TheSoccerCoach

https://www.weatthesea.com/should-you-prepay-gratuities-on-a-cruise/

Good article on this subject. Explains it well. 

A few thoughts:

The World has 7.6 billion people. 

Around 30 million of us cruise each year. 

We are incredibly blessed to be able to do so. 

Out of this abundance of blessing, not only should we ALL always prepay our gratuities, but we should ALSO bring cash and tip out of the goodness and abundance of our hearts. 

Personally, I bring $2 bills. A few hundred of them. And, give them out all over the ship. The crew love them!

16 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

 

This is exactly what I have been saying!  'Loyalty' works both ways...

 

These programs started with airlines trying to steer business travelers [the ones who generate real profit...] to prefer them; then tourists got into it and even though their points grow more slowly they do ultimately pay off [and their smaller profits are still not nothing...]  But airlines can control the payoff by restricting the pool of seats available for free tickets and upgrades, so they have nothing to lose.

 

Cruise ships, OTOH, have a lot to lose because the typical loyalty program offers discounts, perks, and recognition parties.  Discounts and perks [which are otherwise profit centers, like laundry and internet] cost the line, and the recognition parties have started to overflow the venues.  Perhaps more importantly, the cruise lines have discovered that there is 'gold in them thar' suites, and they want to reserve the most desirable real estate for current suite guests rather than long-time cheap-seats travelers.

 

So I think MSC, rather than being 'prehistoric' is actually a 'creative-destruction' innovator.  Award loyalty points easily through status match to get frequent cruisers from other lines to give you a try, then weed out the 'tire kickers' by requiring a sailing every three years so you only reward your truly loyal customers.

 

Note: because we tend to choose our trips based on itinerary first, we are among those likely to be weeded out.  [We have taken 21 cruises spread over 11 cruise lines, plus 2 land tours from 2 different vendors; over the next two years we have 2 cruises with one repeat and one new cruise line and 3 land tours booked with 2 different vendors.  Lots of travel, but little 'loyalty.']  But I still think this is a smart policy by MSC.

We would so get along in real life! Totally agree with this perspective! Yes! The cruise lines, all of them, would do well to kick the "tire kickers" to the curb! How anyone can claim they are a loyal cruiser to a line and then not cruise with them yearly, or more, is beyond my comprehension! It is so silly. It is like saying you are a member of a church, but only attending every Christmas. We benefit from this, however, because we choose line and ship over itinerary. We have cancelled two cruises so far on other lines, because we will be able to sail those itineraries with our beloved MSC in the future. We would rather put off cruising an itinerary, and wait until we can do it with MSC. 

6 hours ago, dexddd said:

Hmmm, shows on MSC are mediocre at best but MJ show was pretty good. So they got rid of the best show on Divinia?

There are currently only two performers in the fleet who portray Michael. So, whatever ships Yonathan and Herminio are on, those ships get the MJ show. And, right now Herminio is on Seaside and he is slaying it. Yonathan has been on holiday in Ukraine with family enjoying a much deserved rest.

We just stayed in 10003 this past week. It was absolutely fabulous for two people. I know there is a third bed that drops down from the ceiling. You can see it in the back corner of the room. Maybe the couch is the other beds? Apologies, we did not even think to check. But here are a number of photos of the room; it is quite large. 

The thermal spa is included with Yacht Club and Aurea bookings with MSC.

For Fantastica and Bella bookings you can add it on. I recommend pre purchasing the pass. 

For our upcoming Seaside cruise, a week long pass would cost $130 pp. And, a package that includes a massage and the week long pass is $189. For a couple for two massages and week long access for 2, the cost is $312. For our Divina cruise in March a four day pass is $68 for one person and the massage package for a couple is $222. 

I am thinking Armonia will fall somewhere in the middle of those two price ranges. 

On 5/1/2018 at 2:02 AM, pappahbuttz said:

 

LOL! Got a good laugh out of your post. Thanks, great way to start a boring day at work!

Bless...on our most recent Seaside cruise, we were in an Aurea Balcony cabin. One of the deck 9 cabins with the larger balcony. And, we were invited to spend an evening for drinks and music in the YC by a staff member. It was a lovely evening and experience! I believe we were the only couple invited to do so that evening. Hopefully, we behaved wth the proper decorum as to not make any of the regular YC guests uncomfortable with our presence. 🙂 

Make sure you are reaching the right team. 

Helpful Email Addresses                                           Purpose

MSCNewReservations@msccruisesusa.com           Any questions related to new reservations

MSCExistingReservations@msccruisesusa.com      Booking has already been created- questions about an existing reservation

MSCPlay@msccruisesusa.com                                 Casino Inquiries

MSCVoyagersClub@msccruisesusa.com                  MSC Voyagers Club Inquiries

MSCCustomerService@msccruisesusa.com            Customer Service - Post Cruise Issues

MSCLostandFound@msccruisesusa.com                 Customer Service - Lost and Found inquiries

MSCSpecialServices@msccruisesusa.com              OBS, SBC, Special Needs etc.

MSCShoreExcursions@msccruisesusa.com            Inquiries as it relates to shore excursions

14 minutes ago, Tssweety said:

I have been emailing this email for a week now with zero response.  Did they actually email you back?  When I call they don't help and when I email I get no response.  Very upsetting that I cannot get my issue resolved at all.  Thanks for your input. 

Yes, they email back. Here is an example to me from them.    MSCVoyagersClub@msccruisesusa.com	Sun, Dec 23, 2018, 9:17 AM
to me

7 minutes ago, lorenzod said:

I made 3 calls yesterday, Saturday, so far no progress. Was advised to email the Voyagers Club which I did. I am persistent as well as vocal. I think the term for me is an "Influencer" I post in many places and do have a following. Not bragging  but I do not go quietly. I believe consumers should not get shortchanged.

If successful, I will post an praise MSC for doing the right thing. If not......

 

 

 

Email the Voyagers Club and then allow them the time to correct it. My approach when working with customer service is to partner with them to achieve a solution and honey will always attract more bees than vinegar. 

MSCVoyagersClub@msccruisesusa.com  ... save this email. This is the group at MSC that assist with VC concerns.

We have found that our VC name and booking names have to be exact to get credit for VC points. 

For example, my first name has to be: "Norman Jay" and my last name has to be: "Cole Jr." on my bookings since that is what VC has. 

The team at the above email address have been a huge help to us, and sorted out our points quickly. 

10 hours ago, gkbiiii said:

To the OP, I suggest you "get beyond what you pay for" and book Yacht Club.  Most negative reviews are "Bella" etc.: I think you would end up enjoying MSC, in YC, as it is a completely different experience. 

Although, we have done two Fantastica Inside Cabin cruises on Divina and found them to be wonderful experiences! We did an Aurea Balcony on Seaside cruise this past November, which was equally wonderful! And, we are booked an Aurea Inside for NYE this year. MSC offers an incredible cruise experience and, quite honestly, all of my experiences with shoreside customer service have been great. Am thinking the energy the OP keeps sending out into the World is the energy they are getting back. 

18 hours ago, lbt43 said:

I really don't care what you guys think of MSC.  Its trash.  100%.

“Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” 
― Mark Twain

20 hours ago, Preziosa said:

Will it Be possible to follow the christening tomorrow in Southhampton on the computer...

https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Discover-MSC/Cruise-Ships/MSC-Bellissima/Naming-Ceremony.aspx?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organic&utm_term=ship&utm_campaign=yt_or_co_belllssima_naming&utm_date=20190302

26 minutes ago, BeckyNeedsAVacation said:

Does anyone know the bed configuration on Seaside (and/or Seaview) Cabins 10002/10003? The system is letting me book 5 in each of these cabins, but the deck plan does not seem to indicate bedding for 5.

 

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/contributor-album.php?c=Lisa Heilman&ship=MSC Seaside

Here are photos of 10003. It looks like there is a drop down bunk from the ceiling. But, if the couch does not convert into two beds, it would appear that only three would fit. 

4 hours ago, NMsunset said:

These coupons (or lack thereof) and mostly the oatmeal...ruined my cruise. 

 

Please book another line if the above are deal breakers...tilt at another windmill...the above is all in jest...breath.

 

Things change folks, everyone will never be pleased. Drinks are not that expensive, just buy some...plus if you see me at the bar...I will probably buy you one too...if a couple hundred $$$ is gonna break the bank, you best stay home and work.

I cruised Bella and Fantastica, loved both...

 

Cheers and enjoy your cruise!

Cheers! That is the attitude! Hope we run into you on future cruises! First Woodford Reserve is on me! 

Read a comment earlier where someone was complaining that MSC was no longer the line they were in 2010. Well, of course not! It is no longer 2010... 

MSC is growing rapidly. Things will change. And, that really is okay. We love the line and the on board experience! 

Cheers! 

I believe it is set up to accommodation 3. There is a bunk that drops down out of the ceiling, I believe. 

6 hours ago, scpirate said:

I was on seaside last april.yes a huge number of people of all nationalities so that is an issue for some.the food in the buffet was good if it is food that you are accustomed to remember many nationalities.the food on the buffet is put out in small amounts not hog troughs so it is not picked over.the problem is the many nationalities .people stand there for 10 minutes looking at something trying to figure out what it is and if they want to eat it.then you got the two ladies getting food for their whole tribe blocking whole sections.just remember 5000+ passengers and many nationalities.we don't eat in the mdr so I have no idea what kind of cluster that is.but I do know the ship is not big enough for the number of people.4000 would have been more comfortable.

Was on Seaside this November 2018 and did not find the ship crowded at all with the rare exception of Jamaica day where everyone on board decided to try to leave at the same time. But, other than that, there is just so much outdoor space, so many spaces to dine, it was lovely! We ate in the specialty restaurants, MDR, and the deck 8 buffet and enjoyed the food greatly! It is great that there are two buffets as well. But, loved the food, the variety of choices, it was a wonderful experience! We are booked again for 12/2019 back on board. Cheers! 

3 hours ago, Stich17 said:

What sort of times are the shows so I can plan our speciality restaurants etc

630, 8, 915

1 hour ago, livingis2me said:

I’m just wondering if anyone has heard whether or not the MJ show has returned. Or if they have a return date set...

 

thanks

The show is on Seaside right now. 

Baby cup is $3 and regular cup is $5. Gelato was included in our drink package a few weeks ago. Not sure when you are cruising on Seaside; we are back on her in 389 days. And, we are hoping that gelato will be included in our drink package again. But, if not, the prices are very reasonable. 

5 minutes ago, Debde said:

Just off Seaside and did not see MJ.

You missed him by a week. Hope you enjoyed the other shows!

We have three cruises in with MSC and a fourth booked. I am a former ship crew member myself, having worked on ships in the 90s. And, we love MSC!

The experiences: Bella is your basic experience...all the regular things are included - food, entertainment, etc. - but, all else is ala carte. Fantastica offers better cabin locations - free breakfast and room service and some "free" drink coupons. Aurea offers free massages, free thermal spa access, unlimited drinks, priority boarding, more cabin perks, private sun deck with towel service and bars and hot tubs, anytime dining, etc. And, then Yacht Club is the top experience with butler service, ship within a ship, etc. 

Our first two cruises, we went Fantastica and loved it! But, found we were adding so many spa package items that, for us, Aurea, clearly became the perfect fit. That is what we have booked again for the fourth cruise. 

I sum the MSC cruise experience up in this way. Tourist vs. Traveler. If someone is a tourist...they like to go to different places, but they still want the same experience from back home...ie: Starbucks, Johnny Rockets, go karts, etc. then maybe MSC is not for them? Maybe...

But, if someone is a traveler and they like to go different places and are seeking new and different experiences, then that person will LOVE MSC! 

7 minutes ago, mmpgoodtogo said:

Thanks for posting the beerprov info.  I think that will be awesome! 

Welcome! Beerprov is really cool! Many come from Second City in Chicago, where many of the SNL peeps started. I recorded part of the family show one day, but all you can really hear is me belly laughing non stop. And, for the family show, they bring passenger kids up to help them, which is a nice touch!

37 minutes ago, mmpgoodtogo said:

I've seen a lot about the stage/production shows...but lets talk about comedy.  I assume they have a few comedy shows?  I know it all depends on what comic you get, but how were they?

The comedy shows are put on by an improv group called BeerProv. They are an improv group based in NYC and Toronto. Think SNL style improv comedy. The nights shows are most assuredly adult only. They are brilliant! 

“BeerProv is the quintessence of the perfect Friday night date; with ample beer, boisterous laughter, and even celebrity cameos... BeerProv should deservingly be added to your Toronto bucket list.”

— Comedy Uncovered