We always end up back with DCL

[Snowwhyt]

I just returned from a 12-day MSC cruise in the Caribbean and Mexico. I've done Carnival, Celebrity and NCL over the past several decades. MSC's private island, Ocean Cay, is jaw-dropping beautiful.

MSC tops them all. The food, service, music and shows were all exceptional.

I did like the island it’s a Lovely place.
But the food was not at the level of Royal Caribbean or DCL’s for me. Both for sit down and buffet.
Funny story: I just wasn’t feeling any of the MSC menu and was disappointed by the previous night’s meals. I requested the lobster with drawn butter, we were going to pay extra, but that’s okay. It still seemed like a great deal.
My lobster was delivered, but I thought that the gentlemen just forgot my butter. I asked for them to bring my butter. He brought me three packets of butter with rosemary in it. Like I was gonna spread it on the lobster like I do a dinner roll. I explained that I wanted the liquid butter. So then he came back with the drawn butter in a gravy boat with the tiniest spoon. I know I’ve seen them on TV. It’s probably a caviar spoon. But he put a few drops of butter on my lobster probably equal to a teaspoon if I was lucky. And asked if I wanted more? I did ask for lots more please. And after what I would describe as my 2nd teaspoon of butter. He then took the butter back with him. I thought he was just being polite and putting some on for me but nope, he took it with him. I love my dairy! Lobster is the vessel to carry my butter needs!
Shows were not bad on MSC just different from Disney. Like the costumes were lacking structure, sparkle and flow, they draped heavy over the actors. Dance moves were not as extensively choreographed as Disney, but they were good. But they were very good. We also had the lady that sang the original song with Meatloaf. She had wonderful costumes, but I’m pretty sure that she brought all of her own. She was the main entertainment.
But MSC treat's, candy and desserts beat everyone else though! That stuff was so good. I ate it all on the airplane before I got home. But I just can’t place them higher for food. And for me it’s a huge.
Only once did I pick a cruise for ports, Alaska. They can run in circles around Castaway Cay and that’s fine by me. I probably wouldn’t get off the ship anyway.
Wish trip plans for September and no plans to get off on the 2 islands.

 

[auntlynne]

@Snowwhyt - I also enjoy a little lobster with my butter soup.

But no interest in Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay? Or just beaches in general? I do hope the Wish ship and experience is great for you otherwise.

We all have our own choices. It may be like having a private boat for part of those days.

Not long now!

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

A world of Differences with appreciative Disney Cruise crew members we never experience with other lines.

 

[hertamaniac]

I did like the island it’s a Lovely place.
But the food was not at the level of Royal Caribbean or DCL’s for me. Both for sit down and buffet.
Funny story: I just wasn’t feeling any of the MSC menu and was disappointed by the previous night’s meals. I requested the lobster with drawn butter, we were going to pay extra, but that’s okay. It still seemed like a great deal.
My lobster was delivered, but I thought that the gentlemen just forgot my butter. I asked for them to bring my butter. He brought me three packets of butter with rosemary in it. Like I was gonna spread it on the lobster like I do a dinner roll. I explained that I wanted the liquid butter. So then he came back with the drawn butter in a gravy boat with the tiniest spoon. I know I’ve seen them on TV. It’s probably a caviar spoon. But he put a few drops of butter on my lobster probably equal to a teaspoon if I was lucky. And asked if I wanted more? I did ask for lots more please. And after what I would describe as my 2nd teaspoon of butter. He then took the butter back with him. I thought he was just being polite and putting some on for me but nope, he took it with him. I love my dairy! Lobster is the vessel to carry my butter needs!
Shows were not bad on MSC just different from Disney. Like the costumes were lacking structure, sparkle and flow, they draped heavy over the actors. Dance moves were not as extensively choreographed as Disney, but they were good. But they were very good. We also had the lady that sang the original song with Meatloaf. She had wonderful costumes, but I’m pretty sure that she brought all of her own. She was the main entertainment.
But MSC treat's, candy and desserts beat everyone else though! That stuff was so good. I ate it all on the airplane before I got home. But I just can’t place them higher for food. And for me it’s a huge.
Only once did I pick a cruise for ports, Alaska. They can run in circles around Castaway Cay and that’s fine by me. I probably wouldn’t get off the ship anyway.
Wish trip plans for September and no plans to get off on the 2 islands.

The only disappointment for my dinner was the NY Strip steak. I asked for rare and got a thinly cut, medium to medium well piece. I found MSC to be much more seafood/fish centric in both the MDR and buffet. Breakfast was smoked salmon or lox with an arsenal of toppings. I didn't even think about having a bagel. The grouper served in the MDR was stellar as well as the pan-fried bass for lunch.

But what really took me by surprise was the salmon on the buffet (offered nightly). There was a choice of crispy (not fried, but the topping was crunchy) or broiled. A few weeks ago, we stayed at the Yacht Club at WDW and went to Flying Fish for dinner. I opted for their salmon as the waitress told me how wonderful it is. Pre-AP discount, I think it was $48. I asked for it blackened and got this woeful piece that looked like it was an appetizer that had zero char to it. This was really disappointing. I can hand-on-heart say that the buffet salmon on MSC not only was prepared better, looked better, tasted better, but was fresh and plentiful. Flying Fish holds nothing over MSC's salmon even on a buffet (that's really telling to me). The desserts in the MDR were exceptional. My strawberry reduction cannoli was the winner this past trip.

MSC's main theater entertainment is very good, but certainly not what I would classify as world class. They seem to use the same dancers/singers, but in various sets/arrangements creating a different show each night. In contrast, I found the lounge entertainment to be excellent.

Since I did a back-to-back cruise, I spent quite a bit of time on their island. I loved staying overnight (2X) to see things at sunset and nighttime.

 

[CarolynFH]

Flying Fish for dinner. I opted for their salmon as the waitress told me how wonderful it is. Pre-AP discount, I think it was $48. I asked for it blackened and got this woeful piece that looked like it was an appetizer that had zero char to it. This was really disappointing.

That sound awful! Did you complain? Was anything done about it?

 

[hertamaniac]

That sound awful! Did you complain? Was anything done about it?

It was pitiful. The vegetables underneath the salmon were excellent at FF. But this was a complete waste of a selection. I got their steak on a previous visit which was among the best I've ever had on property.

I didn't complain as the head waitress looked at me and said something like, "wow....you finished your whole salmon". I was tempted to say, "I even reminded you I want it heavily blackened post order and you told me you informed the chef. And now, you had the audacity to bring this child size portion out to me without any blackening". Instead, I let the tip reflect my disappointment.

Apologies to OP as I don't want to de-rail the conversation about DCL. Moving on.

 

[auntlynne]

It was pitiful. The vegetables underneath the salmon were excellent at FF. But this was a complete waste of a selection. I got their steak on a previous visit which was among the best I've ever had on property.

I didn't complain as the head waitress looked at me and said something like, "wow....you finished your whole salmon". I was tempted to say, "I even reminded you I want it heavily blackened post order and you told you informed the chef. And now, you had the audacity to bring this child size portion out to me without any blackening". Instead, I let the tip reflect my disappointment.

Apologies to OP as I don't want to de-rail the conversation about DCL. Moving on.

Moving back on - to your MSC experience. The mantra is it’s an Italian based company - when in Rome, eat as the Romans do: pasta, fish, breads. The best food reports for MSC come from those foods.

I guess you had to learn this as you went. And now the next cruiser can heed your experience as a cautionary tale.

At least you did get some lovely fish from the buffet! I enjoyed the pizza. I need to learn to try fish when it’s available. Yours is a good reminder.

Do you think you will give MSC another look when picking cruise vacations?

 

[hertamaniac]

Moving back on - to your MSC experience. The mantra is it’s an Italian based company - when in Rome, eat as the Romans do: pasta, fish, breads. The best food reports for MSC come from those foods.

I guess you had to learn this as you went. And now the next cruiser can heed your experience as a cautionary tale.

At least you did get some lovely fish from the buffet! I enjoyed the pizza. I need to learn to try fish when it’s available. Yours is a good reminder.

Do you think you will give MSC another look when picking cruise vacations?

The MSC pizza rivaled my memories of growing up in NJ/PA where I have yet to find an equivalent while living in Florida for the past 20 years. That pizza was handmade and was an excellent late-night snack (especially the white). I didn't do much bread or pasta, but the grouper on the buffet was spectacular too. In fact, the grouper in the MDR was the best grouper I've had anywhere.....period. I normally don't eat fish, but one day on the cruise I had salmon for breakfast, bass for lunch and grouper for dinner; I never did that before.

The coffee on MSC (Americano) was exceptional. They also had the latte/cappuccino/expresso as part of my drink package which was really nice.

I normally do trip reports on the DIS, but not sure where a MSC cruise report would slot in. I have quite a few pics/details.

And yes, MSC will become a possibility for a future cruise.

 

[auntlynne]

I normally do trip reports on the DIS, but not sure where a MSC cruise report would slot in. I have quite a few pics/details.

And yes, MSC will become a possibility for a future cruise.

You could just stick it in this forum, since it’s about coming back to DCL - which means from a different company… so let’s hear about it.

…if you want

Of course, I imagine that means you will get some flack.

But I can always look at people’s vacation pictures. Those not interested can just skip to the next post.

 

[CarolynU]

Husband and I went on Princess last year and I can safely say we will be an exclusively Disney cruise family. You really get what you pay for in terms of service and it's painfully obvious. The only thing i've noticed that other cruises have a bit of an edge on is itineraries.

Wow that’s the complete opposite of my experience. I was wary of trying any other line than DCL but Princess was no better than the majority but was its equal.
Actually I’ve just sailed b2b DCL and in one or two areas the service could be best described as sketchy! I still loved the cruises but I certainly can’t complain about Princess.
However, I still want to try Cunard, Regent and maybe Seabourn just for a change.
Just an edit if DCL sailed a warm Med cruise in August ( the only month that the UK kids get off school in the Summer,) I’d be back like a shot but they don’t!

 

[John VN]

Moving back on - to your MSC experience. The mantra is it’s an Italian based company - when in Rome, eat as the Romans do: pasta, fish, breads. The best food reports for MSC come from those foods.

I guess you had to learn this as you went. And now the next cruiser can heed your experience as a cautionary tale.

At least you did get some lovely fish from the buffet! I enjoyed the pizza. I need to learn to try fish when it’s available. Yours is a good reminder.

Do you think you will give MSC another look when picking cruise vacations?

The MSC pizza rivaled my memories of growing up in NJ/PA where I have yet to find an equivalent while living in Florida for the past 20 years. That pizza was handmade and was an excellent late-night snack (especially the white). I didn't do much bread or pasta, but the grouper on the buffet was spectacular too. In fact, the grouper in the MDR was the best grouper I've had anywhere.....period. I normally don't eat fish, but one day on the cruise I had salmon for breakfast, bass for lunch and grouper for dinner; I never did that before.

The coffee on MSC (Americano) was exceptional. They also had the latte/cappuccino/expresso as part of my drink package which was really nice.

I normally do trip reports on the DIS, but not sure where a MSC cruise report would slot in. I have quite a few pics/details.

And yes, MSC will become a possibility for a future cruise.

DW and I are MSC Converts simply because their pricing for Yacht Club is so attractive. NOT much more than DCL's smaller Verandah cabin plus YC is ALL INCLUSIVE and the SHIP in a SHIP experience, also $2,500 LESS than smaller DCL Concierge with FAR MORE PERKS for way lesser of a price.

e.g. - Sept 8, 2025 Family Verandah 284sq/ft = $3,267 on WISH 4 night

e.g.- WISH Concierge 296sq/ft = $5,867

e.g. - Sept 7, 2025 Yacht Club Verandah 355sq/ft = $3,498 on MSC Seashore 4 night

 

[jimmymc]

I like other cruise lines for the itineraries they offer. Other lines offer everything from small expedition ships to 14 day cruises around Japan. I would love to do a Disney cruise that offers the same trips, but for now, I'm good trying different lines.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Going to try this out later this month.

Evidently helps in embarkation.

 

[Dug720]

I am officially back on DCL next August for B2B Dream cruises. My initial plan had been to book a Celebrity Beyond cruise for next August while I'm onboard the cruise I embark on today, but Celebrity is being weird and only allowing solos to book solo cabins or their uber-expensive suites on a number of Edge-class sailings, and that isn't cool.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

If DCL gets bad feedback about any shore excursion they won’t promote it in any way. This especially with the dog sled excursions.

 

[dreamer17555]

If DCL gets bad feedback about any shore excursion they won’t promote it in any way. This especially with the dog sled excursions.

Is this a bot? No one is discussing MB+ or excursions- dog sled or not. This feels off.

 

[auntlynne]

Is this a bot? No one is discussing MB+ or excursions- dog sled or not. This feels off.

It’s some of the reasons people choose DCL/ always end up back with DCL.

The fact that that DCL actually listens to feedback re excursions and doesn’t offer ones that are not providing the experience Disney expects/ promotes.

The availability of Magic bands as a way to make aspects of cruising easier (or more modern). Sure, Princess has the Medallion.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Is this a bot? No one is discussing MB+ or excursions- dog sled or not. This feels off.

I got you on ignore, go ahead and put me on ignore and you won’t lose anymore sleep over my posts

 

[dreamer17555]

It’s some of the reasons people choose DCL/ always end up back with DCL.

The fact that that DCL actually listens to feedback re excursions and doesn’t offer ones that are not providing the experience Disney expects/ promotes.

The availability of Magic bands as a way to make aspects of cruising easier (or more modern). Sure, Princess has the Medallion.

thank you for clarifying; I appreciate it. I did not understand. I just felt like the posts were out of the blue (which is a common bot behavior). I wasn’t trying to judge their posts.

They didn’t say this is why I choose DCL. They just were talking about excursions and that they had purchased a magic band. I didn’t understand that there was a this is why ‘I come back to DCL’ because their post didn’t say that. Just ‘I'm trying out an MB+ later this month’- which to me is very different from I choose DCL because they offer MB+. Sorry if I misunderstood.


Side note- The magic bands are nice, but they don’t actually help with embarkation and actually it’s an additional step that they have to quickly do to set them up during embarkation.

 

[Hubie]

Well, we are now Platinum with DCL and are returning to do the 7-day Eastern Carribean on the Treasure with our entire family in November 2025. But after having a bad experience (absolutely terrible servers/tons of noisy little kids) on the 7-day Eastern Carribean Fantasy Pixar Cruise last January, DW and I decided to branch out and try an expedition cruise. We chose to sail on Swan Hellenic's Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise this past June. We were on the SH Diana, which holds 192 passengers and a crew of 142. But there were only 82 passengers, and we were treated like royalty!

Yes, the cruise was expensive. But DW sailed for 50% off and we got a $1600 upgrade from our Travel Advisor to a balcony stateroom. And the cost of the cruise included staying our first night at the Courtyard by Marriot just down the road from the Reykjavik Airport. We were also met at the airport, shuttled to the hotel, and provided a free huge-buffet breakfast when we arrived there at 7:30 in the morning. Afterwards a free bus was provided to take you to the city for the day and then back to the hotel. The following morning after another free buffet breakfast a bus shuttled us to the ship. Once aboard, all alcohol drinks (almost anything you could want including some craft beers), lattes, cappuccinos and expressos were included. When we boarded, we were given a welcoming glass of champagne and all of the ship's officer's and expedition staff were introduced. Our balcony stateroom with a faux fireplace contained a refrigerator stocked with bottled water and a selection of canned soda, beer, and a bottle of champagne. We had free 24-hr. room service but never used it or touched the selection in the refrigerator because we were hardly in the room except to sleep. A free excursion is offered every day, and the main lounge was so beautiful that we spent a lot of time in it with other guests when not eating or listening to the daily lectures. The food was spectacular! A 5-star chef treated us to a meal from a different area of the world each night and we had two opportunities to catch a wonderful buffet for breakfast where you could get anything you desired -- including made to order eggs, pancakes, French toast, and even eggs benedict. Made to order hamburgers, chicken and fish sandwiches etc. were also provided at lunch if you wanted any of those, but the buffet included a huge selection of make your own salads and some great prepared entrees.

The ship also contains a well-stocked library, and a number of jig-saw puzzles in the very comfortable and huge, main lounge/bar area. Lots of free movies are available to watch on the flat screen TV in your stateroom but we never had the time to do so. The DCL Treasure cruise next Fall may be our last cruise on such a large ship. We can't wait to book another expedition cruise with Swan Hellenic. Did I mention that Swan Hellenic also provides each guest with a free waterproof backpack and a $300 parka? Oh, and we also were provided free bus transport to a Reykjavik hotel or back to the airport at the end of the cruise. The airport is a 1-hour drive from the city.