Reds4life

Just now, noshoobie said:

Love your profile picture. Of course, I liked him better as a Phillie! 😎

Thanks! 

31 minutes ago, boontj2003 said:

Thank you for all the responses. I got the MSC certificate from Ballys casino in Dover de. I know everyone assumes I have this huge bank roll because I’m getting free cruises. While others can attest, I bring less than $200 each time I gamble. I frequent Ballys once every 3 months as I live in Florida and my kids live in Delaware. I received a post card and just had to “swipe” my card on a specific day. It further said that I would receive a letter in the mail. We did receive an interior room.

 

I 100% agree with what someone else said. Why go when you’re happy with Royal. I don’t want too for those reasons! My husband contends that we don’t have to pay the port fees so why don’t we? My response is I would rather spend the port fees and get points towards diamond status. I’m trying to be an understanding spouse and comply with his request. 

 

I don’t think I have done a status match before as I don’t remember going to the casino. My husband and daughter (who thinks she is going) all want to go simply for the thermal spa. That is one that they have spoken about many times over our 30 cruises. 

 

I did apply for a status match. I will advise once I receive some information.

If you don't want to go then I would be glad to take your place if it isn't in your name specifically. Kidding but not kidding lol

I also would drive to the casino from Ohio for a free cruise! That's awesome. Congrats!

18 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

There is no magic amount or anything.  I've received casino offers from places I've only visited once with a $1000 or less bankroll.  The MSC cruise I got yesterday was a perk of signing up as a new member.  It was my first time there, and I didn't even gamble any.

Where is this at? I want to visit and like MSC lol

We leave from Istanbul. I hardly use any salt on food so I am good there. My wife seems to think that the desserts may be less sweet, is that true? 

I am very excited! Thanks to all of you for the information. This is our first time outside North America, so we are not very well-versed in anything European or Mediterranean 😂

16 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

I posted photos of the menus on our cruise in the following review:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2968983-musica-review-october-2023/#comment-66268682

 

Thank you!

But you can get a Classic pasta along with one of the entrees for no additional charge? US or Europe? Am I reading that correct? We always have enjoyed their pasta selections before the main dish and were hoping to still be able to do that

We are going on a cruise in the Mediterranean in June. I wanted to get a little clarity and a little information if possible from other cruisers. First, I have read different things about the extra entree $5 fee. Is that just on US based sailings? Is it for any entree or just the daily offerings - meaning you can get more than one of the "Always Available" or a combination of one of the daily specials and one "Always Available" without a charge? Do the menus different in the Mediterranean from the US based sailings? 

Thanks for the help everyone!

21 minutes ago, PaulMCO said:

The closest hotels are the JW Marriott, Peninsula, and a Novotel.  All are walking distance to the port.  However the embarkation point is inside the terminal and the distance would be considerable with luggage.   You can check the Peninsula (but that hotel is $$$$), they directly on the port.  The Shangri-la about 2km along the water used offer a Golf Cart service to the port. 

We will have wheels on luggage and don't mind a walk as long as it is safe. It seems like Google Maps really doesn't show where the actual entrance is to the port. Also the street seems very busy next to the port

We are arriving the day before for our cruise departing from Galataport. Any suggestions on nearby hotels we can walk to the port from or hotels that offer a shuttle?

36 minutes ago, rikitikitavii said:

Try  MSCExistingReservations@msccruisesusa.com

or

Executive Contacts

Primary Contact
Angela Varricchio
Director, Pre- and Post-Cruise Customer Service, MSC Cruises USA
6750 N. Andrews Avenue
Suite 100
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
(954) 616-2409
A.Varricchio@msccruisesusa.com

Secondary Contact
Julio Lopez
Vice President, Contact Center, MSC Cruises USA
6750 N. Andrews Avenue
Suite 100
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
(954) 616-2405
J.Lopez@msccruisesusa.com

Thanks. I CC'ed them. Fingers crossed. 

I do have an SR number now. Unfortunately, I got this response when I emailed MSC 🙁

Hello,
Thank you for your email. This email box is no longer being monitored.
 
For a final invoice or feedback on a cruise you have already taken, please email:
postcruisesupport@msccruisesusa.com (Please note responses may take up to 7 business days.)
 
For MSC Voyagers Club Inquiries:
Please email mscvoyagersclub@msccruisesusa.com
 
If you have a future cruise planned and require assistance, please contact our contact center team. This team can be reached Mon-Fri: 8:00 am-11:00 pm EST and Sat-Sun 9:00 am –9:00 pm EST at 877-665-4655
 
The MSC Customer Service Team

MSC Cruises (USA) Inc.
6750 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

6 minutes ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Been through all you have posted.

 

They even said they were going to cover my airfare change fees after changing dates, countries and more twice on the same sailing .Never saw it. I even had to get an attorney for one issue.

 

Unless you can get a supervisor involved, even then it won't help much, you might be out of luck.

 Do you have an SR number. 

 

Basically they are screwing you over. They don't care. I would probably try to contact the TA you used before even though they didn't have this booking and see if their rep can help.

 

Great product lousy CS.

I am supposed to have gotten a call back from a supervisor within 48 or 72 hours with each phone call but that never happens. I won't get an attorney over a hundred dollars or so, but will not sail with them again. If this is the business model to have such terrible customer service that they can make a little more money off unauthorized charges then I will just take my business elsewhere. I do have to ask, what is an SR number?

Let me preface that I am not a new to MSC cruiser. This upcoming cruise will be our 4th. However, we have not sailed with MSC since December of 2021, so we are a little out of practice in dealing with the challenges of the MSC customer service department. To be brief, we have three cabins booked for June 2024 and made the initial booking in June 2023. Since we are using a future cruise credit that was initially delayed (another feature of MSC customer service) after Covid, MSC refused to allow our travel agent to service the reservation, so I am on my own. Our cruise date was moved from the 11th out of Athens to the 13th out of Istanbul and we were promised 100 Euro in additional OBC but were reassigned cabins on different floors. I call MSC and ask about moving the cabins to the same floor and getting the OBC put on and somehow my category got switched from Fantastica to Bella and my price went up $125, plus no OBC and cabins on different floors. 

So, after two weeks of calling and emailing, and even trying the Facebook Messenger, I have had no luck getting a resolution. Thus, I am here to see if anyone has any tips, tricks, or luck as to how to successfully find the right person to help me out from MSC. In the past, they did not have great customer service, but never this bad. Just more FYI, I usually upon calling get a representative with limited English skills and then get promised a response from the infamous "back office" after supposedly conversing somehow during my call with a "supervisor" via chat or messenging. 

Any help is certainly appreciated. We enjoy the MSC brand but this is very stressful and disappointing. 

21 hours ago, drewlavelle said:

I've never heard anyone, ever, ask that question. Nor have I ever heard of that system. Some cultures just think it’s ok to push in. You see it at airports, bus stops, bars, everywhere. People just walk into a queue near the front, trying not to look like the uncivilised brute that they are. It does my head in.

I have a question...if it is ok in some cultures to push in then is it ok for me to likewise push them out or physically maintain my spot? I don't mind physically moving someone to protect my place. Just wondering if this is ok. I don't think this is civilized but neither is being rude and physically placing yourself ahead of others who have waited their turn

We plan on arriving for a cruise the day before and scheduling transportation from the airport to a nearby hotel and hopefully walking to the port. Any suggestions for hotels? We aren't picky and just want something clean and convenient. 

10 minutes ago, bg2310 said:

Thanks for sharing your review! Glad you and your family enjoyed your vacation with Carnival. 

 

As to your observation and comments on the pictures and prices of them, in my experience if you grab the daily FUN Times pamphlet (which are located at various areas around the ship such as the cafe, atrium bar, Guest Services, etc.) or even look in the app, toward the end of the cruise there are discounts and certain specials on some of the picture packages (2 free wallets, etc.). This is usually when I try to buy mine if I like any enough to warrant a purchase.

 

The app or pamphlet will tell you the times and location the special happens at. Usually it's wherever the Pixels Studio is located on your ship.

That's kinda what we were hoping for with a deal towards the end, but actually the best we got was 10% off and a tumbler. They were excellent pictures and we would have bought the whole package if offered a deep discount at say 30% or 40% off. If I were Carnival then I would rather make $300 off the pictures they were going to throw away anyways, but I am not in their marketing department I guess ?

We are going on the same ship and similar itinerary in June. Hopefully they will have the ship refreshed by then. A few questions if you don't mind...

1. We are pretty much English only speakers. How easy is it to communicate on the ship and in the ports? This is our first international experience.

2. Are the MDR menus the same as what we would get on an MSC ship in North America?

3. How were the shows and entertainment? Did you guys spend much time at the pools or spa? 

Thanks for any help in advance!

Just off Carnival, cruised HAL and RCCL last year, and MSC food is pretty much on par with those. All of them have their strengths and weaknesses but overall about the same quality. MSC pizza is the best. It is legit. Sorry for you guys knocking Guy Fieri's burgers but they are quite good. Then again, I like MSC burgers pretty well also and think they're not too far off. I prefer MSC breakfast over the others as well. Our MDR experience on Carnival recently had its ups and downs similar to MSC. We tend to prefer MSC MDR because we like the Italian pasta dishes and seafood, but to each their own.  

Thanks to all for the information. We did not eat breakfast in the MDR just the buffet. Everything was very good as far as taste just surprised not to have bacon. I'm from Bob Evans country so sausage and bacon are the expectation around here, but maybe so much everywhere. I did ask for biscuits and gravy unsuccessfully as well 😄 

Glad to hear the employees are usually positive. That's generally what we saw but there were the few that made me question. 

Also, glad the cruise directors are so much fun. We had a few who were not so much on other lines and none as much fun as Todd. 

I do very much prefer the 24/7 Cafe Promenade and the 6am to 2am MSC buffet to be completely fair. I don't like to think too hard on vacation 🙂 

Hello, just got back from our first cruise on Carnival and thought I would share some thoughts on our trip. Background - we are a family of 4 with two teen daughters 19 and 13. We have cruised MSC and RCCL multiple times and once on HAL. This cruise fit our timeframe after Christmas and before having to head back to work and school and we thought we would give Carnival a try. Overall we had a great time and would definitely cruise with Carnival again. Below are the Good, Bad, Great, and Not So Good parts of our trip and a few questions.

Great:

- Cruise director Todd (T-O-DD). That guy has endless energy and works hard to make sure everyone is having a great time. Best cruise director we have had and we appreciate his efforts.

- Room Attendant Achmad. He immediately explained when introducing himself that he was told (probably by corporate - more on that later) that he is to only clean and refresh the room once per day in the morning. However, he was always there to get us fresh bath and pool towels and came in a few times to vacuum on port days after we came back when we went to dinner. Outstanding service and attitude. 

- Waiter Fernando. He was working shorthanded most of the time (we didn't seem to have a full-time assistant waiter only "helpers") but still kept us served and remembered special requests. Very nice guy to talk to and knew a lot about the Carnival line in general.

- Pizza Pirate - This was a pleasant surprise. Only MSC has better pizza than the Pizza Pirate. Very fresh thin crust and lots of varieties. 

- Guy's Burgers - Fresh and juicy. Excellent and tasty. 

- Mongolian Grill - Very good. Reminded me of BD's. Was always very busy

- Ol Fashioned BBQ - What a hidden gem! The chicken was awful but the pulled pork and slow smoked brisket were awesome. 

- Water Slide, Mini Golf, and Games - These were a lot of fun. They had several different things to do outside and appealed to different groups and ages. Lived up to the "FUN" reputation.

- Playlist Performers - 4 very talented vocalists and 4 skilled dancers. Great shows although some variety would have been nice as each show was not current music - 80s, 90s, and Motown mainly. My teens were a little lost but agreed the shows were solid and vocals on point. 

- Comedians - Family friendly shows and Adults Only gave something for everyone. Very funny and enjoyable

- Grand Turk - A beautiful destination. Easy walk to the beach right off the ship. Lots of local options to sightsee - golf carts, ATVS, cars, etc. 

Good:

- Dining Room Food - We had some exceptional dishes like the Filet Mignon and Chicken Parm and Garlic Shrimp. But there were a few duds like the Southern Fried Chicken - probably an insult to the South with overly fried dark meat served as an entree. Appetizers were just ok and didn't seem to go with the mains very cohesively and desserts were limited but very good in general. 

- Buffet Food - The remainder of the buffet food was pretty average and not very exciting. Breakfast was limited - They "rotated" breakfast meats, so no bacon on at least half the days which was just weird. (Again, corporate budgeting maybe?)

- Gym - Small and limited but they did have a sauna and steam room and a decent amount of cardio machines. Need more free weights and an area to lift in. It was very crowded. 

Not So Good:

Disembark at Ports and at the End - Lots of chaos. For some reason Carnival does not like to have many signs posted. It was hard to tell where to go unless you ask other guests or an employee if you could find one. There was an odd period between being rushed out of the cabin at 8:30 and not having our luggage available for pickup. We ended up fighting the carry off luggage and lines to grab a few bits of food at the packed buffet but this could have went better. 

Picture Deals - The photographers took more photos of us than on any cruise and printed out every single one, yet they had really crappy pricing on the pictures. We would have bought a lot more if they would have had some type of decent special. Not very good compared to other lines. 

Smoking - The casino and entire 5th floor into the theater and atrium reeked of terrible cigarette smoke. Carnival needs to work on this. 

Pools - They only had one small pool in the center and an adults only pool. It would have been nice to have another option to swim.

Amber Cove - this is a manufactured port and felt like a money grab. They built this far away from a lot of attractions so we had to travel awhile to any excursion. No walkable beach. Just not really the "Caribbean experience" at all.

Bad:

TV Channels and Sports - There are more ad channels from Carnival than actual programs. The TV in the room was the size of a computer monitor circa 1995. The worst thing was that they had NO sports channels. You had to venture into the smoky casino or cramped Heroes bar to even check a score. They needed more areas to relax and watch a game. No excuse for this. 

Corporate Being Cheap - There was an overarching theme that Carnival tries to get by with the minimum in some areas. The room attendant being told clean only in the morning, no full time assistant waiter, No BACON lol, and the poor guys at the Pizza Pirate - all TWO of them due to a lack of staffing - working crazy hard to manage huge lines of people the entire cruise. Oh, and bread at dinner was only "by request" and not offered unless you asked.  All seemed to be budget related and looked very bad to a customer who had been on other lines.

Attitudes of Some Staff - We had a few run ins with staff who were very rude and unprofessional. Most were good to great and we appreciated them, but Carnival had way too many disrespectful employees sorry to say. We had a guy tell us rudely to read the program when we were confused about why the late buffet wasn't open. Thelma Morneau the hotel manager told me I couldn't use the handicapped restroom even though the mens room had an overflowing toilet and I have a medical condition which requires me to have restroom access because I wasn't "in a wheelchair". A guy at the Burger Joint refused to refill the mayonnaise for a lady and asked her why she didn't just use something else. My wife lost her jacket on the way off the ship and a lady with a walkie talkie "faked" reporting it over the radio (her coworker gave her up on this and said that no one could hear her and asked her who she was talking to) to get us out of the port and yelled at me when I tried to describe the jacket. Carnival needs some coaching here. 

Odd Times for Food - We found out that there are several times a day when food is not available or limited. It is very much a challenge to plan you day if you want to eat at a particular venue. For example, Guys and BBQ aren't available until 12, although the Blue Iguana is open for breakfast and through lunch. The entire buffet closes at certain points in the afternoon. You are limited to only the Deli, Pizza Pirate, and ice cream from 9:30 to 11:30. The Pizza Pirate is open almost all the time but you can't get something simple like cookies unless the buffet is open. This really took away from our vacation and we would have liked to see something like Cafe Promenade on RCCL or just a small section of the buffet always open like on MSC at all times.   

Questions from us:

- Are all the ships this much fun? We felt like Todd was probably more the exception than the rule.

- Are there usually this many "difficult" employees? We really don't see this on other lines in our experience and hope that we just ran into some people not having the bets day working with guests. 

- Do all of the ships have the odd dining times where venues are shut down?

- Does Carnival typically limit things with corporate policies to save money? I would gladly pay a little to have bacon for breakfast or bread without asking. 

All in all, Carnival was a hit with our family. We always were entertained with Todd making even trivia a blast, food was great, and plenty of options for fun in the sun on the ship and Grand Turk. There were a few hiccups, but nothing is perfect and the good certainly outweighed the bad by a considerable margin. We will be back for sure and we are glad we went on our first Carnival cruise! 

Hi, we are going to Amber Cove in December and I am searching for an excursion with the Waterfall Hike (NOT the slide and jump option) with lunch included. The Jump and Slide offerings look like they include lunch and are less expensive for about the same amount of time from the pricing I have found so far. Any suggestions or help?

11 minutes ago, laauurrr said:

@Reds4life from what I can recall, for every jump, there was always a ladder alternative. Most of the slides though do not have an alternative ladder, so you would have to go down the slide. Though all the slides were very short, so I can’t imagine they would be too scary. They always have people helping you down the slides too to make you feel better.  I think between the zip lines and fun with family that this tour can still be enjoyable for all, even if they do not jump. I feel that it is MOST fun if jumping/sliding, but I can still see it being fun for all! 

thanks for the info!!!