tgg

Non-refundable credit is always used first for spa charges, shore excursions, gift shop purchases or drinks among other things. You need to have a chat with the Guest Relations folks on deck 4. They can straighten this out for you.

We were considering the December 2023 14 days sailing in the Caribbean. The basic price, with early booking discounts, went from $6,835 to $7,945 overnight, a 16% increase.

Talk to a travel agent.

I found the discussion on "Explora Pricing". Here's a link to the MSC page with the form to complete. https://www.msccruisesusa.com/manage-booking/msc-voyagers-club/status-match

I had never heard of a cruise line that transferred loyalty levels from a competitive cruise line. With the information I found on another thread, I applied for "status" based on my level in the Azamara loyalty program. I was shocked to hear from them in less than 4 hours of a Saturday, telling me I am Diamond status. I'm aware of the current Explora promotion of a two category upgrade plus onboard credit for MSC diamond status members. Now I need to gather more information about Explora to decide whether I'll sail with them or Azamara next December. The prices are almost the same for a comparable suite.

Thanks for mentioning the MSC status match. I went to the MSC web site, checked the table for the comparable Azamara level, and found out we would have diamond status. I filled out the form and submitted it. I don't know what this will mean on Explora - but it can't hurt.😄

Has anyone found descriptions and prices for shore excursions for any itinerary?

The OP stated they were in an OS on deck 6, which are aft. These suites have had vibration issues since the R ships were built. We've sailed in 6088. We remember.

Please tell your friend that the answers are all yes.

Tenders are boarded from Deck 3. I think there are around eight steps down to the boarding platform. Someone who is aboard right now can probably count them and give you the exact number. For anyone who has never boarded a tender: you step carefully, aided by crew members. There's no hopping or jumping involved or allowed.😃

As soon as you board, start learning the names of the people who work so hard to make your cruise wonderful. Greet them by name every chance you get.

Hi AliasChief: Sorry we didn't get to sail with you again. Happily, we have insurance. Just a word of caution: watch out for the very sharp corners on the shower grab bar. It is very close to the shower head and packs quite a wallop when you're washing your hair and you lower your arms. That grab bar should have been place closer to the middle of the shower, closer to the door. Have a great time.

According to an Azamara source, this man will never play on an Azamara ship again. Yes, he was that bad.

Key card wallets! Beach bags! Doesn't getting more exciting than this.😃😃😃

We walked off the ship at 8:20, picked up our two bags, had a 30 second chat with Customs, and were out the door. From the ship's gangway to the exit door of the cruise terminal took less than 10 minutes. Driving in Miami traffic with road construction projects is another story entirely.😃

Lovely to catch up with you both again. Safe travels.

I'm sailing on Onward now. I asked the spa manager, and she said your credit can be used for products. Enjoy your cruise. We disembark in the morning.

Tony has sold all his costumes. He said he's done performing. I'm sure in an emergency he would fill in.

If tote bags are no longer an included amenity, they should be removed from the list of included amenities. It's all about communication.

As the original poster, I never implied that the cruise was ruined by a missing beach bag. This is a Caribbean cruise and lots of people will be going to the beach. They'll take towels, sunblock, water, and whatever else they might need. A bag would be nice to have, especially if you expect it to be provided.

We boarded Onward today for the 12/12/22 cruise. Ship looks great but the usual beach bags are gone. I don't know if this is a permanent change. Our butler said there are none in any of the cabins.

Glad you had a good time in Tortola. On our last cruise from MIami, we parked at Terminal J and came back to Terminal C. There was a free shuttle that quickly took us to the Terminal J garage. You might want to mention this to Tony so it can be communicated in written form to passengers. We look forward to boarding on Monday.

Thanks for your quick response. Perhaps we can find others on our roll call.

A question for someone currently aboard: We're sailing in a CC suite next week and will probably eat several meals in the specialty restaurants. Has Azamara figured out table shares for the specialties the way they're done in the main dining room? Oceania has no trouble doing this. We love meeting new people and sharing a meal. Thanks for your input.

Travel agent shipboard credit is usually refundable. Check with your travel agent to be sure. If it is, just book the shore excursions you want now (so you get the ones you want) and get your TA OBC refunded to you at the end of the cruise. That way you're just paying yourself back. ( This assumes you won't just spend it all once you're onboard.😄)