5 Things MSC Cruise Line Gets Right and 3 Things They Get Wrong
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- We discuss 5 things MSC Cruise Line gets right and 3 things they get wrong. MSC Cruise Line is new to many people, and they do have a few strengths and weaknesses. Among things that get talked about are MSC Food and Dining, MSC Thermal Suites, MSC Ships, MSC Prices and MSC Service.
If you haven't ever been on an MSC Cruise, such as the MSC Seascape and the MSC Meraviglia, which leave from the United States, this could help you decide if it is the right cruise line for you.
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It’s an Italian cruise line so I’m not the least bit surprised that they’re so relaxed on the smoking policy.
It was my first cruise really have no complaint the food and the sfaff was very helpful the music and many more to name I’m definitely coming back also recommend to everyone 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
I’ve been on MSC and I love love their cruises
I love the food mainly very healthy
I love that it’s a mature crowd! Me and my guy are in recovery so it’s nice to go away on a luxury boat and I don’t see guest going crazy and they don’t push drinks on you.. and I didn’t see people smoking everywhere only on their designated area
the shows are phenomenal and it’s really a great experience for us !! 🙏💕☀️
I just recently did the MSC Meraviglia and was amazed. The food was actually amazing. I am used to both salty and lack of flavor, and I was traveling with my mother and even she agreed that the food was great. I made it a point to actually do the restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I didn’t regret my decision at all. Right after I arrived back to work I booked another one which also have the drinks and wifi included, it’s definitely great for your money. I am not a heavy cruiser I am just starting to get into it and I definitely want to explore more the MSC.
Completely agreed with the smokers, I was recovering and I was heavily affected by the smoke but I also always travel prepared with my rescue inhalers and asthma meds. We had a balcony and thank god it was the last cabin on the deck at the front of the ship but the downside was that it was also where the door for the crew lounge was and there was some smokers and it filter thru the hallway…. Other than that the whole experience was great. Prices where super affordable I had to use the laundry service for ironing one of my dresses and the drinks too.
Now this I am going to say, some and I can count them with one hand, some of the staff where RUDE AF… I was trying to be chilled and enjoyed my vacation but the lack of communication irked the living shit out of me. Otherwise my vacation and my first experience with them was amazing and the food was to die for. I had to succumbed the first night to burgers and hot dog I was slightly disgusted … but they also offer healthy options. Bring your own cup/thermos/ flask idk but it’s highly encourage.
One other thing that was a not so good is that I use a sleep apnea machine and they don’t provide you with distilled water and the extension cords you have to go get it the moment you arrived because they only have a few, in our case we grabbed the last 2 been one the European plug and the regular one. I decided to return it the night before to avoid lines in the morning.
Sneak your own water 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️😂
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Wow. Thank you for this review. Thinking about taking a cruise from Brooklyn NY. Honestly that smoking issue and lack of food variety is a deal breaker 😢
We just did the NCL Gem from Manhatten. It was great. We should have videos soon.
As a smoker I feel that there are enough smoking areas outside that you should not be smoking in your rooms. People who don't smoke should not have to smell smoke all over the ship.
Really enjoyed the balance of this video - I hear such mixed reviews of MSC, but really enjoy that you've successfully mixed the positives with the areas to work on - great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
First cruise coming up in Nov on MSC. The research has been really fun since I'm such a newbie and I love the personable videos like yours. One thing that strikes me is everyone's constant focus on food. I feel like I am in the tiny minority (or the only one!) that doesn't really care that much? I am excited to see the views, the beaches, relax, people watch, and NOT WORK :). So if the food is so-so or repetitive, it's still more plentiful than my daily options! I feel like I don't care.
I was on MSC this January and it was great. FOOD was great. I didn't feel it had fewer options for food but maybe my cruise wasn't crowded. Overall a good experience.
Awesome video. Recently was aboard the MSC Meraviglia in the Yacht Club. We had some people smoking some of the lords grass (if you know what I mean lol) out on the balcony which was not pleasant but only happened a few times and mainly late at night.
Thanks for sharing your insights
Love your videos and appreciate your fantastic advice (love your many very thorough Amtrak videos too 😊). Thank you !
You are so welcome! Thank you!
Thank you I’m going on the Meraviglia July 16th-23 nyc round trip Bahamas! I’ve cruised on the princess which was amazing so I’m excited for this experience
Thank you for sharing these!!
You are so welcome!
Can you do this type of video for each cruise line!? It was soooo helpful! I have only been on one cruise about 10 years ago, and doing all the research is overwhelming!
We are planning on it!
I’ve been out on 7 MSC cruises so far. I just booked a 21 day Dubai to Genoa for about $1200 including the single supplement. The number 1 thing they get right is amazing itineraries. I did a 10 day Central America: Ochos Rios, Cartegeña, Limon, somewhere in Costa Rica, Ocean Cay, On the Divina-amazing. I’ve got 5? Booked in the next 2 years.
Share details of the dubai cruise you booked
Awesome--I saw you on trains--glad you do ships, too!
Cool, thanks!
Definitely agree that the food was overall subpar besides the speciality restaurants. I went on the Meravigilia Bahamas in November. Staff were very nice and accommodating. Didn’t really have the smoking problem as you mentioned tho. But that was my 1st time on MSC. Going on the World Europa in the Mediterranean come May. Looking forward to making some comparisons. It’s definitely worth the cheap prices.
The prices are very good
Went on seascape recently and had no issues with smoking at all.
Had no issues with food on seascape either everyday there was at least 3 main proteins to choose from chicken beef pork one thing it was missing was a bit of salt luckily they give you salt at the table and the buffet make sure you grab some i get why they make it this way because you can always add but cant take away . Havnt been on other MSC ships but Seascape was Amazing!
I have been on the Divina and Meravigilia and the smoke smell was not as bad as your experience. We stayed out of the smoking areas and avoided smell. Much like Carnival.
Thanks for the analysis. I've heard things about the food being "meh" but never heard about the smoking issue. My husband would be complaining about it the whole time. We only take one nice vacation per year so we have to be a little picky about it.
Glad it was helpful!
I love MSC. The ONLY cruise line that I enjoy. Why? Because a variety of different nationalities if you sail OUTSIDE the USA which I always do. Smoking doesn't bother me and I never thought it was a problem in my past cruises. The food is average but that's what I eat every day so no biggie. I just don't want to deal with those people on Carnival Cruise Ships so MSC is it for me. Also, I only cruise to check out the cities on the itinerary, not what's in the ship. I don't go to shows or deal with the pool deck, etc. I enjoy my balcony room and then getting off the ship. I only eat in the buffet outside. So, MSC is perfect for me. I have 3 cruises already booked for the end of this year. Thanks for the video👍
Thanks for your insights and perspective, have fun on your cruises!
I just subscribed. I feel like you two give really unbiased, accurate reviews, keeping in mind that most things are subjective. . Thank you.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for your review. Can’t beat MSC’s price point. The ships are beautiful. We took our first MSC cruise on the Meraviglia last December and didn’t experience the smoking issues you mentioned (we are not smokers so very sensitive to it), maybe we just got lucky. For the most part we enjoyed it to the point that we booked 2 more cruises with them, the first of which is in the next couple of weeks on a 3 night overnighting at Ocean Cay on the Divina so hoping for the best. The service and food is average in our opinion. Our last NCL cruise, the food and service was awful, hence the reason we have branched out and tried other lines. We really liked the private island and the night time laser light show.
The ships that sail from Florida have less of a smoking issue in our experience.
thank you, quite informative
Hey you guys put together a great video. Interesting remarks not just 'hating' on MSC. We have been on the MSC Divina on a 7 night, 8 day cruise. Personally we loved the cruise, ship, food, etc., but they are definitely 'different' than other more western-based cruise lines. We are leaving Friday on our second MSC cruise aboard the Magnifica. I'm seeing a lot of varying opinions/videos on the Magnifica...so we'll see how all those comments stack up.
Im going on My First Cruise with this Ship. Excited 🎉🎉🎉❤❤😊🙏🏾
Sounds like it boils down to you get what you pay for. Smoke, poor food quality and crowds during dining hours, etc. So glad I watched this!
We really enjoy yor videos and have been on several MSC cruises, you nailed it! For msc to invest so much money on ships and a private island and provide poor service across the board is shocking, it seems the staff has been empowered to say no, and appear to not like Americans. We did 2 yacht club cruises, I can recommend booking there if you get a good price, however outsude of the YC it's too big a gamble with so many options out there to choose from. Thanks again for the great content, you guys are pros!
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
I love your videos and respect your opinion enough to make a decision based on the information of this video.
Thank you
This is the FIRST video I’ve watched that has talked about the smoking issue. This is concerning to me!!!!! I’m heading out on an 11 day in a couple weeks. I’m not an anti smoker (I don’t smoke, but can tolerate smokers), but I am an ANTI FIRE HAZARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is helpful. Thank you
the problem with Ocean Cay is that "high winds" can postpone or even cancel your stop there. But the winds don't have to be THAT high for this to happen. They need to bring in some engineers to deal with that, like some breakwaters or something. On our sailing w/o Feb 12, 2023 we managed to get in, but only by late morning. By then, the island staff had decided not to prepare lunch for 4000+ guests. Total sh!* show. Also, I believe affected by this, they reduced bar staff on the island. I heard people complaining of waiting an hour in line to get a drink at the bar. That's bad.
Thanks for sharing your experiences
Hey there! I just “ran into you guys”! It’s always nice to run into other content creators we have never seen. Thanks for the insights We have only cruised Carnival, but are considering other cruise lines. We are certainly looking into MSC since they honor other cruise line’s loyalty programs. We’ll be looking out for those deals. We love to capture deck parties, and are afraid to spend lots of money on another cruise line and not get the party experience. What is the party atmosphere on MSC like? Definitely new sub to your channel.
Not much of a party atmosphere that I saw. The deck 5 was where the early dance party was held. Good time there and great band.
Thank you for information
You are welcome
I agree with you whole heartedly.The low price wins!
Yes!
This confirms my impression of MSC food.
Great Intel I will remember that.
Thanks
MSC isn’t the only cruise line where smokers can ruin your balcony experience. In fact, I’ve only booked rooms and I’d say every other cruise there’s been at least one smoker on the balcony. My last NCL cruise they smoked weed on the balcony because it’s legal now in many states. With so many cruises being short-staffed, they rather move you than confront them, especially if you can’t tell which balcony it’s coming from.
This is true, but how the cruise line responds is the important part
thank you for this comment, because I figured this is what was happening.
Recently went on MSC MERAVIGLIA
Loved loved loved the experience
The smoking was not overbearing
A few dilemmas - small fee to attend certain shows (though the CD explained why) and wash clothes - close to none. We just bought a few during the Nassau visit. Otherwise, the ship is beautiful, staff was amazing, and Ocean Cay - I could live there lol! The island is THAT beautiful 😍
Our experience on the Meraviglia was very similar to yours! Loved the island.
Well said and we'll done
Thanks
This was very informative. I have friends who are hugely sensitive to tobacco smoke; go to the hospital sensitive. I have friends who are on special diets(gluten, and need low carb for illness) so no msc for us. Thank you for saving us money.
this just don't make sense. On Msc they have menus for every kind of special diets. Plus this is an Italian company so you will find mostly healthy food (then, since they want to meet American taste, there is also junk food as hamburger, melted cheese ecc). I was on Msc Seascape two weeks ago and nobody was smoking in public areas. Nobody.
It is harder to avoid on MSC for sure
You really should go once and make your own decision. 4 times on MSC and no problems with smoking (except in designated smoking areas) and enjoyed the food, and the shows !
Re food, I think for the price you pay for the food option is quite good, NCL has really cut back on food also, and you pay twice as much, you get what you pay for, Ive been on 4 different MSC ships and I always found something yummy to eat Only one ship I didn't like the restaurant food was the MSC Preziosa, Happy cruising!!
I really dont understand why people go with others opinions and not just try it out for themselves so they can figure out their own real opinion of a cruise. I personally will be traveling on a cruise in july with msc and I am so looking forward to it not gonna let these negatives comments ruin my excitement, I will try it out and see my opinion at the end! WIth that being said "Never go with what other people are saying because you will never go on vacations"
I agree with you but some are afraid to risk the chance. We went on our first cruise with MSC back in 2019, way before I knew about these reviews, and we loved it. Food was not the best, but overall it was a great trip.
Some people, just want to know others experiences. These two take their time, and they don't tell you what you should or shouldn't do.
I was on the Divina a couple of months ago and my daughter always went onto the deck or balcony to smoke. I, for one, didn’t happen to smell any smoke on board at all, except near the Cigar Lounge when the door opened. I wasn’t aware that it was allowed on board.
You get what you pay for. I’m looking forward to trying my MSC cruise.
Have a great time!
Yeah, thanks for the info. For me, I would rather pay more and get better things. The 3 negative are a deal breaker for me.
Thanks for watching and giving your input!
Interesting. We are Elite on Princess and Diamond on MSC. We still cruise on Princess within Australia but since experiencing the Yacht Club which equates to a mini suite cost on Princess with far more bells and whistles ie all inclusive the American based experience fades when traveling Europe and the Americas. Re your comments on available food yes Salty dog and various junk food is scarce but food is widely available . I think MSC offers a far superior ship and room quality that the classic cruise lines at a better for value cost. Food will always be a cultural divider but new experiences should be embraced.
I have been on several MSC cruises and I did not have any issues with smoke smell or smokers (I do not smoke myself). There are designated areas for smoking just like other cruises. There was some smoke smell around the cigar bar but I do believe all other smoking areas were outside!
Which MSC ship were you on?
Any cruise line can be off the mark. Last year we were on Royal Caribbeans Allure and they gave our table away the night after we had specialty dining. We told the waiter the night before and it still was given away. On lobster night theirs was the skimpiest I ever had. Also last year on the Mariner of the Seas they had engine problems that cut out part of our time in Bermuda and I ordered a new appetizer that was so sour that I had to go to the cabin. I didn't let these incidents ruin our cruise and just dealt with them.
What? I thought traditional dining on Royal Caribbean meant you automatically get the same table every night at the same time every night?? Please explain how the cruise ship "gave your table away."
@@user-lg7es5gr3w Someone messed up and the waiter just does what he's told, the busboy too. They got our table back the following night.
Thank you.
You are welcome.
Nice video. Have you thought about trying the new MSC newest ship, MSC World Europa?
You can go in the yacht club for about the same price as a balcony since you get free drinks, fre access to the spa aentites and much better food
We are going next July 2024 to the Caribbean islands on Seascape 14 days and the prices booked here in Spain are rather expensive. We’re paying a lot more than what you’re saying. Return flight Barcelona Miami one night Hotel in Miami and cruise just a little over 5,000€ per person. 😮 May be because we are used to cruising around here in the Mediterranean.😊
I do not agree with any of the negatives here! I will only sail MSC now, the price is much better. All cruise lines have smoking areas and smokers on the cruise, have not had any difference with other cruise lines. All cruise lines foods are ok in my opinion. The only inconsistency with MSC is the website sucks 90%!
I was on the Seascape 20 days ago and nobody was smoking in public places
I think it is less of an issue when sailing from Florida
Were going on Seaview round the med in August. We wouldn't choose MSC normally but were taking 4 kids with us so it seemed the best option for them.
I'm concerned about the smoking issue. Fire at sea and the smell. I guess its vengeance for all those years I smoked and didn't realise I smelled like an ashtray
How was your cruise? Which MSC ship? How was the smoking issue, food quality and huge crowds, lineups?
I see the same crowded buffet and typical cruise food on Carnival too. I don’t cruise for the food
My viewpoint the food is fine
I like msc over other cruise lines
I was big fan of carnival but service and food was bad
I feel msc is in growing pains
The last cruise the staff was talking about msc growing in us market
I feel in time msc will be one number in cruise market
Thanks for your input
Thanks for the info. I was wondering if you eat without a package at the specialty restaurants are the entrees reasonable? The cruises sound so reasonable that eating at these restaurants would still not make the whole cruise that expensive..I live in South Florida and am planning my first cruise ever and it will be as a solo cruiser. I'm seeing a wide variety of prices among the cruise lines. I love the humm hmms your wife does when you talk.
Yes, they can be reasonable and there are some specials. This is a good way to approach this cruise.
@@GroundedLifeCruises the other problem is so far when I do a mock booking for when I want towards the end of May for one person it's not letting me proceed on the Seascape. I think they are not ready to give up an inside room to one person. And the Divina leaves the middle of April it looks like. I'm.still busy in the limo busy in April. I almost like the Divina better from yours and others videos.
I'm going on Meragvalia in May and I was thinking about getting the thermal spa package, which for 7 days is $130. Since it's NYC round trip, and 4 sea days, I'd figure it would be fun. Wouldn't get a package if there were more shore days.
That's a good deal as that is a very nice thermal suites. We have a video on it.
I was on MSC in January and there was an area for smoking not on the balcony. Also they need more variety in the food they serve
Food variety is a big issue, especially on a long cruise
@@GroundedLifeCruises yes I was on a 11 days not impressed by the variety of food
Thankyou
I went on the Seashore in October 2022. I felt like I had a wasted cruise/vacation, and. I couldn't wait for my cruise in January. I love the ship, think it was a very beautiful ship. I just hate that they do multiple translations over the intercoms and in the shows. I HATE that they don't allow you to have your bar drink at the pool. They put loungers in the pool but won't let you have a drink there. Not use to that. I encountered so many people on that ship that didn't have "wait your turn" etiquette!! I was blown away by how rude some cultures are. All this has put a sour taste in my mouth and I will NEVER do MSC again.
It is a different experience for sure
Can you clarify what you mean by your turn etiquette?
Just got off The meriviglia. Food service was just awful and had to wait in line for almost 45 minutes to get a drink.
Yep, for me, smoking all over the ship is a deal breaker….
Yes, for many people
I’m sure you found the cabins to be spacious after riding in trains!😅
Yes, very!
Experienced the balcony neighbors who wsmoked there and the stewards who claimed they did not. i was on floor 10, floor 8 was the smokers haven, right below my room. theres was no mention of that in the literawture. food was below standards as was the entertainement. there is no sunry type shopping. the staff was great though wherever we went.
Which ship were you on?
Seascape. Sorry for the typos☹️. The signage was terrible too.
My dawg bagged him one 😂 🔥
We are value cruisers!
Question about dining room . How many times are allowed to book for 7 nights cruise?
You can go every night
The smoking thing is a deal breaker for me 👎👎👎that’s not something I can tolerate thank you so much for sharing this!!! I would be sick and angry if I was in a cruise and smelled smoke 🤢🤢🤢
Have you ever been on a cruise ship and not smelled smoke? Lol
The price of the cruise is the cheapest so if you pay to eat in the restaurants that charge
You are still financially better off than the other lines
I like the look of the ships, the price, MDR food is good, buffet is ok but too loud, and crowded, chaotic. Limited eating options other than buffet, MDR, and specialty restaurants. Too many designated smoking areas and they did not take action on people smoking in non designated areas
Hi...thanks for the info! Do the cabins smell smoky also?
Probably not unless the previous guest did in the cabin. It's unlikely, but more likely than any other cruise line.
So there's no outside grill area by the pool with Hamburgers and stuff?
Three MSC cruises on 3 different ships in 2022. Did not have cigarette smell issue including casino. Did you smell cigarette smoke when you first boarded?
No it was a brand new ship, inaugural cruise
The smoking is a huge deal breaker for me 😢
Oh man, this is the first MSC review I've seen that mentions smoking being super bad. We have had problems on carnival of it being horrible; which is one of the reasons we wanted a new line (food was the other one). I'm going with young kids, so I am very nervous how this cruise will go
Keep in mind we were in Europe, so it shouldn't be as bad from Florida, but the enforcement if it happens will be worse than Carnival.
We have cruised MSC six times. All except one was in th Caribbean. We have never had a problem with smoke smell except in the smoking area near the pool. I learned to walk a different way. Enjoy your trip!
@@GroundedLifeCruises there were many children and strollers on this trip out of Miami. Lots of Italians and other Europeans. Not sure what is offered for children. Many scooters and wheel chairs too. I believe there is only one plug in the room although there were USB ports. Lighting in the room is terrible for applying makeup
You left out lacking a nightclub like a real nightclub that other major cruise lines have. I was on the MSC MEGAVILIA in January of this year and was highly disappointed they did not have this. Beautiful ship but lacks a nightlife
"mmm hmmm" smh I can't deal!
Do they have skeet shooting off the ship?
MSC boats do look upscale inside, even the older ship.
They are very nice
I was just on the Seascape last week, the ship is beautiful, but I won't be traveling MSC again. the room toilet was broken when i embarked, then again day 2, there isn't any shade in pool areas other than the jungle pool, and that room was a sauna. The food was subpar in my opinion, the cabana at private island was not cleaned well, as I found cigarette butts around. there was also mold in cooler and their solution was to put a smaller cooler within the bigger cooler in the cabana. The music in the lounges at night were not to my taste. I heard way too much latin pop (ie daddy yankee). There also isn't enough included dining options.
I have heard that the MSc line has hired a famous Italian chef to improve their food
There is no such thing as a bad cruise. Less than perfect, yes, bad, no.
Great thoughts!
Unfortunately they lost me at smoking. I don't even go to carnival casino because of the smoke.
We will be on MSC Seascape and just found out our boarding time is 3:30 pm, if we get there earlier will they let us in to board or you have to get there @3:30 pm , please let me know cause we are being dropped off …
Thanks in advance
In our experience, you can get there early and probably get checked in and on earlier than your designated check in time.
I don't understand some of this. Thanks for the smoking part because I would HATE that. I've heard 50/50 about the buffet and dining food, though, so I don't know who to believe anymore. And there are other restaurants on ships besides the free food. Maybe you can help explain this because I'm confused.
Look who it is - it's the train travellers!
Hello!
@@GroundedLifeCruises Good Mornings!
@@GroundedLifeCruises You probably know that there is great cruise Montreal-Boston or Boston to Montreal on Holland America. There are also cruises from Quebec City! You can combine train/cruise rides!
Any comments about msc sea shore
...but have you tried the pizza??
Could I bother you guys for a question about the drinks packages and what your experience of these was. We've often sailed on Celebrity and always take a classic drinks package. If we pick a cocktail that is outside the price range of the Classic Beverage Package, they simply charge us for the difference, which is often a few dollars + taxes. Does it work like that on MSC as well, or do they charge the full price of the more expensive drink - without regards to you having (for example) the Easy Drinks Package ?
If the drink price exceeds the package limit, you'll pay the full price plus gratuity for the drink. This is the case on most cruise lines. That said, it's very common for find promos for booking which include their Easy Plus package which covers all beverages up to $9. This will cover any beers, most cordials/liqueurs, generally mid-tier spirits (Tito's, Bacardi, etc.) and a handful of wines.
One big benefit to MSC over virtually every other cruise line is that the drink package also works on their private island, Ocean Cay.
Oh yes, I got to the part where you talk about their food. Yes its BAD. The good thing is I lost 10 lbs cause the food was so bad I didn't have much to eat. I found a soup I could eat. They have the same selections of food everyday so I had soup. And occasional hotdogs without the bun cause the bread could chip my tooth its so hard . I do love the crew tho. MSC needs to get it together.
Those hot dog buns!
😂
The room will reek, for the next guest, If people are smoking in their room all cruise. I cannot imagine being in a room that a smoker smoked in the precious week.
The hallway did too
@@GroundedLifeCruises ugh
The smoking is a deal breaker for me.
Oh wow! Smokers in their Balcony Rooms!! ?? Not Classy at all! We’re They Smoking or Blazing ☘️☘️😮😊 💨💨
They were smoking in there when our attendant went in the room, saw no problem with it. The hallway really smelled.
Not much of a beach person. No other cruise line stays overnight at a private island. Never have seen an ice room on a cruise ship. Have been watching videos about MSC cruises. Have never seen an elevator, seen plenty of staircases though. Do the staterooms have a lot of storage space? Am a non smoker. The smell of smoke is a big turnoff. Then it gets on your clothing. Also, smoking is considered a fire hazard. Non enforcement of smoking policies is a big turnoff. Could have to abandon ship due to fire at almost any time. Have heard that the food is substandard. Could be eating when the abandon ship order comes because of a fire on the ship. The price might be good, but, it is low for a reason.
Do I have to call to book a specialty restaurant? When I try to book on the app it always says no items found.
Sorry I’m just going to ask. I don’t beat around. Did you all notice racism with staff? I have heard that about this cruise line.
I detect a Bajan accent ❤