Cruising? Me? Never!.. Or can I be persuaded?
I have very publicly said, many times, that I would never be seen dead on a cruise. When my fellow tweep and friend Leah wrote a post “I hate cruising”, I felt as if she was thinking of me when she was writing it – although, at that stage, we never had a conversation about the topic.
I do have some pre-conceptions about cruising, and I am not ashamed of it. I associate cruising with hordes of badly dressed people, wearing socks and sandals, piling up their plates with food and just the *thought* of that pool with hundreds of people makes me cringe.
Mr. O and I actually had a conversation about it a while ago and we even asked ourselves – are we missing out on something? We have to be. More and more people “our age” have tried and seemed to like it.. are we weird? We decided to put it to rest there and then. To be revisited in 20+ years.
Little did I know that, a couple of weeks later, these comments would come back to bite me. Oh yes! You can imagine how surprised I was when MSC Cruises got in touch, inviting me to join them on a special trip. Sadly, we wouldn’t be christening the brand spanking new MSC Divina, but would be spending a weekend in its sister ship, MSC Splendida. Was I excited? Not quite yet.
The big mamma in my pretty hometown, Lisboa!
Then they raised the game – I heard the words suite, private yacht club, 24-hour butler service and a pool for just a few people. And private dining, and spa treatments. In PR speak, the exact words were “a ship-within-a-ship complex includes cabins and suites, 24-hour butler service, a private lounge, restaurant and pool. The Spa will have Balinese massages, saunas, Turkish baths, and more”. I then started to think – can I survive 2 days of this?
I called Mr. O and he said point-blank no. Us on a cruise? Never! I then read him the details and reassured him – it is like a hotel, a 5* hotel, we get to go to 3 quite cool places (give me a second, and I will fill you in on those!), and it is just a weekend. If we hate it, it is OK, not long.. if we like it, then we will have tried something new and may be back for more.
The Yacht Club – I may like this…
As Sophia Loren herself once said, “Style must be adapted to the woman and not vice versa.” It was with this in mind that MSC Cruises set about designing a special Sophia Loren themed cabin in the MSC Yacht Club. I really want to stay in suite number 16007 on deck 16, so I can “revel” in the glamour and style of a suite designed for and with the help of Ms Loren. I am expecting rich reds, fancy lamps and stunning photographs. I have even heard that a replica of the dressing table Ms Loren uses in her room has been fitted, allowing guests, i.e. “moi”, to get ready like a film star.
Ms. Loren is so involved, she was even at the launch of the MSC Divina, which took place a couple of weeks ago in Marseille http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXY4llatPVk&feature=youtu.be
Have a look at this video - it doesn’t look shabby, does it? Mrs. O is keen to have a look and shall report back!
If it is good for Sophia (also my middle name, ha ha, spelled differently), it is good enough for me, even if for two days. So, in less than 20 days, we will be flying to Rome and spend a day shopping (me thinks would be rude not to!). We will then board the ship with 2,000 of our closest friends and embark on this adventure.
On the second day, we will stop in Genoa and I am SOOO going back to Portofino. Only a stone throw away and so cool. I am looking forward to an over-priced espresso (I think the last time it was around €8!) and less wind than last time I visited on my way to Barolo. And finally, guess where I am going? To Barcelona! A place I hadn’t been for 5 years, which meant so much to me, and I get to go twice in a couple of months. It will be a short stopover, but surely there will be time for some paella and cava. Good thing shops are closed on Sundays.
I looks quite big… will I get sea sick?
I am actually quite excited about this and there are lots more in store, which I shall share when the time is right.
In the meantime, if you had a day in these 3 cities, what would you do? Tell me about restaurants, shops and must-see sights I can’t miss. I will try to get to as many as possible and share these moments with those who help me out! Also, have you been on a cruise? Did you love? Hate it? What should I expect?
I need to start brushing up on my Italian! Ciao!
Mrs. O
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Wow! That’s an amazing opportunity there! Not sure if you’ve gone yet or not, but I would definitely be excited. I was on a cruise this past winter for the first time and while it is sooo different from normal vacations, it definitely was a fun time! A very easy way to see many places in a short amount of time. Granted, you are deemed as a “tourist” and don’t get to explore much of the local culture, but if you take it for what it is then you’ll have a great time.
Have fun!!
Cheer,The Glam Traveler
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Have a fantastic time, Ana! I hope you are persuaded about cruising, or my attempts have failed.
Enjoy MSC, i’ll wave from the Solstice
Thank you, Ben!
Will report back 
“wearing socks and sandals, piling up their plates with food and just the *thought* of that pool with hundreds of people makes me cringe.” are you kidding?! MSC is the Italian Cruise Line… ANYBODY wearing socks and sandals goes immediately over board once the cruise ship is out of the port. There is a style inspector to ensure that once back you burst of Italian life style (it might cause you some issues getting back to your normal life, in particular if you live in a well regulated places… for sure no problems at all if you live in a banana republic). For the rest I’m with you
hi
Thank you for taking this with humour and a pinch of salt! Never meant to offend anyone and we all know how subjective is style. Hawaiian shirts not allowed on board, right?
Absolutely… I will wear at least a Hawaiian shorts.
those aren’t so bad!
Beautiful pictures here! I have never been on a cruise but I’m definitely not opposed to them.
I shall see if it’s for me
2 weeks to go and getting excited!
I am about adventure travel, but a cruise would still be fun. Looks like a beautiful ship. Have a great time!
I will do my best
I recently took my first cruise in 20 years… I wanted to take passage through the Panama Canal – it was worth it. And boy has the industry and cruise lines changed since I was a kid. It seems you are covered, but a must is a balcony.
As for those three cities. I think find a cafe with a view, eat something, and drink some wine – then repeat.
stay adventurous, Craig
Thank you, Craig, for stopping by. We got the balcony covered, for sure! The 3 cities are fab, just hoping the weather is also wonderful
I have to tell you, for years I hated cruises! I, like you, thought they were for “hordes of badly dressed people, wearing socks and sandals, piling up their plates with food.” But, I went on one three years ago, and again last April, and had the best time. The second you get on the boat, you are immediately on vacation.
Of course, there are downfalls and limitations, but overall, the experience is definitely fun every once and a while. I think the length you will spend on it is perfect (personally for a cruise 5-6 days for me is more than enough time). Can’t wait to hear all about it!
I said never too and here we are Mrs O is off on the crusie! Mr O in white socks, ooh… no please don’t let him do it.
Never never never! I mean the socks!
yep. it’s not something i’ve sought out to do on my own but i agree, it should be on the list to try. this itinerary sounds AHHHMAZING to me. i know you will have a lovely time as you do wherever you go! bon voyage
We are now determined to enjoy it – and the stops are so up our street! I think Lola wouldn’t mind either
Well color me jealous! It all looks so luxurious and amazing. I commented on Leah’s post when she wrote it, saying that I was anti-cruise for a long time – until I went on one. I didn’t get spoiled the way it seems you are going to be, but I enjoyed every minute of it. I think a lot of it also has to do with which cruise line you choose. Some are not as, um, NICE as others (speaking of the ships themselves and the clientele). I’d go on another cruise, for sure. Enjoy yours. I can’t wait to read all about it!
PS — I love Rome. Color me jealous 2x. It makes my heart hurt when I think about it because I’m pretty sure I was meant to live there.
Francesca, I will be thinking of you, twice at least! Anything special I should do in Rome? Just say the word!
I share your aversion of cruises – being stuck in a boat with a lot of people I have never met before and may have very little in common with is not my idea of having a good time. But even agoraphobic me would go on this one!
I am looking forward to reading your impressions.
thank you
I will share!!
Do it! What a great opportunity, I’m sure you’ll make the most of it. We felt the same way before we went on an NCL cruise around the Mediterranean. It’s a unique way of traveling and was actually
woops.. I didn’t get to finish before that updated. LOL. I meant to say it’s actually quite enjoyable. Other than the fact that we were the only “young” folks on the boat.
I am not a big fan of cruises – I prefer not to be trapped on a boat, especially with crowds. But there are cruises and cruises and it seems like the one you’ve been invited on is something else. Enjoy!
I will
share your thoughts and will let you know what we really think!
We hope you enjoy your cruise. So many people have told us that it’s not really “our style” of travel, but we’d still like to experience it someday and judge for ourselves. We look forward to your recap!
It is so interesting how it seems to be a love/hate thing. Will let you know if I cross over to the other side
thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment, much appreciated!
Looks like someone has given into PR speak — and Mr. O now has to join you for the ride!!
The offer sounds too good to be true, and — at the very least — you have to try it at least once.
Can’t wait for you to do that trip report for us to read about… at least then, I’d know why I should be on a big boat, and what I should do on a big boat.
Right now, I still prefer my aircraft, whether or not if it’s at the pointy end…
Point taken – and I will be reporting back. Thank you for stopping by, Sir! An honour!
No, the honour is mine… do enjoy and looking forward to hearing (and seeing, on Instagram) about it… #PaxEx FTW!
Yes, that is a great idea
Cruising is not appealing to me, but I’d certainly give it a try if it was a luxury cruise like this one. Have fun!
Will do
and looking forward to that Cava Tasting, thanks to your tip!
You’re quite welcome – have fun!
Wow! I have never cruised but I can be persuaded
I shall let you know how it goes!
This sounds pretty sweet I must say. This cruise *might* persuade me to stop hating cruises. I’m still not spending my money on one though.
I have cruised many times, and while it definitely has its downsides, I can not find a single flaw with your set up. My tip is to spend as much time on your balcony as possible, and simply avoid the rest of the masses….This is my approach to cruises, and it usually works pretty well:)
That is very interesting advice.. I am hoping I have a BIG balcony.. but that little yacht club looks quite good, doesnt it?
I think, Mrs. O, that it will be hard for someone to not enjoy a cruise when you are in a yacht within a cruise! Living the life, huh??? I think my mother may disagree with you on people dressing poorly in a cruise – it may be a matter of which cruise line you are thinking about
The idea we now have is that.. not like in the old days! I would love if they made everyone wear proper evening dresses etc. I shall take some
we’re totally with you (and leah!) on not loving the idea of a cruise–for all the same reasons you listed. but if you have to give it a try, this sounds like the way to do it!
I have also always thought cruising was my idea of hell! I don’t have the greatest sea legs so I look forward to hearing how you get on! Sound like a great opportunity!
but is it supposed to be bumpy? oh my! i shall report back, promise!!
Wow Ana, for someone not crazy about cruises you really make it sound appealing!! I think you should go – even just for the curiosity factor!
That was what I was sold.. if it is not delivered or up to expectations I shall report, I promise!
Share the same opinion as yours, however this offer seems exquisite and exclusive! I am sure you will enjoy it
I am hoping too.. hence why I said yes.. no turning back now!!
Wow!! What an adventure this is going to be! Europe at your doorstep, literally, each day and the experience of an MSC Luxury Cruise! You are going to have the most wonderful time my friend!! Enough with the trepidation…embrace the moment and enjoy! ; )
Thank you, Jeff! Very reassuring to see how everyone is encouraging me! Thank you for stopping by!
Better take your sea sick tablets, do you know if you will get sea sick!! Great post, I never thought I would see the day when you and Mr O would take a cruise. Hang on is that pigs I see flying out the window?? xxx
It is the equivalent ship version of the upper deck – don’t expect to be queueing for breakfast
OMG, instagram will be fun! Tablets? On a big boat? seriously?
Sounds like you have been invited to experience something that only the richest people on a cruise ship would be able to pay for. I’d say: Go for it and enjoy! While shopping in Rome, don’t forget to buy a nice pair of socks (preferably white) for Mr. O to wear in his sandals
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hahahah I can’t stop laughing… very good! I can just imagine him wearing it.Thank you so much for stopping by