Mrs. O Around the World
  • Home
  • Travel Destinations
    • Africa
    • Asia & Australasia
    • Central & South America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
  • Guides
    • Airlines
      • British Airways
    • Countries
      • United States
        • California
        • Florida
  • Topics
    • Airlines
    • Cruises
    • Hotels
    • Skiing
    • Trains
    • Villas & Vacation Homes
    • Thoughts & Plans
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Shopping
  • Who is Mrs. O?
    • Who is Mrs. O?
    • Working with Mrs. O
    • Contact
  • Contact
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
Mrs. O Around the World
Mrs. O Around the World
  • Home
  • Travel Destinations
    • Africa
    • Asia & Australasia
    • Central & South America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
  • Guides
    • Airlines
      • British Airways
    • Countries
      • United States
        • California
        • Florida
  • Topics
    • Airlines
    • Cruises
    • Hotels
    • Skiing
    • Trains
    • Villas & Vacation Homes
    • Thoughts & Plans
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Shopping
  • Who is Mrs. O?
    • Who is Mrs. O?
    • Working with Mrs. O
    • Contact
A spa room with a view
  • Cruises

Is cruising for me? My honest opinion

  • FIRST POSTED: 13th August 2012 | LAST UPDATED: 18th July 2019
  • 4 minute read
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

As you may know, I have been invited to go on a cruise recently, which was a bit of a surprise, as I always said that I would never go on one. Never, ever, ever. But I did. Did I like it? Will Mrs. O go cruising again? What did I really think about the experience? Here is my honest opinion.

Some of my favourite moments
Some of my favourite moments

I was invited by MSC Cruises to go on a bloggers’ trip in early July. The itinerary was quite exciting, and perfect for a weekend. We started in Rome, where I did a bit of shopping, we then stopped in Genoa and managed a little hop to Portofino, and I even learned how to make mojitos on the ship.

I accepted this invite as we were not going on the main part of the ship. These ships are big – we are talking 3,000+. I liked the concept of the Yacht Club which is “a ship within a ship”, or a boutique hotel inside a hotel. With only 70+ suites – 140 people.. I was definitely curious.

Want to know more about it? Well I did, and asked the Yacht Club’s head butler to tell us a bit more about this luxury product. Just click here, or on the image below.

My 3rd and final video
My 3rd and final video

The Yacht Club was lovely – the rooms could have been a big bigger, but to be honest, I didn’t really spend a lot of time in them. Everything worked perfectly,  and I loved having a butler. I was an easy passenger as I didn’t ask for much – I never leave for a trip without shiny shoes, so didn’t need that and all my dresses travel well. But of course I can see the appeal of having your ironing done, which I would totally use, if necessary.

I LOVED the pool deck. We had a huge area with a bar, lounging chairs, a pool, 2 jacuzzis and a viewing deck, for exclusive use of the Yacht Club guests. It was super spacious and not crowded at all (my worse nightmare). I loved the fact that there are more sunloungers than guests… so even if at full capacity, it will never look full.

The Top Sail Deck - nice and peaceful
The Top Sail Deck – nice and peaceful

I LOVED the spa – it was one of the best experiences ever, and I have had a few massages and facials around the world. The treatment rooms were amazing, state of the art, and the view.. wow, that will be difficult to replicate anywhere else. Must confess it was a bit strange to undress whilst leaving Genoa – I know that no one could see me, but a very weird feeling indeed.

A spa room with a view
A spa room with a view

I LOVED the Yacht Club lounge – just like a hotel lounge – with food, drinks, etc. You could have simple meals throughout the day, drinks, etc. Very nice and the hub of this part of the ship

Food and drink were also excellent. We had access to the fine dining restaurant, and I cannot fault anything.

What I didn’t like? Having to cross the whole ship in order to get to it. It is not for the walk, it is for the sheer contrast of the cruising experience. I am talking thousands of people, being super loud, everywhere. And not wearing trousers after sunset. Or shirts. I am not being snobbish (maybe I am), but there is a time and place for everything. If you wear shorts during the day, make an effort for dinner. I am not suggesting everyone should wear tuxedos and evening gowns (although I would love to have an evening like that!), but trousers, long sleeve shirt and proper shoes is an absolute minimum for men. On the yacht club, there is a requirement for gentlemen to wear jackets and that was absolutely fine. I wore cocktail dresses every night, nothing formal, but as I would do for any dinner.

Would I go again? To the Yacht Club, absolutely – for a long weekend, it would be perfect for me. And with a group of friends – I think cruising is like skiing, more of a group activity. To the other part of the ship? Absolutely not. If we all liked yellow, life would be very boring and I am glad that there are different options at different prices.

So there you have it. I would really like to thank MSC for the great trip they organised for us. One of the best parts of the trip was actually meeting fellow bloggers and the team. We had an amazing weekend, not a lot of sleep, but I got back to Barcelona feeling happy and relaxed.

W Barcelona is becoming my home in this city. Always welcome to drop by :)
W Barcelona is becoming my home in this city. Always welcome to drop by 🙂

With enough time before my flight back to London, it would be rude not to enjoy the sun and have my first dip ever in Barcelona, thanks to the W Hotel, who let us use their beach club. And, of course, enough time for some delicious Spanish Tapas.

Oh yes - boquerones, calamares, croquetas, pan con tomate and the piece of resistance, ibérico ham. This and cold rosé wine was a treat!
Oh yes – boquerones, calamares, croquetas, pan con tomate and the piece of resistance, ibérico ham. This and cold rosé wine was a treat!

 

Who knows if you will find me on a cruise again? 😉

Mrs. O

 

Like 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Total
0
Shares
Like 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Like 0
Share 0
Previous Article
Cocktails at sunset - A masterclass!
  • Cruises

Summer cocktails, anyone? Mojitos and Sangria onboard

  • FIRST POSTED: 31st July 2012 | LAST UPDATED: 17th July 2015
View Post
Next Article
strand cruise myanmar
  • Asia & Australasia
  • Cruises

The Strand Cruise – a boutique luxury cruise journey from Bagan to Mandalay, Myanmar

  • FIRST POSTED: 16th February 2016 | LAST UPDATED: 11th October 2016
View Post
Recent Posts
  • lockdown essentials
    Coronavirus Lockdown Essentials
    • 23rd January 2021
  • best beauty products for winter beauty essentials la mer susanne kaupfmann
    Winter Beauty Essentials
    • 17th January 2021
  • the-row-net-a-porter barely there sandals
    Shopping finds
    • 24th January 2021
  • ten-champagnes-to-try-this-christmas-bollinger-taittinger-ruinart-laurent-perrier-gosset-dom-perignon-louis-roederer-cristal-cover3
    Ten champagnes perfect for any occasion
    • 26th December 2020
  • Winter jumpers for women
    • 23rd November 2020
Most read today
  • Coronavirus Lockdown Essentials
    Coronavirus Lockdown Essentials
  • Shopping finds
    Shopping finds
  • Luxury hotel toiletries worth stealing
    Luxury hotel toiletries worth stealing
  • Winter Clothes to take on a ski holiday (or for cold weather)
    Winter Clothes to take on a ski holiday (or for cold weather)
SAY HELLO
Instagram
The closest I will get to a ski slope this season. I didn’t quite believe when the weather forecast actually said it would snow - but waking up to it this morning was pretty special. It won’t last but it’s life. Walking around today for our ‘permitted 1h of exercise’ definitely allowed for a change in scenery. ⠀
When this is all over - where would you like to go? And guess mine 🥰
Another week, another table setting, because why not? We are on our 3rd week of lockdown and I’m finding it much harder than before. The motivation to cook is dwindling but has to be done. What are you planning to cook this week? We are having zaatar chicken thighs tonight, Cottage pie tomorrow and steak Wednesday. Leave a comment below so it may inspire someone else, please. Every little helps (and thank you!)
It’s the first #PrawnThursday of 2021 and deserves to be immortalised on the feed. Our fishmonger took a little break and now I can say, it feels like proper lockdown. (For background, we discovered this great fishmonger who comes to our door every Thursday in April last year and he’s definitely made our lockdowns much better). Do you like #prawns or not so much?
Follow

The closest I will get to a ski slope this season. I didn’t quite believe when the weather forecast actually said it would snow - but waking up to it this morning was pretty special. It won’t last but it’s life. Walking around today for our ‘permitted 1h of exercise’ definitely allowed for a change in scenery. ⠀
When this is all over - where would you like to go? And guess mine 🥰
Another week, another table setting, because why not? We are on our 3rd week of lockdown and I’m finding it much harder than before. The motivation to cook is dwindling but has to be done. What are you planning to cook this week? We are having zaatar chicken thighs tonight, Cottage pie tomorrow and steak Wednesday. Leave a comment below so it may inspire someone else, please. Every little helps (and thank you!)
It’s the first #PrawnThursday of 2021 and deserves to be immortalised on the feed. Our fishmonger took a little break and now I can say, it feels like proper lockdown. (For background, we discovered this great fishmonger who comes to our door every Thursday in April last year and he’s definitely made our lockdowns much better). Do you like #prawns or not so much?
Very wise words by my dear friend @molly.schoneveld. They really struck a chord. Here’s to a good first week of 2021.
As 2020 comes to an end, it will certainly be a year we won’t forget, ever. It was tragic in more ways than others, but there were also silver linings.

Please note that some of the links on this website are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link.

Mrs. O Around the World
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy & Cookie Policy
  • Advertising & PR
  • Contact

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Mrs. O uses cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on this website. If you continue to use it, she assumes that you are happy with it.YesNoRead more