Mumsnet users ask MSC Cruises’ Corporate Kids Entertainment Manager Matteo Mancini their questions about cruises - NOW CLOSED

[EmmaMumsnet]

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Please see the answers here

When it comes to cruises, for some it’s their go-to holiday, whereas others may have never been on one. Despite which category you fall you into and with the New Year round the corner, now is a great time to get planning your next holiday and MSC Cruises’ Corporate Kids Entertainment Manager, Matteo Mancini is here to answer all your questions around cruising...and maybe next year a cruise will be your holiday of choice!

Here’s some more information on Matteo Mancini, MSC Cruises’ Corporate Kids Entertainment Manager: “After 10 years spent as a children’s television show host, Matteo has worked at MSC Cruises for 12 years, building up an in-depth knowledge of how to make the perfect holiday experience for kids and parents alike. Matteo’s expertise includes creating and overseeing all of MSC Cruises’ Youth Programmes, including entertainment for the entire MSC Cruises fleet of 15 ships, carrying over 290,000 young people every year. From designing the facilities on board to creating the perfect excursions for families, Matteo really is the go-to expert on why a cruise is ideal for families”

Whether you have questions about the best cruise destinations for families, what activities cruises offer that both you and your children will enjoy or what time of year is best to go, post your questions below and we will choose 10 for Matteo to answer. Everyone who posts their questions will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

[BristolMum96]

Where is the best place to travel with a 1 year old? What activities would be offered for her? Would I have to attend all activities or is there any form of childcare/minding provision that we could even pay for just for some activities?

[m0jit0]

What are the advantages of going on a cruise as a family compared to going on a hotel holiday?

[FogCutter]

What activities and entertainment do you have onboard for different age groups? My kids are 7 and 11 and I find lots of places aren't great at providing age appropriate activities for teens and pre- teens.

[lovemyflipflops]

Is there a dedicated staff member(s)who would have had paediatric first aid training, and be able to dispense medicines for things such as ear infections (which my children have had in the past when being in water for a long time).

[treegone]

I have always assumes cruises were mainly taken by retired people, and those with a big holiday budget. I can't imagine either of those categories being particularly keen to share their luxury holiday with a lot of small kids and a noisy kids club. How would you separate those who want a relaxing peaceful holiday with young families who may be loud and who have clearly different needs when it comes to places to visit and evening events.

[April2020mom]

What activities do you recommend for small children? Next year I will embark on a Caribbean vacation with my family. Any advice and tips on what to do etc will be appreciated thank you.

[CMOTDibbler]

How suitable are organised activities for pre teens? There always seems to be lots for little kids, but I'm not sure on older ones

[qate]

What type (and frequency) of activities would typically be available on your cruises, and what experience/qualifications would those staffing them have?

[JellySlice]

How soundproof are the cabins? With so many people crammed into one place, I would hate not to have a peaceful personal zone.

[MakeTeaNotWar]

Is it typical to feel seasick on a cruise or are passengers not typically affected as it's a large ship?

[kateandme]

do you think a cruise is a bad idea for a child with anxietys?how would you be able to help?
do you cater for specific diets.what if it was an illness where the meals have to be very specific indeed.
are there time you can get off and just do what you want without it being booked?planned by the cruise?
in an emergency what help is onboard or how quickly and what is the emergency procedures?
whats the best holiday for wanting a more calm holiday.

[MadeForThis]

To the internal rooms feel claustrophobic with no windows?

[LITTLEMUTLEY23]

What do you feel a child would enjoy most about a cruise?

[sharond101]

I like to be active in holiday and go for walks. What sort of exercise can I do?

[JC4PMPLZ]

Does it ever get really boring, just sailing endlessly at sea, or do you plan routes so there is always lots to see from the ship?

[anniehm]

I love the questions, just got back from a cruise (don't recommend Cunard for kids, that said it was term time) however we did the Disney cruise when kids were young and it was brilliant! Not cheap but not a huge difference from all inclusive 4 star hotels.

My question is what itineraries would you recommend for young adults, we were thinking the Baltic, we noticed even Cunard had young adults gets togethers I'm guessing some of the other companies would have more though?

[sarat1]

If baby/toddler gets ill while on the cruise, what sort of medical care can they receive?

[AimlesslyPurposeful]

Re terrorism - How safe is a cruise?

Recently in the news a couple were found to be smuggling drugs in suitcases they picked up at one of the places they visited on their cruise.

How easy would it be for someone to smuggle on board guns, a bomb or other weapons. Are there searches of cases/passengers as they board and re-board the ship.

Being in the middle of an ocean with a maniac on board really worries me.

[lostmywayrightnow]

How big are the rooms and how much room would a family have on board? I am wary of being in each other's space too much.

[Wargghhhh]

We would love to go on a cruise but we have an 11 year old with a severe peanut allergy (she carries an epi-pen). I would be really nervous about taking her on a cruise for that reason - what if she had a serious reaction on board? What procedures would be on board for anyone requiring emergency hospital treatment?

Thank you!

[Firewall]

Why is it so difficult to find a cruise room for 2 adults and 3 children? We have 2 under 2years old and a child who is older. We have been told we would have to pay for 2 rooms even though in reality, the 2 babies would each share a bed with us and our eldest would sleep on the pull down cabin.
I feel cruises should move with the times and have family rooms for 5 seeing as most families I know have at least 3 children.
Which cruises are good for families of 5?

[SusanWalker]

Are there nice quiet spaces on board or is it very full on? DS has autism so quite often needs some downtime. Is there wifi?

Also do you ever see wildlife like dolphins from the ship?

[NotAlwaysAPushover]

Are meals part of the package, and if not, are there budget options?

[vaseandcandle]

What is the best length of time to cruise with an active 4 year old? I have never considered a cruise holiday before. I imagine my child would be bouncing off the walls after a couple of days.

[biffyboom]

Are there certain ships that are better suited to families with young children, for entertainment and activity purposes?

Also what type of rooms are best suited for families with young children, as both of my children would need a bed big enough for an adult to fit in with them or they wouldn't go to sleep- which means at least 2 double beds in the room.