First Time Cruiser to 10 Days 11 Nights Genoa Italy

[aknish]

Hello Folks!

 

We have recently booked our First Cruise via MSC for 10 Days and 11 Nights from Genoa, Italy!

 

Cruise Ship: MSC Sinfonia

 

As a First Time Cruiser we have researched blogs, you tube videos and other websites. We're overwhelmed with the amount of information out there and it's very difficult to grasp everything. I was wondering if you guys can help us out with the only Most Important things we need to consider before embarkation and also during the Cruise and after embarkation.

 

We're still learning lots of things, So please bear with us!

 

How does one Not overspend on the Cruise? (That's our most important question as we certainly like to be in a budget)

 

We've booked the cruise with Early Seating regarding the Dinner because we thought we can finish off the Dinner first and not miss any shows on the cruise plus we can get some extra time to look around the cruise.

 

We chose Bella as it was too confusing

 

Tips and Suggestions are most welcome!

 

Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[paul929207]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Some suggestions - Join the Roll Call for your cruise. This is a part of Cruise Critic and will put you in touch with others sailing with you. People on the Roll Call often plan private excursions and are looking for others to join them and split the cost. That way they are much cheaper than the cruise line tours. 

 

Check out the packages offered for things like soda, alcohol, wine, coffee, etc. Only you can decide which one(s) would be to your benefit. 

 

Practice saying "No". The cruise line and the vendors in town will offer lots of ways to overspend. 

[lauren009]

Here is everything I can tell you about cruising, but I have not cruised MSC yet: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/p/cruise-tips.html

Most tips will hold up, but you may want to research your ship and MSC once you get an idea of what to expect to see what's different.

[wonderland1]

On 12/8/2018 at 4:37 AM, paul929207 said:

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Some suggestions - Join the Roll Call for your cruise. This is a part of Cruise Critic and will put you in touch with others sailing with you. People on the Roll Call often plan private excursions and are looking for others to join them and split the cost. That way they are much cheaper than the cruise line tours. 

 

Check out the packages offered for things like soda, alcohol, wine, coffee, etc. Only you can decide which one(s) would be to your benefit. 

 

Practice saying "No". The cruise line and the vendors in town will offer lots of ways to overspend. 

Well advised. Specially on saying "NO" to lots of temptations. Good luck. 😉

[evandbob]

Tips for not overspending:

 

Just purchase the 1 photo that best commemorates your cruise.

 

Don't enter the casino.

 

Avoid major purchases like jewelry on the ship and in the ports.

 

Some must have internet, decide what if any level you need to purchase.

 

As 1st timers, I would suggest you stay with cruise sponsored excursions even though they are costlier.  When you become more comfortable and experienced as cruisers, you can book independent tours.

 

Sticking with shore excursions, choose them carefully.  Try to match the tour with your expectations of the port.  If a port does not interest you, stay on board the ship for a relaxing, uncrowded day.

 

As far as shows, they are easy to attend with any dinner set seating.

 

Do join your roll call as others have suggested!

 

Enjoy!