Cruiser Bruiser

20 hours ago, GA Dave said:

I was also in the YC on the same cruise with Cruiser Bruiser.  This is the letter we received related to the minibar.

Thanks for posting this. I'm somewhat embarrassed to say I that I tuned out to information that might have been useful. But as I said earlier, the process seemed so ambiguous that I did not want to run afoul of it. Given that I was already in the habit of grabbing a bottle of water from the nearest bar prior to turning in for the night, I just continued with that habit even though I was in YC.

32 minutes ago, Hobby3333 said:

Does MSC still replenish the mini fridge in your stateroom as they have in the past?   Or, do they charge to restock the fridge?

I was in YC on Meraviglia in January and there was a charge for minibar items aside for the first item on a short list that was told to be and I immediately ignored as I didn't want to risk a minibar charge. So, I would expect replenished items to come with a charge if you consume them.

On 2/4/2022 at 9:16 AM, JAGR said:

Not sure if there is a Danish newspaper, but they do have a lot of European papers.  Maybe they have "Politiken."  Keep in mind that the papers are not complete editions, but printed versions of electronic editions.  For example, the USA Today paper was 4 pages on Seaside, albeit large size ledger paper.

This may have to do with relative size of the printed version of USA Today anymore. Washington Post was lengthy and felt like the full version. I see others have had the same experience. I used to love USA Today, but it isn't what it used to be.

5 minutes ago, FrostyJoe said:

was south beach muddy/fast drop off to the water?  I understand lighthouse bay has gradual drop off?

I remember Sunset beach as having a fairly gradual drop off, but there was a fair amount of coral to walk around. I snorkeled from the beach, and I was surprised that there were more fish than I would have expected. But because of the wave action, it was a bit murky. I had the same experience at Ocean House Beach this past cruise (my one and only YC experience). Those are the only beaches from which I have entered the water.

1 hour ago, FrostyJoe said:

I just saw a YouTuber who went on I believe January sailing filming themselves at sunset…that’s why I was asking to see maybe it’s open.  Or perhaps they went in without approval….

 

It looks really nice but further away from bar/buffet 🥴

It's likely the latter. It's really easy to walk around the barriers. I did so when I tried to take a shortcut from the BBQ over to the Lighthouse Bar. My first visit to OC was in January 2020, right before the world closed. Sunset beach is beautiful, but as you say it is a bit of a schlep from everything else.

Thanks for starting this thread. I will be sailing on Seashore on 2/19, so I am excited to go on your cruise with you.

Regarding the officers, I was on Meraviglia over Thanksgiving, and officers were out and about, and Voyager's Club events were being held. I was back on Meraviglia on January 9 and the officers were entirely gone, as were the Voyager's Club events. The officers are being kept in a bubble to ensure they are safe from omicron and there are no impacts on ship operations.

I'm anxious to have my parties back, but not until it's safe to do so. Safe travels!

On 2/5/2022 at 11:12 AM, BenCoudon said:

I just disembarked from the Bliss

There was a (mainly sales pitch) presentation on the Prima and the Viva

Just for the Prima, it was over one hour long.  I did not stay for the Viva part of it

I took some pictures of her presentation.  May be it will be totally useless but just in case some experts here can see some yet undisclosed information, I am posting those pictures here.  If useless, I apologize in advance for the long post

 

The splash the day away adult pool looks tiny.

FYI: on my visits to OC in November and January, there are only a few beaches open at present: Ocean House (YC), Lighthouse Beach and South Beach.

All of the others are CLOSED. That includes North Beach, Paradise Sands, Sunset Beach, Bimini Beach, and Sneakers Family Cove.

The public areas in YC are excellent. If you are lay by the pool people, the YC pool area is very pleasant. There is also a poolside grill that serves a delicious lunch every day with salads, roasted meats, grilled vegetables, etc. Top Sail has a buffet of snacks that changes throughout the day. Also, keep in mind you have unlimited access to the thermal suite in the Aurea spa. I would not feel worried about being "trapped" in your cabin.

Good luck with your decision.

On 2/5/2022 at 3:59 PM, wowzz said:

How about a Kindle ?

I have one and sometimes bring it on a cruise. I find, though, with all of the distractions that it's easier for me to focus on a newspaper or magazine with shorter articles rather than a novel. I have had, in the past, newspaper subscriptions via the Kindle. That is likely what I will go back to for longer cruises, especially. Still, there's something fun and nostalgic about an old-fashioned newspaper. In my region of the world, broadsheet newspapers no longer exist.

1 hour ago, Newly Retired Teachers said:

 

a post movie trivia celebration

 

 

Our take on Gala Night

That your gala night attire coordinates with the tableware is a sign of exceptional refinement.

On 2/3/2022 at 9:00 AM, Chicanocruiser said:

Carlos, a crew member, stated that 1472 passengers boarded.

 

Nothing seems crowded this far. 

Wow! I have been on two MSC cruises (Nov and Jan) and I'm sailing a third in two weeks. Passenger volumes are generally around 1,000 or less on much larger ships. 1,500 pax on a 99k GT size ship feels very crowded to me in these sailing-with-Covid times. Well wishes!

On 2/3/2022 at 7:35 AM, MX-Drew said:

I don't understand this obsession with newspapers. You're on holiday, relax and catch up when you get home.

If I could I would bother with a phone but I need it for work and the other (better) half says we need to stay in touch with the kids. Does she think they will forget who we are?

On 2/3/2022 at 8:15 AM, Fionboard said:

Agree entirely. No good news in them anyway. News is on TV all day if you want to hear it!

Fortunately, you don't have to understand the preference for some light reading, which I greatly prefer to sitting in my stateroom watching TV. As I generally travel alone, it's nice to have something to browse between courses, especially at breakfast or lunch, or while lounging by the pool. It's always better to have options.

3 hours ago, cruising.mark.uk said:

I've not seen them on P&O (but I've never asked), but it is possible to get daily printed newspapers on cruise ships on the day they are published.  For instance, you can have one free per day (hanging on your door by the time you wake up in the morning) if you are on MSC in the Yacht Club and can pay (about $5 / 5E per paper,  I think) to have them outside the Yacht Club and on some other lines.  This is the provider and you receive them printed in broadsheet or tabloid size in black and white and without the adverts, but otherwise pretty much the same as what you'd get from a newsagent.

 

https://about.pressreader.com/cruises-ferries/

 

OP - it might be worth asking P&O if they can offer this.

I sailed on MSC Meraviglia in their Yacht Club last month, and they offered this product as a perk. One could select from ~20 papers from across the globe. The reprint was spectacular, like an old fashioned broadsheet, but with a glued edge on the left. I wish all cruise lines would offer this product.

1 minute ago, karmamule said:

 

Yes, we were sitting in the YC restaurant at the railing overlooking the Top Sail lounge below. Gorgeous views everywhere and the time flew by WAY too fast.

I hear ya. I was in YC on Meraviglia the week of 1/9. That ship is sailing with very low passenger counts out of Port Canaveral, so they had really good deal for the upgrade. As much as I liked YC, given how few people were aboard (<500), I tended to wander around the ship a lot. I will likely pay an extra couple hundred to get a porthole for my 2/19 sailing on Seashore. Thanks for the photos.

On 1/25/2022 at 8:35 AM, karmamule said:

So very quiet. Peak lunch time and only 3 tables in use in Yacht Club restaurant, Took another covid test this morning so we can get off in San Juan tomorrow if we want. Actually having a great time so far.

 

Last night we went to Cabaret Rouge and really enjoy it. 

So dining above and Top Sail below?

On 1/22/2022 at 11:59 AM, karmamule said:

I love how they use the LED wall to blend the "outdoors" into the space. Spectacular.

On 9/26/2021 at 11:00 AM, Steff79 said:

the smallest pool deck at sea 

On 9/22/2021 at 12:15 PM, Steff79 said:

the two pools at deck 8 will be more to sit in then swim i think, but we will see.

After a significant pause, I'm back to CC.

I really wanted to love PR1MA, as I miss NCL in some respects. I really thought FDR was going to reign in some of the excess on the top decks (tiny pools overwhelmed by racetracks, slides, ropes courses, pay-for-use clubs), but that dynamic holds. Not to make this a comparison thing, (well, really it's a comparison thing) but MSC's ships are just so much more conducive to my perception of what a ship's top deck should provide for laying out, enjoying the pool, and chilling. And they manage to include a glass-enclosed pool on every new ship they build. I think I will stick with MSC. But someday, if prices ever fall, I will give PR1MA or one of her sisters a try.

It's interesting to hear that some folks are having success with adjustments. It sounds like most of the success relates to very specific promotions.

In my experience, once past final payment, MSC is very unlikely to make any kind of favorable adjustment. Back when I used to sail NCL, they would bump you up to a nicer cabin for no cost as prices dropped in the final days before the cruise. There a lots of balconies available on my sailing, so I called to see if I could get bumped up from an interior studio. I had to pay $57 to do so, even though I could book the cruise today for less than half of what I paid. That's just how cruises work. Given the state of the industry post-COVID, I feel like I'm giving back a bit, as I am still getting really good value for money for my 8-night cruise.

On 10/18/2021 at 5:32 PM, GA Dave said:

I was so thrilled with my August 27 sailing on Meraviglia that I have booked a seven-day cruise on her in January (9-16) for my son's first-ever cruise.  I also absolutely loved the YC experience.  Found it much better than NCL Haven IMHO.

See you there! I'm on that cruise with my niece and nephew-in-law. We were supposed to go to Europe, but that seems like too big a stretch right now.

On 3/16/2021 at 11:02 AM, guardhouse said:

We are looking for a quick, warm vacation and have seen some good prices on MSC out of Port Canaveral.  We have only been on Princess and Holland in the past.

 

Any details from folks to compare MSC to Princess or HAL?  Thank you!

I have nine cruises and 64 nights on HAL and a handful of shorter Pacific Coastal cruises on Princess. My Princess history is supplemented by 37 nights on P&O in the UK which has a shared heritage with Princess.

MSC is a very traditional line. In many ways they have a familiar feel to HAL, especially on their smaller and midsize ships. They have a new production show in the main theater every night, they have set dining times, and they do have a "formal night," where most folks dress to impress. MSC Armonia feels very similar to Maasdam, Amsterdam and Zaandam, all of which I have sailed. I love Armonia and have another cruise booked on her.

MSC's bigger ships, including Divina and Meraviglia, feel very similar to Princess' Grand-class ships, especially. However, whereas Princess' design aesthetic is country-club-meet's-Tuscany, MSC's ships feature a spectacular contemporary design. Nearly all of MSC's newer ships have at least one indoor pool and multiple pools across the whole top deck, which feels very Princess to me.

I love the food on MSC. It's Mediterranean inspired, and the portions are generally small, but good. MSC has the best pizza at sea and the best espresso drinks. If you can live with the brands on offer in the Easy Drinks package, it is an exceptional value. For $35/day, you get booze, wine, beer, bottled water, soda, mocktails, and espresso drinks. There is no better value in the industry.

MSC is quirky! As a family-owned Italian company, it does things differently. Examples: you get your key card in your cabin after you board; you register a form of payment using a kiosk after you have already boarded the ship. MSC also actively discourages use of the MDR for breakfast and lunch. They even set up a buffet in the MDR and try to funnel MDR users to it rather than ordering an entree from the kitchen. You can do so, but you have to insist.

With two MSC cruises completed and three booked, I love MSC. And I have not sailed in YC; I'm just doing regular MSC. Do lots of reading in advance so you aren't surprised. And then enjoy.

9 hours ago, dexddd said:

How big is OC?  While it might be starting to be a great private island, I would caution it ever being the best.  CC has done some articles over the years about the private islands and the variance in sizes and amenities is good information.

 

Example, NCL was around 10 acres with continued building and from what I have seen, very basic Haven amenities so even MSC has bested them out of the gate.

 

DCL has CC which is roughly ten times the size of any other private island, and I'd say at least five times better in everything offered across the board except for suite guests which the only perk is early booking of the over priced and always sell out cabanas. The dining, shorex, island activities, and free water things are amazing.

 

Please don't give me the ...its for kids/overpriced/whatever excuses as those are partially true.  Pricing somewhat related to what you get.  Interesting enough, DCL one of the first to have adult only venues from the beginning. Just pointing out the options.

Ocean Cay is very nice and very big! MSC were smart in creating a full service destination. Here are some aspects that I think are unique:

--One disembarks into a village with shops, bars, a straw market and a full "main street," if you will;

--There is a dock for snorkeling boats; my excursion left from there and it was very handy;

--There are food trucks around the island that supplement the central buffet/barbeque;

--There is an evening parade, which was lovely;

--There is an evening light show, again lovely;

--The ship stays at OC all day in most cases.

Ocean Cay, in my opinion, is superior to both Half Moon Cay and Great Stirrup Cay.

The CDC director's reply to Lisa Murkowski's questions were completely lacking in any substance and very disappointing. Murkowski was careful to contextualize the issue: economies being decimated; no predictability re a return to cruising; no update on the science related to cruising as a source of COVID-19 transmission. The CDC director's reply was: "yeah, that's not my department. That's DOT (Department of Transportation)." The no sail/conditional return to sailing order comes from the CDC, so essentially she is passing the buck.

One option is that the CDC can simply let the no-sail order expire on Wednesday. Fingers crossed.

On 9/18/2020 at 10:33 AM, rnjoel said:

I'm booked and paid in full for Meraviglia on Thanksgiving, November 21-28. And I'm also a TA, a very hopeful one! If the ship sails we will be on it!

 

Joel

On 9/18/2020 at 11:54 AM, lgdesign said:

 

My husband and I are booked and paid-in-full for the same cruise and are waiting, watching and wondering what will happen as the silence (aside from lots of unsubstantiated opinions) has been deafening.  Looking forward to getting reliable info. 

I'm booked on the exact same cruise. 58 days to go, according to the MSC website. Apparently I am booked in a balcony cabin on Deck 12 after paying for an interior studio. [Maybe that's why the cruises were not appearing in the booking engine? Lack of cabins.] Flight was booked then modified when MSC changed the departure day from Sunday to Saturday. The only thing I'm waiting to book is a hotel room, as I had difficulty with cancelling a hotel reservation in NYC in the earliest days of the pandemic.

I am so eager to go on this cruise. I fervently hope that the CDC gets its act together in the next couple of weeks. MSC's protocols are clearly sufficiently strict, and the RCI/NCL guidelines are essentially similar to MSC's. No reason not to go.