Nov 20th Seashore Live(ish) review - Retreater goes Yacht Clubbing for 1st time

[jcpc]

@go.without.you So sorry to read about the bad experience you are having with MSC YC.  I can honestly say that what you are experiencing is the complete opposite of what we (total of 5 Celebrity Retreat "loyalists") received on our Meraviglia sailing in September.  All 5 of us were absolutely blown away by the level of service we received.  

 

Our butler escorted us every evening to whatever show we were attending (whether it be the free show in the main theater of the "pay for" show in the Carousel Lounge).  He was very attentive....actually came to find us during the day just to say hi and see if we needed anything.  Two of my friends were on a different deck and had a different butler who wasn't bad......but wasn't as attentive as ours was.  Our butler took our 2 friends under his wing and always checked on them too.  I guess we had a really great butler.

 

Our "junior butler" (i.e., room attendant) was also great.  We had 2 suites next to each other (3 women couldn't fit into one suite.....LOL!)  Our attendant made up our rooms in the morning while we were at breakfast.  We had plenty of towels, tissues, toilet paper, etc. etc.  He was great.

 

In the dining room each evening we were seated at the same table with the same waitstaff which is what we wanted.  Our wait team knew our preferences after 2 nights.  They were outstanding.

 

Regarding tips.  We did not tip anyone until the last evening.  So....we got this excellent service without any pre-tipping!

 

So what your review is telling me is that MSC is just like every other cruise line......it's kind of "hit or miss"!  Hopefully things improve a bit for you and you get to experience a few "hits" and a lot less "misses". 

Edited November 22, 2023 by jcpc

[JAGR]

I'm so sorry that @go.without.you and Janelle are having such a rough time of it.  I am hoping that this is a short-term issue with the ships transition from the Med to the Caribbean.  I suspect they did not have a full ship or crew on the TA, and it appears that they did not (or could not) get adequate staffing for the initial Caribbean sailing.  She is scheduled to sail out of here through at least October of 2025, so they had better take action soon.  From a personal greed standpoint, YC must be solved by March 3, 2024. 😝

[Sundiego]

@go.without.you I can understand if you don't want to post your cabin number, but can you tell us approximately where it is located? We will be on deck 18 starboard and hope we don't have the same butler 🫣

[Mark_T]

1 hour ago, jcpc said:

Our "junior butler" (i.e., room attendant) was also great.  We had 2 suites next to each other (3 women couldn't fit into one suite.....LOL!)  Our attendant made up our rooms in the morning while we were at breakfast.  We had plenty of towels, tissues, toilet paper, etc. etc.  He was great.

 

In the dining room each evening we were seated at the same table with the same waitstaff which is what we wanted.  Our wait team knew our preferences after 2 nights.  They were outstanding.

 

Regarding tips.  We did not tip anyone until the last evening.  So....we got this excellent service without any pre-tipping!

Ditto...

 

Our junior butler was so enthusiastic our butler had to be extra prompt or he'd find his assistant had already got there ahead of him 🙂

 

 

[go.without.you]

2 hours ago, Sundiego said:

@go.without.you I can understand if you don't want to post your cabin number, but can you tell us approximately where it is located? We will be on deck 18 starboard and hope we don't have the same butler 🫣

Deck 16 on the right.

As of 1130 our room still hadn't been serviced (and yes I pushed the clean it button).

[go.without.you]

We stopped back at the room after massages and found this. Delivered after 1130 this morning. For an event that had already passed. Okaaaaayyyy.

[jean87510]

I think at this point you may want to have a talk with the concierge about your room and butler situation.  Not confrontational.  Just explain what's been going on and although your first time, you are experiencing not what you expected and read about.  Have you actually spoken to your butler and asked for the items?  I mean we have all had a random room attendant here and there not often who just misses the mark.  Also I wouldn't tip anymore.  What are you tipping for?  

[Sundiego]

41 minutes ago, go.without.you said:

We stopped back at the room after massages and found this. Delivered after 1130 this morning. For an event that had already passed. Okaaaaayyyy.

What a comedy of errors!! Time to have a little chat with IANCU?

[go.without.you]

1 hour ago, jean87510 said:

I think at this point you may want to have a talk with the concierge about your room and butler situation.  Not confrontational.  Just explain what's been going on and although your first time, you are experiencing not what you expected and read about.  Have you actually spoken to your butler and asked for the items?  I mean we have all had a random room attendant here and there not often who just misses the mark.  Also I wouldn't tip anymore.  What are you tipping for?  

We have spoken to the butler at least twice now and I left notes. He did bring us more towels and ice today. 

 

[jean87510]

2 minutes ago, go.without.you said:

We have spoken to the butler at least twice now and I left notes. He did bring us more towels and ice today. 

 

that's good.  I may have missed that post.

[go.without.you]

I tried sitting in the sun today and lasted about 10 minutes before I got too hot and went back to the bar seats where we had breakfast. The lunch buffet was open at that time and even though I wasn't hungry I grabbed a plate. I had a massage booked at 1:45 and figured the buffet would be closed when I got back. The selection was pretty good and I enjoyed the lamb with broiled veggies. 

The massage was good and we left the spa very relaxed. 

We wanted afternoon tea and went to the lounge at 3 and were told it doesn't start until 3:30. So at 3:40 we requested it again and were told they only do that on the last sea day so just had the snacks available. 

The dinner menu tonight (on the app) looks good with a lot of great options. 

[Cashsmoney]

1 hour ago, jean87510 said:

I think at this point you may want to have a talk with the concierge about your room and butler situation.  Not confrontational.  Just explain what's been going on and although your first time, you are experiencing not what you expected and read about.  Have you actually spoken to your butler and asked for the items?  I mean we have all had a random room attendant here and there not often who just misses the mark.  Also I wouldn't tip anymore.  What are you tipping for?  

  I’m on this sailing also, and feel similar experience (other than the sick kiddo). Unfortunately this isn’t an isolated incident, or just one distracted/overworked Buttler. This is a constant theme on the ship. I think almost everyone spoke with and asked how their cruise was going I get the say reply, “never again on MSC”
 

 

  Dinners are slow. The first night we go to Yacht Club for dinner around 7:30 told there would be a wait with no way of giving an estimate. After about 45 minutes of waiting I walk up ask very politely if they have any updates, now half the tables are empty but dirty. “Oh yes we are just preparing your table now Sir” I guess it took them 30 minutes to “prepare” my table.

then dinner took a long time. Orders were wrong, cold, overcooked. 
 

  However today sitting around the YC pool things started kinda the same, a couple bar tenders working, no one taking drink orders just have to walk up to the bar and order drinks, then they say they will bring them to you. But someone most have made the right complaint to the right person. Next thing I know they have 2 people in officer uniforms walking around then the staff almost tripled. I even noticed a couple people wearing the spa uniforms serving drinks. So they pulled people in from other departments. 

[Cashsmoney]

2 minutes ago, go.without.you said:

I tried sitting in the sun today and lasted about 10 minutes before I got too hot and went back to the bar seats where we had breakfast. The lunch buffet was open at that time and even though I wasn't hungry I grabbed a plate. I had a massage booked at 1:45 and figured the buffet would be closed when I got back. The selection was pretty good and I enjoyed the lamb with broiled veggies. 

The massage was good and we left the spa very relaxed. 

We wanted afternoon tea and went to the lounge at 3 and were told it doesn't start until 3:30. So at 3:40 we requested it again and were told they only do that on the last sea day so just had the snacks available. 

The dinner menu tonight (on the app) looks good with a lot of great options. 

   I’m not a “buffet” person by any means. I normally avoid them opting for a sit down meals. (Person preference). I would say the YC pool buffet has been the most consistent, and decent quality food yet. Nothing super fancy, but perfect pool side food. 

[go.without.you]

3 hours ago, Cashsmoney said:

  I’m on this sailing also, and feel similar experience (other than the sick kiddo). Unfortunately this isn’t an isolated incident, or just one distracted/overworked Buttler. This is a constant theme on the ship. I think almost everyone spoke with and asked how their cruise was going I get the say reply, “never again on MSC”
 

 

  Dinners are slow. The first night we go to Yacht Club for dinner around 7:30 told there would be a wait with no way of giving an estimate. After about 45 minutes of waiting I walk up ask very politely if they have any updates, now half the tables are empty but dirty. “Oh yes we are just preparing your table now Sir” I guess it took them 30 minutes to “prepare” my table.

then dinner took a long time. Orders were wrong, cold, overcooked. 
 

  However today sitting around the YC pool things started kinda the same, a couple bar tenders working, no one taking drink orders just have to walk up to the bar and order drinks, then they say they will bring them to you. But someone most have made the right complaint to the right person. Next thing I know they have 2 people in officer uniforms walking around then the staff almost tripled. I even noticed a couple people wearing the spa uniforms serving drinks. So they pulled people in from other departments. 

Ok, thanks for validating my experience. I don't want to come off as a Negative Nancy.

[CONCH65]

7 hours ago, go.without.you said:

Deck 16 on the right.

As of 1130 our room still hadn't been serviced (and yes I pushed the clean it button).

This is going to be educational. We may be in your cabin after you on Sunday the 26th.

[Rickrick2020]

On this 20 nov seashore YC also.  23rd cruise, 1st MSC.  I hate this cruise.  Top line pain points - MSC app is poor, YC dinner food is below average and service is slow 2.5 hrs, Ocean cay YC gravel beach and slow tram service, general disorganization.  Regular Celebrity, RCCL, and new Carnival ships are far superior to MSC YC.  Ship itself is beautiful.  Please lower your expectations to save yourself disappointment.  YC butler actually came to our dinner table to say it was our fault our room did not get serviced because we only spent 3 hours on Ocean cay.  

[Mommapadraig]

9 hours ago, Rickrick2020 said:

On this 20 nov seashore YC also.  23rd cruise, 1st MSC.  I hate this cruise.  Top line pain points - MSC app is poor, YC dinner food is below average and service is slow 2.5 hrs, Ocean cay YC gravel beach and slow tram service, general disorganization.  Regular Celebrity, RCCL, and new Carnival ships are far superior to MSC YC.  Ship itself is beautiful.  Please lower your expectations to save yourself disappointment.  YC butler actually came to our dinner table to say it was our fault our room did not get serviced because we only spent 3 hours on Ocean cay.  

Good grief! Not sure whether to laugh or cry on your last line. We are boarding on May 5,2024…….hoping that it gets better. 

[Bettyboop66]

I’m a little worried, I just convinced my husband to bid on an upgrade for the yacht club……. We will be on the ship in December. This will be our 3rd MSC cruise. Having never experienced the yacht club, I had high hopes. I reallly hope that it gets better.

[go.without.you]

11 hours ago, Rickrick2020 said:

On this 20 nov seashore YC also.  23rd cruise, 1st MSC.  I hate this cruise.  Top line pain points - MSC app is poor, YC dinner food is below average and service is slow 2.5 hrs, Ocean cay YC gravel beach and slow tram service, general disorganization.  Regular Celebrity, RCCL, and new Carnival ships are far superior to MSC YC.  Ship itself is beautiful.  Please lower your expectations to save yourself disappointment.  YC butler actually came to our dinner table to say it was our fault our room did not get serviced because we only spent 3 hours on Ocean cay.  

Hi! I was sitting next to your wife at the YC deck bar yesterday!

[go.without.you]

So today started out good, like a real cruise!!! Last night our steward Edi came to check on us about 830. We were in our pjs chilling but he wanted to make sure we got the wine, he brought the daily for today and chocolates. He also had another crew member with him so I'm thinking it was a supervisor.

 

The elevator bypass is working and the internet is slow. I did not upgrade, kept whatever came with YC. We did get wristbands and I love the convenience 

 

Breakfast in dining room was nice, we arrived about 8 and were seated right away. Jesca came over to check on us. She's my favorite crew member so far.

 

So @JamieLogical I've made 3 attempts at a mimosa blossom. 1st time in YC deck bar, got a regular mimosa. 2nd try in YC dining, got a regular mimosa.  We went to the Top 19 bar and got the actual blossom but it was too syrupy to drink. Strike out. So we walked down to the bar in the aft and I ordered a mimosa. Bartender Emily said taste it, I made you a special mimosa. It was the blossom and it was good! Success!! Ok, Jesca got some competition!

 

We aren't leaving the ship today in Costa Maya and we are finally exploring areas outside the YC, aka Gen Pop. (I say that jokingly because I once worked at a men's maximum security prison and I have actually walked thru the yard and into gen pop, so it is not the same. Think Shawshank, that's what that prison was like.) But I digress.

 

There was a man at breakfast this morning that was very rude to the staff. There were 3 staff standing there because he complained about something. 2 men and 1 woman and he picked the woman to yell at. Not cool. Next time I'm calling him out. Hilarity will not ensue.

 

Janelle looked for an ATM and was told the ship doesn't have one. Thats weird, right?

Edited November 23, 2023 by go.without.you

[go.without.you]

I decided to do lunch in the YC dining room to get some AC. I had the spinach salad and the pasta with scallops. Both were very good. The scallops were perfectly cooked.

 

Janelle had the burger which she said was good. She went back to the room to nap and I'm going to look for a shady spot outside to read some beach trash.

 

There isn't a sommelier on this ship so when I ask for a non oak chardonnay they have no idea what I'm talking about. Usually the sommelier comes around and I say I ordered x,y and z, I'll take whatever you recommend. I've yet to see a wine list but I also haven't asked. I'm being given basic wines so far. Mondavi mostly. Not bad but I really wanted something a little better. I'll ask at dinner for a list instead of just saying what kind of wine I want. 

[Best Cat Mom]

25 minutes ago, go.without.you said:

There isn't a sommelier on this ship

That is quite disappointing. We usually will ask for a particular grape that we prefer (based on food ordered). Try asking for a grape that is not so common. A shiraz/syrah to go with a burger or a fume blanc to go with seafood and see if that gets you some better choices than Mondavi. At least your server will realize that they have to up their wine game for you. 🙂

[ptuder]

Thanks for your trip report. I will admit that after 4 wonderful and very spoiled YC cruises your experience is so very different and discouraging.
 

I will be on Seashore in 2 weeks for 10 days. I wonder if this is growing pains getting acclimating to Caribbean cruises but that sounds like a lame excuse. We had friends in YC for the crossing and had no issues. I wonder if they have had a major crew turnover?    
 

I hope the rest of your trip is spectacular!  

[BeeeJay]

23 hours ago, go.without.you said:

Ok, thanks for validating my experience. I don't want to come off as a Negative Nancy.

not at all coming off that way and your experiences are eerily similar to mine on seascape.  Notes for events AFTER, everything stocked late.  Got my liquor bottle maybe day 5?  Just brought it home.  Pillow requests and newspapers midway thru.  They did stock drinks and ice nicely.

 

My conclusion was I had to take my vacation enjoyment into my own hands by taking drastic measures lol.  
 

Lower expectations, over tip and demand better service, skip yacht club restaurant completely, it’s a train wreck.  That restaurant was complete trash.  I ate breakfast and lunch at YC buffet and did specialty dining for dinners.  When too many kids at YC pool went to Adult-only infinity pool on deck 8 aft.  Overtipped servers there.  
 

once I tipped up front I got amazing service everywhere.  Shouldn’t have to do it.  Don’t care.  It’s what got me the treatment I wanted.  Shouldn’t have to pay for specialty in YC but I thought they were fantastic.  
 

probably the biggest problem in YC is kids with awful parents.  It’s rampant.  
 

Regardless of the missteps I think with the right attitude and measures to insure a good trip YC is a great value.  
 

sounds like you are figuring things out nicely and it’s getting better!

 

 

 

[go.without.you]

We arrived at YC dining room about 630 and Jesca saved us a table. She said people were lined up at 530 (opens at 6). They had a special Thanksgiving menu tonight. I would've liked to order a steak but the "always available" options ironically weren't available. 

 

I had the mushroom ragout (prob best appetizer so far), Janelle had the deviled eggs. I'm a deviled egg snob and thought they were pretty good, better than I thought they'd be. We both had the turkey and it was really good.  Tender and the stuffing had a lot of herbs. The cranberry sauce was the unsung hero and Jesca asked if I wanted more, which I declined. We both had the Pecan pie which was hands down the best dessert so far. 

 

I said before I've been disappointed in the wines and I asked for a wine menu tonight, which I didn't receive and after about 20 minutes have up and ordered the Mondavi chardonnay, which is a pretty basic wine (IMO).

 

Tomorrow is Cozumel and we are staying on the ship.