luvabargain

Question for those who have used the spa/packages. I'm planning on getting either the relaxing touch for 2 (30 min. bali massage + tea) or the Relaxing Wave for couples (30 min. bali massage + 30 min. specific facial treatment for $55 more). Has anyone done either these or both? I'm wondering what the facial treatment entails and if it is worth the extra $55? If it's just all about slapping some goop on and trying to get me to buy creams, then it's not something I'm interested in, but if it's an actual facial massage, I'm more interested. This will be on Seaside.

May 2002 - Carnival Ecstasy.

Thanks for your trip report. I enjoyed reading it.

I've heard of painted rocks, but not cruising ducks. Sounds fun, something I might do while dh rolls his eyes. LOL

We were upgraded from a Bella Balcony to a Fantastica Balcony. It was about 2 weeks after we booked.

The same is true for the MileagePlus Club card. I wonder if Chase is also downgrading the Sapphire Reserve trip insurance.

 

 

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I just read a news report that Chase Sapphire will be cutting back some benefits, set to take place in late summer.

It was very easy for us to do. We are just a measly gold on Carnival, and we got status matched to silver on MSC. I'm pleased with that - it gained us a few perks that we didn't otherwise earn.

The best thing to do would be to ask the insurance broker directly. I see where they have phone #'s, chats and e-mail available for questions. They will be able to answer your question the best as to how to split up the costs.

Taxi. It's most definitely not a short walk from the port - you have to go quite a ways and then cross over a bridge, and then it's still a bit of a ways. You can also do a water taxi, but I think a regular taxi would be better. If you have time and like the beach, when you're done at Atlantis, go next door to the public Cabbage Beach area for some water and sun time. It's a beautiful fun free beach.

The offer for the other cruise lines (Carnival (I think), Princess, Holland, etc.), someone on CC very nicely posted a link to the offer.

 

Many of us, me included, were able to find the offer through that link, even though we couldn't see/find it by logging in to our own Amex accounts. That's why I asked that question.

 

Maybe someone will post the link. I'm looking at an MSC cruise and I would love the $100 off discount.

Good to know. I will try and see if I can find the link.

Almost anything complained of that could be fixed, has been.

 

- no more smells (beyond the norm)

- all pax now eat in main dining rooms, rather than spiffed up buffet

- no plumbing problems being reported (beyond the norm)

- buffet food has been "upgraded" - more variety, most pax seem more than satisfied

- no more opera (much to the dismay of at least some of us)

- few complaints of staff not speaking/understanding english

 

Some things can't be fixed of course, such as lack of a walking/running track.

 

And some things still need to be fixed such as more shade in the YC :)

I'm glad they really listened to their customers, it shows good business practice, but a tad bummed on a couple of things, but not a big deal. I was actually looking forward to dining in the converted buffet area, as I thought it kind of looked nicer than the dining room, and with a much better view (from photos ppl have posted). Also was looking forward to experiencing an opera show, as I've never been to one IRL and wanted to see what it's like. It would be the only time I would be able to convince my husband to go with me. LOL

I checked my AMEX and unfortunately it does not have MSC in its offer, although it does other lines like somebody else mentioned. Boo. I am coming up on the 90 day ticker fast, and that would be a nice bonus, but oh well. I will try to remember to check on things like that more often.

You guys are funny. I love your review, and your light hearted perspective.

Thanks for the review. Unfortunately I am unable to see your photos.

Guys I am happy to report back that our flight in on the day of the cruise went smooth! Our flight leaving was delayed only a few minutes due to several handicap passengers needing to be loaded, but we arrived in plenty of time and all was very smooth. I know this might not always be the case but this time at least for us was good!

So glad it worked out for you! I hope you had a wonderful time.

I am going to be controversial here but why should people expect a discount to be applied to a cruise that has already been booked at a price you were happy with?

The status match should be done before you make the booking if you want to receive the discount!

And yes we did the match after we had made our first booking and paid for it!

We got the discount on our other 2 bookings the following years!

 

 

 

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I expect it because MSC offers it. I am fine with the price I paid, but I found out about the status match after booking, and I also found out about the govt. discount after booking. If they offer it and allow it, I will take it. I am also in the refundable deposit stage, so I can just re-book if necessary to get the savings - I noticed a small price drop today for my sailing.

For those who had a tough time getting their status match - I did mine and hubby's night before last and today we both got e-mails with the updated voyager's club card - no hassle whatsoever. I had been under the impression when I booked the cruise last week that only those who would be eligible for black card status would be able to get a status match, and then I started reading more about it a couple of days ago and that's when I discovered that I could be matched to the silver per MSC's policy.

Because cruise ships are pretty reliable at getting to port of debarkation on time, there seems little risk as long as the second cruise is from the same port , or a nearby one - see Fort Lauderdale and Miami, or New York and Bayonne or Brooklyn.

 

The problem I’d see is the wasted day and hassle - boarding and debarking, as well as packing and unpacking, are annoying processes -best avoided.

I don't see it as a problem. embarkation and debarkation are just small irritations to pay for having fun. They're over before you know it. I also don't see it as a wasted day. We'll plan some sort of adventure or sightseeing and make the most of our extra day in-between. As far as packing and unpacking - I take short travel trips for work frequently, so I have that down to a science. In fact, I have my carry-on bag packed with essentials at all times, just minus the clothes. The hard part will be to convince hubby that he can pack a carry-on only. I will probably lose that one, especially since we get a free checked luggage with the airlines. I just hate dealing with luggage.

MSC is superior to Carnival.

Somebody on a FB group told me I was downgrading. LOL I don't care, we're looking forward to it.

I've only been to the Caribbean twice, and neither time included Nassau, nor is it on our itinerary next year to the Caribbean. Having read so much - mainly negative - about it, I'd love to see it for myself.

 

Of the few islands we have visited, we really enjoyed St Maarten. We had the most wonderful tour guide who gave us a fantastic day out.

I love Nassau and it puzzles me why so many are so negative about it. Downtown has a fun vibe and the beaches are gorgeous. Despite all the negative on the boards, a lot of ppl must like it because the ships still go there and cruisers seem to really enjoy their time there - so much that there are a lot of pier runners, and ppl who miss their ships.

I did a status match, received a 5% and then found that as a government employee, I got a 10% discount so they repriced!!:D

I booked the Seaside for Dec. 15th

Can you tell me how you did that? They had that option when I first started looking in Jan/early Feb, but when I was ready to book it wasn't there. Hubby and I are both Fed.

You have the absolutely perfect screen name to enjoy Seaside!! Seriously, it's a great value oriented vacation!! I'm still considering Seaside because I know what to expect, and the prices keep dropping. It's hard to book something else when this beautiful new ship is 50% less.

 

I don't think CC likes prices discussions, but you have seen where Seaside is going for $499 for a BALCONY in August right (and that is before all the other TA and loyalty perks kick in)? If you have just booked today there is probably a chance to reprice. Also, if you match status with Carnival you can most likely get an extra 5% if you haven't yet. Just trying to help :)

I have been keeping an eye open every day for price drops and never saw the $499/balcony. We booked at $579 which is still a great price, but I'm all for price-dropping and saving every bit I can. How do you match status with Carnival? I guess I should have gone with a TA this time, but I didn't since I searched and didn't see any offering OBC or extra perks at the time of booking. The week prior there were better deals, but hubby didn't have his vacation days squared away yet and I didn't want to put the cart before the horse, so to speak.

I always take it with me.

As long as you don’t go on vacation WITHOUT your kids. You’re fine. I hate when parents leave their youngsters at home and go vacation. One or two night getaway is fine but not a whole week or more.

 

 

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Our first cruise was without our kids. They were 3 and 6 at the time. We went with 2 other couples for a 4 night kid-free getaway. This was the first time we'd gone out of town and left our kids. Actually, we had to take them 3 hours away to stay with their grandparents, but the kids had a great time, the grandparents had a great time and we had a great time. It was good for all of us.

My kids are grown now, but we pulled them out of school when they were younger to go on a cruise. it was the only time that worked out for us and hubby was getting ready to move away for his job and it would be a year before the kids and I would be able to permanently move to where he was. OR to TX.

The cruise was the end of April/1st of May and they were in 3rd and 6th grades at the time. It was great. Their teachers all said to have a great time and they would catch them up on their schoolwork when they got back.

So, I did it! Yesterday we hashed out our cruise plans and I booked a 4 night RCI cruise for August 13 and then a 7 night MSC cruise for August 18. My vacation days are the 11-26 and hubby was able to match his up, so that gives us the perfect time for these cruises. We have only cruised Carnival and it took some convincing to get hubby to agree to 2 cruises, especially ones that weren't Carnival, but not as much convincing as I'd thought. (I won't show him all the negative reviews and postings, especially regarding the Seaside - I always keep those to myself because we will have a wonderful time, we don't sweat the small stuff and let it ruin our vacations.)

Now the hard part - waiting. I know it's only 6 months, but I've never booked a cruise farther out the 3 1/2 months. Oh well, more time to look forward to it.