Or… another cunning ploy to extract more money from us by playing to our ego’s
MSC Cruises have announced a new pricing structure from Winter 2014/2015.
It’s called MSC Experiences and is broken down into 4 different categories.
Basically it’s a new tiered pricing system, depending on what kind of ‘experience’ you would like to have, and more importantly, how much you want to pay for it.
In a nutshell, here’s the differences.
BELLA EXPERIENCE – cheapest, low cost, basic, no thrills package. – think P&O Saver Fare and you get the gist. Ideal for those of you who are more interested in the itinerary, and exploring the ports of call. and saving money on the un-necessaries.
- Lowest cost cabins, usually located on the lower decks. (I1,O1,B1 Category Cabins)
- You can request your preferred dining, but it’s not guaranteed. (Mostly you can expect to dine in the Buffet Restaurant.) Or pay to eat in the Speciality Restaurants. Great if you’re on the go all the time, and don’t want to be tied down with a particular time to eat.
- You pay for Room Service
- You pay to have access to the private sun deck
- You pay for the children’s special events. (A bit harsh I think….)
- Any changes to your booking will incur a fee.
- If you want breakfast delivered to your cabin, expect to pay for it.
However, apart from that, you will have a well-equipped cabin, and access to the wide variety of activities and facilities on board. Including the pool, gym, and open air sporting facilities, as well as the fantastic Broadway-style entertainment MSC provide. And don’t forget you can earn MSC club points so that you can have more benefits the next time you cruise with them.
FANTASTICA Experience. Ideal for those of you who want to relax and unwind, spend quality time with the kids, or just each other, and don’t mind paying for a better cabin and want maximum flexibility.
- Premium Accommodation (I2,O2,B2 Category Cabins) including the Super Family cabins usually located on the upper decks, conveniently placed near to lifts and lounges.
- Choice of preferred dining time (Taking priority over Bella Experience customers)
- Free breakfast in your cabin
- Free 24hr room service
- 50% discount on various fitness classes, personal training etc.
- You don’t pay for your children to be included in their special events. (Phew!)
- Earn your MSC Club points for more benefits on your next cruise.
- You still have to pay to gain access to the private sun deck!
- Can change your booking details up to 14 days prior to departure with no charge.
AUREA Experience
Now this is ideal for those guests who are seeking relaxation, pampering and de-stressing. Who are happy to pay a little more for those little extra privileges not afforded to Bella & Fantastica clients. For instance, spa treatments and the like:
- Priority Boarding & Luggage service on embarkation day. (Let the Bella’s & Fantastica’s of the world wait!)
- A Prestigious luxury cabin loaded with complimentary wellbeing products, and a nice soft robe and fluffy slippers.
- Complimentary Spa package, including access to the Thermal Area for the duration of the cruise. Balinese Massage, Solarium, and a lovely welcome cocktail! I’m relaxing just thinking about it…
- Unlimited free drinks at every meal (The Cheers! Package) Oh yeah! Now you’re talking!
- Free time dining in a dedicated area of the restaurant. (So everyone can see you are experiencing the Aurea….)
- Complimentary access to that elusive private Adults only sun deck! Yay!
- Earn your MSC Club points for even better benefits the next time you cruise!
MSC YACHT CLUB Experience
For those who like to surround themselves with the finer things in life whilst on a cruise, ultimate privacy, exclusivity, comfort and luxury, the likes of which you would expect to receive on a private yacht. Yet still have access to all that MSC offer its guests.
So what do we get for our top dollar price?
- Dedicated priority check in on Embarkation and Disembarkation (unlike the Aurea guests who have to carry their own luggage off the ship!
- Your own Butler at your service 24hrs a day. (Would get on my nerves after awhile)
- Dedicated Concierge 24hrs a day. (See above…)
- Luxury Suite, situated in its own dedicated ‘Suite’ area of the ship. With plasma TV, well stocked mini bar, Egyptian cotton sheets, ergonomic mattresses (that’s memory foam to you and me.) and a pillow menu (always makes me laugh when I see that..) marble bathrooms with a spa bath and separate shower.
- Private restaurant with freedom to dine any time
- Access to the private MSC Yacht Club Restaurant for all inclusive lunch and dinner.
- Allegrissimo Unlimited drinks available in all the exclusive MSC Yacht Club areas and a free minibar service! Happy Days!
- Private lift access to the Aurea Spa – I should think so, walk? at these prices???!!
- Free entry to exclusive sun deck, pool bar, and lounge with premium buffet.
- You can make changes to your booking without incurring fees.
- Earn even more MSC Club points for your next cruise!
Also did you know?
You can leave your kids on board while you do shore excursions! (T’s& C’s apply, naturally)
Kids go free on MSC under the age of 18 yrs! (Only pay the port & tax & flight charges) BUT! And it’s a big but, only with 2 full fare paying adults!
No you can’t send them off on their own!
Gina x