I Need Some More MSC

(31 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Daniel Oppliger

El Paso, TX
Group Travel Expert

 

I have been immersed in the travel industry since relocating to El Paso in 1986. Initially, I worked with a local tour operator before venturing out on my own.Over the years, I've developed specialties in Destination Resorts and River Cru...

MSC is Coming to Texas

We have sailed with MSC seven times now and have two more cruises booked. We have cruised with the others too, but we keep coming back to MSC.


1) We have found the Entertainment the best of all the lines. It in international and always has a Italian themed show at least once a week. On sea days they have a Opera at Sea. Who else does that? They have moved the circus theatrics to a paid show in a smaller venue. That is fine with me. I prefer the musical shows with different theme each evening.


2) The Best Pizza at Sea is available about 18 hours a day. It is hand tossed and has a few toppings. Agreed there could be more toppings. If you sail in Yacht Club, they will bake a pizza to order with multiple toppings.  The taste and authenticity is wonderful. We sailed on one line where they served frozen pizzas. Not on MSC.


3) Fair Prices on Drinks  I like the fact MSC does not gouge you the bar. We were on one cruise line where every cocktail was $15.47. Not many were abiding and the wait staff looked bored.  The drink packages may or may not be a good deal, depending on the voyage.  Often the cruise fare plus wi-fi and drink package is less that the lead in price on competitors.  Sometimes the drink package is priced low. Either way you will not feel ripped off at the bar.


4) The International Buffet has a fine collection of salads, Asian, middle eastern and other ethnic foods. After the first or second sailing in the USA they quickly added hamburgers, hot dogs, American condiments, and that scarce tartar sauce. 


5) Dinner in the dining room has improved over our sailings. Spaghetti  in now on the anytime menu as is a Lobster for a $20 up-charge.  Only one of the few up-charges on MSC. They serve many international dishes, fish, lamb.  On Italian night I always order the Chicken Parmesan. 


6) Friendly Accommodating staff. Although the put tips on your cabin account, I always tip my cabin person, and the wait staff.  I also have tipped bar staff and bartenders. On bartender asked me if I wanted a double in my old-fashioned ? I tipped him.  Once I was on Easy Package.  I ordered an old-fashioned. I tipped her before the end of the week because we were not sure we would make it back to the bar. She asked if I wanted Makers-Mark, no up-charge.  Of course I said yes.


7)  I don't do photo packages so I politely ignore those people.


8) We have been on many ships and the cleanliness of MSC is beyond belief.  I think someone rides the elevators up and descends the stairs wiping the rails all day long. The ship is for the most part spotless. If you see a mess, it won't be there long.


9) The dining room is open for lunch on sea days for sure and breakfast all week.  They sit you with new people, which is kind of fun. For breakfast you don't have to wait around for an omelette.  Just order and drink your coffee.


10) Space.  The only time the ship feels crowded is on embarkation and if you have to take a tender to shore. There is ample public space on the ships.  Find your place, bar or corner and relax.  I don't use the pools, so I will leave off comments about homesteaders. 


MSC is coming to Texas, so contact your El Paso Travel Agent, meaning us today.

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