Georgia_Peaches

After doing much research and taking all the comments from this thread into consideration, we opted to book our own flights directly with the airline. We did this for a couple of reasons...first, since it's a domestic flight, we found only a slight difference in the fare price and not having to call FBC to select seats was one less thing to worry about. Second, we are past final payment so deferring didn't help us in this case. Third, we are flying in a day ahead so we didn't really think we needed the "wait for us" safety net. However, we will most definitely use FBC when we next cruise over seas. This seems like the no brainer option.

Yes, the 10 AM flight was already giving me hives and the cruise is in March! We opted for a 12:30 out of Long Beach. I read the lines in that air port are reminiscent of the good ole days of flying, whatever that means. But I took it to mean that they are not as long as LAX.

I will admit that I have never had to deal with their customer service.

Does the Luminae menu vary by ship or is it standard fleet-wide?

Highly recommend the Veuve Cliquot dining experience if you have some ObC to burn. As I recall, and admittedly it’s fuzzy, it was an amazing meal. Drink flowed all evening. I also recommend HUM “Wingman” to help you with any residual impact of the experience.

Will never entertain RcL again after trying MSC…and we hold RCL stock! MSC has them beat hands down. Hope you enjoy your cruise!

1650 seems on the low side. Or is it just me?

I don't think they do...

Definitely not a carnival cruise...just saying.

All valid points...which is why I don't begrudge anyone making decisions that are right for them.

I only saw cruises for October - December 2022. Have you seen offers that extend into 2023?

Well I finally had the time to investigate today and it seems like a good deal but its for itineraries for October-December, 2022. Unfortunately, we can't take advantage of this time frame...we already have a November cruise on the books. But for those who can do somewhat last minute, it looks great!

Yes, I agree with your frustration. Their website has been a challenge for us as well.

Did you just ask the concierge to arrange the car once you boarded or was this done in advance? May I ask the cost? We also have no refundable obc. This sounds like a great thing to use this on.

We also received that post card offer for a free veranda stateroom. I didn’t take it as a scam but I’m sure there are some caveats. Haven’t investigated yet. Anyone know the particulars? Can you upgrade to a suite?

Most people who take the time to post a review Do so because they have a complaint or ten. So I remind myself to take them with a grain of salt. Before cruising resumed to a sense of normalcy that was comfortable for us (no mask mandate or social distancing) we did a few all inclusive Vacays in Mexico. The resorts were great. We enjoyed the food, the drink, the beach, most of the entertainment but at the end of the day it wasn’t a cruise. September marked our first cruise since March 2020. It was pure perfection. To say it sparkled would be an understatement. It was pure brilliance. I think you have to lose something you enjoy in order to appreciate what you once had. I will never again take cruising for granted.

@SusieV do you recall what time passengers were able to disembark when you returned to Cali? Further, can you speak to how long it took to get through customs? Trying to figure out if we could make a 10 AM flight out of LAX if we were among the first to leave the ship.

IMO it’s just another reason I will continue to prefer the traditional S class ships.

I, too found MSC because NCL has priced me out of their suite market.

Wow! Until just now I thought I had no reason to visit the buffet. Guess I was wrong.

Didn’t have a problem getting a drink in a timely manner on Seashore back in August.

Casino slots and all retail venues as well. It’s like a stationary sea day.

To what are you referring?

Yes, I have looked in to this option as the new ship look beautiful and the all inclusive aspect is very appealing. I've priced out a 10 night Alaska cruise for 2023 and it's currently just over 10k...not terrible when considering the per person/per day breakdown but still pricey.

Love to see that MSC are expanding their fleet in the US. However, I would have loved it even more if one of those ships was earmarked for Alaska. Hopefully soon.