shipgeeks

GA Dave, Thank you for your post. We should always remember that there is much that goes on behind the scenes that can contribute to a less than perfect experience. Usually we never know about it. Your post explains a lot.

Here's an oldie: the position of Social Hostess. She would be ahead of the Captain in the receiving line at the first reception, and would introduce each passenger, by name, to the Captain. She would be in attendance at events such as afternoon teas, and around the ship acting as an ombundsman for any passenger issues. And it was she who made up the guest list for invitations to dinner with the Captain.

When we last sailed on MSC there were two formal nights each week. People did dress up, for the most part.

I think my cabin preferences fit the "unpopular/unusual" category. I do not want a balcony. I want an oceanview cabin in which I can sit right at the window (frequently on the bed) and look down at the sea, and out at the sky and the weather, without a bunch of metal blocking that view. Being out on a balcony has never been especially rewarding. I do not want "things" in the cabin. We have things at home. I don't want the cabin cluttered with ice bucket, towel animals, plates of fruit, wine bottles, gift hats and totes, chocolates, flowers, et al. My loyalty gifts can stay in the storeroom. I'm looking forward to our lovely OV cabin just two weeks from now!

What is it? Or should I say: What is it like?

My first thought was "Great, I want to book this". Then the questions began. One formal night per 30 days....when we currently get two on a 7- or 8-night regular cruise? Dressy only once a week? Why not either formal or dressy on all sea days, and casual on port days? How casual is casual? Shorts and t-shirts? I guess the fact that when we sailed HAL regularly, and 99% of men wore tuxedos or dark suits on formal night, and navy blazers or similar on all the other nights, I have expectations. And it wasn't that long ago.

I was just reminded of studying the deck plans regarding beds: each cabin had either two singles, or a double, not changeable. Apart from making sure we got what we wanted in that respect, we've always been happy in any part of the ship. Getting close to 50 cruises, and noise has never been an issue. Many years ago I read a few reviews, but got so annoyed with them that I stopped. I've never had a desire to read another review.

They did on our first two cruises this year, but not on our September one. Not a problem, though!

I should mention that on our first two cruises this year, Jayson, the host, had a talent for matching people who would enjoy each other's company. If we walked in, and he said "May I seat you with Eva and Elmer?", we knew we would be fine, even if we had gone in with the intention of being loners. I would call the atmosphere cozy rather than crowded. For years we enjoyed the larger South Pacific Lounge on Grandeur. Now we prefer the setup on Enchantment.

Diamond Lounge was very popular (but not overcrowded) last February when we sailed. I believe Concierge Lounge was, as well. Because of the high number of Pinnacles on that cruise (many of whom came to DL), crew set up an additional food area at the front of VC. On our June and September cruises, we went to CL, and really enjoyed it. One can always sit in VC and have D drinks served there. But we like the lounges.

We recently sailed on another major cruiseline; we did not get a final statement before disembarking, although we had asked for a printout in person, late on the last day. It appears they are not being done much any more. Maybe "to save trees"? We did get an email statement when we got home. It contained an error, but in spite of emails, calls from our TA, and our phone calls, the final answer was that nothing could be done, as our account is closed when we stepped off the ship. Very frustrating. Our error could easily have been corrected had we known while onboard.

asalligo, Just remember that the cruise that has been referred to was the first sailing after an ocean crossing, and is not typical of any other cruises. We've been there, done that, on other cruiselines, and have stood outside the terminal in hard rain and more, with no explanation, no apologies. It's just the way it is. We loved our MSC cruises, and plan to do more.

Cruises out of US and booked in the US do not include service charge in the base fare.

Well, it was difficult for me, as I didn't know it was a first US cruise. Having sailed 45+ cruises, a couple of which were first US, I now understand. Without that fact, I just read it as a bad cruise. I completely get it now, with that information in mind. The moral: Don't book the first cruise after a major repositioning.

Are they gone? The Centrum band recently on Enchantment was Indonesian; we had several Filipino bands not all that long ago.

Stormy days are the best time to walk the Promenade Deck, to see and feel the sea! But maybe that's just us. I have to agree with the above posters who say that a rain forecast more likely will mean a few minutes or so, maybe some gray skies.

Not outside, but indoors, just a continuation of the WJ seating, past the Jewel model and towards the pools. You're right about star deck; it is a small elevated area, currently with some loungers. On Grandeur I believe there is a device with a star chart.

On the plus side, though, apart from inferior snorkeling, we think Ocean Cay is the most beautiful of all the private islands. Just a little piece of Paradise, with no roller coasters or thrill rides. MSC is working on a turtle hatching program there, apparently with some success.

GP, You just beat me to it. We have done a couple of first-cruise-after-a-crossing, and they were just like that. So many factors come into the whole process. For those of you who were affected, I'm sad to hear of all the problems you had. It can happen on any line, though, and I hope you won't give up on MSC.

Empress is the only ship from the list above that we've sailed on. Lovely ship. Excellent Bolero's and resident musicians! Beyond the RC ships, we have a longing for the classic ocean liners of Premier Cruises, Cunard's Caronia, Norway, Regal Empress, Celebrity's Meridian, Horizon and Zenith, and many others. Some tiny cabins, but a wonderful onboard experience.

WJ seating is in the Annex between where you Washy Washy and the pool area. Three rows of tables. (Darn, now our secret is out.) There are drink dispensers, and easy access to Pool Bar. Star Deck is the elevated deck above the walking track on Deck 10, forward, above WJ.

Enchantment is definitely one of our all-time favorite ships. We have sailed on her three times this year, and have two more booked. She is a real ship, not an amusement park, with lots of nice outdoor spaces, and good views of the sea from indoors. The stretch added a pool and a larger pool deck. Refurbishments are constantly being done: the star deck, where the bungee trampoline used to be, is now open. The stretch also gave us Bolero's, with a fabulous band, and additional WJ seating away from the crowds. Cabins are very comfortable and clean. The ship is immaculate, and the crew are outstanding.

I agree with Lois; I have been so inspired by this thread that we went to Panera's a few days ago and had a double-toasted bagel with cream cheese, and a coffee. Very pleasant. I no longer buy grocery store bagels. However, to fill that gap, I look for other interesting breads, and my find last week was a pumpkin seed bread from Aldi's. Very nice toasted and spread with cream cheese.

You might not be allowed to bring them back onto the ship, due to possible contamination. There is frequently a note on the daily schedule and at the gangway to that effect, and I have seen piles of confiscated shells near the dock.

Read posts 35 and 38 again. Baked Alaska parade? I haven't seen that for years, and I don't miss it at all.