eyern1

And now that we’re back, I ran into a couple of people who brought their own sodas and had no problem

Which was my concern and what actually happened

Yes

That was my initial point. It was held exactly during the launch time. Had our balcony been on the other side, we could have seen the video and the launch. I immediately bugged out after dialing the obligatory muster code number but it was too late by the time I got to an open deck area. To add insult to injury, they sent us a letter saying we didn’t complete the muster drill despite performing all required steps.

No. Identical situation to ^^^^

I just realized I never followed up here after we stayed at the Hotel at the Waldorf. I wrote a review on trip advisor or something similar so you can look for a more detailed review there. For here, I will briefly say that it was very small and oldish but remodeled and clean, which was the biggest thing. I would stay there again.

I assure you the post is serious due to the fact of having muster drills occur at various times on my cruises and even having one delayed for several hours so there is no hard and fast rule on exactly when it should occur. As well, it’s a very simple procedure on many ships now whereas it’s a drawn out pain in the butt on others. This is something in this instance that if possibly adjusted 15-30 minutes, it would potentially make a lot of people’s day and probably get some good pr out of it. I guarantee you would never forget the cruise where you saw the rocket launch when someone mentioned it. And no, I don’t feel entitled thank you!

True. I highly doubt that anyone has ever tried to schedule a cruise that’s in port at the exact time a rocket launch is scheduled and most have never even thought about it. Apparently this one wasn’t even announced until Friday, which was when I received an email from Cape Canaveral about it and I had looked for a possible launch just a few days prior to no avail. I’m willing to bet that if it does happen while we’re here though that essentially everyone who didn’t actually see it will be saying they sure wish they had.

Yep. I just watched the loop and wondered about that. The paper they handed us says muster about 4pm. Sure hope it’s a little earlier especially since our balcony is on the opposite side of the launch pad

Is the video on loop repeat? By them calling to go to muster station deck by deck, do you mean an overhead announcement and therefore as soon as we have watched the video we can make our phone call and immediately go on deck to await our call to report with our card? How long is the video? About 5 minutes or less?

Sure would be nice if it were 3:30

I forgot I said that. You’re right. I did insinuate a late shove off or at least a slow roll out but if we do truly leave at 6, the launch window will have already closed.

I wasn’t figuring the ship would alter it’s time of departure but did think they could alter the muster time without any great difficulty. I may be mistaken but I thought I watched a video where we all had to assemble after the phone call on MSC.

Never thought I’d ever see Rocket Science get this passé

They never seem to go off when scheduled anyway so that’s probably a better option. Where’s Barbara Eden when I need her?

I understand that but I’ve also seen muster drills occur at different times from before sail away to late that night. Most ships seem to leave home port right around 4 but ours doesn’t until 6pm which probably increases the chances that the muster will be happening at the same time. Also, our first port is their private island which is only about a 250 mile leg to make and we will actually be there for a day and a half so there’s certainly leeway available due to that.

A launch is scheduled tomorrow with a window of 4:08pm-5:36pm. I believe the Seaside leaves at 6pm if on schedule. When have the muster drills been occurring on MSC in relation to departure or scheduled departure? Do you think they would reschedule the drill a little bit to accommodate us being able to watch it. I’m betting MSC isn’t even aware of this event which would probably be a bucket lister for many people or do you think I’m in the minority and that most people don’t give a rip? Whom should I try to contact once onboard? I think telling the agents up front probably won’t do much good but I’ll at least start there. I figure there’s little chance of getting to speak with the captain and of course it will be crowded at the purser’s desk on embarkation day but I’ll have to try as I don’t know of any other options. What do y’all think and what would you suggest?

Thanks all. There were no worries. I was just wondering.

True true. I was just wondering what the "Official" word was, hoping it would have been a YES from the start. Might could always slip someone some bills and see what happens lol.

I'm guessing you were looking on the MSC site? I'm saying this because any of the typical cruise sale sites never mention different levels within one of the 4 basic categories, inside, oceanview, oceanview and suite. Or is that because it was already showing as sold out and it would have given the YC and other choices had they not been sold out? I've never tried to look for a higher level in the higher priced categories.

You described the situation we're in right now except we are waiting to see if we get the YC upgrade with 6 days left before sailing. Kind of a 2 edged sword for us since it's nice to have the balcony we hardly ever buy, but we probably will never end up with yacht club unless we go for it like this. I'm thinking of bumping the bid up slightly like I saw someone else do and actually got superbumped into the balcony as you described but I'd possibly have buyer's regret it if it just secured us into the YC interior. Decisions, decisions.... BTW, no cabins show as bookable on our cruise right now anyway.

Thank you. Yes I do and if I drank coffee or the mocktails it wouldn’t be too bad but as bad of a soda habit I have, it’s still not a $175+ a week habit lol. I’ll just bring some powders to put In water and drink them. WTH, I’m still on a ship for a week. It’s all good. If they had a program for soda only I might go for it. Been a while since I’ve bought one of those packages. Maybe no one offers them anymore.

Yes and with the prices they charge I will choose not too. I’ll just drink something else and spend the money on something that seems more worthwhile. I’m sorry this seems to stress you.

That was a good deal. Too bad it’s gone like the steak off your plate

We're scheduled to be cruising from Port Canaveral Nov 12-19, and as such, the government funding deadline falls on the 15th I think. Has anyone ever returned from a cruise during a government shutdown? If so, what were the effects? If they do, I'm anticipating very slow disembarcation times due to few if any TSA and customs employees working. I'm certainly glad we are not flying as we would be worried about catching our plane on time and also the hassle involved with TSA at the airport. How about it?