Was my YC Morning of Disembarkation Experience An One-Off?

[rkacruiser]

Reading my journal entries for my MSC Meraviglia cruise last January, my memory was jolted by my entries for that final morning.  

 

Breakfast in the YC Restaurant, I saw few Stewards/Stewardesses whom were there during any previous meal times.  Seated at my table, the woman with the water pitcher arrived, saw that I did not have a water glass, and never returned.  No water service as a result.  I wanted a very light breakfast (which is my custom on disembarkation morning for any cruise).  My Steward obviously acted that he thought that was odd.  A couple at an adjoining table ordered pancakes; they arrived with no syrup.  The syrup never did arrive.  When I left the Restaurant, one of the two Maitre d's saw me leave (his service had been exemplary and was rewarded with what I thought was a generous gratuity the night before).  No "farewell/happy landing/etc."  Made me wonder if I hadn't tipped him enough.  

 

Returning to my stateroom, ready to leave, I went to the Concierge Desk to get my escort off the ship.  My Butler was summoned (I required wheelchair disembarkation).  He took me to the disembarkation deck.  Turned me over to another ship staff member; no farewell of any type from him (didn't I tip him enough?).  That staff member got me off the ship and into the Terminal where a shore staff member took over.  That gentleman was the most pleasant part of my experience.  He engaged a Porter, got my luggage, took me through Customs and Immigration and both of them took me directly to my car in the parking garage.  Both were well rewarded for their efforts.  

 

I want to make it clear that I thoroughly enjoyed my YC experience on Meravigila.  But, reading my journal, I remember how disappointing that last morning was.  

 

I want to think that my experience was a "one-off".  But, was it?

 

What has been your experience as a YC guest on disembarkation morning?  

[Até]

Debarking the ship is always a reality check no mater what experience you book.  My experiences have been similar to yours but I realize it's a very hectic day for the crew.

[crazyank]

9 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

Reading my journal entries for my MSC Meraviglia cruise last January, my memory was jolted by my entries for that final morning.  

 

Breakfast in the YC Restaurant, I saw few Stewards/Stewardesses whom were there during any previous meal times.  Seated at my table, the woman with the water pitcher arrived, saw that I did not have a water glass, and never returned.  No water service as a result.  I wanted a very light breakfast (which is my custom on disembarkation morning for any cruise).  My Steward obviously acted that he thought that was odd.  A couple at an adjoining table ordered pancakes; they arrived with no syrup.  The syrup never did arrive.  When I left the Restaurant, one of the two Maitre d's saw me leave (his service had been exemplary and was rewarded with what I thought was a generous gratuity the night before).  No "farewell/happy landing/etc."  Made me wonder if I hadn't tipped him enough.  

 

Returning to my stateroom, ready to leave, I went to the Concierge Desk to get my escort off the ship.  My Butler was summoned (I required wheelchair disembarkation).  He took me to the disembarkation deck.  Turned me over to another ship staff member; no farewell of any type from him (didn't I tip him enough?).  That staff member got me off the ship and into the Terminal where a shore staff member took over.  That gentleman was the most pleasant part of my experience.  He engaged a Porter, got my luggage, took me through Customs and Immigration and both of them took me directly to my car in the parking garage.  Both were well rewarded for their efforts.  

 

I want to make it clear that I thoroughly enjoyed my YC experience on Meravigila.  But, reading my journal, I remember how disappointing that last morning was.  

 

I want to think that my experience was a "one-off".  But, was it?

 

What has been your experience as a YC guest on disembarkation morning?  

What you experienced is typical MSC service.

[sverigecruiser]

 

I have only been on two MSCcruises but my experience has not been the same as yours.

 

The same service the last day as the rest of the cruise.

[hamrag]

Our experience on the final day of our 3 YC cruises has been amazing, but the context totally different from the OP. We generally stay overnight for at least one night in a hotel post-cruise and arranged very late disembarking with the YC Director being approximately 2 hours before sailing!

 

So, our breakfast experience on each occasion was relaxed as we had the rest of the day to enjoy in the YC whilst others were rushing off. Luggage already packed, and deposited with the concierge for safe keeping from 9.00am. On each cruise we had a full lunch and most of the afternoon final day. On one cruise, we managed to have early dinner before disembarking at 7.00pm. All our disembarkations were flawless but, as previously stated, a totally different context for us!

Edited January 18, 2021 by hamrag

[dexddd]

Our first two were great and generally leisurely until off the ship.  Last one on Seaside they were rushing to get everyone off the ship and there seemed to be no late stays as reported over the years.  We had to go down a couple floors, went through casino, then down a couple floors, all through public areas.  On NCL they take you down crew elevator and to front of line which is nice.

[rkacruiser]

11 hours ago, crazyank said:

What you experienced is typical MSC service.

 

The service in and out of YC was excellent to very good up until that Sunday morning.  

[shipgeeks]

I'm surprised to read this!  I know the crew have to prepare for the next group, but current passengers are still current passengers, especially with the expectations one would have in YC.

We sailed not in YC, but in a Bella cabin.   From the moment we arrived at the terminal until we disembarked two weeks later, we could not fault any aspect of the service we received.    

My journal for disembarkation day says "As Diamonds/Black we are entitled to 7:30 departure.  But no hurry on our part, so we have a semi-leisurely breakfast (in buffet), then quick and easy exit."  I had to look it up, because I couldn't remember any problems, and I guess I was right.  Outside the terminal, of course, it was a noisy zoo.  Our shuttle driver's advice to call him before we get to Customs was correct; by the time we got outside the noise made it hard to hear and be heard.

[rkacruiser]

Ate, sverigecruiser, hamrag, dexddd:

 

I appreciate your responses.  Thanks.  

 

I felt no "push" for me to vacate my suite.  Never even thought about requesting a very late check-out; I was driving to Fort Lauderdale for a 2 day stay once I disembarked Meraviglia.  So, I was really in no hurry.  

 

The most surprising thing to me was the staff in the YC Restaurant.  There were no more than 2 whom I recognized from B-L-D service on previous days.  I wonder if these were crew members who served in food service elsewhere other than the YC?  

 

Surely know that morning/day is a hectic one for any crew on any ship.  Maybe, there were some YC Restaurant staff who were disembarking that morning and had to be replaced until the new staff was aboard?  

 

Maybe my expectation as to how far my Butler would take me during disembarkation was faulty.  I didn't expect being "handed over" to another crew member to actually get me off the ship.  Having a shore staff person to then take over:  that's expected.  

 

Just another travel/learning experience!

[rkacruiser]

3 minutes ago, shipgeeks said:

My journal for disembarkation day says "As Diamonds/Black we are entitled to 7:30 departure. 

 

Thank you for your response.  As a Diamond/Black member as well as being in YC, an early departure time was available.  Given the size of the ship and the number of guests, I chose to depart early.  Thinking that leaving later, it would be more hectic/chaotic.  Well, there must have been a lot of "such" members because the line going through C&I was a long, double line moving very slowly with no more than 3 C&I agents at their booths.  

 

My practice on disembarkation morning has been--unless I have a transfer arranged--to be among the last off the ship.  Usually, the ship to shore transfer is so much less stressful.  Should have done so on Meraviglia.  But, being a new MSC guest, I didn't know any better.  

[hamrag]

55 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

....I felt no "push" for me to vacate my suite.  Never even thought about requesting a very late check-out; I was driving to Fort Lauderdale for a 2 day stay once I disembarked Meraviglia.  So, I was really in no hurry....

 

I am almost certain that I've read on these boards that a late check out is not possible in Miami. Our experiences were Genoa and Marseilles in the med and also in Barbados.

[CruisingFox27]

Our last 2 YC disembarkation's were in the US so although we had extra cabin time as diamond members, you're still required to vacate the ship by 9.30/10am. WE didn't have breakfast in the restaurant on either occasion but did have food in the TSL with the usual attention from crew for coffee etc and a nice hour or so relaxing in the TSL before our butler escorted us from the ship. 

When disembarking in Barbados we requested a late disembarkation and received great service until after lunch, when we left. 

[Norwich Cruiser]

We’ve only been disappointed with yacht club disembarkation on one occasion.

[rkacruiser]

17 hours ago, Norwich Cruiser said:

We’ve only been disappointed with yacht club disembarkation on one occasion.

 

Why?  Do you wish to be specific as to why you were disappointed?  

[neptuno]

It is not just YC  in Miami.  Miami is a ****hole with arrogant customs officials who are all unionized and have no report.  Europeans may be accustomed to public employee malfeasance, but US taxpayers are correct to complain.

[hamrag]

7 hours ago, neptuno said:

It is not just YC  in Miami.  Miami is a ****hole with arrogant customs officials who are all unionized and have no report.  Europeans may be accustomed to public employee malfeasance, but US taxpayers are correct to complain.

Indeed, we have experienced this in both Miami and Ft L....the approach we take is 'when in Rome...'

We wait patiently when required, smile much and never had any serious issues. Displaying anger or complaint does not work in such situation, we roll with it all. 😉

[rkacruiser]

14 hours ago, hamrag said:

We wait patiently when required, smile much and never had any serious issues. Displaying anger or complaint does not work in such situation, we roll with it all.

 

What else can one reasonably do?  There is an old cliche:  Honey attracts more bees than vinegar.  Using that thought works with "officials" as well as with those who think they are "officials".  

[Dunk]

I'm a loyal Princess person. I did a cruise on the Meraviglia in the Yacht Club. I really liked that experience, but I think if I was not in the YC, I wouldn't have enjoyed myself as much. The ship is dazzling, but it seems crowded, and akin to NCL or RCCL to me. YMMV. 

[phissy]

We were on Meraviglia, in YC , disembarking Barcelona . Spring of 2019.

we requested late disembarkation and were granted request. We had lunch onboard and allowed to stay in cabin. Because MSC does “circuit” in Med, passengers get  on and off at each port. Our cabin was not booked until Marseille.  Around  2pm , concierge called a couple of Jr. Butlers to assist us off the ship. I think they loved getting off the ship and lingered as we waited for car service. The whole experience was amazing. Our next cruise from Miami will not be as pleasant and we are prepared for that.

[Norwich Cruiser]

On 1/20/2021 at 1:23 AM, rkacruiser said:

 

Why?  Do you wish to be specific as to why you were disappointed?  

Miami disembarkation our butler was nowhere to be seen and our escort literally dumped us off the ship.

 

We have found this to be a one off.

[rkacruiser]

15 hours ago, Norwich Cruiser said:

Miami disembarkation our butler was nowhere to be seen and our escort literally dumped us off the ship.

 

We have found this to be a one off.

 

I was surprised by being "handed off" to so many people during my disembarkation.  I was, however, most pleased with the shore staff member who was my final escort, got a porter, got the luggage, and took me to my car in the parking garage.  I remember him saying--to me or to the porter, not sure to which the comment was directed--"if we are challenged, we will say this is what we are going to do and we are doing it".  Their service was a positive one-off I think.  

 

If am able to book another MSC cruise, I would like for it to be from/to Port Canaveral or Port Everglades and not Miami.  The Port of Miami is a congested, chaotic mess.  

[shipgeeks]

49 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

 

If am able to book another MSC cruise, I would like for it to be from/to Port Canaveral or Port Everglades and not Miami.  The Port of Miami is a congested, chaotic mess.  

We agree, hands down!

Unfortunately for us in the US, Miami appears to be much easier than Fort Lauderdale for Europeans and South Americans to fly to, and they make up a good percentage of passengers.

But we can keep wishing!

[eagletwo]

We were on the last MSC ship to dock in Miami on March 15th, 2020, Meraviglia.  The crew in the YC did not know what they were going to do as far as getting home or staying on the ship.  The YC staff could not have been more gracious or accommodating on the last day.  Breakfast served in YC was good as the rest of the cruise.  When we were ready to leave the ship, we were escorted directly to the Customs area.  US Customs was clearing passengers off the ship so fast we were in our car by 9:00 am. 

[rkacruiser]

27 minutes ago, eagletwo said:

We were on the last MSC ship to dock in Miami on March 15th, 2020, Meraviglia.  The crew in the YC did not know what they were going to do as far as getting home or staying on the ship.

 

I appreciate your reply.  I have much sympathy for the crew on all of the cruise ships that got entangled into this mess.  The uncertainties for all of us have been considerable.  For them, there was a different dimension for these uncertainties.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

On 1/17/2021 at 7:36 PM, rkacruiser said:

Reading my journal entries for my MSC Meraviglia cruise last January, my memory was jolted by my entries for that final morning.  

 

Breakfast in the YC Restaurant, I saw few Stewards/Stewardesses whom were there during any previous meal times.  Seated at my table, the woman with the water pitcher arrived, saw that I did not have a water glass, and never returned.  No water service as a result.  I wanted a very light breakfast (which is my custom on disembarkation morning for any cruise).  My Steward obviously acted that he thought that was odd.  A couple at an adjoining table ordered pancakes; they arrived with no syrup.  The syrup never did arrive.  When I left the Restaurant, one of the two Maitre d's saw me leave (his service had been exemplary and was rewarded with what I thought was a generous gratuity the night before).  No "farewell/happy landing/etc."  Made me wonder if I hadn't tipped him enough.  

 

Returning to my stateroom, ready to leave, I went to the Concierge Desk to get my escort off the ship.  My Butler was summoned (I required wheelchair disembarkation).  He took me to the disembarkation deck.  Turned me over to another ship staff member; no farewell of any type from him (didn't I tip him enough?).  That staff member got me off the ship and into the Terminal where a shore staff member took over.  That gentleman was the most pleasant part of my experience.  He engaged a Porter, got my luggage, took me through Customs and Immigration and both of them took me directly to my car in the parking garage.  Both were well rewarded for their efforts.  

 

I want to make it clear that I thoroughly enjoyed my YC experience on Meravigila.  But, reading my journal, I remember how disappointing that last morning was.  

 

I want to think that my experience was a "one-off".  But, was it?

 

What has been your experience as a YC guest on disembarkation morning?  

RK, sounds like you had a confused disembarkation from the YC.  Fortunately you got taken care of by the gentleman who took over for the missing butler.  When we left the Divina we went to the Top Sail and had coffee and snacks while we waited for our butler to escort us.  Mevin arrived as scheduled and escorted us off the ship all the way to the luggage.  Our experience was beyond expectations all the way from start to finish.  It’s important to remember that on the morning of disembark/embark there is a great deal of chaos.  Your service people have a lot on their minds as they prepare for the next load of pax.  In short, they are distracted.  Don’t feel bad if you were overlooked for that brief moment.