OBSERVATIONS FROM THE POOP DECK SEASCAPE NOV 2023

[morpheusofthesea]

16 minutes ago, jerseyjjs said:

Have you noticed if they're showing any American sports (Monday night football) in the Sports Bar?

Just what i saw posted in the daily program...post #9..

[morpheusofthesea]

Here are some problems we have encountered during embarkation/debarkation. Could be the problem getting off the ship. No facial recognition machines as our faces were not uploaded, so at 7am there is no Customs and Border Protection agents on hand until called to arrive until 8 am. We had one agent at 7am and a gentleman ahead of us was stopped by this one agent because he had his wife's passport and she was still on the ship with his passport. So instead of asking him to step aside the lone agent stopped processing the rest of the ship until a authorized ship's representative was summoned to escort this gentleman back onto the ship. Another time we were waiting to get back on the ship, but CBP would not process us b2bers because someone was hiding out on the ship. A search was conducted and even the sheriff's deputies were called to escort him off the ship, before CBP would process us. Another time no one was let off the ship until all the "Downliners", those that got on the ship at some port down the line,who were notified the night before to show up to be first to clear customs don't bother and CBP will not process anyone until these thoughtless inconsiderates are found and processed first.

[DaKahuna]

2 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

 Another time we were waiting to get back on the ship, but CBP would not process us b2bers because someone was hiding out on the ship. A search was conducted and even the sheriff's deputies were called to escort him off the ship, before CBP would process us. Another time no one was let off the ship until all the "Downliners", those that got on the ship at some port down the line,who were notified the night before to show up to be first to clear customs don't bother and CBP will not process anyone until these thoughtless inconsiderates are found and processed first.

 Don’t you just hate it when these ‘special’ people decide that the rules do not apply to them.  Our worst B2B experience happened due to (1) a family with two small children showed up 45 minutes after the designated meeting time and (2) a group of five individuals decided they did not have to leave the ship like everyone else and had to be rounded up and escorted off the ship.m

 

[morpheusofthesea]

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said:

 Don’t you just hate it when these ‘special’ people decide that the rules do not apply to them.  Our worst B2B experience happened due to (1) a family with two small children showed up 45 minutes after the designated meeting time and (2) a group of five individuals decided they did not have to leave the ship like everyone else and had to be rounded up and escorted off the ship.m

 

That is a sign of a good butler. One that inquires and escorts one off the ship to one’s seat for a tour versus the butler that gathers his group in the TSL forcing everyone to wait for stragglers in his group and piling everyone into an elevator.A good butler deserves a good tip. The ‘groupie’ butler doesn’t .

[morpheusofthesea]

Tonight's Chora Theatre production of "In Concert" has always been rather 'weak'. The best part is the live band brought over from Le Cabaret Rouge to be the backdrop of this entire production. I thought the best of the performances was the all girl homage to Tina Turner "Simply the Best". At the end, no standing ovation. The days of the MSC operatic voices appears lost.  Entertainment is just as subjective as food, but a standing ovation was a standing ovation once upon a time on MSC ships.

[blueslily]

16 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Better group of passengers than summer months. Though i took a clandestine photo of a ball capped, shorts wearing YC guest with his bare feet propped up on the sofa of the TopSail Lounge. Where is Tony S ?

 

Thats ridiculous 

[morpheusofthesea]

On 11/21/2023 at 8:52 PM, blueslily said:

 

Thanks. Does that mean it is out of service or just covered when not in use? Sorry if that is a silly question. Just hoping it can be used in 3 weeks. 

Checked the pool table out this morning. All uncovered this cruise. Turned on and flashing. took pictures, but cannot upload anything this cruise. $9 to play. 

P.S. Looks brand new.

Edited November 23, 2023 by morpheusofthesea
p.s.

[morpheusofthesea]

10 hours ago, blueslily said:

YC guest with his bare feet propped up on the sofa of the TopSail Lounge

This morning YC guest dressed in lime green t-shirt, colorful pajama bottoms and flip flops in YC Restaurant. Spoke to a couple of nice ladies in the YC last night. They commented on how they loved the Divina, its restaurant and its elegance. They normally love to dress up, but this cruise they feel dressing up would make them feel 'out of place'.

[morpheusofthesea]

18 hours ago, jerseyjjs said:

Have you noticed if they're showing any American sports (Monday night football) in the Sports Bar?

Opened up this mornings daily program and immediately thought of you. Entertainment Highlights page...NFL Thanksgiving Games....From 12:30/ Packers vs Lions

                                                         From 4:30/ Commanders vs Cowboys

                                                         From 8:15/ 49ers vs Seahawks

MSC Signature Casino Deck 7 (no audio) or Sports Bar, deck 8

 

[morpheusofthesea]

Here is another observation. Tonight is a guest performance in the Chora Theatre, two shows, Josh Christina. "Famed pianist and band leader Daryl Davis, whose credits include Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, BB King and beyond, said it best when he proclaimed, “in 20th century 1955, it took several young men to create and define Rock ‘n’ Roll. 65 years later and it only takes one young man who embodies all the pioneers to introduce it to the 21st century– that man is Josh Christina.”

  We need a break from these mediocre Chora Theatre productions and hopefully this gentleman is just the 'ticket'.

[morpheusofthesea]

18 hours ago, jerseyjjs said:

Have you noticed if they're showing any American sports (Monday night football) in the Sports Bar?

Here is something else I discovered: "Book your Booth in the Sports Bar & Enjoy the NFL Games : Booth for 2: $100 which includes 2 portions of chicken wings, 2 pizzas of any choice + 6 beers of any choice (unlimited soda for children) Booth for 4 $200 which includes 4 portions of chicken wings, 4 pizzas of any choice +12 beers of any choice 9unlimited sodas for children)."

[morpheusofthesea]

On board booking specials have increased UP to $500 obc with reduced deposit.

[jerseyjjs]

5 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Here is something else I discovered: "Book your Booth in the Sports Bar & Enjoy the NFL Games : Booth for 2: $100 which includes 2 portions of chicken wings, 2 pizzas of any choice + 6 beers of any choice (unlimited soda for children) Booth for 4 $200 which includes 4 portions of chicken wings, 4 pizzas of any choice +12 beers of any choice 9unlimited sodas for children)."

 

 

 

Thank you for the info!!!

[blueslily]

1 hour ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Checked the pool table out this morning. All uncovered this cruise. Turned on and flashing. took pictures, but cannot upload anything this cruise. $9 to play. 

P.S. Looks brand new.

 

Thanks so much. But, I'm wondering if I am calling it the wrong thing. I didn't know that pool tables had lights on it. And $9 seems high, but I don't play it so I'm not an expert at all.  My travel companion will want to play a bit.  Sorry. Thanks so much for responding to my questions. I appreciate it. I will check out your pics whenever you are able to post them. Enjoy your day. 

[blueslily]

Have you noticed if the Top 19 Sundeck for Aurea guests has been busy? And, do they monitor entry into that area as much as they do the Yacht Club areas? Booked Aurea for upcoming cruise. What have you noticed overall about that area. Thanks so much!

[morpheusofthesea]

5 minutes ago, blueslily said:

I'm wondering if I am calling it the wrong thing. I didn't know that pool tables had lights on it.

The flashing lights come from a 4"x4" pay to play box attached to one side of the pool table. swipe your key card. $9 is MSC 'cut' of any 'action' your hustler friend might sandbag from us pigeons.

[morpheusofthesea]

7 minutes ago, blueslily said:

Have you noticed if the Top 19 Sundeck for Aurea guests has been busy? And, do they monitor entry into that area as much as they do the Yacht Club areas? Booked Aurea for upcoming cruise. What have you noticed overall about that area. Thanks so much!

Today is Cozumel 11am. My pergola overlooks the Aurea Top 19 sundeck. I just got up from reading your post and walked 3 steps to peer over and its is completely empty. Not a soul while the YC has about 15 of us staying on board on the One Pool deck.

[blueslily]

4 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

The flashing lights come from a 4"x4" pay to play box attached to one side of the pool table. swipe your key card. $9 is MSC 'cut' of any 'action' your hustler friend might sandbag from us pigeons.

 

Hahaha, thanks.

 

Do you know if you can use the Fun Pass card to pay for that table? I got one for us all to share. 

[blueslily]

1 minute ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Today is Cozumel 11am. My pergola overlooks the Aurea Top 19 sundeck. I just got up from reading your post and walked 3 steps to peer over and its is completely empty. Not a soul while the YC has about 15 of us staying on board on the One Pool deck.

 

Thank you 😊 

[blueslily]

Have you heard about when they will put up the Christmas decorations? Hoping they will be up for our Dec 9 sailing. Thanks

[DaKahuna]

37 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Here is something else I discovered: "Book your Booth in the Sports Bar & Enjoy the NFL Games : Booth for 2: $100 which includes 2 portions of chicken wings, 2 pizzas of any choice + 6 beers of any choice (unlimited soda for children) Booth for 4 $200 which includes 4 portions of chicken wings, 4 pizzas of any choice +12 beers of any choice 9unlimited sodas for children)."

 

Damn, this would temp me to return to drinking beer.  I take it here are no 'real beverage' choices available? 

 

[morpheusofthesea]

14 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

Damn, this would temp me to return to drinking beer.

 

“Bring a pitcher of beer every seven minutes till somebody passes out. And then bring one every ten minutes.” 

" Girls this is Lou, Lou these are girls"

"Call me sometime..when you have no class!". Thorton Mellon

Can't help it.

[go.without.you]

On 11/20/2023 at 2:11 PM, morpheusofthesea said:

Had lunch today at the Hola Taco specialty Restaurant. All one can eat for $18.(Ocean Cay Day). . The quesadillas were not as salty even with cheese as last month. Food is so subjective and we find it differing every time we cruise always having our same favorites.

  It was such a beautiful day on Ocean Cay that we knew it would be over crowded at Ocean House. With 330 YC guests and seating for 168, there would be inconveniences. There are a couple of big groups in the Yacht Club and they are very demanding. For example, they demanded sitting together in the YC restaurant, no tables for 18, so had to push together 4 tops. That is fine. But what isn't fine is they wanted these tables reserved whether their party was all together present or not. This is akin to 'chair hogging' on the pool deck, depriving other YC guests of a table in an overcrowded sailing. 

I hate this. What are they going to miss in the 1-2 hour meal that they HAVE to sit together. They realize they are on a boat and won't be left behind, right?

[morpheusofthesea]

2 hours ago, blueslily said:

do they monitor entry into that area as much as they do the Yacht Club areas?

Do not see any monitoring of either Aurea or YC areas. There are 5 pergolas on port side same model as YC, but instead of lounge chairs bench type sofas with cushions . On starboard side uncushioned regular deck chairs, hot tub. Took pictures for you. 

[morpheusofthesea]

2 hours ago, blueslily said:

Have you heard about when they will put up the Christmas decorations? Hoping they will be up for our Dec 9 sailing. Thanks

I asked the YC hostess at lunch and she said she doesn't know if and when as she always leaves by the second week of December.