amurray88

1 hour ago, Fredric22 said:

Thank you for your response.  You can easily google recent serology testing information in New York State, Santa Clara, CA, Los Angeles, CA, and Boston, MA.  There is plenty of information about how each of these tests were conducted along with the margins of error involved.  Governor Cuomo released data on Saturday that suggests about 20% of people living in NYC have had COVID-19.  As far as "we are getting indications that there are serious morbidity issues, even for the young", that is simply not what the data says.  While there have been deaths in every age group, the vast majority of deaths are those with underlying health conditions and those who are over the age of 60.  If you take a look at the morbidity data from any country, including Italy, the US, China, etc. you will find the same results.  This virus is not changing who it kills.  Viruses just don't decide one day that they are going to act differently.  With that said, it is true that everyone can be affected from this virus, including the young.  This is why everyone should continue to take necessary precautions. 

Being from NYC itself, when do you expect international tourists to be allowed to return to New York?

1 minute ago, sidari said:

Alcoholic drinks are not included as standard if that is what you mean ? Currently only Aurea experience comes with the Easy package unless you purchase it if you have Bella or Fantastica experience.

UK customers have water and hot drinks included in the Dining room, US guests have water included on European cruises.

All guests have tea, water and coffee available all day at the buffet.

Thanks for the info - all I meant was they are calling this All-Inclusive .... I think that's a bit of a stretch if all they mean is it now includes water and coffee?

7 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

No idea if your package includes the Easy Package.

 

The Easy package does include the items you listed.

 

Keep in mind what is included in your cruise fare differs based on the cruise experience (i.e.; Bella and the others) that you select.

I thought you mentioned I was reading it wrong? What I was saying is when a cruise is advertised as All-Inclusive I'd tend to expect that to mean more than water and tea and coffee?

Although water and tea/coffee might not normally be included in European cruises I also wouldn't say adding a bottle of water or a cup of tea now makes it All-Inclusive? 

I hope you know what I mean?

2 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

You are reading it wrong.

 

On MSC on European cruises, you would normally pay for the items listed. 

 

This offering has them included.

Ah ok - so to confirm, it is "All Inclusive" (something along the lines of Easy Package) with water and coffee as well?

We have a booking for June this year from Miami. We realise this is looking very unlikely to go ahead and so have started looking at other options so we know whether to go for a refund or a FCC.

Looking at the Mediterranean MSC are showing some cruises as all inclusive. Once you get right through it says the following -

Hi all,

I've got a MSC cruise booked for June. There is still a tiny part of me clinging on to the hope we might go but that is fading every day.

So...I decided to start looking at the refund t&cs. It mentions you can get 125% FCC for your ticket fare only (not including taxes and charges).

Now this is the bit I'm asking about....

This year's taxes and charges - $684 (for 2)

Exactly the same cruise 2021 taxes and charges- $128 (for 2)

Why is there such a difference?

This year's ticket fare minus taxes and charges= $700 (for 2)

Same cruise next year $1270

Just can't get my head round it.

16 hours ago, ron746 said:

HI Anthony,i got these on the Meraviglia in January ,up to $6 its the easy package i assume they are pretty similiar across MSC SHIPS

Brilliant - so helpful.

We normally go with an inside cabin and originally booked an inside with drinks package. However, their new promotion now allows us to save $360 and upgrade to a balcony (yep, cheaper to have a balcony!) However, it means no drinks package. Just working out how much it'll cost without a package. Thank you!

Hello,

I know there will be images here of up to date drink menus but I cannot find them at all.

Can someone help me please?

If possible both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Thanks,

Anthony

Hello folks,

Does anyone have a list of exactly which Venchi products are and are not available on the easy package? 

Thank you!

Anthony

On 2/17/2020 at 12:34 PM, cheeseheads4ever said:

Looks like Megabus doesn’t go to Miami. Seems it goes as far south as Orlando. 

It definitely goes from Orlando to Miami, you might just have to change bus - realise it's maybe not the hassle you want though.

11 hours ago, cheeseheads4ever said:

Thanks for the review. We are new to MSC.My DW and I would like to try MSC but find the experiences difficult to fiquire out. We just want a OV or balcony room. Drinks included. We like to have cocktails and not have to worry about the bill. Do not do the SPA or gym. Just looking for a basic cruise. Like entertainment as well in the evening. Do they have a casino?We like Celebrity with the Martini Bar if Seaside has something like that.

Other question is It looks like all sailings are out of Miami..UGH! We drive down from Daytona Beach. Does anyone have any ideas on getting to Miami without having to drive in that horrible traffic to port? Such as Sunrail or something like that.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

Have you ever tried the Megabus?

Thanks folks. I understand that there's always the small possibility that things will go wrong....the boat could sink and we could end up not making Orlando at all (hopefully won't happen). However, my hope is that judging by replies I should be fairly safe booking transport for around 11am. 👍 Thank you all

Hello All,

I'm going on the Seaside June into July. I'm booking transport from Miami up to Orlando for afterwards but need to know what time I can expect to be standing in Miami having got off the boat?

I've never done MSC before however I realise the itinerary says 7am it'll arrive in Miami.

Will I be able to get off at 7am? I'm just in a general inside cabin if that makes any difference.

Thanks!

Anthony

44 minutes ago, kealalani said:

I just logged in and did not have any problems with either of our upcoming cruises. Hope it works for you soon!

When are your cruises if you don't mind me asking? Ours is June

Hello, when I log in to MSC I get this message:

Plan my Cruise and Cruise Details sections are not available for now.

Anyone else get this?

Thanks!

Anthony

9 hours ago, blueslily said:

 

 

I just got a very quick response as well. I completed the online form Friday night. Booked a last minute cruise during the weekend. Sent an email to the Voyagers Club email address late last night to ask for my status match to be completed and added to the cruise since its soon. I received a response today with my status match. Very happy with the turn around time. First MSC cruise soon! 😁 woohoo! 

 

I'm new to MSC so I am not sure if this is the norm, but when I originally called MSC about a cruise, the rep explained the status match program and he asked me about my status with different companies. He told me how each status level would match at MSC so I would know in advance and could choose the one to use that would give me the highest match at MSC. The match I got today was indeed what the rep told me during the call. This reduced the surprise outcome for me. Again, I'm new to MSC so I don't know if you can always call and just ask in advance. Would help reduce disappointment and help maximize the match.

Hello, can I check what email address you used to contact them? Thanks!

23 minutes ago, Nashna said:

The original plan was to have a special drink package just for O.C.  However, MSC changed that policy before the first passengers arrived in December.  I understand that passengers who had pre booked the OC day drink package received refunds before their cruise.  All drink packages are now accepted on the Island.  There are no special day drink packages for OC. 

Thank goodness for that - couldn't face going to OC for an hour then back on board to get a drink instead of paying then back off the boat etc.

3 hours ago, Nashna said:

 

Nasha, just to check - have you done it with the Easy Package? my understanding is that drinks on OC are NOT included.

https://www.mscbook.com/pages/sdl/img/B2B_TA_FAQ_OCEAN_CAY.PDF it's at the end of this document.

11 minutes ago, Jossie1960 said:

 

Are you being offered obc as a perk with the TA ?   

What date cruise/cabin are you booking?

Hi Josie,

It's MSC Seaside on 27th Jun with inside cabin. There's no OBC with this pricing but does come with the drinks package.

Ta!

Anthony

19 minutes ago, Jossie1960 said:

 

We have booked many cruises via the US without any problem whatsoever.  The only problem you get is with Carnival Corp. cruise lines, the likes of HAL, Princess, Cunard require you to have a US residency whilst RCL, Celebrity and MSC it's not a requirement. We have never had any hassle and have been booking via the US for the last 10 years or more.  

It has not always been the case that the US was cheaper, from 2016 until 9 months ago the UK was definitely cheaper although refundable deposits is a great attraction and well as the many perks on offer from US agencies.

Great thank you! It's just so big a price difference (£1386 v £1769) albeit that the US don't include gratuities which is around £130.... still a huge difference! 

Hi All,

I'm from the UK but I am planning on booking my MSC cruise through a US travel agent - they get far cheaper pricing for cruises.

My only question is - there's a few US travel agents who have said they can't offer me the drinks package as I'm a UK customer and others (reputable and reasonably big companies) who have said it's no issue and they'll add it for me.

Does anyone have experience of this? Will I pay for the package and then get a nasty surprise when I turn up at the boat and don't get it?

Just to be clear - in the UK MSC are running a free drinks package on Fantastica plan...it is similar in the US apart from they are calling it the All-In plan.

Thanks!

p.s. I should also say - it's not the difference of £20-30, it's more like £400-500 booking with a US travel agent...crazy!

7 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

In that case, Seaside...easily.

 

The freestyle vs assigned dining can be an issue but I think that you'll be fine on MSC. Keep on the lookout for the different promos to see what is a better fit (alcohol, wifi, etc.).

 

Thank you 👍 decision made!

1 minute ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

It still is, in my opinion. What ship do you think is uglier?

 

For the OP, what type of stateroom or "experience" are you thinking of booking? Haven vs Yacht Club? Balcony vs Fantastica? Spa balcony vs Aurea?

 

I know that I answered your same question on the NCL forum but there are many variables which could help to give a better answer.

I wish I could afford the Haven or Yacht Club! For me I stick with a basic inside room 😳 therefore don't spend much time in the room - normally out of the room from early morning til sleep time with a shower/change of clothes in between.

45 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

Seaside has more/better outdoor space. The "Waterfront" on Seaside is better than the NCL Waterfront (which Epic doesn't have).

 

Epic has more dining options and more dining "freedom". NCL's Freestyle Dining is better than the more traditional dining on MSC. You can dine anytime on MSC but only if booking a more expensive/higher "experience".

 

Based on your post, I think that doing Epic again would be better since MSC is "different" even for seasoned cruisers. Some people like the differences, some don't, and some don't really care. 

 

Epic is also "different" but those differences didn't seem to bother you much. If booking NCL, I'd look to ships built after Epic or after Getaway if looking for a large ship with more to do. 

Thanks, that's really helpful!

I think we will end up with Seaside - I like something new/different so think we will give it a go.

The dinner thing does bother me - seems very old school now to have a set time for dinner. Can I just confirm - if I booked the early dinner and decided against it are you saying I wouldn't be able to eat in the MDR that night or would I just have to wait 10/15mins?

We were totally treated on the Epic as it was our honeymoon so they gave us (free of charge) 3 dinners in paid for restaurants of our choice and the dinner circus show so 4 out of 7 nights we had amazing dinners. Even if we done Epic again we wouldn't get that so Seaside it is I think!

Those are both extremely helpful.

If I had any gripes about the Epic it was that it was all inside focused - no running track, no real space to enjoy the ocean and everything seemed to be low ceilings (certainly no atrium that is normally so central to a cruise).

Aware too that this is on the MSC forum therefore maybe expected to be slightly more favourable towards MSC but still very very helpful thank you!