During the cruise - useful information
RESTAURANTS AND BUFFETS
DINING
Dining times are based on the geographical location and itinerary of the ship and are indicated in the Daily Program.
Breakfast is served in the ship’s restaurants and at the Lido Buffet.
Continental breakfast from Room Service is delivered to cabins on request on all mornings except the day of disembarkation. This service may be requested using the doorknob order form provided in the in-cabin directory or by calling the Reception desk.
Lunch is served in the restaurants and at the Lido Buffet.
Dinner is served in the restaurants in two sittings.
Dining reservations at speciality and à la carte restaurants (where available) may be made by calling the Reception Desk.
• Guests can enjoy French haute cuisine at L’Etoile (on MSC Fantasia), whereas L’Olivo (on MSC Splendida) offers selected delicacies from 14 different Mediterranean countries: Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.
• Authentic “wild west” cooking and atmosphere is provided at the Tex-Mex restaurants El Sombrero (MSC Fantasia) and Santa Fe (MSC Splendida).
• For a truly Oriental evening, the Shanghai restaurant (MSC Orchestra) boasts authentic Chinese dishes, while the Kaito Sushi Bar (MSC Poesia and MSC Musica) offers Japanese specialities and the Oriental Plaza (MSC Magnifica) offers a variety of Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Indian and Thailand’s authentic specialities.
• Elegant atmosphere and Italian style are the essence of our à la carte restaurants, the 4 Seasons (MSC Orchestra), Il Giardino (MSC Musica), L’Obelisco (MSC Poesia) and L’Oasi (MSC Magnifica), where every dinner is an unforgettable experience.
MSC Cruises is honoured to work with a true maestro of Italian cuisine: CHEF MAURO ULIASSI, winner of 2 Michelin stars and countless other awards, Mauro Uliassi brings a passion for travel and adventure to his cooking. He has created a selection of special dishes for our Musica Class ships à la carte restaurants, transforming every meal into a unique voyage of discovery
All guests of the MSC Yacht Club (on board MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia) can enjoy a round-the-clock dedicated room service menu and throughout the day will be offered a vast choice of hot and cold appetizers, salads and cheeses, served by butlers in the Top Sail Lounge and The One Pool. In addition and exclusively for MSC Yacht Club guests, traditional English High Tea will be served daily in the Top Sail Lounge from 4.30pm followed later by midnight snacks.
SPECIAL DIETS
Most special diets can be catered for on board, but only if requested at the time of booking.
MSC Cruises works closely with the Associazione Italiana Celiachia (Italian Celiac Association) to provide gluten-free menus in the restaurants of MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia, cruising in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe. Shortly, when MSC Magnifica will be Christened, training courses on celiac disorders will be launched on board of the new flagship.
On MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia and MSC Melody, guests can find pre-packaged gluten-free products such as snacks, biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins.
BARS AND CAFES
Not only our exquisite gourmet dining but also our bars can be considered a “journey within a journey”. The beverage offering on board the MSC Cruises fleet is the fruit of careful selection and hard work by a team of experts who are passionate about their job. In order to offer our clients a unique and memorable drinks experience, we have developed 10 different themes:
• Martini Bars, evoking the classic American bar, thanks to an interesting and up-to-date selection of the world-famous Martini Cocktails.
• Coffee Bars, where guests can enjoy the atmosphere of an authentic Italian café.
• Cigar Rooms, offering a range of fine spirits that is matched by the elegance of the surroundings and that will satisfy even the most sophisticated connoisseur.
• Jazz Bars, for which we have created a special range of “made to measure” drinks.
• Customized drinks menus have also been prepared for our Sports Bars, Tropical Bars, Spa Bars, Tex-Mex Restaurants and, naturally, for the MSC Yacht Club.
For wine lovers, we have created four different lists: a selection of 100 wines for the standard restaurants, designed to satisfy the requirements of our international clientele; a list for the Wine Bars comprising 90 highly characteristic Italian labels; a list of 50 French wines and champagnes for the French restaurant on board MSC Fantasia; and finally a list of 50 wines from various Mediterranean countries for the restaurant L’Olivo on board MSC Splendida.
All food, drink and related services not included in the cruise price shall be paid at the end of the cruise.
A 15% service charge is already included and detailed in the final bill.
No tips are therefore requested for bar and dining room staff.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is not generally permitted in any food service areas (buffets and restaurants), medical centres, child-care areas, corridors or elevator foyers, areas where guests are assembled in groups for safety exercises, disembarkation or tour departures, public toilets, or in bars directly near areas where food is served.
Smoking in all cabins is highly discouraged, and because of the specific and proven risk of fire, smoking on cabin balconies is not permitted at any time.
Smoking is permitted in several bars on each ship, and on one side (indicated by signage) of the principal outdoor pool deck areas, where ashtrays are provided.
Guests are advised by the Cruise Director and in the Ship’s Daily Program to avoid throwing cigarette butts over the side of the ship, where they could be blown back on board and start a fire.
SHOPS AND SERVICES ON BOARD
All ships have hair and beauty salons, a sauna and massage suite, gym, laundry and photographic service. Prices are published on board.
All guests of the MSC Yacht Club (on board MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia) can enjoy private shopping opportunities, exclusive viewings of selected jewellery in their suite and personalised delivery of purchases to their suite.
CLOTHING
SUNBEDS
DAILY PROGRAM
ENTERTAINMENT & FITNESS
ENTERTAINMENT FOR KIDS
Children’s programs are printed daily and are available in the Children’s Center.
Children’s entertainment is free and is organized into three distinct age categories.
• Mini Club, for children from 3 to 6 years;
• Junior Club, for children from 7 to 12 years;
• Teenagers Club, for passengers from 13 to 17 years.
As our ships vary in size and facilities, Children’s’ activities are not restricted to the Children’s Center.
All entertainment activities, both for younger guests and adults, are conducted in different languages to cater for all needs.
When parents are on excursions ashore, the Mini Club will remain open, offering peace of mind for parents. If parents are ashore or involved in other activities, the Children’s supervisors will also take the youngsters to the buffet or the ship’s restaurant for children’s meals (from a dedicated Children’s Menu).
Parents are kindly asked to prevent their children from roaming the ship unaccompanied. We do not offer a baby-sitting service.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
The excursions offered during the cruise are optional and a charge is applicable. Excursions are charged directly to your onboard account and final payment can be made in cash, by credit card or by traveller’s cheque.
Please note that:
- Excursion itineraries and prices may be subject to change due to cost variations and contingencies without prior notification by MSC Cruises.
- An excursion takes place if the minimum number of participants is reached. In the event that the minimum number of participants is not reached, the excursion may be cancelled and money refunded. Some excursions have a limited number of participants.
- The price includes transport, visits to sites and/or museums, meals and drinks as detailed in the description of each excursion.
- MSC Cruises is not responsible for any changes to the program resulting from local holidays, days that sites are closed and/or any other local events that completely or partially preclude the original itinerary. The excursion programme and timings (departure/return) will be confirmed on board during the cruise.
- Unless otherwise indicated, onshore excursions will be conducted by coach.
- Passengers are requested to wear appropriate clothing for visits to religious sites (covered knees and shoulders, no low-cut tops).
- Excursions including visits to archaeological sites, long sections on foot or hiking may not be suitable for passengers with disabilities or walking difficulties. Passengers may request private tour arrangements where available. It is advisable to check the feasibility of excursions before booking.
- For Beach Tours, swimming towels and bathing suits are advised.
- Some archaeological sites, museums and places of interest charge supplements for the use of videos and cameras. These extras are not included in the price of the excursion; further details will be given on board.
All guests of the MSC Yacht Club (on board MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia) can, by simply contacting their Concierge, enjoy personalized land excursions via chauffeur-driven limousine, hire car or mini bus (reservations, availability and prices on request).
PRE- AND POST-CRUISE STAY
SERVICE CHARGE
All onboard services offered to MSC Guests are subject to a modest service charge which will be billed to the Guest's account. Payment will only be requested at the end of the cruise and will depend on the number of days services were actually provided. Service charges serve the purpose of maintaining the highest quality standards of service to the passengers.
The amount of the service charge is fixed and cannot be altered:
Mediterraneanand Northern Europe cruises
- 8 days or less: 7 Euro/day per adult
- more than 8 days: 6 Euro/day per adult including autumn transatlantic cruises
There is no service charge for children under the age of 14, whereas guests between the ages of 14 and 17 will be charged 50% of the above rates.
Caribbean and North American cruises
- 12 Dollars/day per adult; 6 Dollars/day per child under 18, including spring transatlantic cruises
South America cruises
- 9 Dollars/day per adult; 4,5 /day per child under 18, including spring transatlantic cruises
South Africa cruises
Season 2009/2010
South Africa cruises
- 4 Dollars/day per adult
Positioning cruises:
- heading to South Africa 6 Euro/day per adult
- coming from South Africa 6 Dollars/day per adult
From Season 2010/2011 Onwards
South Africa cruises
- 6 Dollars/day per adult
Positioning cruises:
- heading to South Africa 6 Euro/day per adult
- coming from South Africa 6 Dollars/day per adult
The applicable service charge for children under 18 will be 50% of the above rates
OTHER SERVICES
The following services are charged as extras: photographer, casino, video games, 4D cinema (MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia and MSC Magnifica) and F1 simulator (only on MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia), golf simulator (only on MSC Sinfonia), bowling (only on MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica), internet stations, hairdresser, barber, beauty salon, Turkish bath, sauna and massages, laundry and ironing.
The golf practice facility on MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia is available free of charge.
Post office: mail can be taken to the on board Information Office who will provide the necessary postage (which will be charged to the passenger) and pass it to our local representatives for mailing.
Telephone, fax and e-mail services are available at the rates displayed onboard.
VOLTAGE
VALUABLES
CURRENCY ON BOARD
For cruises in the Caribbean, North America, South America and South Africa, as well as transatlantic cruises going to Europe, the onboard currency is the US Dollar ($).
PARKING
Service is chargeable. It is advisable to phone for reservations. Please be so kind to keep in touch with your travel agent in order to have details and prices.
TEEN CARD
Children and teenagers under 18 can use the card for whatever they want to buy, and also as the key to their cabin.
Available in 2 amounts, these easy-to-use cards are a convenient way to give teenagers a taste of independence. To purchase a Teen Card, just complete the form you receive during check-in, and hand it to a receptionist in the foyer. Additional forms are also available at the Information Desk). The card will be delivered directly to your cabin.
Please note that the Teen Card is non-refundable, therefore any credit remaining on the card at the end of the cruise will not be reimbursed.
WIRELESS INTERNET "HOT SPOT" (SP, FA, MA, PO, OR, MU, AR, SI, LI, OP)
If you are an avid Internet user, you can continue surfing the web during your cruise by connecting to the Internet with your laptop or PDA.
Just connect to the ship’s network, available via a wireless connection in all common areas of the ship, or in your cabin, using the cable available from the Information Desk, and follow the instructions provided on the home page to register. To access the hot spot service, just select the amount of credit you require and it will be charged directly to your on-board account.
It is also possible to rent a laptop from the Information Desk. (Only on MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia).
Details and offers available will be posted on the Daily Program.
WIRELESS INTERNET "HOT SPOT" (MSC Melody)
If you are an avid Internet user, you can continue surfing the web during your cruise by connecting to the Internet with your laptop or PDA. All you need to do is purchase a prepaid card at the Information Desk. The price of the card varies according to the amount of connection time you require.
A wireless connection is available in the public areas (except for the pool by the stern on MSC Melody).
INTERNET POINT (MSC Melody)
Internet services are just a click away. In the Internet Point, you can use the browser just as you would at home. All you need to do is purchase a prepaid card at the Information Desk. The price of the card varies according to the amount of connection time you require.
INTERNET POINT ( MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia)
LITTERING
MSC AND UNICEF
Guests are also invited to “get on board for children” and make a difference by offering a modest donation of as little as €1.00 (or $1.50), which will be added to the bill at the end of the cruise. This small offering, valid on all ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, is of course optional. Passengers may freely decide whether to increase, decrease or cancel it, communicating their decision to the Accounting Office before 22.00 of the last day of the cruise. This Office is at guests’ disposal for further information. For your convenience, should you give no indication to change the amount, the sum of €1.00 (or $1.50) will be automatically debited to your final account.
For more information, please read the informational brochure left in every cabin or visit www.msc-unicef.org.
