Looks like my winter 2023 cruise has been moved from Euribia to Fantasia...

[Stockjock]

5 hours ago, perakcruiser said:

 Memo to myself, there will be incredible good offers for the Euribia in winter 23/24 😄 

But as far as I know there is almost no difference between the Euribia and the Virtuosa/Grandiosa. 

Euribia will be very similar to Virtuosa/Grandiosa, but there will be minor differences.  The deck plan is similar, but not identical.  Do note that the booking engine for Euribia uses Virtuosa/Grandiosa's deck plan, but it is inaccurate with respect to Euribia.  So balcony cabins may be shown in the booking engine as inside or oceanview cabins in their booking engine, which how MSC seems to roll.  The apparent correct deck plan can be viewed by going to MSC's website, clicking on their ships, selecting Euribia, and then viewing the deck plan.

Seems to me that if they know what their deck plan is, there's no good reason to offer bookings with an inaccurate deck plan in the booking engine, but what do I know?  They have their own special way of doing things, 

Edited October 20, 2022 by Stockjock

[8420PR]

5 hours ago, Nextholiday? said:

Also any idea where Virtousa is going? 

Virtuosa will be in the Middle East (Dubai, Qatar etc) in winter 2023/2024.

[Shocked91]

Euribia is going to be based in Southampton year round. Sailings start from October 23 and go on sail this Monday.

 

[Nextholiday?]

On 10/17/2022 at 6:32 PM, Stockjock said:

Going from a brand new ship not yet built to one of the oldest.  Not thrilled.  There is a newer ship (World Europa) that leaves from the same port one day earlier.  I called MSC to see if I could move to that ship at the same price, which seemed reasonable as they're both new ships, same departure port, same duration and only one day apart, but they said I'd have to e-mail MSC, as they had no power to make that change.

 

Dear Valued Guest,
  
Thank you for choosing MSC Cruises for your Mediterranean cruise vacation.
  
We are contacting you with an important update concerning your cruise which is scheduled to sail from Barcelona, Spain, aboard MSC Euribia.

Due to necessary operational reasons, your cruise will now be operated by beautiful MSC Fantasia. Your departure date and cruise itinerary will remain the same. Should the new cruise be less expensive, we will grant you the lowest rate between the old and new cruise. MSC will also issue $100 USD onboard credit per stateroom for you to use during your cruise aboard MSC Fantasia. Single occupancy cabins will receive $50 USD per stateroom. 

We sincerely apologize for this change. 

Your booking will be updated in our reservation system in the coming days, and can be viewed by visiting  MSC Cruises - Manage Your Booking  . To view, enter your existing booking number and name.  

We are pleased to offer you the following 3 options:

1. If you accept this change and will sail aboard MSC Fantasia on 12/30/2023, no further action is required on your part. We will automatically move your cruise to MSC Fantasia and apply the onboard credit to your booking.
2. If you prefer to reschedule your cruise to an alternative ship and sailing date, please call your Travel Advisor. Or, if you booked directly with MSC Cruises, call us at 866-420-3584 before November 15, 2022 and reference your booking number. Our representatives will be happy to help you find a new cruise vacation. Please note, the prevailing rate of the new cruise will apply.
3. Alternatively, if you prefer to cancel your reservation and request a refund in the amount paid to MSC, please call your Travel Advisor. Or, if you booked directly with MSC Cruises, call us at 866-420-3584 before November 15, 2022. Our representatives will be happy to assist.

 

If you wish to purchase shore excursions for your cruise, please visit MSC Shore Excursions to book your tours, or you may contact your Travel Advisor.

We thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard MSC Cruises!
 
Sincerely,
MSC Cruises USA

 

On 10/17/2022 at 6:32 PM, Stockjock said:

Going from a brand new ship not yet built to one of the oldest.  Not thrilled.  There is a newer ship (World Europa) that leaves from the same port one day earlier.  I called MSC to see if I could move to that ship at the same price, which seemed reasonable as they're both new ships, same departure port, same duration and only one day apart, but they said I'd have to e-mail MSC, as they had no power to make that change.

 

Dear Valued Guest,
  
Thank you for choosing MSC Cruises for your Mediterranean cruise vacation.
  
We are contacting you with an important update concerning your cruise which is scheduled to sail from Barcelona, Spain, aboard MSC Euribia.

Due to necessary operational reasons, your cruise will now be operated by beautiful MSC Fantasia. Your departure date and cruise itinerary will remain the same. Should the new cruise be less expensive, we will grant you the lowest rate between the old and new cruise. MSC will also issue $100 USD onboard credit per stateroom for you to use during your cruise aboard MSC Fantasia. Single occupancy cabins will receive $50 USD per stateroom. 

We sincerely apologize for this change. 

Your booking will be updated in our reservation system in the coming days, and can be viewed by visiting  MSC Cruises - Manage Your Booking  . To view, enter your existing booking number and name.  

We are pleased to offer you the following 3 options:

1. If you accept this change and will sail aboard MSC Fantasia on 12/30/2023, no further action is required on your part. We will automatically move your cruise to MSC Fantasia and apply the onboard credit to your booking.
2. If you prefer to reschedule your cruise to an alternative ship and sailing date, please call your Travel Advisor. Or, if you booked directly with MSC Cruises, call us at 866-420-3584 before November 15, 2022 and reference your booking number. Our representatives will be happy to help you find a new cruise vacation. Please note, the prevailing rate of the new cruise will apply.
3. Alternatively, if you prefer to cancel your reservation and request a refund in the amount paid to MSC, please call your Travel Advisor. Or, if you booked directly with MSC Cruises, call us at 866-420-3584 before November 15, 2022. Our representatives will be happy to assist.

 

If you wish to purchase shore excursions for your cruise, please visit MSC Shore Excursions to book your tours, or you may contact your Travel Advisor.

We thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard MSC Cruises!
 
Sincerely,
MSC Cruises USA

STOCKJOCK 👋 

Would you be kind enough to confirm your outcome 🙂 

[Nunagoras]

On 10/20/2022 at 2:50 PM, Nextholiday? said:

Why good offers because of the weather or because virtousa has had some brilliant deals?  🙂

Do I do Europa from the Med or Euribia from Southampton 

During winter? Weather is as unpredictable as it can be, but me thinks that the seas on the Med itinerary will ever be more calm or stable than out of Southampton at that time of the year. If I had to choose; I'd to choose an older ship in the Med against a newer one from Southampton. Between 2 new ships, granted they retain the Europa in the Med, I'd to go with Europa. Europa is a far better design than Euribia, IMHO, from what I've seen lately, so that could be easy. Unique caveat maybe prices: Maybe, far better ones out of Southampton though.

[Stockjock]

5 hours ago, Nextholiday? said:

 

STOCKJOCK 👋 

Would you be kind enough to confirm your outcome 🙂 

In short, they did not reply to my e-mail request.

[Stockjock]

5 hours ago, Nunagoras said:

During winter? Weather is as unpredictable as it can be, but me thinks that the seas on the Med itinerary will ever be more calm or stable than out of Southampton at that time of the year. If I had to choose; I'd to choose an older ship in the Med against a newer one from Southampton. Between 2 new ships, granted they retain the Europa in the Med, I'd to go with Europa. Europa is a far better design than Euribia, IMHO, from what I've seen lately, so that could be easy. Unique caveat maybe prices: Maybe, far better ones out of Southampton though.

Another factor is the sameness of many of MSC's newer ships.  As an example, I've been on Bellissima, Seaside, Grandiosa and very soon on Virtuosa.  All beautiful ships in their own right, but all very similar too.

One thing I like about Europa is that it will be a radically different design with a different vibe to it.  It's nice to mix things up every now and then so one doesn't feel as if they are cruising on the same ship over and over again.

[Nextholiday?]

13 hours ago, Stockjock said:

In short, they did not reply to my e-mail request.

What will you do?

 

I still even had an email confirming the changes 

[Nextholiday?]

13 hours ago, Stockjock said:

Another factor is the sameness of many of MSC's newer ships.  As an example, I've been on Bellissima, Seaside, Grandiosa and very soon on Virtuosa.  All beautiful ships in their own right, but all very similar too.

One thing I like about Europa is that it will be a radically different design with a different vibe to it.  It's nice to mix things up every now and then so one doesn't feel as if they are cruising on the same ship over and over again.

Totally get it 🙂

 

in my case my first MSC cruise 

 

I do find it strange why cruise lines being up new ships that are exactly the same as others like RC. 

[perakcruiser]

13 hours ago, Stockjock said:

Another factor is the sameness of many of MSC's newer ships.  As an example, I've been on Bellissima, Seaside, Grandiosa and very soon on Virtuosa.  All beautiful ships in their own right, but all very similar too.

So true. When I was first time on Virtuosa I had the feeling I have been on this ship before 😄 

 

After we had all recent cruises on the newer MSC ships I want to go back on the Preziosa, still my favourite ship. 

 

14 hours ago, Stockjock said:

In short, they did not reply to my e-mail request.

Maybe just try to call again and pretend it is your first call about this topic. Meanwhile they are maybe more familiar in changing these cruises. 

[Stockjock]

13 hours ago, perakcruiser said:

So true. When I was first time on Virtuosa I had the feeling I have been on this ship before 😄 

 

After we had all recent cruises on the newer MSC ships I want to go back on the Preziosa, still my favourite ship. 

 

Maybe just try to call again and pretend it is your first call about this topic. Meanwhile they are maybe more familiar in changing these cruises. 

What I did was book World Europa and sent another message asking them to honor the original price without mentioning the prior message.  We'll see if that works.

[Stockjock]

Just got my new cabin assignment.  I had booked an unobstructed BL1 midship balcony on Euribia.  They assigned me a BL1 "unobstructed" balcony in the front of Fantasia.  Not thrilled with the cabin assignment, as it's one of those with the steel balcony and steel surroundings in the front of the ship.

[UPNYGuy]

MSC is also doing this with the Magnifica. not coming to Miami now.

[Nextholiday?]

14 hours ago, Stockjock said:

Just got my new cabin assignment.  I had booked an unobstructed BL1 midship balcony on Euribia.  They assigned me a BL1 "unobstructed" balcony in the front of Fantasia.  Not thrilled with the cabin assignment, as it's one of those with the steel balcony and steel surroundings in the front of the ship.

So they automatically changed you from Euribia to Fantasia 

 

but you have booked Europa and asked them to price match the Euribia price? Have they come back 🙂 

[Nunagoras]

6 hours ago, UPNYGuy said:

MSC is also doing this with the Magnifica. not coming to Miami now.

Yeah! Sorry for the ones affected, but at least on the Magnifica case it is sort of understandable. MSC seems simply not able to fill all the ships they already have there at the US, to let alone a newer one coming. No dedicated terminal which is under construction right now and relying perhaps on secondary berths/slots elsewhere they can to find one. Now EU is their main market source, so... But yeah: This current messing up ships can't last forever so that won't become a severe operational and reputational risk management event, nobody wants...

[Stockjock]

3 hours ago, Nextholiday? said:

So they automatically changed you from Euribia to Fantasia 

 

but you have booked Europa and asked them to price match the Euribia price? Have they come back 🙂 

They did not respond to my request to move the reservation to World Europa 1 day earlier and the same port at the same pricing.

I do have a back-up reservation on World Europa, but the price is roughly $400 higher.

Edited November 9, 2022 by Stockjock

[UPNYGuy]

2 hours ago, Stockjock said:

They did not respond to my request to move the reservation to World Europa 1 day earlier and the same port at the same pricing.

I do have a back-up reservation on World Europa, but the price is roughly $400 higher.

 

MSC will only price match to the cruise they offered in the email. That was stated to me by a sup in the call center. I called in for an issue with another cancelled cruise (out of Miami) and they wanted to send me out of Port Canaveral. I booked Miami for a reason...much easier to get to the port, and I vastly prefer the Miami airport than MCO. I ended up cancelling entirely. 

Edited November 9, 2022 by UPNYGuy

[UPNYGuy]

It is a double edged sword for MSC because this is going to give those that tried them on a whim a second guess about booking on them in the future if the ship redeployments continue, but at the same time they need to move assets to where they will produce revenue.

[Nextholiday?]

9 hours ago, Stockjock said:

They did not respond to my request to move the reservation to World Europa 1 day earlier and the same port at the same pricing.

I do have a back-up reservation on World Europa, but the price is roughly $400 higher.

we are the same we have to decide and the Europa is 200pp each more. I think they should allow a straight swap that is what another cruise line did for us in the past 

[Nextholiday?]

8 hours ago, UPNYGuy said:

 

MSC will only price match to the cruise they offered in the email. That was stated to me by a sup in the call center. I called in for an issue with another cancelled cruise (out of Miami) and they wanted to send me out of Port Canaveral. I booked Miami for a reason...much easier to get to the port, and I vastly prefer the Miami airport than MCO. I ended up cancelling entirely. 

the thing is they are offering a much older ship instead of matching to europa against Euribia which are both new that does not seem fair 

 

I think we might have try YC seaview or grandiosa instead 

 

 

[Nextholiday?]

8 hours ago, UPNYGuy said:

It is a double edged sword for MSC because this is going to give those that tried them on a whim a second guess about booking on them in the future if the ship redeployments continue, but at the same time they need to move assets to where they will produce revenue.

This would be our first MSc and trying for the YC but not feeling excited 

 

my head is saying cancel but my heart is saying YC 😂 

[Nunagoras]

13 hours ago, Stockjock said:

They did not respond to my request to move the reservation to World Europa 1 day earlier and the same port at the same pricing.

I do have a back-up reservation on World Europa, but the price is roughly $400 higher.

I understand the WE is a brand new ship, the excitement and such... But November is out of season with schools in operation, EU not doing economically that well, etc. Come next May, just after the March-April EU holiday booking massive wave for 2023 and the leftover cabins will be there. If you're patient enough, maybe, at that time you'll have such a nice outcome, even if on a lower category stateroom than your original one. They usually start the "leftover" promos elsewhere in mid-May...

[UPNYGuy]

6 hours ago, Nextholiday? said:

the thing is they are offering a much older ship instead of matching to europa against Euribia which are both new that does not seem fair 

 

I think we might have try YC seaview or grandiosa instead 

 

 

 

I had a different issue (substitute cruise was at a very inconvenient port for me to get to). I called MSC and was told the options presented in the email ARE the options, no substitutions. So I cancelled. They refused to price match me to another cruise unless it was the single one in the email.

[finzup-kt]

We were also booked on Euribia from barcelona on 18Nov 2023.. It got changed to the older ship.
I didn't cancel, just did a 2nd booking on world europa for the day earlier 17Nov sailing... turns out that price was just about the same but also included drinks/wifi for same price as the one I had booked in Euribia.  Timing issue I guess but it worked out better for me. 

Called MSC and just cancelled the Euribia one and got refunded the deposit.