luvavacation

20 minutes ago, CampNCruise74 said:

I did not know they had a substantial TA fare?  Have you received it?  Do Travel companies purchase huge blocks of rooms with MSC in advance?  I am not aware of this happening. I also am not sure MSC is courting anybody from the US specifically.  Since half of Miami are people not from the US, it makes sense that this is where the hub is.   After having problems with them myself for a few times now, I honestly believe they might not care. Its not a deal breaker though for me when I look at my bottom line. 

I am afraid the times of great perks for being a TA are long gone.  Now the best perk is just a happy client that comes home and thanks you for helping them have a wonderful vacation with their friends and family!

1 minute ago, MsTabbyKats said:

TAs don't book MSC because if there's an issue....it's hard to get MSC to co-operate.  Things that are simple on other lines (i.e. price change) are "cancel and rebook" on MSC.  They spend a lot of time and make little money.

What she said!!!

Thankfully my clients' cruises haven't had their OBC go missing, but mine did!  

Months before my cruise, I had called MSC's TA line regarding something innocuous. The agent erroneously removed my Voyager's Club OBC, and she couldn't get it back.  I couldn't cancel and rebook due to it being past final payment.

After phone calls, emails to MSC existing reservations, and Voyager's Club, and even the TA business development managers, I had not one reply.  Not one!

It wasn't until I was on the ship, and thankfully in Yacht Club with a concierge who emailed Naples, Italy, that I received my OBC. And no, this wasn't a special TA fare - I paid for Yacht Club because it was a great price when booked last year. 

I am glad it was my own booking that had the issue, but it is unbelievably frustrating to be a TA, trying to do right for your clients (or your own family, in my case!), and realizing that unless you have the email for MSC in Naples, Italy, you are going to have a hard time fixing any issues.  I don't blame other TA's for not wanting to deal with the mess of MSC customer service.

If MSC truly wants to court the North American clientele, they need to improve the customer service.  I am from Europe, but I grew up in America - I am familiar with the different, less "customer focused" mindset for companies overseas, but if you market for the States, someone in corporate has to realize the customer service game needs to step up a notch.

3 minutes ago, shipgeeks said:

GP, You just beat me to it.  We have done a couple of first-cruise-after-a-crossing, and they were just like that.  So many factors come into the whole process.

For those of you who were affected, I'm sad to hear of all the problems you had.  It can happen on any line, though, and I hope you won't give up on MSC.

Yes, it can happen on any other line. The true colours of how a line is run show in the handling of an event that affects so many guests in a negative way. MSC handled the whole 3 day sailing very badly. 
 

This isn’t their first rodeo. They should know what to expect and accommodate.  At least pass out bottles of water and have tents for shade set up. 
 

My family had a cruise on a different line that had what was an unexpected delay in boarding. A ship full of people were waiting outside. That other line had the foresight to set up tents and hand out water. After awhile, the cruise line mascot even came out to greet people. And that was all for an unexpected situation. 
 

This was not unexpected. Then, the continuing onboard issues many experienced were just a lack of quality control. MSC’s home office handled it all terribly. 
 

100% agree.

We were Yacht Club and Diamond members on this cruise.  While our butler and his helper tried to make up for the failings of the MSC main office (no information about pre-cruise questionnaire, no delivery of Diamond perks, newspaper only one day, err make that the 2nd night at turndown, etc), there was no excuse for the overall lack of care nor service on this sailing.

Not to mention, this is not the first time MSC has had a ship at Port Canaveral, nor the first time a ship has had a Coast Guard inspection.  The 4+ hours in a line that snaked around with 3 different turns (at least), the MSC rep that was directing everyone into the crazy long line at boarding, denying that Yacht Club reservations were supposed to go to the white tents to the right (as he told us and and the family in front of us, "they are just going to send you right back to this line and you will lose your place").  

Numerous erroneous charges on shipboard accounts, numerous times being told "trust me, I will take care of it, it will be removed", only to find it never was.  Even being told that an email had to be sent to Naples for accounting (Naples FL? No, Naples Italy!).  Onboard personnel that should have the power to take care of problems can't do anything because they need permission from Naples, Italy.

The whole cruise was just a cluster "flip" (don't believe I am allowed to really say what it was).  

Then debarkation.  Another cluster "flip".  Shipboard account all finally correct on last morning, no issues according to concierge, then we aren't allowed to exit the ship because when the card is scanned, the shipboard account shows "not settled".  Grrrrr.  Get us off this ship!

The one thing this cruise did do was make us glad we were Yacht Club, because not only was boarding easier for us once we walked around the MSC rep that denied we were supposed to go to the white tents (though it still took about an hour to actually get on the ship, which has not been what we have experienced on previous MSC Yacht Club cruises, but at least we were inside and had refreshments), but our butler escort off the ship also helped rectify the issue with the "not settled" shipboard account glitch without having us have to go back up to the concierge.

People not in Yacht Club cabins with the same issues (and oh were there many!) had to get out of line and go back to guest services, figure it out, then once again had to go back into the very long, hours long, line to get off the ship.

MSC Meraviglia was a huge disapointment. 

Oh, and that extra $50 shipboard credit given on the day before we depart, when there isn't really time to go spend that non-refundable credit?  That should have been given on the first night.  No way MSC should have dragged out any type of Goodwill gesture, as it just made people more and more irritated and feeling that MSC had no desire for good (I won't even expect "excellent"!) customer service.  Don't get me wrong, I am glad the MSC powers that be in Naples, Italy, finally realized they had to do something, but it was too little, too late.  

Jury is still out if my family decided to do MSC again.  What we do know is that, if we do sail again, there is no question we will be in Yacht Club, because at least we had a more personal experience with our butler and concierge trying to rectify bad situations.  The people at guest services having to deal with 4,000 or so angry people is something we are so glad we did not have.  If it's going to be a cluster "flip", at least have it be in an area with fewer people!

But hey, Ocean Cay was nice!  At least there was that!

Well that totally stinks.  We had hoped to get on around 11, as that is what we have done on our previous cruises.  Now my boarding pass says 3.  It is already a short cruise, taking away 4 hours of exploration on board with early pool time shortens it even more. Not to mention, denying my taste buds the gelato even longer today!

I know it can't be helped, and what must be done must be done; I am grateful to be able to go on a cruise, I just had to whine a little.😆

If we decided to do the Himalayan Bridge course, what type of shoes are required (closes toe like gym shoes, or sandals with secure ankle straps ok?).  
 

Also, clothing requirements?  Is a tank top and shorts ok or does it have to be long pants and t-shirt?

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

If you don't care for this type of show, I can understand that.  But, in my opinion, the show that I saw on Meraviglia that was a Cirque show was far superior to the same type that I saw on Celebrity Eclipse.  The Bahama Mama was my choice of the ones offered for the show.  Someone must have waved a bottle of Rum over the top of the glass, but forgot to put much--if any--in the glass.  

We do like the Cirque type shows, and have seen a couple of the Cirque du Soleil branded shows inland. The acrobatics tossed into what might or might not be a story on the unique MSC shows (might be different now; haven’t cruised since before Covid stoppage) have always impressed us, but I suppose we just don’t see the value in this option with the drink. Wish it was offered without the drink, but hey, 2 more seats for others to enjoy the production. If it’s anything like what the regular shows offered, it will be impressive!

Thanks for clarifying.

Might just skip those shows in that case.  We have seen a few of the shows on various MSC ships, and they all seem to offer some sort of acrobatic/juggling/dance sequence within them.  Can't see paying for the Cirque type of show when it's similar to the previous offerings from MSC (at least, from what I have watched on youtube).

My family still laughs at the Benny Hill music and dinosaur chase during the MSC version of Peter Pan meets Pirates of the Caribbean a few years ago.  If nothing else, it was definitely quite hilarious, but the acrobatic sequences (which had nothing to do with pirates, or lost boys, or treasure, or even fairies) every 5 minutes or so were truly amazing.  I just don't know if it is something we should make the time for.

Meraviglia has a couple pay shows from Carousel at Sea.  The paid shows include a drink.  We already have the drink package.  Is part of the show payment credited back to us?  

Just seems somewhat redundant.  

Or, is it possible to just reserve the show?  Is there an option on board to just go see the show, or is the only way to see it is to pay for it?

Thank you!  

Filling out the information for an upcoming cruise.  Passport info is in, emergency contact, credit card info, etc.  There is one question that asks if we have been vaccinated, and I answered in the affirmative.  There is no link at all for a health questionnaire.

All info is entered, I have reached the end of the online check-in, and I receive a notice that it is incomplete due to health questionnaire and also a passage contract.  I have gone over everything and cannot find any link to these items.  Is this a new glitch since the Covid testing requirements changed?  Anyone else have this issue recently?

My family and I recently visited La Casa en La Playa.  There were some good things, and some things that have made us decide it isn't a place we would go to again.

The good...

     Mama, the proprietress, is a fun, joyful lady.  We all had some great laughs during the bus ride to and from the excursion.  One caveat - this is not a kid-friendly bus ride if one is wary of having children hear off-colour humour.  It was very suggestive at times.  For adults, well, we laughed.

     The employees all seemed pleasant.  None were pushy, and the only person walking around drumming up business was the person braiding hair.  She was not demanding at all, and we did not find her intrusive as can be the case at some beaches.

     Dogs on premises!  And puppies!  Now, these are beach dogs, not the well-groomed, perfectly clean house dogs some may be used to. As long as you remember that perspective varies on how dogs should be treated from country to country, then you will be fine.  After all, the dogs were very friendly, eager for some petting, and the puppies were adorable little cuties!  

     The included drinks were fine if you are someone that doesn't drink often and thus doesn't know if a drink is a good or bad choice.  Cokes and water tend to be more our style, and there was always a Coke and a bottle of water available at the bar (though I did have one of the included rum drinks and I liked it, but again, I am not a drink connoisseur).

     Lunch was fine, chicken was cooked perfectly, but if you are a strict vegetarian, you may have some trouble finding enough to satisfy your hunger after walking and playing on the beach.

     One can walk the beach in both directions and not be bothered with loud parties.  It was a very quiet area, easy to relax.

     Bathroom was clean.  Did not find a swarm of flies buzzing around, which is always a plus at a beach bathroom.

     Fried plantains were made on site, very fresh, but there was a charge for them so bring some cash if you would like to have some plantains.

The not-so-good...

     We had read about the variety to choose from at the meal.  There was instead a very limited choice.  We had coconut shavings, papaya, sliced cucumbers, salad greens, white rice with a spattering of black beans in it, spaghetti with red sauce, and aforementioned grilled chicken.  There was no fish option, so if you prefer fish for your protein and expect it due to reviews, it was not served while we were there.

     Only one toilet for men, and one toilet for women.  I suppose the ocean is also there if needed (as suggested by a person standing in line), but this did make for lines at the women's toilet, so plan accordingly if you start feeling the need to "freshen up".

     This one was a major problem for us - the glass on the beach.  And in the sand by the chairs.  The glass hidden in the sand as you walk by your beach chair (one could argue that the glass on the beach was swept in from the sea, but there should not be glass as you walk around your beach chair). The broken glass bottles found on the shoreline with jagged edges sticking up.  I had accidently stepped on a hidden jagged edge of a bottle and had the glass poke through my water slippers.  We started picking up glass and had a nice large pile within an hour's time.  There was still plenty left for others to find!

     I have no idea what happens at this beach when tourists aren't there, but I have never been to a private beach with this much broken glass.  It was dangerous.

As I said, there were aspects of this excursion that we did enjoy, but overall, considering the limited meal options that were not as described by the cruiseline, and the glass filled beach, it is not a place I would consider returning to, at least, not for the price that we paid.  

Interesting.  Little bit of time difference there.  

I will wait a week in this case, and if I don't have it by then I will call Princess and hopefully only be on hold for an hour.  🤔

Came home yesterday from our first Princess cruise.  I went to Guest Services the night before departure for my final folio (Medallion was not updating for the last evening), and I was told that I would receive it in my email as soon as I departed the ship.  It has been over 24 hours, and I have nothing.

I do have a charge to my credit card, though.  I do not know what the charge is for, and it would be nice to have that folio.

How long does this normally take?

FYI, this is the first time I have ever left a ship without my final folio in hand. I assumed it would be slipped under my door before departure, but it was not.  Cabin steward said Princess doesn't do that.  I went to Guest Services, crazy long line, and we had to depart so I did not wait.  Figured there would be nothing on it since my last checked balance from the Medallion app was a -- $2.12 .  Curious about this charge on my credit card now.

Wonderful!  Thank you!  

My husband and I probably should have looked into this sooner, but in all honesty, after 4 cancelled Covid cruises, I didn't want to get excited about actually being on a cruise.  Now that the cruise is a week away, I suppose it is actually happening!  And we don't know what to do in Grand Turk!

None of the Princess offerings appeal to us.  We do not wish to sit on a bus and see things through a window.  

My husband really, really enjoys forts and military things.  I like old buildings, churches, and especially uncrowded beaches.  

Are there any recommendations for a tour or private option to see some of the sights on Grand Turk?  Or is it rather easy to rent something and do this on our own with a guidebook?

Dang it!!!

My daughter is getting married end of November on Princess.  Everyone is fully vaccinated already, except the children.

There is a flower girl and a ring bearer that are 7 and 8.  If they could get the vaccine, their parents would have them in line for it.  At this time, they can not get the vaccine.

The families are already booked on the cruise for the wedding.  No one has received any notification yet from Princess that they will not be able to sail with us.  I am hoping this all changes and all of our family and friends will be able to join us when the day arrives. In the mean time, I am not saying anything to the bride.  She is so hopeful that the wedding will be able to happen with all of her loved ones; we chose Princess because it had price points that were affordable, offered a nice wedding experience, end of November was eons away, AND everyone was itching for a little vacation time!

Dang Covid.  

1 minute ago, CineGraphic said:

If you used a travel agent, they can call and have them applied as well.

I am also the TA.  The gift card is not entering on the TA site, just comes up as errors.  The TA phone number is also closed on Sunday, but I thought perhaps all the savvy Princess cruisers here had some other number I wasn't finding, or a way to apply the gift cards without having to bother the agents at Princess.  I suppose they are just closed on Sundays, and the website is not cooperating for TA's or personal use. 

2 minutes ago, Jadn13 said:

You have to call. I applied mine to excursions for Europe 2022.

it’s the normal princess number

1800-774-6237

Thanks. That is the number I tried. Unfortunately closed on Sundays.  Tomorrow is another day I suppose.  

I have purchased a couple of gift cards, and now I would like to apply them to my booking.  How?  Is calling the only way to add it to my booking? I have tried to enter gift cards through my TA portal and it keeps coming up as being an invalid card (but when I go to the gift card website and check the balance, the full balance is listed on the card).  I can not enter it on the Medallion app.   Is calling how everyone else has applied their gift cards? If so, is there a phone number for Princess that is open on Sundays (if so, I am not finding it!)?  

21 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

If it's like the BVE then any "booked" guest can also bring on their duty-free bottle of wine for the "voyage" and then leave it behind with the folks who are actually sailing.

Oh?  Hmm, this may be a great idea!

Thank you, skynight!  Do you mind if I copy your reply and send it on to the concerned guests?  I realize they are waiting for a reply from the wedding planner directly, but your explanation seems very thorough and informative, which should help alleviate any worries about missing the wedding!

Copied and pasted from Princess page -

Hoping to hear that someone on this board has experienced a Harborside wedding and has some insight.

We will be attending a wedding on a Princess Cruise.  The wedding is taking place the day of departure.  We are expected to be at the ship 2.5 - 3 hours before standard boarding.

How do the people manning the gates to the port know that we are supposed to be arriving for this?  Do they receive a list that tells them to let the wedding guests into the port and parking garages at an earlier time?  

We have been on other cruises where you aren't allowed into the port area until a certain time, and thus there will be a line of cars waiting to enter the port.  The fear is that we will be stuck in that line and totally miss the wedding.  Does anyone here have experience with arriving early for an event on the ship?

And my second post on this from Princess page, in reply to a question -

The wedding planner from Princess is not sure what the process is to ensure access to the port for early arrival.  Perhaps this wedding planner is new?  I do not know.  She has previously mentioned that she is the only planner contracted for a few other cruiselines and has a lot on her docket.  

I just know I am tired of waiting for an "official" answer and was hoping that someone here had previously done a Harborside wedding and could fill me in on the procedure to ensure early arrival and parking.  

Most of our guests have never sailed from Port Everglades, and are unsure of what the pre-cruise lines look like.  My experience when sailing DCL from Port Canaveral is that early arrivals have to wait and are not allowed to enter the drop-off and parking zones until a later time (perhaps 11:00?).  I have not shown up early for other cruise lines so I do not know if this is different at other ports with other cruiselines.

There are some guests to this wedding that are causing great anxiety, and sucking in other attendees, with their fear of not being able to enter the port in time and park so that we can get on the ship for the wedding.  I was hoping to allay some of that fear by learning about what others experienced.  

12 minutes ago, runner2013 said:

Luvavacation, 

There is a specialty board titled Honeymoon and Wedding cruises. You many want to post this question on that board.(or do a search to see if it's already been asked in the past)  Since it's dedicated to all things cruise wedding related, there may be some good advice on it. I'm planning a wedding and i've found it extremely helpful . 

🤞

I didn't realize that!  Thanks, I will go and check on that board shortly!😊

Yes, it a Harborside wedding, taking place before the ship leaves port.  

The wedding planner from Princess is not sure what the process is to ensure access to the port for early arrival.  Perhaps this wedding planner is new?  I do not know.  She has previously mentioned that she is the only planner contracted for a few other cruiselines and has a lot on her docket.  

I just know I am tired of waiting for an "official" answer and was hoping that someone here had previously done a Harborside wedding and could fill me in on the procedure to ensure early arrival and parking.  

Most of our guests have never sailed from Port Everglades, and are unsure of what the pre-cruise lines look like.  My experience when sailing DCL from Port Canaveral is that early arrivals have to wait and are not allowed to enter the drop-off and parking zones until a later time (perhaps 11:00?).  I have not shown up early for other cruise lines so I do not know if this is different at other ports with other cruiselines.

There are some guests to this wedding that are causing great anxiety, and sucking in other attendees, with their fear of not being able to enter the port in time and park so that we can get on the ship for the wedding.  I was hoping to allay some of that fear by learning about what others experienced.