cruiseguyinorl

Still not sure why they call it a tasting menu. It is a regular meal where you choose an appetizer, entree and dessert from a select menu. Some people complain it is too limited in choices but I have never found that to be the case. If you find any online menus, it is what they call the Dining Experience menu. And yes, you will want to make a regular reservation. Bret

That was the Travel Agent rate they were offering. Hope they don't ask for your TA info at the pier. 🫢I'm on that sailing as well with a large group. Should be a nice cruise. Bret

Actually, this is now summer of 2024. Bret

Per senior management I spoke with last week, summer of 2024 is the target time frame. No hard date as of yet. Bret

⬆️ This.

I have boarded and debarked numerous times on Embarkation Day with MSC in both Port Canaveral and South Florida. Never an issue. BUT, you will have to go back through the security line each time. Though staying in the YC, it shouldn't be bad. Oh and not all sailings leave at 4. My upcoming sailing Oct 15th from Brooklyn departs at 7. Bret

If anyone out there hasn't watched these three episodes, you should. Only place I know to watch it now is on Tubi. It explains the two year delay. Millions of dollars in unplanned clean up of industrial waste, some of it toxic. What they thought they bought (leased actually), was not the case. https://www.natgeotv.com/za/shows/natgeo/building-paradise-island

On a recent sailing of the Meraviglia, I was told onboard by the person taking dining reservations that this was incorrect. He said Butcher's Cut wasn't unlimited but certainly you could go more than once. As with all things MSC, this may not be your experience once onboard. Bret

Unfortunately, they applied this confusing rate code name to most bookings after the itinerary adjustments. But no, it does not mean that the amenities were added to your booking. I had this code applied to many of my bookings in a large group and have already been down this road. Bret

As long as you go and make them as soon as you get onboard, you should be okay.

They tried 15 - 20 different restaurants and catering companies. They were laughed at when they told them how much they needed and how quickly. They would have had to bring enough for everyone at the terminal, otherwise you would have had riots. And no, bringing prepared food off the ship was not an option due to US agriculture rules. Bret

Unfortunately, that info is not exactly correct. It is problem as the cruise line can get fined as mentioned in another post. However, if you go to Guest Services and claim an emergency at home, then they can try to get approval from CBP so they do not get fined. I definitely would not proceed there immediately as if it was pre-planned as it could be denied. The form you have to sign says you have to pay the fine if CBP decides to issue one. At least it used to. By the way, this info is from upper management in Port Operations with MSC Cruises USA, not a random employee trying to get you to book a cruise to get their bonus. Bret

The Winter 24/25 should be out soon. MSC just had a large conference call on Tuesday with the Execs to discuss finalizing itineraries. Bret

Actually she is correct based on their policy. Bret

Nope. Not at all. Their version of sales are to adjust the OBC given. Funny part is when the OBC goes down from the previous "sale". Had a discussion this past week with the my MSC Regional Director about what I consider some marketing failures. This included the never ending "sale" to include drinks and wifi instead of being a standard "all-inclusive" rate code.. Also, as you mentioned the thought that some actual dollars off sometime might be appropriate for a "sale". Bret

You may be referring to the fact that your YC Concierge can arrange private customized private shore excursions for you. Obviously those come at a steep cost as well. Bret

⬆️ This

I have some American friends strongly considering taking the Japan sailing in August. Has anyone ever taken an MSC cruise in Asia and if so, thoughts on Americans onboard? I don't imagine it's quite the same experience as Americans on Europe sailings. Any input would be helpful.

I have had VC numbers mysteriously drop off so it's not unheard of. However, you do want to make sure your TA sees the Diamond number in the booking once they are added back. As long as it is there, you don't necessarily need it on your tickets but it only takes one button click from your TA to have them resent to you. Bret

They do not. Your only hope is for a cancellation. Bret

In a sit down discussion with SVP of Port Operations for MSC many months ago, he said that Alaska was still on the table for as early as 2025. However, as you can imagine, there was extreme pushback from existing cruise lines operating there. The negotiations with all the government agencies, services and vendors was very frustrating and things were only happening at a snails pace. So 2025 may be optimistic. We also discussed Galveston which they have since signed the letter of intent. When asked about Tampa, he said they have pulled all plans for that port at the moment as it was going to dilute the Port Canaveral occupancy rates, which at that time were still on the lower side. As for more Caribbean ports, they will try to bring back the longer more exotic ports but he was surprised more Americans don't take advantage of sailings from Martinique or Guadeloupe which the Seaside is doing this winter for example. There are some amazing ports but I pointed out the US folks aren't typically as comfortable traveling international to cruise not to mention air cost. They were also tossing around West Coast but I got the impression that discussion didn't really go anywhere for the time being. In others discussions with previous VP's, I was told that the reason they go to the common ports was that it made the cruise line easier to sell as it offered something familiar. I countered that with the fact they need to offer something different to stand out from the rest. Otherwise, why wouldn't folks just take RCI, NCL, etc when the name MSC still is unfamiliar to most. I think in the end we agreed to disagree. Lol. Anyway, hope this helps. Bret

I have been Bella and received them. Not the experience type. Maybe the Stewards were having a contest on how few to hand out? 🤣 Bret

Shh...don't tell everyone. It's my buffet secret. Lol. Also, to add to this, those that are late breakfast folks. They also keep breakfast items (eggs, hash browns, bacon, etc) at the very back way past the end of the official breakfast time. Bret

From basically the entrance to the terminal, yes. But not outside the terminal. At least that is true for Miami and Port Canaveral. Can't speak for the others. Bret

Per one of the photos above, the Panorama restaurant is open 6:30 - 8 AM.