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

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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

is there anywhere quiet to get away from everyone?

I love the idea of going on a cruise, but unsure about having to dress formally for the evening dinner, preferring to relax and be casual.

Are cruises for someone like me, or only those who like to dress for the evening?

If I discovered that any of my Children suffered from sea sickness, what would you recommend the best course of action is on the cruise. I have heard that sea sickness tablets make you very drowsy and I wouldn't want that for my children.

Do many people get seasick or is it pretty calm when you're on such a huge ship? Sounds silly but I've only ever been on ferries!

We've never been on a cruise although I've heard they are very family friendly. I worry that the room with me and husband, a 2 year old and a 4 year old would be very cramped, as I'm picturing a small room anyway as there must be limited space? Are the rooms as big as hotel rooms? Is there a space to relax in private like a lounge area in your room? For the kids to have some downtime and play with toys etc.

All the above questions about children with additional needs / disabilities, but also:

Do you / can you provide an additional support for children with learning disabilities at kids' clubs? Our son would need a high level of support but, if we provide that, it's not a break for us (whereas other parents get to leave their kids at the club).

What would the room / cabin set up be for a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 young children)?
Just wondering what the sleeping arrangements would be like and how much space we would have...

My dh favourite film is Titanic and he loves watching documentaries on that and the Costa Concordia. Its got me thinking what steps do you take to ensure the safety of your passengers? And how do you educate passengers about on board safety while still making sure they have a good time?

How many additional costs are there to factor in, once you have paid for the holiday?

How deep are the swimming pools, and where does the water come from and how is is monitored for safety. Thank you.

What is the process and safety behind getting off the ship when you are docked away from the coast, and need to visit your selected country by tender boat. I know there are some shallow harbours, but I would like my children to visit as many of the countries as possible. If the process involves a lot of queuing, I feel I my find this difficult.

Can any of the children visit the captain in the control room, my son has always wanted to go on a cruise ship, and is so interested in meeting the captain and seeing the controls, sonar, radar, and how the ship navigates the ocean and docks into harbours?

What activities are there available for children to do, mine love treasure hints, making, painting and modelling with clay, Thank you,

what happens in a medical emergency? do you have a doctor etc who travels on board the ship at all times?

How likely are DS and I to be sea sick given we can't sit in the back of a car for more than 15 mins without feeling queasy?!

We try and go on holiday at quiet times of year to avoid poolels/dining areas etc being busy. Are there quieter cruises or does that not really work?

How easy is it to visit destinations when you dock? Is there a bus to catch and lots of waiting around? I imagine that a smaller boat would have to ferry you to the shop and back and there would be lots of waiting around. Can you describe what happens?

For a cruise with teenagers, do you have entertainment that would appeal to them?They like the idea of the travel, but are concerned that once back on board the night time entertainment is going to be too 'middle of the road' for them.

What activities would you recommend with a 3 year old and a 4 year old in the Norwegian Fjords in July? In your experience do the long daylight hours here cause problems for families with getting their kids to sleep?

Do you have single parent packages or are all rooms booked on the basis of two adults sharing?

My main question is how do you think it would be best to entertain a 10 year old be entertained on a longer - say transatlantic - cruise with lots of sea days?

When comparing cruise companies, how much variety is there in the kids club programmes?

What activities are there for children outside of the kids club?

What is the realistic cost for two adults and two children in the school holidays?

A very simple question, can a child fall off the ship if they go clambering as young children often do?

We've never been on a crise - it feels like a big leap to take from a UK holiday to being on board a ship! We have a son of 5 so would worry that if we didn't like it/son wasn't enjoying - we'd be stuck on the ship for a week or more counting down the days!
How can you reassure me it might be a holiday for us? Do you have any testimonials from younger childen you are able to share?
Thanks :)

What can you offer for families with older teenagers and also younger children. I've never been on a cruise but assume each class or activity is full or oversubscribed, is this the case?