Georgia_Peaches

If by steel hull you mean the porthole balcony then no, they are not in concierge class. They are a class of their own and I believe it’s lower than a concierge. You may be able to get a downgrade if you call. I recommend deck 8 forward section…the least forward room available as it has a nice view. Sorry, don’t have access to a deck plan atm.

Yes, I see your point. Not sure what the answer is but maybe it’s time to explore other cruising options? It leaves a sour taste when one no longer feels appreciated for their loyalty. I get it.

That stinks but Just remind yourself that you were happy with the price when you booked and don’t let yourself fixate on the price drop. Have a great time! 😊

I believe the area of which you speak has been designated for those who purchase the Premium Access pass which, among other things, includes reserved seating in the theater. Those who purchase the pass also get premium wifi, early embarkation, and other things I can’t remember. I view it no differently than those who get canapés delivered to the room in concierge or yoga mats in Aqua or priority everything in suites. It’s a privilege that comes with a price, just like the other things you mentioned. Not sure I’d call it a class system. It’s just another way to chase a dollar. We had a “free” casino cruise on Equinox last year. It was a run of the mill veranda stateroom. Aside from Elite status we had No perks, no special restaurant, no priority of anything and I went in with a certain level of dread thinking I would miss all the extras we had paid for in the past. I was completely wrong. Celebrity did a great job making us feel as special as we always had in the past. Made me realize what a great marketing campaign Celebrity had done in convincing me that I needed all those extras in order to have a great cruise. Bottom line, I can understand how that roped off area may have been off putting but realizing that people who sat there actually paid more to do so hopefully makes it an easier pill to swallow. 😊

Ahh that makes sense. So each leg is it's own drink/wifi package...and potential OBC. Interesting.

Wow! How much for 110 nights? I wonder how drink and wifi packages work on a cruise that long? Honestly, as much as I love to cruise, I'm not sure I could do one that long. I'm following a live thread on another board and the poster is doing a 14 night b2b and got to the point that they needed to dine in a land venue for a change of pace...I read that as the food got a bit tedious on board.

Ah good to know!

I wondered that too. We have to fly either way so Florida or Tx makes no difference to me. But I’m not familiar with Galveston at all. The prices look good enough to consider it. We haven’t made up our minds yet but I’m thinking the prices will only go up.

There was quite a lengthy thread about this very recently so you are not alone in your frustration. It seems that this type of thing is not going anywhere any time soon. Personally, I would not continue to patronize a cruise line that cannot/chooses not to cater to the things I enjoy. I like Celebrity but there are other lines from which to choose. Sorry this was a disappointment. I would be frustrated too.

Ascent has a really nice teen space and kids club. Hard to say if there’s enough to do since we don’t know their likes and interests. Here’s some photos I took of the space. When we sailed on Edge to Alaska there were a number of pre-teens who were engaged in activities with the club counselors and they appeared to be having a ball.

On Celebrity we would often (as our budget would allow) book the RS because of the included specialty dining and the additional half-bath. My problem with both the RS and OS on MSC is that there is no extra powder room and no included specialty dining. The trade off is a fully stocked bar with multiple bottles of liquor and a dedicated pergola reserved for you on the pool deck. We are not big balcony users during the heat of the day so the increased size isn't a plus for us. Therefore, I wouldn't find value in upgrading from a Deluxe balcony stateroom...and in fact, I'd consider an YIN simply because its so much cooler at night. Having said all that, we have booked a duplex on World America because it has a second bath. The balcony arrangement looks like something we might use as well. And finally, I have to say I just looked at pricing for Seascape for March 1 of 2026 and they are fabulous! We have a hold on a YIN at $1625 pp (Military rate). Haven't seen those prices in a long time! Hint Hint: @Best Cat Mom @DaKahuna @morpheusofthesea @RichYak and anyone else!

Oh my! Do you have a link? Never mind, found it.

Years ago, when my girls were 14 and 15 years old, they tried to convince their dad and I to let them go off to Sr. Frogs on a port stop in Nassau...BY THEMSELVES! They couldn't understand why we wouldn't let them go alone. "But mom, nothing bad is going to happen"...famous last words. We compromised by taking them over but agreed to walk in separately and sit at nearby table, "so the boys wouldn't think they came with their parents". 🙄 Just one of many battles they lost throughout the teenage years...OMG am I glad those days are behind me. Both are grown and productive members of society now...my oldest has 2 kids of her own. She recently told me that she now understands how we must have felt all those years ago. It was the only time I've ever been to Sr. Frogs.

I'm confused. Are you saying the luggage porters are longshoremen? I thought longshoremen dealt with cargo only.

My feeling is that MSC and cruise lines in general are working diligently to come up with a customs work-around....even if it means getting provisions in other ports outside the US. I guess we shall see as new cruises take off this weekend.

Well darn! Perhaps the stars will align another time! 😊

We have 11/22 and 12/29 booked, Seascape and Mera in that order. If this drags on to the point that cruises are cancelled, then we have much bigger problems. Lots of bad things going on right now btwn hurricane destruction/loss of life, strikes, and countless other things...I almost feel selfish for even worrying about my upcoming cruise. So I pray a lot and I try to remain hopeful.

And to add on to that, they use non-union labor to load the ships.

So in doing a little more digging, this article popped up. It's discussing Florida departures only but suggests that cruise ships will not be impacted in resupplying because they use non-labor union workers for this. Not sure about other cruise terminals in NY, Boston, NOLA, or Galveston. https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2024/10/01/port-strike-florida-cruise-disney-royal-caribbean-longshoremen/75470294007/

Another excellent point.

Yes, I figured there was a ton of red tape...what about resupplying at Ocean Cay? Lots of ships stop there at some point in the itin?

I've read about this happening in the past...posted here, in fact. But it's been a while. It was an IT glitch that eventually got resolved.

I've read that the Longshoremen strike will not directly impact cruise ships as they will continue to resupply them. But if the supplies the ships need are tied up in cargo ships that can't enter the port, what happens then? Will MSC resupply their own ships via cargo ship or is this considered 'scabbing'? Regardless, I pray all parties come to an agreement soon!

lol...beat me to it!!

So you provide a written explanation of how you would like your dinner service to proceed? Would you mind sharing what this entails? and how is this received by the staff? I really like the idea of being seated in the same place with the same staff but have never made our preferences known in advance...we just kinda go with it.