Benzbuddy87

I'm still waiting for the Aft Cabin pics. I'm booked in one June 2018. They're listed as 274 sq ft. I really want to see the layout since it's just 1 open room. I wonder if the bathroom is larger?

Do you mean the Aurea aft suites? If so, they are more than one open room.

My booking confirmation says the same thing. But if you do a mock booking today for the Aft cabins, the stateroom details show 274 sq ft. I guess it could be the total sq ft. 236+43 is close. If it is 236 with the Bathroom included, I'll be a little disappointed.

My understanding is that the size of the stateroom is called "surface," which includes the size of the bathroom (not the veranda). If that is correct, the size of the bathroom is posted merely for reference.

Thanks for these photos!

 

I've been reading some of the Meraviglia threads and noticing the gelato, pastries, smoothies, and specialty coffees are fee based? Or perhaps that's specifically only at the Jean Philippe location. We've upgraded to the premium drinks package for our Seaside cruise at the end of the year and I'm getting worried that all those extras--beyond alcohol--will suddenly not be included because they'll only be available at the Jean Phillipe. My kids will be sorely disappointed if that happens. As will I. I appreciate my coffee drinks each day. As always...wish we knew more! :(

I also have 2 cruises booked through MSC, but I can only see one when I login using my username. However, the US MSC website offers 2 login options. I find that I can view either booking by logging in using the booking number, first name, last name option. Unfortunately I still can't see both bookings at the same time.

For those who are not familiar with the two methods, please refer to the image below.

LOGIN (left) utilizes your Voyagers Club # to log in, and is designed to show current bookings, as well as past bookings.

MANAGE YOUR BOOKING (right) utilizes your respective Reservation # to log in, and is designed to show only that specific reservation.

You will find this issue is being discussed on the MSC website is awful and another one, no immediate fix according to MSC and not for the foreseeable future.

 

Meanwhile they continue to alter and change the website instead of fixing an issue that affects Thousands of passengers and of course MSC booking staff and Travel agents.

As a former computer programmer, I've never seen a cruise line website without its faults. Granted, some are larger than others. Some of this is a double-edged sword. Programmers works on a needed update, then launch the update, only to find that it has created glitches. Often, this boils down to not having checked the update for bugs or continuity prior to being launched.

For those asking about the paid voucher packages for Caribbean cruises (through MSC Cruises USA or US travel agent), if my recollection is correct, the packages are available for sailings out of Miami ... not necessarily Martinique, Barbados or Guadeloupe. Your mileage may vary.

We booked an SE3 Suites last June 2016 with another couple. Since then we have had to change our stateroom because it is only 1 bedroom, not the 2 which is advertised. After making a payment yesterday, my confirmation booking is listing VIP Treatment in the Amenities field. Does anyone know what this is? We ended up going from a Aurea Suite to an Aurea Balcony. They also added another $100 OBC.

"VIP Treatment" sounds nice! :) We booked another cruise in May, and since then, our first Seaside cruise no longer shows up on our account. Having called MSC, I am told it is a known glitch (still in their system, but not showing up online). I wonder who else may be experiencing a similar situation.

If either of you were given a certificate for a free dinner for two at a local restaurant, what would you do at the end of your meal regarding the gratuity that should be given your server? Would you stiff them because the meal was free? This is the same concept that NCL is applying here. You pay 18% on the cost of the meal or beverage packages.

If someone advertises something as free - it should be free. If the meal is free, but a gratuity is not included - just say so. I can handle that, but don't tell me it's free, but only if I pay $300 (truth in advertising goes a long way.) The two of us would not have consumed $300 in alcohol, so paying $600 in gratuities is bogus. If I walk into a local bar, I don't expect to pay $600 in gratuities if I have a glass of beer and my spouse has a ginger ale. That aside, $300 per person equates to a drink package of $1,700 each (at 18%). I don't know that I consumed $1,700 in alcohol - ever!

Now, I will grant you that 79 pp per day is expensive for the drinks package and I will also agree that they should include the tips like Celebrity does, but that is another discussion for another thread.

On my first MSC cruise, I had a beverage package - on the second, I had vouchers. Both times, I had specialty dining (loyalty match). In each instance, I asked (in advance) if gratuities were included. The cruise line and travel agent said, "YES." When I was in the Main Dining Room, I asked the Head Server the same question, and was also told that they were included (main dining room, specialty dining and bars) ... even the servers in the coffee bar said they were included. Granted, I am new to MSC, but this seems like gratuities are included (was I misinformed)? On my "previous" cruise line, we received complimentary specialty dining due to our loyalty - gratuities were included.

Typical NCL. Nothing is actually "free" when it comes to Fee-Style cruising! Honestly it should be illegal to advertise something as free then charge $300 for it, but they get away with it under the guise of "service charges". I can guarantee the staff see none of it.

FEE-Style ... that's a good one! I later found out that the beverage package could NOT be used in all facilities, despite verbiage which indicated otherwise. You have to hunt for the disclaimer which is not included with the promotion - to learn that you cannot use the beverage package in certain bars. I wonder what other surprises I would have encountered. Gosh, I hate trying new cruise lines.

Here are two clips that showed up on YouTube - real cabin mock-ups. Not renderings!!!

The first video was posted more than one year ago, and the second was posted 7 months ago.

I would rather the cabins be nothing special or innovative then what NCL did on the Epic. They tried curved walls and the sink in the cabin outside the bathroom. It was so successful that they stopped at 1 ship.

We were booked on the Epic, but had to cancel for other reasons. I must admit, I was perplexed by the curve and sink. Then again, I was confused that the "free" beverage package would have cost more than $300, and the "free" specialty dining package would have been around $90 (for two adults).

Hi we are sailing on Splendia in February 4th from Abu Dhabi 2018. Would anyone have any idea what the weather would be like? We are also 1st time cruisers of MSC having returned from NCL Norwegian Epic western Mediterranean cruise which we thoroughly enjoyed. We are in 12220 inside cabin any reviews on this cabin? We are also doing the Fantastica experience. All help and advice would be appreciated thank you

(weather) When we cruise, we often look up the average weather online (via search engine) to find high / low temperatures (plus rainfall), during the month of travel in the respective city and/or country.

(stateroom) Before booking a stateroom, we look at the deck plan for any floor we are considering, as well as the floor directly above and below our tentative stateroom. We prefer not to be next to a heavily used area (ie: crew stairs or storage), and also prefer not to be located under or over public areas, such as a lounge, restaurant or pool, etc. MSC's website shows the deck plans for each ship. In looking at the deck plan for the Splendida, you are located aft / starboard - conveniently located near stairs and elevators.

Does anybody know how to get this 12 vouchers? Would they just be given to you once you board or you need to request them on the ship or request them ahead of time?

We've sailed MSC on the Divina, and picked up all of our vouchers (not just Fantastica) in the casino bar. Vouchers are sorted behind the bar, by deck numbers. Those on deck 5 picked up their vouchers on the starboard side of the bar ... working across the bar towards the port side for the upper decks.

The exact location may be different on other ships or in other cruise markets. The location of voucher pick-up should be listed in your Daily Planner which is usually provided at check-in during embarkation (and / or at Guest Services). If unsure, ask while you are checking in during embarkation.

When 80 or 90 percent of MSC cruisers are black, can you immagine the "priority boarding" line for check-in? If that happens the non-blacks might find themselves aboard way ahead of us!

I was on the Divina for a Southern Caribbean cruise in December '16. There were more Black Card members on that cruise, as compared to May '17 (Western). MSC provided more Black Card check-in agents for December, as compared to May. I imagine they would tweak the number of agents depending on the respective number of passengers (Black Card or otherwise).

Hi I have a question, Can I sign up for a loyalty match even though I do not have a MSC cruise booked yet? We are still not sure which one we want to book. Thank you, We are platinum with Carnival would that be an equivalent to Gold on MSC?

I will add the following ...

If you will be sailing on Carnival prior to sailing on MSC, and hence, your Carnival status would increase to the next level (beyond your current "platinum"), it would make sense to wait to apply for MSC Loyalty Match until your Carnival loyalty has increased. Doing so may result in being matched to a higher MSC Voyager Club level.

Somehow, this family has managed to found MSC Shipping in 1970, and make it the second largest shipping company in the world, by 2017.

 

So what are the possibilities for their growth in the cruise industry?

How many years until they overtake Royal Caribbean as the World's #2 line?

I have to assume that the odds are next to none, if they can't expand, or don't have the customer base to do so. MSC has achieved millions of dollars of advertising exposure by the implementation of their loyalty match program. MSC did not get where they are by accident. I believe their strategy involves moving from the 4th largest cruise line to the 3rd largest (or higher) - their expansion puts them in an ideal position to do so. Their timing is ideal!

Interesting that they list the restaurants and there's no Eataly. I figured they'd have it since it's on other ships. Also the seafood restaurant still seems to be unnamed.

I read a post on Cruise Critic (regarding Meraviglia) which indicated the Meraviglia would have an Eataly restaurant. Pictures of the restaurant showed chairs other than the infamous clear, acrylic chairs (in some areas). In another post, I read something which suggested that Eataly is currently only on two MSC ships ... Divina and Preziosa. I am not sure if that is the extent of Eataly on MSC.

For the barista coffees they use Segafredo on Divina and Lavazza on the ships in Europe - these are chargeable / covered in drinks packages and available at many of the bars through the ship.

 

My preference is Lavazza as that's what I use at home but Segafredo is also very good and a well known brand in Italy.

 

The coffee in the buffet is not so good but is still drinkable

In December 2016, they were serving Lavazza in the Main Dining Rooms, while Caffe Italia had a display for Segafredo Zanetti. When I boarded the Divina two weeks ago (May 2017), the Segafredo Zanetti display was replaced with a Lavazza display. I asked a barista about the change ... but was told they have always served Lavazza. I would later learn that the barista had just been transferred to the Divina from an MSC ship in Europe.

For the benefit of the status match people

tHis what the real black card holders gave up in perks

 

1) 20% discount on any cruise; replaced by 5% for all members

2) A bottle of Moet and Chandon for each black card holder in a cabin; replaced by 1 bottle of prosecco per cabin

3) A sit down meal with the officers; replaced with a cocktail gathering

4) A meal in a speciality diner from the full menu 25% discount on drinks in the venue; replaced by a taster menu and no drink discount

5) 10% discount on excursions

6) other small discounts on a variety of spend items

 

what do we get in return a CHOCOLATE SHIP and queues in the priority boarding lanes.

 

still think its a win-win for all?

 

Expanding the customer base gives rise to price increases as more people are after the same number of berths. what will keep prices down is the increase in the size of the fleet ie more berths.

 

Pete

Given the price point of MSC (and the aforementioned perks), I can't imagine the cruise line would have been able to expand as they are - without an influx of cash AND passengers. As others have said, I would not have tried MSC had it not been for their Loyalty Match. Since then, I have booked a total of four cruises on MSC. I have sailed on enough cruise lines to know that I am simply not interested in "trying" another cruise line if it means that I start out at entry level. I believe the idea was an ingenious method to acquire a plethora of new passengers and their cash.

Perhaps MSC could have implemented the Loyalty Match program while retaining a portion of original perks for pre-existing perks for Black Card members. If that were the case, would that have made a difference, or would the previous Black Card members still be upset that status was provided? Regardless, I can't see how MSC could have maintained their prices while offering those perks.

Grocery stores, automobile manufacturers and department stores all vie for the sames customers in their own market. In this instance, MSC is looking to steal loyal customers from other cruise lines ... touche!

The Mealtime Beverage Package has recently changed ... and now permits you to obtain the allotted beverages from the bars, as well.

As for the wines, they are house-wines. They do not have all five wines available at any given time. They may have two or three wines open any any given time (not necessarily limited to two or three bottles), just realize that they do not serve all five varieties at the same time. When I was on the Divina in December, I asked for a Riesling, but it was not part of the package. The white wine was either a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The varieties may or may not change during the cruise, likewise, they may or may not change from cruise to cruise.

Locker / changing rooms with showers, plus steam rooms and saunas (all are single sex). There aren't any "rain forest" type shower areas, and there isn't a designated heated-tile lounge-bed, though there is a peaceful, co-ed area outside of the steam rooms & saunas which overlook the port side of the ship - repleat with lounge chairs.

We got the 10% off plus free gratuities. You can have multiple free things but not multiple discounts.

Government / Civil Service cannot be combined with Voyager Club, but Voyager Selection can be added to anything. Regardless, I believe you are capped out at 20% total discount.

Does everybody who has booked Fantastica receive the 12 vouchers?

Kids get a non-alcoholic version.

Sailed two weeks ago. They brought our vouchers to our table in MDR on first night.

Perhaps this was as a favor to you? What did you do for beverages between the time you checked in and dinner time? FWIW, there is a note inside the Daily Planner advising guests to pick up vouchers in the casino.

Are you saying, they "upgraded" her to an Aurea Suite but did not give her the Aurea benefits? If so, that is not cool.

I've known about upgrading a stateroom (but not the accompanying perks) for quite some time. I don't see any issue with that. If someone paid for Fantastica Suite, and was moved to Aurea Suite ... most would consider it an upgrade ... not a downgrade or lateral move. Moving between staterooms isn't the same as upgrading. If someone is moved from Bella interior to Fantastica veranda, you still get the perks of the "experience" which was originally booked.

On the other hand, I booked an S2 Fantastica Suite (December 2015), plus an I2 Fantastica Interior, only to eventually learn that the suite isn't really a suite. We planned to have our adult son meet us in our Suite before the show, so he could relax in the extra space and enjoy the veranda ... but the current floorplan shows the S2 as merely being a slightly larger version of B2 Fantastica Balcony.

Interesting. Trying to book a grand suite for a sailing in 2018. The MSC website has it listed but my travel agent that I work with said that this category doesn't exist????

Your T/A should be able to contact MSC for clarification.