Currently on Grandiosa halfway through a 10 night cruise

[iwtobek]

2 minutes ago, Stockjock said:

For example let’s say your cruise leaves on Friday, you could do it Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. We did it the first day fairly early in the morning.

Yes indeed. That's what I've had in mind. Something like in between 2 and 3 days (closer to 2 days)

[Stockjock]

Unfortunately we just had our second helicopter emergency medical evaluation off of the ship. It’s unusual to have this many in a fairly short period of time.  
 

Makes me glad I bought emergency travel insurance, just in case.

[Stockjock]

I hope they are OK.I hope they are OK.

[Stockjock]

Good morning from Lisbon.  Looks like Costa Fortuna was right behind us.

 

Edited September 17, 2022 by Stockjock

[Stockjock]

While the girlfriend is putting on her makeup, I’m having a nice sit down breakfast. 

I guess that’s an advantage of being a guy, you can get ready in 10 minutes instead of an hour and a half, lol.

[Nunagoras]

3 hours ago, Stockjock said:

While the girlfriend is putting on her makeup, I’m having a nice sit down breakfast. 

I guess that’s an advantage of being a guy, you can get ready in 10 minutes instead of an hour and a half, lol.

Ha, ha, so true!... It seems that, at least on that ship, food offerings have in fact improved at least a good notch, to say the least, and at least the MDR breakfast menu has resumed its usual offerings as well! Be welcome to our lovely Lisbon! The big red building that dominates the right part of your 1st Lisbon photo is our central rail station that also hosts a top 5* hotel. Have a nice day!...

[travelwide]

On 9/15/2022 at 8:41 AM, racephoto said:

I'm on here too.  I got off the Island Princess in Copenhagen and jumped on the Grandiosa. I stay on for another 3 days at the end of this sailing, Barcelona -Genoa- Barcelona,  then I hop on the Meraviglia back to Port Canaveral, ending my 140 day European adventure, 134 days of which will be on cruise ships.  So far, honestly, I'm not loving the Grandiosa. I'm calling it just OK. I can't believe that there's only 3,800 people on the ship, it feels like WAY more. It's so darn loud!! I enjoyed my Divina cruises more, but that's just me. Looking forward to seeing if the Mera is different.

Is there a chance you can post your TA experiences while on the Meraviglia?

Have a great trip back to the states!

[racephoto]

Looks like there will be a lot going on in Barcelona. 
https://www.barcelona.cat/lamerce/en

[racephoto]

4 hours ago, travelwide said:

Is there a chance you can post your TA experiences while on the Meraviglia?

Have a great trip back to the states!

I will try. I’m really worn out with fighting with crappy internet, but I’ll give it a go. There’s a roll call for it as well.

[lyannea]

On 9/15/2022 at 5:41 AM, racephoto said:

I'm on here too.  I got off the Island Princess in Copenhagen and jumped on the Grandiosa. I stay on for another 3 days at the end of this sailing, Barcelona -Genoa- Barcelona,  then I hop on the Meraviglia back to Port Canaveral, ending my 140 day European adventure, 134 days of which will be on cruise ships.  So far, honestly, I'm not loving the Grandiosa. I'm calling it just OK. I can't believe that there's only 3,800 people on the ship, it feels like WAY more. It's so darn loud!! I enjoyed my Divina cruises more, but that's just me. Looking forward to seeing if the Mera is different.

Not to hijack this thread, but I wanted to tell you that you're living the dream of cruising for 134 days !

I'm hoping to plan this for 2024 and this starting to look at the legistics. 

[Stockjock]

We are in Malaga Spain today. Here are a few more photos for the hell of it.

Edited September 19, 2022 by Stockjock

[Aeroplex]

I was on the route before 03-10.09.2022 and I booked for 22.09.2022 - 26.09.2022. 

 

According to your pictures we probably get served the same menus as 2 weeks ago hahah, already saw both shows and also tried as speciality restaurants.

[racephoto]

I have to upgrade my opinion of this cruise from ok to quite good. It took me a little while to get used to some different ways they have of doing things, but now that I’m acclimated I’m enjoying it. I sure miss the chocolate ships though. 😞 

 

On 9/17/2022 at 8:32 PM, lyannea said:

Not to hijack this thread, but I wanted to tell you that you're living the dream of cruising for 134 days !

I'm hoping to plan this for 2024 and this starting to look at the legistics. 

 

I’m glad I did it, and it’s been great. One thing I’ve learned for myself is that I can’t spend too much time on one ship or one line. Some people are on the Pride or the Island Princess from April to November………..I couldn’t do it. I was very happy to get off each ship and do something different.

[Stockjock]

A few pictures as we sail away from Malaga. I definitely had a very nice time and we have one more day at sea before ending the cruise in Barcelona.

 

I really saw dramatic improvement from the staff on this cruise. I think I mentioned that on a couple of my first reviews I felt that they needed to hire more Filipinos and they have, and I think that’s made a big difference. I think the supervisors are very good to, as they are really on it. But we were definitely impressed at the improvements that we have seen. I still think they’re short side customer service of shaky, but the on ship experience is quite good.

[Stockjock]

I’m not sure that I’ve mentioned how much I hate their trash cans. I know they are trying to recycle and be environmentally sensitive, but it’s really pretty ridiculous and the trash cans end up being largely non-functional.

[racephoto]

50 minutes ago, Stockjock said:

I’m not sure that I’ve mentioned how much I hate their trash cans. I know they are trying to recycle and be environmentally sensitive, but it’s really pretty ridiculous and the trash cans end up being largely non-functional.

I know. And the one in the bathroom…….I was 2 days in before I figured out where it was. I had given that door a tentative pull on day one thinking it might open and it didn’t. It turns out it needs a lot more effort than that. No tissues, despite a spot for them, was a bit annoying as well. Ah well, it’s better than the lack of water glasses in the bathroom on the Pride, I was told to grab a plastic cup from the buffet if I wanted one LOL!

Edited September 20, 2022 by racephoto

[Stockjock]

Just as an FYI, they did bring us slippers, bathrobe, washcloths, and Kleenex when we asked, so maybe next time just let your cabin steward know when they can try to get those items for you.

 

We also got this stating that they won’t be selling any more alcohol or cigarettes on board. My guess is this ship must go to the Middle East or something after we get off in Barcelona, but I’m not sure.

[PaulaG22]

Hi.  We just today booked a cruise on the Grandiosa for Christmas and I have a few questions, if you don't mind 🙂 

 

I have checked on the MSC website and it only mentions 4 or 5 restaurants - how many restaurants would you estimate that there are and is there a Mexican restaurant on board? 

 

Also, we have the Premium Extra drinks package but I believe that some restaurants don't accept it.  Would you happen to know which ones? 

 

We have booked an "Outside Fantastica" Cabin - on deck 5 (the deck above the Casino, I think). 

 

Also, with Covid tests - would you recommend bringing them with us or what is the procedure when boarding on the first day?  We are in the EU (Ireland) so I have our vaccination certificates but just wondering if we can do anything in advance to avoid delays.  Thank you so much and enjoy the rest of your cruise.  Our last stop is Barcelona too 🙂

 

thanks, Paula

[racephoto]

22 minutes ago, Stockjock said:

Just as an FYI, they did bring us slippers, bathrobe, washcloths, and Kleenex when we asked, so maybe next time just let your cabin steward know when they can try to get those items for you.

 

We also got this stating that they won’t be selling any more alcohol or cigarettes on board. My guess is this ship must go to the Middle East or something after we get off in Barcelona, but I’m not sure.

Thanks. I thought about asking my steward for tissues but English is not his forte and we don’t communicate well. I had the slippers and robe waiting in the cabin, thankfully. I got that same letter. I don’t know what that’s about, it leaves Barcelona tomorrow on a 3 day sailing that goes to Genoa then back to Barcelona, and then I thought after that it was another Mediterranean cruise. I get off at Barcelona on the 24th. I change cabins tomorrow which is a giant pain for three days, but there was nothing available for both cruises when I booked. I have gotten no information about the B2B process on this ship despite having gone down to guest services four times now and been asoured each time that I’m on the list and that information would be left in my cabin. The only thing that was left in my cabin were luggage tags for tomorrow, when I’m not disembarking, and then they came by with the extension cord that Copenhagen security took issue with.  Sigh……….. MSC….it’s all good until it isn’t, then it’s like trying to stack wet cardboard boxes. 

Edited September 20, 2022 by racephoto

[erby2283]

On 9/15/2022 at 8:41 AM, racephoto said:

I'm on here too.  I got off the Island Princess in Copenhagen and jumped on the Grandiosa. I stay on for another 3 days at the end of this sailing, Barcelona -Genoa- Barcelona,  then I hop on the Meraviglia back to Port Canaveral, ending my 140 day European adventure, 134 days of which will be on cruise ships.  So far, honestly, I'm not loving the Grandiosa. I'm calling it just OK. I can't believe that there's only 3,800 people on the ship, it feels like WAY more. It's so darn loud!! I enjoyed my Divina cruises more, but that's just me. Looking forward to seeing if the Mera is different.

 

Can you please adopt me? I can only cruise about once every 3-4 years and have only been overseas once.  I am so jealous! 

[iwtobek]

1 hour ago, Stockjock said:

Just as an FYI, they did bring us slippers, bathrobe, washcloths, and Kleenex when we asked, so maybe next time just let your cabin steward know when they can try to get those items for you.

 

We also got this stating that they won’t be selling any more alcohol or cigarettes on board. My guess is this ship must go to the Middle East or something after we get off in Barcelona, but I’m not sure.

Grandiosa stays in the Med for some weeks. I believe this letter is in regards to the Outlets at Sea that will probably stop selling items after Sept, 21st.

Disney does not operate duty free in the Med, I believe it's the same for MSC.

[alohayall]

2 hours ago, PaulaG22 said:

…

 

I have checked on the MSC website and it only mentions 4 or 5 restaurants - how many restaurants would you estimate that there are and is there a Mexican restaurant on board? 

 

Also, we have the Premium Extra drinks package but I believe that some restaurants don't accept it.  Would you happen to know which ones? 

 

…

 

Specialty (fee) restaurants:

 

Atelier Bistrot (French)

Hola! Tapas and Wine Bar (Mediterranean)

Butcher’s Cut (Steak House)

Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi

The Premium Extra Package.  Looks like the only restaurant exclusion is Hola Tacos & Cantina. (This may also apply to Hola! Tapas - need further clarification.)

 

This is the food portion of the menu; seems very limited. Maybe it’s more about the drinks.
 

[PaulaG22]

15 hours ago, alohayall said:

 

Specialty (fee) restaurants:

 

Atelier Bistrot (French)

Hola! Tapas and Wine Bar (Mediterranean)

Butcher’s Cut (Steak House)

Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi

The Premium Extra Package.  Looks like the only restaurant exclusion is Hola Tacos & Cantina. (This may also apply to Hola! Tapas - need further clarification.)

 

This is the food portion of the menu; seems very limited. Maybe it’s more about the drinks.
 

Thanks so much, Alohayall - appreciate you taking the time to reply 🙂  Is there a full list of restaurants & bars anywhere, do you know?  There's limited information on MSC website.  thanks

 

[Aeroplex]

On 9/15/2022 at 2:41 PM, racephoto said:

I'm on here too.  I got off the Island Princess in Copenhagen and jumped on the Grandiosa. I stay on for another 3 days at the end of this sailing, Barcelona -Genoa- Barcelona,  then I hop on the Meraviglia back to Port Canaveral, ending my 140 day European adventure, 134 days of which will be on cruise ships.  So far, honestly, I'm not loving the Grandiosa. I'm calling it just OK. I can't believe that there's only 3,800 people on the ship, it feels like WAY more. It's so darn loud!! I enjoyed my Divina cruises more, but that's just me. Looking forward to seeing if the Mera is different.

 

Must be crazy for individual or a travel agent to plan 140 days with several different cruises. Can you please explain the procedure a little bit more ?^^ 😉

 

 

15 hours ago, alohayall said:

 

Specialty (fee) restaurants:

 

Atelier Bistrot (French)

Hola! Tapas and Wine Bar (Mediterranean)

Butcher’s Cut (Steak House)

Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi

The Premium Extra Package.  Looks like the only restaurant exclusion is Hola Tacos & Cantina. (This may also apply to Hola! Tapas - need further clarification.)

 

This is the food portion of the menu; seems very limited. Maybe it’s more about the drinks.
 

 

In addition to the drink topic in the speciality restaurants I want to add a budget solution if you don't have Easy Plus. 

 

- Green Tea 2,70€ + 15% (available for Tepanyaki and Kaito Sushi)

- Chai (available at the HOLA Tapasbar)

 

Always available (but not listed on the Menu) !!! 

- Premium Bottle of water 0,75l for around 3,50 + 15%  

 

So the you don't need to order wine or cocktails for 12-15€. 

Edited September 21, 2022 by Aeroplex

[awhcruiser]

On 9/20/2022 at 2:13 PM, racephoto said:

Thanks. I thought about asking my steward for tissues but English is not his forte and we don’t communicate well. I had the slippers and robe waiting in the cabin, thankfully. I got that same letter. I don’t know what that’s about, it leaves Barcelona tomorrow on a 3 day sailing that goes to Genoa then back to Barcelona, and then I thought after that it was another Mediterranean cruise. I get off at Barcelona on the 24th. I change cabins tomorrow which is a giant pain for three days, but there was nothing available for both cruises when I booked. I have gotten no information about the B2B process on this ship despite having gone down to guest services four times now and been asoured each time that I’m on the list and that information would be left in my cabin. The only thing that was left in my cabin were luggage tags for tomorrow, when I’m not disembarking, and then they came by with the extension cord that Copenhagen security took issue with.  Sigh……….. MSC….it’s all good until it isn’t, then it’s like trying to stack wet cardboard boxes. 

Aren't extensions cords on the list of things not allowed due to fire hazard?