CUontheC

This picture was posted on another site. It is said to be from Ken Muskat.  Looks nice. 

Looks like OC is going to open this week for visitors.  I am so looking forward to seeing pictures from the first to arrive and reading about their experiences.  I sure hope it's mostly good!!

1 hour ago, NameThatFunnel said:

The main problem is that MSC has done a poor job of managing their guests expectations, and this is not the first time. They must have known these issues at OC were going on much earlier than we were told, yet, even up to a day ago, I was getting emails promoting going to Ocean Cay next week.

There must really be some big reason that they are not going there.  Guest did have expectations and I really think MSC wanted to make it happen.  Especially with the head guy saying they would absolutely be going there on Thanksgiving.  I don't think he would have put that on the line if he did not think it was possible.  Something happened that I think was beyond their control.  I may be wrong but this is what I think.  And they are trying to give compensation to the cruisers.  Which is a good thing.  I actually read on a facebook MSC page that people were happy about getting the compensation and not going to the island.  I am not yet a fan of MSC as I have not yet been on their ships.  My cruise with them is scheduled for February on the Seaside.  I have though been on 17 other cruises.  I also see some changes being made with the yacht club and I am booked in there.  So that may make me not a fan.  Just not sure yet.  

20 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

I don't think the issue is with disappointment so much as it is certain people seeming to think that a cruise line is never, under any conditions, allowed to depart from the agreed-to itinerary. I hate reading the fine print as much as the next guy, but the cruise lines are pretty well insulated from any legal backlash under the Terms & Conditions we all agree to. I don't begrudge anyone the sense of disappointment, but the somewhat overheated rhetoric (use of words such as "cheated, scammed, lied to, unfair") go beyond disappointment. And that is, I think, why some on CC are quick to remind those who use such terms that there was always the possibility of things changing. I, like you, am not 100% convinced that the December 5 opening will happen, either, tho' I do give MSC props for actually putting out a press release with a firm date.

If you are a cruiser you know that there is always the possibility of not stopping at a port.  Heck our cruise on the Escape in 2018 had the entire itinerary changed due to hurricanes.  We still had a blast.  They gave us no compensation.  And also on that cruise the new itinerary had us stopping at Great Stirrup Cay and due to weather we could not stop there.  We ended up in Nassau for a day and a half.  Not my favorite cruise port.  And when we got to Grand Cayman we had snorkeling plans and due to weather that was also cancelled.  It was still a great cruise!  No they are not cheaters.  I thinnk MSC wants to get this port up and running.  I am sure they have been bombarded with tons of angry phone calls.   And the compensation given is costing them quite a lot of money.  It will eventually open and it looks like it will be nice.  I am going in February and hope I get the chance to see it. 

There are quite a bit of people saying that you should not be disappointed when a cruise does not go to a port you hoped to go to.  Well that is just not right.  You are totally allowed to be disappointed.  I missed ports on many of my cruises and yes I was disappointed.  I still had a great cruise but would have liked to stop at the designated ports.  At least in this instance MSC is trying to give some compensation.  More than I can say for other cruise lines.  But when the head guy says the cruise will absolutely be ready by Thanksgiving one would think it absolutely will.  Hoping OC will be open in February.  I am not totally confident that the December 5 day will happen.  Time will tell....

25 minutes ago, reedprincess said:

Looking for the FB site quoted above, or the official MSC statement - which apparently has been removed from their website.

What site was above posted on - and is it still there? At this point, just looking for the official source.. whether it's MSC FB page, website, email from MSC, etc. What was posted 4 days ago isn't particularly helpful, especially if it's been removed, as it evidently has been.. or at least buried deep... 

Well, I think I may have already been going a bit crazy tonight with MSC trying to complete my online check-in,  figured I had lost my last marble after not finding the announcement. But if you can't find it either - then perhaps there's some sanity at the end of the day after all.. lol.. happy sails...

If you go to Facebook search MSC Ocean Cay forum.  This is on that site under the comment section on a Nov 4 post by Tony Barbaro.  

8 minutes ago, reedprincess said:

Thanks BB. I'm having No luck at all finding it. Have checked both MSC site and Ocean Cay site, maybe they removed it, or I'm just totally missing it.  Pretty sure it was Tuesday when they announced the cancellation...

Oh well, would be great to have the official link, but I'm good. No worries.  

I don't even visit til December, lol.  

 

what is it you are looking for?  This was posted on another site when OC was cancelled.  

50 minutes ago, reedprincess said:

Which FB site, if you don't mind me asking? Thanks...

MSC Ocean Cay forum on fb.

Saw this on a Facebook sight

I will be disappointed if my sailing doesn't go there. At least they are giving the discount and the OBC.  I have missed ports on other cruise lines and typically no compensation is given.  I do hope it opens soon as I am waiting with bated breath for pictures and reviews.

17 minutes ago, Pirate at 50 said:

Looks like it's just superficial damage.  Glad to hear.

It was stated on Facebook that the glass, supports and railings came off a balcony and the Haven lounge has a window that shattered. Other than this, and weather it sounds like a good inaugural cruise so far.  This is being posted by some who are onboard.  

I have to say I wish I were here right now!

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Since I am the poster who made that comment about having a TV in a cabana, may I offer my apology for offending you?  My post was not made with the intention to ridicule anyone.  I made my comment "in the shoes in which I walk".  I failed to consider that others must "walk in different shores".  I'm sorry.

🥰

On 10/20/2019 at 9:44 PM, carol1940 said:

Has anyone been on a Ultimate VIP (free "casino") cruise.  What perks can I expect in addition to free drinks in the casino.😣😌😌😴😏

Yes, as another poster said it is a very busy casino.  Have been on them and hard to get on the machines I liked.  If you are playing a lot make sure to ask the host to provide you with comps such as a massage, dinner etc.  My husband and I got a couples massage for free the last time we did one and specialty dining aside from one they already were giving us.  It all depends on your play if they will or will not give you extra items.  So at least ask.  Pretty much everyone will receive strawberries, a gift bag and a few other items in their room and chance at a drawing.  I won an ipad mini on last years Ultimate VIP.  I would think this year will have something similar.  Was offered two different ones this year.  One in November and one is December but had to pass due to other commitments.  But am looking to book on another regular vip cruise for 2020.  Enjoy your cruise!!

7 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

I realize that, and I was just pointing that I think it's a silly preference.  Also, a private villa is a VERY different animal than a moveable cabana. Villa implies a permanent structure while a cabana is nothing more than a glorified tent.

You may be right about the definition.  So here is what NCL offers on their private island Great Stirrup Cay (called a Villa) for $427.14 which is a similar price as MSC is calling a cabana which is pretty much as you said a glorified tent.  Being that is was such a similar price I would think they would have some of the same amenities.  I looked at the ones for the Yacht Club on the Seaside and was thinking about booking it.  But if it is just like you said pretty much just a structure and not much else, then for that price I will pass.     

The Oceanview Villa at Silver Cove is ideal for couples and single families. Situated on its private beach with unobstructed ocean views it is the perfect way to spend a sultry day in the comfort of one of our ultra-modern air-conditioned retreats that comfortably house up to six guests.

Each Villa offers A/C, in villa TV with complimentary on-demand movies, full private restroom, a retractable glass wall providing unobstructed views and access to the beach. To make your day complete we provide you with a beach umbrella and two lounge chairs next to the water’s edge and admission to the upscale Silver Cove buffet. Reserve a villa and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a great day on the Cay.Note: Price listed is per villa (not per person) therefore only one person needs to reserve the villa. Villa rental is good for up to a maximum of 6 guests, with the ability to add up to two additional guests at an additional charge of $25 per person

7 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I'm struggling to imagine why someone would want anything as banal as a television set in a cabana on a Caribbean island. But sure the request for air conditioning was in jest?

Why is it that a person who differs in what they want in a cruise should be ridiculed.  Ok let me tell you why I would have enjoyed a television in a cabana.  I am a disabled senior citizen.  I have had 6 back surgeries (3 of the last year), I also have had cancer and had to have part of my kidney removed which now I have high blood pressure and diabetes.  I have other issues as well and take over 20+ pills a day.  Prior to all these health conditions I was able to do all kinds of things and was extremely active and went to the gym everyday.  Life takes it turn and you deal with it the best you can.  I try to be happy each day as it is a blessing just to get up and enjoy another day.  So because our stop on the island is a all day affair into the late evening I need a place where I can relax because I get very tired.  I don't want to go sit on the ship.  Walking gets hard because I have nerve damage in my left leg because when they went to remove my a disk at L3/4 they could not get to it because of a nerve in the way.  I was unable to walk after surgery.  So 7 months later had to have another surgery going in through the front of me so I could get the cadaver disk put in.  This makes two now.   Having a cabana would be nice an being able to just sit inside after being on the beach would be great.  Having a television to watch would make it nice. They offer it in other cabanas on other cruise lines.  Why do you feel I am banal for asking if it is on this.  It's ok if I like this.  I also love movies under the stars on the Princess ships.  It's not like I haven't cruised before.  I am Elite on Princess and Platinum on NCL.  So although I may be different than you I would respect your wish to do anything on your cruise that you like.  I bet if you met me you would really like me and I would probably like you as well.  So please just respect my differences for that they are.  I am a very good and nice person.  I just feel bad when someone says something negative like you did about me.  I hope your next cruise is great and everything you hope for!  I hope mine is as well.

The pics are from a facebook post and this is a video from YouTube.  I can't wait to see it in person. 

6 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I'm sure everyone has seen this map, but looking at the map and then the Arial taken last week, does it look to you like they have got any work done on the seakers buffet area? I know all the photos of the colorful buildings are at the pier area, I saw nothing at the buffet. Am I missing something?

 

 

Not sure...can't really tell.  Hopefully it will be competed soon enough for the people arriving in November.  

5 hours ago, KSSS2013 said:

 We're pretty excited about going there on November 15th. It looks like it won't be completed, but at least there's plenty of beach space!

You will have to let us know how you liked it.  We are going in February 2020 and so looking forward to it.  Have a wonderful time!!

2 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

"Different strokes for different folks" thinking is probably correct thinking regarding the tv issue in a cabana.  If the Meraviglia's tv systems has the interactive options that most recent ships do, there will be so many movies to view that one could not view them all during a 7 day cruise.  

 

I recognize that you view the availability of a tv in a cabana to be a desirable amenity.  The reason you cruise seems different as to why I cruise.  If I want to watch a movie, my cable subscription at home provides me with a plethora of choices.

 

Please, enjoy your cruise with whatever amenities you most enjoy.  Enjoying one's cruise is why we all keep returning!  

Exactly....you as well

59 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

You are on a private island in hopefully warm waters and weather.  Why on earth would one want to have a tv available in a cabana?

Because the ship is there all day into late evening.  I would enjoy watching a movie.  Different strokes for different folks.  And since the cabanas on NCL's private island have tv's in them I must not be the only person that would enjoy one.  

1 minute ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Im so excited for this island to officially open. I also think I am going to really enjoy this final stretch too!! 3 weeks and counting- I wonder how much info will leak? And then it will certainly be in a state of flux for several months. What will change? It will be fun to look back on this in 5 years 🙂

I am also on a facebook site that is for Ocean Cay.  Lots of pics on there.  Lots of people wondering what the regular cabanas and yacht club cabanas will look like.  Will they be air conditioned?  Will they have a tv in them?  I can't wait to hear all of it.  Island looks beautiful!

On 10/17/2019 at 10:52 AM, WonderMan3 said:

When is the YC section expected to be completed?

good question I would also like to know this info.

looking forward to hearing all the comments once the first group gets there.  We are going in February 2020.