Thinking About MSC - Only Cruised Holland & Princess

[Hlitner]

My advice to the OP is simple.  Given your experience you should certainly consider MSC if you are willing to pay for a cabin in the Yacht Club.  Otherwise, stick to Princess and HAL.   As to our experience we have  been Elite with Princess for a very long time and 5 Star Mariners with HAL.  

 

Hank

[Homosassa]

13 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I support all of the views of your post with the exception of this statement.  I did not feel that way nor did my fellow YC guests whom I encountered ever express or act that they were somehow "superior" to those of our shipmates that chose not to book YC.  

 

As a matter of fact, the people with whom I came to know the best were more "down to earth" types than some whom I have met on long cruises on Holland America Line.  

I wasn't talking about the attitude of the passengers.

 

I was talking about paying a much higher cruise fare for what people perceive as a superior (luxury small ship)  cruise experience when they are paying to be in a very small portion of the ship for that service. 

 

Yes, I know that the Yacht Club passengers can leave the YC and use the rest of the ship.

 

However, IMO, that is like buying a knock off version of a consumer product instead of buying the actual higher quality product that the knock off is imitating.

 

 

 

[Two Wheels Only]

3 hours ago, Homosassa said:

However, IMO, that is like buying a knock off version of a consumer product instead of buying the actual higher quality product that the knock off is imitating.

 

It depends on the circumstance. For someone with young children, Regent SS, Seabourn, Silversea, etc. is likely not a good fit. MSC Yacht Club and NCL Haven strike a balance for people (like me) in that situation. 

 

If Regent SS put some waterslides, zip-lines, and go-karts on their ships.....maybe. 😁

[Gatrcruzer]

On 3/16/2021 at 2:02 PM, guardhouse said:

We are looking for a quick, warm vacation and have seen some good prices on MSC out of Port Canaveral.  We have only been on Princess and Holland in the past.

 

Any details from folks to compare MSC to Princess or HAL?  Thank you!

I have sailed a number of lines, including HAL and Princess. They all have their plusses and minuses. A lot of the experience has to do with who you are, and what you value in a cruise experience, as well as which specific ship.

 

At least in the US, Princess and HAL are often geared toward older demographics and less towards families with children. Entertainment seems to be less of a focus, and I found entertainment to be fairly low key on those lines compared with MSC. MSC is less American focused even sailing out of the US. We found MSC to be excellent value for the money, and we sailed Fantastica class. That said, my impression with MSC is that they make a lot of errors that can make life challenging for passengers. As long as everything goes smoothly for you on your cruise you can have a great time - the ships are beautiful, food is decent (I think pizza at the buffet is delicious), and general service is good. However, if there is an issue or problem, customer service isn't great on this line (then again, I've had such issues on Celebrity, Royal, etc.), and getting help while you are onboard is probably not going to happen. Pre- and post-cruise it is also challenging to get assistance if you need it. I have never traveled Yacht Club, but it sounds amazing; however, even just Fantastica class in a balcony was nice for us and we were quite happy.

 

I would say the ship you are sailing also matters. Many HAL ships are smaller in size, whereas MSC ships, especially the newer ones, are quite large and have a lot of lovely features - whether those features appeal to you or not I don't know. Again, plusses and minuses to being on a larger ship. We were fairly impressed with MSC on our first trip, even though they screwed things up badly for our friends. I would say MSC is worth trying, particularly if you are able to get a good deal.

[rkacruiser]

On 3/21/2021 at 9:33 AM, Homosassa said:

I wasn't talking about the attitude of the passengers.

 

I was talking about paying a much higher cruise fare for what people perceive as a superior (luxury small ship)  cruise experience when they are paying to be in a very small portion of the ship for that service. 

 

Yes, I know that the Yacht Club passengers can leave the YC and use the rest of the ship.

 

However, IMO, that is like buying a knock off version of a consumer product instead of buying the actual higher quality product that the knock off is imitating.

 

 

 

 

I understand what you are saying.  I have been exploring Silverseas as well as Seabourn recently.  I perceive that there may be a difference among the experiences of these three cruise products.  

 

I read some of the experiences of those who have sailed in YC and wonder why did I not experience the same thing.  This makes me wonder:  is inconsistency of the YC product from one MSC ship becoming an issue?  As HAL's fleet grew, inconsistency of their product DID become an issue.  Is MSC having the same "growth pains"?  

[Homosassa]

13 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I understand what you are saying.  I have been exploring Silverseas as well as Seabourn recently.  I perceive that there may be a difference among the experiences of these three cruise products.  

 

 

I am looking forward to MSC's new class of ships that are small and geared to offering the "Yacht Club" experience as the cruise experience throughout the ship and not just in an isolated area of the ship.

 

I don't know when this is suppose to happen as the last thing I read on this was before Covid 19.

[Two Wheels Only]

58 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

I don't know when this is suppose to happen as the last thing I read on this was before Covid 19.

 

Scheduled for spring 2023.

 

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/24121-msc-cruises-largest-brand-orderbook-with-12-new-ships.html

[Hlitner]

On 3/20/2021 at 6:23 PM, Homosassa said:

As an "old" cruiser who has cruised many different cruise lines and experienced the changes in the on board experiences over the years, I find MSC to be reminiscent of the times when cruise lines had a distinct personality that came from their country of origin. HAL was full of wonderful Dutch and Indonesian treats and traditions. Princess carried on the Italian traditions of Sitmar  (Princess merged with Sitmar).

 

If you are comfortable with the idea that you will not be on a homogenized US cruise line and can adapt to differences in culture (cruise line and passengers), try MSC.

 

Just an FYI, my husband and I have sailed on MSC four times. Each time we book a Bella interior and are very happy with the service, staff and food.

 

It isn't that we like to go "cheap," but that we don't kid ourselves. When we want luxury, we cruise on Viking, Azamara, and Oceanic where the entire ship is at the same level and one is not is not isolated in  a tiny ghetto of perceived superiority.

We understand your point of view but somewhat disagree with the conclusion :).  Like you we have cruises on many different lines (16 to date) of just about every class from budget (i.e. the old Regency lines) to Luxury (Crystal, Seabourn, etc.).  We actually have liked them all (we love variety).  We have found the Yacht Club to be the best of many worlds.  While we really enjoy the small ships of Seabourn they do lack in evening entertainment options and some of amenities found on large mass market ships.   What the YC does is give us some of the luxury touches while allowing us access to the other mass market parts of the ship.  So we can leave the YC area and go listen to 2 or 3 bands blasting rock, blues, etc.  Later we return the YC where we can sit in the quiet lounge (things are usually very subdued and quiet in the YC) sipping a nice drink and listening to a piano/violin due or something similar.  

 

I will admit that we have been known to eat a few things outside the YC :).  The regular buffet has a more diverse selection of food then I can get in the YC.  As an example, we might decide we want to have some pizza in early afternoon and that is not normally available in the YC.  But the main Lido Buffet has a pretty large selection of various pizzas (we find their white pizza pretty good).  And I remember one day when I was in the mood for an Italian Sausage sandwich (with peppers and onions) which I could find in the main Lido buffet...but that was not an item in either of the YC eating venues.  And there are times on MSC when we crave some of the delicious gelato which is only found in the main part of the ship.

 

I do think the biggest drawback to the smaller luxury lines is the lack of diversity in terms of entertainment.  So, for example, if we are cruising on the Seabourn Soujourn there will normally be one small band playing for dancing and entertainment around 10pm.  But on a large MSC ship you will likely find 3 or 4 bands and perhaps a solo guitar player all entertaining at the same time.  And I will admit that on Seabourn we always found the casino too quiet (dead might be a good term) whereas on MSC the casino can be a lot of fun at the tables.

 

Hank

[rkacruiser]

11 hours ago, Homosassa said:

I am looking forward to MSC's new class of ships that are small and geared to offering the "Yacht Club" experience as the cruise experience throughout the ship and not just in an isolated area of the ship.

 

 

I imagine it would be a different experience.  Still much TBD, though.

 

5 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I do think the biggest drawback to the smaller luxury lines is the lack of diversity 

 

....and that is what concerns me, just a bit.  I enjoyed reading this post.  I have enjoyed my past cruise experiences on HAL, Princess, etc.  As I consider an upgrade to Silverseas or Seabourn, it is that potential lack of diversity that is a concern.

 

The ability to go from the quiet and reserved YC area to the more active areas on Meravigilia was an experience I liked.  The pizza offerings outside of YC were more attractive than what the YC Pool Grill served.  (Yes, I could have ordered Pizza via Room Service, but I prefer seeing what I am ordering.)  Then, returning to the YC Lounge for a nightcap with, maybe, a bit of music.  (A more conversational bartender than what I experienced would have been appreciated if there was no music.)  

[Hlitner]

51 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I imagine it would be a different experience.  Still much TBD, though.

 

 

....and that is what concerns me, just a bit.  I enjoyed reading this post.  I have enjoyed my past cruise experiences on HAL, Princess, etc.  As I consider an upgrade to Silverseas or Seabourn, it is that potential lack of diversity that is a concern.

 

The ability to go from the quiet and reserved YC area to the more active areas on Meravigilia was an experience I liked.  The pizza offerings outside of YC were more attractive than what the YC Pool Grill served.  (Yes, I could have ordered Pizza via Room Service, but I prefer seeing what I am ordering.)  Then, returning to the YC Lounge for a nightcap with, maybe, a bit of music.  (A more conversational bartender than what I experienced would have been appreciated if there was no music.)  

When we first tired MSC's Yacht Club, it was because some reviews and posts we had read here on CC.  But another big factor was the value!  Until recently, a regular suite (like a large deluxe balcony cabin) in the Yacht Club generally cost about $300 per passenger day.  That price was essentially for an all inclusive cruise as it included booze, multiple dining options. amazing service, private lounge, sun deck, dining room, etc.  The ultra luxury lines (such as Silverseas) were often charging up to $1000 per passenger day.  While the food on the ultra luxury lines is certainly better then what we get on MSC, we were cognizant that it was probably not worth another $500 to $700 per passenger day :).  I should add that we also enjoyed MSC's new private island (located in the Bahamas) where the YC has its own dedicated area and dining venue.

 

I should add that we also have enjoyed our time on other lines such as HAL.  We only have 3 booked cruises at the moment (not sure any of them will happen) and they are on MSC (Yacht CLub), Oceania, and HAL.  We would also happily go back on Seabourn if (and when) we spot an itinerary of interest.

 

Hank

[rkacruiser]

20 hours ago, Hlitner said:

But another big factor was the value!

 

Yes!  My cruise was the very first cruise after New Year's and I have found that to be a time to get great values on a cruise on other cruise lines as well.

 

20 hours ago, Hlitner said:

The ultra luxury lines (such as Silverseas) were often charging up to $1000 per passenger day.  While the food on the ultra luxury lines is certainly better then what we get on MSC, we were cognizant that it was probably not worth another $500 to $700 per passenger day :).  I should add that we also enjoyed MSC's new private island (located in the Bahamas) where the YC has its own dedicated area and dining venue.

 

It's hard for me to justify spending the kind of money/day that you mentioned on the ultra-luxury lines.  Will the cuisine be worth such?  (That's going to be determined by who is the Executive Chef for the ship based on my experience on past cruises on other cruise lines.)  It's a gamble to book a cruse based on what the cuisine may be.  It's the other "factors" of such a cruise that would/could be different from a HAL, Princess, etc., cruise that attracts me at this point in time.  

 

Ocean Cay has the potential to be the best Private Island of any cruise line if MSC continues to build it out.  My opinion:  the YC building/facility is too small for even the number of guests on Meraviglia.  It's a facility that needs to be expanded when their larger ships visit Ocean Cay.  

Edited March 24, 2021 by rkacruiser

[Hlitner]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Yes!  My cruise was the very first cruise after New Year's and I have found that to be a time to get great values on a cruise on other cruise lines as well.

 

 

It's hard for me to justify spending the kind of money/day that you mentioned on the ultra-luxury lines.  Will the cuisine be worth such?  (That's going to be determined by who is the Executive Chef for the ship based on my experience on past cruises on other cruise lines.)  It's a gamble to book a cruse based on what the cuisine may be.  It's the other "factors" of such a cruise that would/could be different from a HAL, Princess, etc., cruise that attracts me at this point in time.  

 

Ocean Cay has the potential to be the best Private Island of any cruise line if MSC continues to build it out.  My opinion:  the YC building/facility is too small for even the number of guests on Meraviglia.  It's a facility that needs to be expanded when their larger ships visit Ocean Cay.  

You get no argument from me about the YC facility on Ocean Cay.  We were the third cruise to ever call at the island (the Divina) and we thought the facility too small.  The YC on the Meraviglia has more cruisers so I can imagine the hassles just trying to get a table for lunch not to mention using the single bathrooms (for male and female) that were originally part of the design.  At the time we wondered about future plans for that part of the island.

 

The big money for ultra luxury lines is bothersome to me.  Yes, I do understand that there are plenty of folks which money has little meaning and who are fine paying the price.  But then there are those of us who could pay the price but have this weird philosophy of expecting good value for our money.  So the issue with the top lines, for me, is whether it is worth the money.  We did think that our Alaskan cruise on the Seabourn Soujourn was worth every penny, but the cost of that cruise was far less then the $1000 per passenger day we have seen on other cruises.   But those ships are certainly worth a lot more then most mass market vessels.   But no, I have yet to see the vessel for which DW and I are willing to pay $1000 per passenger day.  For that kind of money I would rather will fly first class to Paris, stay in a 5* hotel, and dine in 2 and 3 * restaurants.  

 

Speaking of Michelin starred restaurants, the best cuisine we have had on any ship has never made it to the level of most 2* restaurants.  And the food on mass market lines is fine but has seldom been up to the standards I would expect at a mediocre land based restaurant.  The lobster tails served on most mass market ships are about the quality of lobster tails we can get at a local diner where they used to advertise 2 for $20.  But my goodness, how many of our fellow cruisers make such a big deal about "lobster night."  These folks are paying thousands of dollars for their cruise vacation but get excited about lobster tails not close to what they can buy at their local supermarket for less then $30.

 

Hank

[rkacruiser]

23 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

The YC on the Meraviglia has more cruisers so I can imagine the hassles just trying to get a table for lunch not to mention using the single bathrooms (for male and female)

 

Didn't need to use the bathroom, but I arrived for a late lunch thinking that their would be no "crowd".  Well, I had to wait and then was seated at a table with other YC guests that had finished their lunch and were just "lounging".  Nice people; good lunch; but, at the level of an expected YC experience?  

24 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

At the time we wondered about future plans for that part of the island.

 

The golf cart driver that returned some of us back to the pier gave us a really thorough tour of the island with narration as to what he understood was planned for Ocean Cay.  If what he told us comes to pass, the other Private Islands will have stiff competition for such an experience.  He did not, however, have any information about changes to the YC area of Ocean Cay.

 

 

 

 

24 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

These folks are paying thousands of dollars for their cruise vacation but get excited about lobster tails not close to what they can buy at their local supermarket for less then $30.

 

I don't fault those that feel that way.  I never serve myself lobster tails when I am home.  It's a treat for them.  And, if the lobster served is good, it's a treat for me as well.  

 

25 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

the best cuisine we have had on any ship has never made it to the level of most 2* restaurants.

 

I think the specialty restaurants on the ships are supposed to emulate such experiences.  Most of the time:  the mark is missed.  The best that I have experienced has been Rudi's Sel de Mer on the Nieuw Statendam as well as the pop-ups on the other ships that offered them.  The pop-ups quality was surprising to me.  My experiences have been the mirror of what I first experienced on Nieuw Statendam.  

 

The Steakhouses on Carnival don''t pretend to be "Star" restaurants, but, they are darn good in all of the areas that are important to me:  service, ambiance, cuisine, and wine service.  

 

 

[dexddd]

How big is OC?  While it might be starting to be a great private island, I would caution it ever being the best.  CC has done some articles over the years about the private islands and the variance in sizes and amenities is good information.

 

Example, NCL was around 10 acres with continued building and from what I have seen, very basic Haven amenities so even MSC has bested them out of the gate.

 

DCL has CC which is roughly ten times the size of any other private island, and I'd say at least five times better in everything offered across the board except for suite guests which the only perk is early booking of the over priced and always sell out cabanas. The dining, shorex, island activities, and free water things are amazing.

 

Please don't give me the ...its for kids/overpriced/whatever excuses as those are partially true.  Pricing somewhat related to what you get.  Interesting enough, DCL one of the first to have adult only venues from the beginning. Just pointing out the options.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

9 hours ago, dexddd said:

How big is OC?  While it might be starting to be a great private island, I would caution it ever being the best.  CC has done some articles over the years about the private islands and the variance in sizes and amenities is good information.

 

Example, NCL was around 10 acres with continued building and from what I have seen, very basic Haven amenities so even MSC has bested them out of the gate.

 

DCL has CC which is roughly ten times the size of any other private island, and I'd say at least five times better in everything offered across the board except for suite guests which the only perk is early booking of the over priced and always sell out cabanas. The dining, shorex, island activities, and free water things are amazing.

 

Please don't give me the ...its for kids/overpriced/whatever excuses as those are partially true.  Pricing somewhat related to what you get.  Interesting enough, DCL one of the first to have adult only venues from the beginning. Just pointing out the options.

Ocean Cay is very nice and very big! MSC were smart in creating a full service destination. Here are some aspects that I think are unique:

 

--One disembarks into a village with shops, bars, a straw market and a full "main street," if you will;

--There is a dock for snorkeling boats; my excursion left from there and it was very handy;

--There are food trucks around the island that supplement the central buffet/barbeque;

--There is an evening parade, which was lovely;

--There is an evening light show, again lovely;

--The ship stays at OC all day in most cases.

 

Ocean Cay, in my opinion, is superior to both Half Moon Cay and Great Stirrup Cay.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

On 3/16/2021 at 11:02 AM, guardhouse said:

We are looking for a quick, warm vacation and have seen some good prices on MSC out of Port Canaveral.  We have only been on Princess and Holland in the past.

 

Any details from folks to compare MSC to Princess or HAL?  Thank you!

I have nine cruises and 64 nights on HAL and a handful of shorter Pacific Coastal cruises on Princess. My Princess history is supplemented by 37 nights on P&O in the UK which has a shared heritage with Princess.

 

MSC is a very traditional line. In many ways they have a familiar feel to HAL, especially on their smaller and midsize ships. They have a new production show in the main theater every night, they have set dining times, and they do have a "formal night," where most folks dress to impress. MSC Armonia feels very similar to Maasdam, Amsterdam and Zaandam, all of which I have sailed. I love Armonia and have another cruise booked on her.

 

MSC's bigger ships, including Divina and Meraviglia, feel very similar to Princess' Grand-class ships, especially. However, whereas Princess' design aesthetic is country-club-meet's-Tuscany, MSC's ships feature a spectacular contemporary design. Nearly all of MSC's newer ships have at least one indoor pool and multiple pools across the whole top deck, which feels very Princess to me.

 

I love the food on MSC. It's Mediterranean inspired, and the portions are generally small, but good. MSC has the best pizza at sea and the best espresso drinks. If you can live with the brands on offer in the Easy Drinks package, it is an exceptional value. For $35/day, you get booze, wine, beer, bottled water, soda, mocktails, and espresso drinks. There is no better value in the industry.

 

MSC is quirky! As a family-owned Italian company, it does things differently. Examples: you get your key card in your cabin after you board; you register a form of payment using a kiosk after you have already boarded the ship. MSC also actively discourages use of the MDR for breakfast and lunch. They even set up a buffet in the MDR and try to funnel MDR users to it rather than ordering an entree from the kitchen. You can do so, but you have to insist.

 

With two MSC cruises completed and three booked, I love MSC. And I have not sailed in YC; I'm just doing regular MSC. Do lots of reading in advance so you aren't surprised. And then enjoy.

[rkacruiser]

Cruiser Bruiser, both of your above posts are spot on.  Your posts ought to answer the post of dexddd.

[dexddd]

Right, the ability to dock is important which MSC, DCL, and Royal (don't follow closely) can do whereas NCL from observation over the years misses the island 25-33% because they have to tender.

 

Would like to see OC but we've missed due to it not being done and then the second time trip cancelled.

 

[Homosassa]

17 hours ago, Cruiser Bruiser said:

. MSC also actively discourages use of the MDR for breakfast and lunch. They even set up a buffet in the MDR and try to funnel MDR users to it rather than ordering an entree from the kitchen. You can do so, but you have to insist.

 

 

 

When did this happen?

 

On any of our MSC cruises (out of US ports),the MDR was always open for breakfast and on sea days or afternoon arrivals in port, for lunch. No buffet line in the MDR. Both the breakfast and lunch menus had items that were fast to order and receive or one could order items that would take longer to prepare.

 

On my last cruise (Armonia, March 2020) the cruise director even announced that the MDR would be open for lunch in Grand Cayman because in his opinion, restaurant prices in Grand Cayman were outrageous and he wanted to give a food option besides the ship's buffet that day.

[optimusprime82]

20 hours ago, Cruiser Bruiser said:

MSC is quirky! As a family-owned Italian company, it does things differently. Examples: you get your key card in your cabin after you board; you register a form of payment using a kiosk after you have already boarded the ship. MSC also actively discourages use of the MDR for breakfast and lunch. They even set up a buffet in the MDR and try to funnel MDR users to it rather than ordering an entree from the kitchen. You can do so, but you have to insist.

 

 

We have not experienced anything like that on the Divina or the Meraviglia. The MDR was always open for breakfast and lunch. There was never a buffet set up in the MDR and menus were always offered. On Norwegian we've seen staff members alerting people entering the MDR area of what the theme at the buffet was going to be but never vice versa.