Mark_T

Just picked a ship at random and on the current Reflection cruise, their gluten free beer is $11, so would be on the premium and should be available for a $1+ tip up charge...

Outside of special promotions, any time you are paying less than twice the fare for single occupancy of a double cabin it is a win... Many lines will want more than double for that...

The list above is 'the list' 🙂 ... it is linked from the email you should get about a week before sailing, but as you say, there is considerable flexibility once you get onboard and probably only a low chance that whatever you select via the email is actually going to be communicated to the ship...

That would seem like a stage decision, I'd be asking to see a definitive list which confirmed that as there is nothing else I've seen published that would justify charging you full price for an alcoholic beverage that is below $10...

Just found a recent update video... Looks like they are making good progress on building out the long walkway to the most distant mooring, but they are building back from the end, so it doesn't look like much has changed when you first see it...

It is worth persisting to get the status match, Platinum with Carnival should get you Gold on MSC.

Just to set expectations, consider your request as being noted, but don't think of it as approved until you see it on your ship card when you board. Not ideal I know, but just trying to manage expectations, so be prepared to follow the instructions above if you are not all assigned what you need when you get there...

That's the problem, you didn't 'reserve' it, you requested it, and below Aurea that is as good as it gets. I know it can be a lot to take on when you are not familiar with the way a cruise line works, but with MSC it is never wise to mix experiences between cabins in a group traveling together and especially if it is a larger group it may not be so easy to get exactly what you want in terms of sitting...

Just a suggestion, but I'd try to go when they are not packed (just as the 2nd fixed dining starts can be good), as I have seen them be less willing at times, or they will say they don't have the smaller glasses (which may also be true).

From where to where?

The newspaper did come as a surprise to us, we had been used to the summary sheets you used to get on some other cruise lines, so the 'half a tree' that arrived was unexpected 🙂 I think we will probably decline it next time as it does seem to involve excessive use of paper, but I can see the appeal for those who like to read the whole thing...

There can be a lot of associated paperwork changes depending upon where you are cruising as you will have been pre-cleared in and out of the Schengen zone for example. With some US cruises it can involve heavy fines as well so may be denied...

I suspect there was either a significant staff shortage or just a problem with that particular Maître d'...

That is true, and this is a 6 year old thread, but when the price of Aqua is real close to the price for YC, as it seems to be now, it does make for an interesting comparison...

No, that seems to have gone, this is the full list now:

It varies from ship to ship, but often you'll find the larger suites can be located outside the 'enclave'.

Always enjoyed the work, but it is good when it stops as well...

I spent 12 years (pre-Covid) commuting from London to Dallas, or New York once or twice a month. Had an apartment in Dallas, but used Residence Inn in White Plains for New York, definitely helped keep me sane. I used to be in the hotel trade, that was worse as you never really got to see much outside of the hotel that you were heading to. Anyway, enjoy your stay there, ideal room if one partner snores 🙂

I would suggest you contact the shoreside concierge to help you make a reservation.

Just the way it should always be done 🙂 For comparison with Celebrity, there is a greater degree of separation from the moment you arrive as the first contact point is generally outside where you drop your bags at the YC tent. Decadent perhaps, but with YC you have no idea how the rest of the boarding takes place you just get whisked past it all. We greatly enjoyed our first YC in June, and will be doing our 2nd in Feb.

Yes, you do have to look for the upgrade being on sale not just the packages. Doesn't happen as often, but it does happen (..or at least it used to... )

I do love the Residence Inns, lost count of the number of nights I've stayed in them over the years. Just like having your own apartment and the prices are usually very reasonable.

Keep an eye on your cruise planner as there are sometimes promotional discounts on the upgrade price...

Switching between devices is a little ship dependent, some you can others not... ...but each person in a YC cabin gets 2 devices anyway, so often no need to switch. The included drink package is the top level - 'Premium Extra'.

Agreed, on Millennium, all the menus were in the Retreat each night so you could browse and decide if you wanted to order from Blu or the MDR before you even got to Luminae.