From my perspective MSC stands for Mildly Surprising Cruise Line. This covers those pleasant surprises we experience with them as well as the occasional oddities. Cheers 🥂
For what it's worth, I have hauled many a shipping container for MSC. The freight arm of the family business. And one thing to remember about MSC is that the family owns all the stock in the company. They don't have shareholders making their lives miserable. If they decide they want to do something, they don't have to get shareholder approval or face shareholder ire at the next annual meeting. That explains some of the weird stuff they do, and how quickly they can do something else if they find something's not working. And I can't believe the Brits eat beans for breakfast.
As someone who has spent a significant part of the last 20 years in helicopters, planes, and onboard various ocean-going vessels, i cannot stress enough the importance of paying attention to safety drills. Unless you've done some realistic training or, worse, been involved in a real emergency, you will have no idea how easy it is to become disorientated, be it by smoke, lack of lights, or water ingress, plus potentially being woken up in the middle of the night by an alarm. In a real event (and even false alarms), people will panic, and some people will behave irrationally, even violently. Please take the safety drills seriously, and remember the emergency escape routes from your cabin - you will be far better off than those who don't.
As someone whom has volunteered to offer some assistance to the first emergency team on my former employer building I can only to praise your statement. I was responsible to store their activities and occurrences archive, and few ones would think they have so much work ABOVE their paid for activities and as VOLUNTEER workforce. Please: Respect the emergency teams aboard cruise ships. They're doing it voluntarily above their paid jobs for your safety!
Is it not also the case that people not so much panic, but don’t take action while waiting for instruction? Drills and safety briefings give some idea of what to do. And every drill or code, that may seem inconvenient, is there directly abecause people have lost their lives.
Many years ago a couple we befriended on our first cruise suggested learning how to say common greetings in as many languages as possible. I then created a spreadsheet that I keep and bring with me on cruises. You wouldn't believe the joy you bring others by greeting them and thanking them in their own language! This is especially true with your stewards because it will reward you with better service and extras. Well worth the minimal effort required! Thanks!
This works with national anthems as well. If you can learn even part of another country's national anthem and sing it to someone, they will be so happy! I actually sang the South Africa Nkosi Sikilel anthem to a woman one time, and she cried. :)
Emma having watched you for nearly two years, my wife and I finally took our first cruise from Miami to Cozumel for our 34 anniversary. You are the reason why we took this trip on the celebrity summit and I can’t thank you enough for your sage advice and encouragement. We are already planning another trip in a few months and it is all because of you. Thank you!!!
Re kettles, having owned a hotel or 3 and been in the hotel industry for over 40 years, hotel/ cruise ship kettles are a worrying item. The things people do with their hotel kettles is scary, everything from cooking hot dogs to boiling their i]underwear. Believe me, the lack of a kettle is a bonus!
they used to have these small immersion coils you could put in a mug and boil the water. Do they not sell those anymore? But really, if there is a place to get tea and coffee at all times, why bother?
Being "trapped" on a ship with 3500 passengers, especially with lots of screaming kids, sounds like my worst nightmare! Never being able to be alone in a quiet spot (other than trapped in my cabin).... just makes me shudder with horror at the very thought..
We've only sailed once on MSC, a few years ago on the Seaside when it was new. My wife and I agree that with all the other options available we probably wouldn't sail MSC again. The ship was absolutely beautiful with all the crystal but to me it felt like often they chose style over comfort especially when it came to the furniture. There were many chairs that were interesting to look at but not comfortable to sit in. We also found the food to be disappointing. Nice to see MSC through your eyes...always enjoy your perspective Emma! MSC=My Sparkly Cruise ship :)
Just shows you every one enjoys a cruise for their own reasons. I was on the MSC Divina in 2019. It was the loudest, most crowded ship I’ve ever been on. You could not find a quiet nook. The atrium was a constant focus of entertainment. I love ships that leave the atrium serene where you can just take in the beauty and watch folks stroll by from time to time. The cruise was geared for 20-to early 30’s. A few of the staff and their enthusiasm saved the cruise for me. They have been the only ship that sang and danced as cruisers returned to the ship from port days. It was like a “spirit competition” with the other ships. I was in upper 50’s. There would be no reason for me to cruise MSC again unless my finances took a hit and I needed the cheaper bookings. (And something Emma just said ... multiple languages /speech repeated on EVERY announcement ..... UGHHH!)
A very honest review. So fed up with hearing people moaning about MSC when they have paid just £55+ a night and then comparing it with RC, Princess et al. We went on the Divina which I think is the same class ship as the Preziosa and we found it like you, a well laid out ship and in many repects perhaps better than the new Virtuosa. We have done 7 cruises with MSC and if you go looking for faults you can always find them, but we like the continental vibe, the different nationalities on board, the European style food and portions and the lack of stuffiness often found on P&O and being English you can always read the signs/notices on board and ALL the staff can understand you, which is not always the case for our European buddies. If you have a high disposible income then other cruise lines will happily take your money, but with our more restricted budget MSC have allowed us to do some great cruises both in Europe and the Caribbean, visit some great ports and see places we would never have got to and all the time eating, drinking and sleeping our way with the minimum of fuss and effort, what's not to like?
Emma, I wish I could express how important your videos are to keep me inspired to continue travel. Thanks for being you, and providing me with content I LOVE and cherish,❤✌
I'm glad I could provide you with great weather, (which I personally organised in advance), and had fun showing you around! Sorry about the bomb. I thought you would think it was exciting ;-P
I love table sharing. I don't have a Basque heritage, but my hometown has a huge Basque population, and it's super common to share a table. I think it's fun and a great way to meet people, and as a child I learned to be a more social person.
I'm so glad that you and Morgan were able to get together finally! Thanks for all of your great content. I watch you both weekly! This looks like a great cruise. My experience with MSC, here in the US, has not been that successful. You have me really thinking of things that stand for MSC. Fun!
Going on this actual ship in December. My first cruise. It's our 10 year wedding anniversary. My wife showed me your account. Thanks for the super-detailed report on the ship and your experience!
The best review ever made on a cruise! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ You really coverd EVERYTHING! Good AND Bad. The big mirror in front of the bed, it is for the ladies who wear a evening dress, especially at the Gala Evening (the dinner with the Captain), on the Seaday, and they need to see each detail of the outfit. And, as you could see, there is no other free space for a big mirror but, in front of the bed.
We recently had our honeymoon with MSC (the Grandiosa). We did take Yacht club as it was our honeymoon and I must say, the combination of all benefits on the bigger ships together with the quality of Yacht club is a huge plus. The service is suddenly great, the quality of food is much better, the bar and restaurant are less crowded, etc. Did you ever try Yacht club ever Emma?
That was a first for me, pizza with ketchup!! My first job was in a pizza restaurant owned by a family from Sicily. We gave the side-eye to anyone eating it with ranch dressing, which is pretty common in the US these days. I'm afraid they may have asked you to take your ketchup and leave. 😄 ❤️ Love your videos, Emma!
Hi Emma, something you said about the themed nights surprised me. They do tell you in the daily schedule program what the theme of the next evening is going to be. And MSC always has the same 7 themes that they cycle through over and over (like the 70s, or the floral one, etc). White nights is admittedly the most popular one. Also my favorite.
@@LEO..TV.. White things get dirty easily, and with no easy access to laundry it just seems in good practice to bring clothes that won't be stained too easily
Cruise Duck hider here.........I took my first MSC (Meraviglia) a couple weeks ago and not having an app was disappointing. Luckily, between signing up for the ship and time to check-in online, I did get an opportunity to put add my CC to my account like on other cruises. I also had early dining scheduled and printed on my cruise paperwork but when we got our cruise cards, late dining. Like you, we had to eat late the first night and then got it changed. The way I learn if there's theme parties, I go to the FB group for the cruise. Somehow there is someone who always seems to know.,
I have traveled twice with the Preziosa and I like it a lot , next time it will be with the MSC Euribia as a diamond card holder, that is exciting. I like your cruising videos, Emma, they are so informative and I like that you are always so positive and cheerful.
I just don’t understand the negative press that MSC seems to get - I’d maybe go as far as to say they’re currently my favourite. If not number 1, they’re right up there! I’m still gutted we didn’t overlap on this one - maybe one day…! 🤞🏼
@@EmmaCruises yeah, the price point really is remarkable for some of their routes - I’m looking at one for next year for about £60 a night, which would be excellent (that’s the SOLO price!!)
I've never thought I would like going on a cruise but since I found your channel a couple of weeks ago, I've started wanting to go on one! Though here in Argentina it's extremely expensive to even think about going on one :(
It would be cool if you could do a little history of each cruise line. I know from working with a few cruise lines the history of how they came to be is quite interesting. Maybe one for the cruise geeks like myself.
My first cruise was MSC Lyrica and it was wonderful about 30 days from Rio to Italy. It was fun to be the exotic Australians on a multinational cruise.
@@dudtopics159 Australia has 4 weeks annual leave and its commonly taken in one block but in my case I saved up and just went for it.with only about 10 days of acrued leave
You do such a fabulous job of your channel! Jam packed with facts and details, photos and videos, opinions, stories, comparisons... everything! And you're such a bright and charming presenter! Well done!!! Thank you!
We were scheduled for this itinerary (plus Rotterdam) in May of 2020, which of course got cancelled by the pandemic. Thanks to you, we finally got to see what we missed.
These videos are so informative and interesting, Emma! Thank you! I just discovered the channel and love it. You're an excellent presenter - hope someone at a big network sees your content and gives you your own travel show!
Was great to get to meet you! I'm sad I didn't know about the free onion rings though, thought everything in the sports bar was extra! I've now booked 4 nights on the grandosia next month so will be interesting to see what the bigger and newer MSC ships are like.
We are tending to shy away from the bigger ships given the congestion at embarkation/disembarkation however your smooth experience here seems to show that MSC's way of staging customer joining throughout the cruise seems to help significantly.
Pizza with ketchup? Is that the same as Canadian ketchup or just a tomatoe sauce? Love these detailed cruise videos! I was so against cruises but you've made me want to try!!!!
Hey Emma. We’ve just got home from our 1st MSC cruise on the Preziosa. Broadly agree with your review, however a couple of small differences. The kids club on board was awesome for our 6yo. The dinners were a bit hit or miss for us but the buffet was really good. Especially the pizza. 😊 breakfast after 8.30 was chaos but before that it was nice and easy. Plenty of choice but maybe a bit of a hunt for the best sausages. 😂 all in all it was a good cruise and the little one definitely wants to go back.
Going on my first cruise on Saturday with TUI on the Discovery 2. Watched a ton of yours and others content and it's helped so much. Have done a couple weekend holidays on friends boats and love being on the ocean so I booked a 17 night transatlantic. Cannot wait!
Aaaaah another upload! I’ve been bingeing your videos the last week. Never been on a cruise, I don’t know if I have the sea legs, but you’ve become one of my favourite content creators!
Hi, Emma! New subbie here. I am enjoying catching up with your videos and I loved this review of your MSC cruise. I have never cruised, I am single, live in the U.S. and I like being frugal. It would be very helpful to see a video on how to book a cruise and perhaps which cruise line might be best for my situation. Thank you for considering doing a video for a complete cruise neophyte. Thanks for all your informative tips!
Hellooo! I’d recommend starting with downloading my free guide on my website, it compares all the main cruise lines: EmmaCruises.com 😀❤️ If you need an agent we can help too!
Another lovely video, Emma!! I'm very curious about NSC and I have heard more bad than good about them. The language issue is not a concern for me...make it work is my motto. Thank you so much for your hard work ❤️
in regards to the British quite - would you say it's synonymous with "kind of"? so it was kind of nice? A little nice? i would say it was "just ok" at that point.
Never been on MSC, but I always think of them as the Marmite Shipping Company, as people either tend to love them or hate them, but never indifference.
the next time you go to sweden, incase you ever do, I recommend trying viking line, they sail to finland from sweden / from finland to sweden. They're a good cruise line, but I do recommend trying one of the ship that go to Turku, Finland from Stockholm because they're newer and ''cleaner''
I'm taking my first MSC cruise in a couple weeks and I'm having some issues that are making me bit wary of ever sailing with them again. Praying all goes well. 🤞🏾
Dont worry, I have only done one cruise so far and it was with MSC, it was great, food was superb, ship beautiful, loads to do and great music. You will enjoy it.
You're on fire this week Emma! Just the video I needed, as there's the same cruise in March (before they raise the single suppliment rate), and it's reassuring to see you had no nightmare situations with service, food and the like (hopefully the bomb situation was a one off😉). Thanks!
After more than 30 cruises including Carnival, Princess ,Costa , Royal Caribbean , NCL etc.. 7 months ago i cruised on MSC Seashore and love it ! now looking for my next one in april 2023 i have 3 or 4 options on Carnival, ncl , princess and msc and decided to cruise on the Meraviglia out of Port Canaveral on a balcony cabin for less than a inside cabin on the other cruise lines !!!
It's fascinating how MSC has people start and finish at different times; it makes them more like the world's largest Ferry company rather than a Cruise. I'm not going to lie; I'd be ecstatic if an MSC allowed me to board from Napier, New Zealand, disembark at Auckland, and return when they return. I have plans to do something similar with NCL taking a cruise from Auckland to Sydney and back (it's a very regular service during the Cruising season) but disembark two stops early in Napier since that would save a lot on Travel to and from the ports for me. Still, having a Cruiseline as MSC do it as standard is much nicer.
This cute lady is an amazing presence she has a very clean look very cute, speaks clearly, consistently. The production is flawless always centered cuts are seamless. She packs 20 minutes of content in15 minute videos. Did I mention she is cute?
Wonderful video. Great narrative above nice b-roll images. excellent content with good humor. Many you-tubers should study and learn from this. They need not copy your style or content, but strive for the level of quality and engagement!
The llama dress has returned with no-drama-Emma (say that 5 times fast lol) MSC = eMma Suffers with Coke (thankfully, not true) ... maybe better "eMma Scarfs Chocolate" 23:31 - the consideration of the stack of dirty plates warms my heart! Thanks for the video. Blessings to Emma, Hudson, the family and you!
Hi Emma. I stumbled upon your channel watching random cruise videos, as we are taking our first in November. I’m really enjoying and appreciating your content! Wanted to stop by and say thanks! Lastly, the proper condiment for pizza is ranch dressing, and ONLY ranch dressings 😉
Ive cruised a lot on carnival. I loved being on the carnival breeze! It was a lot of fun. Had storms at see. The lightening was spectacular ! We also had the diners from Guy Ferrelle so we got his delicious burgers.
The Preziosa is with 335 meters one of the longest MSC Ships. Longer then most newer ones. So you have one of the longest ways from one end to the other on any MSC ship.
Hi Emma. Really like the quality of your videos - very informative, good editing/"production". I have just recently got back from a cruise on MSC Virtuosa but after watching one of your previous vids about MSC Cruises, this was recommended. Was only a short cruise with 2 ports plus ending in Hamburg (started in Southampton) but it could not stop at one of the ports because of weather! Was a shame. After watching one of your vids, was expecting to hear more multiple languages in announcements over speakers or during shows but it felt like a "British cruise". After France port, I think announcements over speaker were also in French. The shows were mostly in English, apart from Mosaico show (which is Spanish theme anyway). I found service overall good. Food was alright. Some things I really liked, some well not good so overall alright. Pizza was always an option in the buffet (till about 1am I think) and you can't go too wrong with pizza! One issue is when you get your passports back. Before docking in Hamburg they needed passport to "gain entry". Then next morning you all go to same area to get it back. But it was not very well organised. Some people in a queue, some just in the area and ended up with just some woman shouting cabin numbers - because she did not have all the passports at once. She did not shout that loud either so some passengers with louder voices ended up shouting! So if you did not hear her, unlucky. And inevitably, you end up getting people just going right up to her asking if she has their passport, when order people waiting. Surely its not first time they've done this. It was poorly organised. I have not been on loads of cruises but never found getting passport back being this much of an issue. Even though not going on another cruise soon, still watched! Going to be telling people about the MSC Status match thing! Was surprised you said Hamburg was far from the port - although I guess its far compared to some where the city is basically right next to the port. Although to get to our destination in Hamburg from port did take about 25 minutes in a taxi for us because of traffic!
Just started watching your videos and love them, very informative and a good way to cruise from the sofa. Your deluvery is excellent. Thank you, cant wait to watch more
Having been stationed in Germany decades ago I got used to schedules being upended by WWI and WWII bombs being found. I watched the video on it and while it was scheduled the transpo companies could have handled it better. As a yank doughnuts are traditional breakfast food with supermarkets having people come in just to make them for people going to work.
"Pizza definitely needs ketchup." 😵💫 In the US donuts are very much a breakfast food, often for a second breakfast. But here we can't get our heads around the idea that baked beans are considered breakfast foods.
Ascan American, I use "quite" in two ways. For example, "The hotel was quite nice" and "We aren't quite there, yet." The first means the hotel was nice, not great, but fairly or pretty nice. The second example means we still have a short ways to go before we get to our destination.
Amazing your food was included in the sports bar. We payed through the nose for some wings on the Seaview in 2019. But we’re going on MSC World Europa in 2023 and are so excited 😆
Thanks for another brilliant video Emma - fantastic as ever, and very very informative 😀 We are currently helping some friends pick their first cruise, and the pressure is very real (especially as we won't be sailing with them!). That said, we've taken a few people on their first cruise before and we are yet to meet anyone who hated it 😀 We've been looking at Preziosa lately and she certainly looks like a great ship 😀 We would absolutely eat all 4 of those chocolates as well 🤩
I recently stepped off the MSC Opera a totally different experience to Meraviglia plus, I must confess I've become addicted to cruising this was my 10th cruise since 2021 I think. No speciality restaurants, but ample bars and restaurants and showing her age a little bit. I did get a welcome back cocktail invite as I was Fantastica and it was my 6th time with MSC. I think it must have been the end of the season as it was a lot the crews last evening before disembarkation and they did a really interesting farewell show.
Hi Emma, Great video!! Will be on the MSC Divina in a couple of weeks, looks to be the sister ship of the one you were on. Always enjoy your British-isms.
I haven’t been on a cruise since 2014 and have only been on three in my lifetime. But I love your videos so much and always end up thinking - I should really take another cruise! I would love to hear tips about how to find your amazing cruise prices though. (It doesn’t help that I live landlocked in Minnesota in the US though)
Emma, HOW do you find these deals?! I've been trying to find a uk departure cruise within a budget my partner and I could afford, and have never found anything =(
We dont do shows always have late dinning preferably fixed late and always request a large table! This is how you meet people! We work the menu Early buffet breakfast late sit down breakfast nibbles at the lunch buffet sit down lunch, high tea when available, snack at Dinner buffet and sit down Dinner! you have to work the menu. lol
You might want to reconsider your aversion to shared table dining. It has always worked out well for me, although I prefer that it be different people each day so that I can meet new people! I love that polka dot dress, you look great in it! Oh, and ketchup on pizza... mama mia!
I went on the Sky Princess last month. It was a great cruise even though my family did have some mis-happenings. Everyone in my group accept me and my brother got sea sick. But then I injured my knee in Larochelle in France. Missed a step and fell on my knee. My brother banged his nose and his head and ended up bleeding a bit. Then to cap it all of the day we came of the ship I had a sore throat. Then driving back in the car got worse and worse as the journey went on. Did a test when we got back and I had caught Covid 19 and spent 8 days in bed till I finally tested negative. But apart from that is was a great cruise.
You had some adorable dresses in this video! I’d love to know where you shop. Maybe you could do a shopping/packing video for cruises. (Or maybe you already have?)
Thank you! I always shy away from this kinda content because I just wear random cheap clothes that are about 5 years old. Ha ha. It’s hard to be like ‘yeah I got this from somewhere in 2012’ 🥲🤣
Great video! Actually, MSC Preziosa entered service in 2013, not 2011 ;) The construction was on hold during multiple months after the original contract was canceled (this ship was not ordered by MSC at the beginning) Otherwise, have you considered trying Costa again on Smeralda or Toscana? The experience is quite different from what it used to be on those two ships :)
@@cosettapessa6417 Which ones? MSC Preziosa was built in St. Nazaire, France and the two Costa ships I'm talking about were built in Turku, Finland 🙂 (Previous Costa ships were mainly built in Genova and Marghera, Italy)
This is the third time that I’ve heard you make this point about ‘quite’ abs I have to point out that you’re not quite ;-) right. (I’m an English teacher.) ‘Quite’ is a difficult word for learners because it does indeed have two meanings (‘completely’ and ‘fairly’) but this distinction is not between British and American English. Both meanings are used in all dialects of English.
Cooked egg with unbroken yolk in middle of a whole pizza is stranger. Catsup is made with tomatoes after all. I have some recipes calling for whole bottles (12 oz) of catsup. One is for Bourbon Hotdogs; the other for Beer Meatballs. Also, I like yellow salad mustard on my fries. Malt vinegar is good too.
From my perspective MSC stands for Mildly Surprising Cruise Line. This covers those pleasant surprises we experience with them as well as the occasional oddities. Cheers 🥂
I love this!!! ❤🎉
Love that. ^.^
Usually on those pre cruise packages they send you They tell you if there's going to be a costume party or whatever or they used to
For what it's worth, I have hauled many a shipping container for MSC. The freight arm of the family business. And one thing to remember about MSC is that the family owns all the stock in the company. They don't have shareholders making their lives miserable. If they decide they want to do something, they don't have to get shareholder approval or face shareholder ire at the next annual meeting. That explains some of the weird stuff they do, and how quickly they can do something else if they find something's not working. And I can't believe the Brits eat beans for breakfast.
Yes! 🤣💕
As someone who has spent a significant part of the last 20 years in helicopters, planes, and onboard various ocean-going vessels, i cannot stress enough the importance of paying attention to safety drills. Unless you've done some realistic training or, worse, been involved in a real emergency, you will have no idea how easy it is to become disorientated, be it by smoke, lack of lights, or water ingress, plus potentially being woken up in the middle of the night by an alarm. In a real event (and even false alarms), people will panic, and some people will behave irrationally, even violently. Please take the safety drills seriously, and remember the emergency escape routes from your cabin - you will be far better off than those who don't.
Oh yes absolutely. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The Costa Concordia is an absolutely perfect example of that!!
As someone whom has volunteered to offer some assistance to the first emergency team on my former employer building I can only to praise your statement. I was responsible to store their activities and occurrences archive, and few ones would think they have so much work ABOVE their paid for activities and as VOLUNTEER workforce. Please: Respect the emergency teams aboard cruise ships. They're doing it voluntarily above their paid jobs for your safety!
On an airplane, I always count the number of rows between me and the Exit row...for that same reason!
Is it not also the case that people not so much panic, but don’t take action while waiting for instruction? Drills and safety briefings give some idea of what to do. And every drill or code, that may seem inconvenient, is there directly abecause people have lost their lives.
Many years ago a couple we befriended on our first cruise suggested learning how to say common greetings in as many languages as possible. I then created a spreadsheet that I keep and bring with me on cruises. You wouldn't believe the joy you bring others by greeting them and thanking them in their own language! This is especially true with your stewards because it will reward you with better service and extras. Well worth the minimal effort required! Thanks!
This is so lovely. I love this! 😍
This works with national anthems as well. If you can learn even part of another country's national anthem and sing it to someone, they will be so happy! I actually sang the South Africa Nkosi Sikilel anthem to a woman one time, and she cried. :)
That’s cool
Bravo to everyone reaching out like this! So impressed with the anthem singing!
Emma having watched you for nearly two years, my wife and I finally took our first cruise from Miami to Cozumel for our 34 anniversary. You are the reason why we took this trip on the celebrity summit and I can’t thank you enough for your sage advice and encouragement. We are already planning another trip in a few months and it is all because of you. Thank you!!!
Yesss! Thank you! 😁❤️
Celebrity is the best!! Less kids, more relaxing, no loud parties like carnival. Great food unlike Royal. It ruins you honestly.
Ketchup on pizza is a Monumentally Strange Choice (MSC)! 😜
Mwahhaahhaha. Love it!
@@EmmaCruises Do you also put sugar on your ice cream? Butter on your cheese? Salt on your pickles? The mind reels.
The way I *sprinted* to the comments when she said this 😂😂😂
I love listening to Emma, she is so reassuring and kind.
And cute. 😊
Re kettles, having owned a hotel or 3 and been in the hotel industry for over 40 years, hotel/ cruise ship kettles are a worrying item. The things people do with their hotel kettles is scary, everything from cooking hot dogs to boiling their i]underwear. Believe me, the lack of a kettle is a bonus!
😂😂😂
they used to have these small immersion coils you could put in a mug and boil the water. Do they not sell those anymore? But really, if there is a place to get tea and coffee at all times, why bother?
That’s worrying
Being "trapped" on a ship with 3500 passengers, especially with lots of screaming kids, sounds like my worst nightmare! Never being able to be alone in a quiet spot (other than trapped in my cabin).... just makes me shudder with horror at the very thought..
It’s a good job we are all different, variety is the spice of life as they say 😀💕
They have kid free cruises
I recommend noise-cancelling headphones highly, then you can ignore people anywhere, land or sea 😂❤
We've only sailed once on MSC, a few years ago on the Seaside when it was new. My wife and I agree that with all the other options available we probably wouldn't sail MSC again. The ship was absolutely beautiful with all the crystal but to me it felt like often they chose style over comfort especially when it came to the furniture. There were many chairs that were interesting to look at but not comfortable to sit in. We also found the food to be disappointing. Nice to see MSC through your eyes...always enjoy your perspective Emma! MSC=My Sparkly Cruise ship :)
Mu hubby and I feel the same way
Not too sure I will sail MSC but I am interested every time Emma brings us to her experiences .. I do like they match loyalty from other lines too 😁
Thank you! 😁❤️
I've been on 10 cruises, MSC were the best I’ve been on 😁
Just shows you every one enjoys a cruise for their own reasons. I was on the MSC Divina in 2019. It was the loudest, most crowded ship I’ve ever been on. You could not find a quiet nook. The atrium was a constant focus of entertainment. I love ships that leave the atrium serene where you can just take in the beauty and watch folks stroll by from time to time. The cruise was geared for 20-to early 30’s. A few of the staff and their enthusiasm saved the cruise for me. They have been the only ship that sang and danced as cruisers returned to the ship from port days. It was like a “spirit competition” with the other ships. I was in upper 50’s. There would be no reason for me to cruise MSC again unless my finances took a hit and I needed the cheaper bookings. (And something Emma just said ... multiple languages /speech repeated on EVERY announcement ..... UGHHH!)
A very honest review. So fed up with hearing people moaning about MSC when they have paid just £55+ a night and then comparing it with RC, Princess et al. We went on the Divina which I think is the same class ship as the Preziosa and we found it like you, a well laid out ship and in many repects perhaps better than the new Virtuosa. We have done 7 cruises with MSC and if you go looking for faults you can always find them, but we like the continental vibe, the different nationalities on board, the European style food and portions and the lack of stuffiness often found on P&O and being English you can always read the signs/notices on board and ALL the staff can understand you, which is not always the case for our European buddies. If you have a high disposible income then other cruise lines will happily take your money, but with our more restricted budget MSC have allowed us to do some great cruises both in Europe and the Caribbean, visit some great ports and see places we would never have got to and all the time eating, drinking and sleeping our way with the minimum of fuss and effort, what's not to like?
So true, needs to be compared to a travel lodge which is a similar price ha ha. 😅
I was on MSC World Europa and I absolutely loved it. Wont be the last time
Emma, I wish I could express how important your videos are to keep me inspired to continue travel. Thanks for being you, and providing me with content I LOVE and cherish,❤✌
Thank you so much, this is so kind I really appreciate it 😊
Agreed. A TH-cam content provider with great value.
I'm glad I could provide you with great weather, (which I personally organised in advance), and had fun showing you around! Sorry about the bomb. I thought you would think it was exciting ;-P
Why you little 🤔🤣
I love table sharing. I don't have a Basque heritage, but my hometown has a huge Basque population, and it's super common to share a table. I think it's fun and a great way to meet people, and as a child I learned to be a more social person.
2:15 Those steps are to die for 😱💖 I need those in my house
We travel like you do-economically without feeling like we’re missing out. I think travel is affordable; you just have to be smart!
I love that the newbies trusted you to help with their first cruise!👍👍A wonderful mix of people is so interesting.
Totally agree about paying window washers more money. I cringe whether I see the guys cleaning my office windows, and I am only 10 stories up.
Ketchup on pizza? Who puts ketchup on pizza? Pizza already has tomato sauce on it. What are you doing, Emma? :D
I’m American so ranch on pizza for me! 😊
Probably not on but next to dip into.😅
I’m from USA but I lived in England for five years. They certainly had some strange combinations when it comes to food.
Oh, that’s actually a brilliant idea, I’m always looking for more food to put ketchup on!
My brother opened the 1st domino's pizza in India and they all put mustard and ketchup on pizza.
I like Emma; she takes cruises and reports on the experience so I don't have to.
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I'm so glad that you and Morgan were able to get together finally! Thanks for all of your great content. I watch you both weekly! This looks like a great cruise. My experience with MSC, here in the US, has not been that successful. You have me really thinking of things that stand for MSC. Fun!
Ha ha. Thank you. I’ve never sailed MSC actually out of the US, but from Barbados. Love Morgan! ❤
Going on this actual ship in December. My first cruise. It's our 10 year wedding anniversary. My wife showed me your account. Thanks for the super-detailed report on the ship and your experience!
The best review ever made on a cruise! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
You really coverd EVERYTHING!
Good AND Bad.
The big mirror in front of the bed, it is for the ladies who wear a evening dress, especially at the Gala Evening (the dinner with the Captain), on the Seaday, and they need to see each detail of the outfit.
And, as you could see, there is no other free space for a big mirror but, in front of the bed.
Thanks so much really appreciate you saying this! ❤️❤️❤️
We recently had our honeymoon with MSC (the Grandiosa). We did take Yacht club as it was our honeymoon and I must say, the combination of all benefits on the bigger ships together with the quality of Yacht club is a huge plus. The service is suddenly great, the quality of food is much better, the bar and restaurant are less crowded, etc.
Did you ever try Yacht club ever Emma?
Yacht Club level with butler, concierge, lounge, food, pool area etc is a totally different and wonderful experience.
I love the dachshund waring the cowboy hat. My grandson would love the rubber duckies hidden all over the ship, too!
That was a first for me, pizza with ketchup!! My first job was in a pizza restaurant owned by a family from Sicily. We gave the side-eye to anyone eating it with ranch dressing, which is pretty common in the US these days. I'm afraid they may have asked you to take your ketchup and leave. 😄 ❤️ Love your videos, Emma!
Hi Emma, something you said about the themed nights surprised me. They do tell you in the daily schedule program what the theme of the next evening is going to be. And MSC always has the same 7 themes that they cycle through over and over (like the 70s, or the floral one, etc). White nights is admittedly the most popular one. Also my favorite.
cant believe how many people have to be 'prepared' for white night?? like youve not packed not even one item of white clothing as standard????????
@@LEO..TV.. White things get dirty easily, and with no easy access to laundry it just seems in good practice to bring clothes that won't be stained too easily
Cruise Duck hider here.........I took my first MSC (Meraviglia) a couple weeks ago and not having an app was disappointing. Luckily, between signing up for the ship and time to check-in online, I did get an opportunity to put add my CC to my account like on other cruises. I also had early dining scheduled and printed on my cruise paperwork but when we got our cruise cards, late dining. Like you, we had to eat late the first night and then got it changed. The way I learn if there's theme parties, I go to the FB group for the cruise. Somehow there is someone who always seems to know.,
When she said she ate the pizza with ketchup I felt my soul leave my body
Lol, I feel like if you really need ketchup with pizza then it must be very dry pizza. Ketchup is to sweet for pizza.
😅😅😅😅😅😅
Pizza with ketchup is almost a sacrilege.
I love your focus on Pizza! You know what is important!!!
I have traveled twice with the Preziosa and I like it a lot , next time it will be with the MSC Euribia as a diamond card holder, that is exciting. I like your cruising videos, Emma, they are so informative and I like that you are always so positive and cheerful.
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
I just don’t understand the negative press that MSC seems to get - I’d maybe go as far as to say they’re currently my favourite. If not number 1, they’re right up there!
I’m still gutted we didn’t overlap on this one - maybe one day…! 🤞🏼
One day! Yeah, absolutely have their downfalls but I don’t know what anybody can expect for less than a travel lodge. Ha ha. 😅😅
@@EmmaCruises yeah, the price point really is remarkable for some of their routes - I’m looking at one for next year for about £60 a night, which would be excellent (that’s the SOLO price!!)
Blimey yeah!!! ❤❤
I've never thought I would like going on a cruise but since I found your channel a couple of weeks ago, I've started wanting to go on one! Though here in Argentina it's extremely expensive to even think about going on one :(
It would be cool if you could do a little history of each cruise line. I know from working with a few cruise lines the history of how they came to be is quite interesting. Maybe one for the cruise geeks like myself.
Binge-watching episodes. Love your channel!
My first cruise was MSC Lyrica and it was wonderful about 30 days from Rio to Italy. It was fun to be the exotic Australians on a multinational cruise.
@@dudtopics159 Australia has 4 weeks annual leave and its commonly taken in one block but in my case I saved up and just went for it.with only about 10 days of acrued leave
You do such a fabulous job of your channel! Jam packed with facts and details, photos and videos, opinions, stories, comparisons... everything! And you're such a bright and charming presenter! Well done!!! Thank you!
Your videos and commentary are always pleasant to watch and have tons of information! Great work Emma! 👍😎
Thanks so much! 😊
We were scheduled for this itinerary (plus Rotterdam) in May of 2020, which of course got cancelled by the pandemic. Thanks to you, we finally got to see what we missed.
These videos are so informative and interesting, Emma! Thank you! I just discovered the channel and love it. You're an excellent presenter - hope someone at a big network sees your content and gives you your own travel show!
Thanks so much. I don’t know that I’d want my own show to be honest; I have my own show here but nobody else controls anything it’s all me! Ha ha. 😀❤️
Was great to get to meet you! I'm sad I didn't know about the free onion rings though, thought everything in the sports bar was extra! I've now booked 4 nights on the grandosia next month so will be interesting to see what the bigger and newer MSC ships are like.
I didn’t know either!!!!! They didn’t ever mention it did they? We had to go in and ask for the menu ha ha. Lovely to meet you too. ☺️❤
We are tending to shy away from the bigger ships given the congestion at embarkation/disembarkation however your smooth experience here seems to show that MSC's way of staging customer joining throughout the cruise seems to help significantly.
Pizza with ketchup? Is that the same as Canadian ketchup or just a tomatoe sauce? Love these detailed cruise videos! I was so against cruises but you've made me want to try!!!!
Very interesting Emma! Definitely some things to know if we sail with MSC in the future. Love those stairs 🤩
54 time she says “MSC!” This video is a drinking game 😂
Hey Emma. We’ve just got home from our 1st MSC cruise on the Preziosa. Broadly agree with your review, however a couple of small differences. The kids club on board was awesome for our 6yo. The dinners were a bit hit or miss for us but the buffet was really good. Especially the pizza. 😊 breakfast after 8.30 was chaos but before that it was nice and easy. Plenty of choice but maybe a bit of a hunt for the best sausages. 😂 all in all it was a good cruise and the little one definitely wants to go back.
Cheap?
Going on my first cruise on Saturday with TUI on the Discovery 2. Watched a ton of yours and others content and it's helped so much. Have done a couple weekend holidays on friends boats and love being on the ocean so I booked a 17 night transatlantic. Cannot wait!
Have the best time. That’s a great ship ❤🎉
Picked a 17 night transatlantic as a 1st cruise! Bold choice - enjoy! 😎
Aaaaah another upload! I’ve been bingeing your videos the last week. Never been on a cruise, I don’t know if I have the sea legs, but you’ve become one of my favourite content creators!
Thanks so much for watching and your kind words! I appreciate it 😀❤️
Hi Emma,
Great video! We loved our MSC cruise on Virtuosa last summer! It was thanks to you that we took it!👍😊👏👏👏
Love hearing this! Thank you! 😁❤️
Hi, Emma! New subbie here. I am enjoying catching up with your videos and I loved this review of your MSC cruise. I have never cruised, I am single, live in the U.S. and I like being frugal. It would be very helpful to see a video on how to book a cruise and perhaps which cruise line might be best for my situation. Thank you for considering doing a video for a complete cruise neophyte. Thanks for all your informative tips!
Hellooo! I’d recommend starting with downloading my free guide on my website, it compares all the main cruise lines: EmmaCruises.com 😀❤️ If you need an agent we can help too!
@@EmmaCruises Thank you! 🙂
Watching you has really been helping me thru some difficult times thank you Emma :)
I'm so glad to hear that, hope you are doing okay!
We have just got off an eleven night cruise MSC Magnifica from Marseille to the Canaries and Tangiers. Great ship 🚢 great time.
MSC stands for
Much Safer Choices
I get weird Costa Cruise line vibes from MSC. I should be brave and try one before I judge too much!
Another lovely video, Emma!!
I'm very curious about NSC and I have heard more bad than good about them.
The language issue is not a concern for me...make it work is my motto.
Thank you so much for your hard work ❤️
in regards to the British quite - would you say it's synonymous with "kind of"? so it was kind of nice? A little nice? i would say it was "just ok" at that point.
Yesss, exactly that. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Never been on MSC, but I always think of them as the Marmite Shipping Company, as people either tend to love them or hate them, but never indifference.
I love that!!! Yes!!! Exactly that. 😅❤
I have never been on cruise but after watching your video, it is one of my bucket list!
I have a 30 day cruise next month. Multiple B2B's in the Caribbean on MSC. Thanks for this video. I love your details
the next time you go to sweden, incase you ever do, I recommend trying viking line, they sail to finland from sweden / from finland to sweden. They're a good cruise line, but I do recommend trying one of the ship that go to Turku, Finland from Stockholm because they're newer and ''cleaner''
I'm taking my first MSC cruise in a couple weeks and I'm having some issues that are making me bit wary of ever sailing with them again. Praying all goes well. 🤞🏾
Dont worry, I have only done one cruise so far and it was with MSC, it was great, food was superb, ship beautiful, loads to do and great music. You will enjoy it.
You have good reason to be worried. We are on one right now and the organization is horrible.
We were on MSC in March. Never again
@meman6964 I'm sorry to hear that. My complaints were minor, and the cruise was great. So much so that I've actually booked with them again.
We had this cruise booked for 2020 and never got to do it, one day we will do it.
Thank you Emma for your review of the ship.
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
You're on fire this week Emma! Just the video I needed, as there's the same cruise in March (before they raise the single suppliment rate), and it's reassuring to see you had no nightmare situations with service, food and the like (hopefully the bomb situation was a one off😉). Thanks!
Ha ha I hope so!! 😂😂😂
A bowling alley on a cruise ship - interesting. It must be extra challenging during rough seas.
Haha!! Can always blame the ship if you do badly. 😂
Great cruise review!!! I have to try MSC! They all have alot of bling bling...& look beautiful too!
After more than 30 cruises including Carnival, Princess ,Costa , Royal Caribbean , NCL etc..
7 months ago i cruised on MSC Seashore and love it !
now looking for my next one in april 2023 i have 3 or 4 options on Carnival, ncl , princess and msc and decided to cruise on the Meraviglia out of Port Canaveral on a balcony cabin for less than a inside cabin on the other cruise lines !!!
It's fascinating how MSC has people start and finish at different times; it makes them more like the world's largest Ferry company rather than a Cruise. I'm not going to lie; I'd be ecstatic if an MSC allowed me to board from Napier, New Zealand, disembark at Auckland, and return when they return.
I have plans to do something similar with NCL taking a cruise from Auckland to Sydney and back (it's a very regular service during the Cruising season) but disembark two stops early in Napier since that would save a lot on Travel to and from the ports for me. Still, having a Cruiseline as MSC do it as standard is much nicer.
I was just thinking about this too! Also in hb
This cute lady is an amazing presence she has a very clean look very cute, speaks clearly, consistently. The production is flawless always centered cuts are seamless. She packs 20 minutes of content in15 minute videos. Did I mention she is cute?
Hahah! Thanks so much for watching and your kind words! I appreciate it 😀❤️
Wonderful video. Great narrative above nice b-roll images. excellent content with good humor. Many you-tubers should study and learn from this. They need not copy your style or content, but strive for the level of quality and engagement!
Thanks so much, trying my best to learn as I go! ❤🎉
The llama dress has returned with no-drama-Emma (say that 5 times fast lol)
MSC = eMma Suffers with Coke (thankfully, not true) ... maybe better "eMma Scarfs Chocolate"
23:31 - the consideration of the stack of dirty plates warms my heart!
Thanks for the video. Blessings to Emma, Hudson, the family and you!
didn't know that about rewards with Msc will keep that in mind once I finish my next P&O cruise as will have qualified for peninsular then.
Hi Emma. I stumbled upon your channel watching random cruise videos, as we are taking our first in November. I’m really enjoying and appreciating your content! Wanted to stop by and say thanks! Lastly, the proper condiment for pizza is ranch dressing, and ONLY ranch dressings 😉
Thanks so much :-)
Ive cruised a lot on carnival. I loved being on the carnival breeze! It was a lot of fun. Had storms at see. The lightening was spectacular ! We also had the diners from Guy Ferrelle so we got his delicious burgers.
We had so many bad reports about MSC that after listening to you, we might decide to go, we are mostly Celebrity, Royal and Princess.thank you!
As long as you go with an open mind and get a good deal, it’s all good! ❤❤
The cruise lines you have been on are a full step nicer than MSC .
The Preziosa is with 335 meters one of the longest MSC Ships. Longer then most newer ones. So you have one of the longest ways from one end to the other on any MSC ship.
Hi Emma. Really like the quality of your videos - very informative, good editing/"production". I have just recently got back from a cruise on MSC Virtuosa but after watching one of your previous vids about MSC Cruises, this was recommended. Was only a short cruise with 2 ports plus ending in Hamburg (started in Southampton) but it could not stop at one of the ports because of weather! Was a shame. After watching one of your vids, was expecting to hear more multiple languages in announcements over speakers or during shows but it felt like a "British cruise". After France port, I think announcements over speaker were also in French. The shows were mostly in English, apart from Mosaico show (which is Spanish theme anyway). I found service overall good. Food was alright. Some things I really liked, some well not good so overall alright. Pizza was always an option in the buffet (till about 1am I think) and you can't go too wrong with pizza!
One issue is when you get your passports back. Before docking in Hamburg they needed passport to "gain entry". Then next morning you all go to same area to get it back. But it was not very well organised. Some people in a queue, some just in the area and ended up with just some woman shouting cabin numbers - because she did not have all the passports at once. She did not shout that loud either so some passengers with louder voices ended up shouting! So if you did not hear her, unlucky. And inevitably, you end up getting people just going right up to her asking if she has their passport, when order people waiting. Surely its not first time they've done this. It was poorly organised. I have not been on loads of cruises but never found getting passport back being this much of an issue.
Even though not going on another cruise soon, still watched! Going to be telling people about the MSC Status match thing! Was surprised you said Hamburg was far from the port - although I guess its far compared to some where the city is basically right next to the port. Although to get to our destination in Hamburg from port did take about 25 minutes in a taxi for us because of traffic!
Just started watching your videos and love them, very informative and a good way to cruise from the sofa. Your deluvery is excellent. Thank you, cant wait to watch more
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
An influencer who repeatedly thanks other for sharing their thoughts and opinions. I can get used to this future!
Thank you, I am thinking of booking a short cruise with a child.
Having been stationed in Germany decades ago I got used to schedules being upended by WWI and WWII bombs being found. I watched the video on it and while it was scheduled the transpo companies could have handled it better. As a yank doughnuts are traditional breakfast food with supermarkets having people come in just to make them for people going to work.
"Pizza definitely needs ketchup." 😵💫
In the US donuts are very much a breakfast food, often for a second breakfast. But here we can't get our heads around the idea that baked beans are considered breakfast foods.
10000% 🤣💕
Ascan American, I use "quite" in two ways. For example, "The hotel was quite nice" and "We aren't quite there, yet." The first means the hotel was nice, not great, but fairly or pretty nice. The second example means we still have a short ways to go before we get to our destination.
Amazing your food was included in the sports bar. We payed through the nose for some wings on the Seaview in 2019. But we’re going on MSC World Europa in 2023 and are so excited 😆
Thanks for another brilliant video Emma - fantastic as ever, and very very informative 😀
We are currently helping some friends pick their first cruise, and the pressure is very real (especially as we won't be sailing with them!). That said, we've taken a few people on their first cruise before and we are yet to meet anyone who hated it 😀
We've been looking at Preziosa lately and she certainly looks like a great ship 😀
We would absolutely eat all 4 of those chocolates as well 🤩
Soooo much pressure!! Sure you’ll make the right choice though. 🎉❤
@@EmmaCruises thanks Emma 😃 we shall do our best!
I recently stepped off the MSC Opera a totally different experience to Meraviglia plus, I must confess I've become addicted to cruising this was my 10th cruise since 2021 I think. No speciality restaurants, but ample bars and restaurants and showing her age a little bit. I did get a welcome back cocktail invite as I was Fantastica and it was my 6th time with MSC. I think it must have been the end of the season as it was a lot the crews last evening before disembarkation and they did a really interesting farewell show.
Hi Emma, Great video!! Will be on the MSC Divina in a couple of weeks, looks to be the sister ship of the one you were on. Always enjoy your British-isms.
I haven’t been on a cruise since 2014 and have only been on three in my lifetime. But I love your videos so much and always end up thinking - I should really take another cruise!
I would love to hear tips about how to find your amazing cruise prices though. (It doesn’t help that I live landlocked in Minnesota in the US though)
I feel like a cruise ship's ATP score (access to pizza) should be included in all future reviews.
Emma, HOW do you find these deals?! I've been trying to find a uk departure cruise within a budget my partner and I could afford, and have never found anything =(
Excellent Review. I can agree with everything, this was a great cruise and it was lovely to meet you :) Greetings from Germany :)
Felix :)
Felix!!!!!! Lovely to meet you too. So glad you agree. ❤🎉
We dont do shows always have late dinning preferably fixed late and always request a large table! This is how you meet people! We work the menu Early buffet breakfast late sit down breakfast nibbles at the lunch buffet sit down lunch, high tea when available, snack at Dinner buffet and sit down Dinner! you have to work the menu. lol
You might want to reconsider your aversion to shared table dining. It has always worked out well for me, although I prefer that it be different people each day so that I can meet new people!
I love that polka dot dress, you look great in it!
Oh, and ketchup on pizza... mama mia!
The safety drill was the same way in July on board the MSC Seaside (which got the app). I really need to say that I enjoy watching your videos a lot 🥰
I went on the Sky Princess last month. It was a great cruise even though my family did have some mis-happenings. Everyone in my group accept me and my brother got sea sick. But then I injured my knee in Larochelle in France. Missed a step and fell on my knee. My brother banged his nose and his head and ended up bleeding a bit. Then to cap it all of the day we came of the ship I had a sore throat. Then driving back in the car got worse and worse as the journey went on. Did a test when we got back and I had caught Covid 19 and spent 8 days in bed till I finally tested negative. But apart from that is was a great cruise.
You had some adorable dresses in this video! I’d love to know where you shop. Maybe you could do a shopping/packing video for cruises. (Or maybe you already have?)
Thank you! I always shy away from this kinda content because I just wear random cheap clothes that are about 5 years old. Ha ha. It’s hard to be like ‘yeah I got this from somewhere in 2012’ 🥲🤣
Great video! Actually, MSC Preziosa entered service in 2013, not 2011 ;) The construction was on hold during multiple months after the original contract was canceled (this ship was not ordered by MSC at the beginning)
Otherwise, have you considered trying Costa again on Smeralda or Toscana? The experience is quite different from what it used to be on those two ships :)
Where do they build them?
@@cosettapessa6417 Which ones? MSC Preziosa was built in St. Nazaire, France and the two Costa ships I'm talking about were built in Turku, Finland 🙂 (Previous Costa ships were mainly built in Genova and Marghera, Italy)
@@Avaguea sad they lost production in the original country 🥲
2:30 Wow, the color scheme and everything here is amazing.
Haha 😀👏🏼
This is the third time that I’ve heard you make this point about ‘quite’ abs I have to point out that you’re not quite ;-) right. (I’m an English teacher.)
‘Quite’ is a difficult word for learners because it does indeed have two meanings (‘completely’ and ‘fairly’) but this distinction is not between British and American English. Both meanings are used in all dialects of English.
RCI was the same way with their app only being supported on newest ships. They updated the app during the shutdown.
Cooked egg with unbroken yolk in middle of a whole pizza is stranger. Catsup is made with tomatoes after all.
I have some recipes calling for whole bottles (12 oz) of catsup. One is for Bourbon Hotdogs; the other for Beer Meatballs.
Also, I like yellow salad mustard on my fries. Malt vinegar is good too.