MSC Cruises, like Marmite you either love them or hate them, although I do feel the latter is a tad too strong, but whatever your thoughts are on MSC , I hope the following will answer any questions you have and also put to bed any mis-conceptions you may have heard regarding what MSC is really all about.
If you want my honest opinion I previously had my doubts about experiencing MSC but its only now that I feel able to write this blog and finally shout about what an amazing Cruise Line MSC Cruises are becoming. All cruise company’s have received negative reviews on particular ships, I have blogged about these in the past and don’t get me wrong MSC are no different with MSC Opera receiving a long list of interesting reviews and not all particularly appealing, but what inspires me about MSC is the way they have dealt with the issues at hand, done a complete turn around and are now up there playing with the big boys. Why? because they are not only the ‘Biggest cruise line in the Mediterranean’ they are the 3rd largest cruiseline in the world.
So what can I tell you about MSC Cruises, well to be honest where do I start, dubbed as ‘The Most Modern Fleet in the World’ they have 12 ships that are refined in style and give you the best welcome in true Italian Tradition, with elegant decor, contemporary design and noble materials, such as marble and Swarovski Crystal they certainly are in a class of their own. Take a look and see if you agree.
Not only that but they have recently ordered 2 ‘revolutionary new ships’. The 154,000-ton vessels will feature innovative sea-level promenades with outdoor spaces, shops and restaurants. The project has been named Seaside. With 2,070 cabins, the new ships will carry 4,140 passengers at double occupancy and have room for up to 5,300 passengers including pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas. Scheduled to debut in November 2017 and May 2018, they’ll cost nearly $1 billion a piece. These ships really will be a force to be reckoned with and if they are anything like their newest ship Preziosa then they are sure onto a winner.
I really wanted to give you MSC Cruises in an nutshell and to give you the opportunity to make up your own mind about this Italian cruise company aiming for the high seas. To do that I wanted to reveal some myths that surround MSC Cruises. So I have listed some common questions I am asked and answered them honestly in my own opinion.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES – Yes as with all cruise lines with multinational guests, important safety and excursion announcements are made in languages most widely recognised. English is the main language on board but MSC are no different to any other cruise line carrying multi national guests, announcements are made in English first then can be Italian, French German or Spanish depending on their itineraries.
FOOD ON BOARD IS ONLY ITALIAN PASTA AND PIZZA IS THIS RIGHT? MSC are proud of their Mediterranean roots and heritage, which is reflected in the delicious award winning pizza and pasta handmade fresh on board every day. They arn’t the only food options. The food served in the buffet and main restaurants varies depending on the itinerary, with food served relating to the destinations visited on the cruise. Along with Neapolitan Pizzerias, there are speciality restaurants including Oriental restaurants, a sushi bar, Tex-Mex, Steakhouses, Sportsbar and Mediterranean Fusion in the Galaxy restaurant offering a 7 course taster menu with a different glass of wine served with each course.
ENTERTAINMENT IS NOT CATERED FOR ENGLISH PASSENGERS – MSC offers a wide range of entertainment options catering for all the different cultures and tastes, from circus shows to operas and musicals. there are up to 6 stage shows a week in the theatres and amazing live music played every night in the bars. Theme days.nights on board include a Beer Festival, MSC Factor, Hollywood night, 70’s ‘Flower Power’ party and Karaoke and live sports coverage is available on big screen TV’s in public areas. In fact, MSC have even been nominated for a best entertainment at Sea’ award in this years Cruise International Awards so they must have been doing something right. What you do find with MSC is that the musicals and tribute acts are often the WestEnd so are all in English, and all other shows are all about music , performance and dance. I can assure you that you wont find a comedian on board telling a joke in five different languages lol.
ALL INCLUSIVE £20 A NIGHT? REALLY? Yes its true for just £20 per adult and £10 per child on all cruise from the Uk, Mediterranean Cruises and Dubai winter cruises. For Caribbean Cruises £29 per adult and £15 per child. Child age is 2-17 years old. MSc have one of the cheapest All Inclusive drinks Packages at sea. Impressive!! Click on the link and see for yourself what is included!
MSC All Inclusive Drink Package
I HEAR GRATUITIES ARE EXPENSIVE ON BOARD IS THIS TRUE? – No- not compared to other cruise lines . What’s great about MSC is that they don’t charge gratuities for children age 2-14 years and no one more than me believes this should be the case on every cruise . Children over the age of 14-17 are only expected to pay 3.50 Euros a day. Adults between 6 and 7 euros depending on the duration of your cruise. Gratuities shouldn’t be anymore than this for European itineraries and of course are optional.
Just to finish off I have to say that they also have one of the best campaigns on the market, not just including the drinks package that they offer but with Free Flights on at the moment and every child can cruise for only £99 there really isnt a better time to experience MSC.
Just a note that as I mentioned earlier MSC Opera is one of MSC’s oldest ships and you will see her regularly sail out of Southampton with many English guests on board. Like all the older ships in anyones fleet you can sometimes encounter a few negative comments but with some of her prices selling or have sold from £399 please dont expect anything else but a great value for money cruise.
If you require any further information then please do give me a call. Not every cruiseline suits every passenger but for me I am proud to sell MSC and true to my word I will always be upfront and honest if you ask me for any feedback. Positive or otherwise.
Holly xx