The idea of spending a holiday on a liner in the open sea has been around for a long time. But we never managed to realise it. A couple of months ago, our friends told us that they were planning to go. They told us and started persistently calling us to come with them. After weighing up all the pros and cons, we decided it was time to turn our dreams into reality.
This is one of the smallest liners in the MSC fleet.
47 000 horses under keel, 63 000 tonnes displacement, 12 floors, 4 of which are exclusively for staff. Restaurants, bars, fitness, SPA, water attractions and ALL Inclusive catering are at your service. Drinks can be purchased in packages separately when you book your tour. About 2500 tourists and about 700 staff can be on board at the same time.
A little about pros and cons.
From pros.
- holidays are not standard.
- the opportunity to visit different cities and countries in a relatively short period of time.
- no need to rent a new hotel each time in a new location.
- Cleaning of the room three times a day.
- Meals on all-inclusive system.
The company and service on board were very pleasant. As soon as we took off, the stewardesses seated everyone on free seats, allowed us to cover the portholes and everyone fell asleep safely.
I immediately remembered our “valiant” Victory, where we had no right to move to a free row for comfort. And this is with the load of the board from force on half. And we flew for about five hours.
We arrived in Dubai at about 4am. We spent almost an hour in queue at passport control. After passing the control, the customs officer gives you a local SIM card with 1 Gb of internet included. We didn t use them and I think it was for nothing. At 8 o’clock we took a taxi and went to the port.
Before 9 am to come to the port does not make sense, so we were assured in tour agency when buying a tour. And this is exactly what we and did. On the last day of the cruise we realised that we were very wrong. I will definitely write about it in the final story.
All liners depart from 3 terminal of Port Rashid Dubai. At port, your suitcases will be collected from you and delivered later to your cabin. At passport control they take away your passports and give you plastic cards instead.
They are your passport and ticket for entry and exit from the liner and key from the room and all your purchases are recorded there. In general, it is better not to lose the plastic. The child was additionally given the simplest bracelet on her arm with her name and barcode. By logic, she was supposed to wear it all the time and if she lost it, all the information would be with her. But after taking it off about five minutes later, she didn t put it on again.
When you get on the liner, you can go to eat on 11 deck. Or swim in the pool. If your room is ready, you will be checked in immediately. By the way, as soon as the room is ready, the cleaner hangs an envelope with your cards on the door handle. Very convenient.
Food from dawn to dusk, and that’s putting it mildly. You can fill your tummy non-stop. Everything is deliciously cooked
For drinks, too, there are plenty of everything for every taste and wallet. But I recommend buying a package in advance, they re of several kinds. The simplest is any drinks up to 7€. We had this and it was enough for us. For gourmets to enjoy rum or whisky years so 23, there are more expensive drink packages.
We took excursions on our own. On liner I took only a tour of liner, which included a visit to the kitchen, backstage of the theatre, laundry and most importantly, the captain’s cabin. Told many interesting things about the life of the staff. Photos and videos are strictly forbidden.
About the liner can be written for a long time, but hopefully photos will add information.
A I m moving on to the next stage. Oman, the city of Khasab.
