CELEBRITY BEYOND vs MSC SEASHORE

[morpheusofthesea]

So I was asked by a poster on the Celebrity board 

"So how does it compare to the Yacht Club?"

It compares very favorably. It comes down to just what one is really looking for and which line provides it. 

   We enjoy a dedicated restaurant open for 3 meals per day, not one that closes for lunch port days.(MSC)

   We enjoy Cafe Al Bacio (Celebrity)

   I enjoy a cushioned cabin balcony deck chair lounger  (MSC)

   We enjoy reserved theater seating for every performance (MSC)

   We enjoy more evening entertainment venues rather than game shows (MSC)

   We enjoy a better Wifi that works(Celebrity)

   We enjoy a private 'out' island. (MSC)

   We love key card elevator over rides (MSC)

   We like a 'gated community' (MSC)

[gmbhardy]

8 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

So I was asked by a poster on the Celebrity board 

"So how does it compare to the Yacht Club?"

It compares very favorably. It comes down to just what one is really looking for and which line provides it. 

   We enjoy a dedicated restaurant open for 3 meals per day, not one that closes for lunch port days.(MSC)

   We enjoy Cafe Al Bacio (Celebrity)

   I enjoy a cushioned cabin balcony deck chair lounger  (MSC)

   We enjoy reserved theater seating for every performance (MSC)

   We enjoy more evening entertainment venues rather than game shows (MSC)

   We enjoy a better Wifi that works(Celebrity)

   We enjoy a private 'out' island. (MSC)

   We love key card elevator over rides (MSC)

   We like a 'gated community' (MSC)

It sounds like you prefer the YC. When you enter value into the equation, the YC appears to be the clear winner.

[morpheusofthesea]

4 minutes ago, gmbhardy said:

It sounds like you prefer the YC. When you enter value into the equation, the YC appears to be the clear winner.

Thanks Doc, I needed someones psychoanalysis. Will miss Cafe Al Bacio terribly.

[Georgia_Peaches]

1 hour ago, morpheusofthesea said:

 On MSC YC one can just rent one of the pergolas/cabanas for the day and have it reserved and stocked, otherwise they are first come first served and complimentary

On our 4 nighter we rented one of the pool deck cabanas (Meraviglia only has three).  I couldn't believe the price!  $34.99 for the entire day and included an ice chest of water and soft drinks.  I was so shocked at the price that I kept asking the poor Italian concierge to repeat himself because I thought I was hearing wrong.  Needless to say, it was money well spent and I'd do it again!!

[Georgia_Peaches]

Thank you for the comparison.  More and more I just think MSC has the suite life down to a T.  We will be on Celebrity Solstice in a RS in March.  I look forward to the all included specialty dining and the additional powder room for DH.  I wish MSC would expand their N. American embarkation ports, perhaps in time they will!

 

Where are you off to next?

[morpheusofthesea]

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Where are you off to next?

MSC Seascape 12-26-2022 to  01-08-2023 Yacht Club. Booked them separately to get any double perks that might be offered. Same cabin so do not have to pack up 12 suitcases.

Edited December 1, 2022 by morpheusofthesea

[morpheusofthesea]

On 11/30/2022 at 5:21 AM, morpheusofthesea said:

Muster  is quick and easy . Watch a video go to muster station and have key card scanned anytime until 3:30. No calling by decks or having to wait for a telephone number to dial first before going to muster station. Celebrity was less congested and everyone could use the elevators.

I am going to criticize this post, in that at the time of both sailings we had 2500 (3200 max) guests on the Beyond and over 5000 (6200max) on Seashore, which might have made a difference ?

[chisoxfan]

Stumbled on this post seeking general impressions of MSC vs. X. We loved YC (Seaside) but were not excited about the rest of the ship (entertainment, specialty restaurants, etc.). We would go back in a minute to YC but after deciding from this one pre Covid cruise that YC  was the future path for our cruising (mostly X S class and HAL) prices went up dramatically (as for all cruises) and we starting booking all inclusive resorts that seemed a better value and option for us. Anyway had kicked around booking a non YC suite on Seascape which is why I was surfing this board. We are booked on Apex next year in IV and I already hate the concept but will give it a shot because of the unique itinerary.  We also booked the X Ascent in the Retreat in Jan.24 at what was a very good deal competitive with YC but more OBC, tips, etc. Getting to the point I am alarmed at comments regarding pool seating in the Retreat as we plan to spend most of our time there. A major reason for our suite choice is to have unfettered pool access. I understand every cruise is different but would hope that the pool and nearby dining options on Ascent would be similar to YC  class ?Also 'assumed' Luminae would be a comparable venue to YC dining which we found good  but not 'excellent'.

Apologize for the 'rambling' nature of the post but would appreciate any comments so that we might have reasonable expectations.

 

 

[jmdlv1]

Was on the Beyond for 9 nights 10/26 - 11/4 , and never had an issue finding seating in the Retreat.

The tables around the outside bar would often be full with groups having lunch .

One or two couples would hog the tables reading books but lounge chairs seemed plentiful. 

[morpheusofthesea]

On 11/30/2022 at 5:22 PM, morpheusofthesea said:

. It comes down to just what one is really looking for and which line provides it.

 

1 hour ago, chisoxfan said:

We loved YC (Seaside) but were not excited about the rest of the ship (entertainment, specialty restaurants, etc

That is my point. We are happy with the food on both ships. DW loves the meringues on MSC better, I love the cakes and cookies found at Cafe Al Bacio more.There were many Retreat Sun Deck cushioned loungers unoccupied, only maybe your definition of 'prime' location is different from the lady who complained to Retreat staff, coveting a chair hog's location. We both enjoyed the entertainment on both ships, though there was more of what we like on MSC. Just not into game shows. We do not get off the ship, except for Ocean Cay, We both enjoy a big cabin, I enjoy a larger balcony (MSC RS). Should we venture to the sun deck we have  'cushioned" lounges in a covered pergola reserved (MSC RS). One can not reserve anything on the Retreat sun deck.

  So it just comes down to what one is really looking for and which line provides it best.

[morpheusofthesea]

29 minutes ago, jmdlv1 said:

One or two couples would hog the tables reading books

That is my point as well. OP even wrote he enjoyed the fact that there are electric outlets installed at Cafe Al Bacio so more chair hogs can spend time reading and playing on their phones and laptops like a Starbucks  instead of eating and drinking and leaving allowing others a chance.

  The more crowded or closer to capacity the more aggravated this situation.

[chisoxfan]

Thanks for the comments. Not looking for any special seating at pool just reasonable assurance we can find a lounger. Agree also with points about the larger YC balcony, and the private island experience of MSC which (private island) is one place I always enjoy visiting for some beach time. Even the tub vs. shower gave me some pause (much prefer shower only). At the end of the day the thread has raised my antennae a bit to understand more the virtues of Retreat vs. YC. 

[morpheusofthesea]

4 hours ago, chisoxfan said:

. Not looking for any special seating at pool just reasonable assurance we can find a lounger.

This is a plus for Celebrity vs RCCL. Non suite paying Zeniths will not crowd one out using suite facilities as do non suite paying Pinnacles. MSC has a tendency to allow "Access" to the Yacht Club which can be crowded on holiday sailings. "Access" on MSC refers to non suite paying friends and family of officers. This is why being able to pay to reserve on certain ships and lines is important if one finds sundeck a high priority. We just ordered a cabana for the week on a Holland America cruise $399 to insure our place in the shade. Also wish to finally try a buffet since they tout NO self service buffets on their ships. Presently Nov 27, 2022, hostess explained that Celebrity is sailing at 78% capacity mainly due to lack of trained staff. So there are less lines, except for getting off the ship at 'tendered' ports like Grand Cayman, though they do fill up the Retreat suites with move-up bids galore. Still we counted ample unoccupied lounges on the Retreat sun deck our cruise.

[Valpacino]

Thank you for posting this very interesting comparison thread.  This has totally changed my thinking about who to cruise with.  We were on the Beyond 13th November 22 in a Sky Suite.  Overall our experience was patchy & has led to me questioning is it worth it.  We were on the Edge in January 2019 & then again in November 2021 & had such a fabulous experience we booked the Beyond for November 2022 whilst on board.  It was quite a different experience & disappointing in parts. 

 

We had issues with inexperienced staff, long wait times for service, chair hogs in The Retreat sun deck, drinks not being made correctly & sub par food. And these things didn't happen once.  It was multiple times. 

 

Based on your observations I am now looking very closely at MSC Seascape YC cabin for our next adventure.  I am also very curious about what Explora may look like when launched.  Thank you for your very enlightening thread!

[morpheusofthesea]

17 minutes ago, Valpacino said:

I am also very curious about what Explora may look like when launched.

We are also very curious as well. Enjoy immensely the butlers escorting (butting) us to the front of every line outside the Yacht Club. The reserved seating at every show. The separate dedicated restaurant. The special attention one receives at Ocean House. The elevator override key card. The 'feeling' one gets at being the privileged few amongst thousands, separated in a 'gated community'. 

   I don't think I can 'handle' 14 days being the same as everyone else on board.

[no1talks]

3 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

"I don't think I can 'handle' 14 days being the same as everyone else on board."

I'm unsure as to why you would feel everyone will be treated the same, Morpheus. Between the three room tiers (Suites, Penthouses, and Residences) there are numerous differences in perquisites.

The only information I await is the loyalty program. If it has a connection to the Voyagers Club system, like a status match, then I'm in for sure.

If Explora loyalty starts from scratch, then I will be disincentivized to keep our once-a-year cruises in Yacht Club. MSC will go to once every third year, to keep our status intact, and we'll start looking at Cunard, Oceania, and others.

[morpheusofthesea]

5 hours ago, no1talks said:

I'm unsure as to why you would feel everyone will be treated the same, Morpheus. Between the three room tiers (Suites, Penthouses, and Residences) there are numerous differences in perquisites.

So what you surmise is that those in the Penthouses and Residences are invited to Ocean House for lunch and our able to book a cabana there and the Suites have the rest of the island, the buffet and food trucks. In a prior posting I counted the number of tables 3 inside, 17 under the veranda and 25 on the expanded lawn area. As it is, we understand that for the restaurant staff to accommodate a 'normal' 250 YC guests that wish to lunch at OH it is a challenge. But for Explora's 750 prima donnas an impossibility. (I recall it was you who brought this to our attention).

[chisoxfan]

On 12/5/2022 at 5:03 PM, morpheusofthesea said:

This is a plus for Celebrity vs RCCL. Non suite paying Zeniths will not crowd one out using suite facilities as do non suite paying Pinnacles. MSC has a tendency to allow "Access" to the Yacht Club which can be crowded on holiday sailings. "Access" on MSC refers to non suite paying friends and family of officers. This is why being able to pay to reserve on certain ships and lines is important if one finds sundeck a high priority. We just ordered a cabana for the week on a Holland America cruise $399 to insure our place in the shade. Also wish to finally try a buffet since they tout NO self service buffets on their ships. Presently Nov 27, 2022, hostess explained that Celebrity is sailing at 78% capacity mainly due to lack of trained staff. So there are less lines, except for getting off the ship at 'tendered' ports like Grand Cayman, though they do fill up the Retreat suites with move-up bids galore. Still we counted ample unoccupied lounges on the Retreat sun deck our cruise.

I cannot agree more about the HAL Cabana except we want one poolside which is only available on Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam.  In fact (now that you mention it) I may look at a two week HAL balcony with cabana which will likely be about the same as one week suite on X or YC. Your comments about the move up bids to retreat are something I also had not considered- probably insures a full Retreat. The options in cruising today (for an 'old time' cruiser) can make your head spin and not always in a positive way.

 

 

[no1talks]

17 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

"As it is, we understand that for the restaurant staff to accommodate a 'normal' 250 YC guests that wish to lunch at OH it is a challenge. But for Explora's 750 prima donnas an impossibility."

Quite so. However, given Explora's three levels of amenities on the ship, I see no reason they couldn't keep OC a two-tier experience, just as MSC does. The YC portion of the island could be ceded to Residence and Penthouse cruisers when Explora I has the dock.

According to ship data, that would be 89 cabins, which is comparable to the number of YC suites on Seaside. The Explora I Suites passengers (the majority of pax) would likely be given a much more lavish buffet lunch and the food trucks would probably be withdrawn. 

Alternately, Explora could treat everyone the same on OC and shutter Ocean House for the day, feeding all passengers from a big, fancy buffet. Either way, Explora will have to do something more luxurious for food & beverage service on OC. Anyone on OC with Explora I will be irked if the experience is the same as a prior OC visit with MSC. There is still time to sort it out, since Explora I isn't making an OC call until November of '23.

The more pressing issue, I think, will be how MSC handles the growing number of YC passengers. Seaside, which began service around the time OC opened, has 86 YC suites. Seashore and Seascape have much larger YC capacities at 131 suites. In the not too distant future, World America will (presumably) be working the Caribbean. If it is a twin to World Europa, there will be 152 YC suites.

That'll be a whole lotta lobster rolls. 😵