New to MSC, Loyal to Royal

[ksmommy5]

Just booked a cruise out of Port Canaveral on the Seaside bc the price was too good to pass up. I am having buyers remorse the more research I do into this line: Im sorry, but there are certain shows that are an additional cost?! A whole billiard room that has a COST? Coming from RCL which offers a variety of family friendly options included (zipline, bumper cars, ice skating etc) I guess we will be spending our time in the waterpark area. I am going into this cruise with an open mind but some of these amenities additional costs are a bit much. Anything else that will shock me when I board? I already see that bc I booked Bella I can't choose my dining time or preference of table size until I board.

[Essiesmom]

On the Seaside class, there are no extra cost shows.  Don’t know about billiards…don’t remember seeing that last time I was on her.  EM

[Two Wheels Only]

The "included" things on RCCL are paid for whether you use them or not.

[CruizinSusan70]

You said that you booked the Seaside because the cost was too good to pass up.  You're correct.  A Bella booking for the most part is the cheapest cabin that you can get the majority of the time versus what's available on say Carnival.  MSC is a four tier class system.   Class one is the Yacht Club, that has it's own dedicated restaurant, pool deck and lounge.   Class two is Aurea, which has upgraded cabins and flexible dinner dining in the MDR.  Class three is Fantastica, which is usually 50 bucks pp more than Bella.  With Fantastica you can pick your own cabin and select early or late dining and you're usually given preference over Bella, which is Class four.  MSC chooses your cabin and you're left with the scraps with your MDR assignment.

 

There are many that sail MSC and love it since many want a more European flair to their cruising experience.  Others will only cruise on MSC in the Yacht Club since they like the ship within a ship concept and don't like the general kaos that can sometimes occur in the general population.

Go into it with an open mind and you may be pleasantly surprised or you may go screaming back to RCI.

[shipgeeks]

Our dining time preference is not guaranteed on either RC nor MSC, but on both, if we aren't happy with our assignment, we can go to the dining room on boarding day and request a change. We have been successfully accommodated on both, including in Bella.

Re extra charges, the shows on Seaside and free. As for other activities, don't you have to pay for some of those on RC?

Do you have a loyalty status with RC?  If so, you can apply for Status Match with MSC, which could give you some extra benefits.

MSC is different from RC, which is what we like about it.  Because of the more international passenger makeup, and some different foods and entertainment, we can feel like we are truly travelling, not just spending a week with our neighbors.

[CruisingWalter]

14 hours ago, ksmommy5 said:

Just booked a cruise out of Port Canaveral on the Seaside bc the price was too good to pass up.

 

That's the most important statement of your entire post. MSC IS priced so they are too good to pass up, cheaper than Carnival very often. With that low cost comes a tradeoff. You pay more, sometimes a LOT more for Royal Caribbean because you are paying for the bumper cars, the flowrider, ice rink and everything else with your cruise fare. You can't pay a lot less and then expect the same level of amenities. Something has to give. We've cruised 9 different cruise lines and the worst thing you can do is expect any cruise line to be 'just like X.'  Every cruise line is unique and every cruise line so far has been a great value for what we paid. 

 

The shows are free but they are not to the same level as Royal Caribbean. You're paying less so you don't get the millions invested into original shows like Royal Caribbean, NCL and Princess. They're entertaining, but not the same level.

 

Buffet in some respects is better than Royal Caribbean but can have less variety. MDR was far superior to Royal Caribbean on MSC during our recent Seaside sailing, our first with MSC. Specialty dining is about even. I much prefer Ocean Cay to CocoCay because I like the natural feel of it and we had an overnight which was just amazeballs.  

 

You might want to read the review I posted on here as someone brand new to MSC, who has been cruising for 20 years and sailed having read all the negativity about the ships and that 67 CDC score. It might help to allay some of your fears and set your expectations properly for MSC. 

 

 

 

 

[KKB]

I tried MSC for the 1st time in Feb in Caribbean (Divina) after 20 cruises on most other mainstream lines. AMAZING price. 

Uh...didn't love it. Didn't hate it. 

Had another amazing deal for Europe in May (Preziosa).

Uh...I pretty much feel the same. 

Didn't love it. Didn't hate it.

 

I can get into details but I found passengers on both sailings (really 4 sailings as each was a B2B) to be remarkably rude--no concept of general guidelines regarding lines, politeness, etc.

I observed people ramming others in the back with buffet trays, physically moving children (not their own) aside, etc. More than once. One both ships. 
This was bizarre to me that 2 very different demographics had many similar behaviors.

 

I am a glass is half full kinda gal. 

DH & I say we could have had fun on that Carnival ships that got stranded at sea for 3 days.

I got to see new places in Europe for an amazing price & I'm glad.

I did manage to meet a few nice people on all the cruises (love those Canadians--just nice people, right?) I always managed to find lovely crew members who got to know me, my preferences & helped make my experience better. 

But I'm not sure I will sail MSC again. 

And I LOVE a good deal...

(one of those cruises was free on a casino match offer...still might not be good enough!)

 

ALL OF THIS BEING SAID--I'm only telling you this to help you with expectations.

It will likely be DIFFERENT.

But the basics of the cruise remain the same.

Go in knowing it will be different, expect to have a good time anyway & I'm sure you will! 

I do believe attitude is the game changer.

 

Edited July 15, 2023 by KKB

[jules815]

One of the best things my husband and I decided to do years ago was to NOT be loyal to any one cruise line. 

[JT1962]

Royal Caribbean is my favorite cruise line, but I have primarily cruised with MSC since Covid due to the price, especially for solos. I can cruise with MSC for 1/3 of the cost of Royal Caribbean for a solo fare on a similar itinerary.   If you are expecting MSC to be similar to your experience on Royal Caribbean (or any other mainstream line), you will likely disappointed. If you go with an open mind, and embrace the differences, then you should have a good time. The only way you will ever know if MSC is for you is to take the cruise and see.

[carlmm]

19 hours ago, ksmommy5 said:

 Coming from RCL which offers a variety of family friendly options included (zipline, bumper cars, ice skating etc) 

MSC has none of these, as you probably know by now.

But it by far the most family friendly line I know. The love for children is deeply inrooted in MSC's Italian heritage. Especially in Europe many multigenerational familes choose MSC for its family friendly atmosphere.

 

The best advise was already given: Do not go with the expectation that it will be like RCCL or any other. It is different - and most enjoyable with its own characteristics.

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, carlmm said:

MSC has none of these, as you probably know by now.

 

MSC does have a zipline (I did it on Seaside).

MSC does have bumper cars (World Class ships).

MSC has roller skating (more environmentally friendly, I guess).

 

MSC has plenty of family activities but is playing catch up as far as having a fleet of huge ships with the extra "amusement park" stuff.

[ksmommy5]

Thanks to all for your responses. I knew booking this that it was going to be hard to compare to RCL (travel group has diamond status members so we are seasoned cruisers). I told myself I was going to go into it with an open mind and just wanted to be mentally prepared beforehand knowing what was and wasn't included. We wanted to try a new line and so here we are. Vacations are what you make of it and I will just be happy to have the privilege to be on a cruise (just got off of Anthem TA in May and Allure in October) so soon again. 

 

I appreciate all your responses which allowed me to change my perspective on this upcoming cruise. I look forward to trying something new 🙂

[CruisingWalter]

1 hour ago, ksmommy5 said:

I appreciate all your responses which allowed me to change my perspective on this upcoming cruise. I look forward to trying something new 🙂

 

And that's the best attitude. You're on a cruise ship being waited on 24 hours a day. How bad can it be? Have an AMAZING time on your cruise! 🙂 

[Winnigirl]

We have booked our first MSC cruise on the Seaside for this August and I, too, am already regretting it.  A little voice in my brain keeps saying "buyer beware"! And I guess I didn't listen.   We normally cruise on Celebrity or Holland-America.  A balcony room, because that is what we prefer.  I knew nothing about MSC, but I was intrigued by their "Island" and recovering from knee surgery, the thought of 3 days sitting on the beach, plus a beach day at Costa Maya, seemed relaxing.  I knew nothing of their "class system", mostly because in everything I read and everything we asked, this didn't come up.  Then I started reading these posts!  No, we are not going to be in the "YC".  God forbid that I am called an "interloper" if I look at an elevator I shouldn't be near!" And on the other end of the stick, I wouldn't be caught on a Carnival cruise.  I am not loud, I am not rude. I have good manners.   Are these my choices?  

[ksmommy5]

1 hour ago, Winnigirl said:

We have booked our first MSC cruise on the Seaside for this August and I, too, am already regretting it.  A little voice in my brain keeps saying "buyer beware"! And I guess I didn't listen.   We normally cruise on Celebrity or Holland-America.  A balcony room, because that is what we prefer.  I knew nothing about MSC, but I was intrigued by their "Island" and recovering from knee surgery, the thought of 3 days sitting on the beach, plus a beach day at Costa Maya, seemed relaxing.  I knew nothing of their "class system", mostly because in everything I read and everything we asked, this didn't come up.  Then I started reading these posts!  No, we are not going to be in the "YC".  God forbid that I am called an "interloper" if I look at an elevator I shouldn't be near!" And on the other end of the stick, I wouldn't be caught on a Carnival cruise.  I am not loud, I am not rude. I have good manners.   Are these my choices?  

Come and report back to me about your experience. Im watching videos and the ship looks beautiful so Im just going to go with that aspect and enjoy a new experience lol

[shipgeeks]

Winnigirl, I think your concerns are unfounded.  You are not going to be an unknowing interloper in YC, and you will find your areas of the ship to be just fine.  We have sailed Bella, were treated fabulously, and loved the private island.  There was no feeling of any class system in anything we did; any more than finding out there is a suite lounge on HAL or X. The recent posts about interlopers reminds me of the occasional discussion about people who find a way to intentionally sneak into the Pinnacle Lounge on RC.

Please don't give this issue another thought!  We loved Seaside, and I expect you will, too.

Do you have a loyalty level with HAL or X?  If so, it might be worth applying for status match with MSC; it could give you some nice benefits.

[Stockjock]

Having done multiple cruises on MSC and RCCL, here's my take:

Shoreside Customer Service: RCCL.

Onboard Customer Service: MSC.  MSC isn't fabulous, but better than RCCL, based on my experiences.

Food quality in standard MDR: Neither is amazing but MSC wins, imo.  But, I did a mini suite on RCCL & Costal Kitchen was much better.  But that's for suites & mini suites.

Entertainment Music, Shows & Venues: RCCL by a wide margin.  MSC's shows are weird & disjointed without much of a story, typically

Entertainment Parties and Such: MSC.  Europeans like to party and they usually do it later than Americans with more energy and less drunkenness/problems.

Pricing: MSC usually offers a better value, but not always.  

Ship decor: MSC.  Glitzy Italian elegance.

Cabin Layout: Personal preference.  Could go either way, depending.

 

Edited July 16, 2023 by Stockjock

[Inflatable_Catfish]

We did this cruise a few months ago. It was in Yacht Club and I probably will always cruise that way now. That being said, this cruise was great. I'm not sure if it's the cruise director but every night they had a "hype squad" to get everyone dancing . One Night was at the pool, another in the atrium area. We danced every night late. I've never done that on the other lines. We had quality craft drinks at the bar by the specialty restaurants every night. By far best drinks on any cruise. The buffet didn't look that great but the salad station makes great subs. Also their island is the best. Yet another parry on the beach with the "hype squad"

Edited July 17, 2023 by Inflatable_Catfish

[Brighton Line]

21 hours ago, ksmommy5 said:

Thanks to all for your responses. I knew booking this that it was going to be hard to compare to RCL (travel group has diamond status members so we are seasoned cruisers)

You do know MSC will status match your RCL Diamond Status, or match many hotel programs if you have a higher status. Only cruise line I know that will match status, this match is only done once so if you are close to a higher tier on another company probably better to wait until you get that higher tier. Though there have been posts of people getting more than one time match, just quoting the rule.

Edited July 17, 2023 by Brighton Line

[Winnigirl]

18 hours ago, ksmommy5 said:

Come and report back to me about your experience. Im watching videos and the ship looks beautiful so Im just going to go with that aspect and enjoy a new experience lol

I will!  And I hope I am pleasantly surprised!

 

[skipsaur]

On 7/15/2023 at 5:32 AM, ksmommy5 said:

Just booked a cruise out of Port Canaveral on the Seaside bc the price was too good to pass up. I am having buyers remorse the more research I do into this line: Im sorry, but there are certain shows that are an additional cost?! A whole billiard room that has a COST? Coming from RCL which offers a variety of family friendly options included (zipline, bumper cars, ice skating etc) I guess we will be spending our time in the waterpark area. I am going into this cruise with an open mind but some of these amenities additional costs are a bit much. Anything else that will shock me when I board? I already see that bc I booked Bella I can't choose my dining time or preference of table size until I board.

 

I too was initially taken aback at all the extra costs and felt a bit nickel and dimed. But I think it's better to think of it as MSC offering an a la carte style: lower base price and you have the option to pay for the"extras" you want, instead of bundling all the costs together at a higher base price that already includes the cost of ice skating whether you do it or not.

[ksmommy5]

28 minutes ago, Brighton Line said:

You do know MSC will status match your RCL Diamond Status, or match many hotel programs if you have a higher status. Only cruise line I know that will match status, this match is only done once so if you are close to a higher tier on another company probably better to wait until you get that higher tier. Though there have been posts of people getting more than one time match, just quoting the rule.

Yeah except we are Canadian—only for US residents. 

[smeesme]

You can definitely status match as a Canadian.  We're Canadian as well and status matched years ago.  Here's the webpage for MSC Canada:

Frequent traveller status: enroll the form | MSC Cruises

 

Hope this helps.

 

[ksmommy5]

8 hours ago, smeesme said:

You can definitely status match as a Canadian.  We're Canadian as well and status matched years ago.  Here's the webpage for MSC Canada:

Frequent traveller status: enroll the form | MSC Cruises

 

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you neighbour! (From Oshawa lol)

[JeanieC,Aston]

There is a difference between sailing from the US and Europe,,,Southampton excepted.

The way MSC operate in the Med is like a bus service,,,,they embark and disembark passengers at every port of call.

The majority of passengers can be Italian or Spanish and boy can they cause mayhem whether it’s in the buffet or bars it’s push,shove and General rudeness,,,that’s their ways but us Brits or Yanks may find this all too much.

On my one and possibly only MSC cruise I could have had arguments every day.

I would maybe sail MSC at a push from Southampton but from Barcelona or Genoa or Livorno never.