Thread: How well do you think the Orchestra will do in the Caribbean?

The MSC Orchestra sails for the Caribbean today.

With Port Everglades as her new home port, she'll be doing alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

MSC ran an extensive campaign, called 'the Orchestra is Comint to Town" to hearald the arrival of this, one oftheir larger ship's , and her entry into the North American Market.

She faces stiff competition from ships of other lines that are already well esstablished here, and she does so at a time when economics may not be in favor of the expansion of the cruising market.

BUT, MSC does offer the 'kids sail free' advantage for families? Maybe this will be her edge. (See post numbers 3 and 4)

Or, will 'Italian Hospitaliity' (see post #2) give her an edge over the same-old saame-old for veteran cruisers looking for a different cruising experience?

Please weigh in, and let us know how you thik the Orchestra will do, and WHY!

Benvenuti—welcome––to true Italian hospitality.

On the ships of MSC Cruises you will discover a perfect blend of European charm and modern Italian elegance. Experience the genuine warmth and hospitality of our Italian officers. Savor a steamy cappuccino or a refreshing gelato with an ever-changing view. And taste the flavors of Italy offered by our signature La Cucina Italiana and New World Mediterranean cuisine.

Why leave the bambini at home when we make it such a fun and exciting experience for kids of all ages? What’s more, kids 17 years and younger always sail free* on every cruise. We also offer a complimentary kids program filled with entertainment, fun and games. Our Mini Club is for children 3-8 years old and our Juniors Club is for kids 9-12. And your teens can never claim to be bored when they can participate in our Teen Club for ages 13-17, or visit the virtual reality games arcade.

Our Club leaders organize lots of great activities, shows and games such as treasure hunts, a mini-Olympics, painting courses, dancing, arts and crafts. Each ship has a cheerful, spacious and safe playroom. Knowing your youngsters are with our expert staff, you can relax and enjoy the pool or unwind with an aromatic massage.

You’ll also find lots of family activities onboard, such as miniature golf, tennis and basketball. Several of our newest ships, including MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica, offer designated children’s pools and outdoor play areas. On MSC Poesia, your children can enjoy our Stone Age dinosaur play area. While MSC Fantasia offers Il Polo Nord, (The North Pole) children’s play area that includes a swimming pool with a waterslide, the first on any MSC ship. And for families who want to share a shore excursion experience, MSC Cruises offers up to 30% discount for children under age 12.

The fun continues even with our children’s menus. Kids love our authentic Italian favorites like pasta and pizza, but we offer All-American favorites, too, such as hamburgers, hot dogs and delicious pastries and desserts.

As a family-owned company, you can be sure we make every cruise family-friendly and enjoyable for all.

*Kids 17 and under sail free when traveling with two adults in the same stateroom (some restrictions may apply.)
**Please note that the activities vary by the number and ages of the children onboard.**

SO - WHAT does everyone think - and WHY???

If anything, I think she will attract families when the kids can sail free, that is a huge incentive.

Thank you for responding, Sue.
Hope lots ofothers will, too.
I am eally curious to know what people think about this!

I fkids can sail free -- that is a plus!! And will definitely draw families in these bad economic times.

I think the "kids sail free" is their biggest draw! Reviews have been mixed, but the incentive for families will bring them a lot more business.

I wonder if any other lines will offer something similar?

Agree with KK, Sue, & Char: Kids Sailing FREE!