3 Nights Mediterranean Cruise

A Wonderful Surprise

My Western Mediterranean cruise in November from Rome to Rome on the MSC Lirica was one of the most enjoyable of my many years in cruising (I have taken almost 70 cruises, on all the major cruise lines from Carnival to Silversea). The MSC Lirica is an older (2003) medium-sized (2k passengers) ship that has been beautifully refurbished and is well-maintained. It does not have all the options available on the recently built megaships, but that suits me fine. When I cruise, I do not expect a floating amusement park — I want good service, good food, and interesting ports of call. MSC Lirica exceeded my expectations in all three categories. Best of all, the price was very reasonable. I think that MSC now provides the best value in the cruise industry if you choose the right departure date and itinerary. MSC is especially kind to solo travelers like myself. On most cruise lines, couples usually get a big discount on the second passenger, but solos must pay the full 200% (or more). MSC does not penalize solo travelers — I paid about 140% (of an already low cruise fare) for a solo inside cabin and even received a major upgrade before departure. MSC also excels in itinerary flexibility for its European cruises. Instead of a fixed embarkation once a week, MSC allows groups of passengers to embark at each of the ports of call. This avoids the crowds and headaches usually associated with embarkation day and allows passengers to tailor their start and finish dates to their own schedule. Keep in mind that means that disembarkation at the end of your cruise will begin about an hour after docking, so that excursion and other transit passengers can disembark first for a full day ashore. I enjoyed my MSC Lirica cruise so much that I have booked two (back-to-back) cruises on the MSC Seashore in Florida this January. It is a new megaship that has gotten great reviews on youtube. I am sure it will be a new experience for me, and I will be happy if it is even half as enjoyable as my Lirica cruise was.

Great ship, Ideal size, not overcrowded, great crew

We choose this our first cruise after recomendation from freinds, the boarding process was painless and easy and our room cards etc were all in our room on boarding all of the regsitertaion process had been done prior to us boarding and so there was none of the usual stampede for the reception desks. The cabin was ideal with a decent size balcony and we spent the at sea days relaxing on the balcony enjoying the sun and the sea air, we opted for the Fantastica experiance which we found to be well worth the addional cost with an Aurea suite. We selected the date of the trip around our aniversary and did all the usual photos onm the winding staircase etc, the photographers were very professional and we purchased several of the phjotos in colour and in black and white and the staircase photo we had framed and has pride of place in our lounge a memory of a truly fantastic 7 day jaunt arount the eastern med, most of the places on the itinery we found insteresting, one of the stops we would not bother getting off the ship again for but on the whole the locations visited were interesting and we had detailed information on each of the ports visited delivered each previous evening which we found informitive and helpfull. We were so impressed with this experiance we decided we would do again, which we did with MSC and the experience could not have been more disappointingly different!!

Overview

There was a suggestion to buy this [articular cruise and I liked the list of cities to visit, so I bought it. In overall, I enjoyed the cruise! There was a pleasant surprise - I got a cabin with a window! Cabin was always clean; it was tidied up twice a day. I read some complains about embarkation and disembarkation. My experience was different. Logistics was very good. We embarked with no problem (and disembarked), were provided with kind recommendations and attendance. Suitcases were taken directly to the cabin. Cabin was prepared earlier than expected. Yes, it is not big, but enough to have a rest and sleep at night. Even pillows were of different types (soft and "hard") to satisfy different habits. Every day there was a detailed program in English and Russian (may be in other languages too, do not now). All anouncement were in different languages as a sign of respect to passeners from different countries... Every day shows were good and very good (according to taste?). A lot of dancers, some singers and acrobats. Costumes are very bright and attractive. There were two shows a day, which was very convenient as there were two seating (dinner) at 6.30 and I guess at 9 PM. Selection of food was excellent, contained various cheese, sausages, eggs cooked in different ways, bacon, fruits, etc. Coffee and tea – as much as you wish for breakfast. I like fish and seafood and I got it: in the morning and in the evening!! Service (we mainly eat in La Bussola) was very good and pleasant; the atmosphere in La Bussola restaurant was intimate and sophisticated, the service attentive and discreet. Logistics was also excellent. The second place we had snack is on deck 11. There is an open veranda (do not remember the name- sorry for that). More democratic and people felt very relaxed over there. Those, who like desserts – it was just fantastic on the ship! You can have meal and/or snack almost the whole day…. Alcohol, beverages, cocktails. It is very expensive on board. The packages provided were unacceptable for us. “All inclusive” is 29 euro per day and you have to buy it for 11 days, full stop. Other options (beverages) were not exciting either. As for water, coffee and tea you had to pay for it during lunch and dinner. Another option – to go to deck 11 after meal. Public areas were immaculate clean. Pleasant atmosphere. Dimmed light, music…. I enjoyed it. Countries we visited: UAE, Oman, and Qatar. Excursions are quite expensive. Round 70 euro/ person – a city tour. We have taken it only in Abu Dhabi. Not really exciting. However, in Emirates and Qatar there was a choice – to go sightseeing by yourself by taxi, which is also expensive. In Qatar there were free shuttle busses to take passengers from the port to the city. Excellent idea! I Oman I felt very frustrated as we were charged 5 euro per person to get to the centre of the city, round 7-8 min drive. The bus did not even stop at the castle, which is the only one attraction in the capital (apart from the sea)! I considered it to be waist of 10 euro and time. Must be said about security. Well done. Every time you leave and return to the ship you have to go through security and that is makes you feel safe. Security officers were always polite and helpful if you had a question. Entry and exits are marked with red tape, no way to lose yourself….Moreover, every time you leave the ship a special card is given to you with tel numbers. I believe it is a good approach.