Customer

Posted On: 1st Mar 2013

I was never on a cruise prior to my trip on Magnifica, my trip with MSC was just amazing, I will never be able to do a package holiday again, from the time we landed in Barcelona we were so well looked after, I have a cpap Machine I use at night, the med staff made sure on my arrival with a note in my room where and how I could locate or contact them 24/7, we were shown to our rooms, we had the same people maintain the rooms for the whole 8 days, they were fab, and did little treats of towel animals in my bed most nights, you went for your dinner every evening and on your return to your room , the beds were turned down, it is amazing but by the end of the 8 days I was emotional, I was sad to be leaving the MSC family I had the pleasure of meeting on my tri,, our waiter at dinner was Alex he was a true Gent and all the bar staff and the ships enterners, the staff that attended the children in the kids area......they seemed to be having so much fun, I experienced 4D cinema....that was some roller-coast ride...I screamed like a child it was so much fun I can not Fault a thing with MSC.
We had an Irish woman on the ship with us, she was on deck 12 too she had 2 children with her, she turned out to be a bit of a trouble Maker, She made some of us cringe with shame that we shared our nationality with her, she told some big fibs,and was almost the cause of a staff member loosing his job, (I hope he did not) but outside of this persons conning ability's also her silliness, I had a fab time, and all of the Irish people I met up with also enjoyed our fab entertainment every night we all had nothing but praise on what an amazing experience it was.
I ENJOYED ME EXPERIENCE SO MUCH, I have decided to go again on a med cruise with MSC Also take 5 other members of my Family with me as I would love my Children and Husband to enjoy the amazing experience of traveling with MSC,our ship is different this Oct 11th we will be enjoying MSC Poesia.

Posted On: 9th Feb 2015

Those days were so awesome. I am so thankful to Ocean World Travel

Posted On: 1st Jan 2014

We arrived at our allotted time and went through the check in procedure very easily. We are not too keen on City Terminal but it all went well and we boarded just after 2.15. Our luggage had already arrived so we were soon settled with time for afternoon tea in the Palms Café – where our muster took place. Sailing was on time and calm water took us to Zeebrugge.

The shuttle bus transfer into Blankenburg used boarding passes which did cause a delay as the town had only provided 2 coaches. Probably Cunard had the monopoly of this type of transportation. However, we had decided that we would spend the day in Blankenburg – a town we are particularly fond of and as it was my birthday, we had a nice lunch in a restaurant we have visited before.

From Zeebrugge, we had a day at sea and enjoyed the Captains Welcome Gala. We arrived in Copenhagen late morning, had time for a light lunch then joined our organised trip to Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market which did not disappoint. En route, we stopped at the Little Mermaid for a photo shoot and then for a walk to the Royal Palace with our Guide. We replaced the latter with a visit a couple of gift shops which for Denmark were very reasonably priced. A tour of the city and then to Tivoli where we had 2 hours to explore. It was a good afternoon, the rain tried to keep away but a light drizzle came in as we were walking back to the coach.

The following day was spent in the Kiel Canal, no snow but still very pretty and plenty of chances to use the camera.
Next was Hamburg Christmas Market using the newly opened Underground Train to get right into town. The Markets seemed smaller than before but there were plenty of bargains to be had. Bremerhaven followed and the Shuttle service was spot on. Again the Market was smaller but we had a really good time.

The final day was at sea with, as usual plenty to do. The Captains Farewell was that night and a very fitting end to a most enjoyable cruise. Overnight we had high winds which resulted in slow disembarkation at Southampton as the bad weather had prevented the crane which takes the baggage off the ship from working. Luggage was moved manually and in stead of being called off in deck order from top to bottom, the decks seemed to be called randomly. The Baggage Reclaim area was very wet as a result of the rain the UK had suffered and delayed us getting off.

None of this was a fault of Fred, it was simply weather conditions and the knock on effect.

We were on second sitting in the Avon Restaurant on a table for 8 and had a happy crowd on the adjacent table. The waiting staff were first class and we were joined by the Hotel Manager on the first formal night. The food was as good as ever, well cooked and presented nicely.

It was wonderful to have Victor Stoica as our Captain again, Mr Thomas Rennesland as the Hotel Manager and Ashley Bolton-Burrows as the Cruise Director, ably assisted by Jamie and a great team of hosts/hostesses and the theatre company.

There was a really good atmosphere on the ship, passengers were very friendly and happy and for once, we did not hear the C word (compensation) or many complaints. That was a bonus.

All the staff were great but if we had just one gripe, it would be that there was a new photographic team and not many photos were taken. We collect gangway photos but we only had one at Copenhagen and unfortunately, we were left out in the Avon and on the British Night. With that said, that slips into insignificance as it was such a great cruise.

The sea conditions were much better than expected and the only clue that it was a bit choppy one night was when a champagne flute fell onto the floor in the middle of the night.

The entertainment was first class. We went to the Lido Lounge every night where at 7.45 the show company put on musical shows, a 60’s night, an evening with Elvis, a Christmas show etc and then the main shows in the Neptune where the show company put on really good productions and then of course there was Brenda Collins who was on 3 times – such a funny lady. The Balmoral Orchestra were very good, as was Q Tones, the Rosario trio and the young man in the Morning light bar.

Thank you Fred for another great cruise on Balmoral and to Ocean World Travel for ongoing great service.

Posted On: 1st Jan 2014

We arrived at our allotted time and went through the check in procedure very easily. We are not too keen on City Terminal but it all went well and we boarded just after 2.15. Our luggage had already arrived so we were soon settled with time for afternoon tea in the Palms Café – where our muster took place. Sailing was on time and calm water took us to Zeebrugge.

The shuttle bus transfer into Blankenburg used boarding passes which did cause a delay as the town had only provided 2 coaches. Probably Cunard had the monopoly of this type of transportation. However, we had decided that we would spend the day in Blankenburg – a town we are particularly fond of and as it was my birthday, we had a nice lunch in a restaurant we have visited before.

From Zeebrugge, we had a day at sea and enjoyed the Captains Welcome Gala. We arrived in Copenhagen late morning, had time for a light lunch then joined our organised trip to Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market which did not disappoint. En route, we stopped at the Little Mermaid for a photo shoot and then for a walk to the Royal Palace with our Guide. We replaced the latter with a visit a couple of gift shops which for Denmark were very reasonably priced. A tour of the city and then to Tivoli where we had 2 hours to explore. It was a good afternoon, the rain tried to keep away but a light drizzle came in as we were walking back to the coach.

The following day was spent in the Kiel Canal, no snow but still very pretty and plenty of chances to use the camera.
Next was Hamburg Christmas Market using the newly opened Underground Train to get right into town. The Markets seemed smaller than before but there were plenty of bargains to be had. Bremerhaven followed and the Shuttle service was spot on. Again the Market was smaller but we had a really good time.

The final day was at sea with, as usual plenty to do. The Captains Farewell was that night and a very fitting end to a most enjoyable cruise. Overnight we had high winds which resulted in slow disembarkation at Southampton as the bad weather had prevented the crane which takes the baggage off the ship from working. Luggage was moved manually and in stead of being called off in deck order from top to bottom, the decks seemed to be called randomly. The Baggage Reclaim area was very wet as a result of the rain the UK had suffered and delayed us getting off.

None of this was a fault of Fred, it was simply weather conditions and the knock on effect.

We were on second sitting in the Avon Restaurant on a table for 8 and had a happy crowd on the adjacent table. The waiting staff were first class and we were joined by the Hotel Manager on the first formal night. The food was as good as ever, well cooked and presented nicely.

It was wonderful to have Victor Stoica as our Captain again, Mr Thomas Rennesland as the Hotel Manager and Ashley Bolton-Burrows as the Cruise Director, ably assisted by Jamie and a great team of hosts/hostesses and the theatre company.

There was a really good atmosphere on the ship, passengers were very friendly and happy and for once, we did not hear the C word (compensation) or many complaints. That was a bonus.

All the staff were great but if we had just one gripe, it would be that there was a new photographic team and not many photos were taken. We collect gangway photos but we only had one at Copenhagen and unfortunately, we were left out in the Avon and on the British Night. With that said, that slips into insignificance as it was such a great cruise.

The sea conditions were much better than expected and the only clue that it was a bit choppy one night was when a champagne flute fell onto the floor in the middle of the night.

The entertainment was first class. We went to the Lido Lounge every night where at 7.45 the show company put on musical shows, a 60’s night, an evening with Elvis, a Christmas show etc and then the main shows in the Neptune where the show company put on really good productions and then of course there was Brenda Collins who was on 3 times – such a funny lady. The Balmoral Orchestra were very good, as was Q Tones, the Rosario trio and the young man in the Morning light bar.

Thank you Fred for another great cruise on Balmoral and to Ocean World Travel for ongoing great service.

Posted On: 11th Jul 2013

Sailing Auckland to Sydney, with Christmas at Sea and New Year in Sydney Harbour was fabulous. The ship very well presented, attentive yet unobtrusive service from the crew and the festive celebrations a great touch. Highly recommend the line, ship and Christmas at sea experience.

Posted On: 12th Apr 2013

Just returned from the MSC Splendida this week. Went with my wife and 2 kids, 9 & 11. Boarded in Marseilles for 1 week.
This was our first cruise. It will most definitely not be our last.

I read with interest different good and bad reviews of this ship before I booked. I have to say, how anybody could fault it and MSC is beyond me. The ship was simply stunning, the facilities excellent, the food amazing, entertainment brilliant, spotless, and the staff incredibly warm, friendly and supportive.

We chose the all-inclusive package through cruiseparadise.ie and it was well worth it. We had paid it back after 21/2 days, as it included all drinks, cocktails, spirits, wines and beers. All water, kids ice creams etc.

If you decide not for that option, be aware that prices for drinks are slightly more expensive than at home in Ireland. Expect €8 a cocktail, €7.50 for a G&T, €5.50 for a bottle of beer, €5 for an ice cream. The all inc pack was very affordable at €480 for the 4 of us for the week. Well worth it.

Why MSC? For me it was because kids under 11 travel free (bar port taxes etc.) This meant it was very accessible and affordable for us for the first cruise.

Will we ever travel with them again? Absolutely, can’t wait to go again.

The kids loved it, the ship, the pools, the clubs, the friendships made.

Boarding and disembarking was seamless and fast.

We had absolutely no hidden charges applied.

The room (a balcony) was the right size, was really luxurious, and the beds very comfy.

The ports were well located.

Average age on board was 38, plenty of kids, families, couples and groups. A mixture of Nationalities.

If there is a negative it is that some people have no manners and are pushy in lifts etc. That is in no way a bad reflection on MSC, the ship or the holiday, just on them people, so if you can accept that not everybody is as mannerly as us then you will enjoy it.

We chose to make our own way there and back, with me taking the ferry over and driving down (meaning we could have a few days afterwards in Paris, and could fill up with wine etc.) - Not everybodys cup of tea, but I love driving in France.

Very quickly the ship becomes to feel like home. What more can I say?

Posted On: 16th Nov 2012

After spending two Cruises (Caribbean & Med)in the past 18 Months with Royal Caribbean I was expecting at least the same level of enjoyment and entertainment on this brand new ship. We booked this particular Cruise because of the destinations and we were not disappointed in that respect,except four ports in four days is tough going.
The ship,although new had very little to offer mature clientele in the way of activities, Mini-Golf on two levels?, that didn't come with a charge. The food stations were just about adequate,but you had to search for them. Although the Red Frog Pub was the Venue we most frequented,there was hardly ever anyone there or any of the other Venues. The Piano bar/singer was just downright crude and to be avoided,and as for the two waxwork models in the Atrium,they just did not inspire anyone to hang around. The Atrium on our other Cruises was always a hub of activity where people loved to socialise and dance.
Last but not least and most disappointing was the Theatre,what was served up here on a 12 day Cruise was just downright insulting. The same four shows repeated over and over and a Lionel Ritchie singer that performed all of 8 songs.The shows might have been tolerable if there was live music instead of it being a glorified Karaoke Show,which broke down for twenty minutes in the middle of the Brits Show. You got to have live Music!!
The final point and the one that would definitely put me off going with Carnival again was the 5AM disembarktion,being hounded off the ship by 8.45am,with no facility to stay on board until Lunchtime,as do Royal Caribbean is just not a runner.

Posted On: 24th Jun 2015

QA says Thanku to u

Posted On: 24th Jun 2015

thanku

Posted On: 9th Feb 2015

I became so happy by memorizing those superb days, I wish I could be there again ..

Posted On: 4th Apr 2014

My husband and myself went on our first cruise on the 3rd march for 7 nights on the Costa Pacifica.We found the whole cruising experience amazing.I was a little worried after I booked when I read different reviews.To my amazement the ship was fantastic and spotless.The food was beautiful and plenty of variety.The staff were very friendly,efficient and extremely helpful at all times.Anything we requested was quickly delivered with no fuss.Our cabin was spotlessly clean and very spacious, at times we forgot we were on a ship.Our Stuart was lovely and always on hand to advise or help in whatever way he could.The cost of this cruise was very reasonable and for anyone reading this review I wouldn't be put off by bad reviews.I think you would have to be an extremely fussy person to find fault with this ship.The gratuities were €8 per day per person but tbh you do get excellent service in the bars and restaurants and cabins so I feel it is a small price to pay for such excellent service.It is great not having to worry about having cash on you as your cabin key card is also your onboard credit card and every purchase is charged to your card.It is very easy to keep a track of your account as you can view all your transactions on your tv in the cabin.You sign and get a receipt for every transaction.The only fault I found was the Internet charges were a little pricy.€20 for 60 mins so it was quite expensive to keep in touch with family etc when on board.But once off the ship mobile phone worked so that wasn't too bad.
Overall it was a lovely cruise and I would have no hesitation booking another cruise with Costa.B.S Ireland.

Posted On: 14th Mar 2014

We have just been on the Oriana on a cruise to Norway to see the Northern Lights X405N.

1. We were 11hrs late leaving Southampton, due to propeller repairs incomplete.
The captain pulled back 10 hrs. on way to Stavanger at a speed of 27.8 knots
2 On boarding we were met with severe restrictions throughout the ship due to Noro virus
3.After one day out cabins on C deck had major water leaks the occupants could not be moved due TO lack of empty cabins
4.Stavanger to Alta uneventful
5.Leaving Alta we stopped for about five hrs. due to engine trouble
6 Arrived Tromso too late to do any trips except evening cathedral concert that day.
We were scheduled to leave Tromso for Bergen at 0500am but our stay was extended until 2.45 pm the following day and tours either rescheduled or cancelled.an extension of ten hours. Our trip around Tromso was changed from 1230pm previous day to 0815 the next. We requested a later time due to my wife's medical problems and they had the cheek to charge us £5.00 for the privilege.
7 We were unable to visit Bergen due to all the delays.
8 We then had two days of very stormy weather.
9 During the last days we had periods without flush toilets and to top it all the hot water system in the Conservatory restaurant failed and there were no hot drinks at breakfast

Finally the cruise diary DVD only about one quarter was our cruise, with no video of any activities on board ship. ( Rubbish)
and on a visit to Sorrento, we waited over an Hour for our main course due the dropping the meals.

Most of the ships staff were fantastic trying to cope.

Posted On: 25th Aug 2013

A wonderful ship one of the Best cruises I have taken .
Still high standards in all departments

Posted On: 20th May 2013

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Posted On: 18th Apr 2012

The staff on this ship are brillant. Never got taking care like this before in my life. The range of food, drink enternament was excellent. This was best and most relaxing hoilday i have ever been on, would go back to the Allure of the Sea tomorrow.

Posted On: 9th Apr 2012

As usual, Fred did not disappoint and another great cruise, albeit only 5 days. We were allocated a 12.15 check in but a sick person being evacuated on the way back to Southampton caused Balmoral to be 2.5hours late getting in. The ‘Meet and Greet’ parking was affected badly as folk from the previous cruise were still disembarking. However, we had to sit in the car for no more than half an hour or so but by around 12.30, we were able to proceed as planned, so with the luggage and car dispatched in different directions, it was into the Terminal for the usual queues experienced with City Terminal. Amazingly, the staff made up time and although we were certainly not the first to embark, we were still on much earlier than expected. The luggage was at the door so unpacking was started and afternoon tea beckoned. Safety drill was on time and we sailed much earlier than we thought and probably pretty much on time. Second sitting dinner was in the Avon restaurant and we were served by the same waiter, Jefron who looked after us last time. At the table we met Geoff and Rita (hello Geoff, hope you arrived home ok) who were great table companions. Another couple only sat with us the first night only as they preferred the Palm Café and on the 3rd night, we were joined by another fun couple who joined the ship at Liverpool following an unavoidable funeral. It was a fun table with lots of laughter. The first day was a sea day as we headed for Liverpool and choppy waters stayed with us all day. Naturally for safety sake, the musical show was postponed as it wasn’t safe for the dancers and a few drinks slopped around in the glass but we reached Liverpool on time and had a great morning trip. We saw the homes of Captain Smith from the Titanic. A lady called Rose lives ther now and it was her, who gave name to Kate Winslets character Rose in the film. We saw Ismays home and many homes of various officers. We had the choice of returning to the ship with the coach or to stay at the Maritime Museum and make our own way back. This was definitely the thing to do as we were able to stroll around Albert Dock and take in the ambience of the area. A very enjoyable day and we were even more delighted in Belfast. The Titanic Belfast Visitors Experience was fantastic. We were in there by just after 9am so dodged all the queues expected for Good Friday and were able to experience the virtual attractions and ride without any delays. The souvenirs shop was an Aladdin’s cave and the debit card was red hot. Once back on the coach, we had a city drive for just over 2 hours, Stormont was unbelievable and fortunately for us, the gates were open so our driver was able to take the coach right to the top of the hill. Belfast is a beautiful city and we plan to return there in the not too distant future. As usual, the staff on board were friendly and attentive without being intrusive and full praise must be given to Captain Robert Bamberg and his team of Officers and Staff. This cruise was carrying passengers from many overseas countries as well as the UK and there were more kids on board than we have seen before but they were as good as gold. Prais to the Kids leaders for obviously occupying them so well. As usual, there were the ‘Try Hard’ snobs (Those who try hard to be a snob and fail miserably) and the very noticeable moaners and compensation seekers- what cruise would be complete without them!!! So yet again, our sincere thanks to all concerned.