Onboard the Mera (12/11-12/15/22): a Tale of Woes, a Tale of No's....

[Fla Mike]

9 minutes ago, styles27 said:

Really hoping the 4 day part doesn’t turn into a party ship.
 

We’ve  even considered getting off after the 10 days that’s how much we’re concerned about that part of the cruise. 
We said we’d never book another cruise that’s less than 7 days and here we are ugh

 

Our two MSC cruises were both 4 days out of PC...

The crowds were OK, not bad at all, nothing at all like a short Carnival cruise.

 

It was just that the service on Mera was awful.

 

What does concern me now is that there has been some chatter on various Carnival boards on other social media that says they are "jumping ship" as Carnival still has banned pre cruise alcohol bottle sales on cruises under 7 days.

 

An unlimited Easy Plus package and low fares might bring out some, but I think the lack of comedians, free food choices, and pool shenanigans, may keep most away.

 

I wouldn't cancel.

[Morgsmom]

2 hours ago, blueskadoo said:

Just out of curiosity, who is the new YC director they brought in? It seems to make a big difference who they are with consistency even if it shouldn't. 

A gent named Craig who is from Wales.  He is new to MSC and comes from Viking Cruises (both River and Ocean)

[Morgsmom]

2 hours ago, mawvkysc said:

(Not sure of your age) I have heard of solo female travelers of a certain age being ignored, or getting less than great service. I was solo at a bar on Mera and ignored for about ten minutes. 

I would put myself squarely in the "of a certain age" category (mid 50's)... to old to be cute, but not old enough to get deferential treatment!  Hahahaha...

[mawvkysc]

2 hours ago, styles27 said:

Really hoping the 4 day part doesn’t turn into a party ship.

We were on a three day cruise and it wasn’t bad as far as a being wild, or a party cruise from what we saw. A brief shout from a group now and then.  We don’t stay up really late though and had no problem finding quiet spots on the ship. From the FB group I did hear about a party that got pretty wild as far as the dancing and drinking( forget which one), but the Luna Libre party was fine. 

[JT1962]

5 hours ago, CTGirl74 said:

 

Out of curiosity, what could I expect on an 11 night cruise from NY to NE & Canada (Meraviglia YC)? I'm booked for October 2023. I've only cruised twice, and that was almost 10 years ago. I'm guessing it would likely be maybe a more mature crowd?

I would definitely expect a more mature crowd on that cruise. NE / Canada cruises tend to have an older crowd as well as those that are longer than 7 days. 

[travelwide]

And who is the ship Hotel Director?

[mowogo]

7 hours ago, styles27 said:

I don’t understand how people are getting marijuana on the ship.
 

That smell really makes me sick and triggers a migraine if I’m around it. (We were at an outdoor concert at Fenway where people were passing the joint down the row of seats right in front of the Boston police who turned their heads) couldn’t believe it.
I’m 56 not 86 but still surprised when I see people my age acting like unruly teens. 

Marijuana is extremely easy to travel with in flower, and almost undetectable in vape cartridges.  The security screening is really even below TSA standards which are already easy to travel with cannabis.

[morpheusofthesea]

3 minutes ago, mowogo said:

 The security screening is really even below TSA standards which are already easy to travel with cannabis.

I wouldn't want to 'take this statement to the bank'. I was on the Seaside when a duffle bag of mine was not delivered to our cabin. I informed our butler. We went to dinner in the YC restaurant when he came to our table with good news and bad news. The good news, the duffle was found; the bad news, security wanted to see me. Our butler was kind enough to escort me down into the bowels of the ship where a long line had formed for others in the same situation. He butted us to the front of the line, a YC perk. The security agent asked me to point out my bag. He placed it on the security apparatus and the screen lite up on the two objects in a distinctive rose color. He asked if I was carrying weapons.(The color must have indicated metal). Just saying that the screening apparatus may be more sophisticated than we think on board.

[mowogo]

1 minute ago, morpheusofthesea said:

I wouldn't want to 'take this statement to the bank'. I was on the Seaside when a duffle bag of mine was not delivered to our cabin. I informed our butler. We went to dinner in the YC restaurant when he came to our table with good news and bad news. The good news, the duffle was found; the bad news, security wanted to see me. Our butler was kind enough to escort me down into the bowels of the ship where a long line had formed for others in the same situation. He butted us to the front of the line, a YC perk. The security agent asked me to point out my bag. He placed it on the security apparatus and the screen lite up on the two objects in a distinctive rose color. He asked if I was carrying weapons.(The color must have indicated metal). Just saying that the screening apparatus may be more sophisticated than we think on board.

That is for checked bags.  I was talking about the terminal screening of carry on bags

[Stockjock]

Bummer.  I had put in a bid for YC, but later cancelled it.  I've been seeing more negative remarks about YC than previously, so perhaps that's a good thing.  It sounds as if they may be cutting some corners and not giving customers the First Class experience they should expect to receive.

I've never smelled wacky weed on a ship, not even CCL, but I usually do 7 days or longer and often European, so maybe that's why.

P.S. 55 is not too old to be cute.  Here was my GF when she was just under 55.  But hey, I'm 60 soon to be 61, so I hear you.  When I was younger, the supermarket cashiers would flirt with me.  Now, they offer to get someone to help carry a quart of milk to my car (do I really look *that* decrepit?  Don't answer that!).

Edited December 17, 2022 by Stockjock

[morpheusofthesea]

9 hours ago, Stockjock said:

Bummer.  I had put in a bid for YC, but later cancelled it.  I've been seeing more negative remarks about YC than previously, so perhaps that's a good thing

No, it is not a "good thing".

Many experienced, long time cruisers are expressing dismay at perceived changes in the cruising industry. Very valid. "The present research shows that although people believe that learning more about (something) leads to greater liking, more information about (something) leads, on average, to less liking. Thus, ambiguity—lacking information about (something)—leads to liking, whereas familiarity—acquiring more information—can breed contempt. Contempt comes from a place of superiority. Deep down, it stems from a sense of feeling unappreciated and unacknowledged." Perhaps this is why low cruise prices to attract curious novices that are unfamiliar as to what to EXPECT from a cruise are vital to the future success of cruise lines. The cruise lines can no longer depend on once 'loyals' who have become jaded and critical at the same things that once gave them great joy.

   There are many on these forums that have the 'better' attitude. It may be the only thing we have left in our arsenal to combat our disgust. Our "free will' to choose our attitude and how we will allow the current course of events to affect us. Attitude IS Everything. It is time to sit down and write down our Gratitude List.

   You are missing out on a great reporting perspective we all will be wanting to read by trying out the YC for your first time. Go for it !

Edited December 17, 2022 by morpheusofthesea

[Seadweller001]

Been on the Meraviglia YC for a few weeks.  My big complaint is on OC.

 

The proliferation of those motorized vehicles zipping past walkers is an accident about to happen.  There are few walking only sidewalks.  On the other walking areas it seems the vehicle drivers do not think the walkers have the right of way.

 

The YC dedicated vehicles take forever to transport lately so we walk.  They need to get their transport act together.  Last year in October with much fewer passengers things were so efficient of course.

I hardly communicate with the assigned Butler, he has 14 cabins including the 4 insides and is always running around.  We used to get the escort service but with 80% + occupancy the personal service has changed.

 

MSC YC is a great experience and great value for the $$$.  Hopefully they do not price themselves out of the exclusive niche market.  We did not book any future cruises.

[gmbhardy]

We did a B2B on the Meraviglia in October. The first couple of days were awful but it improved quite dramatically for the rest of the cruise. MSC needs to get its act together to build brand consistency. The experience, within reason, should be the same on all ships as should the Voyager Club entitlements. If a diamond perk is a chocolate ship then you should get one regardless of the ship you’re on. If a welcome bottle of bubbly is included on the Seashore then it should be included on the Meraviglia. These are all little things but little things add up. The cruise lines seem to be obsessed with blaming every shortage (liquor) on supply chain issues. Maybe it’s just incompetent management.

[sidari]

23 minutes ago, gmbhardy said:

We did a B2B on the Meraviglia in October. The first couple of days were awful but it improved quite dramatically for the rest of the cruise. MSC needs to get its act together to build brand consistency. The experience, within reason, should be the same on all ships as should the Voyager Club entitlements. If a diamond perk is a chocolate ship then you should get one regardless of the ship you’re on. If a welcome bottle of bubbly is included on the Seashore then it should be included on the Meraviglia. These are all little things but little things add up. The cruise lines seem to be obsessed with blaming every shortage (liquor) on supply chain issues. Maybe it’s just incompetent management.

Same is true with the mini bar, too many anomalies between the ships as you say.

[h-sar]

Just reading about the tragic death of the woman who sadly passed away after going overboard on Thurs morning. I believe it was this same ship? Awful situation. My condolences to her friends and family. Horrible tragedy, and then the disrespect of those of who are reported to have engaged in a brawl (word used by the news people) because they couldn’t disembark for a few hours, I’m assuming due to the death.

[RC Dancers]

Thank you for your report. I always value the information you give.

 

[styles27]

On 12/17/2022 at 10:27 AM, morpheusofthesea said:

No, it is not a "good thing".

Many experienced, long time cruisers are expressing dismay at perceived changes in the cruising industry. Very valid. "The present research shows that although people believe that learning more about (something) leads to greater liking, more information about (something) leads, on average, to less liking. Thus, ambiguity—lacking information about (something)—leads to liking, whereas familiarity—acquiring more information—can breed contempt. Contempt comes from a place of superiority. Deep down, it stems from a sense of feeling unappreciated and unacknowledged." Perhaps this is why low cruise prices to attract curious novices that are unfamiliar as to what to EXPECT from a cruise are vital to the future success of cruise lines. The cruise lines can no longer depend on once 'loyals' who have become jaded and critical at the same things that once gave them great joy.

   There are many on these forums that have the 'better' attitude. It may be the only thing we have left in our arsenal to combat our disgust. Our "free will' to choose our attitude and how we will allow the current course of events to affect us. Attitude IS Everything. It is time to sit down and write down our Gratitude List.

   You are missing out on a great reporting perspective we all will be wanting to read by trying out the YC for your first time. Go for it !

I consider myself to be an experienced

long time cruiser as I’ve been cruising since the 80’s. 
 

I tend to look at the glass half full especially when on a vacation. 
 

I am extremely organized and have saved paperwork from every cruise and land vacation we’ve taken the last 40 years. 
 

It may come as a surprise to some of the “green”/newcomer cruiser’s but on average, we’re paying the same price for a cruise (in a balcony) today that we paid in the 80’s.  Give or take a hundred or two. That’s insane. 
So of course something has gotta give.

The place we’ve noticed the largest drop in quality on every single line is the MDR food.

We used to rave about it, now it’s mostly good, not great, with some bad mixed in. 
That’s not enough to make me stop cruising or to complain on these boards with negative comments, especially at these prices.
Our land vacations are usually double the cost of what our cruise vacations are. 
 

We’ve cruised once in the YC on MSC and while we had a great time with wonderful service, for us it’s not worth paying double or triple the price.
We didn’t find the service or food to be that much better than the non YC cruises we’ve taken. That’s just our personal opinion. 

Edited December 19, 2022 by styles27

[NMsunset]

Fred's favorite color is green

 

Anne's favorite is red

 

Both of them are wrong, everyone knows the best color is purple! Plus most everyone on the cruise agreed with me!

 

Love the comedy of this board!🧐🤪

 

Cheers, enjoy your cruise!!!

or don't and come here to complain...I have plenty of popcorn😃

 

FYI- we have never been on a perfect/flawless cruise...nor was that the expectation

 

Rule #1 don't sweat the little stuff

Rule #2 everything is little stuff

Be Happy

 

 

[lcpagejr]

On 12/14/2022 at 10:51 PM, Morgsmom said:

this is EXACTLY the issue!  After I showered and blow dried my hair this evening I opened the balcony sliding door only to be SMACKED in the face with a not easy to hide smell. I called the YC Director whose response was...... wait for it..... would I (emphasis ME!) LIKE to move cabins for the (last) night? Um, no?  Please put on your big boy pants and address the issue. 

 

Edited December 19, 2022 by lcpagejr

[JimInFla]

On 12/15/2022 at 1:25 PM, travelwide said:

And who is the ship Hotel Director?

IDK - but based on my experience from the 12/11 voyage, he must be either new in role, a tyrant, or incompetent. Perhaps all three. 

[JimInFla]

On 12/14/2022 at 5:47 PM, Morgsmom said:

Ok, to preface this, I am a big MSC cheerleader despite understanding the company's many weaknesses.  I will give a lot of leeway for service issues and errors given the enormity of running a small city with 3500 needy souls at any time on it, however, if I have paid for a service I certainly expect to receive it.  And if that service/item is unavailable then I would fully expect the make good to be at least at that level, or better.

 

Background:  Sailing solo as my yearly "me" trip, YIN (first YIN, but not first YC), Diamond level

 

So on the plus side:  ship looks gorgeous all decked out for the Christmas season with trimmings and trees and festive wreaths on cabin doors.  Absolutely charming.  The ship and common areas are clean, well maintained, etc etc.    Random public bathrooms are clean and well stocked.  So that's all good.   A 5 for decor and cleanliness.  

 

Embarkation:  a hot mess. Since the ship got in after 8am on Sunday everything was backed up.  There was a lack of staff in the YC waiting area with 3 bottles of warm (I am not kidding) prosecco, no OJ, some bottled water, no snacks other than chocolates, and no butler to pour a welcome drink.  We waited for a good 80 plus minutes to get onboard.  Let's give that a 1.  Then escorted to Top Sail where I sat for 2 hours waiting for cabin to be ready.   Butler later said  that there were a LOT of last minute bookings/upgrades and changes that sent them into a tizzy.  Escorted to YIN cabin and won't do it again.  Frankly while I enjoy alone time the space really was too claustrophobic.  Lesson learned.

 

So, sitting in Top Sail YC maitre d' introduces himself and asks me if I am sailing solo.  I say I am. He then invites me to dine at SIX --or-- NINE pm.  Not anytime between the two, but at 6 OR 9.    To which I say, um, no thank you.  I'll be there at 7.  What the ever loving is that about?  Not my first rodeo cowboy.

 

YC - so many "no's no's no's" it's hard to count.  First night:  "May I have a glass of Oberon?" Answer: no.  The last cruise drank it all.  They say: "How about a La Terre?"  (Um, NOPE).  So let's just add up the no's:  Newspaper, no (after the 2nd day I managed to get one).  Welcome Prosecco for either YC or Diamond.  No.  Cutbacks.  750ml bottle of spirts - asked for Ketel One, given Absolut because the 3/4 night cruises don't warrant Ketel (reserved for 7 night).  Little MSC trinket (string backpack? pen?)? No.  Chocolate boat? Oh, heck no, but not even a chocolate BAR which we had last month on the Divina.

 

Houdini show (that I pre-booked and paid for) - cancelled for the week for reasons unknown. Ok, I say, rather than fighting for a $12 refund (which I might see next spring) I ask if I can be reaccommodated in the "Rock Show."  Was told no but finally had that overturned.  Um, hello, you have my money and the show certainly has one empty seat so what's the big deal?

 

Today:  Ocean Cay was super rocky with high surf.  I was told that officially my kayak tour was not going to happen, but they would not officially cancel it so I couldn't get a refund.  Rather I could take a kayak out in a restricted area in the lagoon and do figure 8's or something.  So $39 down the drain since I wasn't going to toodle around like that.

 

Oh, wait, forgot the BEST.  Went to Ocean Cay restaurant for Diamond Club meal today.  Ok, cool.  May I have this champagne that is listed on your menu?  No.  Ok, may I have this chardonnay that is clearly listed on your menu?  NO.  We don't have it.  Great, what can you offer me.  Drumrolllll please:  a glass of Woodbridge Chardonnay.  I literally hate making waves but I know that I can have a glass up to $15 with my package.  They would not offer anything to substitute for what they were out of.  I asked if I could go upstairs to yacht club and get a kinda-ok glass of wine and bring it back with me.  They told me that it was out of policy.  Shaking head, left restaurant, wondering what alternate universe I was in.

 

I could go on and one, but the big thing I noticed is that last night I went out about 10pm out of the YC "bubble" to get a slice of pizza.  Yes, I could have ordered a whole pie but didn't want all that waste.  So I walked through the pool deck (15) and it was like entering a whole new world.  The smell/fragrance/aroma of the , um, wacky weed was out of control.  Like I don't care what you do AT HOME if you have a medical card, but open flames and mary jane on a ship make me go "uh, ,no".  To note, the ship has admitted that there are issues with this (as I also experienced on Ocean Cay where a family openly pulled out a couple of fatties and lit up on the pathway.)  

 

So, the long story is, buyer beware.  The ridiculously low starter fares with beverage packages are bringing in a whole group of folks that are new to cruising in not the best way.  And the very tight margins as a result are leaving the cruiseline to cut corners literally everywhere.  

 

Happy to answer questions.

 

Myself and 3 friends were not in YC, but we did notice the smell of weed at the aft "adult" pool a couple times. We also noticed that crew members were smoking cigarettes right outside the outdoor area of the buffet restaurant one morning, which, of course, was blowing right back in on us. 

Agree with everything you said about bar experiences. What Vodka I drank varied by the bar. One gave me Ketel One, one wasn't even sure is Absolute Citron was included with Easy +. It was a total cluster. 

And yes, MSC is apparently trying to be the new Carnival. As a solo cruiser, MSC is appealing... but not if I am going to have to deal with awful service, and people who don't know how to act on a cruise ship... Including the men who made the aft pool look like a mosh pit one night. 

This was my 3rd on MSC and the last two I have had to fight to get my Voyagers Club.... well, anything. If you are going to offer me status match, you better be ready to match it. 
 

[morpheusofthesea]

On 12/15/2022 at 1:25 PM, travelwide said:

And who is the ship Hotel Director?

Just saw a posted photo from the YC party on the Seascape. TA posted photos with Captain De Palma, Another with YC director Robbie Sherif and a third with Hotel Director Yannis Kazalis.

P.S. Will know more on Monday. The hotel Director on the Merviglia is supposed to be the promoted Robert Balla?

Edited December 20, 2022 by morpheusofthesea
P.S.

[wdowns9]

On 12/14/2022 at 7:23 PM, Seadweller001 said:

Been on the Meraviglia YC for two weeks now and it has been excellent.  The word NO was never uttered and we have never smelled or withessed pot anywhere on the ship.

 

The YC Maitre'd George from Romania is excellent and the food super great.

 

Butchers Cut filet mignon was not as good as the filet in the YC Restaurant.  We will skip the Diamond Comped dinner on the next cruise.

 

We are being treated royally on this ship.

George and Drago were awesome; didnt have a single issue on our Dec18-23 YC. The YC along with the rest of the ship were filled. When I went out of the bubble the service was great and NO was never an answer. Some of the times the bartenders would stop doing something when they saw the YC bracelet. George even help to arrange with the Chef (AJ) to make us a nice Indian curry along with fried mozz nightly.

[Seadweller001]

Funny, we asked AJ for some Indian Food.  Have known him for many cruises and we are ship buddies.

 

Ne made us an amazing Indian meal on the final night of our 14 night stay.

 

Going back soon and want the same dish.

 

 

[Fitzget]

To each their own. If I smelled weed, I’d ask to join. Better than cigarettes.