******MSC - UK CRUISERS ***

[Ryan82]

Hi @bpb53

I sailed on the Preziosa on your same itinerary. Don't worry about dress code, it's fairly relaxed with MSC, wear what you feel comfortable in. You're likely to have a White Night, and they have Gala night where people dress up a bit, but that's about it.

[Cruiseforever11]

2 hours ago, bpb53 said:

Hello

We are travelling on Virtuosa on 2/12/22, it's a last minute booking for us and our 1st time on an MSC ship.   Does anyone know which terminal in Southampton it leaves from?

 

Do they have shuttle buses available when in port?  We are visiting Hamburg, Zebrugge, Rotterdam and Le Havre and just want to trot into the towns/cities under our own steam.

 

Could anyone advise on dress code ? the website seemed to give generic information on the possibility of a "white" evening and the possibility of other themed nights, but not specific to this cruise.

 

Any information would be most gratefully received, thank you

The Virtuosa leaves from the Horizon Terminal in Southampton and is clearly signposted from the main road posted as gate 9/10. The car park is run by ABPARKING which you can pre book online. The car park is literally opposite and there are no shuttles needed here. 

 

When we went last year msc did a bus into Hamburg centre. Nothing was open as it was a Sunday except for a couple of Xmas markets. 

 

They normally have a white night a formal night and themed nights. Themed nights can range from flower power 60/70/80 disco type of thing, Italian/med, tropical etc but you never know till your on board. White night and formal has always happened on 5night plus cruises I've been on.

You don't have to do any of these it's not compulsory. 

 

I say in the evening if not wanting to join in smart casual. 

[BertieRulesOK]

On 11/10/2022 at 2:52 PM, bpb53 said:

Does anyone know which terminal in Southampton it leaves from?

Horizon terminal.  At least it was last week.  Your embarkation form will confirm nearer the time.

 

On 11/10/2022 at 2:52 PM, bpb53 said:

Do they have shuttle buses available when in port?  We are visiting Hamburg, Zebrugge, Rotterdam and Le Havre and just want to trot into the towns/cities under our own steam.

 Hamburg - yes, although you don't need it and it was pay extra per person.  You can walk off the shop and it's 10min walk to the ferries.  Hamburg by ferry was great fun!  Have a Google.

 

Zebrugge - yes, but only to centre of Zeebrugge, and again, pay extra.  If you want Bruges, take the FREE shuttle yo the cruise terminal laid on by the port (not MSC) and there is a €20 coach (return) to take you to Bruges.  Journey took about 20mins and was very easy.

 

Rotterdam - unfortunately this stop was removed from the itinery.

 

Le Harve - yes, again extra €€.  I decided to stay on ship.  Apparently walking was easy though if you don't mind a 20-30min walk.

 

Prices of shuttles were around €10-15pp.  I thought it was a rip off.  But plenty were taking them.

On 11/10/2022 at 2:52 PM, bpb53 said:

Could anyone advise on dress code ?

 

Seemed to be whatever you fancied.  On night was "elegant" and there was the odd ballgown.  But most were just dress/shirt.  I had nice dresses for the evenings (cocktails mostly) and felt absolutely comfortable.  But others in jeans, t-shirts were equally so.  

 

Every night was a different themed party with a dress suggestion, but the only one ppl seemed to go in for (except elegant) was the White party.  I was wholly bemused by this.  How people owned so much white and then chose to bring that highly impractical colour on a cruise!  I didn't know it was a thing.  Laughed my head off when the chef suggested meal that night was tagelllatelli - I wonder how many ppl were less white by the end of dinner!  Anyway, lots wore white, but equally (like me) many didn't.  Took great fun wearing black and walking through the party!

 

Enjoy your cruise of the industrial ports of Europe.  I did.  Seriously consider getting the thermal pass if your into that sort of thing.  It was seriously good!

[bpb53]

On 11/10/2022 at 5:31 PM, Cruiseforever11 said:

The Virtuosa leaves from the Horizon Terminal in Southampton and is clearly signposted from the main road posted as gate 9/10. The car park is run by ABPARKING which you can pre book online. The car park is literally opposite and there are no shuttles needed here. 

 

When we went last year msc did a bus into Hamburg centre. Nothing was open as it was a Sunday except for a couple of Xmas markets. 

 

They normally have a white night a formal night and themed nights. Themed nights can range from flower power 60/70/80 disco type of thing, Italian/med, tropical etc but you never know till your on board. White night and formal has always happened on 5night plus cruises I've been on.

You don't have to do any of these it's not compulsory. 

 

I say in the evening if not wanting to join in smart casual. 

Thank you this was extremely helpful

[Disfan5]

Thinking of sailing the Virtuosa from Southhampton in May on a Norwegian Fjords sailing.  We were then thinking about  then taking a Carnival TransAtlantic out of Barcelona to New York. I've been on one 3 day MSC cruise from Miami. 

I have a few questions before I book.  On MSC, in the casino, are you able to charge what you gamble on your ship card, or do you have to bring money for the machines?  I'm guessing the ship would be using pounds?  The only cruise I've done in Europe was RCCL and they used USD.

 

I've just started researching, so I'm a little overwhelmed at where to start...

 

Thanks in Advance

 

[defbref]

On 11/19/2022 at 11:53 PM, Disfan5 said:

Thinking of sailing the Virtuosa from Southhampton in May on a Norwegian Fjords sailing.  We were then thinking about  then taking a Carnival TransAtlantic out of Barcelona to New York. I've been on one 3 day MSC cruise from Miami. 

I have a few questions before I book.  On MSC, in the casino, are you able to charge what you gamble on your ship card, or do you have to bring money for the machines?  I'm guessing the ship would be using pounds?  The only cruise I've done in Europe was RCCL and they used USD.

 

I've just started researching, so I'm a little overwhelmed at where to start...

 

Thanks in Advance

 

 

You can charge to your cruise card for both tables and machines. Onboard Currency will be pounds sterling £ for MSC out of Southampton during the summer season.

[ellie1145]

On 11/10/2022 at 2:52 PM, bpb53 said:

Hello

We are travelling on Virtuosa on 2/12/22, it's a last minute booking for us and our 1st time on an MSC ship.   Does anyone know which terminal in Southampton it leaves from?

 

Do they have shuttle buses available when in port?  We are visiting Hamburg, Zebrugge, Rotterdam and Le Havre and just want to trot into the towns/cities under our own steam.

 

Could anyone advise on dress code ? the website seemed to give generic information on the possibility of a "white" evening and the possibility of other themed nights, but not specific to this cruise.

 

Any information would be most gratefully received, thank you

 
 

We are also booked on this cruise. It’s our first MSC cruise (and our 71st cruise) 

 

Our companions are concerned about the very strongly worded embarkation times. We are all assigned 3.30 boarding but we have been status, matched to the top level (Diamond) and it says we have preferred boarding. Does that mean we can go earlier? Has anyone been thrown out of the terminal to wait outside for 4 hours? it seems very draconian and not the best way to start a cruise especially as one of our friends is disabled.

 

Also, it mentions free tea, water and coffee only being available at lunch and dinner in the dining room. Does that mean no beverages are free in the buffet or at breakfast?

 

What is the internet like? Is it very pricey? We have a pregnant daughter at home and want to keep in touch with her so will probably buy internet at some stage.

 

Final question. We have been status matched to Diamond. Do we enjoy all the benefits or only some?

 

We have heard so many horror stories about MSC that we are not having high expectations. We just hope it’s better than we expect!🙀🤣

 

[ellie1145]

We have been told that if we are fully vaccinated (we are, with 3 boosters and flu jab) we don’t need a Covid test but have one booked just in case they change their minds. 
 

Luckily,  the test can be cancelled without charge, so will do that next week if all remains the same. 

Edited November 25, 2022 by ellie1145

[ChristopherTracy]

1 hour ago, ellie1145 said:

 
 

We are also booked on this cruise. It’s our first MSC cruise (and our 71st cruise) 

 

Our companions are concerned about the very strongly worded embarkation times. We are all assigned 3.30 boarding but we have been status, matched to the top level (Diamond) and it says we have preferred boarding. Does that mean we can go earlier? Has anyone been thrown out of the terminal to wait outside for 4 hours? it seems very draconian and not the best way to start a cruise especially as one of our friends is disabled.

 

Also, it mentions free tea, water and coffee only being available at lunch and dinner in the dining room. Does that mean no beverages are free in the buffet or at breakfast?

 

What is the internet like? Is it very pricey? We have a pregnant daughter at home and want to keep in touch with her so will probably buy internet at some stage.

 

Final question. We have been status matched to Diamond. Do we enjoy all the benefits or only some?

 

We have heard so many horror stories about MSC that we are not having high expectations. We just hope it’s better than we expect!🙀🤣

 

Hi - I'm just offthe seascape. We found our embarkation time on the website got earlier and earlier as the cruise grew nearer so keep checking.

Tea, filter coffee and water/iced tea were available all day in the buffet. If you are sailing from Southampton you may well have a kettle in your room anyway.

Internet was ok value compared to P&O if you only want to keep in touch rather than stream etc. Cheaper to book beforehand on the website. Once on the ship if you cant make it work (especially if you have an iphone, go to the photo shop and they will sort).

[ellie1145]

Thank you for that information.

 

We do not sail until 8.00 pm so we wondered what time they start embarkation. All our other cruises have taken luggage away by 11.00 but maybe it is later with MSC?

[elmsliebev]

On 11/10/2022 at 2:52 PM, bpb53 said:

Hello

We are travelling on Virtuosa on 2/12/22, it's a last minute booking for us and our 1st time on an MSC ship.   Does anyone know which terminal in Southampton it leaves from?

 

Do they have shuttle buses available when in port?  We are visiting Hamburg, Zebrugge, Rotterdam and Le Havre and just want to trot into the towns/cities under our own steam.

 

Could anyone advise on dress code ? the website seemed to give generic information on the possibility of a "white" evening and the possibility of other themed nights, but not specific to this cruise.

 

Any information would be most gratefully received, thank you

we have booked for this itinerary in early March 23, so any feedback on the ports of call would be gratefully received! All new to us except Le Havre (I've been, but not OH). 

 

[ellie1145]

1 minute ago, elmsliebev said:

we have booked for this itinerary in early March 23, so any feedback on the ports of call would be gratefully received! All new to us except Le Havre (I've been, but not OH). 

 

We sailed on QM2 to Zeebrugge and Rotterdam.
 

We shared a taxi into Bruges with two ladies who were waiting at the entrance to the terminal. It was a set price(about €50 each way for the 4 of us). The taxi driver arranged to pick us up a couple of hours later and was waiting in the square for us. It all worked very well and saved us half the cost. 
 

Bruges is beautiful. We did the canal boat trip  - about €12 - and well worth it for the lovely hour long sail. It was close to the main square. There are lots of wonderful chocolate shops and a special Christmas shop. 
 

In Rotterdam Cunard had a free shuttle to a big area with a huge market. We visited the market and then walked to the old cruise ship, the Rotterdam, which the city saved from being broken up. We enjoyed looking over her and it was free.

 

Here are some photos of the the Rotterdam and the Canal trip.

[ellie1145]

Some photos of the Christmas shop.

 

Edited November 25, 2022 by ellie1145

[elmsliebev]

23 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

We sailed on QM2 to Zeebrugge and Rotterdam.
 

We shared a taxi into Bruges with two ladies who were waiting at the entrance to the terminal. It was a set price(about €50 each way for the 4 of us). The taxi driver arranged to pick us up a couple of hours later and was waiting in the square for us. It all worked very well and saved us half the cost. 
 

Bruges is beautiful. We did the canal boat trip  - about €12 - and well worth it for the lovely hour long sail. It was close to the main square. There are lots of wonderful chocolate shops and a special Christmas shop. 
 

In Rotterdam Cunard had a free shuttle to a big area with a huge market. We visited the market and then walked to the old cruise ship, the Rotterdam, which the city saved from being broken up. We enjoyed looking over her and it was free.

 

Here are some photos of the the Rotterdam and the Canal trip.

thanks Ellie, very helpful and great photos. OH has remembered he did go to Bruges on a primary school trip but as this trip is the start of his retirement celebrations, he can't really remember much - except eating too much chocolate and feeing sick!

Edited November 25, 2022 by elmsliebev

[BertieRulesOK]

3 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

We are all assigned 3.30 boarding

They were checking boarding times at the door before letting ppl into the terminal.  I'm not sure what priority boarding gets you, anytime boarding or just queue jump.

 

NB. I was on the 10am booking group in Soton, but they didn't start boarding ppl until 11.30am.  This is because of immigration checks at Soton meaning ppl aren't leaving the ship until 10-11am so they can't let new cruisers on.  Obviously I can't predict if these delays will still be affecting ppl in Dec, but worth noting that a late boarding time may not be a bad thing as I imagine you'll get to skip these queues by then.

 

3 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

free tea, water and coffee

Buffet was open all day and had free, tea (lots of varieties except green), coffee and filtered water(bring your refillable bottles).   Whetnever buffet was open, this was available.  So yes, breakfast included.  Also a kettle in the room with tea and instant coffee. 

 

3 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

What is the internet like? Is it very pricey?

Can't comment on quality as it was ridiculously expensive and you had yo buy gor the entire cruise, so I didn't get it.  Worth noting if you are a Brit that your mobile package (including data) should work whenever you are in port, which is the majority of the time you are awake (daytime). Therefore it's only sea days you will be out of contact.  I decided this was sufficient for my needs.

 

If you want to buy anything on the ship, do so beforehand as everything is more expensive when you get on board.

3 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

We have heard so many horror stories about MSC that we are not having high expectations. We just hope it’s better than we expect!🙀🤣

I was the same before my trip, but I had a really great time.  I also didnt meet anyone having a bad time.  Evetyone onboard seemed really, really happy.

 

Take a look at my posts for my fuller comments on the cruise. 

 

I think a lot of the bad reviews come from those who have not managed their expectations in advance of the cruise.  As long as you go in with a positive mindset of, "it's a cheap cruise" - a break from cooking and cleaning - you should have a great time. Staff and ship were lovely.  Food was a little hit or miss, but I didn't mind the misses as it meant I had the excuse to go to the buffet and have a slice of pizza!  The pizza is very moreish!

 

3 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

we don’t need a Covid test but have one booked just in case they change their minds

This is correct.  You don't need one.  Just proof of vaccination.  I handed this over when checking in.

 

2 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

We do not sail until 8.00 pm so we wondered what time they start embarkation. All our other cruises have taken luggage away by 11.00 but maybe it is later with MSC?

Boarding is supposed to start at 10am, however see comments above.  You don't need to check in baggage earlier than you personally check in.

 

When disembarkjng, luggage had yo be outside the room the night before by 10-11pm ish.

 

2 hours ago, elmsliebev said:

so any feedback on the ports of call would be gratefully received! All new to us except Le Havre

See comments on shuttles/transfers on my 15 Nov post above.  No need to book a taxi for Bruges unless you prefer to travel that way.  €20 coach return ticket from the cruise terminal.

Edited November 25, 2022 by BertieRulesOK

[Cruiseforever11]

You will get priority check in with Diamond but this only after you have gone through security with everyone else. When you get to the top of the escalator there will be a priority check in lane for diamond & Aurea guests. 

 

I have been on 11 msc cruises and stayed in all different cabins right through to yacht club.

You will read good and bad things. Msc are different, they are an European cruise line in their own right, they are not under the umbrella of carnival like royal p&o cunard princess etc are. 

The ships are stunning beautiful and clean and sparkling.

The staff on board are lovely.

The Virtuosa is a lovely ship I will be back on her again on 16th Dec. 

 

The food each to there own. Personally never had an issue with the food but if I don't like something I just don't have it again or choose something else. The pizza you won't get any better. If your not a veggie/vegan then the butchers cut(steak) is well worth it and so is Hola! (Mexican.) 

 

I hope your enjoy your cruise 😊

 

 

 

[bpb53]

On 11/15/2022 at 4:15 PM, BertieRulesOK said:

Horizon terminal.  At least it was last week.  Your embarkation form will confirm nearer the time.

 

 Hamburg - yes, although you don't need it and it was pay extra per person.  You can walk off the shop and it's 10min walk to the ferries.  Hamburg by ferry was great fun!  Have a Google.

 

Zebrugge - yes, but only to centre of Zeebrugge, and again, pay extra.  If you want Bruges, take the FREE shuttle yo the cruise terminal laid on by the port (not MSC) and there is a €20 coach (return) to take you to Bruges.  Journey took about 20mins and was very easy.

 

Rotterdam - unfortunately this stop was removed from the itinery.

 

Le Harve - yes, again extra €€.  I decided to stay on ship.  Apparently walking was easy though if you don't mind a 20-30min walk.

 

Prices of shuttles were around €10-15pp.  I thought it was a rip off.  But plenty were taking them.

 

Seemed to be whatever you fancied.  On night was "elegant" and there was the odd ballgown.  But most were just dress/shirt.  I had nice dresses for the evenings (cocktails mostly) and felt absolutely comfortable.  But others in jeans, t-shirts were equally so.  

 

Every night was a different themed party with a dress suggestion, but the only one ppl seemed to go in for (except elegant) was the White party.  I was wholly bemused by this.  How people owned so much white and then chose to bring that highly impractical colour on a cruise!  I didn't know it was a thing.  Laughed my head off when the chef suggested meal that night was tagelllatelli - I wonder how many ppl were less white by the end of dinner!  Anyway, lots wore white, but equally (like me) many didn't.  Took great fun wearing black and walking through the party!

 

Enjoy your cruise of the industrial ports of Europe.  I did.  Seriously consider getting the thermal pass if your into that sort of thing.  It was seriously good!

Really, really helpful thank you!!  I've noted everything you have said especially wef port transport, I don't own anything white so won't be partaking in that either.

 

[Wellsy1981]

Hi first time on a cruise and have booked an msc cruise from Southampton in April and have a few questions

 

1, in a bella room but got premium plus drinks package so would room service be free or would I have to pay for delivery and per item.

2, on embarkation day how strict are they on time of check in say we have a time of 10am but get there later would that be okay?

[Ryan82]

Hi @Wellsy1981 with Bella Room Service is not included. So you'll pay.

 

For embarkation time I've only ever arrived early. Not sure if you can arrive late. Might be best to give them a call.

[ellie1145]

Hamburg - yes, although you don't need it and it was pay extra per person.  You can walk off the shop and it's 10min walk to theferries.  Hamburg by ferry was great fun!  

 

The ferry sounds interesting. If you have time could you possibly tell me a bit more about it please? Can you just turn up and get on without pre-booking? How long does it take to get to the city? Approximately how much does it cost?  Sounds an interesting way to travel. 
 

Many thanks in advance. 👍

Edited November 30, 2022 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

So far we are impressed with our dealings with MSC. 

 

We sail on Friday and I called today to ask if our Status Match discount could be assigned as OBC as we hadn’t had confirmation of status when we booked. My hopes were not very high but I was very agreeably surprised.

 

An extremely helpful young lady managed to do this despite the short time frame. She resent our tickets with our Diamond status on them and was exceptionally polite and helpful, and even stayed on the line to ensure the new tickets had arrived.
 

MSC also answered the phone quickly. Our experience with both RCI and Princess have been utterly appalling with very long wait times of over an hour. So frustrating and for such large companies, inexcusable. 
 

So far it’s a thumbs up for MSC. Let’s hope this continues.  We are sailing with an open mind and recognise it’s a very different cruise line,  but we’ve always enjoyed new experiences and new ships. 
 

Roll on Friday! 
 

Many thanks everyone for your advice and suggestions. 

 

 

[BertieRulesOK]

4 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

The ferry sounds interesting. If you have time could you possibly tell me a bit more about it please? Can you just turn up and get on without pre-booking? How long does it take to get to the city? Approximately how much does it cost?  Sounds an interesting way to travel.

1.  Use Google to direct you to the ferry.  You can look on the route on Google maps at any time. Equally you can Google Hamburg ferries for maps of their routes.

 

2.  You can buy a Hamburg Card online which includes all public transport, or a day card at the ferry landing for just the boats..  There is a ticket machine on the landing which takes Euros.  It was €6-7 for the day.  Bargain.  But you can also buy single/rtn if you aren't going to use the ferries to sightsee.

 

3.  Again Google maps should show you ferry times.  It was about a 10 minute trip to the ferry hub from the stop nearest the port. 

 

4. I then used the day pass to take several trips around the city waterways.  The architecture on the shore was very interesting.  There's even a beach!  Which is odd considering the cargo port opposite it.  I used this as a guide:  https://www.helenonherholidays.com/hamburg-sightseeing-elbe-ferry/ 

 

5.There are very good public transport connections at the ferry hub to get you around the city.

 

6.  Ferry home.  10 min walk to ship.

[james_19742000]

Morning everyone,

 

Couple of quick questions, we have booked a last minute 16th December on Virtuosa, ended top with a last minute week off work, so why not!!

 

Anyway, we aren't overly bothered about 'posh' drinks and dont drink loads, so we are considering the basic 'Easy' package, having looked at the menus etc it seems OK, anyone on here had just the easy and how have you found it?  OK? or too limiting?

 

We enjoy the slots in the casino, but, dont like playing expensive machines, what are the stakes on the slots, on the US ships you can play some for as low as 1c per stake, do the MSC slots have equivalent ones?  Its not about winning, its about a bit of fun for us.

 

Euros or pounds onboard currently?

 

Never been on MSC before so all new, they have status matched us with my RC Diamond status which is a nice bonus!  

 

Overall, everything seems OK, just looking forward to trying a new line!

 

Thanks in advance

 

[steveso]

Hi

 

We are looking at a Virtuosa Cruise out of Southampton.

 

We are normally regulars on Royal Carribean and our last cruise was on Anthem out of Southampton. I appreciate they are very different cruise lines but has anyone been on both and can you tell me how they compare?

[BertieRulesOK]

On 12/3/2022 at 10:04 AM, james_19742000 said:

Anyway, we aren't overly bothered about 'posh' drinks and dont drink loads, so we are considering the basic 'Easy' package, having looked at the menus etc it seems OK, anyone on here had just the easy and how have you found it?  OK? or too limiting?

I paid for the premium and didnt think it was worth it as there was not much difference between the premium and the easy plus.  The easy (cheapest) was very restricted on beer.  Heineken only, which would not have been good for me.  If you just want wine and cocktails Easy would probably be ok.  It's restricted but has some choice.