AEckhardt
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Posts posted by AEckhardt
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I just wanted to come back and report that we had only minimal issues in Le Muse. And by minimal, I mean that the Maitre D had to come to the table, speak with us, and handle it and it was handled very well!!
One night our waiter delivered a plate of French fries, even though we hadn't asked for any, but I'll tell you, it really put a smile on our faces. Not because we really wanted or had to have them, but maybe he noticed I didn't eat the appetizers other than the Cesar salad, and I enjoyed nibbling on them.
Once, in the cigar bar, a lady we had spoken to a few times mentioned she had a great prime rib in the MDR, and we were headed to dinner shortly after. When we got to Le Muse, my BF was a little upset there was no prime rib on the menu and he casually said something about it to our waiter. Well, the waiter got Mario, the Maitre d, over to our table and he made sure we both got prime rib, lol.
One thing that did drive us a little nuts was we asked every night for lemon wedges with our Pellegrino and it was always a process.. they'd forget or we'd have to wait quite a bit. I'd think something as simple as that would be easy to remember and duplicated each night.
To be honest, my BF, who is a much more adventurous eater, got tired of the Le Muse menu after day 4. I preferred the dining room, he wanted quick eats with more variety and braved the Buffett a few nights. I didn't want to eat alone, so I went with him, and was pretty disappointed. Not my type of atmosphere.
Somehow, I managed to gain 5 lbs throughout the trip though! (To be fair it was an extended trip, 12 days total with pre and post cruise) I'm thinking that was mostly Cuban food in Miami and alcohol on board!
I have to say, even though the food was decent in Le Muse, it's still "cruise food". Nothing spectacular to write home about but decent enough. I enjoyed the beef tornados the best.
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I just got back from the Divina in the YC3 last Saturday. I actually found the balcony more useable than I had been led to believe. We were able to stand out there and leave the door open most nights, however, we often had to keep the bedroom door shut to keep it from swinging annoyingly, so there was no point in keeping the balcony door open while we slept.
The couch is a small two cushion love seat. We never had it pulled out, so I cannot say how long it is, but I'd say, width wise, it's best for one adult or possibly two small children.
16008 is on the opposite side of the crystal staircase, but there was another doorway near our room to bring you to the staircase, you just have to walk over to the other side to go down it, not a big deal. 16007 is also a bit closer to the elevator that goes from 14 (spa) to 18 (One Pool).
The bathroom is definitely smaller than in any Suite I've seen before. The two of us really couldn't be in there at the same time. The bathtub is a bit high to step over, as well. There was only the one walk in closet, same amount of hanging space as an average cabin, with a cabinet of about 5 small drawers. I brought a pack of 5 magnetic hooks which were great for hats, scarves, cover-ups, and other lightweight items. There was some unused cabinet space in the living room next to the mini bar, so that could come in handy for the 3rd passenger.
Overall, we loved the room. I really wish the bedroom had a slider. It's just a large window.
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We got there about 10:45 and the butlers weren't even at the white tent yet. I believe it was about 11am they came over to check off our names and put tags on our luggage for the porter to take. Shortly after that, we were escorted to the lounge. We probably boarded about 11:45 or so.
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Thanks for the initial info. So it sounds like the public areas were a bit lacking in service? You mention your butler was great - what was great there? Did they restock fridge regularly?
How was the room and did you happen to get any pics? Can you describe the check-in process? It sounds like when you step out of the car there is a butler there to take your bags and lead you inside? Is there a short security line then straight onto ship and where do they drop you off?
Thanks for all the input, just trying to get things planned/figured out.
The fridge was restocked twice a day. Our butler was more like a glorified room steward but he did escort us off the ship at a few ports and was always quick to say hello and ask us if we needed anything if we passed by him in the hall. He was extremely warm and friendly and we genuinely liked him!
When boarding, we got there a bit early, to the tent. We had to wait about 10 minutes for a porter to take our luggage, then a butler escorted us and another couple through security (separate line for the scanner, etc., no wait) and to the YC lounge where we checked in, got our cards, and sat with some champagne until another butler escorted us on board. No body offered to take our carry ons. It seemed a bit scrambled, once on board. We were led to the Top Sail lounge, until another butler took us to our room. We finally met OUR butler later in the day.
Here is the Royal Suite 16008. They did update the decor at dry dock, however, there were already wine stains on the carpet in the walk in closet and by the first chair and some pulls on the couch cushions.
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The white party was on the pool deck but I didn't attend, so I can't say how busy it was.
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There were often parties in Galaxy or the Black and White lounge that went on well into the wee hours. We attend the disco one night and it was jammed to the gills even when we left after 2 am. I'm sure it's dependent on the demographic on each individual cruise, but there was no shortage of night life last week.
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I just got off the Divina on Saturday. I'm going to have to agree with Bermuda's perspective on this. I wasn't super impressed with the YC. Only once did someone come over to us when laying in the loungers nearer the hot tubs. We were even within eye shot of the bar. The breakfast options at one pool were often cold (bacon, sausage, eggs, etc). I had to flag someone down or get up and go to the bar myself for coffee or drinks when trying to eat at the one pool, and this was while sitting at one of the tables. Tables were often dirty. I really feel they needed more staff up there.
Concierge was ridiculous. When I fell as I was going up the staircase, splashed an entire martini in my face and scraped my knee to the point of blood running down my leg, he literally did NOTHING. Not even offer a bandaid.. They didn't help getting any excursion, just said "sorry, it's sold out" instead of helping come up with an alternative or help book something privately.
Le Muse is a huge pain to get to. Especially when you want to go there after a theater show and have to battle the crowds. The food wasn't anything spectacular there, but the Maitre D did try to accommodate me with my requests, and one night he had prime rib brought up from the MDR as we had heard from those who went to Black Crab that it was great that night, and yet there was no offering for it in the YC dining room.
Our butler, Nyoman, was fantastic. We loved Jessica at the Top Sail lounge, there were some great perks, such as the easy disembarkation at ports and skipping the lines to re-embark.
I'd be willing to try the Seaside, where they have a different set up and, hopefully, different concierge. I would hope they have more staff to accommodate the even more YC guests.
This was my first sailing with MSC. I really went in with an open mind, looking forward to a new experience, and did not try to nit pick, but it definitely did not live up to my own personal expectations.
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I called and they took care of it.
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Maybe it's because I'm from New England but there are plenty of women of all ages who wear pantyhose and especially tights of many colors to match their outfits, all winter long but that's to keep us warm! In the summer or when cruising the Caribbean, I'm bare legged as often as possible
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Blue is very in fashion right now. And as pointed out, incredibly versatile. I also second buying the matching trousers, as blue suits are very trendy right now.
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We ended up taking a taxi van. That might be a good option for you. It was $75 before tip. We had some difficulties nailing down a shuttle service, due to the time of our incoming flight and the location of our hotel. (5pm and headed to South Beach) Other people find renting a car is a more cost effective option for a larger group and drop it at MIA, then take the free shuttle to port.
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Wouldn't there be some legal consequences for doing such a thing?
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2!!!
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My tag holders have metal cables that thread into themselves. I've be pretty upset if they cut them but it would take more than kitchen scissors to do so. Either way, it sounds like I should just keep one paper tag inside each checked piece (just in case!) and let the butlers use whatever tag they use. Thanks for the info.
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We are in the YC, boarding this Saturday, so before the perks include classic package all over the ship. We decided to purchase the premium package even though we have drinks included in the YC, and I'll tell you why.
1.I don't want to be stuck running back to the YC every time I want a drink.
2. I like top shelf vodka and really good wines
3. I plan on swinging through the Gellataria every day, lol!
but most importantly,
4. I like to pre purchase as much as possible! I don't even care if I break even. I am agreeing to spend X amount to have the things that I want and the peace of mind that I won't have a large bill at the end of my cruise!
So while some people may thing it may not be right for them, or they may not drink enough for it to be worth it, to me it's about relaxing and knowing everything is covered.
Cheers!
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It really is! 40 items for $50 is a huge deal.
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I have the plastic cruise tag holders. Is it pointless for me to put the tags in my edocs into these? I've read that the YC butlers rip off the tags you have and put on different ones. Is this true?
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Hmmm, when I bought the package it said in the fine print "not to be combined with Yacht Club or Voyagers Club discounts" that's why I thought there were some.
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I know the package includes ironing and pressing, as that was our main concern, but we are also staying in Miami for a bit after our cruise, so we wanted some things freshened up. It would be great if the butlers just took care of pressing. My BF always worries about his dress shirts wrinkling!
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it is not included but I believe they do have some discounts. I'm boarding the Divina YC on Saturday, and we pre-payed for the 40 item laundry package. It was $50. The package does not include dry cleaning, so if any pieces need that, I'll see what the Voyagers Club and Yacht Club discounts are offered.
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I highly suggest you read this thread:
MSC Divina 1/28-2/4/17 Trip Summation
NoName had quite the issue trying to use her package for family pictures, and ultimately got a refund, instead.
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That explains why I got MSC Gold in July from NCL Gold, and my BF went from NCL Silver to MSC Classic
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Is there any benefit to prepaying, other than getting it out of the way?
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Can you have things pressed only when using the package? Or can you borrow an iron? My BF is afraid of his dress shirts wrinkling.
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Our First MSC Experience (Pros and Cons of Yacht Club vs. NCL’s Haven)
in MSC Cruises
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In port, it was fine! (Obviously, it depends on the weather) It's very narrow with the railing, but you can slide the ends on the loungers under the railing to give you more room. We took naps out there one day [emoji4]
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