HEAD-TO-HEAD
YACHT A LOT THEY GOT
It was quite an experience staying in MSC’s Yacht Class accommodations, and this is clearly a big positive for the cruise line. The perks included: • Butler and concierge services
• 24-hour room service • Complimentary dry- cleaning and shoe care
• Complimentary wines, beers, name-brand spirits and aperitifs
• Fresh flowers • Spa packages • Choice of morning newspaper
• Priority check-in, tender service and access to shore excursions
• Front row seating for theater performances
• Complimentary meals in the speciality restaurants, as well as a private outdoor lounge area with a pool, two whirlpools and a snack and beverage bar. The stunning, multi-
function observation lounge features speciality coffees, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and light meals and snacks throughout the day and evening. For those who can afford the extra tariff, this is certainly the best way to go.
ACCOMODATIONS & SPAS The Costa and MSC ships all have the usual variety of stateroom categories, i.e. interior, ocean-view without balcony, ocean-view with balconies, and suites. The many sub-categories are based mostly on location. The Fantasia-class boast balconies on 77 per cent of their accommodations compared to only 39 per cent for Costa’s Concordia-class. Both MSC Poesia and Costa Luminosa offer balconies on 65- 68% of cabins and suites. On both Costa and MSC, I found the staterooms in
almost every category to be somewhat smaller than on some competing lines, although they all included twin beds convertible to queens, flat-screen TVs, private safes, refrigerator/mini-bars, telephones and either a chair or a couch. The bathrooms on the MSC non-suite cabins are a bit more basic and the small showers still have the clingy, wrap-around curtains. For the health-conscious spa aficionado, both Costa ships feature special spa accommodations that enjoy private access to the Samsara Spa; special spa pack- ages; in-room spa amenities; and the option of dining in the Samsara Spa Restaurant free of charge. MSC feature impressive Balinese-theme spas and fitness facilities, but no special spa accommo- dations. However, Yacht Club passengers have an elevator providing special access to the Spa, as well as use of the saunas, relaxation and steam rooms free of charge. Other passengers not taking a treat- ment must pay to enjoy these facilities. Although the suites on both are more spacious and better appointed than the other staterooms, they are not as large or luxurious as on many other lines. However, when it comes to top-of-the-line perks, I found MSC’s Fantasia-Class Yacht Club concept takes the prize. This 46,000sq ft area, accessible only by private elevator, features 99 accommodations ranging in size from 223-572sq ft (most closer to the lower range), 75 per cent with balconies.
DINING
Both Costa and MSC offer dinner in two main restaurants in two sittings at set tables and do not offer open seating or “dine when you wish,” which
50 WORLD OF CRUISING I Autumn 2010
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92