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7 reasons to book a cruise on the MSC Grandiosa

I did my very first cruise with my family when I was 15 years old and something immediately made me love it. I love the idea of falling asleep in one place and wakeup in another the next morning and I love discovering multiple places and countries and just unpacking once. That being said, I was and still am a huge ship geek as well and sailing on these giant ships has always been an experience for me. So when I got the chance to sail on MSCs newest and largest ship, the MSC Grandiosa, I simply couldn’t say no.

The Grandiosa holds true to its name: it is massive! One of the newest shis in the MSC family can accommodate up to 6334 passengers on 19 decks, with 11 restaurants and 20 bars and dozens of activities. I just couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw how huge she is for the first time!

We all know that cruise ships have had a bad rap over the last few years due to their environmental impact. Well, the good news is that MSC Grandiosa has some amazing environmental features. For example, the ship is equipped with a selective catalytic reduction system that helps to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, along with a closed-loop exhaust gas cleaning system that reduces ship sulfur emissions by 97%. All lights onboard are LED and there’s also a pretty amazing water filter system that doesn’t dump grey water in the sea. Furthermore, the ship also plugs into the port electric system to delivers electricity and reduce emissions when docked. I am so glad that a big cruise company such as MSC is moving forward with better environmental features!

So now, let’s talk about 7 reasons you should book a cruise on the Grandiosa.

Activities

You would think that you would find time to explore the whole ship and experience everything it has to offer on a week-long cruise, but you would be wrond. MSC Grandiosa offers so many different activities onboard for those who love adventure, cusine, relaxing… there’s something for everybody. The Grandiosa has its own casino, bowling alley but also an impressive game arcade with VR games and F1 simulators! If you prefer to read a book in a cozy atmosphere, there are plenty of bars and lounges to spend time and, after dinner, there are shows in the 2 theatres, including one by Cirque du Soleil. There is also a spa onboard if you’d like to take relaxing to another level!

Pressing pause

If you like to relax as much as you like to explore during your vacation, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of things to press pause during your cruise! The ship has multiple swimming pools and jacuzzis, both indoors and outdoors, which means that you’ll always be able to relax, no matter the weather! But that’s not all, there’s also a spa on board with plenty of treatments to help you relax a bit more. There’s even a barbershop as well! But to be honest with you, my favorite way to relax was to stare out at the sea on my private balcony. I could hear the waves and enjoy the view without any noise around!

Cabins

Well, let’s start with what I liked the most: our cabin! On previous cruises I did, I almost always had the cheapest guarantee inside cabin which I love don’t get me wrong. They allow me to cruise on budget and in turn cruise more often, buuuuut… that doesn’t mean I would say no to a balbony cabin! When we entered our cabin aboard the Grandiosa, I was immediately blown away by how much light and space we had. Our room was on deck 12, which means that we were high above the sea and that we had a panoramic view of each city we visited, definitely a perk that inside cabins do not have! Our cabin also had a very comfy couch that can turn into a bed if you’re traveling with kids. What struck me the most is that even if space is limited (the max size is 22 square meters), everything has been cleverly designed to maximize space. There’s a good size closet, with plenty of hanging space, but also a very long desk with shelves and drawers to organize everything. Each cabin is also equipped with Zoe, a voice-controlled personal assistant that can answer most of your questions regarding the ship, like restaurant hours or showtimes.

If you prefer a larger or smaller cabin, the options are pretty endless! We visited a suite that had its own jacuzzi but also a duplex suite, with breathtaking views on the sea. If you’re more on a budget, they also have interior cabins & studios that are more affordable.

Luxurious design!

From the glamorous, blinged out Swarovski staircase to the artfully themed Galleria Grandiosa, you will be surrounded by elegance in all design elements on this ship. Perhaps the most stunning example is the almost 90 meters long LED dome that projects a digital sky over the 2-story promenade. Whether you are shopping, dining at one of the specialty restaurants, sipping a cocktail in one of the bars, or socializing and enjoying in some live entertainment, you are sure to love Galleria Grandiosa and the rest of the luxurious touches throughout the ship.

Galleria Grandiosa was probably my favorite area of the ship. There was always something happening in the Galleria and no matter how many times I walked along the promenade I was always in shock that this is actually… on a ship!

Powered by technology

Besides the technology behind the innovative stage productions and LED dome, MSC Grandiosa features the MSC for Me smartphone app. MSC for Me is MSC Cruises’ multi-channel digital program that enables guests to interact with the ship and crew members anytime, in any place, to better serve their needs, save them time and really make the most of their vacation. Key features include a handy app for smartphones, an interactive TV in the stateroom and interactive digital screens around the ship, meaning guests can access information, book services – like specialty restaurants and on board performances – navigate around the ship, and more.

One tech feature which everyone will notice onboard MSC Grandiosa is Zoe, the first virtual cruise assistant, ZOE can speak seven languages, answer hundreds of questions about the cruise and provide information about on-board services, guidance and suggestions or help to book a service.

Dining

Along with the traditional main dining room and buffet, MSC Grandiosa has several specialty venues for cruisers to indulge in various cuisines. Continuing the Mediterranean-influence, MSC Grandiosa is home to Hola Tapas Bar by Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freixa. Cruisers will also find the American-style steakhouse, Butcher’s Cut, serving up prime cuts. Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar serves up Asian favorites in a lively atmosphere. One new specialty restaurant also made a debut on MSC Grandiosa, L’Atelier Bistrot, a french restaurant whose design was inspired by neo-classical French architecture. An authentic experience all troughout, from cuisine to interior design! Further, those with a sweet tooth will love Jean Philippe’s Crepes, Ice Cream, and Chocolate.

The main dining room and buffet offer a good variety of quality dishes but I would definitely recommend dining in at least one speciality restaurant. They all offer themed dishes and an authentic, unique experiences! Oh, and definitely treat yourself with some Jean Philippe’s Crepes located in the Galleria, they were delicious…!

Entertainment

In addition to nightly live music and six different productions shows in the main theater, MSC Grandiosa also hosts two one of a kind Cirque du Soleil shows. The Carousel Lounge is a circular venue that is custom built to accommodate these theatrical performances. Guests can enjoy a dinner and a show experience. Each of these shows has a unique concept, ambiance, storyline, and costumes. These shows, not found anywhere else in the world, are part of a longstanding partnership with the entertainment leader for a total of eight original shows on MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia class ships. You can also participate in various dance lessons, quizzes and other types of entertainment onboard!

In conclusion, I would highly recommend booking a cruise on Grandiosa or on any of her sister ships (Meraviglia, Bellissima, Virtuosa) These ships have everything you can think of and more. There is always something to do it just depends on what you like! Grandsioa also has an amazing itinerary in the Mediterranean so… what are you waiting for!

I also sailed on Grandiosa’s older sister ship MSC Bellissima, so if you’d like to read more about that experience CLICK HERE and if you have any questions about MSC or Grandiosa or anything really, feel free to send me a message on Instagram, Twitter or just e-mail me!

As always, thank you for reading, Dominik!

Virgin Voyages celebrates delivery of their first ship!

21. February 2020.27. April 2020.Dominik | Cruise Ship ParadiseLeave a comment

A ship we’ve all been waiting to see! Virgin Voyages’ first ever cruise ship, Scarlet Lady, has made her highly-anticipated debut in the UK, arriving in Dover yesterday (Feb. 20).

Richard Branson’s new cruise line has offered sneak peeks before with concept art, but for the first time it revealed images from on board the ship and it looks like passengers (or sailors, as VV calls us) are in for quite a unique experience. (Scroll down too see all the pictures!)

Scarlet Lady is the first ‘Lady ship’ of four in Virgin Voyages’ new adult by design, luxury fleet, which aims to redefine the cruise industry by bringing the luxury of a boutique hotel to the seas. Scarlet Lady boasts dazzling contemporary design and experiences to reinvigorate the cruise industry! Scarlet Lady won’t be offering a traditional cruise holiday experience, as the brand looks to target a younger adults-only audience, mainly the millennial market but they’re also counting on experienced cruisers and young-at-heart sailors offering them something different from other cruise lines!

Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages created a ship that allows Sailors (we are no longer called cruisers!) to travel in style with special experiences and design-led spaces. With interiors created by designers such as Tom Dixon and Roman and Williams, the adult-by-design ship gives its Sailors a lot to fall in love with, including an industry-first focus on Well-Being with a host of ‘Vitamin Sea’ offerings such as B-Complex gym programs to balance, build, burn and bike, as well as The Perch, designed for outdoor yoga.

Foodies will be spoiled for choice as the ship boasts over 20 restaurants and bars, including vegetarian-forward cuisine (Razzle Dazzle), experiential creations (Test Kitchen) and concepts by world-class chefs like the Michelin Starred Brad Farmerie and Sohui Kim.

Sailors on every Scarlet Lady voyage will learn what it means to Set Sail The Virgin Way, with all dining experiences, group workout classes, basic beverages (soft drinks, coffee and water), gratuities and Wi-Fi included in the base cruise fare, regardless of room category. I love this! So much is included in your cruise fare, so consider than when you’re looking at some of their cruises! Entertainment and shows on board feature gigs, DJ sets, drag artists and more – all of which are unlike anything you will find at sea.

It will also host special On Deck voyages with globally renowned DJ talent such as Mark Ronson, Diplo, MK and Sofi Tukker, providing up-close and personal appearances at its own private spot on the island, The Bimini Beach Club. The retreat offers Sailors a beautiful Bahamian oasis, relaxation and wellness offerings like beachside yoga, or DJ-fueled poolside fun in the sun.

“I have dreamed of starting my own cruise line since I was in my 20s and I’m thrilled that moment has arrived. The Scarlet Lady is truly special and we’ve worked with some of the world’s most sought-after designers, artists and architects to craft an extraordinary experience. The benefit of our five decades in business in so many industries is that we can offer a voyage like no other.”
Richard Branson

Cabins

Cabins are also quite elegant cabins with loads of space and ocean views – but a real highlight comes in the form of the Rockstar Suites.

Guests staying in these will not only get luxury offerings in the form of huge beds, ensuite bathrooms and spacious balconies, but the Mega Rockstar Suites and Rockstar suites offer heaps of extra perks such as bespoke experiences at each port of call, complimentary laundry service(mega), drinks, and a free personalised in-room bottomless bar (mega).

In fact, there are 15 ‘Mega Rockstar’ suites on board, but 78 RockStar Suites in total, all designed by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio.

I know that I wouldn’t be staying in a RockStar suite, luckily there are choices for us on-budget cruisers as well… or should I say on-budget Sailors! On board Scarlet Lady you will also find inside cabins and Sea Terrace cabins, even equipped with a hammock on the balcony, how fun!

Environmentally friendly

Virgin Voyages is one of first cruise lines to use Climeon, a technology that utilizes heat generated from the ship’s engines to generate electricity, thereby decreasing the demand for fuel. Scarlet Lady we also be single-use plastic free!

Not only has the brand designed its fleet of ships to the latest energy-efficiency standards with state-of-the art equipment, Virgin Voyages is offsetting its direct climate change emissions through the purchase of carbon offsets.

This commitment makes the brand the first cruise line to become carbon-neutral for its direct emissions footprint from its first day of commercial operation. The projects that will be supported by Scarlet Lady will meet high-quality, internationally-recognized verification standards, including The Gold Standard and the Verified Carbon Standard.

Scarlet Lady’s voyage to Miami

Scarlet Lady set sail from Genoa, Italy on Valentine’s Day where she was built at the Fincantieri shipyard. Her voyages from Miami will offer stops in Costa Maya in Mexico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, Key West and The Bahamas. The ship will later be joined by sister liner Valiant Lady which features seven-night Mediterranean itineraries out of Barcelona, Spain when she debuts in May 2021. Valiant Lady will be perfect for us European Sailors!

Scarlet Lady will travel from Dover to Liverpool before sailing to the US for her Maiden Voyage around the Caribbean in April.

I am excited to see more photos, videos and reviews of this ship and the onboard experience. I am also really excited to see what the future holds for this cruise line. Based on the target audience I feel like the market isn’t big enough at present but I could be wrong – we shall see! My question is, will regular cruisers want to cruise on her more than other ships? Will the target market want or be able to keep coming back to cruise on her in numbers to fill spaces…

If you’d like to read more about another brand new ship, check out my review of the brand new Costa ship, Costa Smeralda or if you are a first time cruiser check out my top 30 tips for first time cruisers!

As always, thank you for reading!

Old vs. New cruise ships!

9. January 2020.Dominik | Cruise Ship Paradise2 Comments

With more than 15 new cruise ships coming in 2020 it’s obvious that we are in the golden age of cruising, cruise lines are building new ships as fast as they can and each one seems to be bigger and better than the one before.

A decade ago you could’ve enjoyed on a ship with a pool and a rock-climbing wall, while new ships today have everything from go-kart tracks to ziplines to roller coasters. And that’s just for activities by the pool. Inside the ship you’ll find even more new attractions! New ships truly offer the latest and greatest!

With so many new ships entering service, passengers have more choice than ever before, which can mean more indecision, but a bigger variety and a number of ships means that everyone can find a ship that suits their vacation needs!

Newer ships are usually larger and packed more with activities for every taste and age. However, they can be crowded and expensive, and as with anything that is new, sometimes there are bugs that have to be worked out. Older ships might also show wear and tear, but cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have been investing millions to keep their fleets outfitted with modern amenities and popular attractions.

Basically, it leads to the question of if you should sail on a new ship or if an older one will work just fine for your vacation. Let’s see what are the differences between older and new ships and what are the things to think about when deciding if you should sail on an old or a brand new ship.

Size

Older ships are usually smaller and offer a more relaxing and intimate experience. Old ships are also more likely to have quieter spaces like libraries and card rooms. Smaller ships suit travelers who don’t like large crowds, have trouble traversing the long decks of the biggest ships and don’t want to think about which of the five different sun deck areas they should utilize. If you’re the type that simply wants to lounge by the pool then this might not be a big deal. But for those who want lots of things to do on their cruise, it’s a good reason to look toward newer ships. New ships, on the other hand, are larger and have more space, which means not only more room for activities but also more public spaces like restaurants, shops, and lounges. So instead of only have a few options for bars or restaurants, for example, you can have more than a dozen. A couple of new ships even have Starbucks coffe shops onboard! They also offer some amazing activities onboard like go-karts, laser tag, even roller-coasters…

Dining

Older and smaller ships tend to have more limited specialty dining options. But that’s a plus for people like me who prefer to avoid the temptation of multiple food venues! Still, just because older ships don’t have specialty dining venues they all still have buffet and the main dining room with almost the same variety of food as big, new ships. Newer ships have lots of space to dedicate to dining. Many specialty venues have been added on newer ships, as well, and you’ll have no trouble finding everything from Italian and Asian to French and seafood, most with cover charges but some without. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian and MSC have even added dinner theater options, which include dinner and a show for a fee. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, watch out for gelato bars and specialty cake shops enticing you to snack between meals. I’m not paid to say this but the Gelato&Crepes shop on MSC Bellissima is just… perfect if you’re a fan of crepes!

Accomodation

Older ships are generally the way to go if balcony space is important to you. If you sail an older ship, you’ll usually find four choices of cabin: interior, oceanview, balcony, and a suite. Don’t worry about carpeting, curtains and bedding since they are upgraded frequently during refurbs but do keep in mind that older ships might show signs of wear like scratches, dings, outdated bathrooms (with those shower curtains we ALL hate!) — that newer ships don’t. On newer ships you still have the same basic categories, but there is a lot of variation and different styles and type of each room. For example, NCL and MSC cruises have exclusive “resort within a resort” areas called The Haven and The Yacht Club. These areas feature only a handful of luxury rooms that are a step above what you’ll find anywhere else on the ship. New Carnival ships (Vista, Horizon and Panorama) also have something similar. “Havana” area is an exclusive part of the ship themed differently from the rest of the ship that features unique cabins and offers an exclusive pool area.

Things to do

While most older ships offer mini-golf, shuffleboard, Ping-Pong and possibly basketball on their top decks, they’re much more low-key than newer ships with swimming pools as their main focus. But don’t be surprised if you see an older ship with some eye-catching features. Several lines have chosen to add some of the more popular upper-deck activities to their older ships. Carnival has added water slides to all ships in its fleet. While Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have installed rock climbing walls on many of their older vessels. But still, newer ships go above and beyond so Norwegian’s newest ships, ships like Joy, Bliss and Encore have go-kart racetracks while Carnival’s have the SkyRide, a recumbent bike suspended from an 800-foot dual racing track 150 feet above the top deck. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships have ziplines and surf simulators, and Quantum class ships offer a skydiving iFly outdoor simulator. Royal Caribbean is also famous for its FlowRiders and The Perfect Storm waterslides. Many mainstream cruise lines now have extensive water parks on their top decks, lines such as Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, MSC and even Costa!

Entertainment

Entertainment aboard older ships is a bit more standard: Broadway revues, magicians, comedians and the like. However, several lines have brought their most recent offerings to older vessels. Fun pursuits abound on newer ships, and they include some pretty incredible pastimes like parades, character breakfasts, roller skating, puzzle break rooms and even bumper cars. Toss in some top-notch entertainment that rivals what you’d find on Broadway, and you’re in for an impressive cruise. MSC is offering Cirque du Soleil shows on their Meraviglia class ships while Royal Caribbean features an AquaTheatre on its Oasis class vessels, entertainment options on newer ships are truly out of this world!

So should you take that cruise on an older ship or only focus your search on those new ships? The information above should give you some idea on what you might prefer. I personally have some experience on the real differences between new vs old ships having sailed on both 20 year old ships and on the inaugural sailing of a brand new ship!

When I have the option, I prefer to sail on newer ships. I love all the innovations on new ships and they also have a lot more to offer in everything from activities to the design of public spaces. But I also really like older ships because they offer a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere onboard. They also visit some really amazing destinations that big new ships never visit. All in all I would recommend both old and new ships since they offer two unique experiences, just consider what suits your needs more.

Why you should consider sailing on an older ship!

Older ships offer cheaper cruises – The new mega ships have a lot to offer and also get a lot of marketing and publicity when they launch. This results in a lot of interest in booking on the new vessels. But older ships aren’t just forgotten, cruise lines want them to sail completely full too. By dropping prices, the cruise lines can get more people to sail.

Shorter cruises – Over the past few years shorter, so called, mini-cruises became really popular. While a week-long cruise means a long time off work for many people, taking a four or five-day cruise that includes sailing over a weekend means only a few days away from the office. In addition, these trips are often less expensive for passengers. Most of the time these shorter trips are on older ships. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line sails three and four-day cruises from Florida to the Bahamas on its Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun — both of which were launched about 15 years ago. Newer ships are often sailing longer week-long cruises. So if you want a cruise that’s not as long, you’ll often end up on an older ship.

Embark in smaller ports – most of smaller ports in Europe and United States cannot acommodate big, new mega ships so cruise lines homeport their older and smaller ships in those cities. In United States those ports are Jacksonville, Tampa or Baltimore while in Europe you will find a lot of smaller and older ships in Venice. What’s also nice about smaller ports is that you won’t feel rushed and they’re not as busy as big ports can be.

Big refurbishments – To keep things looking fresh, older ships are regularly refurbished, often at significant expense. It’s not unheard of for a refurbishment to run more than $100 million. These refurbishments are often complete overhauls that will change the layout, add spaces or restaurant, activities, and otherwise bring an older ship more in line with its newer counterparts. The result is that there isn’t as big a gap between older ships and new ones as you might think. Carnival and Royal Caribbean are know for huge refurbishments/amplifications. This year Carnival is yet again investing around 200 million dollars into one of their older ships. Carnival Victory will be renamed to Carnival Radiance and it will go trough an extensive refurb, so don’t expect this ship look or feel anything close to an old ship!

As always, thank you for reading, Dominik!

Cruise misconceptions we need to leave in 2019!

29. December 2019.4. January 2020.Dominik | Cruise Ship Paradise3 Comments

Do you have those cruise skeptic friends who are still saying that cruises are boring and for old people? I know I do, but I’m slowly converting them into cruise addicts one by one! Most of them change their minds when they actually step on board! Here is a list of cruise misconceptions I hear about all the time, that we need to leave in 2019!

Cruises are boring

On most cruise holidays you are never more than a day or two from a port, and there need never be a dull day onboard. Bigger ships have everything from ice-skating rinks to basketball courts and on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class ships, bumper cars, an indoor sky-diving tunnel, simulated surfing and a pod which takes you 300 feet above the ship.(I love Quantum-class ships!) Most ships have first-class fitness and spa facilities, Broadway style entertainment, casinos, cooking courses and classes in everything from astronomy to Zumba. Not all activities are adrenaline pumping either, like the biggest library at sea on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 (its 8,000 books should keep you going for a while!) I know I like both, relaxing and quiet cruises and also busy, action packed cruises! All in all, you won’t get bored!

You’ll feel trapped on a cruise ship

The thought of being in the middle of the sea, surrounded by hoards of other holidaymakers and with only a small cabin space to call your own, can instantly put those with claustrophobic tendencies off the idea of cruising. It’s true that there are thousands of guests on a massive ship, BUT you must remember that you are boarding a ship, not some random little boat. These cruise ships are designed to hold people, supplies, machines, etc. They can be compared to small cities or a floating resort complex. It’s still pretty easy to find a spot where you can relax . In my personal experience, bigger and newer ships do feel more crowded at times compared to older and smaller ships but I’ve never felt like I couldn’t escape the crowds on a cruise.

Cruises are for old people

I used to think so too. Haha! Well, maybe in the past when cruise lines were few and prices were still steep. But now that there are lots of them and many of these cruise companies are starting to tap the younger generations, the average age of passengers is slowly dropping annually. According to CLIA’s 2018 Cruise Review, the average age of cruisers in a global setting had dropped to 46 y/o, the lowest in 20 years! It’s expected to drop continuously as cruise lines target to reach the millennial market by adding more interesting and exciting features like family-friendly suites and activities, onboard bars/clubs, romantic dining options, and themed-parties for single people. Some cruise lines even have studio cabins for relatively young solo cruisers. I am 20 years old and I started cruising when I was much younger, from my own personal experience I can tell you for sure that cruises are not just for old people!

You will be spending the whole trip on board

It is true that on larger ships, especially those on classic Med or Caribbean itineraries, your port time will be limited to the day (the usual times are from 8 a.m. to about 5 p.m.). However, many lines, particularly ones with smaller ships are staying longer and in some cases overnight. So, for example, if you find yourself on a Canary Islands cruise, you are likely to spend all evening in port, allowing for dinner in town and, on some islands, stargazing, as the islands are so near to each other. Certainly in the case of St Petersburg, most cruise lines spend a night or two as it’s impossible to see the city in a day.

Cruises are expensive

First things first. Cruises can be quite expensive… (my bank account will confirm that!) but they can also be pretty cheap if you know how to find a great deal or if you have a good travel agent! There was a time when cruising was so expensive that only the most well-to-do could afford the privilege, but a fast-growing market means more ships and more competition, which drives prices down. The emergence of casual cruising and family cruising also means that cruise companies are lowering prices to attract a new type of holidaymaker, and amazing cruises can be picked up for the price of a package holiday. When you consider all that’s included – endless activities, free kids’ clubs, world-class shows and entertainment, the multiple destinations and all you can eat food… the value is clear to see.

It’s too formal

Cruising has long been associated with gala balls, glamorous casinos and formal Captain’s dinners, so you’d expect to need a suitcase full of elegant evening attire to fit in. Not so. While formality still exists on Cunard and some of the smaller luxury ships, most of the larger lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, have replaced formal nights with ‘Dress Up or Not Nights’. And even if your cruise ship does have a dress code in place, a casual suit or cocktail dress will usually suffice, even Cunard has loosened its position on ties recently! I personally like dressing up and enjoy theme nights but some people don’t and that’s fine! With so many cruise lines to choose from, there’s something suit everyone!

You can’t cruise solo

Solo cruising has never been more affordable than today! Solos have long had cause to complain about a lack of affordable cruise holiday options. The dreaded single supplement has meant that lone cruisers have had to pay through the nose for their single status, however if you choose your cruise line wisely you shouldn’t have to pay a single penny more than passengers in pairs. Norwegian is leading the way with their Studio complex, complete with single cabins, lounge and bar. Fred. Olsen specialises in attracting solo guests, with more than 200 single cabins fleetwide, regular solo supplement promotions and solo hosts and events onboard. Saga also offers a high proportion of solo cabins (25 percent) for over 50s.

You will get seasick

Well, this one’s pretty subjective. Seasickness or motion sickness doesn’t affect us the same way. I, for one, don’t get get seasick but some of my cruise buddies do. For people who do get seasick easily I would recommend picking a large cruise ship (the larger the better), and choose a cabin close to the ship’s balancing point (low and centre). Having a window or balcony to look out of can also help reduce sickness while in your stateroom. You can take patches, bands or pills for seasickness with you but rest assured that if you do get caught unawares, you’ll usually find a remedy in the onboard shop or medical centre. If all else fails, take a river cruise! But do keep in mind that most of the ships built today are much larger than they used to be in the past so they don’t rock and roll as much older ships do!

All cruises itineraries are the same

It’s not just about the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. The fact is, if there is a body of water there’s likely to be a ship sailing on it. These days you can choose from a wide variety of cruise itineraries, from short mini-cruises to long, repositioning cruises, there’s something for everyone.

All you do is eat

It’s true that cruise ships offer amazing culinary delights in their dining rooms and specialty restaurants, but eating doesn’t have to be on the top of the agenda with all the onboard activities. For example, Royal Caribbean ships offer rock climbing, basketball, miniature golf, an outdoor jogging track, and specialty fitness classes such as pilates, yoga, and spinning.

Cruising is dangerous

Fires. Power outages. Rogue waves. Rough seas. Hurricanes. Passengers “falling” overboard. You’ve heard about it all on the news, but before you work yourself into a panic, know this: Statistically, cruises are one of the safest forms of travel.

Additionally, each ship sails with its own dedicated team of mechanics and engineers, who are specially trained to deal with any malfunctions that might arise. Crew members undergo rigorous training via safety drills to prepare them for emergency situations. All mainstream ships have onboard teams of doctors and/or nurses to deal with medical issues, and the control rooms on all vessels employ equipment dedicated to avoiding hurricanes and minimizing exposure to excessively rough waters.

As for “falling” overboard, the odds are low unless you’re somewhere you shouldn’t be. Most balconies and outer decks have high railings or partitions to keep anyone from toppling over the side.

All in all, if you’re a first time cruiser, I hope I debunked some of these “cruise myths” for you. And if you’re a seasoned cruiser I hope that you’re debunking these myths to first time cruisers all the time so we don’t have to hear about them in 2020!

Would you add some cruise misconceptions to this list?

As always, thanks for reading, Dominik!

Costa Cruises takes delivery of Costa Smeralda!

5. December 2019.4. January 2020.Dominik | Cruise Ship ParadiseLeave a comment

Costa Smeralda at the Meyer Turku shipyard.

One of the most anticipated cruise ships to debut in 2019 is finally here! Costa Cruises has taken delivery of Costa Smeralda, its new flagship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology and part of an innovative initiative to significantly reduce environmental impact.

The handover ceremony took place today (Dec. 5th) at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, where the ship was built. Costa Smeralda is the first ship in the Costa fleet to use LNG, both in port and at sea. It is part of an expansion plan that includes an investment of over six billion euros for seven new ships to be delivered by 2023 to the Costa Group, which consists of Costa Cruises, Germany-based AIDA Cruises and Costa Asia. Five of the vessels – including Costa Smeralda and her sister ship Costa Toscana, currently under construction at Meyer Turku and scheduled for delivery in 2021 – will be powered by LNG. With the arrival of Costa Smeralda, the Costa Group fleet rises to a total of 29 ships in service, all flying the Italian flag, underscoring the company’s leadership in Europe and China.

The use of LNG is a major development in minimizing environmental impact and significantly improving air quality, with the virtual elimination of sulfur dioxide emissions (zero emissions) and particulate matter (95- 100% reduction). LNG also significantly reduces emissions of nitrogen oxide (direct reduction of 85%) and CO2 (reduction of up to 20%).

“Costa Smeralda will be a further boost to the use of LNG in cruise ships, a technology we were the first to believe in, setting a new course in the cruise sector. Our Costa Group has invested in the construction of five new LNG ships as part of our leadership in sustainable tourism. It is an innovation in the cruise and overall shipping industries, destined to mark a step change as it guarantees a significant reduction in our environmental impact without compromising the safety aspects that are an essential priority for us”
Neil Palomba, President of Costa Cruises

Costa Smeralda approaching Meyer Turku on her way back from 2nd sea trials.

Costa Smeralda will leave the Turku shipyard on December 6 en route to the Mediterranean for three presentations with travel agents: Barcelona on December 18, where the ship will be refueled with liquefied natural gas; Marseilles on December 19; and Savona on December 20. On December 21, Costa Smeralda will leave Savona for its first one-week cruise, calling at Marseilles, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Civitavecchia and La Spezia.

One of the greenest ships in the industry!

Costa Smeralda is truly a traveling “smart city”. Apart from the major innovation of liquefied natural gas, the ship incorporates a series of cutting-edge technological innovations designed to further reduce environmental impact.

The daily water requirement is achieved directly from the sea thanks to the ship’s desalination systems. Energy consumption is reduced to a minimum by using LED lights, recovering the heat generated by the engines, the particular shape of the hull designed to significantly reduce drag in the water, and newgeneration elevators that recover energy by re-introducing it into the electricity system.

Costa Smeralda leaving Meyer Turku to start her 2nd sea trials.

Single-use plastic, which for some years has already been eliminated from Costa ships for most catering purposes and replaced with alternative materials, will gradually be reduced well in advance of the European Directive objectives. One hundred percent separate waste collection and recycling of materials, including plastic, paper, glass and aluminum, will be part of an integrated approach designed to support circular economy projects.

Close attention will be paid to food on Costa Smeralda. The brand’s 4GOODFOOD program is dedicated to reducing food waste and recovering surpluses for social purposes. In addition, the new ship will feature the innovations of the LAB – Laboratorio del Gusto Restaurant — which takes an entertaining approach to involving guests in food sustainability.

With over 180,000 gross tonnage and over 2,600 rooms, Costa Smeralda is the result of a unique creative project led by Adam D. Tihany, created to immerse guests in experiencing Italy’s finest all in one place. Tihany relied on an international pool of four prestigious architecture firms commissioned to design the various areas of the ship. All of the furnishings, lighting, fabrics and accessories are made in Italy, either standard produced or designed specifically for the new flagship by 15 partners who represent Italian excellence. Italian design will also star in the CoDe – Costa Design Museum, the first museum created on a cruise ship. The extraordinary environment also features the Solemio Spa; various entertainment areas, including the Colosseum, with its screens for high-tech content shows; themed bars, in collaboration with major Italian brands; 16 restaurants and “food experience” areas, including a new restaurant for families

I love that Costa and Carnival corporation in general is rolling out these enviromentally friendly ships. What’s also commendable is that Costa is trying to reduce food waste onboard their ships, one of the biggest problems in the cruise indutry if you ask me…

I honestly cannot wait to explore this ship in January and bring you all along with me on this journey! I’ll be on the fourth sailing so I’m still expecting that “new ship smell”!¨Of course I will post and update you all about it on my instagram and twitter and you can, as always expect a full tour and review on my blog when I come back! Here I come, Costa Smeralda!

Here are the first photos live from the shipyard!

As always, thank you for reading, Dominik!

MSC Bellissima – review (2019)

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MSC Bellissima docked in La Seyne-sur-Mer, France!

Hello everyone! I’m back from yet another exciting cruise adventure! This time I was on a 3-night mini cruise out of Genova on MSC Bellissima! This wasn’t my first MSC cruise, but it was my first time on a big MSC ship, like Bellissima. Here are my thoughts on this giant beauty!

About the ship:

MSC Bellissima is a HUGE cruise ship, and no I’m not exaggerating. At 171,598 gross tons and with 15 passengers decks she definitely feels big and spacious. At double occupancy, Bellissima can carry 4.500 guests and around 5.600 with all berths filled. There are also 1.500 crew members that are taking care of you and the ship. MSC Bellissima has a nearly identical, two years older sister ship MSC Meraviglia. They are both newer ships with Meraviglia being delivered in Spring of 2017 and Bellissima in Spring of 2019. She also has a brand new, slightly bigger sister ship MSC Grandiosa, which does have some new features but is still quite similar. Bellissima is still pretty new so all the spaces still have that new, “fresh out of the shipyard” look and smell, even though she spent a whole summer season sailing in the Mediterannean. Her sister ship Meraviglia is currently sailing out of her new winter homeport Miami, Florida and MSC Grandiosa will be doing 7-night cruises in the Mediterranean.

Meraviglia class ships offer so many things to do on-board, it’s honestly hard to do it all on a 7-night itinerary so imagine how busy I was trying to do as much as I can on my 3 night mini-cruise! From a huge Arizona water park to an amazing, thrill packed Sportsplex to the relaxing Aurea spa…. on this ship they have it all. But more about all of that later!

Before every cruise I always read a bunch of reviews and ask my fellow cruisers about the ship I’ll be sailing on. What I really wanted to know about this ship was how crowded does it get, because I never really sailed on a ship of that size so I was slightly worried about crowding. I was positively surprised, I would say that this ship handles crowds pretty well considering it carries five thousand people. With such a huge number of people onboard, of course you can expect some lines during peak hours at the buffet… elevators were also in high demand (I recommend taking the stairs if you can use them) but I never really felt trapped by people! Some areas of the ship definitely get more foot traffic at certain times, but it was never a disorganized chaos like it can be on some ships. And also you can always find a quiet spot somewhere on this ship (places like the Sky lounge on deck 18) which always seems to have a nice and quiet atmosphere. Top decks were usually deserted in the evenings and there are plenty of nice seating areas up there too.

Stateroom

I booked a guaranteed inside cabin for an insanely good price but guess what! I got upgraded to a balcony cabin on Deck 12, mid-ship! Now I don’t know if that’s because I got lucky or because I run a cruise blog in my free time… but either way, I loved it! Location of the cabin was perfect, it was just across the hallway from the mid ship elevators and surprisingly there was no noise from the hallway. This cabin was spacious, in a good condition and pretty functional. The cabin looked contemporary and had everything I needed. I really liked the layout of this cabin and especially the layout of the bathroom, it is not big at all but it’s so functional that it really doesn’t need to be any bigger. The storage space is decent with a closet and drawers under the table, but it could get tight if you’re going on a longer cruise. I don’t usually stay in balcony cabins because, as we all know, they cost more, so I usually opt for more affordable inside cabin. Some people really dislike inside cabins, but to me they’re perfect since I spend most of my time walking around the ship, so even when I have a balcony I don’t really use it all that much… it all depends on what you like and need! On this cruise the weather was definitely not great for using the balcony, but since I had it, I made it my top priority to use it! It was nice to watch sailaways from the balcony, but it would get cold quite quickly so I didn’t spend much time out there. Overall, I really liked my cabin, probably so much so that I’ll never look at my guaranteed inside cabins in the same way again! Ha-ha!

Activities onboard

On the top deck you will find four pools and seven whirlpools. One pool (Grand Canyon pool) is covered by a retractable roof so it can be used pretty much anytime anywhere! Main pool deck on this ship is one of the biggest ones I’ve seen on any ship so far. There are two big pools surrounded by a Baja shelf where awesome, comfy sun beds are located, I would call them prime real estate! Around both pools there is enough space for lounging and sunbathing, there are also pool bars nearby if you fancy a drink by the pool. Since this was a mid-November cruise you can imagine how busy the pools were. The indoor pool was used by some people, but it never got busy and I haven’t seen anyone using outdoor pools… I guess nobody was brave enough!

There is also a huge waterpark at the back of the ship. It is called the Arizona water park and it features three water slides and a big waterpark area with all kinds of water features for young and young at heart cruisers! There is also a ropes course, just aft of the waterpark. This activity is also included in your cruise fare and I never really saw a line for it, but sadly I haven’t had time to do it. Maybe next time!

I was really impressed with the Sportsplex and Leisure Centre on MSC Bellissima, sports complex come night club in the evening, is an incredibly large area. From a basket ball court to football, it can be used for just about anything. If that wasn’t enough the arcade complete with F1 simulation, 3D virtual reality activities and full sized bowling lane is enough to keep any game enthusiast busy. Note, some of these activities incur extra charges.

On-board gym, spa and wellness facilities are pretty big, as they should be for a ship of this size. The gym was never crowded and it is located just a deck above the buffet… I think MSC is trying to say something with that… haha! I haven’t used spa facilities on this ship, but I’ve heard some great reviews of the Aurea spa on all MSC ships!

Dining

MSC Bellissima has 12 different dining venues, including Hola! the tapas bar from 2* Michelin Star chef Ramón Freixa. If tapas are not your thing, you can try Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi bar, the American Steakhouse Butcher’s Cut or L’atelier Bistrot, the French bistro. Many of these have outside tables with views over Bellissima’s two story indoor promenade, Galleria Bellissima, a great place to people watch.

Galleria Bellissima lined with shops and restaurants

As it was I mini cruise I didn’t have enough time to try many speciality dining options, but I did manage to dine in the Butcher’s Cut and in the Sushi bar. Freshly made Californian rolls with pickled ginger and wasabi were beyond delicious and fillet steak in the Butcher’s Cut was excellent. I would definitely recommend trying at least one speciality restaurant, not only beacuse the food is excellent, but also because each restaurant has a different decor and atmosphere so each night can be a totally different experience! There are some great dining packages on offer that do save you some money so look into that if you’re planning on dining in multiple speciality restaurants.

Oh, and how could I forget the delicious Crepes in the Jean-Philippe Crepes & Gelato shop on the Galleria Bellissima. The Crepes are worth every cent, they were so delicious! There are also many flavors of gelato offered here for around 3 euros a scoop. You can literally smell when this venue is open since the aroma of freshly made crepes spreads all throughout Galleria!

As well as the speciality dining, there are three main restaurants and a fabulous buffet restaurant. I was particularly impressed with the Marketplace buffet. The choice of fruit, cereals, breads and hot food was excellent. I loved the live cooking stations and had a hot breakfast with a freshly cooked omelette on mornings! One MAJOR thing I didn’t like was, there were no donuts for breakfast… if you’re a cruise donut lover like me, prepare to be disappointed. Other than that, I was impressed by the overall quality and variety of the food in the buffet! EDIT: When I came back home from the cruise and posted this review, a person who was on the same cruise contacted me and told me that there were in fact donuts served for breakfast but in the kids section of the buffet… excuse my sobs!

Dinner in the main dining room was good too. I love the way the Italians serve four smaller courses, rather than overload your plate with one large main course. The desserts were particularly good too – I didn’t expect anything less, desserts seem to be good on all Italian ships!

Entertainment

One of the biggest draws are the two Cirque du Soleil shows, that can not be seen anywhere else in the world. MSC built a specific auditorium for it’s Cirque du Soleil shows, with a 360 degree rotating stage and 40 meter long LED screens. Note there is an additional charge for Cirque du Soleil and it needs to be booked in advance. If Cirque du Soleil is not your thing, don’t worry, there are six different Broadway style shows to choose from. There are also 40 hours of live music each day and twenty different bars and lounges to choose from. Many of the bars and lounges are located close to the atrium of the ship, where the dazzling set of Swarovski crystal staircases is located. These are a feature on all newer MSC cruise ships and are considered a symbol of sophistication and a focal point of the ship. There are 96 steps in the main staircase (there are actually 6 Swarovski staircases on board) and each step has a staggering 640 Swarovski crystals! These stairs were ALWAYS busy, everyone wanted that signature Swarovski staircase photo!

During the day you can also participate in various events like dance lessons, quiz and trivia shows, karaoke… there is something for everyone.

Itinerary

On this short cruise we visited Barcelona, Spain and Toulon, France. We were originally supposed to visit Marseille instead of Toulon but due to strong winds we were redirected. I didn’t mind this change since I have more cruises booked that are visiting Marsille (most Mediterranean cruises visit Marseille). Toulon is slightly off the beaten path for large cruise ships and most ships that visit it are much smaller than MSC Bellissima. She is so big that she became the biggest ship to ever dock there. Though keep in mind that the ship does NOT dock in Toulon but in the small city near Toulon called La Seyne-sur-Mer from where you can catch a free shuttle bus or a shuttle boat to Toulon. Rides with both are not long at all, around 10-15 minutes. I would definitely recommend taking the shuttle boat not only because it docks right on the waterfront of Toulon but also because you get beautiful views of your ship as you’re sailing around it to reach Toulon. I really liked this city, as it’s not busy as Marseille and it is known for its fountains, found in many of the small squares, each with a different character. The original system of fountains was built in the late 17th century but most were rebuilt in the 18th or early 19th century. Toulon is also an important centre for naval construction, fishing and winemaking. It is located in Provence after all! All in all, a beautiful city with a lot of charm and I’m really glad I got to visit it!

Barcelona on the other hand is a complete opposite of Toulon. It is a bustling port city and the second largest city in Spain. If you’ve been on a Mediterranean cruise, chances are that you’ve been to Barcelona, it is a major cruise port. At this stop we didn’t have a lot of time, so we decided to take the metro to Sagrada Familia and walk around the city centre. We also strolled trough La Rambla and many surrounding streets lined with many shops, cafes and restaurants. You can visit Barcelona a million times and still see something new each time. I love this city and its metropolitan atmosphere. I can’t wait to go back!

The embarkation and disembarkation port, Genova is a busy port city located on the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea, Genova has historically been one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean, it is currently the busiest in Italy! It has been nicknamed la Superba due to its glorious past and impressive landmarks. Genova is also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The ship docks right in the city centre so if you have time definitely walk around the city and soak in the history that this place has the offer!

MSC

In conclusion, I would have to say that this ship exceeded my expectations. I expected huge crowds, lines and a shopping mall feeling, but in reality there were little to no crowds on-board and even though the ship is huge, it still feels, smells and looks like a ship! Embarkation and disembarkation were really easy and fast which was great since I didn’t have time to waste on this short mini cruise! I left the ship with a full stomach, and many great memories.

In my opinion, MSC offers a great product at reasonable prices. Officers and staff on board are welcoming and are working as hard as they can to ensure that you have the best on-board experience as possible. I’d say that you get your money’s worth no matter what! You can always grab something to eat, there’s always something happening on the ship and the itineraries that Bellissima offers are amazing.

I would not think twice about sailing on another Meraviglia class ship or with MSC in general. I really like what MSC offers, a subtle Italian experience on-board contemporary, state of the art ships!