MsTabbyKats

@DaKahunaSorry you're wife was disappointed with the Udon noodles...but if she's from Japan (or really any country other than Italy).....chefs will interpret ethnic food with their own slant. You should see what I've encountered with "bagels". Just because it's round, with a hold in the middle....no, that doesn't make it a bagel.

You don't need a balcony....(unless you want privacy) There is a dedicated small elevator that takes you right up to the pool deck. From cabin to pool deck it was about 1 minute!

DH was completely against butler service....always, but age caught up with him (and I don't like being THE butler) so we tried YC. He loved it. Ours never invaded our space. You can opt to not use the butler for certain things (accompany you to the theatre, carry your own food to the table in the buffet etc.) but they really come in handy! As far as "formal dress",,,not at all. Some people may....not us. I wear "whateve" I have on....most likely capris and a t-shirt. There was always plenty of seating everywhere....even in the whirlpool. I wouldn't sail on MSC out of the YC!

@jimbo5544I love terryaki chicken and I love pizza...but I dont' want a mixed marriage! 🙂

My rule...be neat, be clean...and dress like a grown-up.

People are going to say they tip this one and that one $100/day and more. We tipped, but not extravagently...because MSC "encourages one NOT to tip". In general, we are low maintenance, but DH is not what he used to be and he needed the help. We actually felt guilty because we were not very generous. On the upcoming April cruise, assuming the service is just as good....they'll be getting more. I can't but a $$$ on it....it's what it's worth to you.

MSC is the best when it comes to pizza. I'd never bother with pizza on another ship. I'm an old NYer....I remember when pizza was pizza. Ever since the "little old Italian guy" on my corner retired I've had to compromise and make due with what millenials consider pizza.

@DaKahunaWhere do you live in NOVA? My son lives in Rosslyn, Arlingon...and his running clinic somewhere in NOVA was canceled.

The one thing to keep in mind about the YC Inside....minimal storage space. DH and I take one carry-on each...it's sufficient. But if you change clothing multiple times a day, or bring a lot of shoes...try to cut back. For $3200...YC is well worth it!

My TA gives me approx 10% discount.

@morpheusoftheseaforgot a few things! Yacht Club includes spa access. Yacht Club has breakfast/lunch buffets poolside. Yacht Club has pizza delivery...imho....best pizza ever (pizza snob here). Wifi/drinks included...no extra charge. I've never been in the Haven...but when you look at "what you get".....you'll get a lot more bang for your buck in YC.

Our first cruise on MSC was the Davina, in 2015. I told people that it was "like being in Italy, without having to fly there".

Jointly #2 and #3. There are people who expect "champagne service for the cost of beer". And...they expect the crew to be their servants. Many years ago, I was on a Carnival cruise, inside cabin. The people across the hall from me were complaining about the quality of the steak (included) and that it wasn't as good as "Blah blah blah Steakhouse". My response was, a good meal at Blah Blah's is probably about $XX. Your cabin (it was a 4 day cruise) for the enire trip, probably didn't cost that much more. So what did you expect?

Are they having the breakfast/lunch buffets by the pool deck?

@DaKahunaYour picture clearly shows the tub/shower combo. Is there also a walk-in shower?

Always....call back and ask the next representative. Occationally there is one that "actually makes sense".

To point out....DH and I did it, for about $40 round trip (including tip). The taxi drivers at the port wanted at least $25 (without tip) one way. Uber/Lyfts are abundant there.... Not sure how you would even get a taxi when not at the port!

We were recently on a Carnival cruise that stopped in Miami. We took a Lyft from the port to LIttle Havana...total cost for round trip was about $40.

If your in YC...you'll love it. We did our first YC only because DH "is getting on in years" (mobility issues) and he really needed the service. We became YC converts. Since then we did 2 "with the masses" sailings (NCL, CCL) and although both were fine (I was his personal butler)....YC is just so much better. His favorite thing was freshly grilled fish on the pool deck for lunch. I swear, he came off that sailing "10 years younger" than when he boarded. I have 2 YCs booked for 2024...not looking anywhere else. Enjoy your trip and report back!

Are Haven deposits refundable?

This policy has been like this since I can remember. When you book, If you book online, the website says that it's non-refundable. The TA should have told you when booking.

@JAGRSo sorry to hear about your wife. Make her comfortable and show her lots of love. DH and I are both cancer surviviors....we know the value of enjoying each day, because you never know what tomorrow brings. Glad MSC did right by you.......

I get it. Personally, I'm thrilled with unlimited bottles of water anywhere on the ship.

What was the benefit of booking onboard? When they say "change"....do they mean to a different date?

Included (not free..lol)....anywhere on the ship!