Two Wheels Only

I've done similar. I booked a sleeps 4 for only 2 people because of bed location and balcony size. Once for an angled balcony and once for a larger than standard "secret" balcony. I had to call but it was no problem. As a side note, it seems that most people don't want a connecting stateroom unless they specifically try to book one. When people ask about a specific stateroom, I usually try to warn them if it is connecting.

Thanks.....for the photos. 😁

For some ships, the sleeping capacity will alternate between 3 and 4. If someone is booking as 2 or 3, there will be "gaps" as the booking engine will skip the "sleeps 4" staterooms. If people are booking as a group of 4, the "sleeps 2 or 3" will obviously be skipped. What happens is that people in one group will book a connecting stateroom and the one connected to it will be empty until someone in the other group books it. Try doing a mock booking with the other group as your number of guests. See if any available connecting staterooms match with the group number that you currently have. If you find a match, have either a PCC or travel agent book that pair. They can book 2 or 3 in a sleeps 4.

You also have the penalty box on deck 8.

I think that the "CXL" is just how MSC deals with changes. As long as the "INCL" is correct, I wouldn't worry. I have plenty of CXL lines on confirmations whenever a change is made but in the end, everything has been correct.

It opens enough but if someone is overly "fluffy" or extra plus-sized....IDK.

Here is the 2nd bedroom with the sofa bed in "sleeps 2" configuration. The small door for the bathroom doesn't open fully when the bed is like this, iirc. Nearly all of the 2BR H6 (new code) have the Pullman in the ceiling. The only one that doesn't sleeps 5 (16722)

2 in master bedroom. 3 in 2nd bedroom (sofabed can be configured to sleep 1 or 2 and Pullman for 1 in the ceiling). 1 in living room (sofabed for 1).

Only about 30% of the reservations are available before the cruise. The rest open on embarkation day.

The package is still "free" but the service charge still needs to be paid. This goes for everyone who takes the PBP promo. By taking the package and paying 1 service charge, the guest isn't charged 20% per drink the way that someone without the package is charged. A person with the PBP can have 100 drinks and pay nothing extra.

True but buying a SDP (specialty dining package) for guest #3 is the same price no matter who #3 is. Doing it the creative way gets the soda package for $1.99 per person per day instead of the full price of $9.95 pppd + $1.99 pppd.

If guest #1 or #2 gets the PBP promo, all other adults also get the PBP promo and pay just the 20% service charge. It's all or nothing. If guest #2 is a minor, that minor would get the soda package. All other adults would still get the PBP. If a guest other than #2 is a minor, that minor gets nothing.

No, he would only pay the 20% service charge (currently $19.80pppd....per person per day).

Sorry, PBP = Premium beverage package....alcohol and stuff.

Husband will still get PBP as guest #3. If the plan is... Guest #1 - PBP Guest #2 - Soda Guest #3 - PBP ...it will work fine.

When you booked with the FAS drink package (PBP), the 20% service charge for the package was added to your total. You won't be charged a service charge on your drinks unless you go over the $15 per drink limit. If you go over, you only pay the difference plus 20% on that difference. A $20 shot will cost $5 plus $1 service charge ($6 total). If you choose to tip beyond that, it is up to you. A tax can be collected on drinks while the ship is in port and within a certain distance from land (depends on where you are). It's usually less than 10% of the cost of the drink. For example, a $12 drink while the ship is docked in Miami will cost about $1 on your onboard account. The $12 is covered by the package and the service charge on the drink is covered by what you already paid when you made final payment. The same drink while the ship is at sea won't cost anything to your onboard account. Everything will be covered by what you're already selected/paid. EDIT Didn't notice that the OP was in the UK. 🤐 See KeithJenner for all things UK related.

I'm not sure what the restrictions are for Bella but I would suggest speaking to the Maitre d' as soon as you board the ship.

NCL tried that a few years ago in the UK and the "all inclusive" price was MORE than the price + DSC + service charges that other parts of the world were paying. In other words, the corporation will inflate prices to cover the missing "add-ons" that are charged now.

Anything above the Hotel Service Charge (that $14 per day thing that is deducted from your account) is fine. You cannot get it wrong no matter the amount. They do what they want. You do what you want. Both are correct. The "one price for everything" would result in higher fares and the complaints about "gratuities" would change into complaints about high fares. There's no system that would make everyone happy.

I believe that the issue comes down to what the dress code is vs. the suggested dress vs. enforcement of the dress code. It's like the yellow and black "suggested" speed signs.... vs. the white and black speed limit signs... ...vs the enforcement of the speed limit sign. Someone driving 40mph on the ramp isn't breaking the speed limit. Someone driving 55mph is breaking the speed limit but probably won't get pulled over and given a ticket (enforcement). MSC has given on the website... WHAT TO WEAR ON A CRUISE We want to make sure you are always prepared when cruising with MSC. Below are some suggestions to make sure you pack appropriate clothing for the various activities you will undertake during your cruise. Daytime Attire Casual wear is recommended for daytime attire. Shorts and T-shirts are permitted Evening Wear A more polished look is recommended for evening wear when dining in the Main Dining Rooms and Specialty Restaurants and while enjoying the entertainment in the theater, bars, and lounges. Collared shirts, tailored pants or shorts, skirts, and dresses are suggested. Layers and a light jacket or sweater are suggested for cooler nights and in the ship’s air-conditioned public areas. Gala Night On Gala Night, dress to impress! Whether that means a tuxedo, suit and tie, evening gown or cocktail dress, or perhaps it’s your very best jeans and polo shirt, your attire should fit your own level of elegance. The only thing required is your smile. Theme parties We organise various daytime and evening Theme Parties on board. You may wish to bring 60s and 70s floral gear for the Flower Glory Party, white clothing for the White Party, and something green, white and red for the our MSC Little Italy entertainment Dress Restrictions Specific restrictions may be enforced by onboard staff members including restaurant hostesses and management. At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip flops, and tank tops are not allowed for Evening Wear or Gala Night in the Main Dining Rooms, Specialty Restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn for Gala Night. Dress code rules that are posted outside the buffet should be followed. So what we are left with is a series of suggestions, a dress code which MAY be enforced, and staff which can "police" in a matter that they feel is appropriate. Can someone be refused to be seated for dinner because of shorts or asked to return to their stateroom to put on long pants? Yes. Does that always happen? No.

Unlimited Open Bar Package (Open Bar) Unlimited Open Bar Package is applicable to all qualified sailings excluding Pride of America. Applicable to guests 1-8 on the reservation. If 3-8 guest is under 21 years of age, Unlimited Open Bar Package does not apply and soda package will not be given as a substitution. Specialty Dining Package Applicable to guests 1-2 on the reservation (guest #3 gets nothing) A minor can buy a soda package at the current price ($9.95 per person per day + 20% service charge). It isn't mandatory to buy the package, though. Yes, if you choose to buy a package for them.

No, the beverage package (PBP) is applicable to adult guests 1-8 if any others in the stateroom select the PBP promo. Your sons would only be charged the 20% on the package price ($99pppd or $109pppd is the retail price).

Thank you for the info. While the ship was still being built, many (myself included) thought that would be the case. The info on the website was/is incorrect (no surprise there).

The balcony in 17128/17728 is a bit wider than standard.

"For Food Republic, Pincho, Sushi and Wasabi, an SDP meal includes 4 menu items."-FAQ