Mikesa1721

I'm from switzerland...:D

 

And we can be very discretely and i'm always very kind to everybody!

 

I tell you when i'm back ;)

 

Claudia

Perfect!!!! Good Luck and enjoy your trip!!!:D

That is an interesting article, many thanks for the link.

 

I am sure you are right - these new ships are not intended to appeal to me. The 'millennials' will have never seen an ocean liner to appreciate the sea-going lines. The compromise in every cruise ship between ocean liner and floating resort appears in these designs to have drastically lurched towards floating resort.

 

Not that I am saying this is a bad thing. To me the logical progression is towards cruise-line branded hotels which offer the cruise experience without actually being on a ship. I love hotels and yearn for Cunard or MSC ashore.

That may work well across the pond,especially for MSC,,but here in the states,,MSC is not very well known yet. I'm not so sure that MSC's views on advertising the brand is the right one,,at least here in the states. MSC has relied on social media,,word of mouth and travel agents to spread the word around,,,while Royal Caribbean,,Princess,,Carnival,,etc.very well known brands here in the US,, all advertise on television during prime time and or mass mailings of current deals and promotions. If Seaside is going to succeed here,,MSC needs to up their advertising campaign quite a bit.

I just read an interesting article regarding the numbers from the European market,,,quite interesting:

http://www.seatrade-insider.com/news/news-headlines/germany-surpasses-uk-as-top-european-source-market.html

I fail to understand the attraction of these new classes of ship. As far as I can see, they follow the 'block of flats' principle - maximising the number of balcony cabins at the expense of sea-going properties and asthetically pleasing lines.

 

The only innovations relate to maximising revenue: adding an extra deck of balconies compared to other cruiseliners of a similar size, making them fatter and shorter to access more ports (hence more embarkation/disembarkation and tour opportunities) and slower to save on fuel costs (fuel costs rise in proportion to the cube of the speed, approximately). In other words, they just exude 'rip-off'.

 

The one thing I like about these new ships is that they will add huge extra capacity to MSC and hopefully the people that like uly mega ships will be drawn to them and away from the older, more modest and elegant ships in the MSC fleet. This should mean better deals for me.

 

Sorry to be a party-pooper.

I'm not so sure these new ships are being built to appease our generation or previous generations Tim. The cruise lines are all looking to attract the next generation of cruisers,,,the millennials. This topic was heavily discussed at the Cruise Shipping Miami Conference this past week.

http://www.seatrade-insider.com/news/news-headlines/millennials-the-future-of-cruising-crave-authenticity-travel-in-packs.html

Great news from MSC as somewhat expected:) We are flying over to Miamia again, that's for sure:D This new class of ships will be something totally new and the expanded YC renderings looks very interesting.

Have you seen the fly-over video yet?http://msc-share.4me.it/content/?id=0d5ed147-55b2-4bd5-9e84-2c6a0f34763f&pkey=awrZLe,,,,the kiddies are going to love this!!! So will we!!!:D

Okay i thought that :(

But in Juli and September i cruise with the YC and i try my best to get them:D

 

Claudia

Be kind to your butler and ask discretely,,,a few extra euros wouldn't hurt either;)

Where did you bought that shirt?

 

Would be a perfect present for my husband (and i've i need Butlerservice too) :D

 

Kindly

 

Claudia

Claudia,,,you can't buy these shirts,,,I requested a couple while we were onboard,,,one for myself and one for my girlfriend,,,needless to say,,our butler was handsomely rewarded!!!:D

Hey. I have one of those as well. So much for feeling special. But very nice.

Just don't wear it on the ship Marco,,,they'll put you to work!!!;)

hello everyone:

 

We will be on the April 4 Divina cruise. First time with MSC. We are family with 2 kids who enjoyed snorkeling. We have parasailed, helmut dived, and snorkeled. And my step son says went to Orient Beach and saw topless women.

 

I need ideas for St Maarten such as ideas for snorkeling? Pinel Island? How do you get there or is it better just to sit on the beach at Mullet Bay and have a beer?

 

We have never been to Puerto Rico. We are thinking snorkel there instead of St Maarten as St Maarten not known for great snorkeling? Rain forest hike? Is the hike easy or strenuous? Zip lines? Please help.......Anything these islands are noted for that I have missed? Please no shopping ideas, the wife will spend all day shopping and miss a beautiful isle. Thanks

Welcome to Cruise Critic John!! Here is a link to your roll call for that sailing. You can chat with others and get some great excursion ideas for the ports you will be visiting: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2058863

Here as well is a link to the San Juan Port Of Call board where all things excursions are discussed:http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=131

As well as the St. Martin Port Of Call board:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93

We have sailed this route with Divina back in August and had an incredible time!! We spent the day at Maho Beach in St. Martin and walked around San Juan,,visiting the forts,,shops,,and finally,,a pina colada from Barrachina's,,,home of the original pina colada!! Enjoy your trip!!!:D

PERFECT! You can be our tour guide..we'll just follow you. ;)

P.S. Please provide blinders :eek:

I'm pretty sure they have to wear clothes while inside the YC,,,I think the clothing optional part is only up at the One Pool so we should be safe unless we want to go and visit the One Bar bartender,:D

Hey Mike,

Kim and I plan to try to see Adi and Putra if at all possible (without burning our retinas :p) and Giuseppe and several of the staff in Le Muse. Maybe we could make it a "field trip" ;)

I'll bring my YC shirt so I'll look like I'm part of the crew!!!!

The guy i use at the TA is off until Monday so will give him a ring sometime during the day, Black card just a 7 night cruise away as well .... :)

You should be so lucky!!!!! I'm just trying to hit silver before Divina leaves for the Med next month.

Hi Mike ... There is no OBC with this as it was on the MSC site, what i find odd is that it still says the same if you were to book cruise only!

 

Looks like it might have to be a second Costa cruise but a week or so earlier, 11 nights starting at £399 inc flights and transfers plus 5% discount on the cruise fare.

 

I get the feeling that MSC do not want you to book via their website.

Maybe another website issue Sidari?? Have you tried calling MSC directly to book?? I'm sure they will honor your rewards membership discount.

Just looking at a Fly/Cruise on Preziosa for May which they are selling under the KIS package, having put in details of club membership number and date of birth etc you are then told "Sorry your MSC club discount is not valid on this promotion"

 

This also applies to cruise only !

 

Anyone else come across this recently ?

I have Sidari,,,,when I tried to book our short 4 night sailing this April,,,I entered my information exactly like you have,,,I received the same exact message. I ended up booking through my TA and received the rewards member discount but no OBC which was available if I had booked online. The $50.00 OBC which MSC was offering was deducted off of my cruise fare so we still,,,in essence,,,received it.

We all have a long wait.

33 months will go by just like that Riclop!!!!:p:rolleyes:

We had the luxury on sailing the Divina in the yacht club for 21 nights. All I need to say is that if u have any major complaints about this product then perhaps a cruise is not for you.

 

It was perfection from beginning to end - no saying it like a snob, but if I could not get in the yacht club I would not take that cruise. I could not imagine sailing in a balcony cabin knowing that others are being so pampered.

Our first sailing aboard was next door to you (16009) while you were in the Sophia Loren Suite. Since then,,we have sailed in the other YC3 (Royal Suite) and loved it!!! Johnny,,,who you may remember,,,gave us another tour of the Sophia Loren suite while we were onboard back in August:

Thanks!

Mike, I know you feel the same as I do that the YC staff/crew are the best on any cruise line. We stay in touch with lots of them. Wish we were cruising MSC sooner but have several land trips and family time planned for the rest of the year. Have a regular YC suite booked for January but watching for one of the "special" cabins to show up in inventory.

We're booked in January as well,,,January 30th to be exact. We currently have a YC1 (16009),,,but may just change that to a Fantastica experience stateroom. We're trying to get to that coveted Black Level before Seaside arrives so earning points is paramount for us. Money spent for drink packages and the extras we would receive in YC can go towards earning points,,,,

Looking at Divina for our next sailing, never been on MCS. We had an outstanding cruise on NCL Getaway in The Haven. Has anyone sailed both and could you give me the skinny on YC. Thanks for the help

Priority Check-In

Isn't a cruise all about relaxation? Well, standing in long lines waiting to embark isn't relaxing at all. That's why the MSC Yacht Club is different. Each MSC Yacht Club guest receives priority check-in when they step on board. Sit in the private lounge, have a glass of champagne and a canapé before your Butler takes your luggage and escorts you to your suite.

24-Hour Concierge

Inside the beautiful reception area with the stunning Swarovski Staircase is a knowledgeable staff committed to providing you with up-to-date information and making special arrangements for you. Services include: Priority reservations for onboard services such as a massage at the MSC Aurea Spa and detailed information on local attractions and reservations for shore excursions.

Round-the-Clock Butler Service

The MSC Yacht Club Butlers are trained to the highest standards at the prestigious Butler Academy. Your Butler's utmost priority is making sure you have everything you need and will unpack and pack your clothes for you, make dinner reservations at the private restaurant, serve you high tea in the afternoon, shop for you at one of our high-end boutiques and deliver room service and newspapers to your suite. Basically no matter what you need, your Butler is there to help you.

All-Inclusive Beverages

In the MSC Yacht Club lounge, pool, bar and restaurant beverages are complimentary from Acqua Panna water to cocktails*, wine and beer. Drinks are unlimited and you can even enjoy your en suite mini bar all free of charge.

*Some premium drinks excluded

Private Pool, Bar and Lounge

Sometimes it's hard to find a place at the bar, lounge or pool when your competing for space with other cruisers. That's why the MSC Yacht Club has a dedicated bar, lounge and pool just for members only. So whether you are enjoying a cocktail, lounging around or taking in some rays, you can rest assured it won't be over crowded so you can actually enjoy your vacation. Plus, in every venue you can find complimentary snacks and hot and cold hors d'oeuvres throughout the day.

Private Restaurant & Gourmet Cuisine

With an open seating plan, you don't have to choose between early or late dinner seatings. You can dine whenever you want during restaurant hours. Enjoy the best panoramic views of the sea for breakfast, lunch and dinner and nosh on some of the most decadent cuisine such as gravlax, Caribbean salad, risotto, swordfish, lamb chops and fresh-baked breads — all served with complimentary wines and beverages.

Exquisite Suites Located at the Front of the Ship

There's nothing better than relaxing after a long day on shore or at sea. Luckily, the MSC Yacht Club has some of the best suites at sea. Located at the top of the ship with the best views, each suite has fine wood finishes, marble bathroom fixtures, European King bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, complimentary mini bar and a walk in closet. Plus, you can choose from a variety of pillows to ensure the perfect night's sleep.

One & Only Sophia Loren Suite

Not only are the MSC Yacht Club's suites some of the best, but MSC Divina also offers the one-of-a-kind Sophia Loren Suite. A plush and lavish suite that was designed by the Diva herself. Beautiful black and white photos of Ms. Loren's most memorable roles are splashed throughout the suite, while rich reds immerse you in luxury. The suite also includes a replica of her dressing table, which allows you to get ready just like the Hollywood Legend.

Would you please tell Vasant/"V" Mary Ann and Tom from Georgia say hello? Also give our regards to the staff in Le Muse. Hope you like the staff inYC as much as we did. They really know how to take care of you and make you feel pampered and special. Will be sailing Divina again in January 2016. Enjoy your cruise!!

Hopefully some of them are still there Cruiser!!!! I'll be sailing Divina in April,,unfortunately not in the YC,,,damn "couples cruise" went ahead and booked the whole YC!!! We're hoping to see Guiseppe and Gabrielle in LeMuse,,,as well as Thomas,,Putra,,Adi and Johnny in the YC. Hopefully I'll be able to stop in and say hello to some of them,,,,

HI Mike

 

the room is the standard 192 q ft with 168 living space and 24 bathroom. and sold as a "Fantastica" experience

the balcony is 55 sq ft, a little bigger than the standard size.

I can't find an image which I can definitely attribute to a deck 12 aft cabin at the moment .but I'l try to find one for you

 

 

Pete

Thanks Pete!!!! Figured if we were going to sail in steerage,,,an aft balcony would be the best choice for us,,,,I'm thinking I can find some pics or vids of the balcony somewhere so don't kill yourself looking for some!!!!

MSC CRUISES CANCELS ALL REMAINING SUMMER 2015 CALLS IN TUNISIA

Four ships will begin to sail amended itineraries with immediate effect

Geneva, 19 March 2015 – In the wake of Thursday’s (18 March) terror attack at the Bordo National Museum, in Tunis, MSC Cruises has decided to suspend all remaining Tunisian calls in the 2015 summer programme in the interests of guest and crewmember safety.

Itineraries affected by the change will impact four of MSC Cruises’ 12 ships as follows:

• MSC Splendida will call at Valletta, in Malta

• MSC Fantasia will call at Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca

• MSC Preziosa will call at Cagliari, in Sardinia

• MSC Divina will call at Valletta a day earlier and head directly to Corfu, Greece

Tunis has long featured on MSC Cruises itineraries, and the city’s extensive range of cultural offerings have proved very popular with visitors.

MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “Sadly, the murderous actions of the people behind this devastating attack will have far-reaching and profoundly damaging effects on democratic Tunisia and its faltering economy. Tunisia can little afford to be considered a no-go zone at this time, but regrettably that is how tourists will now see it.”

The safety and security of guests and crewmembers is MSC Cruises’ number one priority at all times, and the events that took place this week preclude the possibility of MSC Cruises calling in Tunisia for the foreseeable future.

MSC Cruises remains in continuous contact with relevant government ministries and international bodies, and does not consider additional itinerary changes to be necessary at this time.

Mr Vago added: “Tunis is a key destination for MSC Cruises, and we hope to be able to restore it to itineraries in due course. But until we receive the necessary reassurances that the security situation has returned to normal, we have to take our guests to alternative Mediterranean destinations.”

He concluded: “I want to personally thank the Tunisian authorities for the way they have addressed this exceptionally challenging situation, and for enabling us to implement our own response plan effectively.”

http://www.msccruises.co.za/za_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Official-Statement-Tunis.aspx

Well Pete,,,We are skipping the Yacht Club onboard Divina on the 22nd of April and have booked a B2,,, 12266 to be exact,,,,stateroom dimensions and pics as well would always be appreciated!!!!

I'm guessing this means Divina will be stopping over in Sardinia, since the other two ports are already a part of my itinerary. I'm disappointed to not be abLe to visit Tunisia but safety is important and paramount.

No word yet on Divina's alternate port Jenna,,,I'm sure MSC Cruises USA will release that information sometime today though.

We are on a cruise in Juli with Fantasia, do you think they cancel all the stops for the next few months in Tunisia?

So they go from Malta direct to Mallorca?

 

We planned in Tunisia a pool day, because in the summer it is to hot in the city.

 

Also when we cruised last year (September with Splendida) to Tunisia we stayed at the ship because our room neighbor said that the austria government gave warning.

But here in switzerland i nothing heard, about this warning.

 

Claudia

(8 a.m. EDT) -- MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises have cancelled all port stops to Tunisia for the rest of the year following the terrorist attack in the capital yesterday (March 18th).

Three MSC ships -- including MSC Splendida, which left Tunis this morning -- will instead call at Valetta, Malta; Palma, Mallorca and Cagliari, Sardinia.

Costa has also cancelled all remaining 39 port stops to the country, but has yet to confirm where its six ships will call in at instead.

Four other lines -- P&O Cruises, Oceania, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises -- have ships scheduled to call in at Tunis this year. Cruise Critic has contacted the lines and will update this story with any information we receive.

MSC Splendida will call at Valletta, MSC Fantasia will call in at Palma and MSC Preziosa, will call in at Cagliari.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6257

#msc eliminates tunis from their routes:

- #mscsplendida will stopover in malta.

- #mscfantasia will stopover in palma de mallorca ;

- #mscpreziosa will stopover in cagliari.

Costa Reports 14 Missing Passengers after Tunis Attack:

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/12357-costa-reports-14-missing-passengers-after-tunis-attack.html

MSC Statement:

UPDATE: With respect to the tragic events that are currently unfolding in Tunis, MSC Cruises confirms the following:

One of our ships, MSC Splendida was calling the port of La Goulette, Tunis with 3,714 guests and 1,267 crew members aboard.

At the time of the events, some of MSC Splendida guests were on shore excursions, including to the Bardo National Museum. Consequently, all MSC Cruises coaches on tour at the time of the events were immediately ordered back to the port and all other excursions and on the ground activities were immediately suspended.

At this time, the return of passengers to the ship is still undergoing (please note that all the passengers of United States and Canadian nationality are all accounted for and safely back on board).

The ship’s departure, originally scheduled for tonight, was postponed. For this, local security authorities set up exceptional security measures in the port and around the ships to ensure the utmost safety of MSC Cruises’ guests and crew members.

An MSC Cruises team comprised of representatives from the Company’s ownership, its management and dedicated Care task force is currently on its way to Tunisia to provide all possible support to guests on board and to work closely with local authorities.

MSC Cruises remains in close contact with the relevant national and international authorities, local authorities, the ship captain as well as with the port agent to constantly monitor the situation as it unfolds.

I will definitely be booking the Seaside when she comes to Miami, just may have to make it a New Years cruise. This ship looks amazing! Hope they can do something new with the itineraries!

Divina looks to be mixing in a few 10 and 11 night sailings next year. However,,I wished MSC would offer sailings to Panama,,Aruba,,Antigua,,etc. more frequently,,at least aboard Divina. We're at the point now where the ship is the destination more than the ports of call.