cdel71

To confirm, these are the DIFFERENCES in prices between the 2 packages, correct?   If the classic drink package (which is included) is $69 pd/pp, and Premium is $84, you pay the $15 + 20% = $18 pp/pd for the upgrade?  For 2 people this would be a $252 upgrade on top of the All-Included Fare.

I assume this is the same going from the Basic Wifi to Premium - you pay the difference?

For those interested,  I just ordered a 25th anniversary on the Edge (just now) and yes they had Grey Goose VX.  I was surprised, but they have it in a cabinet behind the martini bar.    Unsure what the extra cost was or was supposed to be but they did not charge me for it.   It’s a busy bar (would be my guess).   These guys work their butts off and they are extremely attentive!  

I’m on the Edge right now (Jan 23rd sailing) as I reply to this.  First stop was supposed to be San Juan, but that was swapped for Nassau.  That port change has been communicated for a few weeks, so nothing unexpected there.  You could get off in the Bahamas no problem.   For Tortola you can only get off the ship if you have a ship sponsored excursion.  St Maarten is similar to Nassau, you can get off and do what you please.

Capacity this week is just a little over 950 (33%).   They were expecting 1200 when we asked on Sunday. Retreat is about 90% but they have been running 90% or more week over week.  

Very happy with the crew asking folks coming into the food areas to wash or sanitize hands before entering.   As far as I know, 0 cases of Covid onboard - Let’s hope it stays that way. 
 

1 minute ago, RTShaker said:

Just sign out of the first device and sign on with the second. Only one can be connected at a time, but you can use more than one device. You can also sign on in the i-lounge with your account.

This is great news, thanks for your fast reply!

We hope nothing happens, but better to be prepared if anything does.

Our upcoming cruise is in 2 weeks and wondering if you can change the device your wifi package is tied to, or do you have to buy another package in addition to what I've already paid for (with the Indulge Package).

Due to Covid, my wife and I will be bringing our laptops in case we run into the unfortunate event of being quarantined... 

Normally we'd just use our iPhones, but will need wifi for the laptops too if we get unlucky.

What are you supposed to see if you have the Drinks and More package?    I upgraded before the promotion went away.  I have the emailed receipt for the purchase but my XPress Pass shows "PALL" since I originally purchased the Indulge upgrade (which includes premium), and then I upgraded to the Drinks and More for $100.   

I'm hoping it's just bad editing on the health and safety page. It used to say the same as the FAQ.

I'll email my TA to see if he has an updated info.   

Interesting, I hope the wording is just off, but it appears they've taken away "Antigen test" and only have PCR now....

All vaccinated guests must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken as either as an PCR test conducted within two days of embarkation and complete a health questionnaire prior to sailing.

17 hours ago, missalexandra said:

I am booked in December and would like to hear from anyone with recent experience about how reliable the internet is. Can I count on working for a couple of hours in the morning on some days or will that plan get me fired from my gig?

 

My second question is which liquors are under the $9 limit for the "easy plus" package.

 

Thank you in advance.

I sailed on the 10/9 cruise.  Internet was solid.   No issues with email, text or even FaceTime.   I also tested MS Teams and a Zoom call, again no issues.  I did not do video on Zoom or Teams but I was able to do an hour meeting without any problems.   
 

There are plenty of menus that show what’s included in the $9 easy plus package.  If you check MSC’s site there is a spreadsheet that shows exactly what is covered in the easy plus package.  

13 hours ago, dexddd said:

We were 50/50 opening up YC door.  Room normally fine.

Just off the Meraviglia (Oct 9th sailing).  The YC doors were problematic with the wristband, but the card always worked.  Same with the room door, it worked a bit better than the YC doors.   For some reason it worked flawlessly when paying for things in the shops (coincidence??).   🙂

One of the things they are seriously lacking is YC merchandise.   While there is a MSC merchandise store, there was nothing available specifically for YC.   No YC mugs, hats, t-shirts, shirts... nadda.  We would have dropped a few bucks on some stuff, but it simply wasn't available.  Someone in marketing dropped the ball on this!  

1 hour ago, Fogfog said:

Hey there

Are we required to take ship excursions like they initially did on the Italy sailings on Grandiosa or can we do independent sightseeing etc?

 

I have to be honest, being vaccinated I was able to get off at both ports in Mexico and free to do whatever we wanted.   Unsure if there are restrictions with families traveling with unvaccinated children ( as the entire family is considered unvaccinated ).   I suspect they may be forced to do ship excursions only.   I will inquire to find out if I can.   

4 hours ago, GA Dave said:

A quick question for you.  My son and I are booked on Mera for January 9th and Costa Maya is one of the ports.  I had read some great things about the "Maya, Lost Mayan Kingdom" water resort before the Pandemic.  I just went to their website and it is not clear if they have reopened or not.  Did you hear of anyone going there as an excursion?

I did not notice if this was reopened or not.   Lots of folks got off to do their ship excursions today, but didnt follow closely to know what they were, sorry

5 hours ago, jules815 said:

Interesting. Thanks for the heads up. I was going to be doing some Snaps for our adult daughters who wish they were cruising with us. I'll be sure not to do the gangway.

 

To clarify, gangway is absolutely fine.  I was recording my wife jumping onto the ship and was in process of grabbing my MSC card to board and attempting to put GoPro in backpack, but wasn’t fast enough - hit security area and you would think I brought a weapon on board.  If I’m being honest, the guy was a d1** but whatever I erased the clip and onto the ship we went.    Even made me put my backpack into security scanner again cuz you know doing it the first time through initial security check wasn’t enough.  ****!   Anyway back to enjoying the cruise.  
 

Saw the Scarlett Lady today in Costa Maya.  Interesting color of ship, all grey.  Also in port was the Celebrity Summit.  They are sailing less than 350 pax.  Holy crap, that’s definitely not sustainable.   Scarlett lady I heard was 1100.   Going to be interesting.   Not sure how long these companies can continue to sustain losses in the millions per month.   

Day 4 - Quick update.  
 

Closed the night at the Sky Lounge last evening.  Great time with bartenders and just the social aspect of actually “talking” to people.  Don’t get me wrong YC TSL is nice but the fact you can’t sit at the bar is a bummer.  I know there are Covid rules so I get it.   Dinner was outstanding once again.   Mini bar restocked as always.   Heading out on Costa Maya today.  
 

Damn these chocolate peanuts!   I think I’m on my 5th can.   

Embarkation for YC was small room limited drinks but they were very helpful to provide you whatever they had in the room.  It was such a short wait (5 - 10 mins) that I only had time to grab a water.   
 

Oh FYI - Do Not record going from the gangway into security area.   I got scolded for using my GoPro.   I had no idea it was a security violation or issue.   No signs or my butler didn’t say anything.  Strange encounter.   Deleted the 5 second footage and we were on our way.   

4 hours ago, Fogfog said:

@cdel71

Hey there-- I forgot to ask about masks because we dont wear them generally - have no need

When/where how are they masking for YC, shows etc. I would have forgotten any need to pack them had you not said something

Is it for just going through terminal? Shows? 

Interesting they require it at the shops on OC which are outdoor market types of things (mostly)

 

Also- how was the YC checkin lounge in the port.

It was a wonderful experience for us (beyond a rude couple where a woman took our seats where we had our day bag and gone to get a bev---she ignored us when my husband said something to her more than once-- and yes she was an american and spoke english.) At that time there was far more food than one would eat yet I would guess it depends on where you traveled from etc. Back in Feb 2020 there were sandwiches, pasteries, fruit, beer, wine, prosecco, coffee, juices, water etc

Masks were required at embarkation, thru the terminals, security and getting on the ship.   It is recommended indoors where social distancing is not possible.   Most everyone has them on.  People wear them to dinner and all take them off when they sit.   ALL staff is wearing them even outdoors and it’s hot as heck out, including Ocean Cay.   There are vaccinated only shows and separate section on the left for YC guests.  Because of the small number of folks in YC and social distancing was possible some did take them off.  Was not enforced during the show.  On Ocean Cay if you didn’t wear it in the shops they did ask you to put it on because of limited space with multiple folks entering.  And if you had to dig to find it in your beach bag they had disposables handy including the YC areas when say entering TSL or the dining venue.

Day 3 Update

A little rocky today.  It’s a sway side to side in our cabin.  I think MonsterJoe mentioned this previously.   You can definitely feels the “motion” as we head to Costa Maya.   Hopefully the Dramamine will do its “work”

Ocean Cay was great yesterday.   As others have mentioned if your expecting a Coco Cay type island this is NOT the same.   We enjoyed Ocean House, the drinks, and the lunch was fab (you can get the lobster roll sans the roll if you are watching your figure!   Weather turned out great and it was time to grab some ocean time.  Water was warm and the waiters will bring you whatever you wanted.  Heading back, explored some shops (don’t forget your masks).  PITA but I understand - it’s the rules.  
 

Mini-bar was restocked twice yesterday.  I think we grabbed a Aqua Panna and there was a new bottle when we got back from Ocean Cay.  2nd refresh (after returning from dinner) we got more water, coke and more peanuts.  YMMV - depends on ship apparently.  
 

Sea day today will grab some pool time and more relaxing.

4 hours ago, Fogfog said:

I was wondering about this as before the "apocalypse" the ability to upgrade in YC had stopped... they wanted the full charge for the premium package on top of the expense of sailing YC which is obviously absurd

Would not be surprised if they stopped it again and say YC must stay on YC bev package 

There had been posters bragging about what they consumed and others who bragged about clearing out the snacks and mini bottles from the fridge in the suite.

Honestly--if one has to clear out the minis in the suite-- there is a bigger issue 

We never drank from the mini bar as we preferred to go to the lounge or pool deck. Mostly we used the fridge for the juices and bottles water in the am. 

 

Looking fwd to being back on the ship. With the YC and our Diamond/Black status we really enjoy our time on board. 

 

Has Cirque come back? 

 

 

Cirque has not come back.  At least that I can see for shows

Yes I have Privine and Rakesh.  They are awesome

I’ve been able to get JW Blue at the YC bar so far a few times with the upgraded package.  No issues and generous pours.    Well worth the upgrade if you cruise before the Winter Package takes over

Another great day today and wonderful light show as I type this.    

33 minutes ago, christa920 said:

We were on Sept 25 sailing...never saw that either.  Even with specialty dining and spa. They would stand with info signs but never hounded us.

MSC nor any cruise line can sustain 800-1000 guests a week.   They are losing $$$.  Even more than without any guests.  They have to make it up somehow with the guests that are onboard.  Your experience may vary or may have varied on earlier cruises.  The experience this week was to not only hold the signs but ASK if you want to purchase a drink and/or specialty dining.    YMMV

34 minutes ago, kelleherdl said:

You definitely will not be hassled if you are in the Yacht Club, as the OP stated he is. I personally have not seen this at the terminal either in Miami or Port Canaveral.

 

Dennis

Agreed.   In YC.  Nobody bothers you.  Not even to upgrade to Premium Plus ( which we did anyway ).   Outside the YC.  Even on day 2 we’ve been approached to upgrade our dining experience.   All good tho, they are just doing their job.   
 

Just to reiterate, staff has been amazing both in and out of YC. 
 

For you bacon fans - there is bacon everywhere ( not like every other day on Carn****)

Day 2

Forgot to mention yesterday, while you CAN upgrade your WiFi package to stream and browse, you can FaceTime without any issues with just the browse included in YC package.   Just sit close to a white puck that you’ll find on ceilings or walls (WiFi extender) and you should be fine.   Granted if you want to actually stream Disney+ or Netflix you’ll need to upgrade.  VPN trick does work, I was able to stream YouTube but didn’t test for very long.    
 

Last night we went to the Rock Show (8 out of 10) and visited many bars.  The Sky Lounge was great with 4 guests total and my wife and I were 2 of them.   Ryan (bartender) talked with us for hours while keeping our drinks and snacks tended to.  Eery experience, it felt like a private party at the same time. Hard to explain.   
 

Dinner was amazing.  YC staff were talkative, yet quick, but at no time were we rushed.   Food was well prepared.  Seasoned and tasty.  Holy gelato (delish)!!!

The “upgrade hounds” as I call them were all on deck 6 (grand entrance area).  If you didn’t walk past that area you wouldn’t see them, however some did make their way to the bars close by too

Ocean Cay today - will post more later. 

Oh one last thing - My butler is Rakesh.   I also had Mark Anthony for a bit too as they help YC guests board and get acclimated.   They made my wife’s birthday special yesterday !!
 

Be prepared to be attacked for drink & dining packages.   I know they are just doing their jobs but wow.  They grab everyone as they board.  I’m doing some people watching and feel bad for both the people just boarding and the staff.  They must have lofty goals to meet.   
 

Ship is stunning.  Gorgeous.   
 

Ship is sailing under 1000 pax.   I heard 850 to 900 this week and 80 YC pax.   Ship within a ship is magical.   Staff has been amazing so far and everyone is happy to see cruisers!    

Just some quick updates. 
 

YC embarkation - Holy Crap.  From tent to boarding - 20 mins.  On ship with drink 11:15am!

Walked up to tent and they just asked for forms. No questions about embarkation times

YC mini bar.   Original setup.  No bottle offered.  Stocked daily including nuts/water/alcohol nips 

Upgrade to premium plus is ~$275 for both guests total.   There IS JW Blue on board and they (meaning the bartenders) are happy to pour you whatever you want with premium spirits.   You can also upgrade on Day 2 vs day 1.  

Spoiled rotten so far and it’s only been an hour!

Going to be a great week!!

46 minutes ago, NRWPA said:

I'm on Meraviglia tomorrow. 11 boarding time on ticket, text says 1, msc online says 12:30. I'll get there when I get there I guess 

I am also on the Mera tomorrow.   Negative tests, and everything printed out - twice!

I'm with ya.....  Flight arrives around 10am.   When I get there, I get there.  I have boarding e-doc @ 11am,  emails 1:30pm, and 2:30pm.  MSC app says 1:30, and a new email about 10 mins ago states 2:30pm to 3pm.   Just going to look for the white tent for YC, and hopefully will get on when they let me on.    Enjoy your cruise!

43 minutes ago, MonsterJoe said:

Off the Meraviglia last Saturday - The whole of the minibar was restocked 2 or 3 times daily, with the the requested 2 of each nip.  Pringles, Choco Peanuts, and Cocktail Nuts (I really liked those!) were also restocked as necessary throughout the duration of the trip.

We also had the bubbly and fruit waiting for us when we arrived, macaron delievered one night, and a tray of chocolates another.

Sounds like a small change, but I really enjoyed the minibar.  It was nice being able to make some drinks while getting ready for port, or dinner, or whatever, without having to bother with a trip to TS or Room Service.
 

Thanks, sounds like the change hasn't been made to the Meraviglia ... yet.