I just did a thing.......

[graphicguy]

Pricing is crazy good on this one....especially in the Yacht Club.  A little too early for a live report, but will probably start a separate thread for that when the time grows near.

 

Will have more details later.

 

 

Congratulations! You are all set to sail aboard the MSC Seaside sailing on May 14, 2023 - 7 NIGHT - Caribbean.
 

This e-mail serves as a temporary confirmation. An official invoice from our agency confirming your reservation details (including your pricing and amenities) will be emailed to you within (7 days/24-48 business hours (please note that this might take longer). Once you receive your invoice, be sure to look it over for accuracy.

 

 

[GA Dave]

14 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Pricing is crazy good on this one....especially in the Yacht Club.  A little too early for a live report, but will probably start a separate thread for that when the time grows near.

 

Will have more details later.

 

 

Congratulations! You are all set to sail aboard the MSC Seaside sailing on May 14, 2023 - 7 NIGHT - Caribbean.
 

This e-mail serves as a temporary confirmation. An official invoice from our agency confirming your reservation details (including your pricing and amenities) will be emailed to you within (7 days/24-48 business hours (please note that this might take longer). Once you receive your invoice, be sure to look it over for accuracy.

 

 

Welcome to the darkside!!!  😁  I may have to see if this one would fit in my schedule.....

[shipgeeks]

We've been pining over that cruise plus the 4-day that follows.  We loved Seaside just before the lockdown (did 7+7 night B2B).

The only thing that's stopping us these days is having to fly.  All our cruises this year have been from Baltimore, which we can get to by road in a few hours.  Now if only they would put Armonia in Baltimore, we'd be aboard multiple times every year.

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, GA Dave said:

Welcome to the darkside!!!  😁  I may have to see if this one would fit in my schedule.....

Would love to see you again, Dave!

[Georgia_Peaches]

Congratulations!!  Definitely going to have to check this one out!  

[graphicguy]

As @Georgia_Peaches likes to post, here are the financials and reasoning of this booking.

 

I like deals…not necessarily cheap deals (although I have just come off the cheapest 7 day cruise I’ve ever taken a few weeks ago), but good value deals.  Good value for the cruise line.  Good value when compared to other cruise lines’ sailings on the same itinerary, same/similar dates, same/similar cabin and perks.  And finally, a good fare value.

 

I like to sail in the Spring.  It kicks off my Summer in a positive way.  Hurricanes don’t bother me.  Ships can sail around them.  Or, in worst case scenarios, the cruise is canceled.  I have been sailing a long time (first cruise was on the NCL Norway).  I’ve only had once cruise canceled because of a hurricane…and that’s over 30 cruises.  You can view that a couple of different ways.  Either I’m quite lucky, or I’m due.  Either way, I’m not scared.

 

Fresh off the NCL Breakaway to Canada last month, having had a great time, I immediately started looking, again.  I have a problem.  I’m aware of that.  I’m retired.  I’m an empty nester.  I have nothing that restricts me from taking a cruise almost whenever I want.  I’m willing and able to do so.  So, with all that in mind, I search for cruises whenever possible.

 

I’ve only taken 2 MSC cruises.  One out of FL on the Divina 6 years ago (when MSC was just starting to sail out of North America).  The other in the Mediterranean 5 years ago with the (then) GF, my son, my sisters and assorted nieces and nephews.  All were in the Yacht Club.

 

I was status matched at the time to my NCL status (I think Platinum, which changed to Sapphire recently).  MSC matched me to “Black Card” status, their highest ranking.  That has since changed to “Diamond” recently, but still their highest ranking.  Not exactly sure why.  MSC would send me an email every once in a while stating my “status” was going to expire.  But, every time I looked, it never did.  No difference this time.  Even though I haven’t sailed with them in 5 years, my status still shows Diamond, good thorough the end of 12/2023.  OK…if you say so.

 

When I took my last MSC cruises, the YC was relatively cheap compared to NCL’s Haven, Royal’s Star Suites, or Carnival’s Havana Suites.  As word got out about them, prices rose to the point where they were no longer a “deal”.

 

Back on the cruise hunt.

 

If I could have pulled it off with flights, dog sitters, etc, I would have stayed on board the NCL Breakaway from my Canada itinerary for a repo cruise, and still be on her right now, sailing towards New Orleans.  The deal was that good.  C’est la Vie!

 

The new hunt has been on since I dropped off my luggage in my laundry room to wash out the old cruise diddys to await my return to pack it again for a new cruise.  So, found one.

 

Right…right…quit “back storying and pontificating”…just get to the deal…

 

All rates are for a solo…

 

-May 14th-7day cruise out of Orlando on the MSC Seaside in a YC inside cabin.

 

Fare=$1,519+$140 for tips and fees-Gross total $1,659.

 

TA is offering a $125 discount=$1,534

MSC is offering $200 OBC

 

AMEX Platinum…nothing…nada….MSC does not recognize (more like won’t pay for) that AMEX Platinum perks.

 

There’s a little bit of a glitch with one of MSC’s perks. This was booked when MSC was offering a FREE BALCONY UPGRADE.  Look as hard as I could, I saw NO qualifiers on their web site.  My TA says MSC won’t allow the upgrade in the YC.  She’s still working on this with their booking managers.  So, we’ll see where that ends up.

 

There’s a long winded explanation of how much it will cost.

 

The ship’s itinerary is one I’ve done many times before….EXCEPT….Ocean Cay, which is MSC’s marine preserve, which I understand is fantastic.  Plus, we stay docked there overnite, meaning I can hang out there and enjoy it’s evening entertainment of a light house show, food and drink menus, and just wander back to the ship without worrying about it leaving.  Looking forward to that.

 

 

[alyssamma]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

There’s a little bit of a glitch with one of MSC’s perks. This was booked when MSC was offering a FREE BALCONY UPGRADE.  Look as hard as I could, I saw NO qualifiers on their web site.  My TA says MSC won’t allow the upgrade in the YC.  She’s still working on this with their booking managers.  So, we’ll see where that ends up.

Please report back if you get this upgrade...

 

I've seen it where the price of the balcony is the same as ocean view during the booking process, not an actual "upgrade" after the fact (regardless of the class).

 

But with MSC, who knows, so definitely interested in knowing if this works for you...

[graphicguy]

47 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

Please report back if you get this upgrade...

 

I've seen it where the price of the balcony is the same as ocean view during the booking process, not an actual "upgrade" after the fact (regardless of the class).

 

But with MSC, who knows, so definitely interested in knowing if this works for you...

Will do.  Never know with cruise lines.  I’ve had success holding NCL to their advertisements, but never MSC.  That said, I’ve never tried with MSC, either.

[graphicguy]

On 11/16/2022 at 12:06 PM, alyssamma said:

Please report back if you get this upgrade...

 

I've seen it where the price of the balcony is the same as ocean view during the booking process, not an actual "upgrade" after the fact (regardless of the class).

 

But with MSC, who knows, so definitely interested in knowing if this works for you...

Just spent an hour on the phone with MSC customer service...first with a regular rep, and then, her supervisor.  Both admitted they saw the "free balcony upgrade" promo on my reservation.  But, neither could actually apply the upgrade to my reservation.

 

I did, however, get a lot of dancing around the issue...ranging from....

 

"....you'll be upgraded at the pier when you check in..."

Not buying that.  I can imagine me going toe-toe at the pier with a check in agent and getting hauled off by pier security.

 

to

 

"...you're in the Yacht Club, which is already an upgrade...."

Eh.....what?  I paid the Yacht Club fare to be in the YC.

 

to

 

"....If you were in an inside cabin, you'd be upgraded to a balcony cabin..."

Uhhh...I an in an inside cabin and, as you say, I want to be upgraded to a balcony cabin, like your promotion promised.

 

I asked them to refund my deposit since they won't adhere to their promo.  They said it was non-refundable.  I said they lied to me about their promo.  We're at a stand still.

 

Not finished with them, yet.  Need to send this up the ladder to see if they're going to stick to their promo they advertised.

 

 

[alyssamma]

3 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

"....you'll be upgraded at the pier when you check in..."

Not buying that.  I can imagine me going toe-toe at the pier with a check in agent and getting hauled off by pier security.

LMAO, this is their go to excuse. It will be handled on the boat or at the pier. It never is, as you suggest.

 

5 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I asked them to refund my deposit since they won't adhere to their promo.  They said it was non-refundable.  I said they lied to me about their promo.  We're at a stand still.

Stick you your guns on this one. I actually got a refund on a non-refundable fare from them once. You have to call and call and call.

 

Please let me know how it goes...

[graphicguy]

BTW...here are the financials.....

 

Yacht Club Experience (Included)

$325 USD Onboard Credit (Per Person for XXXXXXXXXXXX)   Note: MSC $200; ADC Gift $125

Cruise $ 1659.52 Taxes & Fees $ 140.00 Total (USD) $ 1799.52 Total Paid $ 199.00 Final Due By 2/3/2023 $ 1600.52

	Please pre-register at www.msccruisesusa.com to obtain your electronic boarding documents.
	CRUISE DETAILS Cruise Line MSC CRUISES Ship MSC SEASIDE Deck PLAYA PARAISO DECK Itinerary CARIBBEAN AND ANTILLES, 7 NIGHTS Start Date 05/14/2023 (7 Nights)  Dining Open Category / Cabin No. YIN - MSC YACHT CLUB INTERIOR SUITE / XXXXXXXXXX

[Morgsmom]

The balcony upgrade offer does not apply, nor has it ever, to the Yacht Club.  It was for Inside to Regular Balcony.   It never read as yacht club inside to balcony.  This is a stretch at best.

[Robkat]

1 hour ago, Morgsmom said:

The balcony upgrade offer does not apply, nor has it ever, to the Yacht Club.  It was for Inside to Regular Balcony.   It never read as yacht club inside to balcony.  This is a stretch at best.

 

This!  Well and appropriately pointed out, @Morgsmom!

Anyone who has looked at MSC pricing, or dealt with MSC more than once, is pretty cognizant and aware that many of the featured promotions don't apply to YC.

And I wish the promo was still on so I could find the T&C's, as I find it hard to believe that the YC exclusion to this promo is not written somewhere, even if it is in itsy teeny print. However, even without seeing it written out, and never having pursued this promo, I was aware that it didn't apply to YC.  

[hamrag]

2 hours ago, Morgsmom said:

The balcony upgrade offer does not apply, nor has it ever, to the Yacht Club.  It was for Inside to Regular Balcony.   It never read as yacht club inside to balcony.  This is a stretch at best.

Correct! Most offers exclude YC....it's priced on the famed supply/demand algorithm.

[alyssamma]

2 hours ago, Morgsmom said:

The balcony upgrade offer does not apply, nor has it ever, to the Yacht Club.  It was for Inside to Regular Balcony.   It never read as yacht club inside to balcony.  This is a stretch at best.

I don't think anyone doubts that. I think the OP is saying that he doesn't see any fine print that excludes YC...it may or may not be there...MSC is famous for hiding things. But if it isn't there, then why shouldn't it apply?

 

Sure, a stretch at best, but it's certainly worth a try...

[graphicguy]

4 hours ago, hamrag said:

Correct! Most offers exclude YC....it's priced on the famed supply/demand algorithm.

 

3 hours ago, alyssamma said:

I don't think anyone doubts that. I think the OP is saying that he doesn't see any fine print that excludes YC...it may or may not be there...MSC is famous for hiding things. But if it isn't there, then why shouldn't it apply?

 

Sure, a stretch at best, but it's certainly worth a try...

Where do they state that?  I looked extensively.  Have not found that exclusion.  Only thing I saw was MSC trying to get reservations by promising Free Balcony Upgrades…no exclusions!

[Morgsmom]

11 hours ago, graphicguy said:

 

Where do they state that?  I looked extensively.  Have not found that exclusion.  Only thing I saw was MSC trying to get reservations by promising Free Balcony Upgrades…no exclusions!

Shaking my head. 

 

The categories in YC are YIN (yacht club interior/inside) and YC Deluxe Suite.   It is NOT a "Yacht Club Balcony". Even though it has a balcony it is NOT a Balcony cabin.  The categories outside of YC include:  Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony.  Thus the promo was "get a Balcony cabin for an Interior price."  Applicable outside of the Yacht Club.

 

And if your (flawed) logic was applicable, then why couldn't I book an Inside and INSIST I get an Aurea Whirlpool cabin since it has a Balcony? How about the MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with whirlpool since that has a balcony?  Terms and conditions are just that - of course there is fine print, and exclusions."  They are 100% whatever the cruiseline wants them to be.

 

The promo never, ever applied to Yacht Club. 

Edited November 20, 2022 by Morgsmom
added

[Georgia_Peaches]

16 hours ago, hamrag said:

Correct! Most offers exclude YC....it's priced on the famed supply/demand algorithm.

I just earned a 30% off voucher from the casino on my cruise last week...am wondering if this can be used on a YC booking.  The fine print says some exclusions apply but doesn't list the exclusions.  I have this question in with my TA but she doesn't work weekends so the jury is still out.

[mnpurple]

@Georgia_Peaches It's not quite the same, but I used a MyVegas 30% discount on Divina YC, they also added the 5% on top.  We're going on a 10-day in Jan.

[graphicguy]

36 minutes ago, Morgsmom said:

Shaking my head. 

 

The categories in YC are YIN (yacht club interior/inside) and YC Deluxe Suite.   It is NOT a "Yacht Club Balcony". Even though it has a balcony it is NOT a Balcony cabin.  The categories outside of YC include:  Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony.  Thus the promo was "get a Balcony cabin for an Interior price."  Applicable outside of the Yacht Club.

 

The promo never, ever applied to Yacht Club.  In fact, on ships like the  Divina there are no Yacht Club interior cabins, so how would that work?  

 

 

Not really willing to argue this since it’s too obvious.  But…..  

 

You’re saying a balcony cabin is only a balcony cabin if it’s not in the Yacht Club?  So, think about what you said…..”EVEN THOUGH IT HAS A BALCONY, IT IS NOT A BALCONY CABIN”.  Think about it again and again.  Semantics much? 

 

The EXACT wording of the promotion was “FREE BALCONY UPGRADE”…not “get a Balcony cabin for an interior price” as you stated.  Although, that would work, too.  I have an interior cabin and am holding them to their promo that I should get a free balcony upgrade.

 

It did not state….”Free Balcony Upgrade” (but not for Yacht Club…not even in small print…no asterisks, either).

 

Nowhere on the site did it say…”promo does not apply to the Yacht Club”.  It says that NOWHERE!

 

As an aside, they’ve removed all mention of the Free Balcony Cabin Upgrade promo.  Fortunately, I printed it out.

 

Sent an email to MSC’s U.S.A. Exec office.  And, wrote a letter to the CEO of MSC U.S.A.

 

They can hold my feet to the fire with their payment rules and regs.  I’ll hold their feet to the fire by having them adhere to their promotions they advertise.

Edited November 20, 2022 by graphicguy

[Georgia_Peaches]

1 minute ago, mnpurple said:

@Georgia_Peaches It's not quite the same, but I used a MyVegas 30% discount on Divina YC, they also added the 5% on top.  We're going on a 10-day in Jan.

I'm feeling very encouraged!  @psmarkle indicated that he has used the 30% off voucher on the YC and has also been successful with stacking the additional 5% off.  It's a great deal!  I hope you enjoy your cruise in Jan.

 

@graphicguy sorry, didn't mean to hijack your thread. 😎  Assuming you won't be upgraded to a YC deluxe, I have to say your fare for a YC interior is great!  If I remember correctly, you like to take a spin in the casino.  That 30% voucher comes pretty quickly if you like to play.

[graphicguy]

2 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

I'm feeling very encouraged!  @psmarkle indicated that he has used the 30% off voucher on the YC and has also been successful with stacking the additional 5% off.  It's a great deal!  I hope you enjoy your cruise in Jan.

 

@graphicguy sorry, didn't mean to hijack your thread. 😎  Assuming you won't be upgraded to a YC deluxe, I have to say your fare for a YC interior is great!  If I remember correctly, you like to take a spin in the casino.  That 30% voucher comes pretty quickly if you like to play.

Hey lady!  Thanks.  You’re more than welcome to hijack anytime.

 

Will do a little casino action.  

 

I’m not finished with holding MSC to their published promo, yet.

[psmarkle]

Yes, this is our third YC cruise booked with the 30% casino voucher + 5% Voyagers Club. You have to reach 1200 points to earn the voucher. On slot machines, it will tell you how many points you have earned. I play 3 Card Poker and just ask the dealer for my points total. Once I hit 1200, I throttle back my playing, if any more at all.

 

Interesting note, on our last cruise on the Seashore in April, a fellow player and I were discussing the discount. He got a free inside cabin offer from the Casino Dept. He then paid to upgrade all the way to the YC. We did some rough cocktail napkin math, and it seemed the 30% discount was the better deal for booking the YC. YMMV, but food for thought.

[hamrag]

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

I just earned a 30% off voucher from the casino on my cruise last week...am wondering if this can be used on a YC booking.  The fine print says some exclusions apply but doesn't list the exclusions.  I have this question in with my TA but she doesn't work weekends so the jury is still out.

I can't see any reason why not. Our YC bookings across the past couple of years have all been under what is now called the Health Workers Promotion. Up until a few months ago, these discounts ranged from 20 to 50% and all of ours had either 30 or 50% plus a further 5% Voyagers Club applied.....being very fortunate in being able to travel off season, and choose those with the highest discounts! 

 

Best wishes, I'm almost certain it will be applied to YC.

Edited November 20, 2022 by hamrag

[hamrag]

13 hours ago, graphicguy said:

 

Where do they state that?  I looked extensively.  Have not found that exclusion.  Only thing I saw was MSC trying to get reservations by promising Free Balcony Upgrades…no exclusions!

 

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

....Nowhere on the site did it say…”promo does not apply to the Yacht Club”.  It says that NOWHERE!...

 

Sent an email to MSC’s U.S.A. Exec office.  And, wrote a letter to the CEO of MSC U.S.A....

 

Dream on, at least your email and letter would have made their relevant PA's smile! 😉