bac513

Any reports from the YC beach?

The main issue I have found with MSC is their Kids sail free marketing. My son has booked 2 cruises and had to pay for his child. Evidently, this program is not available on all cruises or there is a limited number available.

I have been on 2 YC sailings. Both have required an up charge to the Browse and stream. Unless I am wrong, “Premium internet” is a misnomer since the YC benefits state browse for 2 devices. On Seashore I paid the difference between packages using the MSC FOR ME approx. $100 for 2 devices for 7 days with the assistance of the Concierge. However on Divina ( No app available), they wanted $15.99 per day per device to upgrade!!! if there is a way to avoid the up charge, hopefully someone will comment.

We were on the Divina a few weeks ago and did not purchase the upgrade. The basic browse wifi was downright slow and almost worthless.

I believe that wifi “browse and stream” is an up charge even in YC. We had to pay on Seashore. Too bad, basic gratuities are not included. We have made the transition from Celebrity Retreat to YC. We feel that the YC offers more and is a significantly better value. Having experienced YC and seen the crowds elsewhere on the ship, we will only sail YC on MSC. In terms of is it worth it, it is difficult to put a price on the privacy and service received in YC. However, to us, it is well worth it for what it provides. On the other hand, dealing with crowds in non YC cabins Is not worth it to us. We would prefer to sail less to be able to afford the YC experience.

Thank you.

Do you have a photo of the location of the YC White tents at Terminal E? Thanks.

2 days

I agree that testing will not eliminate the potential exposure during the cruise. However, it does reduce the potential for exposure when boarding. Wearing a mask may also give a false sense of security but we wear masks in crowded areas (e.g. on board shows) and grocery stores.

Pre cruise testing is a pain, but it does provide (although not infallible) a level of health safety. I wonder how all those cheering for the termination of the testing would react if they were infected on board due to irresponsible passengers. If the testing is eliminated, it becomes more important that vaccination should still be required and that, at a minimum, the cruises lines should temperature check passengers upon arrival at the terminal.

We now keep our vac cards safely tucked inside our passports after having the same issue prior to a cruise.. The only time we need them is when traveling. Of course if you forget where your passports are……………

Whether it is a waste of money or good value is obviously down to personal preference. To me, a waste of money is sailing outside of YC, dealing with crowds and potentially higher exposure to health related issues, and some ( not all) Carnival type cruisers. My wife would often come home from a cruise with bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses. Since traveling in Celebrity Retreat and YC, no such issues (touch wood).

Anyone know if Ocean House has a kid’s menu. Thanks.

Just returned from a 4 day in YC. Best service we have ever received on a cruise ship for waiters, Maitre’d, butler and YC staff in lounge and pool deck. Internet sucked as did the daily trek to Le Muse. Outside of YC, basically a Carnival (or worse) environment.

Havensight or Crown Bay?

Agreed. My limited experience is that the cabins are large enough for 2. On the deluxe grand suite on Seashore, we had considerable drawer space unused and more than enough room not to feel cramped. Even on Divina, we had room for a folding wheelchair without it getting in the way. There are more amenities in YC vs Celebrity Retreat except for included gratuities and standard OBC. We switched from Apex to Meraviglia for the first week in December 2022. Our Retreat booking for Apex was $6500 which has increased to well over $8500 with $600 OBC and gratuities. The YC fare for Meraviglia is $4100 with $500 OBC and gratuities of $198. Of course, there are additional gratuities based on service received. We have never had a bad Cruise on Celebrity (30). However, their Retreat prices are no longer affordable for us. Our 2 YC cruises on MSC have been great. Admittedly a non Retreat experience appears to be superior to a non YC experience on MSC. However, We will only sail YC or Retreat due to the reduced exposure to crowds and potential health issues. Based on the lower fares and additional amenities, we have made the switch to YC until proven wrong.

Forgot to mention the espresso machine in YC cabins.

Until recently we would sail Celebrity Retreat when we could afford it. We like the reduced exposure to crowds. We tried MSC (Seashore) in May and were pleasantly surprised. Not only was the Yacht Club significantly less expensive even though gratuities were extra, but also provided extras not given by Celebrity. These extras include a bottle of liquor, free minibar use, buffet on the pool deck, and the YC is truly a “ship within a ship” with all cabins inside the YC. Butlers provide excellent service including escorting passengers to dinner, shows, and debarkation. We just returned from a 4 day cruise on Divina YC and received the best service we have experienced on 30+ cruises.

That is what I will do and lose the $398 initial deposit but save in the long run.

I assume that the one free change apparently does not include a change of promotion (If I am incorrect please let me know). Celebrity allows you to adjust the fare up until final payment. So for a December MSC cruise I can save $150 plus get a $500 OBC. Even with losing my original $398 deposit, I will come out ahead. This is one area that it is unfortunate that MSC does not apply the same criteria as Celebrity.

Is that North Beach? How long a walk from the tram stop? Any shade or umbrellas? Thanks.

Is that North Beach? How long a walk from the tram stop? Any shade or umbrellas? Thanks.

The Yacht Club beach at Ocean Cay is too rocky for DW to enjoy. Will the YC tram take you to other locations, e.g. lagoon? Will YC members be able to get umbrellas at other beaches?

Videos on YouTube show the loungers without cushions. Is that still the case? If so, are they more comfortable than they look? Thanks.