OBSERVATIONS FROM THE POOP DECK SEASCAPE NOV 2023

[morpheusofthesea]

The offerings are back in the TopSail Lounge. See post #9 for hours and description of daily offerings.

Edited November 25, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[morpheusofthesea]

Backing in to dock at Ocean Cay. Beautiful weather. 2 weeks earlier and even the OnePool deck could not be enjoyed for the entire week (as told to us by OnePool attendant).

[morpheusofthesea]

Football fans rejoice. At least 3 different games were highlighted and viewed onboard the ship.

[FLCruiser97]

14 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Another variable in how one may be treated 'differently' by staff in hotels or cruises is in the way one presents oneself.  Four and five star venues go to a lot of trouble and expense to create an 'atmosphere of top notch elegance' and one fails to rise to the occasion and shows great disrespect by dressing in shorts, etc.

  We would extend this to every meal when we cruise nowadays. "When you pay for a stay in a hotel, you also pay for the comfort, amenities, and services of a hotel, but it does not necessarily mean that you can do and act whatever you like and however you feel. There are hotel manners that you must take note of. Courtesy and respect beget the same, and knowing what to wear for breakfast in a hotel is a basic manner that makes a big difference. Most hotels establish a formality culture in dining for breakfast as a sign of respect and consideration for other guests and the staff. Unless your breakfast wear is as comparable to your smart-casual wear, that wouldn’t be a problem." https://thealcazar.com/what-to-wear-for-breakfast-in-a.../

   https://tableagent.com/article/dressing-to-dine-dress-codes-defined/  you can understand why dress codes are sometimes suggested by eateries of a certain merit: they wish for their guests to experience the world they have created. You can savor the luxury of top-notch service best when you too look and feel first-rate. The essence of fine dining wants to take patrons out of their ordinary lives, and for two hours, allow them to bask in the extraordinary experience of their choice. To truly be apart of such a supreme culinary happening—one must look the part and one must dress to dine.

   Not required BUT "Why you should always dress when you go out to eat. Yes, it still matters. By Sam Dangremond, Town & Country. John Winterman, who used to work for Daniel Boulud as maître d' at Daniel, and for Charlie Trotter before that, and asked if he thinks dressing up for dinner still matters."

"Absolutely," said Winterman, who's now managing partner at Batârd in New York City. "I break it down into self-respect and respect for others." Would someone's appearance affect the table they were assigned at, say, Daniel?

"On the record, yes," he said. "If someone comes in making an effort and looking fabulous and glamorous and they know they're in for a premium experience at a premium price, you give them a fabulous table in the middle of the room. And people react to that, when they see a crowd that's well-dressed and beautiful and sparkling."

 

Well said, Sir. Well said.

[morpheusofthesea]

This was the most interesting short clip and photo. The inclement weather of 3 weeks ago washed away all the nice sand on the YC beach. No ships could dock and besides the weather wasn't conducive to any type of 'bathing' and the YC beach had a lot of dead fish washed up on the beach which had to be carted away.

[morpheusofthesea]

Here is the converted billiard/pool room into a smoking slot machine room (18 machines).

[morpheusofthesea]

Here is the new addition to the casino. Never saw anyone playing, but we don't stay up late.

[morpheusofthesea]

I tried to 'capture' the moment as we left Ocean Cay. It was the only time the ship played Andrea Bocelli "Time to say Goodbye".

[morpheusofthesea]

A quick panning of the living/dining area and why DW needs so many towels. The only problem with this cabin is the heat that these windows generates. 

[morpheusofthesea]

There are drink of the day specials advertised for those without drink packages.

[morpheusofthesea]

These 2 short clips are a demo of the low budget Chora Theatre productions. Thank goodness there are other entertainment venues on the ship happening at the same time. Use to be MSC had 3 show times because their productions were so popular. I am 'shocked' they were able to fill the theatre for 2 shows like these.

[morpheusofthesea]

People keep asking the same questions on social media. Do they have sweet & low? Here are 2 photos of the beverage section of the Market Place Buffet. And every table add more of the same.

Edited November 25, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[morpheusofthesea]

What MSC gives one day, they take away the next day. Please see post #126..Smoking allowed. In this photo same room, NO smoking .

[morpheusofthesea]

This sign language person was only used for the 2nd show.

[morpheusofthesea]

This duo was very good. They rotated btween the Loft Cafe, TopSail Lounge and Atrium. "Duo Music Show". Many Brazilian artists on board.

[KittyCruz]

3 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

It is 8:00 am and we are home. Up at 5:30 am and ship was already docked. 210 YC guests this next cruise. Chances of an upgrade to YC are better if people know and try. Only one “down liner” this cruise. Cleared real quick this morning. Facial recognition and out the door, except for 2 CBP agents randomly stopping passengers after FR and asking for passports.

We opened up the curtains to our room and saw the ship!  After 20 minutes of check in and queue we're two of those 270

[morpheusofthesea]

Yes, there is butter on every table. And another rarity is going to be bottled water. Heard that is almost impossible to get any bottled water on the new Explora Journeys. Explora is going full blown ecological crazy, only refillable, reusable, ship distilled water. Completely unhygienic and who tests the distilling apparatus on any hourly basis. Years ago the ship's distiller was on the 'fritz'. Fellow passengers trusting in the ship's purification system got sick. Who wants to pay higher prices for ship purified water. We should be able to choose from a variety of specialty waters from around the world. Sorry, but this recycling is a gimmick since I read that most of the recycled plastics are still being sent to land fills.

[morpheusofthesea]

One evening in the TopSail Lounge.

[morpheusofthesea]

This is short clip of Sara, one of two, lead female singers in the Chora Theatre production, doing a Tina Turner homage in "Let's Dance" ( I think they changed the name of this production). Sara will be found only one night, tonight (first evening on board) in Le Cabaret Rouge. I recommend going to LCR the first night to get a good idea of the performers to see and which to skip (like sweet & sour duo).

[morpheusofthesea]

Relocated pool table and shuffleboard, Jungle Pool 2nd level.

[morpheusofthesea]

The three breakfast pizzas I spoke about in earlier post, In the Market Place Buffet.

[morpheusofthesea]

Waiters stationed in several locations standing around waiting for guests to wake up. He glanced at me and thought perhaps I wanted a drink with my photo.

Edited November 25, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[morpheusofthesea]

Atrium Thanksgiving welcome. Thanksgiving cake OnePool Deck buffet.

[morpheusofthesea]

View of the Aurea Top 19 sun deck. Pergolas port side. Uncushioned lounge chairs starboard side.

[morpheusofthesea]

New sign for the 'attire' challenged men in the YC.