VernRDH

Thanks for the replies! I think we may just go Fantastica this time and see how we like the overall experience.

Thanks for the replies! I think we may just go Fantastica this time and see how we like the overall experience.

Looking at taking Meraviglia next October out of NYC. Would be our first time on MSC, we have only done Royal and 1 Celebrity cruise. With free drinks and wifi, and now OBC, I am wondering if the additional cost of Aurea is worthwhile. Just 2 of us, we do enjoy relaxing at the adults pool preferably in the shade on sea days, prefer early dining. Not party people, enjoy shows and the casino. We usually get a balcony, but lately have been trying different room categories to see what else we might like. Appreciate any insights offered. Thanks! And yes we already did status match.

Agree with SConnolly. We had UDP, but if I had paid ala carte I would have been upset. Not a good meal at all. Giovanni's on the other hand ROCKED. We ate there multiple times, food and service were excellent.

We typically purchase the soda and Voom package since we enjoy the non soda options in the freestyle machine and we both need internet. But for all my currently booked cruises it is not available ( Oasis in Oct, Anthem in Feb, Ovation in May) Have they done away with it? Anyone else have it available for their sailing? I really don't want to have to buy 2 separate things, but if I have to I will. Just curious if it will appear at some point or I should just bite the bullet and buy them.

Agree Nassau is not the best place to shop for watches. DH is a collector, he has only ever bought 1 in Nassau, even though we are there 3-4 times a year. St. Thomas and St. Maarten are better places to shop. He has a watch roll that accommodates 4 watches, always leaves a slot open for a new purchase.

On Liberty last month menu was the same for lunch and dinner. We went once for lunch, once for dinner as we had UDP. In all honesty I could have skipped it, it just wasn't very good..

if that is the case, yes. But my previous experiences lead me to believe that I could use a voucher on the last morning. And I have used them since the change of the time your vouchers renewed. The problem is the rules are different on each ship, and that's unfortunate. So in the future I will be prepared to pay for my final coffee if necessary.

Exactly the experience I have had every other time.

We used ours for bottles of Powerade since Liberty does not have freestyle machines☹️

First, tipping is my choice, and I am usually generous to those who take care of me. Coffee was inconsistent day to day, but I would still have tipped. The officer( who was doing some sort of inspection of the refrigerator system and not helping customers in any way) interrupted while I was speaking to the crew member and was extremely rude. When I stated that I had never paid for a coffee on departure day, having always been allowed to use a voucher, she rolled her eyes at me and rudely told me to either pay for the coffee or not, but I was not using a voucher. And as this was new to me, having just cruised in February and using my voucher on departure day, I was just a bit surprised. If that is how it is supposed to be, it needs to be made clear. If it is a ship to ship decision, then at least I will know for the next time.

Was denied specialty coffee this morning on Liberty. Never has happened to me before, to say I was surprised would be an understatement. I generally tip the barista at the end of the cruise, but my tip went to paying for the coffee. And the officer who was there was downright nasty when I questioned it.

So our DD was Diamond under 18 because we were Diamond. On her cruise with her father at age 19, she was Emerald. And stayed Emerald until rightfully earning Diamond last year. So no, it doesn't always work the way everyone says. No we did not argue it with C&A, she made it the hard way, she will likely make Pinnacle in her lifetime, daddy and mommy alas will not☹️

Thanks for the review. We are also Royal loyals who are looking to branch out. I just got the email that my status match is done. I think the drinks will also be the thing we miss, but we can deal with it. Especially since I can book Aurea for less than a regular balcony on Royal.

I was just about to post this very question! Hoping someone can give some insight on upgrading.

Looking forward to hearing more! We too are long time Royal cruisers looking to try MSC.

thank you for this! Definitely helps with the research. Yes Ocean Cay certainly looks lovely, our kind of peace and serenity!

Wasn't planning on it. 😁

Thank you cellfree for that info! Yes I saw the all inclusive price and then the basic price. We are in the early stages of exploring, just trying to gather information so we aren't surprised! I saw a few videos on YouTube about ocean cay, does remind me of Coco Cay before it got redone. Looks beautiful thanks again!

Thanks for the form! I will definitely get those done. Hoping someone has some guidance on pricing for drink packages and internet.

We (me 52) and DH (53) are Diamond plus on Royal. Just took our first Celebrity cruise, looking to try other cruise lines since the slog to make Pinnacle is loooooong. I understand MSC does status matching. Do you do that after you have booked? Also I know prices vary, but am interested in pricing on internet packages and non alcoholic drink packages, roughly. We are looking at October 2024 to try MSC. Destinations are not primary focus, we just like to be on a ship and relaxing. Likely for a 7 night cruise. Also, what is the private island like? I see sometimes it stays overnight there, seems interesting. Thank you for any tips or help you can offer!

On Summit now, both DH and I having no problems with speeds. Using my tablet and phone interchangeably, have found it to work rather well. At the Solarium currently, but worked well from our interior cabin on deck 9 also. Tomorrow will be a test since I am going to attempt to remote into my office with chrome remote desktop. We'll see how that goes.

You didn't overpay. You booked a cruise at a rate that was acceptable to you. Now the price is discounted to try to sell more cabins/fill the ship. I guess I don't know why you are that twisted about it. In the future, wait until after final payment to find a "better deal". But be prepared for guarantees only or cabins in less than ideal locations. Then you won't "overpay"

The new rules are no price adjustment after final payment. However if an upgraded cabin is similar in price to what you paid, I believe you can opt to change cabins at the current prevailing rate. Same rules apply to us all, just because you have 39 cruises does not mean you get special treatment. Sorry.

We bought the water in the cooler bag. It's really nice, holds the six bottles easily. Worth the money in my opinion.