One of my cherished hobbies involves planning vacations where I secure cruise or tour reservations, book hotel rooms with refundable deposits, and temporarily hold flights. In 2021/2022, I embarked on an 11-day cruise during the festive Christmas and New Year period, creating unforgettable memories. This experience has left me contemplating the possibility of reliving such holiday magic.
In December 2022, I stumbled upon an enticing opportunity: an 11-day MSC Cruises voyage set to sail over Christmas in 2023. Intrigued, I promptly placed a refundable deposit for this adventure. Remarkably, my loyalty status with another cruise line earned me a discount on the fare, allowing me to secure a solo inside room for the fantastic rate of $899. I also received a slight room upgrade.
Curiosity got the best of me, and today, I decided to check the current rate for that same room—only to find it now priced at $1820, double what I initially saw. While I adore the idea of cruising during Christmas, my enthusiasm for MSC Cruises has dwindled. The feedback I’ve come across about this cruise line doesn’t align with what I value in a cruise experience.
With just five days remaining before I must make a decision, I find myself at a crossroads—whether to proceed with the booking, paying the balance, or to opt for a full deposit refund. I’ll keep you in the loop on the choice I ultimately make. Stay tuned for updates. September 7, 2023.
