Going on a first cruise to Belgium

dllive

Hi all

Ive got a litte cruise to Belgium in May booked. Its with MSC. Ive never been on a cruise before, so just looking for a bit of advice on what to do to prepare. I have a valid passport. But what level of travel insurance should I get? (I dont have existing medical conditions). Should I go with the default MSC insurance options, or is it best to shop around?

Internet is only £26, but perhaps its cheaper to get a data roam package on my phone? (EE)

Should I get an MSC excursion, or perhaps go it alone?

Is there anything else I need to consider, or tips/tricks to enjoying a cruise?

If I enjoy this little cruise, then I will certainly do longer cruises.

Thanks

debsy42

I've done quite a few MSC cruises so hopefully might be able to help

1) Make sure whichever insurance you go for make sure it includes cruise cover in case anything happens on board and you need to be taken off the ship

2) You won't be far from a port so see how much data roaming is on your phone, might be cheaper

3) For a first timer go with the MSC excursions as IvanOpinion is quite right, the ship will leave without you if you're late!

4) Plenty of different options, main dining room, buffet, speciality restaurants

5) What level do you have Bella, Fantastica or Aurea?

dllive

Thats guys, very helpful.

We're doing Fantastica

daveyjp

Firstly a short cruise is a very different experience to a longer cruise.  You may get a lot of first timers, party groups on board and you won't have time to get to know any of the staff well (on longer trips this can be useful).  There's also some who say you don't get the same level of service as staff have to turn around the ship twice in a short period and they know they won't be seeing the passengers for long!

You will be overwhelmed by the size of the ship and won't get to see or experience everything it can offer, so don't bother trying!

Any travel insurance with decent medical cover will surfice, just ensure cruises aren't EXCLUDED,   'cruise cover' may just provide insurance for lower risk events which can only happen on a cruise such as missing a port due to weather, change in itinerary etc.

I wouldn't rush to the buffet as soon as you get on board.  It will be a scrum and you won't go hungry!  Use the time to have a wander, and try and find your bearings, find your cabin then go to the decks with public spaces, dining rooms, bars, atrium, shops, casino, theatre.  Visit the upper decks for the pool and outdoor areas, gym, spa and find a spot for sailway.  You may have to check in at your muster station with your cabin keycard so check that detail and do it asap so you know how to find your muster station.

Top tip.  Depending where your cabin is walk to the lifts nearest to where you want to be when alighting the lift and when returning take the nearest lift to where you are on the public decks. It's easier to walk down a cabin corridor than the public areas of many ships.

Internet I'd not bother yet.  The mobile signal reaches a long way out to sea and if you have EU data roaming you may pick up UK, French and Belgian signal all the time you are sailing.  Remember a lot of your passage you will be asleep.

Excursion depends on ports of call.  I assume its Zeebrugge port with trips to Bruge.  The port is a long way from the city centre, but if you are happy to wander take the excursion to the city centre and have time on your own.  You will be dropped off at the bus station which is about 20 minutes by foot from the historic centre.

If history is your thing the WW1 Tyne Cot cemetery, battlefields and Ypres/ Menin Gate trip is fascinating.

Enjoy the trip.

dllive

daveyjp said:

........

Wow - very useful - thankyou!

martindow

If you decide not to buy the ship's internet, how do you stop your phone inadverantly connecting to it and racking up charges?  Apologies if this is a naive question - I've never been on a cruise.

Caz3121

martindow said:

If you decide not to buy the ship's internet, how do you stop your phone inadverantly connecting to it and racking up charges?  Apologies if this is a naive question - I've never been on a cruise.

most wifi packages will require you to register / log in - or turn wi-fi off

eskbanker

martindow said:

If you decide not to buy the ship's internet, how do you stop your phone inadverantly connecting to it and racking up charges?  Apologies if this is a naive question - I've never been on a cruise.

They wouldn't be entitled to charge anything if there wasn't an express consent requirement to knowingly enter into a contract - same applies for any other wi-fi hotspot provider.

strawb_shortcake

Be mindful of calls, texts and Internet usage at sea, if you connect to the maritime satellite (I forget the correct name) it'll cost a fortune. 

My Dad paid about £50 for two relatively short calls on one cruise. I also met a man on one cruise who continued to use the Internet through roaming on a previous cruise, he said his bill cost more than his cruise 

diveunderthebonnet

You could always turn the phone off and enjoy your cruise 

mdann52

strawb_shortcake said:

Be mindful of calls, texts and Internet usage at sea, if you connect to the maritime satellite (I forget the correct name) it'll cost a fortune. 

My Dad paid about £50 for two relatively short calls on one cruise. I also met a man on one cruise who continued to use the Internet through roaming on a previous cruise, he said his bill cost more than his cruise 

MSC (currently) doesn't have a on-board maritime cellular network, just WiFi