This cruise was a NIGHTMARE...

#cruise #msccruises #mscmeraviglia
Welcome to my FULL REVIEW of exactly what happened, and what went wrong on my recent cruise onboard MSC Meraviglia. I've previously cruised with MSC Cruises on lots of their ships, but this one was VERY different - let me walk you through exactly what happened, and also tell you - would I cruise with MSC Cruises again?
If you've been following my other episodes, you'll know that this cruise has been far from plain sailing. In this video, I'll tell you what's happened...
Video chapters:
Let’s talk about MSC Meraviglia - 00:00
Welcome to ’Fraser at Sea’ - 00:34
Let’s talk about this cruise… 01:21
Why have I put this video together? 03:11
Key topics in this video - 04:15
How much did I pay for my MSC cruise? 04:48
MSC Experiences - Bella, Fantastica and Aurea - 05:18
The Drinks Package with MSC - 06:00
My cabin - 06:27
Why does this cabin exist?! 08:15
Customer Service - ‘no frills’, or ‘no’?! - 09:27
My Deluxe Inside / Accessible cabin - 10:35
Customer Service in Speciality Dining venues (Hola & Butcher’s Cut) - 12:37
Operational issues… 13:38
Tendering / Tender Port organisation - 13:52
Arriving late into ports… 15:18
Route planning - USA v Canada v USA v Canada… 16:20
Immigration checks - 16:50
Dining - Solo Travellers and Dining times… 18:21
The basics… 19:49
Let’s talk about the positives…
Would I cruise with MSC Cruises again? 22:12
Closing off… 23:18
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...
The NIGHTMARE cruise continues...?! MSC Meraviglia.. • The NIGHTMARE cruise c...
To find out more about the various experiences on offer from MSC Cruises, check out their website at the following link: www.msccruises.co.uk/cruises/...
If you enjoy this video, please support my channel by 'liking' the video, and clicking the 'subscribe' button underneath - I've got so much more to show you! I spent most of 2023 living across LOTS of ships, so there's more to come on this channel!
Come and check out my website for so much exclusive cruise content: www.fraseratsea.com/
Join my channel today to unlock exclusive perks, while supporting my content creation!
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#cruiseship #cruisetips #travelvlog #cruisevlog #cruisereview #msccrociere

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for checking out my FULL REVIEW of my cruise onboard MSC Meraviglia. If you're new here, please click that SUBSCRIBE button to support my channel, and remember to give the video a THUMBS UP too! Thanks a lot, and welcome onboard!

[@barrygleen2042]

Treat yourself to a celebrity edge class ship. You will never go back

[@FraserAtSea]

@@barrygleen2042 oh, I’d absolutely love to try EDGE class!

[@Debra_Hasatheory]

Some of them are okay. I had a friend who just went on one and they said it was okay. Lots of charges for things like Norwegian I guess.

[@chrisconrad1001]

You are a better man than I. I would have been furious to experience this type of service. Let’s face it, ships are ships, but service can make the customer return.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Chris, thanks very much for watching. This cruise tested my patience, but I’m glad I weathered the storm, haha! Thanks for your support!

[@fionapenwarne5560]

Have to say that I had far better service on msc than with Ambassador. It's a bit strange with passengers leaving and arriving en-route but you get used to it.

[@whiskeytango5680]

Three cruise lines I'm very reluctant to patronize, despite their lower price points: MSC, Carnival, Costa. I've tried them all, but it was one and done.

[@FraserAtSea]

Fair - I do think you need to try them before you knock them. Thanks for watching!

[@charla6548]

Love Carnival HATED MSC

[@keithballweg9356]

Just a point regarding customer service. We had a Yacht Club Duplex Suite on the Meraviglia in May 2023. Without boring you with details, The A/C was shut off by maintenance because the temperature could not be controlled from day one and the balcony hot tub was not repaired until our last evening on the ship. We requested a room change and/or compensation which was declined on three occasions when requested. So poor customer service obviously extends to all categories on the MSC Meraviglia.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@keithballweg9356 oh my goodness - I’m so sad to hear you had issues while cruising in such a premium cabin type - that’s awful 😞 Thanks for watching!

[@tammy_oh_nevermind]

I've heard way to many complaints about MSC. 🙁 I must disagree about it being a fair point to base service on accommodations. Receiving more amenities is valid and expected in suites compared to insides, but the rudeness you encountered at every turn was horrible and should've never happened regardless of class booked. I'm still amazed at how bad their organization was with long lines everywhere. Making you wait for your key that long was unacceptable. They could've sent you off to enjoy your day and moved your bags over for you allowing you to pick up the new key on your return. Then again they probably would've deactivated your old one so you couldn't get back on-board. 😂 You are a good sport making the best of a bad situation.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for this Tammy - I’m glad you think so! I hope you’ve enjoyed this series - I promise the next one will be different…!!

[@rpmnh]

Side topic, but this guy has the most amazing accent I’ve ever heard! I could listen to him speak all day. I’m an American, by the way, and we rarely get to hear such an amazing accent. 👍🏼 Now, carry on.

[@FraserAtSea]

This is SUCH a lovely comment, and I need to thank you so much for it. I get really mixed reviews on my accent, and it can sometimes be difficult not to take it personally, so thanks so much for your positive sentiment - it’s so appreciated!

[@didid7880]

What a great accent. It was so interesting to listen to that sometimes I would run it back just to hear it! Thanks for sharing!

[@petergerritgroen3157]

Scottich

[@mildredtolbert9671]

I traveled on the Meraviglia two years ago. It was my first MSC cruise although I’ve been on over 50 cruises on various other cruiselines. I went with my husband and adult daughter. We all agreed we will not sail MSC again.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Mildred, thanks a lot for watching my video, and therefore supporting my little channel - I really appreciate it! Sorry to hear you also had a bad experience - I’ll probably try again, but at a really low price point!

[@DonnaBenoit-gg8eu]

I’ve been watching your videos on this particular cruise. It’s such a shame that customer service was so poor. I have not cruised with MSC yet. I think I will be very reluctant to do so

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot for watching, Donna. I really appreciate your support!

[@yelenayakubovskaya4775]

Not a all.. I was cruising 2 times on this ship and I love it

[@QueenKayKay47]

This ship is notorious for terrible customer service and terrible food!

[@user-zv5xv9gf7w]

There is no way I would tolerate all those avoidable problems without being miserable. Good customer service can turn a disaster into a tolerable situation. We spend so much to cruise but to have a horrible room, limited time in port, long lines, lack of customer service, and a general lack of cruise line concern would put me over the edge. You are very kind in your explanations but the reality is that for most of us, we save all year to take our cruise. It would be horrendous to experience what you did. No MSC for me. Ever.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! Thanks for this comment, and I totally agree. I was fortunate to be spending a long time on ships last year, but that doesn’t make my experience any better! Thanks for watching - really appreciate your support of my little channel!

[@scottkashuba3476]

Your first room was a dreaded "mother-in-law" room.

[@FraserAtSea]

Haha, this comment put a smile on my face - what a reference!

[@CyberGreenRealty]

Thank you Fraser for your very informative, in-depth, and personal videos! I loved watching this series and it's even prompted me to be a subscriber! To be honest, I had previously been thinking about going on an MSC cruise but your series has helped me decide that I never want to cruise MSC, despite the lower price-point. Your videos aren't the only reason I've made this decision, but they've added to the voluminous other negative press I've seen from other vloggers about their experiences on MSC. After recently watching videos of other vloggers being harassed by on-board staff, being kicked off ships for suspected "negative" reviews, etc., your videos only solidify the impression that MSC is awful and will do anything to hide it from the public. Try cruising on Princess - it's my favorite!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! Thanks a lot for watching - really appreciate the support! I’m usually a massive fan of MSC, but lots on this cruise didn’t go to plan, which I’m still really disappointed about to be honest! I’ve actually cruised with Princess before really launching my KZbin channel, and LOVED them! Maybe one day… 🤞🏼

[@hazels27]

What a shame that such a beautiful looking cruise ship had so many problems. The irony is that most of what went wrong for you and some other passengers could so easily have been rectified with no extra cost! The ship is not at fault, but the operation and management of it. Someone needs to up their game! Those involved should be able to be identified, and the future situation improved. What you have described would put me off, in case it happened to me. Thus I would look at a different cruise line. What you paid was not insignificant. I think you delivered a very precise and what appears to be an accurate summary. It wouldn’t take many minutes for the higher management of the cruise line to see this and make sure they instigated rectifications immediately. Time will tell!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks Hazel - I was worried this video might seem like a moan, so I’m delighted to see that you think it’s a fair and balanced view. I do hope the relevant people watch this one - I’d love to see MSC deliver what I’m used to on this ship too - I’ve previously been such a fan! Thanks for watching!!

[@jeffkellyb7712]

@@FraserAtSeaThe thing that struck my hardest was hearing you “didn’t pay enough” for proper service. It would be one thing if it was access to certain dining rooms, etc., but the hear that in the MDR where I would have thought everyone was “equal” would probably be enough to be off them for good. I think we will be sticking to Holland America! I do really enjoy your videos!

[@FraserAtSea]

@@jeffkellyb7712 yeah, I didn’t really know what to say to that. Ah, I’ve actually got HAL coming very soon to my channel - in a few ships’ time - stay tuned!!

[@jeffkellyb7712]

@@FraserAtSea , looking forward to that!

[@DonnaBorkowski]

I was a year ago on that one and it was beautiful experience .. loved it and will go over and over again

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for this comment Donna - I’m so glad my experience seems to be unique - fingers crossed it stays that way…!!

[@celis8142]

Hello Fraser. Thank you for the video series, I watched them all! I was on Meraviglia for the New Years Eve cruise. I was also in a tiny cabin #10004 with the sofa bed. You're luck you got out of that one. I had to call the room steward everytime I needed the bed opened and closed so I could access the wardrobe. As for your experience, it is typical for holiday times. All the kids are out of school at the moment, the ships are crowded, it was also the Fourth of July holiday. The price is higher, the service is not great. I was surprised and disappointed they did not allow you to change the dining time. Keep on crusin' and posting!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey, thanks a lot for watching! I’m SO sad to read that MSC haven’t changed the configuration of that wardrobe - how simple a change is that?! Hopefully they make the change soon, as that’s VERY annoying when cruising! Thanks for your support of my little KZbin channel!!

[@cruisevideomemories7439]

Great series of videos, I love the way you compose the videos. It feels like we are cruising with you. Great work!!!!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much! I’m really glad you enjoy - thanks very much for watching!

[@johnkean6852]

All aboard timings etc. If there's a communication problem why not lie and say its 2 hours before sailing in order that people don't miss their cruise? This is a SERIOUS problem needs to be sorted.

[@scottycat6822]

The first shoe box of a cabin you were allocated was not fit for purpose. Furthermore it did not give you or the passengers on the other sides any privacy as not only could you hear conversations from both sides , they could hear you. I get it it’s immigration laws but surly it was up to MSC to make sure their passengers were comfortable whilst waiting and not standing for prolonged periods of time. If they could not give out accurate and consistent timings to board on port days I shudder to think how you could prove this whilst standing on the port seeing the ship sail off. Thank you for your Frank and honest review, MSC will not be a company if my choice in the future as I’ve also heard similar reports from other cruisers.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Scotty, thanks very much for watching - I’m glad it sounds like you’ve enjoyed this one. I agree re explaining yourself as the ship sails out - that was be stressful, and near impossible. Thanks for your support!!

[@susanbolton-hk5yn]

Sounds as bad as Princess cruises.

[@janicemcilwraith9956]

Have done two cruises with MSC, Virtuosa and Euribia. I will never set foot on another MSC ship. Euribia was a nightmare in October 2024 round trip from Southampton . It was a hop on hop off destination ship. Poor food, entertainment and service. Children ran amok and buffet was akin to feeding time at the zoo. Drab decor and too much bling. Thanks to Fraser for his honest review.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Janice! Sorry to hear you didn’t have the best time! Virtuosa is actually the ship I’ve had some of my best (ever) cruises on, so I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you 😔

[@Prodrive1]

We did 2 Virtuosa cruises. It is badly designed. Bars are too small due to all the space being taken up by the mall on deck 5.

[@charla6548]

Agreed!Only good reviews come from Yaght Club and yoy shouldn’t have to spend top dollars to get good food and service.

[@makiliv]

Thank you for the summary video, Fraser; you were much, much more than fair in your assessment! I was disappointed for you for the many challenges and downright bad service you experienced, and especially as a solo passenger and an MSC Voyagers Club Diamond member (a fact you kindly waited to mention, and their highest loyalty tier). I truly hope that MSC reaches out to you with a partial refund (taking responsibility for their dismal performance rather than OBC or future discount). My favorites so far have been Royal Caribbean, Celebrity (Edge class), and hopefully soon, Princess! Always enjoy your vlogs and looking forward to forthcoming ones from Scotland!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey, thanks a lot for messaging! I was SO disappointed with what I experienced on this ship, largely due to the fact that I’ve been such a public advocate of MSC before… Hopefully it’s not fleet-wide, and the issues on Meraviglia get resolved ASAP! 🤞🏼 Thanks for watching!!

[@raisafrancisco7323]

This was my first time watching your videos. I believe that, what happened to you, was not the cruise line's fault, but the crew's fault. I have heard many good things about this ship. I have sailed with MSC, but on other ships, and I really liked them. It was good to hear that, after the first days, everything improved, what makes me think it was lack of organization and leadership onboard.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi! Thanks for watching, and I’d probably agree for most of the factors. Unfortunately though, the crew do represent the cruise line, so both are probably at fault here… I’ll probably give them another try - just not yet… Thanks for watching!

[@ralphg450]

My wife and I enjoyed meravigia. Crowded but beautiful ship. We got off Quantum of the seas two months ago and my wife said to me. "I miss MSC"

[@leenie1255]

I would have gone and lied down somewhere in front of the customer desk until they found me a room.

[@FraserAtSea]

Haha, I got so so close to this approach!

[@two20john]

We've done 2 MSC cruises on the Virtuosa. Both of these were in the Yacht Club and although we had issues on both, generally we remember them fondly. The same can't be said for our Regent cruise on the Grandeur, we won't cruise with them again.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh no - what a horrid shame that your Regent cruise wasn’t amazing - I can only imagine your price point for that…! Virtuosa is one of my favourite ships - I’ve consistently had great experiences on there! Thanks a lot for watching!

[@Pitcairn747]

Anyone who has been on holiday to Italy cannot be surprised by these kinds of situations. This is their culture. They don't know any better.

[@twochickens3954]

Thanks for this thorough analysis. I think I’ll pass on the Meraviglia but am willing to try MSC if the price and itinerary are too good to pass up. It comes down to bad management in my opinion and is sort of analogous to a restaurant franchise that is not up to the standard of the company. Treating paying customers like dumb cattle is not a solid business model. Thanks very much for taking us along this cruise with you!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! You’re so welcome - thanks so much to you for watching, and therefore supporting my KZbin channel!

[@twochickens3954]

@@FraserAtSea No, no, thank you! 🤓 Also please come back to New England, there’s more to see/do/eat/drink, etc!

[@MMJ-oo7nz]

OMG...You have the patience of a saint. I would have been going crazy. Thank you for the video and honesty!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I didn’t feel it at the time, so really appreciate this. Thanks for watching!

[@brooklyngiraffe]

Thank you so much for your detailed and honest review. I am thinking about cruising for the first time in my life and was considering MSC because it has two ports near my home town. But your helpful review has caused me to rethink. What you pay for your cruise should not impact customer service! How disappointing. So glad I found your channel!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. It’s never my goal to make people not book, but I do pride myself in offering really honest reviews. If it’s not great, why lie and pretend it is? Thanks so much for watching!

[@Gordon_Highlander]

I am a stickler for discipline and proper service. Going by the first two cabins allocated to you Fraser at Sea; there is *NO BLOODY WAY I'D BE CRUISING WITH MSC FUUL STOP. Slàinte!*

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching, Gordon - appreciate it!

[@robswan4170]

The route was weird because of a 100 year old law we have in the U.S. . .The Jones Act treats U.S. cruise ships and passengers differently from foreign cruise ships and passengers. While the act allows U.S. ships to travel directly from U.S. port to port, it prohibits foreign ships from traveling directly from U.S. port to port. So you can't blame MSC for that.

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, this is a fair point. I totally do understand that though - my criticism when it comes to that law is the overall route planning, and also the onboard management of the situation. We had passengers passing out in line - just put a few chairs out and offer free water when you know that guests are going to be standing in lines for hours… Thanks for watching, Rob!

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, this is a fair point. I totally do understand that though - my criticism when it comes to that law is the overall route planning, and also the onboard management of the situation. We had passengers passing out in line - just put a few chairs out and offer free water when you know that guests are going to be standing in lines for hours… Thanks for watching, Rob!

[@melstero]

No excuse. HAL does the same ports but we only had one tender and immigration and it was smooth as silk. Very poor management on the Meraviglia is the cause here.

[@chrisvetch5221]

The solo room you got is disgraceful. A sofa bed? Are you kidding! It should have been seriously discounted and you should have been aware of what you were getting.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Chris, I totally agree - I was so surprised that this is what I found in that cabin… Thanks a lot for watching - appreciate your support!

[@BrendaConnor-dh5lf]

Thanks for giving such a great honest review. My experience with MSc world Europa found a similar lack of good customer service. I don’t think I’ll ever travel with MSc again . I’ve been with a few cruise lines and I’ll happily go back to them instead.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching, Brenda - always appreciate seeing your name pop up! I do hope it’s something they re-think, as I’m hearing so many consider it a ‘one and done’ experience, rather than one they’d love to go back to…!

[@jeanninewenner7210]

Your experience is exactly how I would describe the 125 day world cruise I took with MSC. Our room was the super small kind but was fine except the bed was so incredibly hard that we had a backache most of the cruise. I was offered pillows to line the bed each night which helped.. at the middle of the cruise I was up to 9 pillows after trying for 1 months just sleeping on the bed itself. Others bought 3 inch foam in port. Arrival time for ports was never correct and they would change departures all the time. Checking the app while we were on our private (just us in a car with a tour guide) tours was frequent daily. MSC excursions were $150 to $200 pp on a big bus with very few stops for only 4 hours, mostly drive bys, so for that same $200 to $400 we could get a totally private guided tour for 8 hours or more. Tendering was just a pushing and butting in line mess. Tender tickets were given out at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="390">6:30</a>am but that line started at 3 am and was halfway through the ship at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="390">6:30</a>. Tender boats were not filled because the pushing and standing up at disembarking was a safety hazard for the crew unloading passengers. The staff never explained why they asked us to stay seated. I had to find this out from customer service about rocking the boat or worse if everyone stands and moved to one side of the tender. We ran out of food. No fresh food , fruits, veg, eggs, so we had frozen weird food for time in the Indian ocean and our week crossing to America from South Africa. There's more but it matches what u say exactly.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear you didn’t have the best experience. Thanks a lot for watching my video, and thanks for also sharing your experience. I bet the 125 nighter was still amazing though!

[@jeanninewenner7210]

@@FraserAtSea OMG.. The world is Soo incredible. It was my first time out of Western Hemisphere. Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa, Seychelles, Rio, Manaus in the Amazon (we did a survival camp where we ate bugs and caught pirahnas in a location 100 kilometers from the ship), Iceland, Northern Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Sweden and so much more!!! Every port was the most incredible!!

[@Amdamguy]

We were on the MSC Euribia last year in the Yacht Club. We thought the food would be of a better quality. We were wrong. Food quality was really poor; service within the Yacht Club was great! Outside though it was a nightmare trying to get service. We had a great time and met some really nice people. But I don’t think we would sail again on MSC. Inconsistent service and food quality being the primary reasons.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh wow - this is an interesting comment - I’ve always assumed that the Yacht Club would be amazing in terms of service. Sorry to hear you struggled - what a huge amount of money to spend on something sub-par. I’d really like to try YC at some point, but a little out of my price range currently… Thanks a lot for watching, and thanks for waking the time to leave this comment!

[@christinajensen2985]

Totally agree, I was on Euribia in May and Grandiosa in Yacht Club. The food was poor and mostly bland. The " whipped cream" was cream substitut, come on!! The service was top notch though. I had to change cabin 2 times, due to noise problem. The situation was handled quickly by the head receptionist. It's sad what the fantastic facilities in Yacht Club, don't offer real gourmet food. At least they don't call it fine dining anymore

[@FraserAtSea]

@@christinajensen2985 thanks for this comment, Christina - sorry you had a bad experience in terms of food on there 😞

[@soniauk4284]

Its a difficult one... The average cruise passenger save to go on holiday , taking leave from work and all that it entails. I think its different for travel bloggers as they'll go on nore cruise ships more frequently. So although it may be disappointing for them they know theyll go on another trip soon. Where as the average cruise passenger won't and a bad experience will really affect their view of the overall holiday. We had a disastrous MSC Virtuosa trip and won't go on a mega ship again. Food poisoning was so bad, my 78yr old dad getting it first then I got it. Day 4/7 were spent in the cabin . Off on Sky Princess in November. MSC ships are beautiful - all show no substance 😢

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching! While I do understand your view on travel bloggers, I do disagree - I pay the same for my cruises as non travel blogging guests, and so don’t think I should feel any different about a bad experience. Sorry to hear you had a bad experience on Virtuosa - she’s actually one of my favourite ships, and I find she offers a consistently strong experience (in my case, anyway). Thanks for watching!!

[@soniauk4284]

Oh yes I'm sorry I know you pay for you're own trips , I'm sorry I worded it wrong. The issues you had with MSC were unacceptable and we all should get an acceptable standard of cabin and communication from the staff. What I was trying to say was the impact on a negative cruise experience would potentially put people off future cruises because of the fact they may do one a year and they want a quality holiday. Those in the social media cruise will have more opportunities to move on with the next cruise experience quite quickly. I'm sorry I didn't explain myself very well. I love your vlogs and I love the MSC ships unfortunately I had a bad experience and it certainly made me think about an MSC cruise in the future. Can't wait for the next cruise vlogs coming out 😁😁

[@FraserAtSea]

@@soniauk4284 ahh, I get you Sonia - sorry - I read that wrong, haha! Thanks so much for continuing to support my little channel!!

[@jlanderson21257]

Did two cruises with MSC. First one horrible. Should have remembered the line "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me". Will NEVER take a cruise on MSC again, not even if it is offered for free.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh no, sorry to hear this. Thanks for watching my video!

[@PostcardAndAPint]

We've seen so many mixed reviews on MSC - we'd love to try them. Their ships are so glam! Ok that cabin is pokey and the bed would have been an issue for us for sure. It seems you had a catalogue of disasters on this cruise. We've never seen queues that long to get off or back on a ship! Sounds like a nightmare - I'd have had the worst anxiety with all those different on board times!! Great review. Cheers 🍻

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot for watching - really appreciate it! I probably will try MSC again - just not yet… Thanks again - always good to see you pop up!

[@britespot7562]

I just found you & have subscribed right away. My husband & I took the exact same cruise last September. I knew MSC had a hit or miss reputation but we got an amazing deal so I figured what the heck. We used to live in a couple of the New England states & had been to some of the Canadian ports as well so nothing to lose. I was surprised to hear that the itinerary had not changed. We were told there had been an over-booking of dock area at one of the ports so this in and out of the US was a one-off. guess not. It did make for an incredible delay when a large group of travelers decided they didn't have to to go immigration, either time, so none of us could disembark till they were called by name to come down. Twice! Dinner service started out great but deteriorated over the course of the cruise. Because we paid such a small price for the cruise, we took the inconveniences in stride. I think we might do another MSC cruise again only if we can get the same kind of deal. I can put up with quite a bit just to be on the water :)

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, hello! Also, thanks so much for subscribing - I so appreciate your support! I probably will try MSC again, but only at one of these irresistible rock-bottom prices. Who knows - stay tuned. Welcome to my channel! 😊

[@bar10ml44]

There is your issue ROCK BOTTOM PRICES.

[@richardc9758]

MSC = Most Shambolic Cruise (ever)? Certainly seemed like it for you and it only seems the last few ports of call lifted the experience for you. You were a paying customer, it doesn't matter what grade of cabin you were in and you should have received better respect from the customer service crew. Seeming to not want to bother, or care or make any effort for you just because you paid a basic fare is a terrible customer service model. Your problems were not trivial (especially the smoke alarm) and they should have responded immediately. I'm surprised they chose to disregard your previous loyalty to MSC as even that didn't seem to count for anything.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Richard, thanks for your comment! I agree - I was amazed that I just couldn’t find anyone on the ship to take me seriously. I thought the hidden TV cameras were going to come out when it came to the smoke alarm - I got to the point where all I could do was have a laugh to myself… 😂 Thanks a lot for watching!

[@basromeijn2809]

My first MSC cruise was in 2012 (Opera) and my last was three months ago on board the Euribia. I definitely see the things that could be improved, but most of all I enjoyed all these cruises. I've never really experienced anything unpleasant.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! 👋🏼 Great to hear - I’ve previously been a huge fan of MSC. Happy to hear you had great trips - thanks for watching my video!

[@KateS1172]

I still can’t get over that first ‘cupboard’ you had as a cabin lol

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, me neither - I laugh watching that video back…! 😂

[@dawnmplayer]

For you to say it was bad, it must of been. You are the most impartial voice of cruising on you tube. Onwards and upwards my friend.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Dawn, thanks so much!

[@jsmith1071]

I think the £1400 was a lot to pay for the first cabin you were given. That’s very poor value for a single cabin like that. I always thought of MSC as being cheap but maybe not. I have done a lot of cruises with various lines and I don’t think we have ever arrived late in port. Very strange.

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, I think lots of people assumed I had paid very little for this cruise when they saw the cabin, so I wanted to be open about pricing in this video. I agree - poor value for that tiny cabin!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching!

[@markt9805]

I have been on many cruises in my lifetime on various cruise lines, I sailed on ONE MSC cruise, it was on the MSC Divina and I was not impressed. You are correct, , MSC offers cruises at great prices; however, I would prefer to pay a little more and have a better experience. By the way, I was on the same cruise with you on the Norwegian Escape last October, it was a New England/ Canada cruise as well. Thanks for making this video, it only reinforces my reluctance to sail on another MSC cruise.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Mark, I was on Escape right after this. Stay tuned - my vlogs from that ship are coming up next! Thanks for watching, and thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

@@FraserAtSea oh, I liked the Escape pretty well!!! Great spa. And don't miss the Pincho's Tapas Bar!!!

[@charla6548]

I hated Divina

[@joyturnbull-eb8hh]

A very balanced review Fraser thank you and what a shame you’re not sure about travelling with MSC again. I have been on 3 MSC ships and never experienced what you did on this ship (except a long queue at a tender port which is often the case) What a crazy itinerary……… I just can’t imagine why they would do this, an extra day at sea would have been a better option maybe. As for customer service, I’ve had to speak to customer service a couple of times on other MSC ships and they have always been so helpful and friendly (even sending a bottle of wine to our room as a goodwill gesture). I honestly think the problem you had with guest services and the dining room manager is all to do with the senior management on the ship its self. Their attitude has percolated down and they probably are due a good shake up. 😀👍

[@FraserAtSea]

Joy, thanks for this comment. I do hope it’s ship-specific, as I’ve previously been a huge advocate of MSC as a cruise line. I couldn’t believe how wide-spread the problems felt on here - hopefully a one-off! Thanks (as always) for watching, and therefore your support of my little channel!!

[@joyturnbull-eb8hh]

@@FraserAtSea yes I think it’s ship specific. I’ve always been impressed with their customer service 😀

[@DotCaloia]

I sailed on the Meraviglia twice last year with very similar experiences to yours. My feeling is like yours. It would have to be a very good deal to try MSC again.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh no - sorry to hear you had a similar experience! Thanks for watching my video and supporting my little channel!

[@Prodrive1]

MSC can be hit and miss. Splendida was superb in 2009. Virtuosa was average on 2 sailings. Magnifica was okay. Divina okay. The staff can be a wee cranky. Cabins are great. Prices good. Food decent. Drinks package is good.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I’m in agreement that it’s hit or miss. I’ve had some fab sailings with MSC, but this one was just a nightmare 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@stephenm8818]

A very balanced summary of that cruise, Fraser. So, so disappointing from MSC. Glad the remainder of 2023 was good for you !

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Stephen, I’m glad you think so. Thanks very much, as always, for your support!!

[@tonyozell4873]

I just now stumbled upon your Vlog -- nice to hear a fellow Scot. My travel agent REFUSES to book us on MSC, so I watched this with interest to get your view. After this, I think we'll stick with Celebrity and Regent.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Tony, thanks for watching! Always great to find a fellow Scot on here - at least you’ll understand what I’m saying, haha! I think the MSC experience would be VERY different to Regent for you - that in itself would make a fascinating perspective! I have a few MSC series on here now that you may find useful 😊 Thanks for commenting and supporting my little channel!

[@mayavandoorn261]

Hi Fraser, I've seen the video's made on this cruise and from the start I thought I would run away if this would happen to me. Giving you that cabin was really outrageous. Following other channels as well I already decided not to cruise with MSC but this made me even more serious about it. I'll stick to NCL and Princess and next year Costa gets another chance. Regards, Maya

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Maya, great to see your name pop up - hope you’re well! I agree - that room really was mad to check in to - I still can’t believe that’s an actual cruise ship cabin 😂 Interesting that Costa’s getting another chance - I’ll look forward to your review of that!

[@mayavandoorn261]

@@FraserAtSea Last May I was on Grand Princess for 15 days in Alaska. That was the best vacation I had all my life. A friend I met last year on NCL Gem joined me with her sister in law. And they both will join me in December on Regal Princess to Mexico. Costa gets another chance (May 2025) because I will travel with my sister this time so that will be totally different then cruising solo. And in May 2026 I booked (solo again) on Sky Princess for a 28 days Northern Europe cruise. So you see you got me totally edicted on cruising LOL. Stay safe and enjoy life!

[@melstero]

I almost took this same cruise out of NYC in May, but I had heard some very bad things about MSC's food. Something like " You want to be in port every day so you don't have to eat on the ship." I took HAL for my eastern Canada and Bar Harbor cruise. I prefer the smaller ships. Nicer than expected cabin, tender and immigration was very easy and efficient. Very glad I missed the Meraviglia!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, it’s VERY different on here to HAL, but I’d also say that it’s much cheaper to cruise with MSC, so it’s important to remember that when you compare. I’ve got a HAL series coming soon - you might enjoy that! Stay tuned! 😊

[@dmoniquerenee]

Hi Fraiser, you know I love your video synopsis. I have been out of pocket as I was on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady cruise out of Barcelona ( I recognize your tee shirt.). As I catch up I was excited to se your enthusiam with Manhattan the city i was born, raised and have fond memories. I have never cuised out of Brooklyn and the ferry info was invaluable. Was this trip September 2024? I hope they have made some changes since your challenging cruise. I wish you would've captured the sail away. While MSC is not the cruise line for e based on many reviews and customer service experience. I appreciate you commentary and please keep the reviews coming and let us know in advance when you are cruising out of Miami or Barcelona. Remember everyone time is PRICELESS!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! Ahh, thanks a lot for following along - I so appreciate it! I’ve just released my first NCL video, featuring a Manhattan sailaway - you might enjoy that, too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXvThXt3nL-iZrssi=KSYRDb2tBs5CEmZl Hope you enjoy catching up - welcome back!!

[@nancysmall9793]

Fraser, I am sorry you had such a bad situation on this cruise. I would write a long letter to the CEO, and I wouldn't sail with MSC again. Your first cabin was absurd. I enjoy watching all your videos....thank you.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much, Nancy. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed watching the channel so far - hope you continue to do so!

[@Leeann-gs5qz]

I gotta say that the pinkish color in the room is horrific. I haven't heard anything good about MSC. They are a cruise line I wouldn't even consider booking with, no matter their prices.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! It’s actually quite nice when you’re in the room - I didn’t think twice about it until I saw so many KZbin comments hating on it, ha! Thanks a lot for watching!!

[@joniapostolakos2666]

Just got off a 7 day out of Rome on the Seaside. It was a nightmare! Every single day to the point we were looking up airfare home for each port. We are avid dcl, carnival, and royal fans and the environment on this ship was a shock.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh no! I’m SO sorry to hear you had a bad experience - what was it that caused the issue? I do think you must remember the prices when comparing to lines like Disney, but you’ve also named some comparable companies there, so keen to hear more. Thanks for watching!

[@rotavator9441]

Any none American cruise ship sailing out of America has to leave American waters to be able to return to America. Crazy I know, if it was an American cruise ship this wouldn’t have to happen. Plus, personally I have never and will never cruise on any ship that has multi lingual announcements. That would do my head in. Thanks for confirming why we will never cruise with MSC

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, it’s a funny rule but you’re right - the ships do need to travel internationally and then re-enter!

[@Krypto64]

All in all, I hope you complained to MSC and got some recompense. Again, there should be no correlation between what you’ve paid in terms of room and levels of service from staff.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I totally agree - everyone onboard should get great service as a minimum. In this industry, service is so key!

[@lturner744]

My experience with MSC is that they truly don’t care about customer service. Most of the time things generally work ok. But when there is a problem, customer service doesn’t care.

[@FraserAtSea]

You know, I’d have disagreed with this before this cruise, but then I’d never had anything go wrong. Sorry to hear you’ve also seen this side 🤦🏻‍♂️ Thanks for watching!

[@johnwinter6061]

Looks like your first room was for performers and/or staff! Bet that sofa bed was meant to be used conjunction with the connecting room. Not as stand alone. Either as day sofa and/or bed for staff on different shifts. Second bedroom with a lock!

[@atomicrancher3745]

It seems the deck plan showed the two connecting doors. What were you thinking choosing that one? 😉 HUGE red light that that cabin was going to be inferior. Oh well, Lesson learned. As for me, I’ll stick to Cunard, thanks.

[@FraserAtSea]

Haha, don’t worry - I didn’t deliberately choose this one - I just decided to let MSC assign one, and adopted the stance of ‘how bad can it be?’. It turns out, pretty bad 😂 🤦🏻‍♂️ Thanks a lot for watching!!

[@JNTravels]

We are planning on doing this ship in October!! 🐸

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I think it’s now doing the Caribbean? Looks like a nice itinerary! I’ve got a full series from this ship that you might enjoy 😊

[@joanfreestone1707]

I have never heard a good thing about MSC. I wouldn't sail with them even if it was free. The interiors are tacky and there are way too many people. You shouldn't have to go to an extra-fee restaurant to get good food and service. Thanks for a detailed review.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Joan, thanks for watching! Their ships are really beautiful in the flesh, although very ‘over the top’ in a lot of cases. I totally agree re service - good service should be a basic - not an extra! Thanks again for your support!

[@QueenKayKay47]

So, you are going by word of mouth? The interiors are far from tacky...., and the number of people depends on each sailing....clearly you do not know what you are talking about!

[@todds9746]

We took the Meraviglia in 2022 for a Mediterranean cruise. One thing we didn't like was there is no adult only pool. We had kids unatteneded in hot tubs and even sitting at the bars.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! Ah, this is an interesting point - I thought the pool at the back was adult only, but my cruise was too cold to test that logic as we were cruising to Canada in the Fall. An interesting observation! Thanks a lot for watching!!

[@todds9746]

@@FraserAtSea That's what we thought. It would have been the perfect place for an adults only area. It was separate from everything, had a small bar and pool plus a seating area. Nope...it was open to everyone. There are so many pool areas that are for kids.

[@jpaulrice]

Not been disappointed with MSC. Been on several cruises, and have two more booked in the future. I guess if I continue to cruise enough once in a while, had a few bumps in the road.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, nice - I’m glad it’s been smooth sailing for you so far! 😊

[@tannerfingledin8873]

I took MSC Meraviglia to the Bahamas, Ocean Cay, and Miami. Customer service was amazing. Maybe it was just a different set of staff?

[@FraserAtSea]

@@tannerfingledin8873 oh, that’s good to hear - I hope so! Thanks for watching!

[@CathyEM]

You mentioned that you had to move rooms again when you had the defective smoke alarm - what type of room did they give you then, and was that your final room assignment? I live in Florida and cruise frequently, though never with MSC. I am also a solo cruiser. With this type of review, and with others I've read, I'm not terribly enthusiastic about booking a cruise with MSC.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Cathy, thanks for watching - really appreciate your support! Thankfully, that was indeed my final room move - not sure I would’ve coped overly well with another on top of that one, ha! I’m taking a break from them currently, but probably will try again at some point…

[@CathyEM]

@@FraserAtSea I live in Florida and they have some really good rates, but I've heard much about them and most of it is not so good.

[@marioboland8211]

We have done 3 cruises with MSC, but we probably will not return to MSC again. Had very similar experiences as you did. Waiting and queuing forever the whole cruise it was awful. MSC ships are just too crowded and way too many people on board for what they can handle. And yes we cruised all of them off season so at their lowest pax points. We will get back to Celebrity, Holland America and Azamara are much nicer experience.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Mario, thanks for watching, and thanks for taking the time to comment - both of these actions really do support my channel, so it's much appreciated! Sorry to hear you haven't had the best experience with MSC - I probably will try them again, but it'll need to be at the right price point, for sure! Thanks again, and HAPPY CRUISING!

[@toniblackmore3016]

I’ve watched the other videos in this series - can’t remember, but do solo travellers only get inside cabins?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Toni! 👋🏼 I believe the studio/solo rooms on this ship are all on the inside, but you’re obviously able to cruise solo in a ‘regular’ cabin too, meaning a cabin for 2 passengers. So you could cruise solo in a balcony, but you would probably pay the full double fare!

[@deg6788]

Jist rip this smoke alarm off the ceiling 😂

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, this thought crossed my mind - I’ll be honest 😂

[@blacksorrento4719]

Note to self: pack a dual purpose screwdriver next cruise.

[@user-up6ug2ek2q]

My wife and I are going on a couple christian cruise on one of the MSC ships in February.i will see how it will be. Worst comes to worst we will go back to celebrity cruise ships.and wont look back.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, enjoy! You’ll need to stop back and let me know how it goes!

[@louised4260]

Thanks Fraser. I wouldn’t cruise with MSC if you paid me, even in the yacht club. It’s like a bus service with new people embarking/disembarking at every port. Not for me. Hope your next cruise is a better experience😊

[@FraserAtSea]

Louise, thanks a million for watching - I so appreciate your support! Next one, coming right up!

[@supersuperwendy]

Fraser how soon before sailing did you find out your cabin number? On the deck plans on cruise mapper it does say your cabin has a single sofa bed and is connecting on two sides. You said your package gave you the option to select your cabin number, but you didn't utilize that option? Curious as to why? Was this a sort of a GTY then? Right here on youtube there are tours of your exact cabin type showing the sofa bed so it really shouldn't have been such a dissatisfying surprise. I would never book any sort of GTY for this exact reason, I like more control on my bookings. This is not the fault of the cruise line fraser really, Lesson for you, always know exactly what you are paying for!!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Wendy, good question, and I'll hold my hands up. I actually spent most of last year living on cruise ships, so was ship hopping across lots of different cruise lines. Being totally honest, I naively assumed it wouldn't be an issue and was more focussed on the ships I was travelling on prior to this - I'd cruised solo on the sister ship to Meraviglia, so just assumed the solo cabins would be the same. Thanks for watching, and I do totally hear you!

[@littleeva]

That's strange planning. I went on a cruise like that on the QM2 last year, we went from NYC to Canada. Then we went to Boston, where we had to go to immigration; folks who had excursions went first and it went pretty smoothly. It sounds like MSC slapped this cruise together quickly.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot for watching! Yes, lots didn’t go to plan on here unfortunately, so I’d probably agree - not a huge deal of planning for this itinerary, by the looks of things. Thanks again for your support!

[@abrahamclott5604]

How disappointing. I live in NYC and have been tempted by the Meraviglia with its low prices out of Brooklyn. But so many bad reviews! Your experience may have been the worst (but even if so, not by much). And I'm an introvert who craves quiet; these ships seem so noisy. So I'll likely pass and always choose another line.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Abraham, thanks for watching! Annoyingly, I’m usually a huge fan of MSC, but faced a huge amount of challenges on this ship, as you’ve seen in my other videos already. I’m hoping my experience was a one off while will have been resolved by now, so keep an eye on those reviews and maybe don’t fully write off. As I said, I’d go again for the right price and the right ports…! Thanks so much for watching my video, and therefore supporting my channel!

[@rocco9538]

It looks like such a beautiful ship, too bad the experience didn't match. I was wondering if you decide not to disembark, do you still need to get your passport checked?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Rocco! Agreed - it’s such a gorgeous ship, and I really do hope they fix the onboard experience, as it would be wonderful if it were to match! I believe that everyone needed to get checked, yeah. If you weren’t heading ashore, you would go down in the last available window, which I think was around 1pm! Thanks for watching!

[@drewNYC]

I will never sail with MSC after seeing these videos. The ship is beautiful, but I prioritize service and good food! Hopefully, I’ll bump into you on a Virgin voyage! Cheers 🥂

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! I’d agree that this cruise has been POOR, but I would echo that this isn’t the MSC that I’m used to - some of my best cruises have been with them, which is what makes this so frustrating 😩 Thanks for watching, Drew!

[@vincentclausen2250]

Have to remember those prices include the solo supplement. So two in a room would cut the daily rates per person in half. Now what they charged you for that original room was definitely a joke,

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Vincent - yup, agree! The fact that first room came in at that price really is funny - I’m not sure what they were thinking… Thanks for commenting!!

[@user-ex9em7hd9e]

I don't see any videos of you on Celebrity. They are my favorite cruise line, especially the Edge class.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! I cruised on Celebrity a good while ago before I started vlogging. Hoping to get out with them again at some point, so ‘Watch this space’ I guess!

[@captainpugwash6889]

MSC: ever wondered what those large hoses (that they connect up whilst in port) are for? It is to pump out the flavour that they have extracted from all the food served onboard!!!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, this made me laugh actually, although I don’t it’s totally accurate thankfully, ha!

[@user-km6dy9fk6w]

Don't be afraid I've been on Meraviglia 3 times,and had a great time even the one that I didn't go where it was suppose to,and the cruise it,s self was fun!!!!🎉

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, I’m so happy to hear you’ve loved it - thanks for dropping this comment!

[@dianaleerode1499]

I've heard before that everything goes well on MSC cruises until they don't and then customer service is unable to recover.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hmm, previously I’d have disagreed but this is exactly what I saw - nobody with any ability to help in my case 😞 Thanks for watching!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Beautiful ship, Fraser! So it’s a shame about the problems but it’s an even bigger shame that the crew weren’t willing to help when it sounds like they could have done more!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Ben, thanks for watching - glad we’ve found each other! I totally agree - I felt as though so much more could have been done… Thanks for watching mate!

[@bloodycrepe]

I bet the crew got tired of his whining so they just ignored him and helped passengers that actually needed help instead

[@coachab100]

I just paid for a 22 day cruise on MSC. Now you are scaring me!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh wow, 22 days will be such a long time on there! Don’t worry - I’ve had good cruises in addition to this rogue one with MSC - hopefully you’ll be in the good category! Where are you going?!

[@coachab100]

You send this video to MSC customer service.

[@malcolmstockbridge2569]

Beautiful ships......take some food with you !...Fraser is right though MSC can deliver but I think are failing currently...they are not alone in that respect !

[@coachab100]

@@FraserAtSea my only other cruise was on Princess last December and it was 33 days! It was awesome! This MSC cruise starts in Genoa and does 7 stops in the Med then transatlantic with 3 stops in Carribean and ending in Miami! It was really affordable so hopefully it isn’t a case of “you get what you pay for”! $1100 fare and taxes/port fees. I don’t drink so that will help.

[@DonnaBorkowski]

Don’t listen to every body saying their opinion… go and check for yourself. MSC is a great line and you are going to have a great time … his experience may be exaggerated just for clicks

[@juniperdog5523]

Do you think Costa is a better product than MSC right now? You enjoyed your Diadema cruise I think?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hmm, that’s suuuuch a difficult question. There are so many variables, but both do a decent job with the entry end of the market, I’d say!

[@ralphg450]

Only problem I had on meravigia is that it was crowded, booked on world America inaugural.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, that inaugural will be fantastic - good choice! Thanks a lot for watching, Ralph!

[@tamiw1903]

At one apartment i lived in, i had a sleeper sofa like the fold-out in that solo cabin... they are NOT that comfy...

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, they shouldn’t be the primary bed in a cruise ship cabin - I still can’t believe it was in there! Thanks for watching, Tami!

[@jamesthefirst8790]

All I can say is... Thank God for Closed Caption... otherwise I couldn't understand 75% of what you were saying... Maybe that was part of the problem with Customer Service... I'm sure that those "International" representatives didn't understand half of what you were saying... I don't know where your accent is from, but I would suggest to try to "americanize" it a little bit so you can be a little bit more intelligible to English speakers from differernt parts of the world. BTW, that first cabin was horrible... glad you were able to move... but charging $18 more per day was the typical thing Cruise Companies are doing these days... Nickel and Diming...

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi James, I’m from Scotland. As much as I’d love to make me easier to understand, it’s really difficult for me to Americanise it. Believe it or not, this is it muuuuch more neutral. Ha, thanks for watching with the captions! 😊

[@wendingourway]

Those single room really just need a dedicated bed. The lines would have done me in...just can't keep on my feet standing for that long anymore. I did think the itinerary for a little strange, but I'm not sure is this is even something the cruise line can control. I know specifically here in Halifax, the port authority has total say in when a ship and come and go, and there has been various challenges for cruise ships entering while container ships are navigating an exit making a late arrival. But really, a lot can be excused if one receives exemplary customer service...which it seems was a little lacking on this voyage for sure! Sure do hope it hasn't put you off on visiting our little part of Canada here on the east coast once again.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! Oh, don’t worry - my next series is in Canada and the East coast again, and it was wonderful - stay tuned!! 😊

[@BrianKitching-wv5nh]

I could never do a cruise.I get sea sick and have a fear of water.Interesting video though.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much for watching! I’m so glad that non-cruisers also find my content interesting - thanks for supporting my little channel! 😊

[@johnwinter6061]

All pre-covid: Best included food we've had is NCL Bliss. Good staff all around. Best on/off ship - start, ports of call and end - RCL - and their big ships are best. eg Symphony. Worst Queen Mary 2. Best customer service - RCL hands down. They admit mistakes (or accept you made an error in good faith) and fixed them with no arguments. Also got some compensation we didn't expect and didn't ask for. Princess? My 'cardigan' liner. OK but nothing exciting, even on their flagship the Regal. Australian admin goes into denial, slow mode and play 'ping pong' between them, the agent and the customer. They didn't understand the common law of agency until I spelt it out for them. Once they pay commission to a travel agent, it becomes a Princess agent (not the customer's agent) and Princess are liable for the actions of travel agents. That includes refunds. You do NOT have to go through the travel agent. That may be their preference but by law you can dump the agent anytime you like and deal direct.

[@junea3259]

Ive never had passport checks on any cruise.. the cruise line has copies of every passengers passports

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, really? That’s interesting! Some routes can be worse for it than others - I had so many checks when I cruised the Middle East last year! Thanks for watching! :)

[@glengosling5636]

I stuck with it , information go , you’ve put me off MSC even if it is cheap. Unfortunately I can’t stand such long introductions. 😊

[@FraserAtSea]

Sure - thanks for watching Glen. Sorry for the intro, but I really appreciate your support by watching my video 😊

[@daviddubinsky1281]

Yep MSc known for problems you need to do your research before they usually cheaper by $1000 than other cruiselines, but missing service, like on my cruise they didnot notify us that we need to rewind the clock so we missed our tour, drinks was excellent and free, internet was pretty good and cheaper than other lines, private island excellent better than other lines, food was bad bad bad in main restaurant, buffet so so pastries was good, on last day 5am before disembarkation person jumped and killed herself so they were looking for her body awhile they found her and as result we were late to the port so many people missed their planes, there was a fight later... stuff like that lol

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I’m so sorry you had a bad experience - hopefully you’ll give it another try. I’ve had some of my best cruises on MSC, but unfortunately also my worst 😔

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks a lot for watching!

[@markbarker9035]

We just done a cruise on MSc World Europa in the med, a bit disappointed the ship was great buffet was lousy fine dining was brilliant the shows were amazing, deck entertainment was absolutely crap , due to the European soccer we absolutely loved Malta , we have only been on 2 cruises 🚢 & I think princess was better !

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Mark, thanks for commenting, and thanks for supporting my channel by watching this video. World Europa is a ship with SUCH potential - will be intrigued to see what happens with World America…!

[@tinamartin6365]

I'll tell you it starts and ends with the Captain. From what I can tell from this trip they need to replace the Captain!!! Seascape, Seashore, you never hear about these complaints!! Mind you they don't have any control of the room complaints you had for the inside room. WOW what a horrible room! MSC should be ashamed!!! Absolutely unforgivable! What a sham of a ship!! I won't EVER be on this ship! Customer service seemed to be an absolute shxx show! MSC give your head a shake and I know you're looking at these comments. My husband are trying MSC next month. Be aware I Am video taping things, I am making notes of everything that goes on and I will be just as critical!

[@FraserAtSea]

Tina, thanks for watching. I usually love MSC, but this cruise felt a bit different unfortunately. I’m sure you won’t need to worry about your upcoming trip - there have been lots of reassuring comments from recent cruisers on these videos to say it has really improved!

[@Beachdudeca]

A lesson in look at the details of your cruise booking. Itinerary lesson. Time of year and weather lesson especially if you will tender. Understand your cabin type.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I totally agree! Thanks for watching!!

[@JJ-dr2ve]

I think MSC has exploded way too fast. Too fast to keep company culture consistent across all crew. With the goal of dominating the market, they can’t possibly keep up with the amount of crew being hired on and thrown to the wolves. I keep considering sailing on MSC, but after seeing disaster after disaster I think I’ll just stay away. Still traumatized about Ben & David’s nightmare. These types of experiences seem to always come from the hotel desk and customer service. But here, we have a failure in restaurants AND operations. The queues looked like nightmare. A certain way to ruin a good day. So yeah, I think I’ll just stick to the premium lines I trust. You paid about the same price when considering the inclusions vs. the extras MSC charges for.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! Thanks for watching, and I’d probably agree at present. I included the price in this video as so many people told me that ‘you get what you pay for’, but having cruised lots last year. This certainly wasn’t a ‘budget’ cruise! I’ll probably try again, but not yet…!!

[@JJ-dr2ve]

@@FraserAtSea Not budget by any means. I’d happily spend some additional $ per night on a VV to not have to deal with this. You’d probably spend that on MSC once you’ve got internet, tips, specialty dining and an occasional soft drink. All included on VV. Thank you for the content, I appreciate what you’re doing by keeping it real all around.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@JJ-dr2ve ahh, and thanks to YOU for supporting my little channel - it’s so appreciated!

[@MagicalTRVLR]

It's such a shame with MSC, they have a great offering, but the onboard service is hit or miss.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! I’d tend to agree - their offer is great, and the ships absolutely stunning, but you just don’t know what you’re going to get from a service POV…!

[@robwhitley7902]

I was on the chair in May going to Canada and New England, and to be honest it was actually one of the better customer service experience that I ever had down to our waiter in the main dining room and the staff in the pun of that I spent a lot of time in. I am not really sure how you had such a horrible experience. Maybe it also had to do with your cabin and your location.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Rob, thanks for watching, and thanks for commenting! I’m so glad to hear you had a great trip - I’m so hopeful that my cruise was an example of a one-off. Fingers crossed the next one is better… Thanks again!

[@GaryVC]

I always cruise Princess. I am going to try Royal Caribbean next year. Money is not so important as to book cheap and have a bad cruise. Spend the extra and go first class. My father would always say “If you can’t go first class, then why go at all?” The same goes for children. If you are a family, and can’t afford to bring the kids, then maybe you should not have come at all.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Gary, thanks for watching. Interesting comment, but I love trying all of the different cruise lines, and often cruise on the inside to avoid even paying for a window, never mind first class, haha!

[@lindakowalski8687]

I would only do yacht club on MSC. It’s like a cattle ship in the general public area.

[@FraserAtSea]

I’ve heard a few people use this reference sadly 😞 Thanks for watching, Linda!

[@danielroach5415]

That cabin looks pretty awful - might be ok if you had a group and you booked the ones either side, and the centre one! and surely if they put a single bed there, you'd have room to open the wardrobes? I went on virtuosa just after the post covid restart, and magnifica the following year, and both were great, couldn't fault the service or food, but didn't have much to complain about (Tv reception was faulty, but that was sorted in a few hours) Although I will say that I don't think MSC have a monopoly on "couldn't care less" customer service.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! I’d agree - this room should have a single bed, and it would probably be a real asset if you booked the one/s on either side, too! Glad you enjoyed Virtuosa - she’s actually one of my favourite ships! Thanks for watching!