- Home
- MSC Cruises MSC Cruises
- MSC Splendida MSC Splendida
- Dubai to Genoa Cruise Dubai to Genoa Cruise
-
Inside Bella
294 Interior cabins approximately from 13 sq.m to 24 sq.m.* Double bed that can be converted into two...-
Inside Bella - Category I1
I1NZD $1,770
total per person
-
-
Inside Fantastica
294 Interior cabins approximately from 13 sq.m to 24 sq.m.* Double bed that can be converted into two...-
Inside Fantastica - Category I2
I2NZD $1,975
total per person
-
-
Ocean View Bella
93 Ocean View cabins approximately from 12 sq.m to 29 sq.m.* Double bed that can be converted into two...-
Ocean View Bella - Category O1
O1NZD $2,260
total per person
-
-
Ocean View Fantastica
93 Ocean View cabins approximately from 12 sq.m to 29 sq.m.* Double bed that can be converted into two...-
Ocean View Fantastica - Category O2
O2NZD $2,544
total per person
-
-
Balcony Bella
1.143 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 sq.m to 42 sq.m.* Double bed that can be converted into two...-
Balcony Bella - Category B1
B1NZD $2,740
total per person
-
-
Balcony Fantastica
1.143 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 sq.m to 42 sq.m.* Double bed that can be converted into two...-
Balcony Fantastica - Category B2
B2NZD $3,014
total per person
-
-
Balcony Aurea
1.143 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 sq.m to 42 sq.m.* Double bed that can be converted into two...-
Balcony Aurea - Category B3
B3NZD $3,828
total per person
-
-
-
Cabin - Category SP3
SP3NZD $4,288
total per person
-
Inside Bella
- 294 Interior cabins approximately from 13 sq.m to 24 sq.m.*
- Double bed that can be converted into two single beds (on request),
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
* This size range includes both standard cabins and cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility, which are larger. Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same cabin category).
Bella Experience
‘Bella’ fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship. Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day. Enjoy Broadway style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel. Experience a dream cruise as you discover exciting new destinations. “Bella” fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship. Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day. Enjoy Broadway-style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel. Take advantage of the pool, cutting-edge panoramic gym and open-air sports facilities to stay in shape. Make use of the freedom to change your booking details if necessary. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points, so you can enjoy even more benefits on your next cruise!
Inside Fantastica
- 294 Interior cabins approximately from 13 sq.m to 24 sq.m.*
- Double bed that can be converted into two single beds (on request),
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
* This size range includes both standard cabins and cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility, which are larger. Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same cabin category).
Fantastica Experience
Relax and savour all the pleasures of a cruise dedicated to comfort and flexibility. “Fantastica” fares offer all the benefits of “Bella” plus a variety of extra privileges. Choose from prestigious cabins (including SuperFamily cabins with connecting doors where available) located on the upper decks of the ship, with rapid access to lifts and lounges. Enjoy 24-hour-a-day room service with free delivery and priority choice of dining times in our gourmet restaurants. Have fun with dedicated educational and recreational activities for children, like foreign language games and Doremi Chef cooking sessions with our staff. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points to take advantage of discounts on your next cruise and a variety of other benefits.
Ocean View Bella
- 93 Ocean View cabins approximately from 12 sq.m to 29 sq.m.*
- Double bed that can be converted into two single beds (on request).
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
* This size range includes both standard cabins and cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility, which are larger. Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same cabin category).
Bella Experience
‘Bella’ fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship. Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day. Enjoy Broadway style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel. Experience a dream cruise as you discover exciting new destinations. “Bella” fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship. Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day. Enjoy Broadway-style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel. Take advantage of the pool, cutting-edge panoramic gym and open-air sports facilities to stay in shape. Make use of the freedom to change your booking details if necessary. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points, so you can enjoy even more benefits on your next cruise!
Ocean View Fantastica
- 93 Ocean View cabins approximately from 12 sq.m to 29 sq.m.*
- Double bed that can be converted into two single beds (on request).
- Air conditioning, bathroom with shower, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
* This size range includes both standard cabins and cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility, which are larger. Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same cabin category).
Fantastica Experience
Relax and savour all the pleasures of a cruise dedicated to comfort and flexibility. “Fantastica” fares offer all the benefits of “Bella” plus a variety of extra privileges. Choose from prestigious cabins (including SuperFamily cabins with connecting doors where available) located on the upper decks of the ship, with rapid access to lifts and lounges. Enjoy 24-hour-a-day room service with free delivery and priority choice of dining times in our gourmet restaurants. Have fun with dedicated educational and recreational activities for children, like foreign language games and Doremi Chef cooking sessions with our staff. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points to take advantage of discounts on your next cruise and a variety of other benefits.
Balcony Bella
- 1.143 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 sq.m to 42 sq.m.*
- Double bed that can be converted into two single beds (on request).
- Air conditioning, spacious wardrobe, bathroom with shower or tub, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
* This size range includes both standard cabins and cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility, which are larger. Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same cabin category).
Bella Experience
‘Bella’ fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship. Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day. Enjoy Broadway style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel. Experience a dream cruise as you discover exciting new destinations. “Bella” fares are the great-value way to enjoy the comforts of life on board an elegant, modern cruise ship. Relax in a well equipped cabin and savour the wide variety of superb specialities on board, with the chance to request your preferred dinner sitting. What’s more, you can spoil yourself with the delights of a gourmet buffet that’s open 20 hours a day. Enjoy Broadway-style entertainment and a packed program of daily activities organised by our multilingual team of friendly personnel. Take advantage of the pool, cutting-edge panoramic gym and open-air sports facilities to stay in shape. Make use of the freedom to change your booking details if necessary. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points, so you can enjoy even more benefits on your next cruise!
Balcony Fantastica
- 1.143 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 sq.m to 42 sq.m.*
- Double bed that can be converted into two single beds (on request).
- Air conditioning, spacious wardrobe, bathroom with shower or tub, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
* This size range includes both standard cabins and cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility, which are larger. Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same cabin category).
Fantastica Experience
Relax and savour all the pleasures of a cruise dedicated to comfort and flexibility. “Fantastica” fares offer all the benefits of “Bella” plus a variety of extra privileges. Choose from prestigious cabins (including SuperFamily cabins with connecting doors where available) located on the upper decks of the ship, with rapid access to lifts and lounges. Enjoy 24-hour-a-day room service with free delivery and priority choice of dining times in our gourmet restaurants. Have fun with dedicated educational and recreational activities for children, like foreign language games and Doremi Chef cooking sessions with our staff. And earn MSC Voyagers Club points to take advantage of discounts on your next cruise and a variety of other benefits.
Balcony Aurea
- 1.143 Balcony cabins approximately from 17 sq.m to 42 sq.m.*
- Double bed that can be converted into two single beds (on request).
- Air conditioning, spacious wardrobe, bathroom with shower or tub, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
* This size range includes both standard cabins and cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility, which are larger. Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same cabin category).
Aurea Experience
Put wellbeing, pampering and peace of mind at the heart of your cruise. In addition to all the features of “Bella” and “Fantastica”, our “Aurea” fares offer a series of relaxing benefits for body and soul. Embark smoothly with priority boarding then relax in an elegant cabin where you’ll find a set of free wellbeing products as well as a complimentary bathrobe and slippers. Dine at the time of your choice in a reserved area of the restaurant, enjoying All-Inclusive Restaurant & Bar Drink Package / All-Inclusive Classic Drink Package*.
Bask in the exclusivity of a private sun deck. Best of all, take advantage of a fantastic spa package including a spa welcome cocktail, one massage of your choice from the spa menu, tanning shower, private wellness consultation and unrestricted use of the Thermal Area throughout your cruise (available only for adults). Set sail for pure relaxation.
* The drink package refers to Allegrissimo or More For Less, following cruise destinations. Please refer to the Special Packages section for further details.
Photo coming soon
Multiple Decks
Inside Bella - Category I1
Multiple Decks
Inside Fantastica - Category I2
Deck 5 - Canaletto
Ocean View Bella - Category O1
Multiple Decks
Ocean View Fantastica - Category O2
Multiple Decks
Balcony Bella - Category B1
Multiple Decks
Balcony Fantastica - Category B2
Multiple Decks
Balcony Aurea - Category B3
Cabin - Category SP3
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
-
Day 1
Dubai Depart: Thu, Mar 12, 2020 @ 21:00 -
Day 2
KhasabArrive: Fri, Mar 13, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Fri, Mar 13, 2020 @ 18:00
-
Day 3
Muscat, OmanArrive: Sat, Mar 14, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Sat, Mar 14, 2020 @ 18:00
-
Day 3
Muscat (Mina Qaboos)Arrive: Sat, Mar 14, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Sat, Mar 14, 2020 @ 18:00
-
Day 4
At SeaSun, Mar 15, 2020
-
Day 5
Salalah, OmanArrive: Mon, Mar 16, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Mon, Mar 16, 2020 @ 18:00
-
Day 6
At SeaTue, Mar 17, 2020
-
Day 7
At SeaWed, Mar 18, 2020
-
Day 8
At SeaThu, Mar 19, 2020
-
Day 9
At SeaFri, Mar 20, 2020
-
Day 10
AqabaArrive: Sat, Mar 21, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Sat, Mar 21, 2020 @ 18:00
-
Day 11
Suez Canal Transit, EgyptArrive: Sun, Mar 22, 2020 @ 19:00
Depart: Sun, Mar 22, 2020 @ 19:00
-
Day 12
Suez Canal Transit, EgyptArrive: Mon, Mar 23, 2020 @ 17:00
Depart: Mon, Mar 23, 2020 @ 17:00
-
Day 13
At SeaTue, Mar 24, 2020
-
Day 14
RhodesArrive: Wed, Mar 25, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Wed, Mar 25, 2020 @ 17:00
-
Day 15
Piraeus (Athens)Arrive: Thu, Mar 26, 2020 @ 07:30
Depart: Thu, Mar 26, 2020 @ 16:30
-
Day 16
At SeaFri, Mar 27, 2020
-
Day 17
Rome (Civitavecchia)Arrive: Sat, Mar 28, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Sat, Mar 28, 2020 @ 19:00
-
Day 18
Genoa Arrive: Sun, Mar 29, 2020 @ 08:00
Onboard experience
- Santa Fe Tex Mex (Deck 7) - This restaurant is the bright and colourful Mexican restaurant. Decorated with giant cacti, a horse-drawn cart, retro Mexican photos and tables, resting on giant horseshoes, it's a fun lunch and dinner venue for all ages rather than somewhere for a romantic meal. Not surprisingly, the restaurant serves the best margaritas on the ship, with eight options ranging from a classic margarita to mango, strawberry or coconut flavoured ones.
- Bar del Riccio (Deck 14) - Situated at the side of the Aqua Park, this gelateria is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and serves delicious Italian ice cream, home-made onboard.
- Nutella bar and HappyPuppy stand (Deck 14) - In the Aqua Park and it is a Nutella crepe bar and adjacent slushy iced drinks stand.
- Superlative dining in a haven of exclusivity
MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive haven of peace and luxury. The all-inclusive gourmet dining here raises the bar even on MSC Cruises’ own high standards, bringing you an array of exclusive sophisticated venues where you can dine when you like, as the mood takes you.
- Luxury ship within a ship
- Private Concierge Reception
- Liveried Butler Service
- Private dining and lounge
- Private sun deck with bar and exclusive pools and solarium
- main restaurant split between 2 decks - Canaletto deck 5 & Modigliani deck 6
Formal dining in our sophisticated ships’ main restaurants is a truly magnificent experience, from the sweeping grand staircase to the inspiring designer décor, and from the crisp freshly-laundered tablecloths to the impeccably swift and attentive table service. But it is of course the quality and range of our culinary selection that makes the experience so memorable, with a variety of daily menus offering a superb choice of Mediterranean and international specialities.
Ensuring an exceptional experience, the dining arrangements are designed for leisurely pleasure with a choice of two sittings each evening. So you can savour every course in comfort and relaxed company. Simply state your preference when booking and we’ll allocate a table that’s reserved for you for the entire duration of the cruise.
Classic is the traditional two sittings dining style that offers guests a pre-set dining time for the duration of the cruise, as well as, the same table assignment each evening at the same restaurant. Guests will keep the same dining room staff and dining companions throughout the cruise.
Flexi is the new dining style available on the MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview. Flexi lets guests enjoy dinner at their preferred time slot every day. Guests can choose a time slot for their evening meal in one of the main restaurants and can change their choice every day, thus fitting dinner around their daily schedule and making the most out of their holiday.
My Choice is a free time dining style. Guests can dine any time they want during opening hours of the main restaurants.
Everything has been designed to offer you the widest possible choice, so you can live every moment to the full, savouring fine food in close company.
- Dining style according to your experience
- Chef’s Signature Dishes inspired by our Mediterranean heritage
- Gourmet international favorites, specially selected to complement each itinerary and the tastes of every nationality on board
- Inspiring designer décor, with restaurants on our largest ships extending over two floors linked by a grand staircase
- Dedicated Gluten-Free, and Vegetarian menus of freshly-prepared culinary specialties
- Pre-prepared Kosher meals
- Express lunches for active travelers booked on afternoon excursions, offering a special menu of tasty salads, main courses and desserts.
- Deliciously Healthy selection of the lightest dishes on the dinner menu of the day, consisting of one appetizer, one soup, two main courses and one dessert, showing the nutritional values of their scientifically-balanced combination of calories, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. They’re the perfect choice to make the most of the superb sports, leisure, wellness and beauty facilities on board!
- Guidance in your choices from easy-to-understand symbols showing everything from ourfresh pasta dishes and vegetarian options to our Chefs’ Signature dishes.
- All menus offer a wide variety of delicious choices and include special sections dedicated toMediterranean Suggestions, the Always Available and Desserts, accompanied by a daily choice of no sugar added desserts, a Bread Selection – freshly baked daily, and aSommelier’s Suggestion.
- Full ISO 22000 certification of all food processes and food safety management from farm to fork.
- Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Casual dining without compromise
Explore the astonishing variety of our gastronomic cuisine as and when you want, with the freedom to walk in and treat yourself at any time from breakfast through to late-night snacks - twenty hours a day! Our beautifully comfortable Buffet Restaurants bring you an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience, with a “visible kitchen” where you can watch our chefs creating freshly made pasta, pizzas, breads and desserts while browsing an archipelago of islands, stations and corners serving an astonishingly diverse array of food and drinks to suit all tastes:
- All-inclusive food service with a full 13 different ”corners” and “stations” to explore, including a Meat Carvery, a dedicated Kids Corner, a Take-Away Station offering fast food favourites, a Dessert Corner, Pasta Station, Bakery Corner, Daily Special Corner, Wellness Corner and much, much more
- Freshly-prepared Mediterranean specialities
- Wide array of food and drink favourites from around the world, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK
- “Ethnic Corner” offering a variety of delicacies from around the world
- “Tastes of Your Itinerary Corner” serving select local delicaciesspecialities of your cruise destinations
- Easy to find what you want, with clear signs and directions throughout the buffet, including totem pointers and signs on each buffet corner
- At-a-glance information on dishes with labels in different languages and symbols for different dietary requirements
- Tailor-made Buffet Bar Menu makes it easy to find the perfect wines and drinks
- Buffet Beverage Stations with a wide variety of complimentary hot and cold drinks
- Pleasure of watching our skilled chefs creating their specialities
- Spectacular sea views
- Awarded Best Pizza at Sea!
- Open 20 hours a day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon, dinner and late-night dining
- Villa Verde Panoramic Restaurant, on the ship’s stern, features a breathtaking panorama which inspired the theme of transparency and light used in the restaurant design. This restaurant offers an assorted Mediterranean menu, including light choices and options that are always available, to satisfy those who know what they want each day.
Cinema
- The 4D Cinema gives you a totally different feeling when you enjoy the new-released movies. It offers thrills and chills. You are in the movies not watching movies...
Sports and Spa
- Tennis, Volleyball or badminton, the Arena Sport Centre is the best place to play outdoor games. Meanwhile, it's a good place to make new friends. Sport always makes people together.
- Within every ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, we have created a haven of calm where you can relax, pamper yourself and restore the harmony between mind and body. Blending the magic of Balinese massage with the tradition of therapeutic waters inherited from the ancient Romans, the MSC Aurea SPA wellness centre offers a vast choice of innovative treatments, all carried out by experts under strict medical supervision. A visit to the MSC Aurea SPA will leave you feeling renewed, refreshed and ready to enjoy your cruise to the full.
Kids Club
- There are plenty of activities to keep your child busy. They will be more than happy to enjoy this playroom.
- With a range of clubs for children of all ages offering activities, sports, parties, games and shows, each MSC Cruises holiday provides plenty of opportunities for kids to have fun while Mum and Dad relax - and vice versa!
Swimming
- Cool down and have fun at L’Equatore Covered Pool. You can go for a swim or relax in one of the 12 SPA Baths. The option is yours. A whirlpool, spraying fountains, and a pool bar are all your disposal for fun in the sun.
- The I Tropici pool, one of two major pool areas onboard, is the first in the MSC fleet to come with a glass roof that encloses the area. This was added so that the ship could sail winter seasons in the Mediterranean, offering passengers a chance to swim even when temperatures are too nippy for outdoor recreation.
Bars and Lounges
- At the L'Espresso Coffee Bar, the interior design is inspired by the scent of chocolate, evoked by the walls shaped like chocolate bars.
- Sample the delights of La Piazzetta. With its bar ice-cream parlour, pastry and chocolate shop, a world reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory awaits our guests. Dishes include crème bavaroise with almonds and berries, chocolate semifreddo, vanilla and rose macaron cream, cannoli, baba and meringues.
- Enjoy the drink with your family or friendes while soft music surrounds you. The setting here is relaxing. No noise, just elegance here.
- In the Top Sail Lounge, with its Skydome, guests may also delight their palate under a dome of sparkling stars.
Casino
- Slot machines, Poker, Table game, Blackjack, Roulette, you can find games you like. It is confident that you will enjoy your time at Royal Palm Casino.
Shopping
- From boutique, perfume to jewelry, shopping area has something for everyone.
Spa
- There are 12 SPA baths on MSC Splendida. Relax yourself with your family or friends in one of them.
Stage Shows
- Enjoy fabulous stage shows with your family or friends in the grand 3-story theatre. Every evening you can choose from an exciting programme of theatre and cabaret shows.
Ship info
Eco-ship MSC Splendida carries you in stylish luxury to the most desirable cruise destinations in the world, while being a beautiful destination in her own right.
You'll love the live music and the extraordinary variety of designer-themed bars and restaurants with many gourmet choices to explore, from authentic Mediterranean specialities to spicy Tex-Mex. Complete the night with a world-class show in The Strand Theatre, a winning streak in the Royal Palm Casino or dancing in the Club 33 Disco.
There's also a vast array of sports facilities including four swimming pools, a jogging track, squash court and ultramodern gym.
After your exertions, you can relax in the MSC Aurea Spa with pampering Balinese massages, thalassotherapy, advanced beauty treatments, a Turkish bath, sauna, whirlpool and solarium.
Or sunbathe in the peace and privacy of the adults-only Top 18 sun deck offering stunning sea views, its own dedicated spa service and bar menu with complimentary fruit skewers, while Kids and Teens can enjoy fabulous facilities and clubs of their own.
Nestling in the prestigious foredecks, there's the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, a luxurious ship-within-a-ship with 71 spacious suites with its own Concierge Reception, 24-hour butler service, private Top Sail Lounge, pool deck and bar.
With so much aboard, every day on MSC Splendida brings travellers of all ages new things to explore.
- Vessel: MSC Splendida
- Year: 2009
- Beam: 124
- Cruising speed: 23
- Bars/Lounges: 19
- Casino : 1
- Crew: 1325
- Gross Tonnage: 137,936 tons
- Onboard Currency: Euro
- Passenger Capacity: 4.363
- SPA Baths: 12
- Vessel: 4
- 24 Hour Cabin Service
- All Main Meals Included
- Beauty Salon
- Children's Play Room
- Duty Free Shopping
- Gym
- Hot Tub
- Internet Facilities
- Jogging Track
- Library
- Wine Tasting Bar
Decks
MSC Splendida - Deck Plans
Cruise code: SP20200312DXBGOA
17 Nights
Dubai to Genoa Cruise
- Departing from Dubai
- MSC Splendida
- Private ensuite
- Flat screen TV for in-cabin entertainment
- In cabin safe
- All main meals
- Musical stage shows and entertainment
- Special guest entertainers
- Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
- Choice of Bars and Lounges
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
Still have questions? Let us know through this quick enquiry form here.
Quick Enquiry
Fill in your details and question/s and a cruise expert will get back to you shortly.
Thank you!
Your enquiry has been received. We ll get back to you shortly.
Did you know?
Most cabins accommodate up to 4 guests. You might need several cabins.
No worries!
We can still help you.
- You will need to complete this booking first. Enquire now and proceed to the final steps.
- Once done, we will offer you a way to come back and book the next cabin.
Easier to talk? 0800664432