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*~ Cruising (travel by Waterways) megathread ~*

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Comments

  • #952
    deisemum
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,608 ✭✭✭deisemum


    I've been on 3 MSC Med cruises and had a great time. We went in April each time and had lovely weather, I don't like hot weather. We didn't need jumpers on deck.


  • #953
    deisemum
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,608 ✭✭✭deisemum


    Lots of info here


    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056848146


  • #954
    enfant terrible
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,592 ✭✭✭enfant terrible


    Hi guys doing the online check-in with NCL and they are offering travel protection which covers
    Trip Delay
    Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage
    Emergency Evacuation
    Repatriation
    Baggage Loss
    Bag Delay

    Should we purchase this or book a separate travel protection?


  • #955
    Stone Deaf 4evr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,000 ✭✭✭Stone Deaf 4evr


    enfant terrible wrote: »
    Hi guys doing the online check-in with NCL and they are offering travel protection which covers
    Trip Delay
    Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage
    Emergency Evacuation
    Repatriation
    Baggage Loss
    Bag Delay

    Should we purchase this or book a separate travel protection?

    depending on whether or not you have private health insurance, annual multi trip policies can be as cheap.


  • #956
    enfant terrible
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,592 ✭✭✭enfant terrible


    Stone Deaf 4evr wrote: »
    depending on whether or not you have private health insurance, annual multi trip policies can be as cheap.

    Thanks SD, NCL looking for $25 per person so will price online.


  • #957
    DT2
    Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭DT2


    This is from VHI multi trip rules. (I can't post the link.) They won't cover the cost of air-sea rescue or emergency transfer ship to shore.

    "Note: If You are undertaking a holiday on a cruise ship all appropriate benefits will apply when You are on board the cruise ship, whilst You
    are embarking or disembarking whether in a tender or otherwise. We will not pay for the costs of air-sea rescue or emergency transfer ship to shore."
    enfant terrible wrote: »
    Hi guys doing the online check-in with NCL and they are offering travel protection which covers
    Trip Delay
    Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage
    Emergency Evacuation
    Repatriation
    Baggage Loss
    Bag Delay

    Should we purchase this or book a separate travel protection?


  • #958
    LiamaDelta
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 824 ✭✭✭LiamaDelta


    enfant terrible wrote: »
    Hi guys doing the online check-in with NCL and they are offering travel protection which covers
    Trip Delay
    Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage
    Emergency Evacuation
    Repatriation
    Baggage Loss
    Bag Delay

    Should we purchase this or book a separate travel protection?

    I would have thought trip delay, baggage loss and delay are their responsibility and you would be claiming from them in this instance anyway. They're pretty good on the whole customer experience side of things so I'd not be bothering going through an insurance company for that.

    Illness, medical etc....personal really. depends on how likely you are to get sick? would you take it out if you were going to a resort on land? if not, then no.


  • #959
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,490 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    LiamaDelta wrote: »
    Illness, medical etc....personal really. depends on how likely you are to get sick? would you take it out if you were going to a resort on land? if not, then no.

    It's not that simple. Beyond a sticking plaster or a rub of magic ointment from the nurse, virtually all medical treatment on board ship costs money. Whereas with an EHIC card, you can get treatment in most public hospitals in the EU and not have to pay anything.


  • #960
    paul-2008
    Registered Users Posts: 330 ✭✭paul-2008


    Going on our first cruise (Honeymoon) in a couple of weeks. Going on MSC Seaside around the Caribbean. Any tips or advice people would give? No idea what to expect - we went with the Aurea package including all drinks (I Think.. im sure there is some limit?)

    Any advice appreciated :)


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  • #961
    fitzparker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,204 ✭✭✭fitzparker


    paul-2008 wrote: »
    Going on our first cruise (Honeymoon) in a couple of weeks. Going on MSC Seaside around the Caribbean. Any tips or advice people would give? No idea what to expect - we went with the Aurea package including all drinks (I Think.. im sure there is some limit?)

    Any advice appreciated :)

    We went in March for our honeymoon and loved it. we are a young couple (both 28) and didnt know what to expect but everything was fantastic.

    We did: Jamacia, caymen, cozemul, Nassau

    If in caymen do the stingray sandbar, an unforgettable experience!

    Get to the port as early as possible even though your ticket says check in time 2pm(i think)

    We got there for around 10, got into the departure lounge around 10:45 and were on the ship for 11:50 (gives you the full day on it before it sets sail)

    Book everything beforehand, Restaurants (trio experience works out cheap), Excursions etc, its cheaper.

    you can book all your shows and restaurant times on the app and in room TV which is great.

    Pay $5 for a wristband it does everything your card does and is handier, it means you dont need to bring your card with you around the ship.

    If you haven't already booked it get the spa package for the week, its amazing and nothing lie you have been before (snow room (yes actual snow) geezer room sauna steam room etc...) and breaks the day up from the sun, there are also private loungers to relax there aswell.

    We paid for gratuity (12.50 each a day) means you dont have to tip, but the end of the week we did slip money to a few of the bar staff who looked after us as well as our room cleaner.

    if you dont have access to the mini bar a tip is dont be afraid to take drink from it, just replace it that night by getting a drink from the barstaff.

    The zipline can be really busy, we bought ticket but never used it, if doing it go a day when docked and get back early (although if windy they close it)

    My best tip is get a revolut card. you can use it to clear up your bill and with the exchange rate can save a good amount.

    We did a night in miami when we got off the boat. if you are doing it book lunch in Versace Mansion. its only $30 for a three course meal and gets great brownie points from the other half! but book now, it books up really quick!


  • #962
    paddylonglegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,549 ✭✭✭paddylonglegs


    Hi folks,

    Short story, 10 year anniversary with wifey next year, would love to take her on a cruise that will blow her socks off.

    Our honeymoon wasn’t really luxurious so it would be good to make up for that.

    Where can I start with research on a cruise like this? We will be in our mid thirties so I guess a mix of lively and relaxing, good food, drinks, spa, would be good.

    One possible restriction is length of stay. We have 3 small kids so the max we could get babysitting would be a week or so. Would a European cruise be better because if this?

    Any recommendations on where to start appreciated


  • #963
    NSAman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,441 ✭✭✭NSAman


    Simples... the bank manager...;)


  • #964
    paddylonglegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,549 ✭✭✭paddylonglegs


    NSAman wrote: »
    Simples... the bank manager...;)

    :)

    Idea of budget would be similar to a decent all inclusive honeymoon abroad


  • #965
    Tazium
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 904 ✭✭✭Tazium


    Have a look at https://www.royalcaribbean.com/ contrary to the poster above the trip fares are reasonable. I went on Western Caribbean package for a 7 night cruise. Quite simply, one of the best holidays I've ever been on. Flights were 500 return to Miami, I stayed two nights before the cruise. Took an Uber from Miami to the Fort Lauderdale port and was blown away at the size of the ship, it was Allure of the Seas which is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. 17 stories, tons of restaurants which are mostly included in the fare, some are extra cost I found those unnecessary. Everything they do is full on service oriented. Broad tips, don't worry about sea views or balconies, get an inside stateroom. You'll only be in it for sleeping. Prepay gratuities, it's marked on your room card so staff will know and won't bother giving you the hard sell for extra tips. If you like a drink, then consider one of the packages. I went all in with the drinks package which seemed expensive at purchase but got me all the fizzy drinks, speciality coffees, beers, wines and whiskey I could drink. They also do a ten drink pre-paid card. WiFi is a paid service and it's reasonably good for basic stuff so if you'll need to be in contact with the kids then be sure to get that. Cellular roaming on a ship is massively expensive, turn it off. Use facetime, whatsapp, skype, viber or whatever other call apps you've got.

    Destinations are incredible and there's tours if you want them when you get to port. These are optional and some are better than others. I had a private island tour, snorkelling at a starfish sanctuary, and a trip to Montego Bay beach in Jamaica. Tours add to the cost of the trip too.

    All in, my flights, hotel, and cruise package was less than 1800. This is a lot but it's a holiday I'll never forget. Feel welcome to PM. I booked myself, didn't use a travel agent and saved that way too. It doesn't have to break the bank, but it really something akin to a honeymoon. They've got formal nights where most people participate by wearing black-tie and formal dresses to dinner and it's just incredible. I'm remembering it all now, thanks for that :) and wishing you the best of luck.


  • #966
    Thoie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,344 ✭✭✭Thoie


    I repeatedly sound like some kind of ad for seascanner.com but it's very handy. You can filter cruises by dates, areas, cost, all sorts of things, and it gives you a good idea what's out there. Sometimes it can be cheaper booking through that site, sometimes directly through the cruiseline itself, but I always use it as a starting point.


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  • #967
    jhegarty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,441 ✭✭✭jhegarty


    Whats your budget ?

    A balcony on royal caribbean is luxury for some people , some people think anything less than an owners suite on regent seven seas is slumming it.


  • #968
    Pflano
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 85 ✭✭Pflano


    Tazium wrote: »
    Have a look at https://www.royalcaribbean.com/ contrary to the poster above the trip fares are reasonable. I went on Western Caribbean package for a 7 night cruise. Quite simply, one of the best holidays I've ever been on. Flights were 500 return to Miami, I stayed two nights before the cruise. Took an Uber from Miami to the Fort Lauderdale port and was blown away at the size of the ship, it was Allure of the Seas which is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. 17 stories, tons of restaurants which are mostly included in the fare, some are extra cost I found those unnecessary. Everything they do is full on service oriented. Broad tips, don't worry about sea views or balconies, get an inside stateroom. You'll only be in it for sleeping. Prepay gratuities, it's marked on your room card so staff will know and won't bother giving you the hard sell for extra tips. If you like a drink, then consider one of the packages. I went all in with the drinks package which seemed expensive at purchase but got me all the fizzy drinks, speciality coffees, beers, wines and whiskey I could drink. They also do a ten drink pre-paid card. WiFi is a paid service and it's reasonably good for basic stuff so if you'll need to be in contact with the kids then be sure to get that. Cellular roaming on a ship is massively expensive, turn it off. Use facetime, whatsapp, skype, viber or whatever other call apps you've got.

    Destinations are incredible and there's tours if you want them when you get to port. These are optional and some are better than others. I had a private island tour, snorkelling at a starfish sanctuary, and a trip to Montego Bay beach in Jamaica. Tours add to the cost of the trip too.

    All in, my flights, hotel, and cruise package was less than 1800. This is a lot but it's a holiday I'll never forget. Feel welcome to PM. I booked myself, didn't use a travel agent and saved that way too. It doesn't have to break the bank, but it really something akin to a honeymoon. They've got formal nights where most people participate by wearing black-tie and formal dresses to dinner and it's just incredible. I'm remembering it all now, thanks for that :) and wishing you the best of luck.

    I'd second this. We took a Western Caribbean cruise (Mexico, Caymen Islands stops) with Royal Caribbean over Christmas last year but the departure point was New Orleans so we spend 3 nights there before the cruise and 2 on the way back. It was one of the best holidays I ever had. I booked the cruise through seascanner.com and flights/hotels in NO separately.

    And great tip about the drinks package - if you like a drink, don't even think twice - get it! You'll save a fortune!!:D


  • #969
    spurious
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Education Moderators Posts: 27,264 CMod ✭✭✭✭spurious


    Regarding the drinks, do your sums in advance. If you like a glass of wine here and there and one or two drinks in the evening, it will probably work out cheaper to pay as you go.


  • #970
    paddylonglegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,549 ✭✭✭paddylonglegs


    Tazium wrote: »
    Have a look at https://www.royalcaribbean.com/ contrary to the poster above the trip fares are reasonable. I went on Western Caribbean package for a 7 night cruise. Quite simply, one of the best holidays I've ever been on. Flights were 500 return to Miami, I stayed two nights before the cruise. Took an Uber from Miami to the Fort Lauderdale port and was blown away at the size of the ship, it was Allure of the Seas which is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. 17 stories, tons of restaurants which are mostly included in the fare, some are extra cost I found those unnecessary. Everything they do is full on service oriented. Broad tips, don't worry about sea views or balconies, get an inside stateroom. You'll only be in it for sleeping. Prepay gratuities, it's marked on your room card so staff will know and won't bother giving you the hard sell for extra tips. If you like a drink, then consider one of the packages. I went all in with the drinks package which seemed expensive at purchase but got me all the fizzy drinks, speciality coffees, beers, wines and whiskey I could drink. They also do a ten drink pre-paid card. WiFi is a paid service and it's reasonably good for basic stuff so if you'll need to be in contact with the kids then be sure to get that. Cellular roaming on a ship is massively expensive, turn it off. Use facetime, whatsapp, skype, viber or whatever other call apps you've got.

    Destinations are incredible and there's tours if you want them when you get to port. These are optional and some are better than others. I had a private island tour, snorkelling at a starfish sanctuary, and a trip to Montego Bay beach in Jamaica. Tours add to the cost of the trip too.

    All in, my flights, hotel, and cruise package was less than 1800. This is a lot but it's a holiday I'll never forget. Feel welcome to PM. I booked myself, didn't use a travel agent and saved that way too. It doesn't have to break the bank, but it really something akin to a honeymoon. They've got formal nights where most people participate by wearing black-tie and formal dresses to dinner and it's just incredible. I'm remembering it all now, thanks for that :) and wishing you the best of luck.

    Excellent post, thanks for that. I will certainly look into that ship and keep those tips in mind.


  • #971
    paddylonglegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,549 ✭✭✭paddylonglegs


    For the Caribbean cruises, anyone know if there’s times of the year that should be avoided?


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  • #972
    Spanish Eyes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,996 ✭✭✭✭Spanish Eyes


    Very important question here....

    Would wife actually love a cruise? Or do you just believe it will be a great thing for your missis. Think it through first.

    I wouldn't like a cruise, but many would. Just saying before you fork out for it.


  • #973
    jhegarty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,441 ✭✭✭jhegarty


    paddylonglegs wrote: »
    For the Caribbean cruises, anyone know if there’s times of the year that should be avoided?

    Avoid spring break.


  • #974
    missmatty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,126 ✭✭✭missmatty


    Another vote for Royal Caribbean and the Allure of the Seas, we were on it for a week on our honeymoon two years ago and it was great. Did western Caribbean cruise with stop-offs in Haiti, Jamaica and Cozumel, left from Fort Lauderdale.


  • #975
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 7,499 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    We went on a 18 night cruise with celebrity 2/3 years ago.
    San francisco to Maimai va the Panama Canal.
    It was savage.
    There were no kids on the ship which was very important for us.


  • #976
    Mollyb60
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,637 ✭✭✭Mollyb60


    Just to give the other option:
    We did the 9 night Greek island tour with RC on the Symphony of the seas for our honeymoon. We sailed from Rome/Civitavecchia in early May so the weather was very warm but not uncomfortable. Stopped in Naples, Sicily, Rhodes, Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini with 2 days at sea. Fantastic cruise with so much to see in each of the stops. You can take it easy in port if you like but we had trips booked for every port as we wanted to see as much as possible while we were there. We had the balcony cabin but as Tazium mentioned, it wasn't worth the extra money. An interior cabin with a window would've been fine.

    There weren't many children on the boat either in May which suited us. There was plenty to do on the boat and loads of activities if you want to participate. Food was amazing and the staff would fall over themselves to help you. Being honest the entertainment in the theatre on the boat was pretty naff so I wouldn't really be bothered with that, maybe some of the newer boats would have better entertainment. They had quizzes in the bar in the evenings though and we did a murder mystery evening one night which was a laugh.

    The excursions pushed the cost up significantly for us but I'd estimate it was about £2k for the flights to Rome and the cruise all in. We pre-paid the gratuities too but didn't take the drinks package as we worked out it would be cheaper just to buy as we go. We had a bottle of wine with dinner each night and a whiskey in the bar after and that suited us perfectly.


  • #977
    angel eyes 2012
    Registered Users Posts: 925 ✭✭✭angel eyes 2012


    Spanish Eyes wrote: »
    Very important question here....

    Would wife actually love a cruise? Or do you just believe it will be a great thing for your missis. Think it through first.

    I wouldn't like a cruise, but many would. Just saying before you fork out for it.

    We have been on two Royal Carribbean cruises. Western Mediterranean from Rome in 2016 and Carribbean Cruse from Port Canaveral, Florida in January this year. My husband was a little sceptical before we booked but absolutely loved both holidays, both ships had running tracks as he is an avid runner. If you book in advance you get good discounts and can make part-payments in advance. Similar to other posters we booked the drinks package and although we weren't drinking too much, it was great to have the option. We booked a balcony on both trips, I loved waking up early in the morning and sitting out on the balcony looking at the boat enter the next port. It is magical waking up in a new destination every day and having the option to explore the location. It's actually a great way to see parts of the world.

    We sailed on Oasis of the Seas in the Caribbean and Jewel of the Seas in Europe. Very different ships and experiences even though they are owned by RC. But we thoroughly enjoyed them both and will definitely go again.

    Go for it OP, you will have an amazing time.


  • #978
    stratowide
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 566 ✭✭✭stratowide


    This thread has got me thinking about doing a Mediterranean cruise in maybe august or September.
    Would there be many children/teenagers on these ships..?


  • #979
    spurious
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Education Moderators Posts: 27,264 CMod ✭✭✭✭spurious


    stratowide wrote: »
    This thread has got me thinking about doing a Mediterranean cruise in maybe august or September.
    Would there be many children/teenagers on these ships..?

    August yes, September less so. We found (in October) the ship was big enough to avoid them.

    We organised our own trips for days in port at a MUCH cheaper cost than those offered by the cruise line.


  • #980
    Tazium
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 904 ✭✭✭Tazium


    paddylonglegs wrote: »
    For the Caribbean cruises, anyone know if there’s times of the year that should be avoided?

    September and October are considered hurricane season. Mightn't be the best time of year to go.


  • #981
    mazwell
    Closed Accounts Posts: 150 ✭✭mazwell


    missmatty wrote: »
    Another vote for Royal Caribbean and the Allure of the Seas, we were on it for a week on our honeymoon two years ago and it was great. Did western Caribbean cruise with stop-offs in Haiti, Jamaica and Cozumel, left from Fort Lauderdale.

    We did the same for our honeymoon and it was fabulous


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  • #982
    techdiver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭techdiver


    missmatty wrote: »
    Another vote for Royal Caribbean and the Allure of the Seas, we were on it for a week on our honeymoon two years ago and it was great. Did western Caribbean cruise with stop-offs in Haiti, Jamaica and Cozumel, left from Fort Lauderdale.

    +1 on this. Did this as part of my honeymoon in 2012 and it was amazing. Was on the Oasis of the Seas (essentially the same spec as Allure).

    If you can afford it and have the time, I would suggest going to Key West for a few days also. We flew into Miami and drove to Key West (about 3.5 hours) and stayed there for a few nights. Really beautiful place. We then drove to Fort Lauderdale and got the cruise from there.


  • #983
    paddylonglegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,549 ✭✭✭paddylonglegs


    techdiver wrote: »
    +1 on this. Did this as part of my honeymoon in 2012 and it was amazing. Was on the Oasis of the Seas (essentially the same spec as Allure).

    If you can afford it and have the time, I would suggest going to Key West for a few days also. We flew into Miami and drove to Key West (about 3.5 hours) and stayed there for a few nights. Really beautiful place. We then drove to Fort Lauderdale and got the cruise from there.

    Iv heard of people arriving to the port city the day before so they can be relaxed boarding and take in some of the city.

    For us we will need to be wary of child minding at home etc so we will be only away for a limited time. I had though initially a European cruise would be better because if this but the Caribbean cruiser sound great


  • #984
    missmatty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,126 ✭✭✭missmatty


    We did that, arrived the day before the cruise left and stayed in the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Got a fab corner room with great views, had a walk along the seafront and a lovely dinner in the hotel that night. Visited a local shopping centre the next day before getting an Uber to the cruise terminal, would recommend. Would not have stayed longer though as there wasn't much to do.


  • #985
    Thoie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,344 ✭✭✭Thoie


    paddylonglegs wrote: »
    Iv heard of people arriving to the port city the day before so they can be relaxed boarding and take in some of the city.

    For us we will need to be wary of child minding at home etc so we will be only away for a limited time. I had though initially a European cruise would be better because if this but the Caribbean cruiser sound great

    When sailing out of Fort Lauderdale/US, I always arrive the night before. You normally need to be on board by 3 pm at the latest, and few, if any, flights from Ireland will get you there on time. Leaving Dublin/Shannon around 11am, it's often after 9pm local time before I get to Fort Lauderdale.

    For European cruises I'm more inclined to travel on the morning if I've got a direct flight. Even if there are delays, the next port is normally reachable by other means if it comes to it.


  • #986
    MIRMIR82
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 658 ✭✭✭MIRMIR82


    Has anyone done a different excursion other that Rome from Civitavecchia? We've done 2 excursions to Rome and want to do something different this time round?


  • #987
    Thoie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,344 ✭✭✭Thoie


    MIRMIR82 wrote: »
    Has anyone done a different excursion other that Rome from Civitavecchia? We've done 2 excursions to Rome and want to do something different this time round?

    Last time I stayed in Civitavecchia itself, and was pleasantly surprised. There are lots of nice cafes, a maritime museum, the fort, some more archaeological things, and shops. I was on quite a port intensive cruise, so a gentle day of strolling and drinking coffee was nice - no queuing for buses etc.


  • #988
    Penny87
    Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭Penny87


    Has anyone ever booked a cruise with sunway?
    They seem to have pretty good deals and was thinking a travel agent would be better than booking separately.
    Just never booked through them before

    Thanks


  • #989
    fitzparker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,204 ✭✭✭fitzparker


    I did the MSC Seaside in March (western Caribbean) one week on cruise and 1 night either side of it in Miami

    Much cheaper than other cruise liners and couldn't fault it.

    We got a super price all in including every drink, hotels in miami and flights.

    A tip if sailing from miami is do the day either side, not only can you relax but the flights are direct Friday and Sunday so you are saving money going direct ( we were going to fly home the saturday after getting off the cruise but stayed till sunday and saved €500!


  • #990
    Penny87
    Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭Penny87


    We are planning to do the Mediterranean cruise with Italy, France and Spain on the Divina. Never been on a cruise before so excited and nervous to make sure I'm booking it properly !


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  • #991
    appleb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 320 ✭✭appleb


    We are heading on a MSC Belisimo Mediterranean cruise on Monday leaving Naples. Any tips? Have done a carribean Royal Caribbean cruise before but not sure what to expect with MSC.


  • #992
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,490 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    appleb wrote: »
    We are heading on a MSC Belisimo Mediterranean cruise on Monday leaving Naples. Any tips? Have done a carribean Royal Caribbean cruise before but not sure what to expect with MSC.

    Not much difference. I've been on 2 X MSC & 1 x RCL. There will be less Americans on the MSC cruise. But the general package is the same.

    If there is a significant difference in terms of the number of passengers on the boat vs. your previous cruise, that will be the biggest thing you will notice, rather than that it's a different cruise line.


  • #993
    paddylonglegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,549 ✭✭✭paddylonglegs


    Msc grandiosa looks really good. Prices are pretty good too. I assume these don’t include flights from dublin


  • #994
    Dannyo
    Registered Users Posts: 14 ✭Dannyo


    Howdy.

    Just came across this thread now. Great find!

    In May 2017 I went on my first cruise with NCL on the Epic, 7 night Western Mediterranean cruise. It was for our honeymoon, It was the best holiday I was ever on, I couldn't recommend a cruise enough. The wife doesn't like sea travel on ferries etc and was very skeptical about the idea, but she loved it, we both said we would not go on another land holiday going forward. It even topped my Las Vegas trip with the lads, which was fantastic.

    Food, drink, entertainment, atmosphere and service was all excellent for the entire trip.
    We are in our early 30's and had the Ultimate Beverage package with gratuities paid, but I still tipped intermittently much to the wife's puzzlement, but it proved worthwhile.


    Anyway, if anyone has any questions, just ask away.


    I am currently researching to book our second cruise for June/July 2020 with our 2 kids (will be their first cruise), who will be 11 & 14 at the time of the cruise.

    I am torn between trying out RC Allure of the Seas 7 night Western Med, and the NCL Getaway 10 night Italy, Croatia and Greek Islands cruise.

    Anyone been on both ships for a comparison?

    Thanks and Regards.


  • #995
    Thoie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,344 ✭✭✭Thoie


    Dannyo wrote: »

    I am torn between trying out RC Allure of the Seas 7 night Western Med, and the NCL Getaway 10 night Italy, Croatia and Greek Islands cruise.

    Anyone been on both ships for a comparison?

    Thanks and Regards.

    Can't compare both, but I've been on the Allure, and one thing I found was that the Oasis class is very "inward" looking - you have to go out of your way to see the sea. On the other hand, it could be ideal for kids of that age, with lots for them to do.


  • #996
    Stone Deaf 4evr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,000 ✭✭✭Stone Deaf 4evr


    Thoie wrote: »
    Can't compare both, but I've been on the Allure, and one thing I found was that the Oasis class is very "inward" looking - you have to go out of your way to see the sea. On the other hand, it could be ideal for kids of that age, with lots for them to do.

    we were on Oasis this summer, an epic ship, if you have kids, they literally wont have enough time in the day to hit all the activities. I'd be back in a heartbeat!
    Agreed on the comment about views, unless you're on the top deck or have an outer balcony cabin, you wont be seeing the sea on a constant basis. That being said, the central park area was a fantastic place to relax at night in the super comfy chairs, with friendly attendants supplying blankets for your lap if you were feeling the chill!


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  • #997
    paddylonglegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,549 ✭✭✭paddylonglegs


    Dannyo wrote: »
    Howdy.

    Just came across this thread now. Great find!

    In May 2017 I went on my first cruise with NCL on the Epic, 7 night Western Mediterranean cruise. It was for our honeymoon, It was the best holiday I was ever on, I couldn't recommend a cruise enough. The wife doesn't like sea travel on ferries etc and was very skeptical about the idea, but she loved it, we both said we would not go on another land holiday going forward. It even topped my Las Vegas trip with the lads, which was fantastic.

    Food, drink, entertainment, atmosphere and service was all excellent for the entire trip.
    We are in our early 30's and had the Ultimate Beverage package with gratuities paid, but I still tipped intermittently much to the wife's puzzlement, but it proved worthwhile.


    Anyway, if anyone has any questions, just ask away.


    I am currently researching to book our second cruise for June/July 2020 with our 2 kids (will be their first cruise), who will be 11 & 14 at the time of the cruise.

    I am torn between trying out RC Allure of the Seas 7 night Western Med, and the NCL Getaway 10 night Italy, Croatia and Greek Islands cruise.

    Anyone been on both ships for a comparison?

    Thanks and Regards.

    The NCL interior design looks a lot more understated and European compared to the garish gold of the other ships. I suppose the gold is all part of the marine theme, but a well designed interior always goes along way


  • #998
    enfant terrible
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,592 ✭✭✭enfant terrible


    Hi guys,

    Going on a cruise next month with Norwegian around Caribbean.

    My question is should I bring some US currency on board?

    Is it a good idea to have some to use on excursions, or not really needed?

    Thanks


  • #999
    fitzparker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,204 ✭✭✭fitzparker


    I was on MSC and its cashless, think that's the same for most cruises.

    But yes exchange money for when on excursions it can go towards tipping, lunch off the boat, shopping etc.


  • #1000
    Thoie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,344 ✭✭✭Thoie


    enfant terrible wrote: »
    Hi guys,

    Going on a cruise next month with Norwegian around Caribbean.

    My question is should I bring some US currency on board?

    Is it a good idea to have some to use on excursions, or not really needed?

    Thanks

    I always bring dollars. Tips in the hotel the night before, or last minute things. Buying coffee/lunch/trinkets on shore, plus tips for bus drivers on excursions. If you want to waste money in the casino (like I do), the slot machines usually take dollars. You may want to leave an extra cash tip for your cabin steward or waiters. If you find you have "too much" left over towards the end of the trip, you can pay off some of your onboard account in cash at the guest services desk if you don't think you're likely to use dollars again any time soon.


  • #1001
    Louche Lad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭Louche Lad


    Every few months I travel via Holyhead-Dublin, and one reason I do it is the free WiFi. But now they're charging £7.90 for four hours. They do offer 20 minutes of free browsing, but it's limited to "low-speed browsing".


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