gmbhardy

We did a B2B on the Meraviglia in October. The first couple of days were awful but it improved quite dramatically for the rest of the cruise. MSC needs to get its act together to build brand consistency. The experience, within reason, should be the same on all ships as should the Voyager Club entitlements. If a diamond perk is a chocolate ship then you should get one regardless of the ship you’re on. If a welcome bottle of bubbly is included on the Seashore then it should be included on the Meraviglia. These are all little things but little things add up. The cruise lines seem to be obsessed with blaming every shortage (liquor) on supply chain issues. Maybe it’s just incompetent management.

I know you had Vibe passes for the Breakaway cruise. Did they have any premium liquor? I was also counting on having Veuve in Vibe for sail away. What’s the chances of that happening?

Yes, no problem.

We’ve cruised in both extensively, although not on the Divina. The YC is much better value. The Haven is getting way overpriced. We prefer the YC restaurant because the portions are smaller and more manageable. I get turned off getting portions I can’t possibly eat. As others have said the YC lounge is a lot nicer and the pool deck has a bar and patio serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. We think the butlers are better in the YC. The bartenders are much better in the Haven. You are able to use multiple devices with the free wifi in the YC. The thermal spa is included free of charge in the YC. The Haven has a larger variety of cabin choices. I would rank the booze package superior in the YC. As others have said you can order drinks delivered to your room and the mini bar fridge is restocked each day with juices and the beer of your choice. You also receive a free bottle of liquor. The DSC is way less on MSC. I know you’re planning a cruise in Italy, but I’ll end by saying if you’re planning on booking a Caribbean cruise, every MSC itinerary includes a stop at their private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve where YC guests can dine at a private restaurant overlooking breathtaking vistas. Ocean Cay is hands down the best private island in the Caribbean. If you sail out after dusk, you can also watch the lighthouse show from your balcony.

Thanks for posting. We will be on the Bliss for a Canal cruise in early January. We have purchased the Premium Plus beverage package but I’m having second thoughts based on the posts of many cruisers. We had the package on a Haven cruise in March and enjoyed it, but this time we are staying in a Club Balcony suite and I don’t think we will be able to get the selection of drinks we had in the Haven. Doesn’t sound like you’re enthralled with it either. If you could post more info on plus selection availability I would appreciate it.

My son was on the Breakaway a couple weeks ago. Pants are required in Ocean Blue, Le Bistro and Savor. See attached daily.

We did two B2Bs on the Joy in March and our accounts were kept open.

Have you considered trying the Yacht Club on MSC. We think it’s superior to the Haven.

Yes.

If you’re staying over in FLL, you can reserve a ride with a host of shared ride shuttle companies. We use MJS Transport, $15/person each way. Super dependable.

Nope!

No bar in the Horizon Lounge (I think this is a huge miss). Beverage service is hit and miss. You’re further off getting a drink at the bar and taking it to the Lounge.

Do the YC on the Seaside. We’ve sailed on both ships and it’s a no contest. The only thing we liked better on the Meraviglia was the YC restaurant.

Our experience on NCL is that our account was nor closed but remained active until the end of the last cruise.

You realize this was posted one year ago, don’t you?

The hospitality industry is the only industry that can change the product after you pay for it and somehow legally get away with it.

Totally agree.

Ah….ok!

Well that settles it. I’m packing a tux for my next cruise so I can wear it eating my upscale continental breakfast. You only need to impress yourself - right.

You’re right. To put things in perspective, we are Canadians cruising on a 15 day Panama Canal cruise in early January. With this new policy and if we choose to get breakfast room service every day, that will cost us $6/day for 15 days equals $90 plus 35% exchange equals $121.50 Canadian plus tips (say $2 per delivery) for a grand total of $151.50. Where I come from, that’s not chump change.

Hey Gary. I understand why shooters with premium liquor would be an extra cost but what about the other mixed shots like mini beers etc. Are they also not included in the standard package?

Yes, I know that, but several posters have reported ships running out of coffee pods.

I really hope this isn’t true. First coffee makers and now this. Changing the experience again after you’ve made final payment. Shame on NCL.

I hope that’s the case on all the other ships. Waiting to hear from Gary on the Breakaway.

I know the vast majority of people prefer to stay in the Haven proper, but I like the front facing suite better. The washroom is twice the size of the courtyard suite with a nice walk-in shower and separate bath tub. The courtyard suite has a tub shower combo that I don’t like. The forward facing suite has a separate bedroom and tons of storage. Yes, it’s a walk to the elevators and stairs but it’s nice to burn off some of those extra calories you’ll take in at the Haven restaurant. The balcony is kind of built into the front beam of the ship so it is smaller but protected from the elements.