terry

We have an opportunity to go on an 11 day cruise to the Panama Canal on the M.V.Melody, has anyone had any experience with this cruise ship? Thank you in advance!

maryann

we went on the Melody several years ago. The ship markets mostly in Europe and has mostly longer cruises. It is an older ship with at least 50% european cruisers. We had the best table at dinner of all our cruises. Everyone from Germany or US and no language problem. However, on our cruise, they had AC problems almost everyday, the staff were kind of bumbling, pulling into one port, they actually HIT a Costa ship. You should have seen the 2 captains ranting and raving on the dock!! we just laughed the inconviences off, we were paying a really low rate and everyone tried so hard to please. Some of our best cruise memories, good and bad, are from this trip. Go with a light heart and enjoy!!

Paul Therault

Hi Terry,<BR><BR>Maryann is correct. The ship caters to mostly Europeans who do not value creature comforts as do Americans. And, of course, do not complain as much.<BR><BR>The last time the ship was refurbished was in 1988.<BR><BR>Not a ship I personally would want to sail. But if you are on a limited budget, what the heck, give it a shot and let us know how it was.<BR><BR>Paul

judy

Admittedly, I sailed Melody awhile back (3-4 years ago or so) but it was surprisingly good. Can't beat the value--I don't think the prices went up in all that time! Americans were in the vast minority, which was fine, since like the poster above, we had the BEST table EVER--and are still very much friends with the German and Dutch couples we met. Announcements, though, are of course in a gazillion languages. Well, five. I don't know if it would bother you, but because it is largely European, topless sunbathing is condoned and not on a hidden deck but--bam!--right there at the pool. Didn't bother us, but it was a bit weird to the Americans, some of whom were pretty shocked by it.

Paul Therault

You bet. About 20 years ago my wife and I cruised on a French ship. My wife went up to grab a lounger at the pool and fell asleep. When she woke up she turned to the left and saw 2 humongous mountains. She turned to the right and saw two more. She thought she was at a Van Gogh art exhibit. She said now she understands why he committed suicide.<BR><BR>Paul