CantSwim63

The charges go through MSC DIVINA PARIS, 1 charge at the end. They do put a hold in after you reach a certain amount. The transaction fee will be based on your credit card agreement.

Thanks Bosjoe. Makes my credit card choice a lot easier.

(And I think you are one of the early posters for the great prices, so super thanks for that as well).

Cheers! Raoul

Hi, it looks like MSC has a presence on here, but would also appreciate any information from Canadian or North American credit card holders.

I understand about the "possibility" of foreign transaction fees for credit card billings negotiated through an offshore bank (for Canadians, assuming this is the same for US as well, and type of credit card). My old forensic audit days are kicking in and I want to limit my charges or do away with them so would like to know: 1) MSC's bank (and country) for credit card transactions; and 2) For cruise account settlement, is there only one transaction at the end of the cruise or is each hold (every $200 or $250) put through and a transaction fee charged.

And a side question for those in North America who have had to dispute charges, can you share your experience please.

Thanks.

Raoul

Congratulations on your super low purchases!:D

Now as the saying goes, 'pay it forward'!

If you see super low prices as I did, tell us, your fellow cruises!

I look forward to your reviews on your Divina experiences on Cruise Critic after your cruise!:)

I have learned so much about MSC in the last month from fellow cruisers, and its because they took the time to reach out to us!

A thank you to cruise critic for this site which gives us all the opportunity to banter with each other!

 

To all, have fun, enjoy your cruise!

And remember to 'sign up to the MSC loyalty club' where you'll get 5% off a future cruise after your first sailing, and you'll get an extra cruise point for every $200. you spend on board for drinks, purchases, etc., (a great idea MSC) which allows you to get to higher levels in the program with more benefits! You can get all the details on the loyalty program on the MSC site.

Thanks again Russian Bear and others who have posted their deals. I will contribute interline info whenever I notice that MSC is putting out their employee rates for all. Cheers! Raoul

I missed out on the March price as I couldn't book over last weekend prior to knowing I could get the time off. Hmm would love to get that March 22nd date

Sending this on the fly. If I get an alert that the 22nd gets some 249 pricing l will post. Still only the 15th for now. Cheers! Raoul

Are these insane prices still available? I tried looking on the Msc website and don't see them! Thanks for your help!!

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Insides were sold out for October. September there are some insides available, slightly higher in price. Starting at $224. They are still on the website, as soon as you get on their webpage its the first one that pops up. Make sure you are using the USA site. Balconies are still priced cheap and are available. Just the insides are very limited. I booked today for Sept 27.

Bosjoe is bang on. I am trying to figure out how to get more holiday time. LOL.

Lisyroo87, don't know if you can travel last minute and if MSC's Employee/Interline promotion still cover's March 2014 (it says to call), then there are still $249 pp balconies available for the 15th. And based on an email received in the last 15 minutes (fluke timing) there is an inside cabin price of $214 pp for October 11th (don't know if that will last), otherwise, as Bosjoe says Sept interior starts at $224 (one sailing is now at $244).

Good luck!

Cheers!

Raoul

Hi, hope I don't confuse anyone. My price is for the March 22 sailing.

Just received an email from some cruise travel agents, the Divina in Oct has put out prices at

(inside cabin-$199.)

(outside cabin-$349.)

and (balcony-$499.)

Now those prices deserve a WOW!

Hey RussianBear! I Can't Believe Those Prices Either!!

 

I'm Currently Booked (Western) For May, I Had Got The Employee Pricing, I Thought Those Prices Were Great, But The Oct, Prices Is Just Fantastic, And To Good To Pass Up, Especially If Your A Solo, Or Frugal Cruiser, You Just Don't See Rates Like These!!!!:eek:

Thanks Russian Bear and Big Jay! Additional thanks to those who confirmed their deals and also some of the "trials and tribulations" trying to get your sale price.

I asked my mom if she wanted to go on a cruise in October, then wondered what the employee pricing was all about. To shorten the story, I was convinced by my interline TA and with some hunting through the available cabins (run of ship price, so what the heck) that I could not go wrong with an aft cabin (12289) for under $825 USD. He actually told me before we started searching that I could call MSC and not pay his fee, so for those of you who can put up with waiting for MSC to answer you might be able to get this for $50 less.

Thanks again!

And I will be doing some research, but any comments on the aft cabins on Divina?

Thanks, all, for the rapid responses.

One other question:

Do we need to use a "casino card" each time we play, or will they simply recognize us as "regulars"?

Thanks again

They ask for your cruise card when you buy in and "track" your play. I don't know how you interact with the dealers and pit bosses but after the first night in the CB's casino they were calling me by name and I was offered at least one drink a night. I didn't ask about other comps.

So the answer is kinda yes and assuming you are friendly yes they will recognise you.

RR

I was on the 12/7 sailing that was delayed about 4 hours getting back to Houston by fog. For us, disembarkation seemed to be very well run. The folks in the Platinum/Elite lounge kept us very well informed and when my color was finally called for disembarkation, I literally walked out of Club Fusion, down past Explorer's Lounge, turned left at the elevators and walked off the ship. No line... customs was another matter, but I was aboard my transfer bus within 30 minutes of disembarking.

Maybe the crew changed.

Hopefully, none of this is needed, but here are some tips that might help if this type of delay happens to you (on the CB at Bayport anyway):

- have your airline's number handy, know alternatives beforehand, start dialling 77 (satellite line, supposed to be free) as soon as possible, if possible send someone to passenger services because they will dial out for you on one of their dedicated outside lines (need a plan though to make sure only one completes changes, we were ready to send emails on our tablets); ditto for hotels

- use Internet if you trust changes that way, set up on board Internet account and buy the emergency plan for $0.00

- just in case they enforce the disembarkation groups and you need to change to an earlier time or want self walk off, get them changed at the tour desk ASAP (unless it is back to passenger services, I was told both, but the onboard instructions said tours)

- if you have teens, I suggest having them say goodbye to their new found friends the night before or if "surprise" change while they are out and about have a meet up plan (in our stairway alone, there were two families missing one or two teens)

- there were two gangways, the midship one was a nightmare for group B because of no controls, people on stairs held up for almost 30 minutes and two pieces of luggage were accidentally let go (no injuries but more from luck than good safety procedures), maybe the other one would be better (can't remember if aft or bow), also if no crowd control and you are on stairs get the best sales person in the group to get a zipper (alternate parties) movement going because politeness at the bottom of those stairs just leaves you on the stairs while those later than you push past.

Probably better ways to do what we did to change our plans, but this is what DS and I did. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

Raoul

But you should see the first couple of drafts.

Disembarkation was a debacle. (Insert several swear words here).

For a crew that had already experienced several delayed disembarkations, there is/was a serious failure to learn anything from the past (admit that this is only my opinion from my experience). The two major issues were lack of "enforcement" of the disembarkation order and then inadequate crew, in both number and training/experience/assertiveness to ensure an organised disembarkation.

It is also sad to say that many passengers contributed greatly to the loss of control and civility. However, I believe that Princess's lack of preparation and poor planning created the resulting mass confusion.

I apologize for this rant. I promise to post constructive plans/ideas for the 21st (and later?) cruisers in case they have delays as well. Raoul

Definitely not the way to end a nice cruise. What is the earliest you can disembark? I'm wondering if those with flights this evening still might be able to make them, or if it might be worth going to the airport and standing by. If there's weather disruptions in other cities, there might be missed connections and empty seats available.

Going to be interesting for disembarkation, walk offs seem (mildly worded) are restless. More later, trying to book a car/cab online. Raoul

Sounds as if they will put everyone who does not have a car at the port in a ballroom at a Marriott (there are several in Houston) and then try to arrange things from there.

Not true for us...might be true for Princess Air people? Wait in line just for a list of available hotels close to HOU and IAH. No queue system for outgoing calls so dial for satellite service, get busy signal, hang up, repeat and repeat...cruise smile definitely gone and we are not the worst off...one couple has been rebooked tomorrow on two flights that are four hours apart.

Raoul

Around 08:30. ETA is 11:00/11:30. More information to be announced. Just sending out so the 21st cruisers keep checking their email notifications or be prepared to be flexible.

Of course for me and DS, now have to try to get back our hotel room that I just cancelled LOL if we are allowed to disembark. Trying to keep my cruise smile on. Raoul

about what it is like onboard and Internet and phone service.

Wifi is available in cabins with your device, but if you don't have an account set up already it might have been difficult to figure out how to set it up and then "purchase" emergency time/minutes for $0.00. I am going to guess that there was a big line up for those who did not have devices or needed help. And as expected because of limited bandwidth it was very slow.

Phone was free but busy until at least 02:00 when I finally gave up. At 04:30 the 77 line (to use the satellite line) was clear but not working), so I called passenger services and they made the call for me. I do not know if I could have done this from the beginning or someone finally figured out that setting up a queue would be more efficient or everyone else was done (or asleep LOL).

Patter was out by 04:30; lots of repeat activities, movies and entertainment; casino has to remain closed; (not sure on this one but believe to be true) only four bars allowed to be open; and for those "lucky" enough to have purchased duty free, they are very popular right now because the bottles were delivered prior to the delay announcement (this line is only half tongue in cheek and intended as a poke at ridiculous laws).

Safe travels to all, and hope those coming on received their warning in time.

Raoul

You cannot use the card through room service on any Princess ship.

Multi quote must be limited to two. Thanks for the room service answer. My DS tells me to just get my "exercise" in the morning, and pick up a brewed coffee with a bonus calorie free donut.

ate in the Island Dining room so just walked out the door, after we ate, and got my latte. The biggest thing was my husband being able to get coffee at any venue without paying. IE when we were playing bingo, if you had a coffee card, you could get coffee without paying elsewise you would have had to go up to the Lido to get it. He got most of his coffee at the international café (brewed) and it was pretty good. What they had in the dining rooms would please most people as well, although it was the syrup, it was Hot, not lukewarm, which is always a plus for me. My latte would stay hot for the entire cup - also don't forget that the food at the international café is free. A lot of people weren't aware so that meant more donuts for me :)

Thanks for the info. I joined a company that has a Starbucks in the lobby and am now a brewed coffee/specialty addict. So the donuts are "special", like in the no calorie type right?

Caribbean Princess:

Coffee in the buffet, room service, and DR is prepared from a liquid concentrate. The international cafe has brewed coffee and espresso drinks for a price. You can purchase them separately or purchase the coffee card which gives you 15 specialty coffee drinks and unlimited brewed coffee & tea for the voyage. Unused punches can be used on future cruises, but the unlimited option is only for one cruise. The coffee card is $31 including the 15% tip. At the international cafe you can get coffee drinks in take away paper cups, or in china ware. You can go to the counter and get it yourself or sit down and have the waiter serve you. You can use the coffee card in the DR to get specialty coffee drinks after dinner. The international cafe. has a nice selection of paninis, salads, soup and desserts at no charge to go with your coffee.

Thanks for the info and about the unused punches tip.

on the Carribean Princess last week

Sorry, OP don't want to hijack this thread, but sailing on the Carribean Princess on the 14th, and unfortunately lol, I am a coffee junkee.

llachance, did you happen to use room service and order coffee, and did you happen to order any specialty coffees after dinner in the MDR? Any chance of a "review" on the coffee on the CP? TIA.

Raoul

This whole subject has me totally confused. I still don't know what "INTERLINE" means.

Hi Doris, sorry for speaking in code LOL. I will give you my "rookie" (only two years in the industry) take on describing the INTERLINE subject. People who work for airlines and service providers to airlines usually have travel benefits, such as buying standby tickets on their airline and sometimes on interline partners. Some travel providers figured out that these people are a great source of last minute travelers who might fill their otherwise empty rooms/cabins/tours etc. One of the biggest users of interline rates are the cruise lines and the discounts are significant because of the "last minute" nature of their offers. INTERLINE has expanded to the point that there are now interline and "family and friends" rates, and there are TAs that only handle interline deals. I hope that helps. Not trying to hijack the thread, but let me know if you have any questions. Raoul

DS is now working for an airline, so all the above, and flights are now available to me.

 

The flights, might not be an especially great deal, especially having to be somewhere on a certain date (plus with taxes and fees, not so great as the cruise deals).

 

I usually get regular trip insurance, is "bump" insurance available through the agency that I go through to book the cruise, or through a place like (insure my trip)??

 

Thanks!

One thing I have learned from others here is to make as many friends as possible with other airlines. So, tongue not completely in cheek, have your DS develop as many contacts with other airlines as possible, but really, keep your ears open to your relatives talking about DS/DD/DH/DW getting a new job with [insert airline/hotel/cruise/TA here]. Knowing the traffic patterns and having several phone numbers to arrange flights helps relieve a lot of the anxiety.

My Interline TA uses the term "Bump" insurance, so going to guess that you will be able to get it through your TA. I don't know if that would work if you go directly with the cruise line. Please note that I have no direct experience with using this, just second hand info/comments that "at least you got a good holiday" after missing sail away. And make sure your TA goes over the interline rate rules for what you are booking, especially if more than one cabin or travel employee is on different itinerary or not traveling together.

Raoul

Happy to help. If it matters to you, cruise lines also vary on whether or not you get credit towards their elite/loyalty levels at interline rates...confirm accordingly if that's a priority for you.

 

Again, only if applicable to you: Per #3, Silversea's inclusive beverage policy is quite generous (IMHO) & another thing to keep in mind in comparison to other lines & final costs if applicable. Study up on the Silversea forum/website for details. :D

Sorry if you know this already but a couple of pieces of advice.

Bump protection won't be needed if sailing out of Florida (assumption on my part), but unless you are flying confirmed or have access to loads or have lots of flex in your pre sail date then consider bump insurance so you at least get a "similar" vacation experience.

If you can book interline cruises then you should be able to book interline partner rates for hotels and rental cars as well, maybe even trains (which gives you numerous options to fly into and then get to port).

Again, not asked but provided just in case.

Raoul

OP - you should be able to pick a specific category when booking with interline rates. There are normally different (interline) rates for different stateroom categories just like regular rates.

This is my experience as well (Princess) for a "last minute" booking (cruise booked two months from sailing), and my brother could only get one category on HAL a couple of years ago. We could only book guarantee. Both of us dealt with an interline agency though. I didn't know that you could call direct.

One thing to remember too are the port taxes and fees are not waived.

Raoul