alohayall

On 10/4/2023 at 2:51 PM, Stem to Stern said:

We like to DIY in port.  Is it safe to walk around Puerto Plata say from the ship to umbrella street?

We did it last year (Oct). Lots of police / military present as crossing guards.  Very safe feeling walking from port and around the downtown area (two 60+ yo women).

Sailed in a studio/solo cabin on the Encore, Sep 2021.
 

I would rather have paid the same (or less) and been in a regular cabin - more square footage and storage, principally.  
 

The door to the Lounge was often left propped open and the meet-up was open to all solo cruisers.  I made no use of the refreshments offered and made friends out and about on the ship (actually couples), so my only benefit was having a different room experience.  
 

The cruise fare offered was a 70% off second guest, so supplement in a regular cabin would have been 30% v normal 100%.

41 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Well!  That was quite a change since 2020.  

That’s a change since Sep 2021.

36 minutes ago, Missymssy said:

Is there a certain amount you must spend?

45 minutes ago, no1talks said:

Shippy, when you get one of those vouchers for 30% off a cruise, what are the book-by and sail-by limits? Also, does the reduced price cruise have to be from a particular set of ports?

Thank you so very much!

… Now you’ve got their attention.  🥳

^^ PS - those are not “check-out” towels. They are laid out by staff and more are available self-serve if there are no attendants around (on those rare occasions).

Wandering on a ship last September (so, yes, about 30% occupancy) and took this picture.  It didn’t cross my mind that these seats were being saved (I don’t think they were) - but that no one had sat down yet (v. those missing towels).

I think I need to see a bag or other personal items for it to register that someone is “using” the lounger.

Just leave the names as they are booked - 1 adult and 1 kid per room. Just ask for spare cards.  This works on other cruise lines - and is quite routine.  

Come in with an open mind. It is a cruise. But it is not going to be what you have experienced with Cunard.  (I’m basing this on my perception of Cunard as being rather formal.). I am usually a Disney cruiser (but also sailed Princess, NCL, Royal, MSC and Carnival - all but Princess just once so far).  I am scheduled for second cruises on MSC and Royal next month.

MSC has a reputation of poor shoreside customer service - but a much better ship experience.

I have not sailed Yacht Club (YC) on MSC, but find nearly all reports of it as an excellent experience. 
 

Consider what you like to do on a cruise and ask more directed questions if you would like further information (as above poster suggested).  Also, if you know ship, cabin category, or itinerary, responders can address your queries more appropriately. (I could tell you about MDRs or the buffet, but if you are going to experience YC dining exclusively, that area gets addressed a lot; as does the excellent assistance typically provided by the butlers).

Do you want to know about the main theater shows?

Live Music? 
Pool?

Spa?

The conversation has begun…
 

Have you disputed the charge with your credit card?

^^ So there was a tomato on the steak plate.  My memory still works (mostly).

9 hours ago, Aeroplex said:

I got all the benefits but have to be proactive on every single benefit beside the priority boarding for the tender boat 😅

 

 

So true!

6 hours ago, mafig said:

I checked and it lists Diamond on my cruise ticket and luggage tags.😀  We're in YC so I will check with the Concierge. 

 

Anyone know if Teppenaki (sp?) is one of the restaurants available?  Specialty restaurants are somewhat wasted on me because I'm never really hungry when I go.  I probably eat and drink too much during the day, even though I try not to.🤔

It was in the Seashore in December.  I think it had the chicken and fish as entree. (I was having lunch as an additional fee, having used my free meal at Butcher’s Cut.)

6 hours ago, mafig said:

It's been awhile since we were on MSC.  I'm still listed as Diamond on my reservation on their website.

I don't recall how I know for sure I have this.  Is there a notice in our suite?  

You mean the benefits?  There was a letter in my stateroom. Diamond status? Shows up on booking and cruise ticket - including on luggage tags.

You will need to go to the Specialty Dining host and make your reservation (maybe make a phone call?  I went in person on boarding day).  Thermal Suite complimentary hour - call or visit spa. Neither are automatically assigned a time.

During the cruise, you should receive invitations for any special Diamond receptions. 
 

If you are in YC, you can ask a Concierge, too.

I think my can of Coke was ~ $3.50 - $4, service fee included, in December.

But those towels are lounging by the pool!  
 

Seriously, I am not a sun worshipper and would prefer a higher chair in the shade. 
 

But with this decades old problem - known to the cruise lines - why won’t they just put up a shoe-cubby style storage area or lockers. Then leave the loungers for human bodies to use - when they actually need a place to sit/ lounge?  
 

How long does the average person actually have their body on the lounger?

Again, the word “worth.”  I did not sail MSC before I was granted Black / Diamond status. On my first cruise, I had a free meal. Champagne / drinks at the VC Diamond Reception.  Got pulled out of line (a very long queue) to advance for check-in in a hot Miami day.

I do not think anyone who cruises for status is getting their money’s worth - as a financial return. 
 

But it is a nice perk for doing something I was going to do already. 
 

My MSC status is based on my Disney Cruise status. As a ROI for what those cruises cost, getting MSC VC perks is a reward - and just a drop in the bucket (or make it a larger container).

And there is also the intangible benefit of loyalty status. It is inherent in many humans. Recognition for something, anything. Getting to move forward.  Board the airplane / cruise ship first. Corporations manipulate this routinely - because it works. 
 

So, no, MSC VC is not worthless.  I enjoy a free steak dinner (and that 5% off cruise fare, thank you).  Will it make me cruise them more often?  No, that’s the low fares and getting an entire balcony cabin to myself for so much less than a Disney cruise (in a shared interior).

I believe Kaito is also a choice.  I tried it as a lunch on a Sea Day. Well prepared, but I find steak to be a more universal flavor profile than hibachi.  And I have a restaurant at home whose flavors I enjoy. In probability, Kaito is probably superior to what I like. Miso soup, salad, rice, veggies, entree (I think included was a chicken + other protein), sushi and sashimi pieces, and dessert. 

One item from left column, entree or steak, and dessert. If you want a larger steak, add 50% of its a la carte price. (I have edited the menu to show what a Diamond VC member would have complimentary. 

2 hours ago, Stockjock said:

What did you get for dinner on the tasting menu?  Were portions tiny?

I chose Butcher’s Cut for my restaurant. Meal consists of a bread, starter, main, one side, and dessert.

The bread selection was superior to any MDR’s bread, which included a bacon and cheese roll. I selected the Caesar salad - the use of shaved Parmesan and Parmesan crisps was a nice addition.  I had a doggie bag for half of my 6 oz filet, cooked to the medium rare I requested. This came with 4 sauces. Perhaps a tomato on the plate?  Brussel sprouts.  Then dessert. 
 

Eaten al fresco (Seashore) at sunset.  
 

Portions are reasonable size; for me, too much food (but I routinely share steak at restaurants).  
 

More importantly, I found it to be very good food.  That seems to be the case of most reports for this restaurant. 

On 9/19/2022 at 11:54 AM, kirtihk said:

Having luggage hidden in a cabin's closet or under a bed has nothing to do with entitlement.  I noticed this term came in to play within last 2 years and used so much for not related items whatsoever.  Also, a bad culture has been developing during the same time frame (calling names, pointing fingers, reporting "law breakers").  I came from a country (in 1991) where all these insinuations were highly popular and encouraged with those in charge.  It's so sad, the same mentality occurs these days now here, too.

 

Voyage, voyage, everyone!!!

“entitled adjective 1 : having a right to certain benefits or privileges [Example:] After having saved the country, ain't they entitled to help themselves to just as much of it as they want? — Mark Twain 2 : having or showing a feeling of entitlement (see entitlement sense 2 ["belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges"]) [Example:] spoiled, entitled children | his entitled attitude/behavior | leading an entitled life | We are also the so-called entitled generation, … told by helicopter parents and the media, from the moment we exited the womb, that we could be "whatever we wanted" … — Jessica Bennett

First Known Use of entitled: 1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1”

Merriam-Webster. Mark Twain was around a long time ago.  This term has been around a long time - usually attributed to rich (kids) who have done nothing to earn them the respect they expect - or the right to break rules and not receive punishment nor negative consequences. 

And asking if one can go around the “rules” or social norms set out would be exactly a situation where I would expect to hear the word “entitled” uttered.  It is the concept of fairplay and equality that is being flaunted - “The rules don’t apply to me.”  What happens when everyone thinks they should be able to go into the closed off hallway? 
 

So, yes, by not being willing to follow directions (which are not designed to hurt anyone), that guest is acting in a way that implies an entitled mentality.  
 

Not said to make you feel bad.  But I have heard the term, “entitled,” for a very long time.  It just happens to be used to describe a lot more people and demographics now.

Internet search

When I clicked on that, it took me to…

Clicked on the orange “online” and got this. Long form, but just put your request for distilled water in the first request area.

11 hours ago, PaulaG22 said:

Thanks so much, Alohayall - appreciate you taking the time to reply 🙂  Is there a full list of restaurants & bars anywhere, do you know?  There's limited information on MSC website.  thanks

 

I found this website that lists the names of the restaurant and bar venues on Grandiosa.  In the site, you can scroll down in the dining section to see all of them.

When dining in a Main Restaurant, expect to have one of the rooms be assigned to you.  Guests booked in an Aurea experience cabin will typically have a restaurant assigned for them.  Lunch in a dining room (when choosing not to eat in the buffet) may find you in a location other than your dinner location.

To find more info on many aspects of cruising often requires an internet search that relies on other travelers to report their experiences.  I have looked for info in various lines to supplement the skeleton of information the cruise lines post.  
 

If I kept digging, I would expect to find more websites covering this issue. You could probably find menus, too.  I know the drink menus are usually found.  
 

@JAGR - thanks for the info on listed dining times. 
 

My cruise card from last cruise just lists 20:30. Perhaps since late seating does not have to be cleared for the next seating, it does have not a stated end time.

I thought they were just giving a range of what time might be - to be announced when decided for each cruise. I have heard Seashore was shifting times to meet the dining preference of Brazilians. (Read that on Cruise Critic.)

The things you learn…

Ocean Cay, continued. 
 

Lunch on the island:  available and complimentary. Some will like, others no.  Burgers, dogs, fish, beans, coke slaw, prepared fruit, simple desserts.  There are a few food trucks, at least one offers fish items for a charge.  Ice cream, for a charge.

Pay attention to lunch hours (like every cruise line!). You can also go back to the ship midday for lunch and a break from the sun.

There are a few shops near the boat, including one that helps support the MSC charitable foundation focused on the environment.

These are the only photos I took:

Bathhouse. They did have lockers inside (there may have been a fee).

Buildings on the island we’re all new-build and attractive. There is a housing complex for full-time island workers.

Lunch at Seakers. That kiwi was one serving. They had a bar with beers and sodas right in the serving pavilion. Seating was picnic tables or table w/ chairs. Lots of shade.

Concrete pathways around the island. Trams available, but they inadequate to handle a full ship.  Be prepared to walk. 
 

Lots of videos (doing an excellent job showcasing the island) are on YouTube.

Unlike some cruise’s private island, Ocean Cay is a complete island, not just a section of a larger island.  
 

They can only accommodate one ship - and it docks / not a tender port.  Once off the ship, you could reach a beach within 5 minutes. 
 

There are no water parks or slides.  There is an area reserved for Yacht Club guests on the far side of the island. (They report having rocks in their beach area).

The trees planted a few years ago are starting to fill out. Lots of visible sand - not a lot of fill-in shrubs.

I tried walking across the sand around the lagoon.  It was not groomed to a packed surface. My feet would sink deeply with each step.  
 

The sand also has small rocks in it, even on the beach.  Definitely wear water shoes if tender-footed.