LostAtSeaForever

On 6/16/2024 at 2:43 PM, At Sea At Peace said:

 

Well, thanks for the honest updates.  Doesn't bode well for our initial 2025 end of year plans.  Just changed 2 planned Explora Journeys in PH Penthouse B2B in late November early December 2025 for a B2B on MSC World America in a Royal Suite in the Yacht Club.  FYI, it was even $2,000 less and the EJ quote didn't include 'fees!"

 

This surprises me. We booked a April 2025 World America 7 day cruise in YC for only $300 less then we booked a January 2025 9 day Explorer II. 

 EJ should only offer loyal Yacht Club cruisers awesome deals. We have been on over 26 Yacht club cruises would only Cruise MSC in yacht club. We were recently told that post-COVID MSC is sailing with full ships. YC is not always booked solid ( out of USA) they are filling Yacht Club with guests bidding for upgrades.  This is attracting a different clientele into Yacht Club, especially on shorter cruises.  They usually don't pan out to be repeat YC cruisers due to cost. 

Also, the large number of travel agents on board EJ is due to the very low rate TAs are offered to cruise. $200-$250 a day even if they have never sold an EJ Cruise. Plus TAs and “Influencers” are given free upgrades to the larger cabins. I think EJ needs to show a little gratitude to paying guests. We will talk about our EJ experience to like-minded friends and family and invite them to Cruise with us. Any TA I've dealt with just answers the phone and books the cruise I ask them to.  #JMHO 

28 minutes ago, bac513 said:

Thanks.  Trying to remember.  Can you call the phone number early and then beat the crowd downstairs via elevator?

Can we please not spread that around or it will be over crowded and no longer a way to beat the crowds. 

I took my own just in case and was glad I did. The body wash & shampoo were fine but hair conditioner I needed my own. 

19 hours ago, gymfreak said:

I am currently on the ship and two nights ago fell down these steps. Inured my left side and head and few other bumps and bruises. Just beginning to feel a bit better and not wince when turning over. I was somewhat lucky because it could have ended much worse.

I received instant excellent care from the medical team.

Will definitely avoid this route for the rest of the cruise!

We were on November cruise and a man in our party also nose dived on those stairs. Luckily he was ok. They are very slippery. 

On 1/19/2024 at 3:34 PM, 3dogmom said:

I booked the EVOCATIVE SCENERY OF THE ISLE OF LEWIS: PORT NESS AND ITS LIGHTHOUSE tour.

 

Please join the group on the social media site if your sailing September 7th!

I am also on this cruise and sounds like we are on all the same tours. On your Own  Dublin, evocative Scenery Isle of Lewis. I am also in fb group

They've been saying Diamond plus is coming soon for 6 years 

We had OT2 for two weeks. We found room to be very small. And doubt it’s 300 sq foot as they claim. Two people could not move around room at same time. We brought chair in from balcony to use as couch is small and awkward for two to sit on at same time. We are not large people. Not enough storage to put things away so at times room felt clutter. 
 

Dressing area, was small and chair is low. Was fine for me because I’m not big. We did remove the hair dryer from form (stored under bed) in drawer so I could put more things away. 
 

Room is beautifully appointed and had features we loved. Heated bathroom floor, motion lights in nightstands, day bed on balcony. Bed although hard was very comfortable. 
 

We tried to upgrade to a lower level penthouse since we only had about 500 guests on board. We were told the penthouses were all given to travel agents. We had a lot on board.

In our group everyone was disappointed with the Ocean Terrace rooms size. They were smaller than expected. Did it ruin any ones cruise ABSOLUTLY NOT! 

Part of the cluster mess in port on Friday was because they were letting Travel Agents tour the ship.  So boarding did not begin until after 11 and there was no real direction from anyone so everyone made for the check in area…who can blame them! No mimosas, champagne or any other delights in the waiting area other than funky tasting cucumber water. Did not feel like luxury cruise line. 
 

We had OT1 cabin and it was very small and narrow. We went to customer service to inquire about upgrading. Especially since we heard only 450 on board so we expected availability. They literally told us the only thing they had were the very best premium penthouses and above because all the TA’s were upgraded to the penthouses. Did not sit well with us or others we know that also inquired about upgrading because the Ocean Terrace Categories are quite small not at all as promised. They wanted another 10k to upgrade!! Unbelievable!!! there also was no room for negotiation.  
 

The night from Miami to Key West it was also quite loud in our cabin. Ship groaned and moaned all night. Second evening was much quieter. 
 

Food and service is amazing as reported and ship is lovely. Although the very low chairs are a struggle for some. 

33 minutes ago, Whipsnade said:

One thing for sure, you won’t need any formal wear. In our 30 days there was only one person who wire a tux and that was me. I will nit bring it in my next Explora cruise. 
I just wouldn’t go to Fils Rouge in the evening without a jacket out of respect fir the venue. I was in the minority. 

That’s classy I appreciate when people put their best forward. 

We are sailing Nov 3 in Caribbean. My husband packed 3 sports coats, collared shirts and slacks. We live in Florida where life is always casual. We booked this cruise two years ago. It feels special to us and we want it to be.  Will he wear a jacket every night…..No but he will wear one on occasion.