MSC Cruises Reviews

Thursday 9th Feb 2012

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Msc Cruises

Msc Splendida

MSC Splendida Experience Was Better Than Expected!

MSC Splendida experience was better than expected!

Reviewed By: Balchin-Smith, Worthing on 5th Mar 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: Family holiday

MSC Splendida 11th Feb - 22nd Feb Have recently returned from cruising with MSC on the Splendida. Having read many of the reviews on various cruise forums I was apprehensive as found quite a few negatives but decided that having all the knowledge beforehand would be a bonus as I would then be expecting and not shocked which definetly helped. I arranged flights seperately the day before we cruised from Gatwick to CC Genoa with BA at a cost of £280 for my husband, self and 12yr old daughter and had an enjoyable stay at the Best Western City Hotel for the afternoon and overnight with Breakfast (100 euros total). Taxi from airport to hotel was 30 eur and made arrangements for him to pick us up at 12 the following day to take us to the port. Looking at the maps most places look as if you could walk them but they do not allow for the mega busy roads that you would have a job to cross to get to the port. Taxi from Hotel to port was 15 euros. Had quite a speedy embarkation taking approx 40 mins (had done pre check in before leaving home) and then had docs checked onbord as visiting Israel which only took a few minutes before being taken to our lovely room. Ship is beautiful and though it carries a lot of passengers never felt overcrowded. The staff and crew on the whole were lovely and friendly and we seemed to find that once certain staff recognised you they would help you. If we used the self service buffet we always found a seat even if we had to share a table which we didn't mind. Do suggest though, that if going to buffet breakfast or lunch take with you something such as jumper, scarf etc., that you can put across your chairs to state that you are sitting there and find table before getting your food, as otherwise you could be walking round with a plate of food getting cold. I found the food acceptable and the choice was plentiful enough and lovely and fresh delivered at various ports. My husband found the Dinner in the restaurant was 'not big enough' for him but when you consider that you have the starter, a salad, the soup (which I found delicious as well) then either a pasta dish or a risotto before your main couse meal and then dessert you do not need Desperate Dan size portions. The restaurant staff were also hard worked and friendly and served us well. We shared our table with a lovely family from Canada and our daughters and ourselves became good friends. The drinks on board are or can be expensive depending on what you personally drink. We pre paid for soft drinks packages, 2 beer packages, water package and ice cream packages. The water package saw us through the whole cruise, the beer package we didnt actually need the two as we ended up leaving some unused vouchers also we had 2 ice cream packages and ended up leaving some unused vouchers as well. On the last night of the cruise people were trying to give away the vouchers or trying to use them all up he! he! There is a limit to how much ice cream etc you can eat. It is better value to buy the packages so I would advise buy one of what you need when you first board and then only buy second if you have enough days in which to use them. Even noticed that people with wine packages had wine left that they were hastily trying to consume during the last night! Noticed that a lot of people in reviews complained about lack of tea or coffee but I found that by using the morning room service (continental breakfast style) you could have a lovely jug of coffee delivered to your room whilst you got yourselves ready for the day and then could go up and have a cooked breakfast or cereals etc. a little later. Tea and coffee is also served during afternoon tea between 3.45pm until 4.30pm outside of these times the purchase of coffee was approx the same price as you would pay in England. When on shore we did purchase water, drinks etc (not spirits) which we consumed in our cabin with no problems, bags are x-rayed upon return to ship but we never had any problems. The excursions were expensive but do your home work, some times you have to do an excursion to get all the sights taken in. My daughter and I did the Cairo excursion and after having only 30 minutes at the Pyramids we had 15 minutes at the Sphinx then whipped of to dinner then to Cairo museum where we had approx 40 mins. It was all pretty manic!! We actually arrived back at the ship 2 hours late with some other coaches, the ship was brilliant and had the buffet open for us on returning so we grateful as our dinner had been about 1 and now it was 11pm. On most of the tours we were 'guided' to certain shops to purchase or see local products (nothing to do with MSC just the tour buses) be aware and don't be pressured into purchases, there are always other places to purchase from. The shows were short approx 45 minutes but extremely well done. Other entertainment on ship more of a jovial type with the Italians throwing themselves into it wholeheartedly re Miss Splendida (eventually won by a game Italian lady nearing 80years young), Mr Splendida etc. Talent contest etc.. All in all quite enjoyable really. Right down to any negatives, as with all things you will find or come across negatives but this should not mar your whole holiday. My daughter found a full wallet which belonged to a German lady it did not have her cruise card in it and I am a trusting person but with the amount of money in it (no I didn't count it, but you could see by the amount of notes contained) I did not want to hand it to anybody but her. We rang reception gave the ladies name and stated what we had found they checked and found her cabin and would not give us the no which is understandable so we asked that she contact our cabin. We heard nothing which we thought was strange and then started doing our own investigations and eventually found the ladies restaurant and my husband handed back the wallet to her. She was so grateful and reception had not even been in touch with her and this was days later. Reception staff were not helpful even with minor things and the accounts we found even worse all they could say was 'not possible' that was when we wanted to clear our account on the last night. We had to go down at 6ish in the morning of disembarkation. Disembarkation was quite well organised and everyone basically meets in the theatre and disembarks by the colour code of your luggage labels that are given to you the previous night. Luggage was all lined up colour coded again and from there it was taxi to CC Genoa (30 Euros) and home to blighty. All said my daughter and myself thoroughly enjoyed our cruise and would sail with MSC again if the price was right and the ship was sailing to ports that interested me. My husband says he would not but I think he is splitting hairs on any negatives he had. It is an Italian ship with Italian overtones and not the same as other ships we have cruised on such as Celebrity, Cunard QE2, and P & O but overall I would still give her a thumbs up! Sorry if this review has dragged on. Any help or further information I can give please do not hesitate to contact me. Sandy
Quality of Food
I found the choice of food whether at the Buffet style Breakfast or Lunch good with enough choice that would cater for most people. If something was not to your liking you could go and try something else. Dinner was eaten in our designated restaurant and the service was good also as was the food, if something was not quite right it was soon corrected by the staff who were both polite and helpful.
Entertainment
Enjoyed the entertainment the song and dance shows were of high quality and well rehearsed the themes were also great. Classical music and an amazing violinist (that my husband who is not into classical anything enjoyed) also an amazing Tenor performed some nights as well as the mixed entertainment nights featuring a magician and aeriel acrobats/dancers as well as a really unusual handshadow puppeter that was very clever. The other side of the entertainment was mostly held in the Aft Lounge after the shows and featured light hearted games ie the Miss and Mr Splendida contest.
Shore Excursions
The shore excursions were expensive for example 120 euros for an adult ticket to Cairo but having travelled all of that distance you have to do the excursion to see all the sights and also if there are any delays (such as we had by two hours) the ship will wait for you, if you get delayed on your own it is your responsibility to get back to the ship. The tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem was amazing and our tour guide did a great job in a very clear and understandable way. On some excursions we were shuttled to certain gifts shops and to see the local crafts being made, it is understandable as they want to sell you their wares (everone has a living to make) but don't ever be pressurised into making purchases. It can be difficult to walk away from some of the sellers but be firm but pleasant. I had no problems with myself or my daughter when we said no. On this cruise we picked our excursions more carefully than we have done previously and looked into was was at each port stop. We have done excursions on some ships everyday we docked and ended up so worn out and had so much 'history' that it was impossible to remember it all. So on this cruise we looked around some of the little greek fishing ports and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves relaxing and meeting local people.
Staff
Our Cabin Staff Martin and Suduki were fantastic so hard working and nothing was too much bother for them,I cannot praise them highly enough also our Dining room waiting staff were great. The staff overall were really nice and helpful APART from the reception staff and the accounts staff, they had the couldn't be bothered attitude.
Children's Facilities	n/a
My daughter did not go to the clubs and we mostly saw younger ones with the crew/carers so unable to comment. There was supposed to be a disco for the slightly olders ones but not much seemed to be going on.
Onboard Activities	n/a
Did not take part in the activities though understand that there were some dance classes and keep fit going on.
Cabins
Fantastic roomy cabin, very comfortable indeed. The TV only showed news channel in English( all other programmes in foreign) but that was fine as did not to stay and watch tv in the cabin.
Overall Rating

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Comment by Lo, Ma Wan, N.T. (11 Mar 10 03:29) about this REVIEW

Dear Sandy, thks for yr great comment, it relaeased my worry a lot, since I'll take that curise on 27/Mar with my family (incl. my mother-in-law aged 82). Do u hv seasickness during the whole trip? Rita

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Comment by Balchin-Smith, Worthing (11 Mar 10 23:53) about a COMMENT by Lo (11 Mar 10 03:29)

Hello Rita, no I didn't have any sickness and knew of only one lady who suffers from sea sickness and she wore special patches behind her ears, they seemed to work as she wasn't sick. I hope you have a great time, there were many families there with their elder family as well and we made friends with a lovely family from the orient whose father needed a wheelchair at times and they enjoyed themselves immensely. Just ensure that any trips you are doing with your mother-in-law are suitable, as some can be strenuous or crowded depending upon the ports of call. Regards Sandy

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Comment by morgan, 29711 alcaucin (05 Mar 10 09:39) about this REVIEW

I have just booked a great value (all inclusive) 1 week Med cruise on this ship Splendida for Easter (29th-5th March). Like you I have read many bad and indifferent reviews about this cruiseline. So I was so pleased to read yours,which all sounds very promising. The photos of the ship look super. My question is how were the seas in the Med, at this time of year? Is it a nice stable boat? In case you are thinking of going with them again they are doing 1 week Med cruises from 27th March to end of October, on the Splendida and the Fantasia, different itinerys. If you book a balcony or suite then you have ALL INCLUSIVE (all drinks). We are getting on in Barcelona, as we live in Spain. Flights are cheaper (Malaga-Barca) £66 return. So we just book cruise only.But our 7 day cruise works out at just over £100 a day (all Incl). But you must book one of these cruises before the end of March. They are going like hot cakes.This I think is a 1st for MSC trying all inclusive weeks. Thought I would pass it on as you enjoyed your cruise with them.Carol

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Comment by Lo, Unit G 12/F Tower 28 (06 Mar 10 09:05) about a COMMENT by morgan (05 Mar 10 09:39)

Hi Carol, Its seems I booked the same cruise with you, My family will getting on in Genoa on 27/Mar for 8 days 7 nights Med. Cruise Tour. Is it hv an guarantee offer for those who booked a balcony on this cruise with all drinks inclusive exclusively for this weeks? How can I reconfirm this offer? Many thanks and look forward to yr reply & seeing you!!

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Comment by Balchin-Smith, Worthing (05 Mar 10 19:48) about a COMMENT by morgan (05 Mar 10 09:39)

Hi Carol, we did have some 'rocky' days at sea but she is quite a stable boat. One evening it was more noticeable as we were in the Aft Lounger which is at the rear of the ship on Deck 7 when it was quite 'stormy' outside, my husband and I were trying to slow dance and it ended up being a quick step from one side of the dance floor to the other! must have looked so funny! So you could feel some movement but it was nothing that would make you very seasick or stop you walking around. By the way I understand that if anybody gets seasick they can obtain medication from the reception and don't have to go to the medical centre. Don't know why i added that! Thanks for letting me know about the cruise offer. Sandy. Enjoy your cruise

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Question by morgan, Alcaucin,Malaga (14 Mar 10 10:10) about a COMMENT by Balchin-Smith (05 Mar 10 19:48)

Hi Sandy. Please can I ask you a few questions. How many formal nights are there on a 7 night cruise. Also did you take any booze onboard (in cases) for a drink on balcony, or can you buy onboard? Or is it like RCI,xrayed and confiscated?Am I right in thinking that there are no tea/coffee facilities in room. Is there room service and how much does it cost? Thanks Carol.

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Answer by Balchin-Smith, Worthing (14 Mar 10 23:24) to a QUESTION by morgan (14 Mar 10 10:10)

Hello Carol we had 3 Gala/Formal nights, on our 11 night cruise, 3 casual and the rest informal. I think it likely therefore that you will have 2 Gala/Formal nights the rest informal and casual. Though Ive read reviews about people not bothering to dress up on MSC I must state that the main percentage did of course you always will get the odd one or two that don.t but on the whole people made the effort which was really nice. Most informal nights people were also smartly dressed. If you would like to contact me on my E-mail address i will answer your other questions and any others you have. My email address is sandysmith_uk2004@yahoo.co.uk all lower case look forward to hearing from you. Sandy

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Comment by Lo, Unit G 12/F Tower 28 (05 Mar 10 16:58) about a COMMENT by morgan (05 Mar 10 09:39)

yes! me too, my family hv booked the same cruise & itinerary with some worry about the Med sea situation! Any unstable cuase serious sea sickness during the whole trip? Hv u experienced Rough Wave? Thks....Rita

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Comment by morgan, 29711 alcaucin (06 Mar 10 22:22) about a COMMENT by Lo (05 Mar 10 16:58)

H i Ms.Lo. Pleased to hear you have also booked this cruise but if you have booked a balcony cabin or suite then you should qualify for the all inclusive offer. I only bookede this cruise 2 days ago, because I saw this offer. If you booked it some time ago and there was no mention of it to you from your travel agent, then I certainly would get back in touch with them and let them know that you know about this deal that has only just been advertised and that you want some written confirmation that you will get it when you get onboard. Last November I was on the Med on the RCI. Navigator, same size and tonnage as the Splendida. We had 90 mph winds one night and onthat size boat it still was not really, just walking a little bit drunkenly, well maybe I was anyway.ha.ha. Still I always take with me sea sickness tablets, just in case! I will still say a little prayer for calm seas though. Carol

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Comment by Lo, Park Island, NT (07 Mar 10 07:54) about a COMMENT by morgan (06 Mar 10 22:22)

Thks Carol, pls help to get in touch with cruise company and request them whether they can offer me the same by written confirmation. Do they need my full name for reference tracing? If yes, pls let me know!

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