The NIGHTMARE cruise continues...?! MSC Meraviglia..

#cruise #msccruises #mscmeraviglia
In this video, it’s a new day here onboard MSC Meraviglia, the huge cruise ship from MSC Cruises, and we’ve just docked in Portland, Maine.
Today, I need to clear US immigration (d’oh!), and then head ashore to explore - let me take you with me! We’re going to board Maine’s Narrow Gauge Railroad, before exploring the city and then finishing off with a cold (and very unique!) drink!
Video chapters:
Welcome to MSC Meraviglia - a sleepless night… 00:00
What happened last night?! 00:39
My new cabin - 01:59
Let’s talk about Immigration… 03:30
Lines, lines and MORE LINES! 04:45
Let’s be POSITIVE! 06:24
The plan for today… Portland, Maine! 06:45
Shipyard Beer - 07:40
Let’s disembark MSC Meraviglia! 08:42
The Swarovski Crystal / Diamond staircases - 09:09
The view from the top decks of the ship looking over to Portland - 09:27
Let’s GO! Let’s talk about the Gangway… 10:45
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co - 11:26
Ticket information and pricing - 11:56
Let’s get on the train and enjoy the ride! 12:58
Our stop at the other end - 14:21
Our return journey… 15:58
First impressions of Portland, Maine - 17:46
Time for a Beer - Shipyard Brewing Co. 19:38
Pumpkin Head Beer - 20:37
We’re IN THE BREWERY! 20:55
Going back to the ship… 22:46
The Conjurors - Onboard Entertainment - 23:32
Dance party - 24:28
Let’s talk about today… 25:04
The night that it all changed… 26:24
If you'd like to watch the other episodes from this series, just check out the below videos!
My WORST cruise yet?! Welcome to MSC Meraviglia...! • My WORST cruise yet?! ...
My worst cruise yet GOT WORSE... MSC Meraviglia, Episode 2! • My worst cruise yet GO...
HOW is this cruise going SO WRONG?! Welcome to Saint John! • HOW is this cruise goi...
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Come and check out my website for so much exclusive cruise content: www.fraseratsea.com/
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#cruiseship #cruisetips #travelvlog #cruisevlog #msccrociere #portland #portlandmaine #travel

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for checking out my video! If you enjoyed, why not check out EPISODE 1 of this series if you haven't already? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWmtlX6PgpZkrqs If you're new here, please do support my small channel by clicking that SUBSCRIBE button! Not new here? Click the THUMBS UP! :)

[@reekie19]

At this rate, you'll be in the owner's suite by the end of the cruise 😂

[@michaelorr9107]

FRASER!!!! Pumpkin beer... with suger😢😢😅.... OMG. and heading back to Canada😮😮

[@user-ro8dw8ms9n]

You’re a natural story teller Fraser , real quality travel content with great stories …keep em coming dude 👍👍👏👏

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks very much - I’m glad you think so actually - that’s a great compliment! Thanks a lot for following - I really appreciate your support!

[@joanneyoung8571]

Oh Fraser, I absolutely adore your positive attitude even when things are going so horribly wrong. I think we could all learn a lot from your attitude.

[@joanneyoung8571]

Btw… Portland looked so quirky

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, that’s so lovely of you to say Joanne - thank you! Portland was so quirky - I loved it there - so unpretentious! Thanks (as always) for being here with me!

[@user-ek5du4dp3f]

Sad to hear your troubles on MSC. THEIR SHIPS LOOK BEAUTIFUL. BUT Sadly I kept hearing way to many negative on board issues and reviews! 😱

[@kittsgreen6745]

I have been in MSC twice and the issues you describe happens on other ships as well - I enjoyed both my MSC cruises in Europe - except a couple of hospitality people were not very hospitable, esp the ones from Italy, but there are rude people everywhere

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, agreed the rudeness isn’t an MSC issue a welcome to our world, haha! I’ve been on lots of other MSC ships, and saw nothing to the scale that I experienced on this cruise - hoping it’s not everywhere…!!

[@ZiggyZ820]

Life is not perfect. I’ve been on MSC in January. Loved it and I’m going on it another three times this year things happen put it aside. Don’t dwell on it. Nothing is perfect. Enjoy your cruise.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching, Ziggy, and I agree - I had to put a lot behind me on this trip. However, a bad day on a cruise is a million times better than a good day on land, haha!

[@stephenm8818]

The things you do to get a better cabin !! 😮😅🤔 BBQ-ing in the cabin is frowned on ! 😅

[@FraserAtSea]

Hahah, I knew you’d chime in here - I don’t have a comeback, haha!

[@stephenm8818]

@FraserAtSea Well, it did save you having to seek permission for access to other cabins to do video tours ! 🤪

[@FraserAtSea]

@@stephenm8818 Haha you know, I thought exactly this when editing my balcony cabin tour - so funny!

[@JulieAdventureVlogs-sg7ih]

I agree with you Fraser. Portland appears beautiful from your video and I like the train too. Am glad something cheered you up after all the drama on board

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I know - I needed a good port day after the last few days on the ship if I'm being totally honest, haha! Thanks for watching, Julie!

[@davidbergerson]

Immigration is not a cruise issue, but a governmental issue. We learned this going from the EU into Southamptom. We had checked into the EU, then we had to deal with the British government and THEIR immigration requirements and THEIR number of people that they put on the ship to check people through. On our cruise, there were 10 British immigration officers. That was a bottleneck. Now, here is an unfortunate reality of the US. We travel a lot to Mexico. Going into Mexico is so smooth. It takes all of 10 seconds to be checked in to the country. Coming back? Welcome to a massive time waste. It could take HOURS of standing in lines. This is without Sentri or Global Entry. I asked some people in Mexico why it was so easy to get into Mexico. This taught me everything I needed to know. I was told, "No one wants to blow up Mexico. Lots of people want to blow up things in the US." I am not trying to defend MSC by any means. I don't think there is anything that they can do about it other than ASK for more officers.

[@johnkean6852]

Dotgovs need to take a chill pill: no-one is angry with them its _paranoia._ Yet illegals can come and go. Hey ho!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi David, thanks for this comment - interesting to get your views of entering the US from the south! I agree - they need more agents - the whole situation was a total debacle! I really hope they’ve learned from their mistakes this time around, and it doesn’t continue long term… Thanks for watching!!

[@davidbergerson]

@@FraserAtSea Without trying to get TOO political. This, unfortunately, is a political issue and from different perspectives! Here is one that most people do not think about. Imagine being 18 and not the college type. You can go work at Panda Express, fast food, and get paid $23 an hour. In about 3 years you can earn 85k per year. You can do that or you can go apply to be a border agent. That job will start at $30 an hour. One you risk getting someone pissed off because their order is wrong and they will throw food at you. The other, you potentially put your life at risk. Which one do you think that 18 year old is going to choose? Yes, there are some positions and locations that the border agent will get upward of 150k a year. That job is definitely putting your life at risk. Unfortunately, the US political system likes to use anything border related as a political talking point. The losers are people using the borders, regardless if it is at a port, an airport. road or walking. If you really want to see what the slowest crossing, look at San Ysidro crossing. That is the one that connects Tijuana to California. If you WALK across, this could take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 4 hours. If you DRIVE across, it could be 2.5 to 5 hours. Unfortunately, the US border patrol has graphs showing the timeframe, but those are misleading. Those only count from the time you get into an area that is in the US. It does not count the time in line in Mexico. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWbSYpJ5ntV9ibM Now to sort of defend MSC :) Imagine that long line you saw . . . in YC, you would have gone to the very front of the line. We learned our lesson in Southampton and will only travel in YC.

[@johnkean6852]

@@davidbergerson Just saying: have they ever found T'ists or Contraband with all this time wasting extra security no - never. People leave their countries and come West because their own countries are obliterated by the West to make trillions and get cheap oil. They're the angry ones yet they seem to gain free access to our countries with no trouble just walking thru the borders! Yet l applied twice to show my 2 Turkish friends my home in London and they were refused visas - twice - saying £20k wasn't deemed enough 10 years ago for 3 people to live on for 10 days in the UK! PLUS it costs $200 each application at the office here in N Cyprus and why dollars? They say you can appeal but once a decision is made they close you out of the system that you need access to to appeal! For entertainment /educational purposes only!

[@kristi.kervin]

Aweeeee I’m so happy you got to enjoy Portland! It is an incredible little city, special and unique in so many ways! It will always be home for me. I remember when the very first big cruise ship came in to Portland Harbor! It was a very big deal! My house was on a hill and had a view off the ocean, when the ships came in I would watch them in awe. Then slowly they would disappear from view behind a building… only to reappear minutes later but this time only the top 1/2, the rest of the ship was hidden behind buildings. It was so amusing every time and never got old 😂, the top half of a cruise ship floating on top of the buildings 😂😂😂. I’ve never been on a cruise, but have always wanted to.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Kristi, thanks a lot for watching, and thanks for this comment. This is so interesting - I love that you can remember that! One day!! 🤞🏼

[@hazels27]

So pleased your day improved and you enjoyed the rest of the day. Hope it is upward and onward from now on.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot Hazel - took enough to get to here, haha! Thanks for watching!!

[@carolinemorrison9007]

So glad you ended up having a good day. Hopefully more great days to come

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot, Caroline - thanks to you for watching!

[@davenichols7014]

I love Portland, Maine and I'm glad you got a chance to visit. Such a lovely vibe and beautiful area. Really enjoying all your videos and look forward to each new one you publish!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I totally agree, Dave - a really fantastic part of the world. Thanks so much for watching, and following along!

[@amandaw8840]

Saw the notification of this video and couldn't wait to watch. It's better than any soap opera. Until the next instalment. ❤❤❤

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, thanks so much - what a compliment! That’s made me smile! 😊

[@joanfreestone1707]

I'm glad things improved for you, Fraser. Looking forward to your next port of call video.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, me too Joan - long may it continue…!! 🤞🏼

[@jennib11]

Oh im so glad you were able to get your cabin upgraded. Ps for your next MSC cruise, make it a group cruise, and we can all eat dinner and party together!!!!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, so was I, haha! Watch this space - great to hear you'd be up for this!!

[@ryan-bird]

Sorry to hear that today wasnt great at the start. Shocking how you had to change rooms, but its good that they sorted it in the end! Very exited to see whats in store for you in sydney.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot for watching, Ryan. Sorted - for now… Haha!

[@apgx6032]

Delighted you overcome the cabin & queue fiascos and went on to enjoy your day.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot - me too! Thanks for watching!

[@jon-paulnellist9395]

I saw The Conjuerers on MSC Virtuosa last year and really enjoyed them, glad you also loved their performance. Thanks for another enjoyable vlog.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I didn’t realise they’d been on Virtuosa - a real class act! Thanks for watching!

[@user-zv5xv9gf7w]

Fraser-you are delightful. TBH i would never be able to cope with the avoidable issues you encountered. The cruise line should be able to do much better !Three cabins! What if they weren't available and you were stuck with those problems?! The long lines for everything is a deal breaker. There is only so much standing i can tolerate. Your positive outlook is wonderful and your honesty is very much appreciated. No MSC for me though!

[@FraserAtSea]

What a lovely comment - thanks so much for this! I agree that they should be able to do much better - it honestly felt like a fresh hurdle every day, and another opportunity for them to fall down - very annoying 😔 Thanks for watching - your support’s so appreciated!!

[@twochickens3954]

I’m sooooo here for this !!! 😂😂😂 Post viewing edit: so glad you liked Portland! And the absolute crap luck of the malfunctioning smoke alarm. At least they gave you a pretty good cabin upgrade but still, the aggravation of it all. MSC Meraviglia do better!

[@FraserAtSea]

Haha, thaaaanks - hope you enjoy!

[@rjsams001]

I've never been there, but based on your pictures and commentary, I think I would LOVE Portland, ME.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, you must add it to your list at some point - I found it utterly charming, and somewhere I'd love to return to at some point in the future. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@CtBoyWonder]

Well. A balcony stateroom makes everything better 😂😂

[@FraserAtSea]

Haha, what if the smoke alarm keeps sounding in this one too?! I’m working my way around the whole ship - Yacht Club next, hahaha!

[@emmabourke6565]

Fraser, i really commend your positivity on this ship. I think at this stage, I'd be silently crying in a corner😂 I work full time, and have 5 weeks holiday leave a year. Theres no way you could pay me to waste my holidays going on a MSC ship. Ive been on Celebrity (2 more booked in 2025 and 2026), princess and RC. We're on VV in September and the extra you might pay is so worth it. This vlog series has shown me, that although my husband wanted to try MSC, that im right to stick to my guns😂and refuse. I do agree, MSC ships look beautiful but the amount of time they give in ports, is too short and the management definitely needs to be trained up. It honestly does not look like a positive, relaxing holiday, way too claustrophobic for me. Now that i found your channell, i need to check out the rest of your vlogs. Thanks so much for getting it real and honest and happy cruising

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, hey! Thanks so much for checking out my channel - I'd LOVE you to check out more of my videos, so thanks in advance! Re: MSC, I've previously been a huge advocate - I'm not sure what happened on this cruise though... I'm hoping this experience was a one-off, but not sure I'm confident enough to re-book to find out... Thanks again, and welcome to my little corner of KZbin!!

[@susanwestfall2051]

Portland is a lovely town. My sister lives about 15 minutes away so I have been to Portland many times. It’s a very walkable downtown with lots of lovely shops. It’s also interesting that at about 68,000 population, it’s Maine’s largest town.

[@FraserAtSea]

Totally agree, Susan - I loved it here! Thanks a lot for watching - enjoy your next Portland trip - I’m super jealous of your sister!

[@Cruzencanadians]

We have never sailed on MSC we may never after watching lol sorry you are having a difficult cruise . Loving your adventure though. Hang in there

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@hazels27]

Poor you! What a fiasco. I’m going out now but will catch up with the video later tonight. Meanwhile have a good rant! And a stiff drink! Your day seems similar to mine!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, thanks Hazel - see you in a bit!

[@dimplestraveldiary8954]

Oh My Gosh! I can't believe how many issues you're having with this trip! I'm so sorry. The new balcony cabin is a plus, not by much but your positive attitude definitely helps. I did not realized that the train was a running train! I just toured the inside and walked the shoreline for those views, OMG 😂

[@FraserAtSea]

Hahaha, that’s so funny - you actually stepped onto the train but didn’t realise it moved, ha - you’ve made me laugh tonight! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@dimplestraveldiary8954]

@@FraserAtSea It is funny! 🤣

[@Heideberry]

I'm not on a cruise but our flats joint fire alarm panel outside both flats was beeping every second of the day all day and all night. We managed to get it to stop for either 30mins or it would come back on beeping again after only 5 mins or less. It was driving all 3 of us crazy. I turned it off 12 times one day and most of that was at night. The landlord booked in an appointment for the electrician to fix it. We had to wait a few days for that day. I stayed in all day and he never arrived or let me know he couldn't turn up that day. Every day after that I had to stay in the flat while my partner and neighbour nextdoor both worked. I could only leave to work after 7pm waiting in all day. So I was forced to work late as I had to be here. It beeped all day and night for 7 days and then the electrician turned up on day 7. He checked it and waited 5 mins then left. It beeped nonstop again 5 mins after he left. I was about to text my fiancé to say it was fixed but I had to let him know that it didn't work. The electrician couldn't come for another 2 days so I was waited until he let us know. He let us know last minute so those days we thought he was turning up. If I was anywhere downstairs in the flat especially where I work from home doing my paperwork before going out to my other jobs. I had a massive headache all day and night. As it was constant. Upstairs in the bedroom is it wasn't too bad but I couldn't sleep because I still had a headache. Thankfully when the electrician arrived the 2nd time he realised he needed a new battery part so he went to the builders merchants to get it. He fixed it really fast after that. Waited and then left. It finally worked so the whole panel doesn't need to be replaced. No more beeping. So we had 9 days of nonstop fire alarm beeping.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh no - this sounds exactly like I felt on this cruise, haha! Hope you get it fixed long term and sorted. Thanks for watching!!

[@sodiumlights]

Oohhh Pumpkinhead looks fantastic! The cruise less so...

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, the beer was a true delight - it’s a shame Shipyard don’t do cruises, haha!

[@sodiumlights]

@@FraserAtSea 🤣 I had a Pumpkin pint in Holland, MI and it was ace, and in your case, it really turned your day around! The vid had me confused though as I just didn't recognise anywhere in Portland...before I remembered that it was Portsmouth, New Hampshire I'd been to!

[@FraserAtSea]

@@sodiumlights haha, that’s so funny - you must’ve thought I’d unlocked a whole new part of the city here, haha! Thanks a lot for watching!!

[@sodiumlights]

@@FraserAtSea ...and gutted that I didn't know about that brewery 😂

[@FraserAtSea]

@@sodiumlights You'll just need to get it added to your future list... You're welcome!!

[@marvabaker961]

Sorry to hear about the emigration. I had the same situation when leaving MSC Seaside from Barbados. It's not the ships fault. There were only 2 Immigration Officers for the entire process. Any way, glad you got transferred to a Balcony Cabin .Fingers crossed Fraser, let's hope all will so smoothly from now on 😊

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey, great to see your name pop up! 2 officers for Seaside?! Oh dear - that’s worse than we had on here! I feel for the poor officers - they must have to put up with so much moaning from passengers, haha! Thanks for watching!!

[@tammy_oh_nevermind]

Many vloggers have had similar experiences on MSC. Sad that so many operational issues mess things up. On the happier side, you had a great day once you got off the ship. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, the operational side of this cruise really was a nightmare - I really hope it’s improved on there now. Thanks so much for following along, Tammy!

[@gregmctevia5087]

Well, nothing cheers a guy up like a good beer. Something positive anyway. Good job.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I did laugh watching this one back - I’m easy pleased, haha! Thank for watching, Greg!

[@JohnnyHereYT]

When it rains it pours, as the saying goes. It has been just one thing after another for you on this cruise! A nice new room though the colors are just hideous! The sofa and rug the exact same color is just tacky. But hey, another enclosed pantsless balcony, yay! 😋 That beer looked good! I want a beer now but it's 8AM so I will refrain. Enjoy!

[@FraserAtSea]

Haha, your spot on - ‘one thing after another’ is exactly how this cruise felt - total nightmare at points! I’d recommend a pumpkin beer so much - totally delicious!

[@tamiw1903]

If you visit in the fall with the tree leaves changing colors its even more idyllic views in north east USA... WE have a similar US classic train in northern PA that goes past a lake with options for a dinner train... it does sell snacks and has a few closed cars with large windows...

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh wow, this sounds SO idyllic - I love the thought of that. One to remember for a future vlog, perhaps...!!

[@tamiw1903]

I'm sure there's a few of the older trains running similarly in the fall along the coast... theres plenty of land tourism venues for ppl not wanting to fly or cruise... until one day May, i haven't been out of my state for a vacation ... though watching your channel gives me valuable info for when I'm able to do a cruise ..

[@jlawrence0181]

Fraser, thanks for confirming my belief that MSC would be a really bad choice of a cruise for us.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot for watching! I must say - this experience on MSC was worse than any others I’ve had on their ships. Maybe don’t fully write off yet - I’ve still got more to show you!

[@jlawrence0181]

@@FraserAtSea I want to watch the rest of the series as I really want to cruise Eastern Canada as that area is so expensive to tour conventionally. I think that HAL and Princess would be my choice.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@jlawrence0181 ah, would love you to watch! Both this (and my next - NCL Escape) ship took me to Canada, so hopefully you’ll enjoy!

[@Bullfeathers]

I have cruised with MSC 5 times and never encountered any issue with the fire alarms. However, I have heard stories of passengers, unhappy with the cabins or just trying to scam their way into an upgrade, have played with the alarms and get them to malfunction. Not implying that this happens often, but it does happen.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh wow, hopefully that doesn’t become a thing - that would be a nightmare. Not sure what would be in it for those passengers 🤦🏻‍♂️ 😂

[@rocco9538]

I had a bad experience on a different MSC ship but always wanted to try this ship and I don’t get the opportunity to sail very often and I don’t want to risk another bad cruise. I do enjoy your videos though :)

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Rocco, thanks for watching! I always think any cruise is worth trying, but I didn’t really enjoy my experience on Meraviglia. Beautiful ship, but too much constantly going wrong - would be okay for a young cruise line, but these guys are experts…!!

[@christineguise689]

Oh no not another disaster,the beer looked nice how many did you really have …hope the rest of your cruise goes smoothly? 😻

[@FraserAtSea]

I can’t tell you that - I may have had an extra few to drown out the last few days, haha! Thanks so much for following along!!

[@hiviolet007]

Omg!🤦🏻‍♀️ I hope you were not charged this time to move! We are Celebrity fans. Never a bad cruise with them. I’ve only been on MSC once and it will be the last. I always enjoy Portland. Glad you had a nice day. 😊

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh really - what happened? Yeah, got this move without paying - thank goodness, ha! Thanks for watching!

[@kittsgreen6745]

Whenever you arrive in the USA land or sea expect a long line at immigration/customs -

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, I've heard this from quite a few people actually!

[@barbarahallowell2613]

That sucks. Cheers on the balcony though. The immigration thing is really the government. Boarding a much smaller NCL Dawn in Barcelona and disembarking at Southampton, there were 2 border control officers on board for 2,700 people. It took ages. 😕

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, that’ll have been a really nice experience actually - I’d love to try the Dawn! Although, I’d rather try it with more than 2 officers, ha! Thanks for watching, Barbara!

[@jennib11]

Group cruise with fraser...my dream Take my money

[@FraserAtSea]

What a compliment! Who knows - maybe we'll make this happen some day...!!

[@jkari007]

Came for the accent, stayed for the honesty. Great content

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, what a compliment - thanks very much! 😊

[@jonathansewell8928]

Amazed that you did not just jump ship.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hahaha, straight to the lifeboats 😂 🚨

[@valerieg5674]

It must be so wearing to deal with issue after issue for you on this cruise. I'm not sure I would have dealt with things as philosophically as you have. I really hope the rest of your cruise goes well. Nice balcony cabin though... a million times better than the cupboard you started off with 😂 Seriously, you couldnt pay me to cruise with MSC.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Valerie, thanks for watching! Agreed - this cruise was feeling difficult by this point, to be honest - I’m glad I could capture on video to show just how bad parts of it were… Thanks for following along!

[@stevebetts1275]

I have always found MSC to be pretty good. Used them four times and always enjoyed it. Get yourself some MSC pizza and you will feel better :)

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Steve - this was my absolute 'go to' every time I needed a pick me up - I can't stop eating the pizza on MSC - it's TOO GOOD! Haha

[@JohnHalpinDublin]

Under US law all cruises must leave the US and dock at a non-US port, the only exception to this is if the ship was built in the US and crewed by US citizens, the only ship that would meet this is the Pride of America As another poster has already said, the UK border force make all passengers present their passports when the ship docks at a UK port whether or not the people are planning to set foot in the UK

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi John, Totally agree, and this should be done this way. My issue here was more that our ship went from the US - Canada - US - Canada - US, so we had constant border checks, which killed so much of our port time! Totally agree with you though - it's often the same everywhere!

[@kristi.kervin]

@@FraserAtSea 😬 PLEASE tell me there was a legitimate reason for the itinerary to be set up this way 😵‍💫!!! There HAS TO BE! If not then that is just a crazy ridiculous unforgivable massive waste of EVERYONES time!!! Perhaps you can dig into it a bit more and do some research? You have so many connections and so much experience, there HAS to be an answer!!! FOUR immigration checks that require thousands of people to wait in line for HOURS is incredibly disrespectful.

[@harlanabraham7772]

Howdy Fraser, You aren't the only person that is having problems with MSC. Plenty of problems with MSC. Portland, ME is a great place. Commercial Street runs close to the ship. Congress Ave. runs perpendicular to Commercial St., but, you must walk up the hill. Portland is a great town and lots of good eateries and drinks there. A beautiful looking ship doesn't mean you will get a good cruise. Had a Pumpkin Beer once. It tasted pretty good. The train must be fairly new. They didn't have one operating at any of the times we went. Fraser, do yourself a favor, no more MSC. Sydney is a good town. Had a lot of fun in Sydney.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for this comment - sounds like we’ve had fairly similar experiences! I actually have no more MSC booked - YET, haha! It does sound like MSC have some issues to look at, doesn’t it? Thanks again!

[@harlanabraham7772]

@@FraserAtSea Never sailed on MSC and probably never will.

[@Krypto64]

OK, the cruise may seem criminally cursed but me and Steve are very impressed at how you were trying to stay positive, and pretty much managing it. The narrow gauge railway looked great, we hope to try that one day. We’ve been to Portland twice on cruises now. we loved it the first time about four years ago, it was so pretty and clean, but when we went back in 2023 - in between cannabis was decriminalised - the streets were full of junkies just lying around on grass verges, zonked out of their brains. It was sad, and unnerving as people approached us trying to sell us drugs. glad you managed to miss that… perhaps things have got better. Anyway, we look forward to the next video, as we loved Sydney, with its giant fiddle, and folklore museum (specialising in bedbugs). Also, there are some amazing ghost stories associated with that town…

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! Thanks a lot for watching - I'm glad you have some good memories of Portland - I'd say it's still like that - maybe you had a bad experience in between. Thanks a lot for watching - Sydney coming very soon!!

[@beadroin8301]

Oh no, I was so scared when I saw this title today! that fire alarm will have been mind crushingly painful! still so glad Portland panned out so well, that wee train is so neat. On a side note, my saga with MSC has finally resolved, the refund I was due for cruise credit has finally been given back this morning! Only took them 10 days since I gave them the details and 5 1/2 weeks since leaving Musica!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I’m so glad to hear this - you’ll be so relieved that’s over! Portland ended up fantastic for me - just as well, as I’m not sure if I could’ve been more frustrated that day… Thanks a lot for watching!!

[@vincentclausen2250]

The British pub is pretty nice

[@FraserAtSea]

Agreed - I love it in there!

[@user-ru6mg5uu7i]

That beer sounds good. Maybe those of us who dislike beer might find that drinkable. I am sorry that you are so miserable on this cruise but it is very good video. Thanks

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot for watching! If you ever do get the chance to try a pumpkin beer with the sugar rim, please try it - it’s delicious!!

[@avaleesdad]

Ive just taken that cruise this month. As an American, I can say that part of the reason that is a bad cruise is due to the fact that it sails from NYC. Most Americans are not as rude and uncouth as the passengers demonstrated when I was aboard.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! Interesting view - I have to say that I loved the New Yorkers I met onboard. I do understand that cruising out of NYC attracts a different audience, but I loved them!

[@Vanhockeymom]

Oh I would’ve been screaming at guest services to get it sorted fast

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I know - SOOOO frustrating 😩

[@TWSmith42]

So, your cruise began in the USA, went to Canada, came back to the USA, went to Canada again, then back to the USA? That seems silly given customs requirements.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, YES - it was SO counterproductive, and we lost SO MUCH time in port sadly! Thanks for watching!!

[@drewNYC]

After watching the videos, I will NEVER sail MSC! I’ve been tempted! I’m glad I followed my instincts. Cheers! 🥂

[@FraserAtSea]

I’m usually a huge fan of MSC, but wouldn’t recommend this ship sadly. Thanks for watching!

[@drewNYC]

@@FraserAtSea I just got back from a 15day Virgin Transatlantic and the food was INCREDIBLE and all included. It was 2nd Virgin Voyage! I see you sailed with them also! 🥂

[@farab4391]

What is the underlying problem with MSC? Things that other cruises make look seamless, MSC make look like a natural disaster (the only other time I've seen queues like that). And take the smoke alarm as an example. If a smoke alarm goes off when it shouldn't, you don't inspect it in place and declare it's fine. You replace it, then you can inspect and test the faulty one where it doesn't impact on customers. You don't take chances with smoke alarms, because one that goes off when it shouldn't, might not go off when it should.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! Interesting point re: the smoke alarm, and I'd tend to agree. I don't know what was going wrong on this cruise, but I was despairing by this point, for sure. Thanks for watching, and taking the time to comment!

[@wf3582]

I swear that ship is cursed/haunted. Was on it last October and the bedside light would randomly turn on and off day and night. Same thing happened to many other passengers - crew "looked into it" and said nothing was wrong. As for the "oh well" attitude, the spa (which was an additional cost) had several amenities not operational. When I shared my dissatisfaction with the manager, I was told "the part is in Miami and it will be fixed when we dock!" as if one part would fix three separate features 😂 To make matters worse, when I reminded her the ship was not docking in Miami, she just stared at me and finally said "What is it you want?" Ugh. Beautiful ship, but some odd things come with a journey on it. Thanks for sharing your experiences (and letting me know it wasn't just me!)

[@FraserAtSea]

Hahah, that story about Miami made me laugh - you’ve made my night 😂 Thanks a lot for watching, and taking the time to put a smile on my face!!

[@MacStewart]

OMG, this has been a disaster of a cruise for you, I truly hope the remainder of the cruise goes well, we are sailing in a fortnight, I was thinking of a MSC after our next cruise....maybe not now. 🙈

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, ‘disaster’ would probably be a compliment for how I felt this one went 😂 Have an amazing time in 2 weeks - I’m jealous!! Thanks for watching!

[@MacStewart]

@@FraserAtSea Take care Fraser.

[@siobhanair2659]

🌸

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching!

[@kristie2kevin]

When did you take this cruise? The Meraviglia is currently in the Bahamas and has been doing the New York to Bahamas itinerary for a few weeks.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! I actually took this October 2023 - I spent most of last year on cruise ships, so publishing 2 videos each week results in quite a delay. Consider it Fall 2024 prep, haha! Thanks for watching!

[@machellep1]

Unfortunately they have none scheduled for this fall that I can find.

[@SunriseSundown77]

A friend of mine who cruise s a lot called MSC the worst cruise she’s ever been on. She told me she was sending flares up whenever she saw a airplane fly by begging them to rescue her.😅

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, this is so funny - I wouldn’t go that far, but on this cruise I was beginning to struggle, haha! Thanks a lot for watching!!

[@blissfuljoy6049]

What ship?

[@davidszakacs6888]

Well, I suggest you try a Viking cruise. 900 passengers. No kids. No casinos. Beer and wine with meals. No nickel and diming.

[@lorraine2995]

And costs and arm and a leg and a kidney!!!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I'd love to - just can't stretch to their price point quite yet...!! Hopefully one day!

[@lorraine2995]

You're lucky you got off at all. I did a trans-Pacific on Quantum of the Seas. An amended itinerary showed all day Thu in Honolulu with disembarkation on Fri. A bonus full day in Honolulu?? No chance! My allotted time was 4.30-5pm and I had finally been vetted by 6.30pm. There were approx 4,000 passengers and the vast majority were Australian or NZ like me, therefore "aliens.". I had no wish to go ashore in the dark on the dodgy Honolulu streets with the homeless and down-and-outs so it was a completely "lost" day. Never again!

[@FraserAtSea]

6.30pm?! Oh my word - I’d have been climbing the walls by that point…! Thanks for reassuring me it wasn’t just me, ha! Thanks for watching, Lorraine!

[@connie_360]

Fraser, I'm curious. Are all your cruises this difficult, this is your 3 cabin? I found you because I had just gotten off Meraviglia and had such a fabulous cruise. Hey, do you have any info on why MSC isn't doing Eastern Canada after this? TY. 🌝

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Connie, thanks for watching! I haven’t actually had this degree of problem before - this cruise was a nightmare! Glad you loved your time on Meraviglia!!

[@MrBear1967]

I love the look of the ships, all the glitz n glamour,but yr reviews say it all..not for me I'm afraid, keep posting,great info,great honest review .new subscriber too.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey, thanks for subscribing - welcome to my little corner of KZbin! Your support’s so appreciated!

[@MrBear1967]

@FraserAtSea I used to work on p&o and carnival in the gift shops, done lots of cruises as a passenger too from Fred Olson to viking cruises, MSC I think is one I'll avoid ..Great work so far, honest too.:)

[@staceyhofman239]

I agree with you completely. I gave MSC two chances....both experiences were less than stellar. Therefore, I will NEVER cruise with MSC again. There are so many other wonderful cruise lines to use, so it won't be a hardship (no pun intended).

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that Stacey. Im not sure I’ll go onboard again after this experience - I felt so let down!

[@davidb604]

So we did a cruise this April from LA to Fort Lauderdale via the Panama Canal. we visited Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and Grand Cayman but we didn't have to do immigration when we got back to the US. I don't understand why you had to do that just because you went to Canada?

[@FraserAtSea]

Wow - you didn’t do immigration when you got back into the US? That’s so strange! Which ship was that on? Thanks a lot for watching, David!

[@vincentclausen2250]

We’ve done 3 cruises with MSC. The marketing needs to just be ignored. but only problem was sailing out on NYC and Nassau in July.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, why was sailing out of NYC and Nassau an issue? I really enjoy sailing from both of those ports? Too hot, maybe? ☀️ 🥵

[@vincentclausen2250]

@@FraserAtSea been to Nassau many times. We are getting up there and it’s a bit of a walk to get anywhere and no help for those with mobility issues, we usually stay on ship anyway.. yes our Meriviglia cruise in July was really hot and humid weather wise. Wasn’t comfortable the entire cruise. We were in Yacht club and those windows along the front don’t help either. The crew was great, the butler, steward and yacht club director really went above and beyond. As for NYC, Brooklyn wasn’t that bad. We’ve done multiple Transatlantics with a couple of lines out of Manhattan. They all seemed to have similar issues as you are experiencing. One time my bed was broken on a b2b and ncl didn’t replace it for 10 days. Another time ncl decided to just cancel the Broadway show. Another time the chef in Teppanyaki tossed me a piece of shrimp. And a New Yorker said disgusting, geez Lah di dah. Oh and I grew up in NYC. The only sail away that impresses me more than NYC was Venice, Italy

[@OrioleBeagle]

The hassle you have had with going through immigration explains why NCL only does one way cruises for New England/Canada.

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, that would be a NIGHTMARE having disembarkations and embarkations involved too - I’d have had a breakdown, haha!

[@luludufuret4585]

Dear Fraser, sometimes the wound is just fatal, and no amount of bandaging will heal it. In your shoes, I would simply collect my things and get off this cruise and move on whatever is next. This is this is a nightmare, a pure and a jump operated uncorrectable nightmare. Nothing you can do at this point will even remediate the situation in the slightest. We see you’re suffering and I to the last of us that we all feel terrible. Just move on. With all the compassion that I can muster for you, I remain as ever, Lulu.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Lulu, thanks for watching and commenting! Being totally honest, it was cheaper for me to stay on the ship than pay my own way back to NYC, so I didn’t really have much of a choice. However, things do change in my next episode…!! Stay tuned!

[@johnkean6852]

Why the train wasn't packed with cruisers is a puzzle.

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, I thought this too, especially when right beside the terminal!

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea Just not as awake as you probably, FAS! For entertainment /educational purposes only!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Don't you have to clear US Customs whenever you enter from a foreign country? I assume that you will not have to clear again at New York.

[@FraserAtSea]

You do, yeah. This means we cleared AGAIN in New York, annoyingly 😂 We went to Canada after this port!

[@VikPaints]

Said it before and I'll say it again: MSC = Smoke 'n Mirrors. Sell 'em cheap, pile 'em high mentality with little substance behind it. Experienced them once, that taught me all I needed to know. Never used them again.

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, I think it’s a really strong business model. My issue isn’t the ‘stack em high’ approach - it’s when things go wrong and nobody can do anything to fix the situation… Thanks a lot for still being here!

[@VikPaints]

@@FraserAtSea We had several issues, the responses ranged from just ignoring us like we weren't there or shrugging their shoulders. It's a pity because if crew had decent customer service training and the ability to resolve issues it would make a big difference but there's appears to be zero feedback to improve situations and stop them repeating.

[@johnkean6852]

For all its faults, we love MSC.

[@canelle09]

And always check your credit card charges wiith them too.

[@user-gs8mh5sd7k]

OMG go on a Disney cruise, maybe it will make you feel better.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, if only they were in my price point…!!

[@lorraine2995]

​@@FraserAtSeaMy thoughts exactly, having watched Gary Bembridges video on Disney!!!!

[@jacquelyndotson3224]

Another cruising youtuber had the EXACT same problem with smoke alarm going off, and having to wait 4 hours for a new room key when they moved him. MSC is looking terrible.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@jacquelyndotson3224 oh really?! What’re the chances of that?! Haha!

[@prontsc]

$8.00 beer sugarmix Canadian or USA?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! In this port, it would've been American dollars :)

[@johnkean6852]

Spoiler don t read... Fraser FIY only 🎶🎼_Last Train North_ 🎼🎶 was played looking round Portland rather than on the Train journey. Just saying. Not complaining. Just wondered of you knew?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! Ah, I did realise this actually - chose it more because I loved the tune, rather than the significance, haha! Thanks for flagging though!

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea not at all. Your music choices are good so l keep Shazam on to see who the musicians are during ... For entertainment /educational purposes only!

[@johnkean6852]

Fraser sorry spelt your name wrong last comment!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, don’t worry about this - I get some weird variations at times! Haha

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea l assumed Frasier like the tv soap. Going to call you FAS from now on, your channel initials if you're ok with that, For entertainment /educational purposes only!

[@aragorn4437]

you never did say how you made out with your $30 flutter at the casino

[@FraserAtSea]

There’s a reason casino’s exist I guess - they make my money disappear…! Haha!

[@dawnmplayer]

Those big ships do come across as a cash grab , jam heaps of ppl on let’s go😉 sorry your having a crap time

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, they can feel like that at times. I do find these ships gorgeous though!

[@bloodycrepe]

The wait for passport check has nothing to with with cruise line though. This is done by government border agents. This tells me everything I need to know about this channel.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi, thanks for watching! Don’t worry - aware of this - I aim to factually document what’s going on while I’m on the ships, but fully appreciate this is the border regulations. Cruise line or border agency aside, this one didn’t go well…

[@elizabeth-annecelebrant6155]

Hi Fraser, arghh it hasn't gotten better! What annoys me, is that in recent months, a couple who wander round ships with a camera rig, are intrusive and who give terribly biased reviews. Had a huge public tantrum when asked to stop filming. They kicked up such a fuss, they were unreasonably compensated. Whereas all the issues you have had and the fact it has almost put you off MSC seems so unfair Fraser. You are always so good at making sure you remain unbiased, are never intrusive and are actually a credit to MSC. It is people like you MSC should be supporting here.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, Elizabeth - this is such a lovely comment - thanks very much for taking the time to write this! Being honest, I was really nervous with this series incase people felt I was just moaning, so I’m glad it hasn’t come across this way. Thanks again, and thanks for thinking the lines should be supportive - that means a lot!

[@sandraford3788]

If you are talking about Ben and David I will let you know they are the politest 2 vloggers you'll ever meet. They are not intrusive at all and either fade out people who are around them or use the correct lenses so they don't film others. They always ensure they are at a table for 2' away from others so other people arent encroached upon or film their food vlogs and do a talk over afterwards so please get your facts right before making such comments.

[@mpb3481]

I assume you’re referring to Ben and David. Did you actually watch the videos? They gave the MSC World Europa glowing reviews on just about everything from their accommodations to the food to the service. Does that count as “terribly biased reviews?” It only went south when someone banned them from filming. And still they didn’t edit out their high scores toward the end of the 2nd video. Also they didn’t have a big camera rig but a mounted hand-sized camera which even regular vacationers who want steady videos use. Have you seen those long selfie sticks? They can be just as intrusive but no one has reported being banned from using them on a cruise ship. MSC has always been hit-or-miss with more intense negative reactions on the miss side than compliments on the hit side. With that in mind, look at B&D’s videos of their previous cruises with MSC. They were very positive about their Mediterranean cruise on the Meraviglia. It was the British Isles cruise on the Virtuosa where they encountered lackluster or terrible food in the MDR and buffet (they praised the food in the speciality restaurants) and discourteous behavior by staff including being shouted at in public. Would it have killed the person concerned to take them aside and quietly discuss whatever the issue was? Do you think their calling out these things is “terribly biased” reporting and that people shouldn’t complain if they experience low quality food or poor service on a cruise? And what huge public tantrum? They simply included the incident in the video and explained their decision to leave the cruise prematurely while inside their stateroom. How is that “kicking up such a fuss?” Like the previous poster said, please get your facts right before making such comments.

[@elizabeth-annecelebrant6155]

@@sandraford3788 I am not entering into a row about them, this is Fraser's post. And I KNOW this isn't always true.

[@elizabeth-annecelebrant6155]

@@mpb3481 I am not entering into a row about them as this is Fraser's post . I have watched their videos, and am entitled to my opinions as are you.

[@Nana-Lilly]

So sorry for your miserable trip you are having. I bet you can't wait to get off that ship.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, it’s all fun and games… Thanks for watching!

[@cherifurr3935]

No MSC for me…

[@kathychaves1814]

due to storm and weather conditions in the area causes itineraries to change.....research before you start complaining....

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Kathy, thanks for your comment. Don’t worry - aware of this - no storms on our cruise!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Stop Whining ! You are on a cruise ship, while I am not. Wanna switch places?

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I do appreciate that! However, I’ll stay put, haha!

[@Leeann-gs5qz]

The color of the carpet, couch and bed in your new room is hideous. Looks straight out of the 90's. Just way too much mauve.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, so many people have said this to me - I liked it! Thanks for watching!!

[@patricec.2957]

the customs problem doesn't depend on MSC, it's what happens when you travel to a third-world country 🤣that doesn't respect anyone.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I'll not comment on that!

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

So you get on a high capacity ship, have a minor room issue. Get in a long line and you’re unhappy. Sorry mate. I think your to Posh. The high capacity ships are their own worst nightmares. I don’t think you’re being far.

[@gmm5550]

never understand why people travel on these boring floating petri dishes..full of sickppl in a small area and always in trouble in some way..

[@FraserAtSea]

Have you ever taken a cruise? Not full of sick people at all! 😊

[@gmm5550]

@@FraserAtSea the Diarrhea Cruises are pretty standard and well known...and did i mention that its get pretty boring being stuck on a ship for Days? like a floating jail =)

[@FraserAtSea]

@@gmm5550 I spent most of last year on ships, and survived, haha! Maybe you’ve heard of an unlucky one!

[@tonyd6500]

Dude, your privilege is showing… it’s a cruise. Lines happen! Show some patience and understand everything isn’t perfect. Other people wouldn’t car cause they don’t get to do 300 days on a cruise like you.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Tony, thanks for watching. While I totally agree that most can’t spend so long on ships, I do think it’s important to showcase the good in addition to the challenging. Regardless of how long I’m on the ships for, this 10 might cruise should go pear-shaped - I’m paying the same as everyone else on there. Thanks for watching!

[@kristi.kervin]

🤦‍♀️ Tony Tony Tony… 🙄 “show some patience and understand everything isn’t perfect.” 🧐 Dude, your lack of real world experience is showing… This guy is one of the MOST patient and positive people around!!! His ability to face situational adversity and conflict in stride is commendable! He doesn’t emotionally hang on to the frustration and doesn’t let it overwhelm him. He is actually able to let it go and not let these repeated situations ruin his trip! This resilience is something everyone should strive for! I in fact am a bit envious of this character trait/quality. Also, you may be overlooking the point of his channel… He is telling us a story, he is documenting what is happening, the good and the bad, the ups and the downs. If he didn’t show the frustrating parts he would be deceiving his audience. “Other people wouldn’t care…” 😮 Yes, yes they would, if you put anyone in any situation where negative things are consistently happening, the natural emotion is… 🥁drumroll please🥁… yep you guessed it! Frustration!!!