How often will MSC run their promo / specials?

[missemo12345]

New to MC but interested in a cruise for 11/2020 they are not offering any specials for the later part of 2020. I was hoping at some point they will update their promos and include the later part of 2020 dates.

Thank you :)

Edited April 12, 2019 by missemo12345

[ready2cruzagain]

Waiting for them to include the drink package on Nov/Dec of 2020 and have no idea when or if they will.  We booked last year for Nov/Dec 2019 at the end of March 2018 and the drink package was included then. Hopefully soon.  I am beyond ready to book.

[deliver42]

I'm booked for 12/20 with no package. When the packages come out, I'll call to add it to my cruise. If they deny doing it, I'll cancel, then rebook.

[missemo12345]

Yes my agent has will do the same I was wondering how often they update their promotions?

[TomC21]

 if they offer the drink package at a later time closer to the departure, the price may go up to offset the cost of the package.

when I booked my cruise in January for a November departure, the Easy drink package and free internet were include. Once the promotion ended for my particular cruise in March, the price for the basic cruise without the drink and internet packages dropped several hundred dollars. So I’m sure it’s factored in.

[johncrotchy]

I've been cruising with MSC since 2014/15 and the drink package perk seems to be pretty common. I get e-mails about free drinks/wifi all. the. time. I'm sure they'll offer it for your cruise at some point. 

[missemo12345]

Thank you I have signed up for emails from MSC so I will have a better idea. I don't sail till 11/2020 so I have plenty of time to keep a look out on their site.

[Beamafar]

As has been pointed out already, cruise fares generally go up in price when inclusions are added as promotions.  It can often be cheaper to book with nothing included and purchase what you want to add separately rather than have MSC include the packages and increase the price by more than what paying separately would have cost.

[Captain-John]

2 hours ago, Beamafar said:

As has been pointed out already, cruise fares generally go up in price when inclusions are added as promotions.  It can often be cheaper to book with nothing included and purchase what you want to add separately rather than have MSC include the packages and increase the price by more than what paying separately would have cost.

 

On that very subject - I may be about to commit a completely unheard of, impulsive act - booking a bare bones, Bella Inside - no packages, perks or anything.

 

I'm going to research the drinks menus again to see if I could manage 'pay as you go' on that front - it's been so long since I've been without a package I just can't remember what the regular prices are - and no doubt the menus and prices have changed significantly. It'll be fixed time dining too, and no table for 2 - so if I pull the trigger, we'll probably eat at the buffet every night (again unheard of), except for the Black card meal. So I need to work out what I would like in terms of extra and see if packages or pay as you go will be more worthwhile.

 

Hand luggage only on the flights, for a week's cruise, to keep to the budget theme. However - the total price -including flights - is not that far off what I was quoted for my car's service recently. So in that context I don't think any of the above will be a hardship at all. 😄 I think the challenge of spending as little as possible (save for the necessaries: transfers, DSC, and wine!) will make it the most interesting holiday I've had in a while............

[Beamafar]

Cap'n ... you've just described a plan of action I've been toying with of late.

 

I've curtailed next year's cruising budget significantly to the point where we're only doing one cruise (though it is in YC).  However, it's in September, which is 10 months after we disembark Meraviglia this year.  Now, it's been some time since we've had to wait that long before sailing again, so, if we go with a similar plan to yours, I think I might just sneak in a 7 night Med in the Spring.  Itinerary wouldn't matter as the ship would be the destination (saving even more money by not getting off  😎). 

 

I'd have to have a drinks package, though.  Couldn't be faffed with totting up prices with 'Pay As You Go'.  But, I'd go with Easy.

 

If the casino on either Seaview or Meraviglia plays nicely, I might just aim for the 30% discount voucher to assist with this (hypothetical for now) budget cruise.

 

I wonder what kind of experience we'd have with such a scaled-back (for us) trip.  🤔

[Captain-John]

Great minds and all that! The problem with packages for me is DW doesn't really get the full value out of it - although I probably go over my 'target' quite a bit so it probably does balance out in the end - and as you say, less hassle as well as no 15% service charge. Although I primarily drink red wine, so I might be better off buying bottles or some kind of wine package and DW can pay for soft drinks as we go?

 

I'm quite sure (if I commit) that it will be an experience, a very different one, and to be honest I'd feel a lot less guilty about not 'getting my money's worth' - so if I wanted to go to bed early, or lie in, or not bother with a 3 course meal, I wouldn't feel like I was 'missing out' on something I was paying for as it cost next to nothing in the first place. Much to ponder..... Only major drawback so far is that it's a GTY - so could end up above the thrusters, which I wouldn't enjoy. It would be an extra few hundred to be able to pick the stateroom and upgrade to OV to do so.

[JP Medina]

1 hour ago, Captain-John said:

 

On that very subject - I may be about to commit a completely unheard of, impulsive act - booking a bare bones, Bella Inside - no packages, perks or anything.

 

I'm going to research the drinks menus again to see if I could manage 'pay as you go' on that front - it's been so long since I've been without a package I just can't remember what the regular prices are - and no doubt the menus and prices have changed significantly. It'll be fixed time dining too, and no table for 2 - so if I pull the trigger, we'll probably eat at the buffet every night (again unheard of), except for the Black card meal. So I need to work out what I would like in terms of extra and see if packages or pay as you go will be more worthwhile.

 

Hand luggage only on the flights, for a week's cruise, to keep to the budget theme. However - the total price -including flights - is not that far off what I was quoted for my car's service recently. So in that context I don't think any of the above will be a hardship at all. 😄 I think the challenge of spending as little as possible (save for the necessaries: transfers, DSC, and wine!) will make it the most interesting holiday I've had in a while............

While Interior cabins are comfortable enough, I would bet being black card Will get you a cabin upgrade. Sorry for you not getting the full downgrade experience you wanted 😆😆😆😆

Edited April 13, 2019 by JP Medina

[Captain-John]

^^^

 

That would be very nice if it did happen but I doubt it, somehow! If it doesn't happen though, I'll quote you and start making demands at reception. 😉

[JP Medina]

11 minutes ago, Captain-John said:

^^^

 

That would be very nice if it did happen but I doubt it, somehow! If it doesn't happen though, I'll quote you and start making demands at reception. 😉

Not a black card member here, sadly.

But (booked interior bella) if you read between lines (upgarded to fantástica balcony), I am very Happy Classic Member.

Let's see if it still is when I check in a couple of weeks, lol, not taking it as a done deal, but fingers crossed.

Edited April 13, 2019 by JP Medina

[Captain-John]

Very best of luck - I think if they've already told you you have the upgrade, then it would be very poor form if they didn't follow through. Enjoy your cruise. 🙂