MSC AUREA EXPERIENCE COMPARISON

[RikB2000]

It can be really difficult to find out what the various 'extras' are before choosing this package. I have searched many websites and watched even more  You Tube videos with varying success. The ships all offer different things and - as we wouldn't pay extra simply to get a quieter place to sunbathe (without nearby access to pool to boot!) - we are swayed by two or three things:-

 

1/ The TOPXX Sundeck:- Does it have it's own jacuzzi's? Does it have it's own bar?

2/ Is the TOPXX Sundeck:- Is it more (or appears more) luxurious?

3/ The AUREA SPA:- Does the thermal area have a jacuzzi or similar or just the bog standard sauna/steam room?

 

So to kick it of:-

 

MSC MAGNIFICA - (WOULD recommend Aurea)

1/ Jacuzzi's X2; Fixed Bar.

2/ Nothing too special but partitions and also offered good viewing of pool entertainment.

3/ Yes - A couple of nice jacuzzi's with floor to ceiling windows. Good steam rooms.

 

MSC OPERA - (Would NOT recommend Aurea)

1/ NO Jacuzzi's; Temporary bar.

2/ Nothing too special.....some rattan 'dome' sunbeds.

3/ NO Jacuzzi's.

 

MSC FANTASIA - (Would NOT recommend Aurea)

1/ Large Jacuzzi (I think only one?); No bar - but was winter!?

2/ Nothing too special.

3/ NO Jacuzzi's.

 

When it comes the the second criterion - I am thinking of what I have seen on You Tube for the MSC SEASIDE.

The sundeck has everything you need and looks very classy with more comfortable seating. Haven't been on the

ship but it looks like it is a plus for #2 - although this is not as important as 1 & 2.

Would be great to get reviews of other MSC ships. Thanks!!

 

 

 

 

 

[mcoler181]

We have booked Aurea for next year on World America, assuming its the same as World Europa...

 

1, Jacuzzi's x 2 (I think) and a bar.

2. Looks a lot more spacious and less crowded.

3. Not Sure.

 

We also went for it as it was only about £600 more for the Infinite Balcony Room for a family of 4 compared to either inside or ocean view, cant remember which. I also liked the idea of anytime dining in a dedicated restaurant. 

[notley-cruise]

MSC Davina

Good thermal rooms - sauna, steam and chills

Top 18 deck with jacuzzi aft, no permanent bar, intermittent drinks service

Balcony and suites worth the money.

 

MSC Virtuosa

Excellent modern thermal rooms - Multiple wood saunas, steam rooms, ice rooms and jacuzzis

Top deck 18 aft with hot tub, above adults only lounge, regular drinks service

Balcony and suites well worth money.

 

MSC Sinfonia

Top deck 13 above suites forward, regular bar service

dated stone steam rooms, not working properly

Don't overpay for room due to spa.

 

In all cases, Top Deck will be Windy on sea days !

Edited April 19 by notley-cruise

[peder]

Good idea for a thread. Seascape/Seashore Aurea sundeck is great with the 2 whirlpools and having its own bar. Thermal spa on Seascape/Seashore is large and very similar to the Meraviglia-class ships.

[morpheusofthesea]

16 minutes ago, peder said:

Seascape/Seashore Aurea sundeck is great with the 2 whirlpools and having its own bar.

[RikB2000]

46 minutes ago, peder said:

Good idea for a thread. Seascape/Seashore Aurea sundeck is great with the 2 whirlpools and having its own bar. Thermal spa on Seascape/Seashore is large and very similar to the Meraviglia-class ships.

Thanks - the idea was born out of the ships all being different and it being really difficulty to find out what you are paying for in advance!

[BirdTravels]

Seascape 

[Heartgrove]

We have sailed on the MSC Splendida in YC and MSC Preziosa in Fantastica. Both of these cruises have been in Europe. Of course nothing beats YC but we were pleasantly surprised with sailing in Fantastica on the Preziosa. It does depend on which sailing you are on but I don't think that I would spend the extra money for Aurea sailing in Europe.

 

Next up for us in the MSC Seashore in YC. We like the Fantasia-class YC so we are curious to see if we will like one of the larger ship's YC.

[HappyInVan]

Doesn't Aurea have their own dining room?? Is this available on all ships?

[Essiesmom]

No, only on the newest?  On Seaside we ate in a section of one MDR.  On Seashore they have their own MDR.  EM

[ajoneen]

Meraviglia- Top19 

Attendant & towel service 🙂

Side area only separated from public space by posts and belt barriers

whirlpool ✔️

temporary bar ✔️

2 'conversation/relaxation areas' (coffee table, love seat & 2 chairs- w/pads) where folks camp out all day

overlooks main pool (watch big screen & games)

Has its own music but is drowned out by main pool speakers (so why?)

Though it was supposed to be adults only- but not.

One side was smoking area

Aurea in general

My time dining in own dining room🙂

Nicely scented room diffuser 🙂

slippers and robe (both kinda small size)

Special embarcation line (only slightly faster)

Edited April 21 by ajoneen

[notley-cruise]

MSC Top decks are never Adults only, they are Aurea experience and Yacht club only, that doesn't exclude children.