Hi there cruisers.
We are going on the MSC Lirica in the Caribbean next January.
We are experienced travelers, but this is our first cruise.
I was reading some reviews and someone wrote that there was no free ice cream. I though all the food was included and you just paid for alcohol. My husband and I don't drink alcohol, but enjoy cappucino at night, is there a charge for that?
Also, we aren't crazy about getting all dressed up for dinner. Do you have to go to the main dining room for dinner? Or are there other places to go where you don't have to eat so much?
Thanks, I'm sure I'll be writing again with more questions as the time approaches

First of all about the 'included' food, it's true that they advertise with all-inclusive. But it means that you get breakfast, lunch, some snacks, and dinner for the price. Most drinks are excluded, coffee for breakfast is quite regular so you'll get that. About the ice-cream I don't no the details but I think it's excluded.

Dinner is formal, you can choose wich seating you prefer. There are a couple of restaurants aboard, you'll get a table in one. And there are restaurants wich offer you special food for and additional fee.

Hi kpmcgil and atleetalie, welcome to Cruise-Chat. Some lines offer different "free" options. Check on board during the day near the pool area or in the buffets, there may be free ice cream offered. Coffee, tea, water, milk, and juices at breakfast are free. Some cruise lines have a fruit punch or lemonade option at lunch and dinner that are free. Most cruise lines charge for cappucino. I haven't had the pleasure of sailing on MSC, but have sailed on Costa, which is as close as I can come. Costa offered free gelato at lunch in the buffet, dinner too. They did have some specialty coffees available at certain times for free. I feel certain you'll be able to find plenty to eat and drink without spending any extra for it. The water on board ship is fine for drinking. They have bottled water available, but I really believe the ship's water is more pure. Hope you have a fantastic cruise, and once again, welcome aboard!

I read some posts awhile ago about there is no food served for several hours during the day.
Anybody know if this is true, what are the hours and are you able to buy, if the inclusive food is closed for several hours per day.
Also is there anything open all night on the ship? I have trouble sleeping and I will have 2 cabin mates and I don't want to keep them up if I can't sleep.

The deck is always open for a stroll. The only time food is not available is when they're changing from settings, but there is always room service.