Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

bizzy_livin

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    22

  • Joined

 Content Type 

Posts posted by bizzy_livin

    MSCs Missed Opportunity: Solo Cruisers

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    7 minutes ago, SeaShark said:

     

    Odd...in the post of mine that you quoted (for the 2nd time today), I was speaking about MSC and what they do on their ships. How is that critical of you?  I wasn't being critical of anyone actually...just observing the difference between stated words and actions. I should be free to share my observations without getting flamed, right? You mentioned that MSC made claims to you about their position on solo cruisers...I believe you 100%, I have no doubt you were being truthful...I was only pointing out that MSC's actions did not match what they told you.  

     

    I do agree with you, though. People can (and should) add to the conversation and share their viewpoint...and so can people who hold a different viewpoint. Not everyone is going to agree with everyone else, and not every reply is going to be supportive. Everyone holding any opinion is free to speak their mind. No requirement to agree or to only post responses that people will like.

     

    That is what I like about Cruise Critic.

    Sorry, I touched the wrong post.  It was your post that said, "You say you have moved on and are happy elsewhere, yet you are posting here."  That is a personal criticism of me and was not necessary to make your point.  I am sure you have a lot to offer folks here and can do it without criticism of individuals.  

    MSCs Missed Opportunity: Solo Cruisers

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    8 hours ago, SeaShark said:

     

    That is a very odd statement given that MSC is including solo cabins on their new ships. If they don't want solo cruisers who do they expect will book these cabins???

    Thanks for reminding me about what I don't like about Cruise Critic.  Why criticize me for adding what I know to the conversation and giving my viewpoint?  I think Cruise Critic should allow people to speak without fear of being flamed by someone.

    MSCs Missed Opportunity: Solo Cruisers

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    1 hour ago, SeaShark said:

     

    That is a very odd statement given that MSC is including solo cabins on their new ships. If they don't want solo cruisers who do they expect will book these cabins???

    I am glad to hear they are changing their philosophy.  All I know is what they told me a few years back and I continued to have trouble booking as a solo even though they would book for two or more.  As I say, I moved on and am happy elsewhere.  

    MSCs Missed Opportunity: Solo Cruisers

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    I used to be a very avid cruiser on MSC.  They simply do not want solo cruisers.  They have told me this on more than one occasion.  Even though they charge a 100% supplement, they tell me that they miss out on the other revenue that each cruiser provides including casino, excursions, duty free, etc.   In popular markets, they will not book solo passengers.  They generally will book out of Miami since they have a glut of unused cabins.  I moved on from MSC and recommend finding a line who appreciates solo passengers like Norwegian or Holland America.

    Status Match program

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    I have to go with Beamafar on their comment. I was Black before and it was good but I don't really see many benefits to get too excited about after the downgrade. I understand some might be happy about a 5% discount with the chance of higher but the higher discounts appear to be on less popular sailings.

     

    I hope some of you will post what you think about MSC after you take a trip. Please let us know how it compares to your programs and cruises on other cruise lines. I feel a bit betrayed by MSC so I look forward to knowing what you think as I search for a new cruise line.

    Status Match program

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    Welcome to MSC customer service.

     

    After 4 cruises (the onboard experience is excellent imo.) the customer service, or rather the lack of, is why I moved on.

    I am already a Black card holder from sailing on MSC. I have found the customer service to be slow. However, they informed me they were hiring more reps. I don't know if that really happened. Either way, with the number of applications being submitted, I would guess a quick answer is not going to happen for most people. Whether the wait is justified, or worth it, will be up to each of you. Good luck.

     

    Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk

    Status Match program

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    I can't find an answer to a question, so I will post it here .....

     

    Does MSC Loyalty program include a lounge with Happy Hour like RCI has it ?

    No lounge or happy hour.

     

    Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk

    Areas of Fantasia reserved for Yacht Club?

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    Thanks all! Looks like the Zen area will be the place for me. Can anyone comment on the promenade deck and let me know if there is seating there? I always enjoy spending time hanging out there on ships that have the more traditional decks with steamer chairs. Many of the newer ships have abandoned this feature. Does not look like the decks on the Fantasia are wide enough to accommodate seating and I have not been able to find any photos, so I am thinking not.

    I do not recall any seating on what you refer to as the promenade deck which is deck 7. Most outside seating is around the pools on deck 14 and on deck 15. Hopefully, you can find a nice spot you enjoy.

     

    Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk

    MSC Club downgrading all its members and removing many perks

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    Not quite true .............. there are discounts offered on onboard services. They are provided in booklet form. Canny cruiser is the first to have posted his experiences with the new offerings and has been good enough to list the discounted services in his thread.

     

     

     

    Replaced with a "Black" party night, rather than eliminated.

     

    Sorry if I seem a bit pedantic, but it's important that the right information is being shared here and I'm always glad for someone to come along and correct anything I'm mistaken about.

    C'mon! You have been to MSCs returning guest and honeymooner parties. They give you a glass of cheap sparkling wine and introduce the Captain and officers. He makes a toast and they make a quick exit. This is a far cry from enjoying dinner and conversation with the captain.

     

    Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk

    MSC Club downgrading all its members and removing many perks

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    I doubt your post, imposter. You are showing up on many threads with the same message.

    You are not a poster here. Don't come back.

    MSC Black members previously had an automatic 20% off on ALL cruises. That is now reduced to 5% with an additional discount up to 15% on selected cruises. In addition, there were significant on board discounts on spa, minibar, internet, photos, logo shop, and laundry. All those discounts have been eliminated. A dinner with the captain or an officer was also eliminated. They did add two new benefits of minimal value: a free dance lesson and a chocolate ship as a gift. Check it out with other Black card holders if you think I am not telling the truth. Sorry if you think I am an imposter. I am not and spent over 70 nights on MSC ships last year.

     

     

    Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk

    MSC Club downgrading all its members and removing many perks

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    The MSC cruise advantages and cards just have been changed

     

    They have removed almost all the advantages.

     

    The reductions of 5%,8%,10% and 20% are all reduced to 5% for everybody (being loyal at MSC doesn't mean anything anymore now)

     

    Most advantages that were interesting in the classic and silver membership have now been moved to gold membership (downgrading the solver and classic members and now GOLD has become more difficult to reach and is actually also stripped down)

     

    Al the minibar and logoshop and specility restaurant reductions are all gone

     

    Then there are also strange rules in place regarding the MSC experiences called (bella,fantastica,aurea,)

    For example an interior fantastica cabine priced arround 600 euro for 7 days will get you 7000 points, while a balcony cabine that cost 1100 euro, will give you only 5000 points (so you pay double, but you get less points..)

     

    They also stated that in their new program they give a 50 euro voucher to spend on board, but that ridiculous, because since this year you need to pay 8,5 euro per person per day for tips and fees, that is 17 euro per day for two persons, or on a 10 day cruise 170 euro against the 50 that they now offer...

     

    Finally they also decided that if yo book a cruise of more then 10 days (12 or 14or more), that you should not get any more points then when you booked a cruise of 10 days, so it feels like they are punishing you when you take longer cruise trips (like the grand voyage or the nordic trips).

     

    Summary: One majour big downgrade for the MSC cruis club members, for me the club was something that kept me going all the time with MSC, but now that I don't feel attached anymore, I'm gonna try another company, I think Royal Carrabian, they still reward the loyality of their customers! :mad:

    I agree 100%. I am a Black card holder and watched my benefits disappear overnight. Loyalty goes both ways so I am looking for a new cruise line.

     

    Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk

    Status Match program

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    http://crazycruises.it/2015/07/09/msc-voyagers-club-5-livelli-esclusivi-con-vantaggi-unici/

     

    :)Have you read the news about the new Status Match program?

    I was a top tier MSC Black member earned the old fashion way. When they instituted this match, they downgraded the program eliminating or reducing many good benefits. I understand trying to attract new cruisers but to screw up their relationship with established customers makes no sense. I find other cruise line loyalty programs more attractive now and am switching my loyalty.

     

    Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk

    Areas of Fantasia reserved for Yacht Club?

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    In looking at the deck plans, I am trying to determine how much of the deck/lounge space is reserved for Yacht Club members. Is the Top Sail lounge and library on deck 15 open to all? Also, how about the Top 18 solarium? With lots of space off limits, does the ship feel crowded? Would love to experience the Yacht Club, but won't be able to it it for my upcoming trip.

    The top sail and library are only open to Yacht Club members. The one pool and yacht club dining are also reserved for Yacht Club guests. The solarium is open to anyone willing to pay a daily fee but there is no pool there. There is enough space aboard near pools where it generally is not overly crowded by cruise ship standards. Get there early for prime loungers. Enjoy.

     

    Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk

×
×
  • Create New...