But we watch Dream Cruises show a lot and they showcase MSC quite often either the actual show or the commercials. There's a new ship the
Seaside that is coming to the North American market to stay but I've heard mixed reviews on MSC and most of it seems to stem from differences in markets and expectations between North American and European. What's your take on it?
Hmm, that is a tricky question for me to answer.
when we sailed MSC we were on one of their newer ships (Splendida) on a Northern European itenerary in shoulder season---which is probably pretty different as far as activities and passenger base than what you'd fine in the Caribbean.
We also booked a room in the Yatch Club, which means we only ate in that restaurant and had a pool deck/pool for exclusive YC use, all drinks included in the club, etc
Since we do not normally book that level of service on other ships (many do nto even have that) it is a bot hard for me to compare (the YC rooms are about the same size as larger balcony rooms on other ships, cost far less than suites on other lines and the service was fabulous). Outside the YC the ship always felt crowded---I think there really are ore passengers per available sq foot than on other lines. The crowds were enough that I would not book MSC outside the YC, but then again I am paeticularly crowd adverse.
On our trip, there was a very dissapointing lack of cruise staff programming. Trivia twice in a week, maybe one game a day, and never well run. I have been told this is different in the caribbean.
Food in the YC was excellent and it is so nice to be told to show up any time they are open and you will have a table. We did pop into the buffet a couple of times to check it out and the food was good.
The spa was as nice as on all other lines at half the price---they run it themselves rather than contracting with the company which runs most ships spas. I rarely use the spa on other lines due to the prices: it was nice to feel like I could enjoy a couple of massages without paying an arm and a leg for them.
Likewise, many of the add ons, from drinks to specialty dining were far cheaper than on other lines.
and the laundry! I pre bought a package to send out up to 5 0items for cleaning and pressing for 45 € I could send thing bit by bit, and they arrived back in the stateroom hung in the closet, cleaned better than our local in town services does. I told DH if we sail them again I am taking all his workshirts to be done while we vacation lol
I would sail them again, in the Yacht Club.