mlbdude

I have noticed for my area, CVS only has the PCR test that takes 1-2 days to get results.  For Walgreens, they seem to have lots of Rapid ID NOW tests (that are accepted).

I have used it, and the part that bit me was the "funds to a new cruise" part.  I could not get FCC like I was hoping.  No issues moving to a new booking at current rates.

I saw a post on the SalsaCruise Facebook.  Looks like they were impacted big by the MSC rule of US Residents only.  

3 minutes ago, styles27 said:

We never had a bad time on any cruise, maybe I’m easy to please but it would have to be really bad for me to complain.  

Close your eyes, now think about your worst cruise ever...  Yup still a great time and vacation.

6 minutes ago, shipgeeks said:

LOL, You guys are reminding me why I never depend on reviews for making cruise and travel decisions.  Our one Carnival cruise was the dullest, quietest cruise we've ever been on; quieter by far than our Cunard and Holland America cruises.  I don't know why; the ship was full, there were passengers of all ages, the weather was fine.  Every night we walked out of dinner, and found no one around.  We were the only ones in the disco.  No one in the bars.  It was not a nursing home charter or anything, it was apparently just a lot of very quiet people who did not do anything.  No drunks.  No karaoke.  (No complainers, either.)

If I had been innocent enough to post a review, or recommend Carnival to someone who wanted peace and quiet, would it have been useful information?

There are probably too many variables to make anything an absolute.  Itinerary, length, time of year and ship.  I too have had a quiet Carnival, and a loud and rowdy MSC.  However, those are exceptions.

The only advise I can give is never sail Carnival on May 5!  Every stereo type to the extreme happened.  It was disgusting.  If that were my only sailing on Carnival I would hate Carnival :).

I still sail both depending on what I am looking for.

Carnival for a more active, louder, atmosphere.  MSC when I want a softer relaxing experience.

Food is comparable, but with MSC all food is prepared as if it was in Italy.  They still tailor to large groups of international people on the cruises so they have not shifted it exactly to the tastes of the US.  That said, I always enjoyed it.

MSC being my first cruise, I was surprised by the lines for most food on Carnival.  MSC food is much more accessible instantly.

There are more activities like trivia and such on Carnival.

Ships are prettier and cleaner on MSC.

I could nitpick both, but I enjoy both depending on my mood and who I am cruising with.  But if you have your mind set for either one, the other is likely the opposite fit.

Same thing happened to me.  I called back and they apologized that their systems "suck" and I got an automated cancellation notice with the fees.  They said it was passed up the chain and I would not be charged any fees.

About a week later I got another of those automated booking communications and it did indeed show a full refund.

I hate to pack for dress up too.  After many sailings and observations, no issues at all with a nice shirt and pants.  Jeans might be pushing it but I doubt they would kick you out.

Jacket and tie are definitely not required.

All you that were kicked from YC deserve more than just a refund.  That was a pretty big mistake on the part of MSC.

I was on the Oct 24th Divina sailing.  It ended up being a "fully chartered" sailing, but still allowed people that had it booked to stay on the sailing if they wanted.  The chartered group had around 1800 people.  Based on that and what MSC has been sailing with to date and when the closed the bookings for this one, I would estimate they will have close to 2200 people on this sailing.

I think this is currently an outlier, higher capacity than other sailings.  But even this seems to be at the 50/60% capacity.  Just anecdotal.  I canceled my booking on this one for the same reasons you are feeling MISTER.

If you look at the bottom of this page, there is a FAQ of when they go in effect for each ship.  No idea why they make it so hard...

Drinks Packages and Beverage: All-Inclusive options | MSC Cruises (msccruisesusa.com)

16 minutes ago, Adian80 said:

Did you purchase insurance? I'm wondering if they're going to refund my $320 for that too? My TA is going to call this afternoon since we still haven't received any sort of letter yet to see what our options are. At this point I think I might be ready to wash my hands of MSC and continue to frequent Royal and NCL. 

We did, and was a concern for us as well.  All included in the refund.  Full refund.

We called and cancelled our 7 day booking for full refund.  No issues, bookings seem to have been flagged so no questions were asked.

12 minutes ago, mscdivina2016 said:

get all the amenities of the Salsa cruise.

Thanks for the update.  I am curious as we all are what this means?  As mentioned how far is the reach beyond the pool deck?  Will anything be like a regular Divina cruise?

9 hours ago, cyndyga said:

So you would have to order a mocktail and a shot on a Oct. cruise out of Florida correct?

That should be correct.

1 minute ago, Jaco5NC said:

Letter was sent out this afternoon…check your email.

Nothing here.  Any hints as to what it contains? 🙂

It also depends on the date of your cruise and which Easy package you are talking about.  I believe Oct 31 2021 + most cruises sold come with Easy Plus as well as Aurea.

11 minutes ago, LadySpoilt said:

Agent...ok... Do you want me to refund your money?

I would be happy with that at this point.

Been on many MSC cruises over the years, including the Meraviglia.  Always enjoyed the food.  Some of it is different than what you get on the other US cruise lines but I take it as an opportunity to try new things.

4 minutes ago, Speasda said:

Can  I ask a different question (and this is part of my be prepared for anything strategy) - 

 

Let's say this works out and we do take this cruise, have any of you see if MSC does transfers from MCO or have a favorite transfer service?  

 

I am flying day of this time (spare me the lectures, I am already very nervous) so I don't want to do my normal process of renting a car one-way from MCO to Port Canaveral.  

You could check out $19.99 Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Shuttle | Go Port.

3 minutes ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Use the "up to 48 hours before" cancel option. Get FCC and book a new one with no cancellation fee.

Steve

That’s what I tried to do.  They would not let be get FCC.  Just book another cruise for what looked like brochure cost.  I need to go read the 48 hours before wording actually…

Just now, LadySpoilt said:

I agree I am doubting they call as well.  On the chance that they do my guess is that "the offer" would be you can change the date and pay the increased fare (with NO change fees...WOW smirk)and we will throw in 100 or 200 dollars OBC ( to which we are supposed to think "how kind")

I called yesterday wanting to just get out in front of it willing to pay the difference between this cruise and another cruise out of the same port. 

Nope, they quoted me +$500 more than what I could book a new one for on the website....  Or a $900 cancellation fee.

1 minute ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Did you speak to a regular agent or the "back office" department?

STeve

Regular agent I would say.  She had no idea about anything.

If someone learns something today keep us updated.  I called yesterday and they were still unwilling to do anything but charge me more to move to a similar booking.

5 minutes ago, SeaBrz said:

Gotta say I’m a bit shocked after just seeing a video showing all the unmasked folks roaming in the Calumet buffet (not at tables). In fact, didn’t see anyone masked including the servers! I hate wearing a mask as much as anyone, but not sure my comfort level has recovered to this point yet.
 

(YT video by “In The Loop”’ - titled “MSC Davina Tour ….” time stamp 8:28 is buffet)

I noticed that too.  But I saw absolutely no masks.  I think while it was just uploaded it may have been filmed awhile ago.