Yacht Clubbing On the MSC Seaside, 3/30

[Aloha 1]

As you see from my signature, we've "been around" for a while on many cruise lines and ships. This was our first cruise on MSC which we selected for a family celebration. Eleven people ages ranged from 9 to 70 in 5  standard Yacht Club cabins including one interior cabin. I'll break this report up into several parts and detail the experience as much as I can. This was the Eastern Caribbean from 3/30/19 to 4/6/19. Passengers were about 50% North American and the rest European ( Italy, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Brazil). LARGE number of Michigan residents escaping the coldest winter in 2 decades! So, here we go!

 

Pre Cruise

I had been watching this board several months before deciding that MSC might be an interesting choice for our trip. The Idea of going "deluxe" at a fraction of the price of the Haven on NCL or a suite on Royal was very appealing. So, 5 cabins booked through our long time travel agent and status matches processed for their Voyagers Club. My wife and I comped to Black and my 4 kids comped to Gold, so each cabin had at least one Gold member. We booked this back in April, 2018 under the inclusions then applicable. The ports didn't matter so much as we've been to them many times. The ship and experience was the thing and it did not disappoint.

 

Although the website definitely needs work on it's ease of use and MSC U.S. shore staff really need to pick up their game ( too long hold times; inconsistent answers), we received all our docs on time. Eight of us caravanned down the Florida turnpike from north of Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale while three others flew in from Detroit. We stayed at the Homewood suites near FLL which was recently remodeled. Tried to book a hotel and flights in to Miami but pricing was much cheaper going to FLL. Departed Saturday morning at 9:45 AM with a private shuttle t o Port of Miami!

[Nashna]

Looking forward to your reporting.  We are sailing in the YC next January.  While we are on the Davina, I'm sure the experience will be similar.

 

[Aloha 1]

Embarcation

Arrived at Port of Miami about 10:25 AM to a traffic jam of provisioning semis, cabs, and cars as people left and arrived for NCL, Celebrity, Carnival, and MSC. About 15 minutes later, we arrived at the white Yacht Club tent where we dropped our bags and were escorted inside to the fast security line. Note: We had taped the printed bag tags to our luggage but as others have stated, if you are in the Yacht Club, they remove those tags and put new ones on with your cabin # which they take off your boarding doc. Also, I parked our car in the parking ramp next to Terminal F where MSC was docked. Less than a 5 minute walk back to the YC tent and plenty of spaces available.

 

Ten minutes later, we arrived at the Yacht Club lounge where we were given champagne, mimosas, or orange juice and an array of snacks. We were shortly called to have our pictures taken and our cruise cards given. Then we waited..  and waited. Turns out there were a few passengers from the previous cruise who just didn't want to leave the ship. MSC could not board new guests until they had a zero count from the previous cruise. So, at 12:15 PM, we finally boarded our home for the next week.

Our butler escort took us up to the YC Lounge on Deck 16 where we spoke with the maitre 'd about our diner seating and time, made arrangements with the concierge for Teppanyaki that evening (20% discount), had more champagne, and went to our cabins to drop our carry on's. Then lunch at the YC Grill on Deck 19. Great spread of sliced to order beef tenderloin, excellent lamb chops, made to order burgers, chicken curry with rice , etc. Then off to explore the ship.

 

The pictures that have been posted by others really capture how beautiful this ship is. Stunning modern architecture with ample venues for drinks and food. Although the ship was at capacity with over 5500 passengers plus crew, we never felt crowded as we have on NCL. The Gym is first class with a wide variety of equipment. probably the nicest shipboard gym I've ever seen. The Jungle Pool kids area was a hit with the 9 year old and not so much with my daughter who didn't realize that the bell she heard was the signal for a water bucket behind here to dump it's load..all over her! The kids thought it was great. South Beach pool was adults only and packed every day. Great venue as it's at the stern instead of mid ship which gives you a great wake view. A little after 5PM, we slipped our moorings and set sail for San Juan.

 

Dinner at Teppanyaki was a real treat. MSC has 4 twelve seat tables and does three seatings per evening starting at 5:30 PM. Our entire party was able to be seated at one table. This was a 7 course meal and not your usual teppan restaurant where every thing is cooked and served almost at once.We had excellent fried rice, sushi and Ahi sashimi, salad and miso soup, then the entree. For me, I had the Shogun which included wagyu beef, lobster, and scallops plus veggies. Dessert was green tea ice cream with a cake. I ordered beer and sake and both were included in my YC package. Dinner took about 2 hours from start to finish and was very entertaining and delicious. 

Some of our party went to the show while I made my acquaintance with the casino. Very nice although a little smaller than on NCL, RCL, or Celebrity. good selection of slots, blackjack, three card poker, and roulette. No craps table.

 

[Aloha 1]

Sea Day

 

It was nice to start the cruise with almost two full sea days since we were scheduled to dock at San Juan at 5 PM on Monday. Gave us plenty of time to enjoy the on board venues. Breakfast in the YC restaurant was excellent. Omelettes cooked to order, fresh pastries, cereals hot and cold, cafe americano, etc. The menu does stay the same all week but I did not find that a problem.The YC pool deck on 19 featured plenty of lounge chairs, two large hot tubs, and the YC grill. The grill also served breakfast al fresco with essentially the same menu as the restaurant. Wandering the ship we found the main gelato bar aft on deck 7. This one serves gelato and crepes and both were included in our YC package at no charge. The Venchi chocolate venue is on Deck 6 and that's where you get the Chocolate Martini's. My wife and daughters tried both the #1 and #2 and liked the #1 better as the #2 was like 3 vodka drinks mixed with gelato and chocolate. Both were included at no charge in our package. There is a small selection of gelato here also along with the famous Venchi chocolate.

 

Our Cruise Critic Meet & Greet was held at 10 AM in the Seaview Lounge and was the best M&G I've ever seen. MSC goes out of its way as host of this event. Drinks, snacks, and a cake were all provided. All the senior officers were present and Captain DePalma made  a point of visiting with everyone. I would say we had about 45 people attend rom our Roll Call. Captain De Palma explained that MSC values the input of CC members as we are the influencers in the cruise industry. he gave a brief history of MSC and said they are learning the North American market and striving to improve every cruise. He welcomed all to give their comments on how MSC can improve. I discussed with him the lack of the NCAA Elite 8 games and he had the Hotel Director, Andrea Di Vincenzo, check out why the games were not available. MSC corporate in Europe was not aware of the importance of "March Madness" and hence, did not include that in their satellite package. Captain De Palma got back to me and said that package would be added for next year! Great action.

 

Lunch at the YC Grill all week was very good with a variety of dishes ranging from steak to fish and chips to Indian curries. In The YC Lounge there was always a display of snacks changed out depending on time of day. High Tea pastries put out at 4 PM and changed over to cocktail snacks at 5 PM. One interesting tidbit was dehydrated veggies instead of nuts. A nice switch with far fewer calories.

 

Dinners in the YC restaurant changed every night (as opposed to NCL Haven) and all were excellent. Portions were ample and meats and fish were cooked perfectly. Entrees ranged from Grilled Grouper, Pistachio Crusted lamb Chops, Veal Osso Buco, to a vegetarian plate. No one went hungry. 

 

More to come

Edited April 9, 2019 by Aloha 1

[seapad]

Following.....Thanks Aloha1! 

Sure nice to learn that the Venchi drinks and crepes are still included with YC. 🙂 

[Epos Man]

1 minute ago, seapad said:

Following.....Thanks Aloha1! 

Sure nice to learn that the Venchi drinks and crepes are still included with YC. 🙂 

they booked it last april so would have the inclusions available at that time not what is available now

 

[Hobby3333]

1 hour ago, ikea logistics said:

they booked it last april so would have the inclusions available at that time not what is available now

 

I am willing to bet that Venchi and crepes will be included.   The same things were being said all last year that they are not included when in fact they were.   

[Epos Man]

YC maybe but the latest flyer that has all the packages on show Venchi excluded from all packages

[Hobby3333]

I guess it would be good to know if anyone in YC has been denied Venchi or the crepes.    

[Beamafar]

It'll be interesting to see if those in YC on Seaview have Venchi included.  It's getting beyond ridiculous at this stage as to "Is it or isn't it included?"  It still seems to be a case of YMMV.  🙄

[seapad]

Yes, Beamafar...i totally agree with you. It's getting ridiculous....the infamous to include or not include. 🙂 

I booked mine in May 2018. I know it's been mentioned before, but forgot...does anyone recalls what is the date that they stop grandfather the Venchi (supposedly)?  

I'll be on Seaside in mid-May. I'll see if their onboard YC staff can help filter out the answer....take it with a grain of salt, right? 

Only time will tell. 

[Hobby3333]

Has anyone connected with MSC said anything about “Grandfathered”?   Or, is this just speculation?

[Beachin2]

Thank you for doing this review.  We are on in October, first time MSC and YC too.  Interesting about the Elite 8 reaction.  I like it.  Hopefully, we will get some playoff baseball in October!

 

As to your review - more please!

[LisaLisa87]

I’m enjoying your report, Aloha! It’s helping me relive our week in the YC in December. 

[DMH15]

5 hours ago, Beachin2 said:

Thank you for doing this review.  We are on in October, first time MSC and YC too.  Interesting about the Elite 8 reaction.  I like it.  Hopefully, we will get some playoff baseball in October!

 

As to your review - more please!

I was very pleased to watch MLB games on my TV in my suite while cruising on the NCL Sun.  Even more so, that my niece's husband was pitching.  

 

I don't ever expect a cruise line to show a sports event to my individual liking but if it happens I am delighted!

[dexddd]

21 hours ago, Aloha 1 said:

As you see from my signature, we've "been around" for a while on many cruise lines and ships. This was our first cruise on MSC which we selected for a family celebration. Eleven people ages ranged from 9 to 70 in 5  standard Yacht Club cabins including one interior cabin. I'll break this report up into several parts and detail the experience as much as I can. This was the Eastern Caribbean from 3/30/19 to 4/6/19. Passengers were about 50% North American and the rest European ( Italy, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Brazil). LARGE number of Michigan residents escaping the coldest winter in 2 decades! So, here we go!

 

Pre Cruise

I had been watching this board several months before deciding that MSC might be an interesting choice for our trip. The Idea of going "deluxe" at a fraction of the price of the Haven on NCL or a suite on Royal was very appealing. So, 5 cabins booked through our long time travel agent and status matches processed for their Voyagers Club. My wife and I comped to Black and my 4 kids comped to Gold, so each cabin had at least one Gold member. We booked this back in April, 2018 under the inclusions then applicable. The ports didn't matter so much as we've been to them many times. The ship and experience was the thing and it did not disappoint.

 

Although the website definitely needs work on it's ease of use and MSC U.S. shore staff really need to pick up their game ( too long hold times; inconsistent answers), we received all our docs on time. Eight of us caravanned down the Florida turnpike from north of Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale while three others flew in from Detroit. We stayed at the Homewood suites near FLL which was recently remodeled. Tried to book a hotel and flights in to Miami but pricing was much cheaper going to FLL. Departed Saturday morning at 9:45 AM with a private shuttle t o Port of Miami!

How was flying in and out of a third world airport known as FLL?

 

We kept hearing announcement from Broward Mayor - if I were him I wouldn't associate my name with that train wreck.

[DMH15]

1 hour ago, dexddd said:

How was flying in and out of a third world airport known as FLL?

 

We kept hearing announcement from Broward Mayor - if I were him I wouldn't associate my name with that train wreck.

What do I need to know about FLL airport?  What makes it so awful?

[Beachin2]

10 hours ago, DMH15 said:

I was very pleased to watch MLB games on my TV in my suite while cruising on the NCL Sun.  Even more so, that my niece's husband was pitching.  

 

I don't ever expect a cruise line to show a sports event to my individual liking but if it happens I am delighted!

Glad you enjoyed it.  We did 2 NCL cruises and decided we would not cruise with them again even if they gave us the owner's suite for $1.

[jcathers1]

4 hours ago, DMH15 said:

What do I need to know about FLL airport?  What makes it so awful?

We fly into either MIA or FLL (depending on price and flight times). We've never had a bad experience at either.

 

[cathep]

22 minutes ago, jcathers1 said:

We fly into either MIA or FLL (depending on price and flight times). We've never had a bad experience at either.

 

 

We fly into Palm Beach and book a car rental with a company that has a free shuttle.  Much cheaper than MIA or FLL.  The drive is a little longer, but we save hundreds of dollars going through PBI.  And it's a smaller, easier to navigate airport.

 

We were on the same cruise but with the Aurea experience.  We were debating most of the cruise if YC would have been better, so it's great to read your perspective.  

[dexddd]

5 hours ago, DMH15 said:

What do I need to know about FLL airport?  What makes it so awful?

I can only speak of the Delta terminal - when we arrived the place was a mob scene.  Not enough room for everyone.  On way back there was this huge line of people outside waiting to check bags.  Inside was packed too.  Then back to gate areas and packed, limited restaurant selection.  Gate agents thoroughly confused.

[mnocket]

2 hours ago, jcathers1 said:

We fly into either MIA or FLL (depending on price and flight times). We've never had a bad experience at either.

 

 

Agree.  I don't see any real differences that cause me to prefer one over  the other.

[DMH15]

14 minutes ago, dexddd said:

I can only speak of the Delta terminal - when we arrived the place was a mob scene.  Not enough room for everyone.  On way back there was this huge line of people outside waiting to check bags.  Inside was packed too.  Then back to gate areas and packed, limited restaurant selection.  Gate agents thoroughly confused.

Wow.  Sounds chaotic.  

 

I am on American in first class.  The FC fare for Miami was ridiculous.  So, my choices were FLL first or MIA coach.  My legs voted for FLL.  When you factor in bag fees, meals, drinks, easy boarding, it was an easy choice for me as a solo traveller.  

 

Thanks for the info.  

[DMH15]

2 hours ago, jcathers1 said:

We fly into either MIA or FLL (depending on price and flight times). We've never had a bad experience at either.

 

Thanks.  Good to know.  

[DMH15]

5 minutes ago, mnocket said:

 

Agree.  I don't see any real differences that cause me to prefer one over  the other.

Thanks so much for your reply.