I had the opportunity to take this cruise on a steep discount so from that aspect alone it was worth it. However, I don’t know that I would take another cruise on MSC if I had to pay a “normal” rate. As a person with a physical disability there were definitely some challenges. I had rented a scooter but couldn’t keep it in my room because it would not fit. I couldn’t charge it in the hallway because there were only European outlets. Maneuvering through some of the stores was challenging because the width of aisles were too small.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Easiest embarkation ever. No line, no waiting. Was on the ship in about 15 minutes from the time I dropped off luggage with the porters.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food itself was delicious. Portion sizes were smaller than usual, but honestly I appreciated the size because they were more in line with recommended serving sizes. I had issues with service in terms of having my order taken, waiting for water refills, and waiting for food.
Marketplace Buffet
3 out of 5
I only physically at there once on Day 1 and it was just too crowded for me. My son would bring me plates to have in my cabin. There didn’t seem to be a good variety of salad bar toppings/dressings, but the food was ok.
L'Olive Doree & L'Olivo D'Oro
5 out of 5
Only ate there on the second to last day. We had the 8:30 serving. Food was great and service was outstanding. We went on gala night and there were a lot of birthdays which the staff celebrated with great enthusiasm! It was a wonderful atmosphere and thoroughly enjoyed the experience!
Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Coffee
3 out of 5
Went through on Day 1 before the cruise departed. They didn’t have white chocolate that was an essential component of several of their menu drinks. Only one person taking orders and preparing drinks so it took awhile. Server was very friendly and the beverages we settled for were good.
Waves Restaurant
4 out of 5
Food was excellent, service was slow. We went on a port day for lunch. It took awhile to even have our drink order (iced tea) taken and it wasn’t served until just before we received our dessert.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There was plenty to do, but we only took advantage of the trivia and gambling in the casino.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
We went to the Rock Circus show. It was a good show, but not worth the onboard price. Definitely pre-pay as the price on board is almost the price of two drinks. They had trays of pre-poured drinks that were seriously watered down.
Carousel Lounge
4 out of 5
Nice layout for the Rock Circus.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Staff was extremely friendly, but service at restaurants was slow. Guest services was always busy but they had ample staff and lines moved quickly. Never seem to be anyone at the Excursion desk so was disappointed that I couldn’t find someone to discuss options for excursions appropriate for a mobility impaired person.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Staff were constantly cleaning and maintaining the ship. The ship was gorgeous.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
First, I must highly commend our cabin steward Gusti! He was simply fantastic. He checked on us frequently and made us feel cared about and important.
For a balcony cabin (we upgraded to an Aurea cabin from a Bella), I was really disappointed in the size. The cabin had a narrow entryway, small closet, and the most uncomfortable bed that I have ever slept on. There was only one outlet in the room that had US and European accessibility. I would bring a European plug (or adapters) in order to maximize usage. Balcony was small as well as the bathroom. If you are a larger person in terms of girth and height you will most likely be uncomfortable.
Ship tip
Bring tissues as they were not provided. Allow 2 hours for dinner at a specialty restaurant and be sure to make reservations right away.
It’s in an industrial area so nothing to write home about, but great views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty depending on your location on the ship.
It was a gorgeous sunny day and we enjoyed our trek into the downtown area. We enjoyed lunch at a restaurant called Lucy’s that was right on the water with a great view of the ship. Lots of shopping from high end to bargain basement.
Our experience was not great as the woman dealing with disembarkation of handicapped passengers was not particularly friendly or accommodating. Part of the issue was a medical emergency that no one on board could anticipate our control which delayed the process. However there was a clear disconnect with what guest services relayed to passengers and what her priorities were. She was also verbally abusive to the staff that were going to be assisting the wheelchair passengers. Once we were allowed off the ship it was a breeze to get through and to pass through customs. Facial recognition is great. I recommend the express departure as you won’t have to wait for your luggage to be delivered to the terminal. Also note that it was extremely slow getting out in a car/Uber. Long lines of traffic. And, there were not many taxis waiting so you may want to plan ahead for a service or rideshare.
I guess when you booked it was to late to get a handicap cabin as we have been in ocean view handicap cabins on a few MSC ships and it is very big. You would find having one would most likely increase your enjoyment of the cruise, but you do have to book early as with most lines there are not many handicap cabins.
Next time, before your cruise have your travel agent contact the assessable cruise department for your ship. They will be able to advise you of all the available excursions for your particular situation.
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