Maiden cruise of MSC Bellissima

[Beamafar]

That's some captain!  On Armonia on embarkation day, it became apparent to the Captain that the weather was so bad, we'd miss Jamaica altogether.  He announced it that day and outlined what he had in mind to do, which was to change course significantly so that our extra day at sea would at least have good weather.   It's unbelievable that the captain hasn't addressed the passengers.

 

Back on the subject of the menu and whether the 'Dining Experience' includes a side;  I've re-read it and now think that if there were brackets around the words "with your choice of side dish" it would make more sense.  I now believe that you will get a side with the main dish of your choice that has an icon next to the main dish.

[little britain]

Hi, we dined there last night, he said we may as well have 1 starter each as it was included ( even though we didn’t want one each) but nothing about side dishes!!!  One  steak and a lettuce 🥬 leaf later...

 

Those that dined in Butchers Cut had a better experience I believe!

[Beamafar]

10 minutes ago, little britain said:

Hi, we dined there last night, he said we may as well have 1 starter each as it was included ( even though we didn’t want one each) but nothing about side dishes!!!  One  steak and a lettuce 🥬 leaf later...

 

Those that dined in Butchers Cut had a better experience I believe!

 

Most reviews I've read about Butchers Cut have been favourable;  we've loved it each time we've been and will have our Black Card comp on Seaview and Meraviglia there.  We'll have a look at the Bistro on Seaview before deciding whether to pay for the 'Experience' or not.  Being in YC, we may feel it's not worth paying extra for.

 

On the sides issue ... I'd say, like everything else that's new on the ship, the crew aren't familiar enough with the set-up.  I imagine that they'll get some stick over time about whether a side is included or not and will yield to common sense.

[Norwegian Cruiser 73]

Thank you for the report and photos from the MSC Bellissima. When we did the inaugural on the MSC Meraviglia in 2017 we had the same captain as you have on the MSC Bellissima now and he didn't make announcements to the guests at all for the whole cruise. So don't expect any announcements. That said, we were on the MSC Preziosa a few weeks ago, no announcement from the captain there either but the cruise director made here daily announcement just after departure. 

[little britain]

In Lisbon today and the sun has come out..

[cruiser man 60]

Thanks for all updates, Whats the food in general been like?

[Captain-John]

1 hour ago, Norwegian Cruiser 73 said:

we did the inaugural on the MSC Meraviglia in 2017

we were on the MSC Preziosa a few weeks ago

 

I''m doing a few cruises in the same order (both YC). I have sailed Preziosa before, when she was relatively new in 2014 (albeit not YC). I have a feeling Meraviglia will spoil us and Preziosa will be a 'backward' step - based on cabin size, thermal area and specialty restaurants for a start. Although, I anticipate the YC service will be of just as high a standard and Preziosa will by no means be old. Do you have any thoughts on this and the difference between the two experiences (something tells me you are a regular YC cruiser but apologies if I have you mistaken!)?

 

56 minutes ago, little britain said:

In Lisbon today and the sun has come out..

 

Lovely. Just lovely. We are in Lisbon on Preziosa in October (first time). How close is the dock to the main attractions?

 

As I say I know of people sailing Bellissima on the 05/04 sailing from Barcelona. They're in an Aurea angled balcony. I'd be interested in their thoughts as they were sailing with us on Preziosa in 2014 and sail just as often as us on various other lines.

[Beamafar]

15 minutes ago, Captain-John said:

 

I''m doing a few cruises in the same order (both YC). I have sailed Preziosa before, when she was relatively new in 2014 (albeit not YC). I have a feeling Meraviglia will spoil us and Preziosa will be a 'backward' step - based on cabin size, thermal area and specialty restaurants for a start. Although, I anticipate the YC service will be of just as high a standard and Preziosa will by no means be old.

 

As a result of the Preziosa cruise that Norwegian Cruiser has referenced and has told me all about, I've been tempted to book the same itinerary in the future.  However, Splendida will be doing the route and, funnily enough, my feeling was that we would be taking a 'backward' step by doing it.  There will be so many newer MSC ships by then that it doesn't seem right to be booking such an 'old' one!   The one big plus is that Splendida has a Butcher's Cut onboard.

 

[Captain-John]

8 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

As a result of the Preziosa cruise that Norwegian Cruiser has referenced and has told me all about, I've been tempted to book the same itinerary in the future.  However, Splendida will be doing the route and, funnily enough, my feeling was that we would be taking a 'backward' step by doing it.  There will be so many newer MSC ships by then that it doesn't seem right to be booking such an 'old' one!   The one big plus is that Splendida has a Butcher's Cut onboard.

 

 

Yes I'd love it if there was a Butcher's Cut on Preziosa for our Black Card meal. Although, it's a pretty good deal we have on Preziosa so I suppose I need to balance my reservations against the great price (similar to what NCL wanted for an ordinary balcony on one of their ships!). Never eaten in Eataly but as I won't be paying for the meal as such happy to give it a try. I wouldn't have any reservations at all if I was sailing Meraviglia in October (like you, if I'm not mistaken?!) and Preziosa in May.

 

Alas it's vice versa but then I need to remind myself that Preziosa isn't really that old, I've sailed on far worse (Island Escape, to my shame!), and certainly the Yacht Club should compensate for a lot.

Edited March 8, 2019 by Captain-John

[Beamafar]

Once you're in YC, it really doesn't matter which ship you're on, Cap'n.  It's just wonderful, regardless!  (You're right, we're on in Oct - we're prepared to do an inside cabin just to be in YC).

[little britain]

We have a Voyagers Club party 🎉.... at 8p tomorrow night!  Strange timing. And it is formal night.

Sorry to the people who disembarked in Lisbon!

[Norwegian Cruiser 73]

1 hour ago, Captain-John said:

 

I''m doing a few cruises in the same order (both YC). I have sailed Preziosa before, when she was relatively new in 2014 (albeit not YC). I have a feeling Meraviglia will spoil us and Preziosa will be a 'backward' step - based on cabin size, thermal area and specialty restaurants for a start. Although, I anticipate the YC service will be of just as high a standard and Preziosa will by no means be old. Do you have any thoughts on this and the difference between the two experiences (something tells me you are a regular YC cruiser but apologies if I have you mistaken!)?

 

 

Lovely. Just lovely. We are in Lisbon on Preziosa in October (first time). How close is the dock to the main attractions?

 

As I say I know of people sailing Bellissima on the 05/04 sailing from Barcelona. They're in an Aurea angled balcony. I'd be interested in their thoughts as they were sailing with us on Preziosa in 2014 and sail just as often as us on various other lines.

 

We are regular YC cruisers and have sailed 9 times in the YC and our next up is on the impressive MSC Seaview in the Mediterranean. We had a wonderful experience in the YC onboard the Preziosa, sailing from Guadeloupe to the Antilles. There was no backward step from the Meraviglia in 2017 or Seaview last year. The service was excellent, In fact even better as they have introduced a few more perks in YC,  as a welcome tent on the piers with drinks and wet towel service. We could also order pizza from the Eataly to the YC pooldeck and they have reserved YC seating in the Garden Bar close to the YC restaurant. The food was very good and we loved the total ambiance and atmosphere on board. Personally I like the Fantasia Class better than the Meraviglia Class. I'm didn't get the real feeling of MSC onboard the Meraviglia. Especially outside the YC. The cabins are smaller but the interior details and quality of the materials used is better. You are in for a great experience on the beautiful MSC Preziosa. Enjoy the rest of your time onboard the MSC Bellissima. 

[Captain-John]

1 minute ago, Norwegian Cruiser 73 said:

 

We are regular YC cruisers and have sailed 9 times in the YC and our next up is on the impressive MSC Seaview in the Mediterranean. We had a wonderful experience in the YC onboard the Preziosa, sailing from Guadeloupe to the Antilles. There was no backward step from the Meraviglia in 2017 or Seaview last year. The service was excellent, In fact even better as they have introduced a few more perks in YC,  as a welcome tent on the piers with drinks and wet towel service. We could also order pizza from the Eataly to the YC pooldeck and they have reserved YC seating in the Garden Bar close to the YC restaurant. The food was very good and we loved the total ambiance and atmosphere on board. Personally I like the Fantasia Class better than the Meraviglia Class. I'm didn't get the real feeling of MSC onboard the Meraviglia. Especially outside the YC. The cabins are smaller but the interior details and quality of the materials used is better. You are in for a great experience on the beautiful MSC Preziosa. Enjoy the rest of your time onboard the MSC Bellissima. 

 

Thank you so much, this is just what I wanted to hear. You didn't touch on the thermal area, which to me looks more impressive on Meraviglia - however appreciate it's not at the top of a lot of wish lists and you may not enjoy these areas.

 

Regarding the points in red - wasn't aware of either of the first two points - both of which I shall utilise. Also very pleased and glad there was a good atmosphere onboard.

 

Really appreciate your thoughts. Do enjoy your upcoming Seaview cruise (the same relatives that are sailing Bellissima are sailing SeaSIDE in October in Europe).

 

P.S - wish I was on Bellissima at present - sadly not me. 😞

 

 

[Norwegian Cruiser 73]

2 minutes ago, Captain-John said:

 

Thank you so much, this is just what I wanted to hear. You didn't touch on the thermal area, which to me looks more impressive on Meraviglia - however appreciate it's not at the top of a lot of wish lists and you may not enjoy these areas.

 

Regarding the points in red - wasn't aware of either of the first two points - both of which I shall utilise. Also very pleased and glad there was a good atmosphere onboard.

 

Really appreciate your thoughts. Do enjoy your upcoming Seaview cruise (the same relatives that are sailing Bellissima are sailing SeaSIDE in October in Europe).

 

P.S - wish I was on Bellissima at present - sadly not me. 😞

 

 

You're very welcome. Sorry, mixed you with little Britain which is onboard the MSC Bellissima now 😂 Getting late in Norway. I have done the thermal area on both the Preziosa and the Meraviglia and maybe this area is a bit better or should I say larger on the Meraviglia but there is no seaview as it is on the Preziosa. Both thermal baths are beautiful. 

[Beamafar]

25 minutes ago, Captain-John said:

 

... Do enjoy your upcoming Seaview cruise

 

 

As we're on Seaview with him, I'll ensure he does, Cap'n.  

[Captain-John]

Ah, fantastic! I didn't realise - you enjoy too, Bea! 😄

[Europeantraveler1]

Are the Bellisima’s deck plans identical to the new ship almost completed...the Grandiosa?

Also, can anyone explain how a YC passenger makes their way up to the upper YC decks?  I had read somewhere that there are YC-dedicated elevators.   

[Beamafar]

6 minutes ago, Europeantraveler1 said:

Are the Bellisima’s deck plans identical to the new ship almost completed...the Grandiosa?

Also, can anyone explain how a YC passenger makes their way up to the upper YC decks?  I had read somewhere that there are YC-dedicated elevators.   

 

I believe Grandiosa will be bigger, so the deck plans will differ from Bellissima.

 

YC guests are escorted onboard at embarkation by a butler who will explain how the elevators operate.

[Beamafar]

LB ... how is the vibe onboard?  How does it compare with Meraviglia?  I, like Norwegian Cruiser, felt that Mera was missing the MSC 'feel'. 

[little britain]

Bellissima YC:

There is a private internal lift that services 14-19

16 is the lounge then sparkling staircase up to restaurant.  

A beautiful space. 

Edited March 8, 2019 by little britain

[little britain]

1 hour ago, Beamafar said:

LB ... how is the vibe onboard?  How does it compare with Meraviglia?  I, like Norwegian Cruiser, felt that Mera was missing the MSC 'feel'. 

Current in the Sky Lounge and it’s jumping!!  Cheers!

[hamrag]

2 hours ago, Norwegian Cruiser 73 said:

 

We are regular YC cruisers and have sailed 9 times in the YC and our next up is on the impressive MSC Seaview in the Mediterranean. We had a wonderful experience in the YC onboard the Preziosa, sailing from Guadeloupe to the Antilles. There was no backward step from the Meraviglia in 2017 or Seaview last year. The service was excellent, In fact even better as they have introduced a few more perks in YC,  as a welcome tent on the piers with drinks and wet towel service. We could also order pizza from the Eataly to the YC pooldeck and they have reserved YC seating in the Garden Bar close to the YC restaurant. The food was very good and we loved the total ambiance and atmosphere on board. Personally I like the Fantasia Class better than the Meraviglia Class. I'm didn't get the real feeling of MSC onboard the Meraviglia. Especially outside the YC. The cabins are smaller but the interior details and quality of the materials used is better. You are in for a great experience on the beautiful MSC Preziosa. Enjoy the rest of your time onboard the MSC Bellissima. 

 

Having sailed Meraviglia YC a few months ago, and Preziosa last month, these are comments I agree with and support 100%. There is also a YC reserved area in the show lounge on Preziosa, which Meraviglia does not offer. The YC restaurant menus and service on Preziosa are superior. 

 

The only area in which Meraviglia beats Preziosa is in the thermal spa, which is amazing.....Preziosa is still very good, but M is stunning!  

[Beamafar]

Funny ... I thought the food in YC on Meraviglia was the best we ever had in any YC restaurant.  It was the only time I ever wanted second helpings of mains and/or desserts, both at lunch and dinner, despite only being able to eat small amounts at any one time.  I succumbed on a couple of occasions!  😊  I also loved the fact that the restaurant is situated in the enclave - gave a whole different YC experience.

 

Maybe Preziosa's menus were influenced by the region you were in?  🤔

Edited March 8, 2019 by Beamafar

[hamrag]

3 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

Funny ... I thought the food in YC on Meraviglia was the best we ever had in any YC restaurant.  It was the only time I ever wanted second helpings of mains and/or desserts, both at lunch and dinner, despite only being able to eat small amounts at any one time.  I succumbed on a couple of occasions!  😊  I also loved the fact that the restaurant is situated in the enclave - gave a whole different YC experience.

 

Maybe Preziosa's menus were influenced by the region you were in?  🤔

 

I would agree in terms of restaurant location, although in the Caribbean it was no problem walking on open decks to the opposite end of ship....also burned a few calories!

 

Meraviglia restaurant was very good.....Preziosa was superb, not sure the Caribbean region equates to better menus compared to Europe.

[Astro]

27 minutes ago, little britain said:

Bellissima YC:

There is a private internal lift that services 14-19

16 is the lounge then sparkling staircase up to restaurant.  

A beautiful space. 

Would you be able to take a picture of the Yacht Club Restaurant.  I heard someone say he only saw large tables for (10 seats) in that restaurant.  We prefer the smaller tables for our family of six.