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I haven't never sailed with Msc: I don't like their strange concept of " Italian Style ". This company has reduced it to " pizza and tarantella " ( the second is a typical dance of Naples )....
For me it is no Question: Costa is the better Choice. So it is better for you to stay there.
I must admit that Monterey is an attractive ship... Otherwise they aren't an especially interesting company.
I was on Melody too...
...Rhapsody is not so good, too much People for the Size of the Ship, extremely small Cabins and less Space on the Outside Decks.
Next Year LIRICA is coming, it is an Sistership of European Stars/Vision, built in France at Chantiers d'Atlantique in St. Nazaire.
But we have modern Ships enough, from an great Number of Companys and we have better Companys than MSC.
I think, the classic Ships are of more Interest.
And the Monterey is in an very good Consistence for her 50 Years of an Shiplife.
Given the bargain price, we are mindful that it will be a different cruising experience, but were looking forward to the ports and an international mix of passengers. Is it all really "pizzas and tarantellas"? Has anyone had a halfway decent cruise on Melody?Thanks for any info,Robyn
I was on the Melody for Transatlantic Cruise 1997 and on the Monterey from Genova to Rio in 1996.
There are much better Ships and Companies in the Market.
On the other Hand: i am sure, you will SURVIVE this...
...and the Harbours, they call are good in Autumn.
If you are over Night in Istanbul, one of the most fascinating Cities worldwide, i give you an special Tip:
Take an Taxi and go to CAGALOGLU HAMAMI, this is an typical Turkey Steambath, over 300 Years old, Marmor inside, where you can get an excellent Massage and after the Bath an Buffet Turkish Style in the Garden or Cellar rooms.
Istanbul is the former Constantinople, the Town of Emperor Constantin the Great, later Byzanz, the Capital of the Roman Empire Eastern Part, since 1453 the Capital of the Osman Empire, which is now modern Turkey.
Capital of Turkey is now Ankara.
See the greatest Church in the World, the Hagia Sophia, which is now an Musque (Aya Sophia Camii),the Blue Musque, the Topkapi Palace, the great Basar and so on...
I think, you will enjoy the Region.
Fear not. several friemds of mine cruised aboard the melody this past winter out of Ft Lauderdale and had a great time.
Admittedly, while not a 5 Star operation, they found the food to be plentiful, tasty and varied and the crew was extremely friendly and helpful. Melody's cabins are also above average size, so you should be quite comfortable.
Have a great time!
--Tim
If you've never sailed with MSC how can you say "This company has reduced it to 'pizza and tarantella' " ??
And I agree with those who have said that you shouldn't judge a cruise line before you've been on them... You can say that a company has a good or bad reputation... And I don't think MSC has a bad reputation at all.
We are now looking forward to our cruise (despite differing opinions). I'm quite happy with anything Italian (including pizzas, tarantellas, pasta, vino etc etc). As you can see we love to eat, drink and dance!
One of the reasons we chose to do this cruise was that it was with an Italian line, and as I mentioned in my earlier post - we are looking forward to an international mix of passengers, rather than mostly Australians which we get here. Another factor was of course the bargain price (considering we have to add a large airfare from Sydney). It is a long way from "downunder" to take a cruise anywhere! So - everything in perspective - you get what you pay for.
I will write a review of the ship upon our return late November. Which brings me to 2 more questions -
Has anyone sailed as late as November in the Med? We have 11 days from 11 Nov to 22 Nov - while we are not planning on packing bathing suits,sun hats and 30+ sunscreen, would it be reasonable to assume the weather will be moderate - or should I pack thermal underwear?
The other question refers to our ports of call, so perhaps I had better post that on a different board (don't want to be in trouble having just joined.)
Thanks again for all your info and helpRobyn
quote:Originally posted by robynp:The other question refers to our ports of call, so perhaps I had better post that on a different board (don't want to be in trouble having just joined.)
We have a Ports of Call board right here, that would be the place to post !
I have only expressed my personal idea about Msc Cruises. I haven't the intention to judge this compsany or worst to rate its ships ( I'm not Douglas Ward... ). I believe that each of us has his/her personal opinion about the major cruise lines... Just another precisation: Msc is from Naples, but the " italian style " isn't only " O Sole Mio "... Costa Crociere is from Genoa but it doesn't offer only " Pasta al Pesto "....
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