igorjrr

11 hours ago, Arantxa said:

Having the same issue with a refund, just curious the dispute you guys did is directly with the bank? 
 

thanks in advance. 

Yes, directly with the bank.

2 hours ago, lindyf said:

Still waiting for a refund for something that was put on our account in error. It was requested in late June. 

You guys are so patient with that company. I gave them one month to refund, and placed disputes. Of course, won and already got all my money back.

The owners are among the richest in the world. You certainly do not need to wait that long for a refund. If it's June, very soon your card won't accept a dispute anymore. Act, or you might not see this money.

It's clear to me this is done on purpose, part of the business. Minimum they get is interest, if not the whole amount. Maybe you are also very rich and don't care about that amount very much.

4 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

How much interest are they making on your refund?  It can't be much....

Just one ship can have more than 4,000 cabins. That multiplied by multiple ships. The same cabin can be cancelled by multiple customers (A cancels, B books and cancels, C books and travel).

Yes, it is a lot of money.

Just now, Two Wheels Only said:

My best time for a refund - 11 days.

My worst time for a refund - 5 months.

 

It happens.

 

The standard response from MSC is "...2 billing cycles..." but it can vary, obviously.

5 months!!!

2 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Hmm, I wonder what caused the difference between your experience and mine. Both times I canceled, I did so by just calling the general customer service number at the top of the website. How did you initiate your cancelation?

Same way. Maybe they process refunds once a month, again to collect interest. Depending on the day you cancel, you may be scheduled for next month's batch. However this is unfair, they should refund promptly.

No wonder the owners are among the richest in the world.

Regulators are just sleeping watching all that. It is really incredible the lack of customer protection.

4 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

I wonder if it is dependent on payment method. I have canceled two cruises at different times and both times, the deposit was refunded to my Chase Sapphire Reserve card within 48 hours. Perhaps transmitting refunds to other payment methods just takes longer?

No. Two different cards, different banks. I called MSC and they have not issued the refund yet.

First they said 1 month, and now they said 2 months to receive the refund.

It's not my bank delaying the refund. It's MSC holding the money to accrue interest.

Unfortunately, I decided to open a dispute. This will be probably my last sailing with them (I have one booking confirmed). They are really horrendous in customer service.

Cancelled over a month ago. Deposit still not refunded which means they are just earning interest over it.

This is really intentionally poor service (but financially beneficial).

You just keep calling to convince them they need to refund? I don't want to start putting disputes (I have two deposits pending refund for over a month).

On 8/4/2023 at 11:11 AM, Morgsmom said:

And his response was to ask if I (I! ME!) wanted to move cabins. 

Not surprised, unfortunately. Nowadays even law enforcement lack support to act correctly. More and more it will be our problem (non smokers) instead of these poor souls trashing their bodies and brains, disrupting our trips. We will be moving cabins, apartments, even cities to be away from these people.

Not too far away, they will also require a lot of assistance due to unemployment and health issues - guess who is also going to pay for their "support"?

I experienced it myself, I have addresses in two countries, and one was cheaper so I used that one to book. No issues as long as you are a resident of that country too. Specially for international cruises, it might have effect on your Visa requirements that they check (because it will show you are a resident of country X traveling to country Y). I doubt they care anything about price, it's more for documentation check.

16 hours ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Had it happen....

Yacht club Grand suite to a regular balcony on deck 8.

No reduction in fare. No booze package and no WiFi, no access to YC.

 Got a lawyer. Was able to cancel with his help.

 

They can do whatever they want and do not need to follow T&C.

Please tell me this was a joke. Or, a system error they realized later.

This is wrong in many ways. Even though it still listed Yacht Club, they would not give you a card to access the YC exclusive area?

This is bait and switch and as far as I know, it's prohibited.

53 minutes ago, Tierun said:

The cabins are the same size, but they are priced differently based on the perceived preferred location. The experience level also determines the cabin selection options. So a cabin on the hump with a larger angled balcony could be under Aurea while the cabin next to it with a normal balcony will be fantastica. We all know MSC is quirky and peculiar so it is what it is.

In my case the selections available for Aurea are exactly the same size of Fantastica (no larger balcony, same room size). It's weird.

5 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

You don’t mention which ship.  But there are always more Bella and Fantastica cabins than Aurea.

1.  Aurea and Fantastica are different experiences and you can’t move between them if you want to change cabins.

2.  Book what you want.  Don’t mess with your booking.  MSC is known for bizarre complications if you try to change things.

EM

Thank you. I understand they are different experiences, but physically cabins are the same, so one could stay anywhere in the ship. I don't understand why Aurea has specific cabins if they are physically the same as balcony cabins from Fantastica, Bella.

Hello!

After selecting Balcony...

Fantastica shows many decks and cabins available.

Aurea shows only two cabins available.

They are all the same size.

Why Aurea has more limited options? I understand Yacht Club would be limited because it's a separate area of the ship, but Fantastica and Aurea are all over the ship, so why Aurea and Fantastica don't show same cabins available?

If I book one of the two Aurea available, is it possible to move to any other available cabin (that is currently showing only under Fantastica)?

If it matters, it's a cruise in December (so many many months ahead).

Thank you!

1 minute ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Transfer to a TA if you can.  Too many issues may arrive and it's better to have a TA. Costs you nothing.

Really? Sometimes I hear the opposite, that a TA is often in the way.

Also, booking with a TA might prevent from bidding upgrades (at least independently)?

Quoting MSC website, which use different wording. If it matters, ship is MSC Grandiosa.

Aurea: "Complimentary Access to the Top Exclusive Solarium"

YC: "Dedicated exclusive Sun Deck with pool, whirlpool, solarium and bar"

Question: Is this the same exclusive deck with pool? If not, does Aurea area has a pool or only chairs for sunbathing? Some reviews show very similar, if not the same, area.

Aurea: "Access to thermal area (adults only)"

YC: "Complimentary Access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa"

Question: Is this the same thermal spa with access to sauna, big jacuzzi, etc.? Any difference between Aurea and YC? As far as I know there is only one thermal area, but MSC use different wording for Aurea and YC.

Also:

In physical terms, I understand YC is a separate area of the ship including staterooms, and it also include an exclusive restaurant and exclusive lounge. Aurea is mixed with regular staterooms.

Other than that, is there any other exclusive area for YC that is not included in Aurea?

Thank you!

2 minutes ago, mscdivina2016 said:

You must be in a balcony to bid YC.

Thank you! Is this true? Because I had one MSC before, Interior, I was able to bid (and win) YC. I kept Interior, but with YC experience.

10 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

I have never sailed Grandiosa, or that class.  But I am booked for the second time on Seaside.  The first time I studied the deck plans, and discovered that whereas there are a lot of inside cabins, there are only 80 OV cabins, equally divided between Bella and Fantastica.  But there are over 1300 balconies.  So, I booked a Fantastica OV gty, on the suspicion that I would be upgraded to a balcony.  And I was.  
   Four years later, and I am again looking at Seaside.  Sailing solo now, and price driven, I booked Fantastica inside gty.  I am doing a 4/3 nite B2B.  I got the second cabin allocated first, a forward balcony with steel balustrade.  And I have been invited to bid on upgrades twice, all categories.  A couple weeks later I got the cabin for the first leg, another balcony, different deck…. Also invited to bid for all categories of upgrade.  I put in low bids for Aurea balcony and Yacht Club inside, but don’t expect to get any.  In particular, a mock booking for the first leg says all sold out.  
 

so in conclusion, looking at Grandiosa, she has 755 insides, 160 OV, and 1350 balconies.  I would go for an OV gty.  EM

Interesting! Could you please clarify: "on the suspicion that I would be upgraded to a balcony. And I was.". Did you bid to be upgraded? Was it much less than just booking Balcony?

Also, "I have been invited to bid on upgrades twice, all categories". You mean invited to upgrade from Inside to Ocean View/Balcony/Suite? Also upgrade from Fantastica to Aurea or Yacht Club?

At the end, why would you suggest OV gty instead of Interior Fantastica and working with upgrades?

Finally, cruise is only in December. Will I get an option to bid upgrade, or even have it confirmed, before September (when deposit becomes non refundable)?

(sorry for so many questions... these things can be confusing)

Hello!

Cruise: MSC Grandiosa, December, 7 days.

When booking Interior, what upgrade options will be available later? Interior to Ocean View? Interior to Balcony? Also, is there also a separate upgrade option to Yacht Club (YC) experience?

Currently YC is being sold for over $3k per person (crazy! considering Balcony is about $900). It shows only Suites are available, all other options are unavailable (hard to believe they are all sold out). Would YC upgrade bid be available if I book Interior?

Another question is that for Ocean View, Aurea is not available (Aurea is only available in Balcony). So if I book Ocean View, I will never be able to get Aurea later?

Not sure if I should book the most expensive option available already (Balcony with Aurea) and just bid for YC, or if I should just book Interior and play with upgrades (but I'm not sure what kind of upgrades would be available - stateroom type AND experience, or just stateroom, or just experience).

Thanks for any insights!

On 8/19/2021 at 12:26 PM, igorjrr said:

Hello all,

If you have sailed this month (August) on the MSC Meraviglia and could help: do they have soft serve ice cream? Is it free/unlimited or needs the adult non-alcoholic package (we don't drink alcohol)?

Thank you for helping!

Answering my own question after sailing Sep 03-06 2021:

They only have soft serve included. Gelato and other stuff like sundaes are in the Crepe & Gelato specialty restaurant (paid extra).

At Atmosphere Ice Cream Bar only soft-serve is served, chocolate or vanilla. They don't even ask for cruise card.

At the Ocean Cay island, there is Smiling Fish stand, with additional Key Lime and Coconut flavors. Here they ask for cruise card, but we were not charged at the end of the cruise (we were Yacht Club area, and I assume the soft-serve is being included). The cost was about $9 (a little expensive), but we liked very much.

Note that during the day the ice cream bar inside the ship (totally free) is not open, only Smiling Fish is open in the island.

Hope this information helps someone if they read this thread 🙂

On 8/26/2021 at 2:28 PM, igorjrr said:

Hello all,

 

If you have sailed on Meraviglia very recently...

I would like to know what is currently closed in the Meraviglia for upcoming sailings (late August / early September).

For example:

- Bowling

- Flight simulator

- Saunas in the Thermal Suite

- Any other Yacht Club perk

 

For example I know they are not having Circle du Soleil. I read an earlier post that maybe bowling is closed.

Unfortunately, it seems MSC does not provide a list of what is open/close.

 

Thank you!

Answering my own question after sailing Sep 03-06 2021:

- Flight simulator: closed

- Starwars interactive game: closed

- Bowling: closed

- F1: open. It costs $10 for a few minutes of play (I think it's 10 minutes)

- Thermal Suite: everything open, including saunas.

- All Yacht Club perks open, including private pool and hot tub.

Hope this information helps someone if they read this thread 🙂

On 8/30/2021 at 12:43 AM, igorjrr said:

Hello,

Having difficulty understanding what exactly is included in Ocean Cay (island) with Yacht Club.

I'm aware of the exclusive little island where Ocean House Beach (restaurant and beach) are located.

What else is available? Do you have free access to cabanas? Are they only in Ocean House or can be used anywhere?

 

Also, I'm aware the drinking package is available at the island. However, what about the ice cream at Smiling Fish?

In fact I'm not even sure if ice cream at the Atmosphere Ice Cream Bar is also included with Yacht Club.

 

If someone is able to provide some help. Thank you!

Answering my own question after sailing:

- Ice cream at Smiling Fish is expensive (like $9), but we liked it very much. It's only soft-serve. Vanilla, Chocolate, Key Lime and Coconut. They have mixed/swirl, we had Key Lime and Coconut. Key Lime has much stronger flavor and makes Coconut almost imperceptible. We provided the cruise card, but at the end was never charged (Yacht Club) - so it looks like it is currently registered as part of the "package". Same goes with Atmosphere Ice Cream Bar, but that one is clearly free as they don't even ask for the cruise card.

- Disappointed that all beaches close at 5 PM. The only one open after this time is the beach where the ship docks. It was so hot that we decided to enjoy the island later, so we missed the other beaches.

Hope this information helps someone if they read this thread 🙂

4 hours ago, worldtravelista1 said:

Hey Igorjrr, 

I was in the YC for Ocean Cay earlier this mo, so I'll try and answer as best as I can. 

Cabanas - even for YC, they are not free. I'm not sure what they all include and the cost, but I think they have a dedicated server to deliver your drinks, etc. And I believe just the YC beach ones. 

 

I never left the YC beach area, so I can't comment to the Smiling Fish. 

 

Umbrellas at the YC beach were complimentary. Food and drink at the YC restaurant were included. 

 

And I didn't try the soft serve the last cruise, but in the past as a YC guest it was free at Atmosphere Ice Cream bar. 

Thank you for sharing all that!

21 minutes ago, JAGR said:

A recent reviewer said he got ice cream and was not charged.  Doesn't mean it is free or was a mistake, but with MSC, it depends on teh server, the day, how you ask, and, of course, the position of the stars!  This is the review.

 

Good catch. Too bad not officially confirmed if it's free.

I'm travelling with a soft-serve addicted. All that matters in this cruise is the soft-serve lol (kidding of course). So I'd like to be prepared and do a surprise.

Hi! Thanks for the review!

I read about your ice cream free at the island (mistake or not, we don't know exactly).

What about onboard? We are in YC as well and would like to know if Atmosphere Ice Cream Bar is all included, partially included or not at all. I read somewhere that soft-serve might be included, but no the gelato.

If you have anything to share...

Thanks!

1 hour ago, alyssamma said:

LOL, it wasn't that far down.

 

Have you tried the search function? You can probably get detailed answers there. The cabanas are not free.

I'm sorry, a little anxious 🙂

Not only used the search here but other websites too. Found a lot of info but not these specifically.

I'm assuming the Smiling Fish ice cream is not included. Not sure about the Atmosphere Ice Cream bar - my research points that soft serve is included but not the rest - I could not confirm officially though.

Regarding the cabanas I saw @PRH answer - thank you! I agree with you, found these prices in a PDF.

It seems there is no PDF listing exactly what is available in Yacht Club.