MSC Cruises Reviews

Thursday 9th Feb 2012

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Msc Cruises

Msc Splendida

MSC Splendida - Much , Much Better Than You Think

MSC Splendida - Much , much better than you think	13 of 13 people found this review informative

Reviewed By: Hanson, Newport Isle of Wight on 25th Feb 2010
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises	Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: MSC Splendida	Sailed: February, 2010
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 46-55
Cabin: Inside	Occasion: Birthday

We have just returned from the 11th February cruise from Genoa to Greece, Israel, Egypt, Crete, Tunisia and Naples and would urge anyone worried by the ' Little Englander' reviews so often published to take the plunge. Overall the cruise was at least on a par with the other mainstream cruise lines and better in some respects. Let me make it clear that we have cruised with Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, Fred Olsen as well as Ocean village and easyCruise at the budget end of the market. All anyone needs for a great time is an open mind and a realistic expectation that this is not a British ship aimed mainly at a British market. We booked 'cruise only' as I felt flights and transfers were priced too high. Given that all those on MSC packages from the UK appeared to have a long coach trip from either Nice or Milan, I am glad we did as Genoa airport is small and convenient and only a short taxi ride from the centre of the city and the port. In total BA flights, taxis and a night at the excellent Continental Hotel in the centre of Genoa saved us nearly £300. On the morning of the cruise departure we actually walked down the half mile or so to the cruise terminal towing our bags. Boarding is allowed from 11 and having checked in online via MSC express we were in our cabin by 1115 the whole process being very slick. I know that some people arriving on later flights took up to 30 minutes but the whole process was much better than we have experienced in Southampton, Barcelona, Palma, Crete or the US. Allowing boarding over a longer time window makes it less crowded and enabled us to attack the extensive buffet at lunchtime. First impressions of Splendida, WOW! , she is a magnificent ship, spotlessly clean with more than adequate cabins even at inside grade.Incidentally the double beds were the most comfortable we have ever experienced on board even when compared with Celebrity or Grill class on Cunard. We were a little worried at what to expect at dinner on the first night given that the vast majority of passengers are Italian or German with a substantial number of French, Spanish and believe it or not Chinese ( it was the Chinese New Year and there were 3 tour groups). I knew that MSC tried to group english speakers together but there was no ghetto mentality and we ended up sharing with another english couple and three Australians. Never have we bonded with a group so quickly and I can honestly say that we spent 2 hours of laughter and fun every evening with many tears shed at the end of the cruise. The standard of the food in the main restaurants was excellent with 6 courses over a relaxed 2 hours served by waiters as good as any other line. Yes the food is Italian, it is an Italian ship after all but if you cant cope with that, steak, salmon and grilled chicken with vegetables or chips is available at every dinner in addition to the daily menu of food from a different Italian region. I am NOT talking about a different pasta every day but a menu which includes a choice of starters followed by salad course, a choice of 2 excellent homemade soups then a further course of pasta or wonderful risotto ( 11 different risotto's in 11 days) all before the main course and desert. Buffet breakfast and lunch menus are crowded and although of good quality have very little day to day variety. There is little doubt that British and continental ideas of how to queue (lifts as well) are very different but dont despair, use the main restaurants with no crowding and a better quality of food. Yes, you wont get coffee after meals and yes, bottled water is the only option but at just over a pound for a litre of good mineral water and with very high quality coffee made on a proper expresso machine available in any lounge or bar for 2.5 euro for two of us rather than bulk produced filter coffee we didnt mind. Drinks look expensive but with the weakness of the pound they were cheaper than in any cafe or bar we found ashore in the euro zone and dont forget there are no service charges on top. Be aware though if tempted by the so called inclusive drinks packages offered pre cruise, drinks are ONLY free WITH meals in the restaurants and buffet. You will have to pay extra in the bars. One of our dinner companions found that with both of them paying for packages they needed at least 3 bottles of wine with meals each day to break even ( valiant attempts were made). You will see little of the ships officers but the majority of the staff you will encounter will be from Indonesia or Latin America with a smattering of others from other asian countries almost all have english as a second language and with the amusing exception of a head waiter trained by Basil Fawlty are polite, efficient and happy to serve. With such a mixture of passengers, people watching becomes a major entertainment factor but we didnt find any group made us feel excluded. We had a number of conversations with a number of Italian and German families as well as English speakers ( more Aussies than Brits) and feel that it added to the holiday fun not distracted from it. The itinary was interesting and allowed for 4 sea days which is much more restful than the more normal 'different day, different port' schedule found on many cruises. Excursions as with all cruise lines were expensive but no worse than other lines. We did our own thing in port but organised tours are the only real option for Israel and Cairo. Reports from our friends were that Jerusalem/ Bethlehem etc were wonderful if an eye opener regarding the state of play between Israeli and Palestinian ares but that the Pyramids were spoiled by by pushy crowds and vendors neither of which can be laid at MSC s door. Would we go with MSC again ? Like a shot! In preference to a similarly priced British ship? Yes, depending on itinary rather than nationality. If you want a good cruise product at a reasonable price on spotless, modern ships and aren't worried about being in a fairly small British minority on board give it a go, Im glad we did.
Quality of Food
Dinner in the main restaurants- excellent and unhurried. Buffets crowded, dont worry the main restaurants are good for breakfast and lunch too.
Entertainment
Musicians good, shows ok given no of languages on board
Shore Excursions	n/a

Staff
Most of the staff who actually serve you will speak english as a second language and are friendly, polite and efficient.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
Spa the biggest let down, lovely but very expensive even compared to any other ship. Adult only zen area with pool , bar and hot tubs at rear of ship an oasis of calm.
Cabins
Good size, spotless, great beds. The bedding was changed at least 4 times in 11 days.
Overall Rating

13 of 13 people found this review informative

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Comment by Richardson, ASHFORD (31 Jan 12 21:57) about this REVIEW

I was about to book the drinks package until I read this, given I am a lone adult with two children I would have resented having paid so much when it is not available in the bars.

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Ashby, Lowestoft (11 May 10 14:24) about this REVIEW

Great review. We too have been on the Splendida and are cruising on her again in the Med later this year. Everything about the MSC experience is Italian - loud, glitzy and beautiful. We urge all cruisers to try it at least once.

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Comment by morgan, 29711 alcaucin (13 Mar 10 15:21) about this REVIEW

We two are booked on a 7 night Med cruise over Easter (29 -5th March). Do you know id they will have a formal night? What and how is the dress code for the rest of the week? I am now looking forward to my cruise on the Splendida after reading your unbiased review. We have booked a all inclusive cruise. This offer is only for trips on Splendida and Fantasia till 30th October - but you must book a balcony or suite and book BEFORE the 31st MARCH. and our offer does include drinks in all the bars as well as restaurants and buffets. Just incase you were thinking of booking something for later in the year. Carol

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Comment by Greenwood, Maldon (14 Mar 10 02:36) about a COMMENT by morgan (13 Mar 10 15:21)

MSC are well know for their very casual easy going attitudes and although on the daily programs a dress code for that night is requested, even on the gala evenings, you will find few people seem to take any notice and wear whatever they feel like. Hope that helps and you have a good trouble free cruise .... The free all inclusive drinks deal looks good, but makes me wonder what MSC have done to their prices to hide their normal penny pinching ways. ....... I see a full inclusive MCS drinks package are available normally at about £35 per person per night and a category 6 balcony cabin for 11 nights used to cost in Jan, about (£629 per person) or £57 per person per night with children going free (cruise only). .... TOTAL then being £92 per person per night, so I do hope your 7 night all inclusive drinks package really is good value for you Carol as you didn't mention how much its costing, and MSC SPLENDIDA hiding extra costs are not new to me.

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Comment by Cox, Winscombe (01 Mar 10 16:38) about this REVIEW

A nice balanced review It is a pity that some "flame wars "appear to have developed in the congoing comments based on contrary experiences with MSC in particiular and Italian lines in general. We have not cruised with MSC before (at least 10 x with other lines) but were lucky enough to be on the the new MSC Magnifica at Southampton for the 26-28th Feb Showcase 2 day event ( courtesy and thanks to staff at Cruise.dot.uk / MSC). This is an excellent new ship which , although there were some initial minor teething problems with food ( timings and lack of heat) at the preview ( not surprising with new ship / new crew ) were resolved and improved upon. The staff ( Italian officers , Balinese/Indonesian staff) iwere friendly , helpful and prompt in resolving issues. The cynical amongst us may say that they would be at such an event For additional views on Magnifica - check the recent series of reviews by different people on this site. You will find that these give objective impressions of this ship based on this limited stay on board. One advantage that we had as a group was a free and open discussion with Peter Pate (UK and Ireland Chairman MSC) I cannot comment on other peoples unfortunate experiences but I am tempted to pass this thread onto him. Perhaps it is better that the persons who have had problems do this themselves. We discussed issues of service with him where he was very open in dealing with concerns . "The Italian way" should never be an excuse for bad service. There are differences in all ships which cater to different customer bases - that is something we should all consider when booking any cruise.That is half the fun of cruising. Balanced reviews on this site will help one make a decision who to cruise with. I would suggest that specific poor experiences / gripes should be directed to the cruise lines themselves initially. MSC will be operating some ships out of Dover later this year and from Southampton in 2011. They will be adjusting the offering ( food etc) to the UK customers they hope to attract.

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Comment by Greenwood, Maldon (02 Mar 10 00:13) about a COMMENT by Cox (01 Mar 10 16:38)

Nice review of the new MSC Magnifica .. The MSC Splendida is the only one I have experience of and therefore should only comment upon that . .......... Although the news that MSC has now made GRATUITIES MANDATORY and even increased it from 15% to 18%, is not that much of a surprise. As its pretty typical of the way MSC work, to get every euro they can from its guests. ... Note: The problems and poor experiences / gripes that badly effected my MSC Experience was directed, firstly onboard as required and then by letter as per the rules, and sent within the set MSC deadlines, but even after 28 days we are still awaiting a positive reply..... I only posted here after the letters were sent, more to help others be aware of what can go wrong and possibly then be able to avoid the problems we faced with MSC..

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Comment by cox, winscombe (03 Mar 10 07:53) about a COMMENT by Greenwood (02 Mar 10 00:13)

Fair comments given that you had explored every avenue - some people don't - so no offense intended!! I know of the " mandatory" gratuities ( I missed the increase to 18% and am checking) and didn't get any confirmation that they would be made part of the up front costs - which would obviate most of the debate. I too have found that the onshore responses to unresolved problems ( in my case experiences with P O and RCI) are often poorly handled , delayed , and (finally) often of the " take it or leave it" kind. Sometimes getting to the "head honcho" will help. I may have been lucky that any onboard issues have , in the main , been handled promptly and efficiently - but not all. In our experience - if you include onshore administration errors , transport to from ship , NONE of the cruise lines we have been with have been perfect but most issues were resolved - with a couple of notable exceptions. I hope that the problems you experienced ( however unfortunate and irritating to yourselves) are not typical of MSC . Other cruisers comments suggest you were very unlucky LIFE!!

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Comment by Greenwood, Maldon (03 Mar 10 21:28) about a COMMENT by cox (03 Mar 10 07:53)

Thanks and no offence taken. ..... We have also have been on many. very enjoyable cruises and accept that it would be rare to find a cruise that is perfect without at least some little issues. .... The cruise that proved to be the exception and was by far the worst we have ever had. Ruined by BIG ISSUES, rude dismissive staff, bad service, poor food and euro pinching ways, was on the MCS Splendida and may not be typical of all MSC cruises. ... So I unfortunately, have to disagree with you about the positive reviews and comments left by other cruisers about the MSC Splendida. ... If you research the reviews and comments left here on cruises.co.uk, about the MSC Splendida you will find the numbers of GOOD positive ratings (4 and 5 stars) are outnumbered by almost twice as many "very unlucky" people who have had a BAD experience on MSC Splendida and given this ship a rating of only (1 or 2 stars). .... example One of the things that just seem wrong with MSC, they advertise family orientated cruises, (children go free offers) and onboard Children's Facilities are often reviewed as you did for the MSC Magnifica, as n/a and others note as very poor and yet often another extra cost such as the ones charged for Formula 1 racing car simulator and the 4D Cinema. (over 6 euros charged, each time used)

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Comment by widdowson, kirknewton (26 Feb 10 17:32) about this REVIEW

thanks for a nice review was a pleasure to read it we havent booked a cruise yet as were of to new york in may but hoping to cruise in august or september on ocean village but may now look at msc cruises after reading your review....happy cruisin

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Comment by ian mccartney, south shields (26 Feb 10 14:46) about this REVIEW

nice to read a well balanced review,im puzzled by the price of the drink package your dinner companions paid if they needed to drink 3 bottles of wine a day to break even? MSC must be more expensive than costa,as their x1 package costs £9.60 per person per day,which works out as less than the price of one bottle of wine per day. any idea of the price they paid,as i fancy cruising with MSC this summer thanks again for a great review.

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