You did an excellent job with the video and narration and yes it’s a massive ship . Thanks for sharing !
@TeriHamilton-o4e2 күн бұрын
Clark Carol Miller Edward Lewis Melissa
@chiptaylorson9393 күн бұрын
I have been on them a number of times and use the studios I like it in the concierge being there helping organize activities is a plus
@user-cu1fg5zx2h9 күн бұрын
Sailed MSc diva. Nice cabin food ok But endless announcements in many languages Smoking in my face. And 50% French speaking passengers
@johnbuckley832411 күн бұрын
Great video...she's a beautiful ship. However, reviews of MSC, in general, are fairly divisive. I've read and seen on KZbin varying degrees of satisfaction and outright loathing of this cruise line. At the end of this video you that you look forward to sailing her sister ship and you did mention having sailed MSC previously. So, I'm assuming you like MSC (so far 😉). I've only been on four total cruises with NCL, Princess and Royal Caribbean. I am still trying other cruise lines like Celebrity and Carnival. Would you recommend MSC be in that mix? Thanks for the great content. 🙂
@theseasonedexpats11 күн бұрын
Well, we would say that MSC has its quirks, and we have had a wide array of experiences with the food and staff on MSC even from ship to ship. MSC does have beautiful ships, but on some of their older ships there is really not much to do. This ship was above and beyond anything we had experienced with MSC thus far. We will say that MSC beats all of the other cruise lines on price for the level of quality that you get. It is not up there with RC, Princess, or NCL on quality of food or service, but then again the price is sometimes half of what you pay for very similar cruises with those lines. Hope that helps!
@johnbuckley832411 күн бұрын
@@theseasonedexpats thank you
@cruisecrazy706613 күн бұрын
So....What happened to the casino credits? Were they lost? That is Fraud or Theft.
@theseasonedexpats13 күн бұрын
For us they were not lost. We found out on our NEXT cruise with NCL. When we put our room card in the machine, the credits were sitting there in our account and ready to be put on the machine. However, if you never take another NCL cruise I am not sure how you would get those back... very shady indeed!
@cruisecrazy706613 күн бұрын
@@theseasonedexpats A very scammy way to get you to rebook. Criminals.
@cruisecrazy706613 күн бұрын
Excellent video. Thanks.
@theseasonedexpats13 күн бұрын
Glad you liked it!
@filthyusratus14 күн бұрын
Wow headphones didnt work !! Ffs , ask for replacement 🙄
@iseashell14 күн бұрын
MSC Poesia has serious plumbing issues. My balcony cabin smelled like sewer. Many other areas on the ship smelled like public restroom. Mine wasn’t the only cabin with this problem. The crew apologized but the fact remained that it was an awful experience.
@theseasonedexpats13 күн бұрын
Yuck! That is too bad... we are sorry you had that experience! Hopefully there is some sort of compensation made by the cruise line...
@RudeCustoms15 күн бұрын
Thanks for the video. Well done! But honestly, I would probably still do 1st Class as it's nice not having to deal with a crowded car. Too bad you couldn't get video of what 2nd Class looked like. Still thankful of your video.
@sn4tx23 күн бұрын
Regarding the quality of the ride, well that’s explained by more than 20 years of abandoment. When the last big modernization took place, and when they also got those AF trains. Refurbished some years ago to that interior and livery you experienced. Then also the entity responsible for the maintenance of the network been shifting and going around throughout the years. First it was one big company trains and infrastructures, then those were divided. Then it was incorporated into another one or something. And last change was when it was put together with Estradas de Portugal (the road network one). Not that this usually means much but in Portugal in does. It’s the typical push to the next guy coz I’m no feeling it. Now lately with several projects of national improvements colliding with EU projects for a seamless network around Europe, that they want to include Portugal in, it’s been a mess of overlapping projects. Plus Portugal doesn’t have a dedicated high speed line; and we use Iberian gauge. So all the slowdowns and stops are due to those improvement and maintenance works. Could be worst. It will take many years till Portugal has a train travel quality in par with rest of Europe. Also must say, what you described for the first class experience, I did experience also in other euro countries like Spain France and Germany. WiFi not working or useless at best in terms of speed. Similar offerings in terms of the “restaurant” car. But again pre, during and post pandemic experiences have been very different across the board so it depends on when one was travelling.
@sn4tx23 күн бұрын
Hello there. First let me say I don’t mean to criticize in anyway, but I think you are a bit confused with where the Alfa Pendular departs. All Alfas that leave from Lisbon in direction North, all depart from Santa Apolonia. And then stop like 8-9 mins after in Oriente. So if you in downtown area and want to get on the Alfa, or any other for that matter, you can do it in Santa Apolonia. There are a couple of them that are inbound from Faro, and those only stop in Oriente, since Santa Apolonia is out of the way. But all Alfas starting journey from Lisbon to the north , do start from Santa Apolonia. Unless I completely missed what you were trying to say, coz it left a bit confused 😆
@DJarr21623 күн бұрын
It's a bit unfair to compare belgian trains with the high speed trains from france, germany etc. They are not the same category of trains to begin with. Belgium as a nation is too small to justify domestic high speed travel. We do have high speed train lines but apart from certain intercity trains if capacity allows, they are used exclusively for international high speed train travel. Europe has a policy to enforce dining cars on international trains, with some exceptions based on distance or travel time. Except for high speed connections with other countries and sleeper trains, all international trains running through Belgium fall within those exceptions. That's why you won't see any dining cars on trains operated by NMBS/SNCB. The recently introduced train from Brussels to Paris that doesn't run on the high speed line and has a 3hr travel time is a another example of this. Those 4 power outlets you mentioned are only there because they are required to clean the trains. They aren't designed for passenger use but I don't think I've ever seen train staff tell a passenger they weren't allowed to use them. So if your phone or laptop needs some extra juice, go for it. Also, Thalys was not a dutch train. It was a joint venture between SNCF, NMBS/SNCB and for a while also DB, with the dutch NS as strategic partner. At the end of september 2023 Thalys and Eurostar merged. The old Thalys service now continues as Eurostar "Red", while old Eurostar now continues as Eurostar "Blue"
@michaelwas854925 күн бұрын
How much was the flight?
@RayeG-s3z27 күн бұрын
Thanks to the two of you we maximized our positive Prima cruise experience to Norway and Iceland. You nailed it and enabled us to be prepared from boarding to off ship must dos !
@theseasonedexpats25 күн бұрын
Great to hear! We are so glad that you had a good time!!
@thepirate621129 күн бұрын
Finse is also where some of the Star Wars movie "The Empire Strikes Back" was filmed as the planet HOTH! The famous fotball coach of Notre Dame, "Knut Rokne", was born at Voss!
@dashinthrulife29 күн бұрын
thank you so much! my fiance and I are heading to Portugal next month for our honeymoon and your videos have helped us out so much with our planning!
@Gorillahouse2024Ай бұрын
Thanks, very useful video for my trip to be on September!
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Great to hear! We hope you have a great trip. It is so beautiful there!
@GoncaloRodrigues-sm9yzАй бұрын
Thanks for posting! Highly informative, for such a short time you guys spent there. Thanks again!
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Milan was such a beautiful city!
@therealunclepАй бұрын
I sailed on this ship last year from Barcelona. It is an old ship. Rusty, very poorly designed and in need to retirement. REALLY bad food and dining room service. Most of the crew seemed like they could care less about the passengers. My cabin steward was amazing as well as the staff in Le Bitro. Never again will I sail on NCL.
@FrankRosemeierАй бұрын
Love your video! That fish soup in Alesund looks yummy - do you remember the restaurant? Thanks
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
It was very good, if not a bit expensive! The restaurant was Restaurant Apotekergata No. 5 - you can check out their website here: www.apotekergata5.no/en - hope that helps! 😊
@lebelgoАй бұрын
It would have been nice if you'd also shown the 2nd class seats for comparison, but informative nevertheless.
@sumeeraajmal5589Ай бұрын
I just watched your review. Whilst in Oslo on holiday in the same hotel. I agree with the the review. Strange thing is that we are staying also in room 2509😂 what are chances of that !
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Thank you for the comment, and yes that is very strange! 😁
@Aubrey.AN.nАй бұрын
Great Video ! I think they bought that airplane from another airline which is why it’s different but I rather the other ones
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Yes you are right! It was one of two A330s that they purchased from Qatar Airways. It seems that all they did was re-upholster the seats and left the rest as is...
@user-cu1fg5zx2hАй бұрын
Cruise transfer are from airport to ship day of sailing Lot of us do extra days so transfer no help. But shared cab same price and can do any day
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Totally agree if you arrive early (some cruise lines, including NCL do allow you to fly in or fly out with a cruise-booked flight earlier or later than your cruise date depending on how far away it is from your home country). A lot of times that extra charge is just not worth it unless you have no other options for transportation!
@sobrecarrisАй бұрын
Currently the line that connects Lisbon to Porto has undergone many renovations at various points
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Good to know, maybe it is a bit smoother now... Thanks for the insights! 😊
@lukkaskАй бұрын
You missed Dominique Persoone, google him.... Also if you buy Carrefour (Belgian grocerie shop) house brand chocolate you get very good real Belgian chocolate for last than €3 for a 200 gr chocolate bar.
@yagi3925Ай бұрын
Mate, think in terms of geography, please: the reason why Belgian train cars are pretty basic, including in first class, is that this is a tiny country, in which trips often take less than one hour. So, no wifi, no power sockets, no restaurant car needed for such short journeys. Even a one hour train trip is a big deal by Belgian standards. That’s why our trains are equipped like commuter trains. Your 3h trip all the way to Luxembourg is almost an expedition: equate it with a NYC-LA trip in the USA.
@soundscapeslaboratory4875Ай бұрын
So sounds like you agree then with the video? Pretty sure he makes argument tht the "first class" they sell as is not really a first class experience that is worthwhile... Just bc Belgium is a small country does not mean we should hold to a different standard for comfort on trains.
@yagi3925Ай бұрын
@@soundscapeslaboratory4875 "Just bc Belgium is a small country does not mean...". Pardon? "Just because"? Ha ha, it's a game changer, mate! Just because a city bus and an international coach travel on very different distances, they offer a completely different level of comfort. Trips being most often very short in Belgium, it justifies the absence of a buffet car and, imo, also of wifi and electric sockets - even in first class, as the class does not make any difference to the distance travelled. Most Belgian trains are effectively commuter trains and no one equips a commuter train like a long-distance one. That said, the author of the video is right to point out that there's hardly any difference between 1st and 2nd class - in this type of cars. Choosing 1st class on this type of train (M6 coaches) is a waste of money, granted, and I appreciate his frustration. Actually, I don't understand why SNCB/NMBS used M6 coaches for this service to Lxg kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2eno3awndOYf9U, while intercity lines are usually served with Class 96 cars en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Railways_Class_96 The Class 96s offer markedly better comfort, in both classes, with a real difference between 2nd and 1st: a 2+1 configuration, much wider seats, better padded, reclinable, a more premium touch with carpet on the floor etc. That said, there are no power sockets, no wifi, no buffet cars because there the distance is a valid criterium, irrespective of the class. So, do I agree with the editor? Yes and no? In terms of seats and actual physical comfort, I do.
@Stopher2475Ай бұрын
The bathroom is a deal breaker for me.😂 Someone really dropped the ball there. Everyone avoids this boat. I imagine that one decision has cost NCL hundreds of millions of dollars.
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
There is definitely a reason they never built another one!
@startorontoАй бұрын
Great detailed review!
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@gabrielebianchi8976Ай бұрын
I really think that Lufthansa services have really degraded after the pandemic. Quality wise I think they are on-par with any budget airline, the price unfortunately not. The only thing positive is that, with the increased, frequency of delays if you manage do a tight connection you might get un upgrade to business. In that case if the flight is long haul might be a bargain, if it's regional you get just a fancier chocolate.
@Canleaf08Ай бұрын
I assume that Lufthansa has a lot of call in sick. And a lot of employees were furloghed. Corona is still very around. I see that everyday in Germany and can take out people for weeks not just in aviation.
@gabrielebianchi8976Ай бұрын
@@Canleaf08 You are a nice person, you believe in good faith. 4 years have passed and companies should have figured out statistically how many workers can call sick. I think that, unfortunately, the pandemic has been a good excuse to get rid of some competent, and therefore expensive, professionals that carried the company and cut as much cost as possible. If they are still not able to sort it out is because the management is penny-pinching and is so "professional" that don't understand that if they pay for the furthest plane spot in an airport then you need to bring staircases, tankers, busses trough out all the airport, and with the increased likelihood of delays you may end up paying more in refunds than how much you saved with that rubbish cost-savings.
@carolsmakeupcorner5242Ай бұрын
They do offer solo ocean view and balconies!
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Yes, it is great they finally started offering these solo ocean view and solo balconies this year, as we alluded they would in the video! It was far too long that they waited! For those interested in this relatively new rollout you can find the info here: freestyletravelers.com/blog/ncl-solo-balcony-cabin
@wamm1478Ай бұрын
That was a nice video. I've seen many.. It was detailed, including the meals, I enjoyed it..
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@YiYi-e3yАй бұрын
Love the studio rooms! They are perfect and have more storage than you need. Very cozy
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Yes they are! Definitely a decent option if you are a solo traveller. Everyone we know that has used them said they were perfect for one person.
@TakaluKevinАй бұрын
Our same cruise is coming up in August. Your input was priceless. After disembarking in Iceland, we have enough time to do blue lagoon hot springs before our flight leaves. Any suggestions? Will it be easy to find tour operators at airport or do we have to do car rental?
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Thanks for the great feedback! We did not do the Blue Lagoon since we probably did not have enough time, but there are transfers to/from Keflavik (airport) and to/from Reykjavik that you can book directly with the Blue Lagoon itself. Maybe that is an option? You can find more here www.bluelagoon.com/how-to-get-here
@TakaluKevinАй бұрын
@@theseasonedexpats .. You are right about not having enough time on disembarkation day. So, we have modified our shore bus tour to include the "Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon" a day before disembarking. It will be a long day, with our return to the ship close to midnight. Fortunately, the ship will remain in port for the last two days. Thanks for your help.
@johnbuckley8324Ай бұрын
Great video - very informative. Also...congratulations on 2K+ subscribers to you channel! Great content will continue to pay off for you. Cheers!
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!!
@shamyaprasav612Ай бұрын
Narrator's voice is sweet and clear without avoidable stylish presentation. Such thing is rare as speakers generally take to annoying style . My thanks and regards to him . 4-7-24
@Roddy1965Ай бұрын
Pretty helpful video!! Thanks!
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@j.p-hx9ppАй бұрын
Maybe the many hills justify the name for which Lisbon is known: the city of the Seven hills........just maybe.....
@ralphzechendorf1644Ай бұрын
As said jacquesmertens, most people travelling first class here have their ride paid by their employer (people who work for the railways, their family, civil servants and some others...). The reason they put 2+2 seating in double deck first class carriages is because most people who actually pay for a first class ticket do so in the hope of having a seat during heavy rush periods (like going to the sea). So, they simply put more seats... logic ! :) I do agree it's absolutely weird that you can have so much more comfort on an old I10 second class carriage than on a new first class M7 carriage...
@jacquesmertens3369Ай бұрын
Our first class carriages are mainly for commuting civil servants, some of which travel for free because they have given themselves that privilege at the expense of hard working tax payers. First class is usually less dirty and quieter than second class, the seats are wider (American size) and there's more legroom. So, if you can afford the ticket there's no reason not to book 1st class, especially during rush hour, or on trains to the coast during summer. Our 2nd class carriages used to have faux leather seats, which were easy to clean. Unfortunately they have textile seats nowadays and I find them very dirty.
@theseasonedexpatsАй бұрын
Thanks for the comment, and good information!
@houghi3826Ай бұрын
Interesting. Grand Place is just for tourists. Belgian Chocolate is the pralines and it is very hard to compare, because there are so many ones. So it is not just chocolate. Neuhaus for me is too expensive for the quality. Not bad, but there is way better. Leonidas is a chain store. They are the best value for money. Not the best pralines, but for that price pretty good. I am not familiar with the other two. What I do when I buy chocolate, I buy truffels and then some mix of whatever they suggest. But you do not buy it as "just chocolate". The praline is what makes it special. It is where all the work is done. And obviously a smaller shop who makes it by hand will be more expensive just due to labour cost. They are something to give with a coffee, after a dinner. Or given as a present. If you want just chocolate, go in a supermarket and buy something like Callebout. As that is "just chocolate". Just a bar of chocolate. And Cote Dor is also not bad for just a chocolate bar. I suggest going to Leonidas and buy some choclate truffels and try that. Best if they are from the fridge. Not too cold, but also not too warm.
@djlexy3002 ай бұрын
Very Helpful ,thanks for the video - going in September .
@theseasonedexpats2 ай бұрын
Have fun!
@MPDLR2 ай бұрын
EWR- departing international, Polaris. It won't let me complete online check in because I have to present visas. Fine. ANYONE OUT THERE......can I do bag-drop at premier access BEFORE I do the check in and print boarding passes? Also, are there porters outside who help lug bags if you pay them? I have 5 large bags....and luckily I pulled a butt muscle this morning so this will be fun. And if that gave anyone a visual, well, as a 48 year old overweight man - -I am flattered
@SteamboatW2 ай бұрын
The Viking museum, The Alcohol museum and the Wreck museum are all house in old shipshalls.
@claytonwchurchill93082 ай бұрын
I did the NCL Epic transatlantic April 2024 cruise Solo Cabin Port Canaveral to Rome. I loved every second of this cruise. The NCL experience was first class, attentive and caring in every way. The Solo room and the area amenities you’ve accurately described were perfect in every way. Private, quiet, cozy very functional and well thought out room layout, solo lounge and room design by NCL for a Solo Cruiser. (The only reason this may not work for you is if you’re an over packer.) Two small closets did offer space to hang your clothes, three small cubbies and space under the bed for your suitcase and carry on. The cabin sink is tiny but functional. (I brought a flat rubber sink drain cover, clothes washing sheets and conveniently did my laundry by hand twice in this tiny sink. I did find that most Solo cruisers are very savvy travellers and for me this translated into low drama, appreciative and grateful fellow travellers who valued and recognized how special this Solo experience can be. Almost always interesting, unique, great conversations in the Solo Cruiser Lounge about where and what their adventures were taking them. Which leads me to conclude another benefit to Solo Cabin and it’s benefits…that the often baseless whiners and complainers on every cruise tend to hang out in groups of other whiners and complainers, so, the private access only Solo Cabins keep these groups away from your frequented living space…most of the time.:) Solo cruising…your own time, your own hourly and daily plan of action. What you participate in, when and where you dine and doing it all based on what interest you at anytime of the day. Not to mention the flexibility of getting a seat in almost every venue and dining room with little or no wait time. To raise your high level of amazing service (which will can be expected almost all of the time), try modest, subtle but consistent tipping that will always be appreciated and recognized by those who are there to serve you, hostesses, the person seating you, serving your meals, tending to your room, keeping things clean and tight. An inexpensive way to upgrade to first class with every experience you have on board. Keep it friendly and fun.
@lorrainepullen26032 ай бұрын
Don’t quite understand why you titled this “We regretted….
@soundscapeslaboratory48752 ай бұрын
Lol looks like someone did not read their description 😉
@hjkayne2 ай бұрын
Great review. My husband has a cpap machine... so I take it he will need an extremely long extension cord?
@theseasonedexpats2 ай бұрын
Unfortunately yes... we had someone in our party with a cpap as well and they had to buy an extension cord after we found out about the outlets! Just make sure that you read the rules on what kind of cord you can bring (sometimes they do not allow surge protecting cords due to the fire risk).
@d.808lf52 ай бұрын
We departed Poesia's 2024 World Cruise in Southampton, just before you boarded your Baltic Sea venture. We began our trip on Jan 7 in Barcelona, 113 days later, Southampton.