Once again we're thinking about a transatlantic cruise for '05. It's very early, I know, but we saw a great rate for the MSC Opera (new ship) for April '05. No air prices for the return trip are available yet but should be by the time final payment is due and we will have at least locked-in a great cruise rate.
(I don't know much about MSC and not much, if anything, is written about them or their ships on any of the cruise websites, so perhaps some of you have been on one of their ships and can pass along your opinion).

Genoa is our destination so the good thing about this particular sailing would be that, yes, we have to travel to get to the departure port but we wouldn't have another trip at the other end!

Last year we debated doing a transatlantic this year but chickened out because the one-way airfare was atrocious...most airlines quote a one-way fare of about 1 and a 1/2 times their round-trip fare!!! So we thought we'd just fool them and fly over on half a ticket and sail back!!..which is not possible if you sail there in the spring! Then my very pratical husband says, 'what a waste, why not just fly round trip and leave cruising for cruising'. True, but I think a long cruise with never-been-to-before-ports would be a lot of fun!

Back to my basic question. If you've done a transatlantic or know someone who has, what is the best way of doing the other leg of the journey, keeping in mind that - unfortunately - money IS an object in our case.

Thanks and happy sailing to all!!

Out of desperation, I am replying to me!

Seriously though, we are now actually booked on the MSC Opera for their April 2 '05 crossing. So if you do have anything bad to say about MSC you're too late...don't tell me!!!

Got a great deal on cruisecompete.com. I checked every other cruise booking site and the ones who did show-and-are-booking this cruise wanted a lot more. As for flying back, we are still in the dark but will cross that bridge when we come to it early next year. Would still like advice/comments on what we can expect.

I just got off the MSC Lirica and posted a thorough review of her (including many pictures) at

http://www.CruiseReviews.com/Mediter...es/Lirica2.htm

One thing I can mention about an eastbound crossing is that you lose an hour a day. By the time you get to Europe, you feel kind of drained like you just haven't had enough sleep. If you can do it (I know you already booked) Buy a tound trip ticket to Genoa and cruise on the return to the U.S..

You will probably get a better airfare this far in advance. You can throw away the return flight coupon and enjoy gaining an hour a day on the return.

Just my opinion.

Tom Ogg
www.CruiseReviews.com

Hi Tom,
I did not even think about losing an hour a day going east in the spring. Yes, I thought about sailing back in the fall and getting there using a round-trip ticket but we do like the spring over there and I'll just have to get a job so we can afford to come back.

I read your review on the Lirica and enjoyed it. It relieved some of my concerns regarding MSC. And perhaps, as you pointed out, many improvements might take place between now-and-then. And we do fit the profile of those who should consider this cruise line. My husband was born and raised in Genoa and, of course, speaks Italian. We've spent a lot of time visiting his family there over the last 41 years so we know kind of know what to expect in that respect.

If all goes as planned, perhaps I can try to write a review for the Opera next year! You do an excellent job of telling people exactly what they can expect from the ships you've been on. Keep up the good work!

I've sailed eastbound to Europe 9 times, and I've never noticed being unusually tired because SOME of the days (6 out of 17 on the Opera?) are 1 hour short; the whole trip is relaxing, and there's nothing to stop you from getting as much sleep as you want.

As for one way return air, the best deals are usually from consolidators. The Sunday New York Times travel section is full of them; that's where we got our return air from this year. The previous 2 years we got it from online consolidators (airdeals, justfares), but their fares weren't as good this year.

Yes, I'll check out consolidators when it gets closer. And I'll even spring for a NY TIMES! I've heard about consolidators but never had a need to use one or check one out. Do they set up just one flight from over there to a place here or actually work out connections to get you where your going? Actually, if I can find a flight from, say, Milan to one of several SE cities we can figure it out from there.

Thanks again!

I usually check both our final destination (MSP) and obvious major gateways (JFK, BOS, ATL ORD, ...) in case it would be cheaper for us to do the domestic part on a discount airline. Usually the consolidator can do the whole thing cheaper, but sometimes they won't even offer a fare for your city.

I don't know where you live in the US but if you can get to Toronto you can fly anytime one way via Zoom Airlines Toronto (YYZ) to Paris (CDG) for $150 USD (Add $75 USD and you can fly First class!)

From CDG take an Air France shuttle to Genoa (there are a lot of them every day) for only $120 USD.

Bottom line: Toronto to Genoa $270 USD! Find that anywhere else.

By the way we are sailing the Opera on August 15 and will share our experience. We have cruised Italian style before (Western Caribbean on the Costa Mediterranea in February 2004) and frankly there's nothing like it!

Hello bdintertech,
Thanks for the info. That is a really great fare and may warrant checking out Toronto to a city closer to home. I'm open to 'trains, planes, cars, boats' etc. etc..

I'm really anxious to hear about your experience on the Opera in August and will watch for it on this site. I found a few more reviews on the Lirica and MSC's other ships but nothing anywhere about the Opera so I think your review will be appreciated by all thinking of cruising on this new ship of theirs.

Hope you have a great cruise!!