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EXCURSIONS PROGRAMME
Q. What is an excursion program like?
A. Excursion programs are designed to cater to every MSC guest, satisfying their tastes and preferences. A variety of itineraries are proposed for each location including cultural attractions and sightseeing, shopping opportunities and trips to local beaches. Passengers can really get a feel for the day’s destination in just a few hours and come away with some great new vacation memories.
Q. Where can I learn more about the excursion program so I am sure to pick something I enjoy?
A. The MSC Cruises catalogue contains detailed information about each excursion. When you reserve a cruise, you will receive detailed information regarding excursion times, prices and itineraries by selecting choices that relate to your personal tastes. Once onboard, guests will also find an informative brochure in their cabin. Finally, the Tour Manager and staff are also on hand to provide information and advice.
Q. Are there any discounts or incentives?
A. Children under 14 years of age receive a 30% discount on the price of excursions.
PASSPORTS AND VACCINATIONS
Q. What documents do I need?
Passengers must hold fully valid passports for the whole duration of the cruise and the expiry date must be at least 6 months after the return date. Certain countries insist on machine-readable and digital photo passports, especially Russia and USA. It is the responsibility of the Passenger to obtain all necessary visas that are required.In no way whatsoever will the company be held liable for the Passengers not obtaining the required visas.
Q. Do I Need A Vaccination To Visit South Africa?
Yes, for Southbound cruises a vaccination for Yellow Fever is compulsory, unless you can provide an exemption certificate issued by your doctor (in English ). The certificate needs to be valid at the moment of arrival to Namibia and South Africa. Please allow time for us to have this document scanned and sent to the Namibian and S.African health authorities.
Without exemption approval Embarkation will not be permitted.
CHILDREN ONBOARD
Q. Until what age can children travel for free?
A. There are special offers for children staying in the same cabin with two adults. Registration fees, insurance, flights and transfer costs are not included and must be paid individually. Please contact your Tavel Agent for more information.
Q. Are cots and highchairs available onboard?
A. Yes, a limited number of cots and highchairs are available onboard, although please be prepared for more demand for these during the high season. Please be sure that the travel agency faxes your request for these items when you book your cruise.
Q. What can babies and small children eat onboard?
A. All children onboard our MSC cruise ships can enjoy tasty, creative dishes as well as varied and entertaining main courses. Our vast menu selection is designed to meet children's tastes as well as their nutritional needs. Vegetable purees or soups, baby food, and/or fresh fruit shakes can be made available for younger guests by making a special request with the head steward.
Q. Is it possible to leave children onboard whilst parents disembark for an excursion?
A. Yes, provided that the activity coordinators are notified at least one day in advance.
Q. What kind of onboard entertainment is available for the younger guests?
A. A highly qualified staff is responsible for entertaining younger guests to ensure that their cruise holiday is just as memorable as any adults’. There are ad-hoc programs designed for every age group, as well as sporting competitions, contests, quizzes, treasure hunts, and water games in the swimming pool. A fully-equipped games room is also available with a vast selection of toys selected according to the needs of each age group; these range from board games, draughts, chess, stencil, art, blackboards, modeling clay, coloring, group games and much more.
Q. Are the children's activities provided at an additional cost?
A. No, the activities are complimentary. MSC Cruises has designed a full program of fun activities and games for children of every age, with a Mini Club for children aged from 3 to 9, the Juniors Club for children from 9 to 13 years and the Teenagers Club for those aged 13 and over.
Q. Can children register in the MSC Club program?
A. Yes, but please note that advantages and discounts begin at age 14.
ONBOARD SHOPPING
Q. What can be purchased onboard?
A. MSC Cruises ships are fully equipped with shopping centers where you can find everything from alcohols and tobacco, to beauty products, clothing, lingerie, accessories, shoes, gadgets, souvenirs, MSC licensed items, and jewellery. Whether you’ve left an essential item at home, wish to indulge in a spot of onboard shopping or treat a loved one to an unexpected gift, you are sure to find everything you need in our boutiques.
Q. What are the opening hours of the onboard shops?
A. Opening times are listed in the program sheet which is delivered to your cabin each day. Shops are normally open whilst cruising and during the daytime hours, offering total convenience and peace of mind for guests.
Q. What are the payment methods onboard?
A. All onboard purchases are made with a dedicated cruise card so there is no need to carry cash or credit cards. Upon embarking, we advise passengers to leave a credit card imprint in order to immediately settle the bill at the end of the cruise. However, guests can also choose to leave a cash deposit of which any unused funds will be reimbursed after reviewing the statement prior to disembarking at the end of the cruise. In either case, guests will receive a detailed statement against which they can verify all charges.
Q. Are the prices onboard more expensive than those on land?
A. No - in fact, due to the special operating environment that regulates the maritime sector, many products (alcohol, tobacco, etc.) can be sold duty free, just like in airports, so you can enjoy a discount of up to 30% off usual retail prices on land.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT
Q. What type of shows can I expect onboard?
A. The MSC Cruises fleet has an artistic playbill that is extremely varied. Diverse performances are programmed for each evening: international musicals, classic and modern songs, dance, mime acts, magicians and jugglers all entertain passengers. The evening performance is announced in the daily onboard program which is delivered to the cabins.
Q. Are there any additional costs for the performances?
A. Performance attendance is free for passengers on all ships and for all onboard performances.
Q. Is it necessary to make reservations?
A. MSC Cruises built large theatres on their ships to ensure that each spectator has a comfortable, ‘front row’ quality seat. Guests can attend one of the two nightly seating plans, which are identical to the restaurant service seating plans. The performances are repeated twice each evening between 8:30 pm and 11:00 pm, and as such, there is always a place for everyone.
Q. In what languages are the shows performed?
A. Although art has a universal language, the performances are designed with the nationality and preferences of the passengers in mind. The evening entertainment is conducted by a multilingual host who introduces the upcoming numbers in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish. Passengers can share in applauding the quality onstage performances ranging from a tenor performing moving arias from Verde to an English-speaking magician or a Brazilian dancer.
MSC CLUB
Q. When Can I become an MSC Club Member and How do I apply for the MSC Club?
A. Once you have completed at least 3 nights on anyone of our ships. Membership is not automatically issued and has to be applied in one of following ways: 1. Online Subscription Form at www.msccruises.co.uk - 2. Select the option to join when you use the Online Check-in Service - 3. Complete the questionnaire you will find in your cabin at the end of your cruise or ask the reception.
Q. How do I make sure I get all the MSC Club benefits?
A. Your card number must be added to your booking which is why it is important to quote your membership number at the time of enquiry or booking. You must register your card with reception onboard and carry your membership card with you so that you can present the card when you need to take advantage of one of the fabulous benefits.
Q. Will my MSC Club membership card expire after a certain period?
A. No, your membership card is valid for life.
(We have recently removed the expiry date from all membership cards – All members will be issued with a new card. If you have not received your new card, then please email mscclubuk@msccruises.co.uk or call 0207 092 8185)
(We have recently removed the expiry date from all membership cards – All members will be issued with a new card. If you have not received your new card, then please email mscclubuk@msccruises.co.uk or call 0207 092 8185)
Q. Is the Express Check-in available at all ports of embarkation?
A. No, they are only available at the main ports of embarkation. These include Abu Dhabi, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo, Bari, Venice, Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Kiel, Copenhagen and Amsterdam.
Q. I want to tell you or other cruisers about how happy I am to be an MSC Cruiser, where can I do this?
A. We are always happy to hear about how happy our customers are with our product and we would be delighted to hear all about it. You can email us on mscclubuk@msccruises.co.uk or join us on Facebook
CRUISE ATTIRE
Q. What should I pack in my suitcase?
A. We advise guests to bring everything they normally like to wear, whilst taking into account the type of cruise and the season of travel. For example, in the Mediterranean during the summer, a coat is certainly not necessary, although a light jacket will prove useful. Those travelling to the North Pole should bring wool sweaters and gloves. As travelling by cruise liner is one of the most glamorous ways to see the world, no suitcase would be complete without at least one elegant outfit!
Q. What is the appropriate attire whilst on a cruise?
A. Around the pool or in the gym area, a swim suit, sarong, sandals or flip flops and sporting attire are perfectly fine. On the outdoor bridges, caps and sunglasses are extremely useful. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the land excursions. Additionally, when visiting museums and cultural locations, it is best to avoid short-shorts and to bring along a scarf or sweater to cover bare shoulders.
Q. How do I select the right outfit for the evening?
A. The evening dress indications are clearly outlined in the daily program which is delivered to the cabin the day before. A glance at the program will help you establish whether the evening requires a dark, formal outfit or more casual attire.
Q. What do I need for the indoor areas?
A. All indoor areas are air-conditioned. Therefore, when passing through the different halls, we advise that you wear a scarf or light sweater in order to avoid any sudden temperature changes.
