Deckside Digest - YC Edition: Volume 24 Episode 1 (MSC Seascape 8/17-8/24)

[DaKahuna]

6 hours ago, Best Cat Mom said:

Hennessy, lemon juice and Cointreau are shaken with ice and then served in a martini glass with a sugar rim (that last part is my preference). Yummy! 🙂

 

 I take mine without the sugar rim. 

 

Edited August 19 by DaKahuna

[lahlah57]

2 hours ago, Best Cat Mom said:

Try having 5 rounds after dinner!

Luckily the bed is around the corner!

[MonsterJoe]

1 hour ago, lahlah57 said:

Luckily the bed is around the corner!

Oh...well past 5...

[MonsterJoe]

Yesterday, I woke up at 6:30 to hit the gym, only to realize my gym clothes were still vacuum-packed. Not wanting to wake everyone up, I got dressed and headed to the pool deck for a coffee instead.

 

A few early risers were already there, getting their coffee and a bite to eat. I grabbed an Americano and sat at the bar to check my phone. I saw our assistant server from dinner the night before, smiled, and waved.

We had room service scheduled for 7:45, so I headed back down around 7:30 to be there when it arrived.

 

Room service was prompt, and everything was tasty. I then went back up to the pool deck to grab some hash browns and bacon for DD2 and DS.

DW had a spa appointment at 9, so before that, I went to TS to grab a Bloody Mary and tipped the bartender from the previous night.

 

While DW was at her massage, the rest of us went for a walk. I dropped DS off at the water slides, then walked around the ship with DD2. We ended up back at the pool deck to wait for DW. I had an Espresso Martini, and she had a Ginger Ale while watching Moana (her favorite movie).

 

When DW returned from her massage, we both had a Mimosa before heading to meet DS back at the room.

 

At that point, I remembered there was a brunch today. While we were chatting in the hallway, a butler passed by, and we asked if the brunch was also in YC. He said no but mentioned our butler could escort us to the Green Wave Dining Room if we wanted.

 

DS opted out because he wanted to join the ping pong tournament, so the three of us went to brunch.

 

With our escort, we were seated immediately—where the fun ended.

A server came by to take our order shortly after. I ordered the Shakshuka and asked if I could also have some chili flakes. He laughed and said, "No!" DW ordered the Eggs Benedict and asked for her eggs to be fried over-hard. He looked at her like she was crazy and said, "Eggs Benedict has soft eggs!" She acknowledged that but restated her request, pointing out that eggs are available that way on the menu. He rolled his eyes and scribbled it down. We ordered nuggets for DD2 since she was being fussy. I tried to order a drink from the menu, but he barked, “The bar will make that drink!” and ran away.

 

Already feeling put off and confused, we waited…and waited. Fifteen minutes later, a woman came by and asked if we wanted anything to drink (?!). DW and I ordered our drinks, and I tried to get a ginger ale for DD2. She didn’t bark at us, but she said yet another person had to take that order! Twenty minutes passed before my Shakshuka and the chicken nuggets arrived—except they weren’t nuggets; they were chicken tenders, which was a happy surprise because I dislike feeding the kids nuggets. The server then told my wife, "The eggs were too soft, so I sent them back, and we’re waiting." I also reminded him I was still waiting for the ginger ale. He looked confused, said someone else handles that, but finally took my cruise card and ran off.

 

Ten minutes later—now 45 minutes in—the Eggs Benedict and ginger ale finally arrived. The eggs were hard-boiled, and there was smoked salmon instead of ham. At this point, the situation was so ridiculous that we started chuckling.

 

The Shakshuka was tasty, and the chicken tenders were delicious—I’d even order them for lunch sometime. The Benedict, however, was a joke. Overall, I’d rate the experience a 2/10 and wouldn’t do it again.

 

We spent the rest of the day puttering around, starting to build relationships with some of the crew and figuring out who enjoys doing what.

 

For elegant night (the first sea day), we got dressed up and headed out. We stopped at TS, where we ordered martinis. The bartender remembered us and asked if he made them well enough the prior night. We assured him he did! Then, a server came by, noticed we brought our drinks upstairs last night, and insisted that if we planned on doing the same, she would bring them up for us when they were ready—we happily agreed.

 

Our assistant server saw us coming up the stairs, smiled, and motioned to the table we sat at the night before, so we went over and sat. He brought some bread and made small talk, joking about how early we were up. He even offered to reserve a cabana for us for the day.

 

I didn’t make it through dinner—I got halfway through the entree before DD2 made it clear someone needed to whisk her away for everyone’s sake. So, I volunteered and left with her.

 

I had the octopus carpaccio, mushroom fettuccine, and tenderloin—and asked for a small taste of the monkfish (he said, "Yes, small portion, no problem"). Everything was really tasty, even if I only had a few bites of it.

My wife texted me later and said they insisted on sending my dessert selection (the cheese tray) to the room for me—it arrived a few minutes later.

 

When they returned, we got more comfortable and headed out to walk around the ship. We stopped in the store and bought some Pringles, a Moana Lego set, and a Captain’s hat for DD2. DS got a Nutella milkshake.

We stopped at the champagne bar for a couple of flutes of NS and asked if they had any caviar. Nope—that’s the third cruise in a row where the champagne bar didn’t have the caviar listed on the menu. I’m starting to think it’s just for show. 🙂

Edited August 19 by MonsterJoe

[MonsterJoe]

We ended the night at TS with a round of Pass the Pigs and a couple single malts

 

[MonsterJoe]

Oh - yesterday I had some made to order scallops on the pool deck for a later lunch/snack. They were cooked perfectly!

[mnpurple]

1 hour ago, MonsterJoe said:

Oh - yesterday I had some made to order scallops on the pool deck for a later lunch/snack. They were cooked perfectly!

 

How did you even know they were available? I've had the pasta of the day they've made and freshly made fries, but never saw anything like that. It sounds pretty great!

[DaKahuna]

5 hours ago, MonsterJoe said:

My wife texted me later and said they insisted on sending my dessert selection (the cheese tray) to the room for me—it arrived a few minutes later.

 

 Did they take your dessert order at the same time as your regular order or did they come back after you finished your main course with the dessert menu?   We experienced both ways on our Divina cruise. 

 

[DaKahuna]

2 hours ago, MonsterJoe said:

Oh - yesterday I had some made to order scallops on the pool deck for a later lunch/snack. They were cooked perfectly!

 

 That sounds delicious!  Getting apprehensive.  33 days until departure. 

 

[DaKahuna]

5 hours ago, MonsterJoe said:

With our escort, we were seated immediately—where the fun ended.

 

Looks like i am taking Brunch in the MDR off our ''things to do list."  Thank you for sharing that experience with us.  Sorry you had to go through all that. 

 

[MonsterJoe]

3 hours ago, mnpurple said:

 

How did you even know they were available? I've had the pasta of the day they've made and freshly made fries, but never saw anything like that. It sounds pretty great!

There is a small small sign at that part of the buffet that says "Made to order" and there is a display of the plates with the raw ingredients. The first day was a chicken and veg skewer, some rockfish, and seabass.  Yesterday was a couple different kinds of fish and the scallops.

When I saw him today, I complemented him on the cook of the scallops and he seemed very proud of himself and appreciative of the compliment.
 

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 Did they take your dessert order at the same time as your regular order or did they come back after you finished your main course with the dessert menu?   We experienced both ways on our Divina cruise. 

 

Yes, in our experience, they take the whole order at once to start the meal.

 

I ordered the Oberon again last night, as did DW....you should have seen me finishing it as I was standing to leave like I was missing the last bus home, before I whisked DD2 away. 🙂
 

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

Looks like i am taking Brunch in the MDR off our ''things to do list."  Thank you for sharing that experience with us.  Sorry you had to go through all that. 

 

Ya - sorry....we are not fussy people. We both cut our teeth in the restaurant industry, so we are not difficult diners at all...but the experience was not good.

Edited August 19 by MonsterJoe

[MonsterJoe]

3 hours ago, mnpurple said:

 

How did you even know they were available? I've had the pasta of the day they've made and freshly made fries, but never saw anything like that. It sounds pretty great!

meant to add - they have an "always available" sign too...where they will make burgers and dogs to order, also

[MonsterJoe]

3 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

Looks like i am taking Brunch in the MDR off our ''things to do list."  Thank you for sharing that experience with us.  Sorry you had to go through all that. 

 

Referring back to my "eggs" topic awhile ago - I had a made to order omelet this morning on the pool deck and it was amazing.  (not a french omelet, but I did not ask or expect)  Highly recommend letting they crew at the pool make you things to order.

[mnpurple]

I've seen the burgers and hot dogs too. I always think when I'm traveling it's fun to try other things.

 

We have no more YC cruises booked, but are trying Celebrity in a "regular" cabin. I'm hoping after being in YC we can adjust our expectations a bit without some of the personalized service. I'm sure it will be great and I'm looking forward to something new.  It's always fun to read everyones experiences though. Thanks for sharing!

[MonsterJoe]

1 hour ago, mnpurple said:

I've seen the burgers and hot dogs too. I always think when I'm traveling it's fun to try other things.

 

We have no more YC cruises booked, but are trying Celebrity in a "regular" cabin. I'm hoping after being in YC we can adjust our expectations a bit without some of the personalized service. I'm sure it will be great and I'm looking forward to something new.  It's always fun to read everyones experiences though. Thanks for sharing!

We are about to book two cruises next year in fantastica because we are traveling with people not interested in YC....I know we will have fun. But the serenity and calm of being here now makes it it a bit tough!

 

 

We're taking 2026 off from cruising to donother vacations but we agreed that when we return we are YC or bust.

[MonsterJoe]

4 hours ago, mnpurple said:

I've seen the burgers and hot dogs too. I always think when I'm traveling it's fun to try other things.

 

We have no more YC cruises booked, but are trying Celebrity in a "regular" cabin. I'm hoping after being in YC we can adjust our expectations a bit without some of the personalized service. I'm sure it will be great and I'm looking forward to something new.  It's always fun to read everyones experiences though. Thanks for sharing!

Yes I agree about trying new things...however...for me hot dogs are a guilty pleasure that I rarely afford myself at home. I am a bit of a hot dog snob.  All beef or pork and beef...nothing else. These were good. Slathered with caramelized onions and mustard. No regrets. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

9 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

Looks like i am taking Brunch in the MDR off our ''things to do list."  Thank you for sharing that experience with us.  Sorry you had to go through all that. 

 

Thought the exact same thing when I read the brunch experience. The lack of service wasted OP’s precious cruise time. To the servers it’s same thing, different day (or so it seems). 

[DaKahuna]

2 hours ago, MonsterJoe said:

Slathered with caramelized onions and mustard.

 

 Yellow or deli mustard? I like deli mustard and fresh chopped onions on my hot dogs.  Was disappointed recently when I got a hot dog at Costco and discovered no onions any more and yellow vs deli mustard.  I know things change but imho that was a change for the worse. 

[MonsterJoe]

8 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 Yellow or deli mustard? I like deli mustard and fresh chopped onions on my hot dogs.  Was disappointed recently when I got a hot dog at Costco and discovered no onions any more and yellow vs deli mustard.  I know things change but imho that was a change for the worse. 

It was yellow mustard...I wouldn't be surprised to find some deli somehwere, though.

The thing about the buffet that a lot of people don't understand, I think, is that you can make it the experience you desire. With a little know-how...creativity...and mixing and matching, you can do some really wonderful things with the food there.

[Essiesmom]

2 minutes ago, MonsterJoe said:

It was yellow mustard...I wouldn't be surprised to find some deli somehwere, though.

The thing about the buffet that a lot of people don't understand, I think, is that you can make it the experience you desire. With a little know-how...creativity...and mixing and matching, you can do some really wonderful things with the food there.

Add patience to that.  EM

[MonsterJoe]

I woke up early again and headed up to the pool deck for my morning coffee. Our assistant waiter caught my attention and asked how DD2 was doing, which was a nice touch.

 

I enjoyed a made-to-order omelet on the pool deck, and it was done really well.

 

After breakfast, DD2 took a nap before we headed to the port. I used the quiet time to work on my research paper in Top Sail and catch up on some tips from the previous night.

 

We left the ship at 1:30. We didn’t ask for an escort because of the time - and we went straight out. I was surprised by how much I liked the port—almost like a free water park. The drink prices were reasonable too.

 

We decided to skip the dining room for dinner. The menu didn’t appeal to us, and we wanted to give the kids a break from the formality. Instead, we went to the main buffet. I had a curry, beef kebab, and honey garlic pork—everything was very good.

 

Later, I walked around with DD2 while DW and DS went to the comedy show. We ended up in the Venchi lounge, where one of the crew insisted on giving DD2 free chocolate. We stayed there, enjoying a drink while she colored, waiting for the show to be over.

 

Afterward, we went back to the room to put DD2 to bed. Then, I spent some time in Top Sail, first with DS and then with DW. I even had a conversation with the guitarist—a wonderful flamenco player. It turns out he’s a big metal fan, so we talked about Megadeth for a bit. 🙂

When we finally all returned to the room, DS wanted a snack, so we ordered a pizza. I was planning on on tipping our butler (I find it weird that the deliver the pizza) so I grabbed a 20.  Some random crew member delivered it though - and since I only had the 20 handy, I gave it to him.  Nice surprise for him probably!

I am attaching quite a few images - I did run them through an image optimizer to bring the file size down...which may affect the quality, but shouldn't bog those down who have slower connections.


 

[DaKahuna]

7 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Add patience to that. 

 

One cannot do without patience anywhere.  My DW always says I have none but really I feel I exercise a lot of restraint most of the time.  

 

[momofmab]

We ate breakfast (& most lunches) daily at the pool buffet!  DH is a huge breakfast guy and he loved everything he had there.  IMO, the pool buffet is a huge leg up for YC over Retreat & Haven.

 

ETA - Enjoying your review!

Edited August 20 by momofmab

[MonsterJoe]

54 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

One cannot do without patience anywhere.  My DW always says I have none but really I feel I exercise a lot of restraint most of the time.  

 

You and me both. 

 

Just had the worst main buffet experience ever. DS nearly had a panic attack, so I braved it myself to bring it back to the room for everybody and I may have been arrested if I wasn't channeling vacation vibes....I'll write more about tomorrow.

[MonsterJoe]

36 minutes ago, momofmab said:

We ate breakfast (& most lunches) daily at the pool buffet!  DH is a huge breakfast guy and he loved everything he had there.  IMO, the pool buffet is a huge leg up for YC over Retreat & Haven.

 

ETA - Enjoying your review!

I am an early riser...so I really enjoy having that space to go to. Everyone is super nice and those on the grill do a really nice job with the eggs and other made to order things