat, even the fussiest diner would be hard pushed to not find anything. The stations are changed over for different times of the day and there will be times when there is a reduced amount of food available but the times are listed so plan when you eat instead of moaning that there isn’t anything available. The food in the MDR was what I would call healthy Goldilocks portions – not too much that you are left feeling like a burst sofa and not too little that you still need something else – just right. If you are used to bigger portion sizes, you can always ask for more and they will oblige or you can go and fill your boots at the buffet after, or you could always use the speciality dining rooms. I was a little disappointed with the cheese board selection and would like to see more of that. It isn’t the most refined food Ive ever had on a cruise but who cares, it certainly wouldn’t stop me from booking again on that point. I would have liked the option for a coffee after my meal too but unfortunately they don’t do coffee, having said that I never had a decent one on board anyway but maybe we weren’t on long enough for me to seek it out.

 

 

Personally, I don’t get the speciality dining concept Im afraid. Ive never seen anyone in one, why would you pay for food when there is plenty on board that is already included in what you have paid for. The sports bar, I believe has burgers – they are available at the buffet. The La Locanda bar and Eataly do pasta and pizza, again available in the buffet. Ice cream and cake available on deck 14. There was a pancake station in the covered pool area but Im fairly sure that pancakes and chocolate sauce were on the breakfast buffet. I cant comment on any of these because we only ate in the buffet or MDR for breakfast and evening meal with a light snack at lunchtime.

 

 

Entertainment….the first night was a tribute to Frank Sinatra which was ok, we had to go after evening meal to the only show that evening because we had lifeboat drill before food. The second night was an adaptation of the film The Mask, we really enjoyed that and that was before evening meal. Im very surprised that drinks are not allowed in the auditorium. The third night was an Italian night, singing opera or arias which we weren’t interested in. We ventured into the Galaxy disco one night but didn’t stay long. The main area for fun seems to be the Safari bar where there was a 60/70 and 80’s theme one night and various games for people to get involved in – although seems to be geared towards the Europeans which is fair enough as there are more of them than Brits. We only really ever used the pool bars, Safari, La Locanda wine bar – where they serve tapas and nibbles and have a very good guitarist, the Casino bar so cant really comment on any of the others but found the staff to be very friendly, especially in the Casino bar. Drinks seem to take a while to be served in the Safari bar, not sure if that is just to try and slow the AI drinkers down a bit. There appears to be a lot going on for anyone who gets easily bored with their own company on sailing days, in particular lots of dance classes. There also appears to be plenty for children to do from little ones to teenagers.

 

 

We had one formal night whilst onboard but what a job I had trying to find out if there would be one or not. When we booked I phoned MSC to ask and was told no because it was only a 3 night cruise. After coming on here I realised that the route seems to be like a bus route whereby anyone can get off and on at any port of call so there isn’t really a specific and defined cruise option. It wasn’t until 2 days before sailing that I eventually found out – from the Direct Sales Executive – that there would definitely be one. It may not be a big issue for a lot of people but I love the chance to dress up and always do when cruising, even on the non formal nights I still like to dress as though Im going somewhere special. We didn’t want to be carrying tuxedos and ball gowns if there was no need for them and likewise I would have been very disappointed, not only for ourselves but our friends who’s first cruise it was, if we didn’t have appropriate clothing to join in. So it was one mad dash at the last minute. I was very surprised at the lack of takeup – especially amongst the men, I didn’t see very many men in formal wear. Each to their own but I love looking at all the ball gowns and seeing everyone looking so smart and I think that’s a very nice part of cruising.

 

 

Not sure what to make of the Yacht Club, we did consider upgrading but glad we didn’t now, I find it a bit pretentious to be cordoned off from the rest of the passengers with their own seating area in the auditorium, their own dining room and their own sun bathing area – it just felt as though the rest of us were riff raff and they were being segregated to make sure we didn’t mingle. Sorry if you are a YC enthusiast but that’s just how it felt on the other side.

 

 

Destination – we didn’t do this for the ports of call so Im not going to comment other than to say our overnight stay in Hamburg was amazing but didn’t think much of Le Havre.

 

 

On the whole, the cruise was great, Im not sure how I would feel after a week or more of every public announcement being made in 6 languages – that was doing my head in by the end of 3 days! We may do another MSC cruise but I don’t think it will be in Europe – felt a bit like Butlins at sea aka a Thompson cruise at times but that’s just me being a cruise snob, because I believe a cruise is special.

 

 

Im doing the same review on TripAdvisor and will score a 4 – the thing that stops it being a 5 is the lack of information and discoordination, the staff in Italy do not seem to have a clue what goes on onboard, I got several different answers to the same question. We had a fabulous time and for what we paid I cannot even understand how they made a profit from us so have nothing to complain about.

[shukapaw]

Thanks. That was nicely balanced and informative

 

~Brian

[Two Wheels Only]

Not sure what to make of the Yacht Club, we did consider upgrading but glad we didn’t now, I find it a bit pretentious to be cordoned off from the rest of the passengers with their own seating area in the auditorium, their own dining room and their own sun bathing area – it just felt as though the rest of us were riff raff and they were being segregated to make sure we didn’t mingle. Sorry if you are a YC enthusiast but that’s just how it felt on the other side.

As a NCL Haven guest who is about to try MSC for the first time (in the YC), I find this line of thinking a bit perplexing. Based on Haven experience, "ship-within-a-ship" guests go in and out between the public areas and the exclusive areas. It isn't really trying to avoid other guests but is more of a less crowded/hectic experience in the exclusive areas.

 

 

Having a section for seating just means that it isn't a rush to get a seat among thousands of other guests. The separate dining room just means better/less hectic service. It's the same with the pool.

 

 

Maybe some YC guests feel that they are "better" than the "riffraff" but neither I nor the others in the Haven felt that way (in my experience).

 

 

I think of it as first class in an airplane vs. coach. We're all going together in the same vessel but some paid more for better amenities. I don't feel that anyone is mistreated because some are treated to more/better amenities.

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.

[jaxw17]

Thanks for your review which I think is very balanced

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[Bra_BE2014]

Thanks for the review. It does sound like Princess is a better fit for you .

[Beamafar]

Priscila ................ I'll take this opportunity while you're on to wish you well for your Meraviglia cruise - Bon Voyage! :) Hope you have a fab time! We're on Magnifica next Monday so may get a another chance. Looking forward to hearing your opinions about the ship (and your YC experience :D).

 

IHLOZ ............ thanks for the review. I agree about the lack of solid information about certain aspects - it's sometimes very frustrating dealing with corporate MSC. The onboard experience makes up for it, though.

 

On the subject of the existence of the YC - the only thing that bothers me about is when we're not in it - 25% of our cruises have been in YC. I don't have a problem with people having an enhanced experience onboard - they pay a hefty price in comparison to what cabins outside of the enclave cost. It has never impacted on my non-YC cruises.

Edited September 19, 2017 by Beamafar

[Bra_BE2014]

Priscila ................ I'll take this opportunity while you're on to wish you well for your Meraviglia cruise - Bon Voyage! :) Hope you have a fab time! We're on Magnifica next Monday so may get a another chance. Looking forward to hearing your opinions about the ship (and your YC experience :D).

 

 

Aww, thanks Bea! 11 days to go, I'm freaking out slightly!

Have a wonderful cruise too :-)

[IHLOZ]

Thanks for the review. It does sound like Princess is a better fit for you .

 

There are good and not so good points about both lines but I'm not reviewing Princess here, simply saying that the app idea is great and hope they can get it out quickly to the rest of the ships I don't have any experience of the MSC app yet but found the Princess one to be very good. If the MSC one is anything like it, it will be a great plus for passengers.

 

Our last experience of AI drinks was exactly that, so assumed (and were told by TA) it would be so with MSC too.

[IHLOZ]

I seem to have hit a raw nerve with some YCers, I'm not suggesting anyone thinks they are above the rest of us, just found it a bit strange myself. Maybe if I get to experience it I may feel differently.

[CruiseIreland]

I seem to have hit a raw nerve with some YCers, I'm not suggesting anyone thinks they are above the rest of us, just found it a bit strange myself. Maybe if I get to experience it I may feel differently.

 

But you did, you said: "Not sure what to make of the Yacht Club, we did consider upgrading but glad we didn’t now, I find it a bit pretentious to be cordoned off from the rest of the passengers with their own seating area in the auditorium, their own dining room and their own sun bathing area – it just felt as though the rest of us were riff raff and they were being segregated to make sure we didn’t mingle. Sorry if you are a YC enthusiast but that’s just how it felt on the other side."

 

 

That's how elite enclaves operate on cruise ships. You pay the extra money and you get bit more space and privilege. I would love to sail in the YC, or even Aurea, but I can't justify the extra money. It don't grow on my trees anyway. Some day, maybe, but I don't resent those who pay more than twice what I have paid and I don't feel 2nd class, more like 3rd, haha!;p;p

[Beamafar]

I seem to have hit a raw nerve with some YCers, I'm not suggesting anyone thinks they are above the rest of us, just found it a bit strange myself. Maybe if I get to experience it I may feel differently.

Considering that only 2 people made any remarks about your comments when you posted this, me being one of them, and you use the term "some", it's safe to assume that this includes me. I can assure you that you didn't hit any raw nerves with me. I can't understand how the existence of the Yacht Club impacted you in any way. It seems that you're the one with the "raw nerve" about it.

Your comment "it just felt as though the rest of us were riff raff" is such a strange thing to say. I've already inferred that 75% of my MSC cruises have been in non-YC cabins. I've never felt like "riff raff" just because of YC's existence.

 

"...........and they were being segregated to make sure we didn’t mingle" ........."I find it a bit pretentious to be cordoned off from the rest of the passengers" are other comments that are a bit OTT - no-one is "cordoned off". When in YC we spend our evenings outside the YC enclave enjoying the entertainment in the various venues where we mix and mingle - certainly I never saw any staff come over to ensure that we were "segregated to make sure we didn't mingle". Unless people see our cruisecards, nobody (but the crew serving us) is any the wiser that we're in YC or the most basic Bella Inside cabin.

 

There's nothing "pretentious" about being a YC guest. Do you feel the same about staying in hotels where they have Penthouse suites, or airlines where there is 1st class (what a pretentious name that is!) seating for those who can afford to pay more for better service and amenities? Does Princess cruisline not have tiered cabin types with services and amenities based on differing budgets? Did that affect you in the same way when you sailed?

 

"Sorry if you are a YC enthusiast but that’s just how it felt on the other side." On the other side of what? If you're not in YC, you're not on "the other side" - you, your cabin and all the amenities are in the main body of the ship.

 

Challenging your notions re the existence of YC does not mean that you've hit a raw nerve. On a public forum you're entitled to voice your opinions but you should also be open to having them commented on without accusing people of being defensive (which is what the "raw nerve" comment suggests).

 

Just trying to balance the views for those who haven't sailed MSC and are reading this review.