MSC cruises
Apr 28, 2023, 10:39 am
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,248
Western Med (i.e., west of Italy to the strait of Gibraltar) can be very rough. First night out of "Rome" headed to Spain had gale force winds (Mistral, Tramontane, Scirocco perhaps) and rather big swells. Even resulted in some port of call cancellations on the ship's previous voyage.
Eastern Med (east of Italy to Turkey) appears to be more sheltered.
Eastern Med (east of Italy to Turkey) appears to be more sheltered.
May 1, 2023, 7:54 am
#17
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Sunny So Cal
Programs: SPG, HH, IHG, BA, DL
Posts: 192
Alcohol drink packages are silly on MSC...
So if I wanted to get their optional drink alcohol package for our cruise and my wife does not drink, why would MSC force the alcohol package to her when all she wants is the non alcoholic package ??
Is this a cruise wide policy ?
Is this a cruise wide policy ?
Last edited by 4sallypat; May 1, 2023 at 7:56 am Reason: drinks packages
May 1, 2023, 11:13 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,248
Common across lines. You are obviously an honest sort. But too many would be tempted to purchase one package and split it, thereby depriving the cruise line of revenue.
May 1, 2023, 12:01 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Sunny So Cal
Programs: SPG, HH, IHG, BA, DL
Posts: 192
My wife was not pleased when I said, I could drink for both of us. HA HA !
So we agreed that I would pay for each drink onboard.
Since I only have 3-4 drinks per day, and only 2 sea days - still won't be nearly close to 2x drink packages.
For those 5 port days I'd probably not drink as much so it's best not to get the drink package.
My wife does not drink sodas nor coffee drinks so she definitely does not have any need for even the non alcohol package.
She is happy with teas, water and juice in the mornings.
May 1, 2023, 2:31 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,248
Our first cruise so definitely new to this game.
My wife was not pleased when I said, I could drink for both of us. HA HA !
So we agreed that I would pay for each drink onboard.
Since I only have 3-4 drinks per day, and only 2 sea days - still won't be nearly close to 2x drink packages.
For those 5 port days I'd probably not drink as much so it's best not to get the drink package.
My wife does not drink sodas nor coffee drinks so she definitely does not have any need for even the non alcohol package.
She is happy with teas, water and juice in the mornings.
My wife was not pleased when I said, I could drink for both of us. HA HA !
So we agreed that I would pay for each drink onboard.
Since I only have 3-4 drinks per day, and only 2 sea days - still won't be nearly close to 2x drink packages.
For those 5 port days I'd probably not drink as much so it's best not to get the drink package.
My wife does not drink sodas nor coffee drinks so she definitely does not have any need for even the non alcohol package.
She is happy with teas, water and juice in the mornings.
If she is at all fussy about her tea, have her pack something she likes. Mrs BV did that and didn’t regret it. It won’t take up much room. I don’t know yet what MSC has on board, but why risk drinking institutional brands.
May 1, 2023, 6:26 pm
#21
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Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,807
The only problem with (black) teas on almost all cruise ships is the water isn't hot enough when getting water from the most common/usual source - coffee brewers (it's not boiling), and even if one preheats a mug/teacup with such. I've pretty much given up on tea on the mass-market lines (i.e., HAL, Princess, Celebrity). The ships that cater to the U.K. and probably Australia markets are equipped with in-room kettles. Such may be available on request fro the cabin attendant.
May 2, 2023, 7:07 am
#22
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Sunny So Cal
Programs: SPG, HH, IHG, BA, DL
Posts: 192
Excellent idea since wife is particular to teas without caffeine.
Jul 11, 2023, 10:08 am
#23
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Sunny So Cal
Programs: SPG, HH, IHG, BA, DL
Posts: 192
Originally Posted by mahasamatman;[url=tel:35206280
35206280[/url]]The Med is generally very smooth. You won't even notice you're on a ship.
Never needed to use the transdermal patch.
MSC Sinfonia cruise was awesome.
Excellent staff, great food, and lots of entertainment.
Ports were great except for Venice, Italy where Venetian officials treated everyone like illegal immigrants..
The only complaint was [mod edit] cruisers who don't know what a queue is.
Excellent value and great fun.
Would definitely do another MSC cruise - looking at Japan on MSC Bellissima this fall / next spring.
Mykonos, Greece - MSC Sinfonia docked in background...
Last edited by l etoile; Jul 25, 2023 at 11:08 pm Reason: Edit out over-generalized cultural reference
Jul 12, 2023, 4:54 pm
#24
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Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
Dec 18, 2023, 12:45 pm
#25
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,211
Longshot question - has anyone taken a MSC cruise from Taiwan to Japan, or anywhere in Asia, and can report on the disembarkation process from the perspective of a Yacht Club guest? It seems the process is different depending on the region, with US arrivals needing to be off by 10AM, but other ports may allow guest to remain on board longer. Do Yacht Club guest have priority or a reserved time to depart?
Mar 27, 2024, 5:54 pm
#26
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Lawrence, KS
Programs: AA Gold, UA, DL
Posts: 270
I know your post is 2 years old but...
Apr 17, 2024, 5:16 pm
#27
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Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
I have to say our one YC experience on MSC has sold us. Moving forward, it'll be one of our first choices.
Apr 18, 2024, 5:56 am
#28
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: JFK LGA PBI BOI
Posts: 910
Same here, I'm on my 3rd YC cruise next week with friends who just got off the same ship yesterday. They sold us on MSC and Yacht Club, won't be going back to the Haven.