I bet you’ve never heard of MSC cruiseline. Skip it. April 25, 2007

It’s not my usual role to trash cruise lines as that is what I do as a job is sell cruises to people, but my recent cruise on MSC made me feel like I was going overboard (excuse the pun) in service for my clients.  I like to try a cruise line so that I can recommend them with some actual experience.  MSC is an Italian cruise line, with many more ships in the European market than in the US Caribbean market.  The passengers on my sailing were over 50% internations – the rest from Florida and then me and my husband. 

 It was an Exotic Caribbean with a great itinerary and no complaints there.  The complaints were actually only with the basic needs of life; food and sleep.  I needed to lose a few pounds so losing weight wasn’t a bad thing, but it was a new experience on a cruise ship.  Only one piece of good beef all 11 days and that was prime rib, which is pretty hard to ruin really.  I gave up on soups on day 3, moved to straight icecream for dessert after trying their creme brulee.  It was more of a tasting cruise.  The weird thing is I thought an Italian cruise line should at least be able to do pasta, one I tried tasted like Cambells soup poured over noodles – real sad. 

The biggest issue with me was the sorry beds.  Next you ask… how old of a ship…?   Well the Lirica is about 3 years old.  The coils on this bed could be felt by just brushing your hand over the top.  The seas had a large swell and the ship was rocking quite a bit many nights of the cruise.  I got bruises on my hip right at the start and then if I slept on my side (which I prefer) the next night I was rolling over the bruises again and again for 10 nights – you get the picture.  I am a bit of a princess when it comes to my bed – but I’ve always said, truthfully, that I get my best sleep at sea.   Sleep like a rock is how I describe it.  Love the gentle motion!  Feel my best and allergy free with the clean sea air.  I did ask for a extra bed topper from the room steward and he said all they could do was add extra blankets under my sheets, which he did. It didn’t really help.

The ship was in very good condition – cleanliness wise and nothing in disrepair.  No complaints there.  The staff was wonderful.  The entertainment was diverse – I’m not into seeing girls butts, and I was a little concerned when they had the kid program on the front rows with half naked people on stage. 

I missed the art that you see on so many ships.  The halls were long and barren.  The public areas would have a large mural of some sort, but nothing else.  Not the prettiest ship for sure.

When I heard about some of the prices people had paid to sail -I realized this was a cheap cruise line and if I ever sold it – that would be the reason why.

We loved our dinner mates and I read 5 books and it was nice to be away with my hubby, but I’m not going to go searching for guinea pig experiences anytime soon.

what’s a cruise specialist?? April 16, 2007

I often get a weird look when I tell people that I’m a cruise specialist.  I’m not a regular travel agent, in that I have specialized in cruises and that’s what I book about 99% of the time.  Many people think it’s my hobby, as I cruise a lot.  Actually I work a lot.  I book over 100 cabins on cruise ships annually and have for the last 5 years.  I have taken my training very seriously and constantly look for continuing education opportunities on all the cruise lines and ships, including the smaller vessels that are available. 

My course work has included becoming an Accredited Cruise Counselor with CLIA the main cruise association.  I’ve also taken training with most of the cruise lines that I sell.

My experience on ships stands at 23 sailings on 9 different lines.  I’ve also toured ships during cruise conventions, which I go to at least once a year.  I’ve toured/sailed over 35 ships used today.  Most ships have sister ships, (look a like) so when you take that into account I’ve seen most of what’s out there.

My experience, memory for detail and critical eye is what helps me make sure that you get on the right sailing.  Everyone likes a good value, but that is different for each person based on your needs and pocketbook.  Cruise lines have their target market, and it’s my job to see that you have the best vacation possible.  Getting on the RIGHT ship is the best start to a GREAT CRUISE.    Email me with where and when you are thinking you would like to cruise.  I’d love to work for you.  Rose@CruisesByRose.com