Benzbuddy87

Just booked the MSC Seaside. Our confirmation for a Fantastica Suite states -

"Cabin Area 18.00mq - Door .65mt'

"Bathroom Area 2.00mq with shower"

 

18mq seems small for a suite if I'm converting it right to 193.75sq ft

 

The odd thing is the website says fir suites, "Surface approx from 302 to 355 sq. ft.

 

Has anyone here booked a Fantastica Suite and have more info on the cabin? Thank you.

I am in S2 Fantastica Suite. MSC's website indicates these suites start at 302SF for the surface area. In speaking with MSC, it appears as though the measurements are for the *entire* surface area, including veranda.

As a side note, there are other threads which suggest non-Yacht Club suites on MSC provide a single room floorplan. Though I have not personally confirmed this information, it would seem as though it could be confirmed in two ways:

1) MSC guests who have sailed in a non-Yacht Club suite could indicate whether their stateroom was a multi-room or single room floorplan.

2) Ask MSC if existing suites on existing ships are multi-room, or single-room floorplan.

Tall-Cruiser,

We are booked in an aft. wrap around Aurea Suite and our paper work doesn't give the size of the cabin. Where did you find your info on the size?

S2 & S3 are grouped the same ... 302SF - 355SF. The MSC deckplan suggests the aft Aurea Suites (located on either side of the panoramic aft lifts) yield a larger living space, in addition to a larger veranda. If the deck plan is close to scale, I would presume these Aurea Suites would be closer to the 355SF, vs 302SF.

SD ... All the S2 Fantastica suites (Dark green) are on the angles of the ship next to the SE3 Seaside Suites (Red) which oddly are shown as a single room on cruise deck plans, whereas the S2 are shown as two areas Lounge and bedroom.

 

Looking at the ship model it does appear that 9208 has the same length balcony as the Aurea suites.

I agree. The odd part is that SE3's are purportedly twice the size of S2. If anything, most would expect the SE3 to be two rooms. We're booked in a Fantastica Suite, so I hope it has the two rooms.

So after speaking with an agent she checks the Fanstatica suites and said they are the same size.

Cabin 18mq

Balcony 8mq with shower

Bath 2mq

 

So the cabin and balcony equal 26mq.

 

I still think 9208 has a bigger balcony as seen from the deck plan. Yes it could be an illusion :)

 

Tomorrow someone from operations will give us more feed back and I will share my findings.

 

Thanks again.

9208 has a small "triangle" area addition within the stateroom which is necessary to accommodate the angled sliding door to the veranda. The triangle addition is used for Fantastica (S2) and Aurea (SE3) suites which are situated where the ship bumps out. Accordingly, my understanding it that the S2 verandas are a little larger than a standard Fantastica (S2) suite. In your instance, 9208 is adjacent to Aurea Suites, which apparently have a larger veranda. It would appear as though you have a double or triple bonus!

Just booked the MSC Seaside. Our confirmation for a Fantastica Suite states -

"Cabin Area 18.00mq - Door .65mt'

"Bathroom Area 2.00mq with shower"

 

18mq seems small for a suite if I'm converting it right to 193.75sq ft

 

The odd thing is the website says fir suites, "Surface approx from 302 to 355 sq. ft.

 

Has anyone here booked a Fantastica Suite and have more info on the cabin? Thank you.

The website is a work in progress, and some of the graphics for the rooms do not seem to be in scale. We are currently booked in a Fantastica Suite, which was confirmed at 302SF for a standard suite. Some of the Fantastica Suites go up to 355SF, depending on the location within the ship. As an example, there are a handful of Fantastica Suites with a little extra space (shape of a triangle), plus a larger, angled veranda. There are also a few Fantastica Suites forward, which seem to incorporate the hallway into the room (and also, a larger veranda).

Finally managed to get a move from our booked Deck 9 Aurea Suite Aft (side) to a Deck 14 Aurea Suite on the back of the ship, cannot wait to see the views from up there :D

Awesome! :D

Some of the Royal ships (I think Voyager and Freedom class) have a walkway around the deck 4 dining room, but every time I've walked by the curtains have been drawn.

 

I'm wondering if they will end up putting curtains on the dining room windows, especially at night.

I am not aware of any issues on the Disney Magic or Wonder. I believe the layout of the ship is key for privacy and ambiance. The restaurant is located on a secluded portion of an upper aft deck, and there are no other public rooms in this area (other than the walkway). Since there are several other easily accessible decks with aft views, most who are seeking aft views tend to take the path of least resistance.

The Magic and Wonder have window dressings, but are usually only utilized during brunch, if there is sun glare. If there is an issue with curious onlookers (RCI, or others), I'd think a reflective film on the glass would be preferable ... as it would enable dining room guests to enjoy the view.

April 28, 2018 Roll Call

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=48689019#post48689019

Yep . . . we just booked a YC1 for March 2018. Outside-the-YC all-inclusive drink package wasn't available as a perk, but we did get the $300 OBC. Even if drinks are $10 per, that means we get (each) a couple of drinks per day included outside the YC. More than sufficient.

I saw the 2014-2015 Classic Drink list. The prices are surprisingly low.

 

Yes I am still a bit fixated on the walkway. Did not realize in the earlier video it was right off the dining area, though. Wondering now did they really think that through?

I think it's gorgeous ... made a similar statement to a group of fellow cruisers who are booked on the Seaside. The Disney Magic (1998) and Disney Wonder (1999) have small area outside their upscale dining room (Palo). I like the concept on those two ships. What I really like about the walkway on the Seaside is that it appears to have a transparent / translucent floor, and also hugs the curve of the restaurant. It reminds me of dining al Fresco ... without the wind or the noise ... while maintaining ambiance!

Are you guys aware that booked cabins are not confirmed until embarkation and can be changed by MSC.

NOT CONFIRMED? I have two confirmations from MSC ... one is 12 months out, the other is 2+ years out! Where are you getting your information? Are you referring to a guarantee rate (or, perhaps Bella Experiance - which has quirks relating to dining venue)? Most cruise lines offer complimentary upgrades from time to time ... some may do it automatically ... while others ask if they can upgrade you (usually, for inventory purposes). On the other hand, I understand the concept if there is a maintenance issue (malfunction) with your booked stateroom. Similar to hotels, cruise lines typically have rooms available as a cushion for when issues are encountered with staterooms (even when they are supposedly at capacity). I'd be hard pressed to think someone could pay for Yacht Club or a Aurea suite ... then be told they are getting an inside stateroom (bait-n-switch). Think about it ... you plunk down $95,000 for a Chevrolet Z06, but the dealer hands over the keys to a $17,000 Chevrolet Sonic?

Cabin number: Final cabin numbers may change till departure date. MSC Cruises will guarantee same or higher type of cabin category.

This is normal cruise language ... for the very same purposes I mentioned regarding maintenance and/or malfunction. As you see, your post indicates they "will guarantee same or higher type stateroom category." This is typical language for hotels and resorts, as well.

Yes we selected the night and specialty dinner. I am not sure what a "tasting menu" is.

 

...

 

The point is that is was free.

A tasting menu is several servings of small portions of different foods. In essence, you do not get a full serving of any one plate, rather, you get a taste of this, and a taste of that. This can be productive for those who want to sample everything, without eating enough for a family of four. It's not uncommon, and can be fairly popular depending on your destination.

With regard to "free," it'd probably be best to rephrase it as "it's included." Working up to higher loyalty tiers INCLUDES perks to retain loyal guests ... instead of having them flee to other cruise lines. :)

If someone is not happy with the itinerary of sailing in the Caribbean ... I'd think there are only a few other options ...

1) Select another region to cruise (possible)

2) Create additional islands in the Caribbean (not likely)

3) Take longer cruises to explore more than traditional Easter / Western Caribbean ports (excellent choice)

I can only answer for my cruise, and I know I'm not the one you were asking, but we paid more per day for an MSC Grand Voyage in an aurea balcony, than a Celebrity repositioning in a Concierge Class balcony w/ drink package, so fairly apples to apples.

 

From what I heard on board, to non-Americans the price gap is significant between the cruise lines. But to us MSC was more.

I do not see that as apples to apples! Repositioning cruises are not priced the same ... and Aurea Class is not Concierge. MSC Divina is listed as a 4-star ship, while Constellation is listed as 5-star. I'd think comparing Yacht Club to Concierge on a similar cruise would be better - and no more than a 1/2 star difference in rating.

What made me consider MSC was their expansion into the Caribbean market (4 new ships, $5,300,000,000) and Ocean Cay. The MSC Seaside is supposed to replace the Divina in late 2017. I believe the Seaside will be an entirely new playing field for MSC. What cinched the deal was their willingness and ability to match my loyalty perks on another cruise line. Let's face it ... we get into a rhythm and are sometimes afraid to change ... especially if we have to start from the bottom again.

We were on the Davina in July and you had to sign a waiver and get a special band to allow kids on the slide. They said it was for 8yrs+ but allowed my girls (6) to go it if we signed the waiver.

Was there a fee for the slide? I don't know that I ever heard of a fee for a water slide ... not sure if the person filming the video knew what she was talking about.

The menu does rotate nightly in the dining room and buffet. Sometimes the MDR entrees were in the buffet, but never the desserts.

 

As for RCL, they have both a nightly menu and an "always available" menu; it sounds like your waiter dropped the ball.

If I remember correctly, the left side of the menu was the appetizers, soups and salad ... that page never changed. The right side included the entree's ... which did change daily. I guess it's possible the server goofed ... but I would have expected him to figure it out at some point during the cruise.

If you are are trying to decide on particular cabins, I have a listing of every cabin onboard with the square footage of the cabin overall (plus broken down into bathroom and living space) and the balcony. Let me know if you need that info on certain ones.

 

Overall, I think B2 is a safe bet though some forward have steel balcony siding versus plexiglass.

 

Bret

12093 please! :)

Very impressive indeed.

 

The following comment "A Bahamian village will include a 2,000-seat amphitheatre for live music and entertainment plus restaurants, bars and shops" makes me think that it is going to be used for more than just cruises. Possible overnight stop? or maybe they are planning on building a hotel.

 

Given that it is so close to Miami, they can even have a show on the island, leave at 2:00 am and make to Miami by 6:00 am.

At only 95 acres, there's not much room for expansion ... unless they are thinking about a facility similar to Costa Maya.

My understanding of the Disney Castaway Cay lease is that no overnight stays are permitted, and no hotel facilities for guests could be built or utilized. I am not sure if that is a Bahamian government mandate for all island leases.

WOW, I am impressed. That is a LOT of work to do in 1.5 years. I hope they meet their goal on this one.

 

Only other island I know that offers a dock is Disney's Castaway Cay. This one looks like it will blow that one right off the map if they get all they want on the island.

Castaway Cay was acquired in 1997, and was put into service in 1998 (18 months), after spending $25,000,000. Numerous upgrades have been made to the island since its inception. The island is estimated to be 1,000 acres in size.

Castaway Cay is a phenomenal facility ... and I am hoping Ocean Cay will compare (one way or another). Currently, Castaway does not offer an amphitheater or any such large group entertainment, and I believe that would spoil the idyllic atmosphere. On the other hand, the fact that Ocean Cay will enable ships to stay until midnight is fabulous ... potentially lending itself to rival Mardi-Gras or Key West.

You will be locked in if you pre pay.

Good to know. Does MSC permit guests to adjust gratuities at the end of the cruise (up or down), based upon service received?

Does MSC routinely offer special rates, discounts or credits for cruises booked while on board?

I am looking at the two different voucher program; one is 12 cocktails for $72. The other is $84 for 18, but the wording is not totally clear as to what cocktails are included with each; if they are different or similar.

 

$72 package

 

12 vouchers for alcoholic cocktails of your choice selected from our Bar list (premium cocktails are excluded).

 

I assume that's the named drinks that are below $8 each? If a drink is over that and you use a voucher do you just pay the difference?

 

$84 package

 

18 vouchers for the consumption of a wide range of drinks from the Bar and Wine list including wines by the glass, draft, bottled or canned beer, canned sodas, fruit juices, mineral water, a wide selection of coffee-based drinks, premium teas, hot chocolate delights, a selection of call-brand spirits, cocktails, as well as take-away ice cream in a cone or cup.

 

The vouchers are for consumption in the restaurants, self-service buffet and bars.

 

The part that I bolded, is that the same cocktails available from the $72 package or is it from a special pared down list?

 

Also, I recall reading somewhere that people were able to use vouchers on 2-for-1 deals. Can anyone state if that is true or not?

Where did you find this information? It sounds like specific drinks are named, and/or priced?

I thought I read something which indicated Aurea Experience included flex-dining (whatever it is called), and that is is "apparently" also available for Fantastica Balcony guests, as well.

Fortunately onboard is better, a lot better or I would not cruise with them! Onshore are usually vague when you ask specific questions.

(answering SPA questions)

I have found that this is usually the case, as the SPA is usually operated by an independent contractor ... not the cruise line. I am not sure if this is the case with MSC.

Thanks for the pictures. Other than the Preziosa, I am not familiar with any other MSC ship. Looks like the water slide on the Divina is quite different from the Preziosa.

Someone posted a video on YouTube about the Divina (12/5/15 Caribbean cruise) ... my wife said the OP said there is a charge to ride the water slide? :eek:

Can anyone confirm or deny?

The only possible incentive would be for the Voyager club points. And that would only be good if they don't prorate your purchases.

 

If you buy an excursion and it's less than the $150 that you need to get 100 Voyager points would you need to buy $25 or $50 OBC to get the charge over $150??

I thought MSC awards Voyager Club points for purchases made while on the ship, as well?