In Strasbourg

In Strasbourg

Thursday, June 3, 2010

A map of our western mediterranean cruise destinations - courtesy of Matto

http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&vps=1&jsv=242c&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106736875479279989341.000488029fa9edc9a62da

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

WE WILL BE CRUISING THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN!!!

We are booked on a luxury cruise! We'll be boarding the MSC Splendida in Genoa on 6 November for 8 days of luxury cruising .......
- to Marseilles
- Barcelona
- Tunisia
- Malta
- Rome
......ending in Genoa

The MSC Yacht Club is a private area of the boat - butler, large suite, all food and drinks ....lounge and pool... woo hoo!



Here is what a reviewer had to say about it..................

Best Ship-Within-a-Ship: MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida




Why: What better way to find seclusion than to shun others from entering one's gated domain? Classed cruising is back in a big way, though the degree of privacy and exclusivity ranges widely, depending on the ship. Some have blocked-off sun deck space or concierge lounges set aside for suite-dwellers; others speed V.I.P. passengers through debarkation and tendering, while still others have entry-fee-required beach clubs or bars. MSC Fantasia and sibling MSC Splendida take the concept furthest with the MSC Yacht Club -- a more-than-43,000-square-foot enclave of nearly 100 suites, accessed via private entrance. Plus, butler and concierge service means these elite passengers can avoid waiting in line to book group or private shore excursions and have snacks brought right to their doors. Not a member of the in-crowd? Take heart: MSC ships, in general, don't overwhelm passengers with annoying PA announcements or constantly throbbing muzak, and they're known for a quieter cruising vibe.



Quiet Escapes: The Yacht Club has its own private pool area with a solarium, an elevator that whisks guests privately to the MSC Aurea Spa, and an exclusive lounge located above the bridge (great for when you're feeling somewhat social but still prefer to avoid cattle-class watering holes). Butlers flit about the Club, bearing complimentary drinks, appetizers, daily afternoon tea and room service from an exclusive menu. In all, the ships' designers and Yacht Club service team have thought of everything you could need to hang out in peace, privacy and privileged comfort after you're done exploring other areas of the ship or come back from a busy day ashore.



Best Rest: Suites range from 278 square feet to a respectable 571 square feet (Royal Suite), with furnishings and amenities that are a notch above the rest -- think marble-accented baths, Italian linens and a pillow menu. With such luxurious amenities, solitary types can easily while away the hours in their cabins without braving the more public areas of the ship. Plus, 80 percent of all cabins have balconies, making a private outdoor retreat much more affordable.



Dining a Deux: Try the French restaurant, L'Etoile, on Fantasia and L'Olivo Mediterranean Restaurant on Splendida, as these alternative dining venues offer plentiful tables for two. As a bonus, Yacht Club guests eat there free of charge.
Matto joins us for the cruise and the week before.