mistertoaster

This story is being reported as 8 people stranded due to being late for the ship, but that was not the case. Ms. Lenkoff who suffered the medical emergency appears to have done everything correctly by going on an NCL tour and getting travel insurance. NCL's decision to disembark her on an island with very limited medical facilities is definitely questionable. I saw a video of the clinic, and it appeared medical facilities and medical personnel on the ship were likely superior to anything on land in that small island. Below is the daughter's recap of events. 

Lenkoff's daughter shares thanks

Lana thanked everyone for their caring posts about her mom. 

"Thank you all for your posts. (Regarding my previous post about my mom)," Lana wrote. "São Tomé is very primitive and doesn’t have hospitals that could treat her properly. She was on a group tour sponsored by the cruise line of a museum and collapsed and was unconscious. 

"How or who was contacted to get her to the limited medical clinic we do not know. We just know that she was left by Norwegian Cruise Line without as much as calling her emergency contacts, or leaving her with her wallet, credit cards, or travel insurance papers at the clinic or maybe a note for her to read when she came to."

When she finally regained consciousness, Lana said she didn't remember anything that happened but was helped by "good Samaritans" that they later learned were Jay and Jill Campbell. 

No problem. I'm pretty sure that with the exception of special status guests, we will be the first to board whenever they decide to open the ship. If I am on by lunch time, I am a happy camper. 

I checked in this morning about one hour after check in opened for my cruise. I got a 10 a.m. boarding time which is the earliest I've ever boarded a cruise ship. Very happy with the time and the check-in process on Celebrity. It is better than NCL and MSC's which is my most frequent cruise providers.

Thanks everyone for the comments. I'll be ready to go this evening for check-in. 

Thanks. It is Alaska and I'm Eastern time so that gives me a few more hours sleep. 

Long time cruiser, but first time on Celebrity. Tomorrow is my 45-day check-in time to secure my boarding time. Just wondering if check-in begins at 12 a.m. Eastern time or some other time zone. Also, it appears check-in must be done on the app only, but I'm not sure if that is the case? Any other idiosyncrasies tips on the Celebrity check-in process are appreciated.

We have cruised on the Epic twice. Once in the Haven and once in a balcony. Obviously, the Haven is a premium experience, but the balcony experience was also fine. The most frequent negatives:

1. The bathroom. This gets a lot of negative comments because of the bathroom design and privacy. In my view, an overblown issue. There is a curtain to separate the bathroom from the rest of the cabin when in use. Also, I like having the sink outside the bathroom as I can shave or brush my teeth while my wife is taking a shower. Unless you are traveling with a total stranger, which is likely not the case, this is not a big deal.

2. The elevators. Only two sets of elevators with none in the middle of the ship. Neither my wife nor I are youngsters, but we typically take the stairs to our cabin when the elevators are crowded after shows and during peak periods. It is good mandatory exercise which is needed after 20+ cruise meals. If you are handicapped, or can't climb stairs, for any other reason, this might be an issue. However, even in that case, if you wait for the theater to clear and then board an elevator, that will typically work. 

3. Crowds. It is a large ship, but not large by today's standards. We sailed twice on the MSC Meraviglia a 6,000-passenger ship. That is a large ship. The Epic is no more difficult to navigate than most ships. Obviously, if the ship is beyond capacity that makes for more congestion. However, that is pretty much a crap shoot from cruise to cruise. We've been on ships at 80% capacity and ships 100% capacity. You adapt to conditions and figure out peak periods and times and places to avoid. 

4. Entertainment. Right now, the Epic appears to be going through an entertainment transition. I actual welcome the change. On most NCL ships there are two big shows that run over and over. Once you have seen those shows, there are fewer entertainment options. It appears there will be different shows every night during the transition. We prefer that option. 

A cruise is what you make of it. If you get on a ship looking for issues, you will probably find them. Eight days in the Carribean in a balcony overlooking the sea, dining in great restaurants and seeing a show every night is a good vacation in my opinion. Will there be occasional annoyance, probably. All depends on how you decide to deal with them. 

Haven Lite is the same approach we are taking on our upcoming cruise. We have stayed several times in the Haven and MSC Yacht Club. While both experiences were very good, we never used the butler or concierge service, and unless you are in the owner suites are something similar a regular Haven or Yacht Club cabin is pretty similar to a regular balcony. MSC MDR' food is not good, and that makes the Yacht Club a more compelling option.

However, with NCL we are sapphire level, and with the free at sea program, we do specialty dining for more than half our dinners. Therefore, dinner is not an issue. We also get reserved seating for shows, and priority embarkation and debarkation. 

When you add up all the benefits from status and free at sea, you can replicate the Haven fairly closely in a regular balcony room. Add Vibe or Posh and you pretty much have the full Haven experience at about 1/3rd the cost. 

We are on the Seashore in the YC on February 5th. We are tripled faxed, and have tried to lead as normal as lives as possible throughout Covid. We have no concerns about cruising, but it appears factors outside our control may intervene: "CDC Investigating 86 Cruise Ships With Covid-19 Cases". This is the headline from a story in today's WSJ. Interesting quote: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) on Tuesday said cruises should stop operating, calling them “petri dishes of COVID infection” in a tweet. “Time for CDC & cruise lines to protect consumers & again pause—docking their ships,” he said. It looks like the government may be teeing up another cruise halt. I suspect Florida/DeSantis will challenge and it will be up to the court's to decide.

It appears Omicron has a fairly short spread life and is a milder variant of Covid based on South African data. Therefore, it is possible Omicron will be yesterday's news by February. Of course, there are likely more variants. Unless the cruise experience becomes akin to seven days in jail based on new restrictions, or flying to Florida becomes next to impossible based on flight cancellations or other restrictions, we plan on being at the pier on February 5th.

I had the same issue for my February 5th cruise. I got part way through check-in and then could not continue because the system froze. Tried several times to complete check-in, but similar to others, I had to reenter passport and other data over and over without completion. I called MSC. They indicated their system was down which is a frequent occurrence for MSC. The representative indicated I could call 20 days out and they would email a pdf with documents. 

Today, the system was back up and I was able to complete check-in, including credit card information. However, I could not print documents, probably because I'm more than 20 days out. Although this being MSC, there is no rhyme or reason why things work and things don't. All of the above was after MSC switched our room without our consent. We had a handicap room and they switched it to a non-handicap room without notice. After many calls to my T/A and MSC they switched it back. We are in the Yacht Club and have Diamond status, but this made no impression on MSC. 

If this is a foreshadowing of our cruise, we are in trouble. We've sailed MSC several time in both the U.S. and Europe, but the trajectory of service from our first trip on the Divina many years ago to our current trip has been down and sinking fast. This may be our last trip on MSC if the cruise is as chaotic as check-in and reservations. 

Thanks everyone for comments and links. We booked an inside cabin in the YC and he assured me they would not boot us out of the YC. Assuming that is true, which is a big assumption, they can't assign me a lower level room in the YC as YC inside is the lowest category. If they try to kick us out of the YC, then they will need to refund in full, and I will never cruise MSC again. 

We are booked on an early February cruise on the MSC Seashore. I attempted web check-in yesterday as was stopped at the room number entry. I did not book a guaranteed room and had an assigned room number from MSC (or at least I thought). After several attempts to circumvent this issue, I called MSC. Of course the hold was over 30 minutes which I anticipated. Once connected, I asked the gentleman about the issue. He indicated that many/all rooms (he wasn't certain) had been assigned guarantee status by MSC. He indicated this would be resolved before the cruise, but did not have details on why it occurred and when exactly it would be resolved. Wondering if anyone else had/has this issue with MSC, and any details regarding same. Thanks for any input. 

Agree with geologyrx on the Yacht Club. We've sailed a half-dozen times with MSC on various ships. Five times in the Yacht Club and one time outside the Yacht Club. The differences are substantial:

1. The biggest difference was dining. The YC food is much better than the main dining room. Also, the main dining room on our non YC cruise was communal seating and designated time dining. We prefer anytime dining which you can get with the Aurea package. However, this package is often similar in price to the YC. 

2. The dedicated YC outdoor space is excellent. No getting up early to secure deck chairs. Dedicated bar, pool, restaurant, etc. Just a completely different and better experience than the main deck. 

3. The Top Sail Lounge is my favorite room on the ship. Spacious, great view and a good place to visit before or after dinner or when you just want to enjoy the view. We sailed frequently in the NCL Haven before MSC arrived in the U.S., and the Top Sail Lounge is far superior to the Haven lounge. 

4. Once in the YC, you don't worry about crowds on the ship. This can be a significant benefit if you sail on one of MSC's mega ships with almost 6,000 guests. 

MSC's newer ships have interior staterooms in the YC. Often these rooms are at a substantial discount to a balcony YC. We did an interior YC in Europe and it was fine. With the many amenities in the YC, we were basically only in our room to sleep and shower. You get the full YC experience often at a great price. 

We have sailed in the Haven six times and the MSC Yacht Club five times. We just booked our sixth Yacht Club trip departing next February. We have top tier status on both cruise lines so this is not a factor in our booking decision. Both experiences are great, but the Yacht Club experience has surpassed the Haven as follows:

1. NCL's Haven rooms are bigger than the standard Yacht Club room. However, we are rarely in our room during a cruise so this is not a big issue in our decision. Both rooms are well appointed. 

2. Both experiences grant you a butler and concierge. We rarely use either so not a big factor in our decision. 

3. Dining on NCL is more diverse if you venture outside the Haven. However, the Yacht Club dining is superb. Therefore, no need to venture outside the Club for dining. Although we do have one meal each cruise at Butcher's Cut, and steaks have always been superb. 

4. The Yacht Club is substantially less expensive than the Haven.

5. The Top Sail Lounge is significantly better than the Haven lounges. We are on the Seashore in February and the new Yacht Club spans three decks and will be the largest Yacht Club at sea.

6. Check-in experience is better in the Yacht Club. You arrive at the Yacht Club awning, are met by MSC staff and whisked aboard the ship avoiding all lines.

7. Both experiences offer drinks and internet as part of your package.

8. MSC's private island reserves a dedicated section of the island for Yacht Club members which includes a well appointed restaurant on the island for Yacht Club members. 

9. MSC ships are stunning in architecture and design. NCL ships have more bells and whistles on top deck water parks and other amusement areas. We are not traveling with children, but we have in the past. NCL holds the edge on top deck amusement areas.

10. NCL's decision to go with Broadway style production was nice for a few nights entertainment. However, after those shows you have little main theater entertainment. MSC has a new show every night. 

Our last three cruises have been with MSC, and we are likely not going back to NCL anytime soon. 

We were temperature scanned on a cruise we took the first week of February, 2020. It was MSC in Miami and the scan took about 15 seconds. This would be easy to do on all cruises. One person manned the camera/computer and another person told you to stand on the X. The scan was done at a distance and was completely non-intrusive. This should be mandatory for all cruises. As with most tests, it is not a panacea, but it is a start. I would also suspect you will see mandatory hand spray when entering any dining area. NCL has always done well in this regard, but other lines were strictly voluntary.

I would suspect that for approximately six months post quarantine, we will see improved behavior by cruisers on their own volition. However, human nature being what it is, folks will go back to old habits over time. That is why in addition to the above steps, you will need to end self service in food venues. There are a host of other ideas cruise lines can implement, but they will need to weigh cost/benefit. Passengers will tolerate some changes, but you can't make cruising seven days of a TSA lines. I don't envy those making these decisions because they are difficult choices. I will cruise again, and do my best to practice good hygiene. In addition to everything the cruise lines will do, passengers need to take some personal responsibility. 

We are sailing on the Divina tomorrow from Miami. It appears MSC is one of the more proactive lines addressing the virus with their updated policy. I suspect this cruise will be the safest cruise from a health standpoint that we have taken. With thermal screening, a ban on those with recent trips from China, etc., the risk seems relatively small at this point. Everyone has to make their own decision, but I assume my drive to O’hare tomorrow will put me in more potential peril than the cruise.

No Honda, Red Corvette C6

4 hours ago, dexddd said:

Plus add 20% for drinks and dining package.  Add in much higher DSC. Most promos until some recently didn't include pax 3&4 for dining and drinks.  All for your convenience, of course on NCL.  Plus add in overworked staff.

Exactly. That is what put us over the edge as regards NCL. We are not big drinkers. Therefore, the "free drink" package was costing us money unless I drank about 50 Coke Zero's which would make for a pretty hyperactive cruise. They also banned bringing your own 12 pack of soda in case you had any ideas about rejecting the drink package. Then throw in the higher DSC for suite guests and you are easily looking at an extra $500-$1000 depending on the number of passengers. Pretty soon NCL will just turn you upside down at embarkation and see how much money and cards they can get to fall out of your wallet. 

We've stayed in the Haven Owner Suite, H4, H5 and H7 and the YC interior, YC1 and YC Executive Suite. The Haven rooms are typically larger than YC suites. However, the price points have dramatically diverged in the past few years. Five years ago, I got a Haven Owner's suite out of N.Y. on a 7 day cruise for $5,000 for 4. Same suite now is over $10,000. We booked a YC interior on the Meraviglia when she first launched for $1,750. Obviously different rooms space wise, but the experience is very similar.

The Top Sail Lounge beats the Haven lounge on every ship we have sailed. I also prefer YC dining to Haven dining. Perks are pretty similar for both experiences. On most cruises, we don't spend a lot of time in the room. For us, the lounge, outdoor deck and dining are the major issues. On that front, the YC has been as good or better than the Haven, and the price for the YC is usually substantially better than Haven. NCL used to be our go to line, but since Del Rio, they are pricing themselves out of the market when you compare them to MSC. 

Thanks for the response. We are on a seven day Caribbean cruise with the typical stops and no Colombia. Should be business as usual in Miami. 

Was this a one off situation, or does MSC/customs have issues in Miami( e.g. labor slow down, lack of staff, general disorganization)? We have sailed out of Miami many times and embarkation and disembarkation has always been efficient. We are on the Divina on the 31st and I am wondering if I should change embarkation/disembarkation plans.

We have been in the Yacht Club three cruises. It's nice and convenient, but really not necessary to have a good cruise. We never used the butler or concierge. The restaurant and lounge are fine, but not $3,000 better than a non YC balcony and dinner in the MDR. We just booked a cruise on the Divina at the end of January. Our cost for a Fantastic Balcony for two was $918. This is an amazing price on a ship as nice as the Divina which we have previously sailed.  

As regards size, the YC balcony which is essentially the same balcony room as the Fantastic, is $4,075. The YC is still a great deal when compared to the NCL Haven, but having been in both, the cost/benefit is just not there vs. a regular balcony. While I expect I will have to deal with crowds at certain times and places, it is all part of the cruise experience. MSC is still offering great value for money when compared with its chief rival NCL. We are both Platinum Plus on NCL, but we have not sailed them in a few years. Ever since Del Rio assumed the helm, prices have gone up and service down. It is great to have MSC as a competitor. 

We have sailed MSC four times. Three trips in Europe and one in the Caribbean. Three cruises were in the Yacht Club and one was an Aurea Suite. Some observations:

1. We sailed the Meraviglia four months after launch. We were in the Yacht Club and that made all the difference. The ship holds close to 6,000 passengers and the number of passengers is very noticeable in public areas. Shows were packed, and folks were sitting on the stairs every show we attended. 

2. We were in an Aurea Suite on the Preziosa in Northern Europe. Definitely a different dining experience than the Yacht Club. Food was often cold and really not that appetizing overall.

3. Our favorite ship was the Divina which we cruised shortly after it launched. It is a smaller ship than the Meraviglia, and we liked that size more than the mega ships. 

My advice regarding the Meraviglia is to reserve all your shows asap. If you have my choice dining that will be useful. Unfortunately, on Caribbean cruises, deck chairs are reserved early via towels, books, shoes, etc. Like most cruise lines, there is not much enforcement of informal deck chair reservation. MSC now has auction upgrades. If you get an invite and the price is reasonable for the Yacht Club, it is a completely different and better cruise in the YC. We typically get balconies, but we stayed in an inside YC on the Meraviglia. The room is small, but with the Top Sail Lounge and spacious sun deck, we were not in our room much the entire trip. 

Have a great cruise. Hopefully they have worked the bugs out of the Meraviglia. It is a beautiful ship, and the LCD ceiling is spectacular. With a little planing, you can overcome the size/congestion issues on a ship of this size.  

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. We do like to catch lunch in the MDR, and it gets boring sitting around the hotel. I will be there at 11:30 a.m. 

Booked the Oosterdam this May for a trip to Alaska. This is our first time on Holland, but we have taken many cruises, mostly on NCL and MSC. We are in a Neptune Suite and our boarding documentation lists a 1:30 p.m. boarding time. On NCL and MSC we have boarded between 10 a.m. and noon without any issues. The ship arrives at 7 a.m. in Seattle on embarkation day. I know they have to turn the rooms around before boarding, but 1:30 boarding appears a bit much. I would appreciate any thoughts on strictness of HAL boarding policies from experienced HAL cruisers. Thanks.