GiuliaPiraino

My husband and I have been to Europe many times but are thinking of taking our first cruise! I came across this website for the Italian cruise line MSC and I'm wondering how it is. I like the idea of it being an Italian cruise line rather than an American based line since we're going all the way to Europe to experience a different culture! Normally we would pack one tiny carry-on bag and move around quite a bit, but this year we will be bringing a small baby, ie lots of checked baggage and gear, so I thought a cruise would be a good way to still see a few different spots and not have to haul everything around from airports and train stations.

The cruise we're interested in:

Leaves from Barcelona
Genoa
Malaga
Cadiz
Lisbon
Gibralter
Alicante
Back to Barcelona

We've been to Barcelona and Lisbon, loved them both, but the rest would be new to us. Also, not sure what it's like on other cruise lines, however, on this particular cruise I noticed that for example, in Alicante we're only there 3.5 hours, is this normal? Doesn't seem like you could wander too far from the port in 3.5 hours. Also, only 4.5 hours in Gilbralter. Are these very tiny boring ports? I wonder why they would allot such a small amount of time there? Having never been on a cruise I don't know if this is standard or not. Also, I can't find anything on MSC's website that says all the food is inclusive, am I to assume that food is inclusive on all cruise ships? I like the idea of paying one price for food an lodging. I realize other things will be extra like spa treatments, etc.

Any thougts on MSC in general would be appreciated! Here is the website:
www.msccruise.com

THANKS!!!

GiuliaPiraino

Ok never mind, I found a lot of reviews on line and this company has a horrible, horrible reputation. Scratch that idea.

Shearly

You may try to search from here... http://www.sweethoneymoonideas.com/c...eymoon-cruise/

Dayenu

Do not scratch the idea of cruising! Just move it to the "American based line"

When calculating the time in port, adjust it to being ~ 1 hour early for departure, and if it's a tender port - they take off passengers going on their tours, so this may take a while.

Food in included, usually 3 times a day in a restaurant + buffet on some ships 24 hrs + some snack stands. In addition to "free" restaurants there are with an entrance charge of $10-25 per person (and this is all you pay, no prices on the menu)

Drinks are usually coffee and tea all day, juice at breakfast, lemonade at lunch. You will pay for soda and alcohol.

Simthy20

Hi, i agree MSC does have lots of negative comments i read a few at http://www.cruises.co.uk. However I didn't let these negative reviews put me off. Because most of the people who where complaining didn't know what to expect. So if you go with an open mind and expect lot's of different nationalities onboard including lot of Italian's. Plus the food is very Italian onboard so expect pasta's and pizzas onboard. It is quite an informal cruise line so you don't have to dress up which was ideal for us as we dont like dressing up too much anyway.

I can honestly say we had one of best cruiess with MSC, you just need to prepared for it. I dont like the American cruise lines because of the hefty billa t the end and the British cruise lines can get a bit boring especially as you will only find Brits onboard and no other nationality.

charli

May I suggest that you look at the demographics of the various cruise lines and choose one that caters to families with small children. Some cruise lines and their passengers prefer an adults only atmosphere. I think you made a wise choice to eliminate MSC from your list.