Hi folks,

Am interested in a june/july 2008 cruise in the Med, most likely eastern - with two teens, 13 & 16. Both lines advertise "free kids" under 18 - is this really true and has anyone sailed with them? Would like to do 7-10 days and interested in a decent sized cabin, good service and programs for the kids. Any input appreciated

Kids are not always free on any ship. Usually its part of a promotion which limits when you can cruise. Have not sailed CMS (never heard of this line) but Costa Magica's balcony cabin was fine. Sofa plus pull down bed over it. Don't forget you can shower at the fitness center then the bath room is not held up waiting for 4 to shower. If you go to the ships web site they will be vitural tours/pictures of cabins.

Oops, I meant MCS cruises

Actually you mean MSC and Costa

These sailings are limited and may often be priced higher than others but you are traveling during peak family travel time. There will be port fees and taxes added for the teens.

I have not been on Costa for years but they are owned by Carnival and their new ships are the same build. So I would expect good facilities fir children.

I have been on MSC and liked it a lot EXCEPT for the fact it was overrun with kids. The kids and teens facilities are limited as are the programs. When I was on in July of 2006 in the Med, there were less than a dozen Americans which was fine with me but might be with your family.

Also, the cabins on MSC are quite small compared to other lines.

We have been on MSC, Lirica. It was the cleanest and best maintained ship I have been on compared to other major lines (NCCL, RCCL, Carnival and Celebrity). Other positives were alcohol was very reasonable, you were not constantly pestered to buy alcohol and the entertainment was very high quality, though more sophisticated than typical lines (classical music concerts, etc). However, there were several drawbacks. It was almost the most disorganized cruise. They did not know how to board and tender people in port, the service and food was highly variable. Some things were fantastic and others were very poor. Even at the same table, someone would order the same dish and it would be great for one and inedible for the other.
Overall, we had a good time though, especially for the price.