Topic: What is it really like? MSC Opera

I've sailed 6 times on her but never on a UK sailing and intend to do so again next year from Buenos Aires.

It is true that people seem to love or hate MSC. On my sailings there were few Brits (& Americans) and some were unhappy. I think some Brit & Americans s don't adapt well when they are in the minority and are not specifically being catered for. Some even seemed surprised/disgruntled that the product was aimed towards Italians!

The Opera is a beautiful mid sized ship which is kept spotlessly clean. The UK sailings obviously have more Brits and they have made some changes to cater for the primary market. neverthe less, there will still be announcements in 5 languages (but relatively few of them; entertainment will not rely purely on the spoken word (so no stand up comedians) and I'd expect there still to be an Italian feel to the food and service.

I like the cosmopolitan ambience onboard and think they are good value 9even taking into account some of the extras). Then again when I go overseas, it is important for me to feel as though I am overseas and not in a little "British Bubble". For some a Britsih or American cruise line is a more comfortable and familiar way to travel and if that's the case for you, MSC may not be the best choice.

Thanks for the comments, these are the kind of opinions I was really looking for
We are Italophiles, and I speak a bit of italian, so that won't be a problem
I will go ahead & book it
Thanks again
Mike

QUOTE:

Do you get vouchers to give to staff on final evening as with other lines when you pay service charge/ gratuities on your account or before you cruise?

just noticed your question,yes you can opt out and ask for envelopes to give who you want to at the end of your trip no problem

QUOTE:

Thanks for the comments, these are the kind of opinions I was really looking for
We are Italophiles, and I speak a bit of italian, so that won't be a problem
I will go ahead & book it
Thanks again
Mike

Well in that case you'll have no issues...even the sometimes aloof Italian senior crew defrost with a smile and a few words of greeting in Italian!

Did the North European cruise last week
The Ship, food ,entertainment ,organization (embarkation 35 minute form dropping of cases to being in Cabins) were all excellent
Trips dear and Bay of Biscay truly horrible
The Brits how didn't like didn't appreciate the Italian Feel of the Cruise (multiple languages and italian food)
Hope you enjoy it and would like to know your feelings

hope you enjoyed your cruise ;i was not been nasty regarding service charge ,its just that this is the first time me n my family have ever been on a cruise or have been abroad ,i honestly did not expect to pay for a service i havent recieved nor asked for you learn something every day on this site regards to you ---tosh

QUOTE:

It is about on par with other lines (except the British ones) and it isn't a tip it's a service charge.

Did you get your tickets ok Tosh59? Hope so!

yes lacey got my tickets on looking through them im having a bit of trouble with the tour operators who booked the cruise regarding my drinks package .msc have sent me vouchers for28 cans 14 soft drinks 10 ice cream and 10 milk shakes haha there having a laugh i told them i paid extra for all inclusive they are checking the conversation i had when booking the agent stephen conveniatly no longer works for hays travel i wonder why besides this i am sooooooooooo looking forward to the cruise lol

QUOTE:

Did you get your tickets ok Tosh59? Hope so!

Hope you get it sorted out. I'm sure you will have a lovely time once on board. We only have our free coach vouchers as did not order any drinks packages. Hope to get the teen vouchers for grandchildren.

Hi guys,

Just back with a few hints and tips for all of you sailing soon

Go to the shore excursion desk and book your shuttle tickets for La Rochelle as soon as you board ~ we didn't so by the time we got to get them they were being sold for buses M & N which were leaving the ship at 4.15-4.30pm-ish. You are not allowed to leave the port area on foot so unless you take a shuttle or a taxi you can't go anywhere.The journey was 30mins and the last bus back was 6 but they recommended being back at the stop for 5.45 which would have given us less than 45minutes in town at a cost of €9 adults and €6 children. Getting a taxi means entering a queue which is about half an hour long and paying €20 each way.

They added in an evening in Guernsey on the evening of our second sea day, obviously as we were there of an evening not much is open bar a few bars and restaurants and a tender was €12 per person.

Formals nights are held on the evening of the 1st sea day and after Cherbourg (i.e the night before you disembark)

Casino minimums are €5 apart from on sea days where they are dropped to €2, for the poker tournament they need a minimum number of names and the buy in is €100 per person (Ouch!) the casino staff say that they have not held a tournament since they left Brazil.

The food is excellent of evening especially the Fillet Mignon on the formal evening and the buffet magnifique is truly stunning.

If you wish to know anything else just ask

Shell