MSC Cruises UK & Ireland
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We were extremely disappointed with the…
We were extremely disappointed with the embarkation process in Athens due to misleading information provided by MSC. Prior to our arrival, we contacted MSC to confirm the latest time we could board and were clearly told that we had until 3:00 PM. Based on this, we arrived at the port around 2:40–2:45 PM, only to be informed that embarkation had actually closed at 1:30 PM and the ship would be departing at 4:00 PM—not 3:00 PM as previously advised. Earlier that day, we had even called MSC to let them know we were on our way and were once again reassured that boarding before 3:00 PM would be fine. Being denied boarding and told we had to make our way to the next port to join the ship the following day was frustrating and upsetting. We were left to arrange a four-hour taxi journey and find last-minute accommodation late in the evening, which was not how we expected to start our holiday. Shockingly, even the taxi firm mentioned that this type of situation happens frequently with MSC passengers. This experience was not only inconvenient but also deeply disappointing, and we hope MSC takes steps to improve communication and prevent this from happening to others. However, on a positive note the cruise itself was amazing and we are thankful that we were able to finish our holiday on a positive note.