Long cruises on the Mediterranean?

[Beamafar]

3 minutes ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

Is that cruise from Kiel? More complicated to get there and more expensive, compared to Copenhagen!

 

Then more than €10000 for two for the cruise is a lot!

 

Yes, it's from Kiel.  Another problem with N Eur cruises - a lot of the embarkation ports aren't as accessible as Med ports.

 

I like the look of the Preziosa from Southampton for September 2020.  YC is €3509 pp for 14 nights, so a good bit cheaper.  Now, if I were to get a 30% casino discount voucher off our Oct/Nov cruise, I could be very tempted:

 

 

 

[hamrag]

4 minutes ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

Are you sure? Do you know the pricelimit for drinks outside the YC?

 

If it's included with the new packages it's very strange that I had to fight for it on our cruise!

 

It certainly was on Preziosa. It is officially 10 euros, but that actually included anything under 11 and NF was 10.75 per glass. I was also able to get some. The new YC package broadly replicates the new Deluxe package, but def included the lower end of Connoisseur in our case.

[seahags]

We are booked on the Splendida's 9 nights trip November 1, 2020 in YC.  It is my understanding that hamrag is correct about the Connoisseur drinks being the only exclusion.  We booked last month and are SO looking forward to the Divina this December as our first MSC YC trip, as well as the Splendida next year!  Come join us!

 

[sverigecruiser]

11 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

Yes, it's from Kiel.  Another problem with N Eur cruises - a lot of the embarkation ports aren't as accessible as Med ports.

 

I like the look of the Preziosa from Southampton for September 2020.  YC is €3509 pp for 14 nights, so a good bit cheaper.  Now, if I were to get a 30% casino discount voucher off our Oct/Nov cruise, I could be very tempted:

 

17 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

Yes, it's from Kiel.  Another problem with N Eur cruises - a lot of the embarkation ports aren't as accessible as Med ports.

 

I like the look of the Preziosa from Southampton for September 2020.  YC is €3509 pp for 14 nights, so a good bit cheaper.  Now, if I were to get a 30% casino discount voucher off our Oct/Nov cruise, I could be very tempted:

 

 

 

 

 

That cruise is interesting. The price on their Swedish site is €4215.  A little more than I want but maybe what we shall expect to pay for 14 nights.

[sverigecruiser]

18 minutes ago, hamrag said:

 

It certainly was on Preziosa. It is officially 10 euros, but that actually included anything under 11 and NF was 10.75 per glass. I was also able to get some. The new YC package broadly replicates the new Deluxe package, but def included the lower end of Connoisseur in our case.

 

That's the problem with MSC! Officially it's not included but it can still be included!

 

Do you know the official pricelimit on UScruises?

[Beamafar]

1 hour ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

 

That cruise is interesting. The price on their Swedish site is €4215.  A little more than I want but maybe what we shall expect to pay for 14 nights.

 

Just checked the German TA - they're quoting €4229 pp (similar to your own).  Looks like we're getting a very good price with MSC here @ €720 pp less!

[kodesthemoose]

21 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

It's the same with NCL, most longer cruises are on older ships without Haven.

 

 

In 2020 the NCL Getaway is doing 10/11 night Med cruises! 

[hamrag]

2 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

That's the problem with MSC! Officially it's not included but it can still be included!

 

Do you know the official pricelimit on UScruises?

 

Sorry, our cruises onboard currency was euros, cannot help with that question.

[Captain-John]

Don't forget the 10% off promo they're running just now - hopefully applicable to these sailings?

 

Bit of a moan from me r.e the 7 night cruises. I too find them too short. I too find it frustrating that both MSC and NCL tend to use older, smaller ships for longer itineraries (although I can see why - as they constantly want to attract new cruisers with the megaships and most folks are unlikely to want a longer cruise for their first time).

 

I've had some excellent, 9 night plus cruises on smaller ships (NCL Jade, MSC Orchestra etc.) - but - ideally - I'd do those same itineraries on a newer ship. That would be fantastic.

Particularly excited about my 11 night Reflection cruise next year - just the right balance - not too long, not too short and a decent enough ship by all accounts.

 

P.S - Bea - I'm doing a repeat of the Baltics this year having done it last year with NCL. It was an overnight stop in SPB and you're right, I do think that's required to see everything there is to see. Weather wise, it was brilliant (too hot!) in July. Price wise - it was around £1600 a head for a balcony on NCL for 9 nights, which I thought reasonable given the itinerary and time of year. Prices for the upcoming season are nearer £2K a head for the same itinerary.

Edited March 12, 2019 by Captain-John

[sverigecruiser]

34 minutes ago, kodesthemoose said:

In 2020 the NCL Getaway is doing 10/11 night Med cruises! 

 

Since our 7 first cruises were with NCL I know that I should love that cruise but most likely the prices for the Haven is insane! After trying the Yacht Club I also feel that I might be disappointed on NCL!

 

I will still look at it...

[Beamafar]

25 minutes ago, Captain-John said:

Don't forget the 10% off promo they're running just now - hopefully applicable to these sailings?

 

 

 

 

 

The promotion has finished, Cap'n.  It wasn't on the Ireland site, anyway, (or, at least, I couldn't find it) so we didn't get a chance to avail of it.  😡

 

I now have 2 cruises on my radar for late 2020 - the Preziosa one from Southampton (in YC) or the Splendida repo (Aurea) B2B with a Sthrn Caribbean 7 nighter (F. balcony).  Both are attractively priced, but I've been promising both myself and DH that I wouldn't book anything 'til the end of this year or early into next year.  It's a gamble as I've seen prices rise from the Early Booking rates (which are what's currently being offered).

 

Another factor - the way things are introduced on MSC - if there are any changes (e.g. the recent drinks package changes), at least current inclusions should be grandfathered in.

[Captain-John]

38 minutes ago, kodesthemoose said:

In 2020 the NCL Getaway is doing 10/11 night Med cruises! 

 

Didn't realise this. Have a few Cruise Next vouchers burning a hole in my pocket so might take a look. Although with NCL pricing at present - I'm not hopeful of being able to commit.

[sverigecruiser]

36 minutes ago, Captain-John said:

Bit of a moan from me r.e the 7 night cruises. I too find them too short. I too find it frustrating that both MSC and NCL tend to use older, smaller ships for longer itineraries (although I can see why - as they constantly want to attract new cruisers with the megaships and most folks are unlikely to want a longer cruise for their first time).

 

 

Our first cruise was 11 nights on the Norwegian Wind. That's still our favorite cruise and we only had a oceanview cabin then! 

 

Now we have tried suites on big ships and for us there is no way back.

[Captain-John]

Ignore.

 

Edited March 12, 2019 by Captain-John

[Captain-John]

7 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

The promotion has finished, Cap'n.  It wasn't on the Ireland site, anyway, (or, at least, I couldn't find it) so we didn't get a chance to avail of it.  😡

 

I now have 2 cruises on my radar for late 2020 - the Preziosa one from Southampton (in YC) or the Splendida repo (Aurea) B2B with a Sthrn Caribbean 7 nighter (F. balcony).  Both are attractively priced, but I've been promising both myself and DH that I wouldn't book anything 'til the end of this year or early into next year.  It's a gamble as I've seen prices rise from the Early Booking rates (which are what's currently being offered).

 

Another factor - the way things are introduced on MSC - if there are any changes (e.g. the recent drinks package changes), at least current inclusions should be grandfathered in.

 

 

Ah didn't realise it was regional - we had one in the UK and the US did too so I just assumed it was everywhere. I have two codes (one of which I would gladly share with you, if it would slip under the radar?!) as I'm unsure if I'll be able to book two cruises before the April deadline. They have already confirmed it can't be applied to my existing bookings (despite it working for others).

 

Hmm - that's a quandary - my gut would tell me Splendida and book it now. But what do I know?! Good luck resisting the temptation. Have you looked at other lines for the same time period and destinations?

[sverigecruiser]

12 minutes ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

Since our 7 first cruises were with NCL I know that I should love that cruise but most likely the prices for the Haven is insane! After trying the Yacht Club I also feel that I might be disappointed on NCL!

 

I will still look at it...

 

I have looked!

 

The cheapest suite in July is €5889 each.

[Beamafar]

1 minute ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

Our first cruise was 11 nights on the Norwegian Wind. That's still our favorite cruise and we only had a oceanview cabin then! 

 

Now we have tried suites on big ships and for us there is no way back.

 

That's my problem, too, SC - YC has spoilt us.  However, prices are heading outside of our comfort zone and we'll have to weigh up whether we'll cruise less to stretch - and if it's actually worth it!  Our next 2 are YC, so, for now, we don't have to make any decisions.

 

There was a time when I was more than happy with a B2 balcony.  I'm finding it very difficult now to look at anything less than Aurea, at least, especially on non-YC ships (I wouldn't restrict our choices to itineraries that only YC ships do).  

[Beamafar]

13 minutes ago, Captain-John said:

 

 

Ah didn't realise it was regional - we had one in the UK and the US did too so I just assumed it was everywhere. I have two codes (one of which I would gladly share with you, if it would slip under the radar?!) as I'm unsure if I'll be able to book two cruises before the April deadline. They have already confirmed it can't be applied to my existing bookings (despite it working for others).

 

Hmm - that's a quandary - my gut would tell me Splendida and book it now. But what do I know?! Good luck resisting the temptation. Have you looked at other lines for the same time period and destinations?

 

I never look at other lines, Cap'n.  There are too many positives with MSC - everything onboard is cheaper, including drinks packages and DSC plus, on most itineraries, the onboard currency is Euros, which is ideal for us.  Any time I've ever tried to compare another line (usually Royal), I start adding up what all the extras would cost and find that MSC comes out cheaper, overall.

 

ETA ... Appreciate the sentiment in offering me one of your codes, Cap'n - I doubt I'd be able to use it, though, as they'd know the promotion wasn't available to me. 

Edited March 12, 2019 by Beamafar

[Captain-John]

7 minutes ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

I have looked!

 

The cheapest suite in July is €5889 each.

 

I too have looked and was quoted £2300 each for an ordinary balcony. Catch me while I fall........

 

5 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

That's my problem, too, SC - YC has spoilt us.  However, prices are heading outside of our comfort zone and we'll have to weigh up whether we'll cruise less to stretch - and if it's actually worth it!  Our next 2 are YC, so, for now, we don't have to make any decisions.

 

There was a time when I was more than happy with a B2 balcony.  I'm finding it very difficult now to look at anything less than Aurea, at least, especially on non-YC ships (I wouldn't restrict our choices to itineraries that only YC ships do).  

 

Agree Bea - pricing across the industry are spiraling but I still maintain that one day, perhaps soon, there will be a huge excess in capacity (given the rate that megaships are pumped out at) and prices will have to reduce (fingers and toes crossed).

 

Although I still have the YC to experience, at the moment I'd be quite comfortable with Aurea as a minimum. I couldn't do B2 again due to the dining arrangements, lack of thermal suite access, additional drinks package charges etc. Of course, a significant price difference would change my view on this and I could just purchase the dining and thermal access as ad-hoc extras.

[Captain-John]

1 minute ago, Beamafar said:

 

I never look at other lines, Cap'n.  There are too many positives with MSC - everything onboard is cheaper, including drinks packages and DSC plus, on most itineraries, the onboard currency is Euros, which is ideal for us.  Any time I've ever tried to compare another line (usually Royal), I start adding up what all the extras would cost and find that MSC comes out cheaper, overall.  

 

Interesting. I always look across the market (instantly ruling a few out - Costa and Carnival for example) and generally still find MSC cheaper - but not always. My Reflection cruise next year includes a drinks package, and it's £120 pp/pn  (albeit only in a 'normal' balcony). I expect the food to be better than MSC along with a few other thing.

 

It used to be (not so long ago) that NCL could be slightly comparable to MSC in price but those days are gone. NCL is pricing itself as if it is at the premium end of the market - ha!!

[sverigecruiser]

27 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

I now have 2 cruises on my radar for late 2020 - the Preziosa one from Southampton (in YC) or the Splendida repo (Aurea) B2B with a Sthrn Caribbean 7 nighter (F. balcony).  Both are attractively priced, but I've been promising both myself and DH that I wouldn't book anything 'til the end of this year or early into next year.  It's a gamble as I've seen prices rise from the Early Booking rates (which are what's currently being offered).

 

 

The Preziosa cruise is very interesting for me too. The problem is that we aren't really ready to book another cruise already and I guess that the YC will be sold out soon.

 

I have to convince my wife to book now and it's also difficult to find out when she can get vacation next year! I'm a teacher so I can travel whenever I want! (The reason for that is that it's almost impossible to find educated teachers to employ so I can always find a new job if I have to!)

Edited March 12, 2019 by sverigecruiser

[Beamafar]

MyChoice is my reason for Aurea, minimally.  Each time I calculate the difference between it and a Fantastica balcony + drinks package, I ask myself if MyChoice is worth the extra cost.  The Spa and Solarium don't interest us, so they don't have value.  The differential has grown quite a bit for future cruises, plus Fantastica is now getting Premium included with some bookings, so Aurea is being over-priced.

 

I'm still being drawn to Splendida YC for €3509 - that's only €1759 per week!  Even the YC insides for a lot of cruises are costing more.  Heck, I've seen Fantastica balcony cabins for similar prices on the smaller ships.

[sverigecruiser]

19 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

That's my problem, too, SC - YC has spoilt us.  However, prices are heading outside of our comfort zone and we'll have to weigh up whether we'll cruise less to stretch - and if it's actually worth it!  Our next 2 are YC, so, for now, we don't have to make any decisions.

 

There was a time when I was more than happy with a B2 balcony.  I'm finding it very difficult now to look at anything less than Aurea, at least, especially on non-YC ships (I wouldn't restrict our choices to itineraries that only YC ships do).  

 

We have decided to cruise less because a "normal" cabin doesn't interest us anymore. If we don't want to spend the money for a suite we rather stay at home!

 

 

[Captain-John]

8 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

MyChoice is my reason for Aurea, minimally.  Each time I calculate the difference between it and a Fantastica balcony + drinks package, I ask myself if MyChoice is worth the extra cost.  The Spa and Solarium don't interest us, so they don't have value.  The differential has grown quite a bit for future cruises, plus Fantastica is now getting Premium included with some bookings, so Aurea is being over-priced.

 

I'm still being drawn to Splendida YC for €3509 - that's only €1759 per week!  Even the YC insides for a lot of cruises are costing more.  Heck, I've seen Fantastica balcony cabins for similar prices on the smaller ships.

 

Indeed - Aurea does sometimes attract a £400 or £500 premium over Fantastica, in which case it's not worth it. I'd dine speciality every night on a newer ship for less, so I could have my preference of table.

 

My gut was right about Splendida - that's not a bad deal at all - in the context of current prices. Lamenting the days (only about a year ago!) where Splendida was £1000 or less for a week in the Arabian Gulf.

[Captain-John]

8 minutes ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

We have decided to cruise less because a "normal" cabin doesn't interest us anymore. If we don't want to spend the money for a suite we rather stay at home!

 

 

 

Frequency is the key for me - I get itchy if I haven't set foot on a ship for 6 months! I may change this view in time - but for the moment I've not 'grown out of' the joy of being on a ship, regardless of cabin or class - and it increasingly looks like I need to revise my cabin expectations downwards so I can maintain the same frequency of cruising.