mss cruiseline opinions info needed

[nbevins]

How do you rate this cruiseline??I heard they do announcements in 5 languages--is this true in caribbean as well.Are all payment shipboard accts handled in euros and do most credit card companies charge to convert--thanks for any info

rbevins1######

[elfed]

Do you mean MSC cruise lines? I have heard of the 5 language announcements on these ships but not for everything-just important issues. The American Dollar is the main currency in the Caribbean but some of the islands do accept the Euro. I believe the Euro is also accepted on board ship for shopping in the ship's boutiques. I think MSC will find things hard in the Caribbean as they are not only in competition with the other Italian line Costa, but 5 other mega cruise lines. I wish them well.

As far as the conversion goes it depends on who you bank with. Some charges may apply though. Check with your bank.

Regards,

James.

[cruiseduo]

If you mean MSC, we cruised on the MSC Lirica last year to the Panama Canal and are going on her again on Dec 7th to the Caribbean. All funds were paid in US dollars. If you're interested in my review see Cruise Reviews in left column.

[JohnG]

MSC (which stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company) is not a new cruise line, in fact one of the oldest. It is Italian owned and initially operated mostly passenger/freighters. Today they have modern passenger ships the sail the Mediterranean in the summer. They spend the winter in the Caribbean and for the last two years have been focusing on attracting North American customers. The ships, as the reviews will indicate, have very good physical layout and design, but the meals have not been focused enough on North American tastes.

The conversion on credit card balances depends on the "home currency" of your credit card. A US bank credit card will have no conversion, when booked through their US operation. Canadian or European bank cards will generally have a conversion unless the booking is through a European agency or office.