Sailing with a group/package restricted...

We booked with a large group, around 40 of us through a travel agent that arranged everything. We got a few perks, but nothing great. When we go to book our extras on line, we are unable to get the all inclusive drink package.....:( the agent is telling us that because all 40 cruisers are not willing to get the drink package, we are unable to get that selection.. so we are left with 18 vouchers for $89. Frankly we could manage with this most likely but who wants to carry around a voucher? This is our first time on the MSC, we are use to the RC and Norweign drink packages that are attached to your room key. Any comments, thanks. We sail July 1.

If your bookings are linked then MSC requires all of you to purchase a plan. In future maybe you would be better off to book individually.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Do you think once we get on the ship we will be able to go to the bars and buy the all inclusive or they will know we are in the "group" so they won't allow it??

There will be no problem purchasing a drinks package at embarkation. In fact, you may be bombarded with crew trying to sell you one as you board the ship. On our recent cruise, they had crew at the elevators, practically in your face, with the list of prices held up in their hands, displaying the options. Keep in mind that 15% service charge will be added to the cost of whichever you choose.

There will be no problem purchasing a drinks package at embarkation. In fact, you may be bombarded with crew trying to sell you one as you board the ship. On our recent cruise, they had crew at the elevators, practically in your face, with the list of prices held up in their hands, displaying the options. Keep in mind that 15% service charge will be added to the cost of whichever you choose.

They´ll certainly be there to throw the drinks package into your face but I would not count on them not to check your keycard. But the least you can do is give it a try.

Also if you´re used to being given your keycard before boarding, last time we sailed with MSC they were waiting in our so far open cabins. Unfortunately we were late (booked transfer from airport with MSC!) and before entering the ship everything was already stored away. We basically had to look for our way from bus to ship on our own, as they also had removed all signposts. Then while boarding they did not even greet us but were very much interested in selling their drinks packages to us but would not tell us to just go head straight into our cabins to get the keycards. For this information we had to stand in line at reception first.

They don't need to check your cruisecard. You just need to tell them your cabin number and they'll issue a new card to you when you purchase (or upgrade, as I did on my recent cruise) a drinks package.

Any idea the cost for all inclusive package? I agree I can't believe they would turn down more money lol. I guess I should purchase some vouchers just in case since they are cheaper in advance.

The all-inclusive is $45 pppd (plus 15% service charged when purchased onboard).

Here's a link which outlines the various packages on offer:

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Already-Booked/Cruise-Upgrade/All-Inclusive-Packages.aspx

If your bookings are linked then MSC requires all of you to purchase a plan. In future maybe you would be better off to book individually.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

It doesn't matter if your reservations are linked as long as their our different reservation numbers.

On our last Divina cruise, our reservation were linked with my daughter's and fiance's reservation. However, because we had different confirmation (reservation) numbers, they could buy the all inclusive drink package before boarding while we did not.

Same thing on our upcoming Divina cruise. Our reservations are linked with a couple we are traveling with, but our reservation numbers are different. They have pre-purchased the all inclusive drink package, we have not.

As I know other people who have traveled MSC on a group package, I know in some cases all have been forced to buy the all inclusive drink package whether they wanted it all not or at other times no one has been able to purchase the all inclusive drink package if it was not included in the group reservation.

Thanks to all , regardless of package we are looking forward in tring out this cruise line.