Morecruisesplz

On 3/30/2024 at 8:55 AM, mafig said:

Since this cruise has Labadee cancelled with no replacement port, I thought maybe it was from Royal.

Dreaming!

4 hours ago, sadiwest said:

but now that I'm booking excursions (one) and a dining reservation (one)....soda, coffee....does any part of a casino trip warrant 

Those extra fees would all be refunded if you cancel. 

On 3/24/2024 at 4:40 PM, mo&fran said:

I doubt that they care.  Tipping probably counts more. 

Exactly. Lead with your dollar bills.

We took that cruise several years back and loved it. Had never visited Vancouver so we traveled there several days pre-cruise. It's a beautiful city. We stayed in Honolulu about 5 days post-cruise to site see also. Enjoy your cruise.

1 hour ago, MtnSeaGirl said:

We booked Royal over Carnival due to Royal being less expensive AND having far better port options for our 9 day cruise in April.   But, we booked 9 months ago so maybe we just caught a good deal.  We like Royal better based on the only other Royal Cruise we had 6 years ago, but money does talk for our household so our future cruises will largely depend on ports and fares.  We have friends who cruise Royal only regardless of the cost. Just love it and not ready to even consider leaving.  

6 years ago Royal was a much different experience. 

15 hours ago, MatrixOperator said:

We are GTY…the barcode suggests we are on deck 2! Two? goodness….I got nervous, and bid on a balcony. Deck 2? Noooo

Whats wrong with 2?

On 3/16/2024 at 2:55 PM, BigPapi21 said:

 

We have heard great things about Virgin. We are gonna try them. A little more expensive but adults only.

Is it really more expensive when you figure in no tipping, no gratuities added, free specialty restaurants dining, free wifi, free water and sparkling water and for $300 you get a $600 bar tab and $250 obc. Compare apples to apples when comparing prices.

On 2/29/2024 at 4:56 PM, steveru621 said:

No,

 

$14 X 12 drinks X 7 days = $1,176

If you paying for them on Royal. But with MSC and Virgin, you can get all the drinks you want for about 1/2 of that. Plus free wifi and on Virgin, no tipping. So what are you really getting?

30 minutes ago, jeh10641 said:

Please read all of my recent posts. I DID NOT find your supposition to be true about the food and service. You can read my extensive review of Anthem located in my signature below (expand it).

I never supposed. I cruise and saw the conditions myself. Good luck on one ship might happen but those are certainly not fleet wide. 

On 2/25/2024 at 1:47 PM, jeh10641 said:

In terms of profitability of cruise lines: Yes, they are having great bottom line success. But be aware they incurred multiple BILLIONS of dollars in debt during the "Shut Down!". It will take them multiple years of big profits to pay that debt down, especially as they add new and refurbish old ships to their fleets. As a stockholder in two cruise lines, I want that debt brought under control even if it means I may have to pay more in order for that to happen.

And you're happy with the decline in food and service?

On 2/20/2024 at 9:07 AM, Super Curly said:

Booked Bella Guarantee and day after making final payment got assigned an interior room. Question: On the deck plan map, our room is a different shape than the others on that level. It is more square than long and narrow. Anyone know what that room arrangement looks like?

Google the ship and cabin number. YouTube is full of videos and photos of various cabins.

18 hours ago, mjldvlks said:

Interesting that my first cruise on Royal was also aboard Splendour. Mine in 2007. On that cruise we had multiple bread options that aren’t around any more. The bread baskets were also kept filled. We had a midnight buffet. On the second formal night we had Baked Alaska for dessert flambéed in our presence in the MDR. The baked goods were always fresh and well prepared. We overall had more choice and better food and with decent portions. I know it wasn’t “fine dining” but it was good a plentiful. We also had a waiter and assistant waiter who only had 2 or 3 tables so could be more attentive to us.  We also had a head waiter who actually introduced himself and got to know us. Told us jokes and did magic tricks. The entire staff seemed to enjoy their jobs — they weren’t constantly begging for high ratings out of fear for their jobs.
 

That is not remotely comparable to the vastly inferior product we experienced on Odyssey last fall or Anthem last month. 
 

Again, no one has suggested that the MDR  or Windjammer should be or ever were “fine dining.” But I still maintain I would find a more enjoyable meal experience at about any buffet or casual dining restaurant shoreside such as Golden Corral, Applebees or the like.

You appear to agree that the food is worse than it used to be so maybe our disagreement is only a matter of degree. But in the last several years I have noticed a long and steep decline in the quality of the product. This goes beyond food. For example, cabin attendants now have many more rooms to take care of and can only tend to each one once a day.
 

Despite agreeing there has been a decline, you say you don’t believe it’s intentional. I cannot agree with that. I think the pattern of nickel and diming has been clear since well before the pandemic. I for one am tired of the pandemic being used as an excuse. I think the decline started in earnest about the time they started adding specialty restaurants. For me it has reached the breaking point. The worst day of cruising used to be the last day — the day we had to leave. On our last two cruises I have been eager to get the heck off of the tub.   The bean counters have taken control. For goodness sake the CEO of Royal’s parent company is an accountant with little or no operational experience. I am convinced these bean counters have persuaded themselves that cruise demand is a virtual bottomless pit that they can abuse to no end. Well not for me. I may cruise again. But unless things change, it will be a while — and then only if I am really interested in the itinerary.  I no longer have any interest in cruising just for the ship life. 

And we fell in love with the experience. Spent lots of dollars chasing the C & A next level while they moved the goal posts and lowered the experience in most all areas. Now if you can't afford the new big ships and a suite you are likely to get the Granduer experience! 

Well said, mjldvlks!

14 minutes ago, RichYak said:

It's the plan OP is referring to in Post #1. You confused everyone with your responses to (seemingly contradicting) @Tierun and @Langoustine upthread inferring that it could be used at sea. That's the point you appeared to be making. Even OP needed clarification. I think we're all on the same page now.

Who is confused? Op said: We have international service for $10 per day.  Can I do this?? 

But you keep posting about "Travel Pass" ... a different program. 

4 hours ago, RichYak said:

From Verizon's own website:

 

You are confusing 2 different programs. Travel Pass is not the International Plan.

4 hours ago, harlowinct said:

Hi Morecruiseplz,

 

So you have used the Verizon International Plan many times and it has been only $10 per day even at sea?  Is it used only in port if I understand your postings??  So... no use at sea??

 

 

Right. It only connects at ports. No use at sea.

5 hours ago, cruiseboy89130 said:

Something is wrong with your font settings!

Yes, it's legible. Throws some folks off. 🙄 

4 minutes ago, RichYak said:

Good luck with that. I second all the recommendations you’ve received above. 

Almost 50 cruises and never a problem. No luck needed, but thanks. Do you even have Verizon service and understand the plan?

10 hours ago, Langoustine said:

Don't do this. You will be astonished at the size of your bill when you return from the cruise. Buy a wifi plan and put your phone in airplane mode when you are on the ship.

$10 only. 

5 hours ago, Tierun said:

Have you done this on a cruise ship before? Many a cruiser has incurred massive bills from their cell phone provider even though they had the international service plans.

It's $10 w/ Verizon international plan. Never been charged more.

10 hours ago, harlowinct said:

This is our first time on MSC Seashore.  How is the cellphone service?  I don't intend to purchase internet connectivity, just use my Verizon cellphone service that I usually use when traveling.  We have international service for $10 per day.  Can I do this??

When in port only.

3 hours ago, Momto3girlsintheCarolinas said:

OP here.  I did email Accessibility Services, and they replied:

 

"We have received this email request.  Please be sure to inform your Maître d’ once on board.  They will be able to assist you with your request."

 

While I don't expect them to rearrange the dining room, and a table like in @Essiesmom's post would be fine, I cannot deal with a round table with many people I don't know.  It's very stressful as people will often stare openly or refuse to look at me at all.  I have been asked very personal questions by complete strangers who think that their curiosity about my appearance trumps my right to privacy and dignity,  

 

ANYHOO - I am worried I will be ignored or viewed as a "Karen" - when all I am trying to do is enjoy my cruise.

 

Any experiences with this?  Advice? Thanks to @Morecruisesplz for sharing the positive experience!
 

I have rarely in our 50+ cruises not been able to be accommodated at a 2 top. MSC was more understanding and helpful than other lines, but all they had available were 2 tops lined up as in the photos that others have posted. So I asked for the end table in the row so only 2 beside us and they only showed up twice. The 1st time we said hi when they arrived and then I explained my situation during a lull in their conversation. Better to be forewarned was my thinking.

I completely understand the concern. People can be rude if they don’t understand. One said "why are you so nervous?" Being shakey is not nervous. Kids stare as do some adults which makes me more shakey. I recommend proceeding with a positive attitude and feel sure you'll get a table you like. Ask to look at their suggestion. Enjoy your cruise and try not to be concerned with others.

On 11/6/2023 at 7:32 AM, Morgsmom said:

I booked a 4 nighter on this week's flash sale as a solo, Interior, Bella.  Paid $228 all in ( (It was $99 base fare, $19 solo supplement, $100 taxes.) for a December sailing on Seashore. Would have been content to have inside as I intend to sleep and recharge, however I just got assigned a Balcony cabin. 

 

The upgrade 🧚‍♀️ fairy is alive and well!!!  Yahoo!!!

Congrats! We were upgraded on 1st MSC cruise. (48 on Royal and never an upgrade. )

On 2/9/2024 at 7:41 AM, Momto3girlsintheCarolinas said:

 

I am sorry.  I wasn't clear.  I have a very rare craniofacial deformity that often leads to stares and rude comments.  I much prefer a table for just my husband and me.  I have emailed disability services, and so we shall see what they say.

 

This answer was very helpful.  Thank you.

I have benign essential tremors of both arms, hands and head. We always try for a table for 2 to avoid spilling anything on others. So many people now get email addresses and contact cruise lines ahead of time that 2 tops are hard to come by. With MSC, we find that going to the MDR desk upon boarding we have no problem explaining the situation and being assigned a table for two. I think this is your best choice.

Bella inside guarantee booked but assigned a beautiful mid-ship balcony. 

55 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Nah, embarkation is going to be crowded -- it's just not fun regardless of the choices you make.  Same for disembarkation.  Then the ship will feel rather crowded until the rooms open, but then the public spaces will (mostly) be comfortable.  

You can always find quiet spots -- you just need to look around a bit.  

Sure, if you want to hid in the corner of a bar somewhere! That's not why most people cruise.