Avril

2 hours ago, Até said:

I think that sailing only offered the 431 All Inclusive restaurant & bar classic package which was a little different than the 534 Classic package offered for US sailings.  From reports I've seen you may have a significantly limited selection of bottled beers, but otherwise a decent selection of drinks.  The attached list should be fairly accurate for your sailing.  The X mark for wine over €10 on 431 package is a typo, I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be wine under €10.

What’s the difference between the Classic Package (not sure what they call it now) and the All Inclusive Restaurant and Bar Package? Are there some places we can’t use it or something? I don’t really care about canned beer, when I have a beer it’s almost always draft. As long as I can get the majority of cocktails (which I understand you can’t wait the Easy Package), wines, other drinks, gelato (which I think is included in Aurea), etc and can use it anywhere on the ship I’ll be a happy cruiser. 😀🛳 We can’t get our tickets, boarding passes, etc yet since we’re still 124 days away from sailing.

2 hours ago, Epos Man said:

it'll be the equivalent to the original classic package that you had included in the original booking when you are able to get your tickets it will have package that was included in the paperwork

Ok, thanks!! 😀 I figured it would be the equivalant to Classic and I have heard of people getting just that but I’ve also heard a few stories about people having to go and argue (and show proof of when they booked) with the Staff at Guest Services to get what they booked and paid for. I just wanted to know which was right/more commen to get an idea of what to expect. It wouldn’t bother me having to pay for the upgrade but it’s even better if we don’t have to.

I’m sailing on the Meraviglia Transatlantic from Kiel to New York City in September 2019, super excited!! 😀 I’m wondering about which drink Package we’ll get with our cabin. We’re booked in an Aurea Balcony with an included drink package. When we booked in February 2018, it was the Classic (I think that’s what it was called anyway) package but they changed their packages after we booked. I don’t like the Easy Package and it’s not what we agreed to and paid for when we booked. I’m just wondering, will they give us the equivalent to the Classic Package (since we booked before they changed the packages) or will we have to pay to upgrade to the equivalent of the Classic Package when we get onboard the ship? We do have proof of when we booked if that makes a difference. I hope this all makes sense, haha. Thanks!! 😀

I'm sailing on the Pearl for Christmas and New Years 2019/2020 and a wondering about being able to use your ship card for purchases (at the pool bar) on Harvest Caye. I was there once before on the Jade and someone (another passenger) told me that your ship card was accepted for buying drinks at the pool bar (you have to still pay for them though, beverage package isn't accepted) but I just read an article that said you cant use your ship card on the island. Which is correct? I hope this makes sense, haha. It would be great not having to carry around as much cash or a credit card!! 😄

Has the price of Cheers changed at all? I'm sailing on the Horizon on December 1st, 2018 and am planning on buying it before our cruise so would like to know if it'll be more expensive than my cruise (which was also on Horizon) in May 2018. Thanks!! [emoji3]

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157 Days, can't wait!! [emoji3] We're doing an 11 Day Eastern Caribbean Christmas and New Years cruise on the Gem.

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136 Days, can't wait!! [emoji3] We're doing an 8 Day Eastern Caribbean on the Horizon. It'll be our 2nd time on the Horizon, we did the 14 Day Transatlantic in May as well.

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Yes, we were on The Dawn last Christmas and they made a huge deal! Tree Lighting, Christmas Carols, Santa reading stories, Gifts and pictures for all the kids. I loved how so many families dressed in matching Christmas PJ'S and waited in line to meet Santa Christmas morning for pictures and a gift from Santa! By far my favorite cruise!

Sounds great!! [emoji3]❤️ I have Christmas themed outfits (a couple dresses, shorts, ugly Christmas Sweater, bikini, etc) from my Christmas cruise last year that I'm going to bring on this one as well. It just adds to the fun!! Where did you sail out of? Someone a couple posts ago said they might not do all that on sailings out of NYC because there are many onboard who may not celebrate Christmas. Which is fine by me (it's great to be inclusive and respectful of everyone), I just want to be prepared and have a better idea of what to expect.

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That would be disappointing (especially if they didn't do anything)!! [emoji25] Why, do they not care (or think they're passengers don't care) about Christmas? I didn't think what MSC did was over the top at all.

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You might be able to ask the bartenders for a straw when you get a drink. I was on Carnival recently and they've eliminated straws as well however, of you asked the bartender for one he/she would give it to you. It might be the same on NCL.

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I'll be on the Gem for both Christmas and New Years 2018/2019, can't wait!! [emoji3] I've been on NCL for New Years before but never for Christmas. What sort of activities, events, parties, etc will they have on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? I was onboard the MSC Divina for Christmas 2017 and they had a Tree Lighting Ceremony in the atrium and we sang Christmas Carols, a Traditional Christmas Dinner (turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, etc), on Christmas Eve they read The Night Before Christmas and sang more Carols in the atrium, Santa visited the ship on Christmas Day, they had a Midnight Mass, and some holiday related games/activities on the pool deck. Does NCL do the same (or close to it)? Also, how many formal nights (I know they're optional on NCL but I like dressing up for them) will they have for a cruise that includes both Christmas and New Years? We will be in port (from 4pm-10pm I think) on Christmas Day if that changes anything. Thanks!!!! [emoji3]

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The wrist band has an RFID chip. The cruise card also has an RFID chip inside. So basically you can use the wristband the same way you use the card (except for leaving/boarding the ship). You can open the cabin door, pay anything onboard and use it for the lockers in the Thermal Area. The advantage of the wrist band is that it´s water resistant and you can wear it on the slides, in the pool, in the Thermal Area... and don´t have to worry where to put your card.

 

 

 

On the MSC Seaside it was included for Aurea, Wellness and Yacht Club. Bella and Fantastica were able to buy it for 4.99 USD.

 

 

 

steamboats

Oh, ok!! Awesome. [emoji3] I don't have to worry about carrying my card around then? Not that it's ever been a problem, I just put it on a lanyard and wear it. Haven't lost a card yet!! I think I'd be worried about the wristband coming undone and falling off though. How secure is the buckle/clasp? That's great to know it's waterproof!! Not having to worry about where to put the card while swimming is great.

Do you know if it's free for Aurea cabins on the Meraviglia as well? That's the one we're going on!! [emoji3]

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App uses free intranet/hot spots throughout ship.

Not using wrist bands so will not speak to that.

We use app for gps/deck plans and how to get from place to place.

Reserve shows, dining, spa, etc...

Look at menus, excursions, my itinerary and bookings, weather, port details...dailies and other shipboard info.

Very easy to use on android, iphone and ipad.

 

Cheers

Thanks!! [emoji3] WOW, is the ship so big you need a GPS to get around? I've never felt the need for that and I've been on some huge ships. I love the sound of being able to reserve things and check the dinner menus on the app!! I already have it downloaded on my iPhone, can't wait to try it out!! [emoji3]

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You all were super helpful when I was getting ready to go on my 1st MSC cruise this past December/January and I'm hoping you'll be just as helpful as I get ready for my 2nd. :D I'm sailing on the Meraviglia in September 2019 (going on the Transatlantic from Germany to New York) and am wondering about the MSC for Me App (which I've already downloaded) and Wristband. A few questions. What does the app do and do I need to sign up for it or pay for it when we board the ship? Do you have to somehow connect your wristband to your phone/app for it to work? What can you do with the wristband? How do you get the wristband and does it cost anything? We have an Aurea Balcony if it makes a difference. Thanks!! [emoji3]

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Those of you familiar with the old Terminal F will appreciate the tremendous amount of seating in the new terminal. This is looking into what used to be the combined seating area, lines for check in and the check-in counters (used to be on the far right wall).

 

Bret

WOW, that looks awesome!! :D I hope we get to use that one instead of the old one. But like I said in my last post, the Seaside will be in Miami for the 1st time at the same time as us and I'm sure they'll put the new ship in the new terminal and we'll get the old one (I'm assuming they still use the old one).

Yes you can definitely check in earlier and no they do not check your documents for the time HOWEVER . . . Do yourself a favor and don't get there too early. I am like you, in that I like to get on board ASAP and get my vacation started ! But sometimes the previous cruise is late in disembarking due to customs problems which means your embarking is delayed and your stuck hanging out in the terminal . Now I am not familiar with the newly built Terminal F , but the old terminal was a chaotic mess. The waiting area was crowded and you could not hear the boarding announcements . Lots of angry cruisers with bad manners !

 

I suggest not arriving til noon . By then all the early boarders are through the lines and you can scoot right on.

 

Happy travels and Bon Voyage ! You are gonna truly love the amazing Divina !

Awesome, thanks!! :D No, we try not to get there too early. We were thinking 10:30-11am. You think that's too early? We like to be some of the 1st onboard, haha. It's great to get on ASAP and let the fun begin!! :D That's true though, there can be problems with the previous cruise debarking and embarking can be delayed. I've had that happen a couple of times. The old terminal was a mess huh? How so? I'm guessing that's the one we'll be using (I'm assuming they still use the old one) because the Seaside will be in Miami for the 1st time at the same time as us and I'm sure they'll want to use the new terminal for the new ship. Which sucks for us but oh well. I don't really mind waiting in the terminal, it's better to be around a whole bunch of excited and (hopefully) happy cruisers than to be sitting in a hotel lobby. Oh, I know what you mean by angry cruisers!! I've seen quite a few over the years, haha. And not just in the terminal. Scooting right on sounds good though!! :D We were hoping to be onboard by 11:30 or Noon.

Thanks so much!! We're driving to Florida so we're leaving on Monday and will be in Miami sometime on Thursday (we live in Canada just outside of Toronto). I'm sure we will love the Divina, this is our 1st MSC cruise and we're really looking forward to it!!!!:D

Doors open about 1030-1045 for check-in. Boarding starts about 1130-1200.

Ok, thanks!! :D So we can just ignore the 16:45 time on our documents and show up at 10:30-10:45 and they'll let us in to check in? Do they even check the time on your documents when you show up?

I'm getting ready to sail on the Divina in 11 Days, can't wait!! :D I was looking at our Cruise Ticket/Boarding Documents and noticed that it says our Check In Time is 16:45. Do we have to wait till then to Check In and Board or can we do that earlier? We're Gold Voyagers Club members (got it through Status Match) so we don't have Priority Boarding or anything. I was hoping to check in around 10:30-11am and be onboard by Noon. I like to get on as early as possible so I can have lunch onboard, a drink or 2 (or a few, haha), and explore the ship (and maybe go for a swim in the pool). How strict is MSC with the check in times? Thanks!! :D

Sign up for "meet and mingle" if you haven't and you should be invited to a nice reception with captain and some staff (and champagne/hors d'oeuvres).

 

 

I'm sure the cruise over the holidays will be fabulous - enjoy!

We have signed up for the Meet and Mingle, I'm looking forward to it!! :D How do we find out when and where it will be? I got an email saying there will be one onboard but it said nothing about time or location.

I'm sure cruising over the holidays will be fabulous!! I've been on a cruise several times for New Years but never for Christmas, this time we get to be onboard for both!! :D

Just got off the Divina this past Saturday. We purchased the 18 vouchers package before we got onto the ship and they were already sitting in an envelope on the bed when we checked into our room on Day 1.

Oh, ok!! I can take having to stop at the casino to pick them up off my list then. Thanks!! :D

I'm sailing on the Divina in 19 Days (leaving for Florida in 14 Days)!! :D It'll be my 1st MSC cruise so I have been trying to read and learn as much as I can about both the Divina and MSC in general. I've been making a list of little tips/tricks that (I hope) will help make our cruise better and easier, just little things that are good/useful to know. Here is my list so far and I'm wondering if anyone has anything else I should know about and add? It can be literally anything specific to the Divina or just MSC in general.

- Can register credit card either the 1st or 2nd day

- Go to casino after boarding to get drink vouchers (we have the Fantastica Experience)

- Use exterior Promenade Deck to bypass choke point in the Golden Jazz Lounge (Embarkation Day)

- Go to Sports Bar for lunch, less busy than buffet (Embarkation Day)

- 1st Formal Night, there may be some free cocktails at Wine Bar around 5pm

- Remove card from power slot when leaving the cabin, changes the colour of subtle lights outside door so Cabin Steward know cabin is empty so he/she can clean

Anything else I've missed? It's a 12 Day cruise if that matters and means there are more and/or different things I should know than if it was a 7 Day cruise. Thanks!! :D

Effective 10/16/17, the 18 voucher package (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and the 7 bottle house wine package were canceled. Maybe others I have not discovered. Packages that were already purchased will be honored onboard but no new sales as of that date. This decision, which came from the corporate office in Europe, completely blindsided the folks in the USA office (many thought it was just an IT glitch for over a week) and is creating numerous problems internally.

 

So far, no new package replacements have been announced.

 

Bret

Does this include vouchers that come with the Experiences? We're booked in a Fantastica Balcony for our Christmas and new Years cruise and are supposed to get 12 free drink vouchers. Will we still get these? We're sailing 12/23/17 on the Divina if that makes a difference. It'll be my 1st MSC cruise and I can't wait to get onboard!!!! :D

Thanks everyone, I was able to get it done in the end. :D I think it was just a minor problem with MSC's website. I'm looking forward to getting our Tickets/Boarding Passes and Luggage Tags in a week or 2 and really looking forward to getting onboard!! :D

When I press the button to flush my toilet, sometimes it flushes immediately. More often, though, it takes 2 to 10 seconds to actually flush. While it's waiting, it makes this high pitch whining noise.

 

What's going on here? Why is there sometimes a variable delay for the toilet to flush? Is it contemplating its life choices? Considering going on strike? Can adjacent toilets not flush at the same time lest the cabins explode so they have to coordinate?

Thanks for asking!! :D I've noticed this on several of my cruises and not just with Carnival. Sometime it takes longer than a few seconds to flush, more like a minute or 2. I just keep hitting the button until it flushes, haha. I've never heard a high pitched whining noise though, that's a new one. Just out of curiosity, what ship are you on?

I'm trying to do my Web Check In for my cruise on the Divina. :D When I click on "Start Web Check-In" on MSC's website beside each name on the booking (there's 2 of us sailing), nothing happens. I get a little twirlly thing like it's thinking and then nothing. I'm 34 days away from sailing. Am I too early to do web check in or what else could the problem be? This is my 1st cruise with MSC so I have no idea how everything works. Thanks!! :D

I really loved the show (for lack of a better word) at the end of my cruise on Breakaway in January and was a bit sad when they didn't do it when I was on the Jade in April. I'm talking about when they do the song "You Are Norwegian Now". I have 2 questions. 1st, does anyone have the written lyrics for the song? There are a couple lines I can't figure out and would love to see the whole thing written down. 2nd, do they still do this show/song on the Star? I'm sailing on her in April 2018 and would love to see/hear it again (even though it means the end of the cruise so is not the best cruise moment by far)!! Thanks!! :D