If you miss the way RCI used to be, MSC may be for you

I might have to give them a try! Thanks!

Thank you for the idea. I started to look into MSC. I've been with RC since the Sun Viking. But I agree that things have changed. Maybe it's good to try something else once in awhile.

-Karen

Thank you for the idea. I started to look into MSC. I've been with RC since the Sun Viking. But I agree that things have changed. Maybe it's good to try something else once in awhile.

 

-Karen

I am a creature of habit. Sailed my first 15 cruises on RCCL until my wife said we need to see what else is out there. Sailed two Celebrity and 2 NCL and are now booked in the YC on MSC Divina. Like you said its good to try something else. You may just enjoy it better.

 

Wise words, people from Mass sure are wicked smahht! :D:D

Just booked MSC Seaside for 5/5/18 using their Loyalty Match with RCL. It is a 7 night cruise in a suite and only had to put $200 deposit (only $100 pp) and MSC also gave a $300 OBC. So far so good.

How long does it take to hear back from MSC on the status match?

How long does it take to hear back from MSC on the status match?

Took about 3 days for me

How long does it take to hear back from MSC on the status match?

I filled out the Loyalty Match Form, waited about one week, didn't hear back so I found an email address and told them I didn't hear from them. They got back to me and said never received both mine and my DH forms. Just had to give them info via email and within one hour we had our numbers. Try this if you don't hear back after filling out request on line. MSCVoyagersClub@msccruisesusa.com

I just got home from an excellent week on the MSC Divina and will be doing a review in that section, but all week I couldn't help but have the feeling they run things a bit like RCI used to run "back in the day" before the ships became amusement and gimmick heavy. No preplanning or show booking required. Few specialty restaurants. Absolutely fanatical cleaning and maintenance. Friendly and abundant service.

 

Sure there were differences, some better, some not, but based on the amount of Royal Caribbean logo wear seen on guests on the Divina I think the secret is getting out...

Very interesting. I lost interest in RCI several years ago. Celebrity is now my go to cruise line but the new MSC Seaside looks interesting. RCI has turned too family/kids friendly. Most of us saw it coming back when the Voyager was introduced.

What is the loyalty match? Sorry found my answer.

Took about 3 days for me

Smoking policies on MSC, LMaxwell? (And yes, I am a smoker) :)

I filled out the Loyalty Match Form, waited about one week, didn't hear back so I found an email address and told them I didn't hear from them. They got back to me and said never received both mine and my DH forms. Just had to give them info via email and within one hour we had our numbers. Try this if you don't hear back after filling out request on line. MSCVoyagersClub@msccruisesusa.com

Thank you and LMaxwell

Smoking policies on MSC, LMaxwell? (And yes, I am a smoker) :)

From the website--- MSC Cruises respects the needs and desires of all guests, and we have given careful consideration to the preferences of both those who smoke and those who do not.

In line with global standards, smoking areas are generally fewer than nonsmoking areas, but smoking is freely permitted in specified areas throughout the fleet (selected mainly on the basis of increased or modified air extraction). Smoking is not generally permitted in any food service areas (buffets and restaurants), medical center, childcare areas, corridors or elevator foyers, areas where guests are assembled in groups for safety exercises, disembarkation or tour departures, public restrooms, or in bars directly near areas where food is served.

Because of the specific and proven risk of fire, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is not permitted at any time in staterooms or on stateroom balconies. If evidence of smoking is found, a special cleaning fee of 70 euro will be charged to the Guest’s account.

Smoking is permitted in several bars on each ship, and on one side (indicated by signage) of the principal outdoor pool deck areas, where ashtrays are provided. Guests are advised by the Cruise Director and in the Ship’s Daily Program to avoid throwing cigarette butts over the side of the ship, where they could be blown back on board and start a fire.

From the website--- MSC Cruises respects the needs and desires of all guests, and we have given careful consideration to the preferences of both those who smoke and those who do not.

 

In line with global standards, smoking areas are generally fewer than nonsmoking areas, but smoking is freely permitted in specified areas throughout the fleet (selected mainly on the basis of increased or modified air extraction). Smoking is not generally permitted in any food service areas (buffets and restaurants), medical center, childcare areas, corridors or elevator foyers, areas where guests are assembled in groups for safety exercises, disembarkation or tour departures, public restrooms, or in bars directly near areas where food is served.

 

Because of the specific and proven risk of fire, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is not permitted at any time in staterooms or on stateroom balconies. If evidence of smoking is found, a special cleaning fee of 70 euro will be charged to the Guest’s account.

 

Smoking is permitted in several bars on each ship, and on one side (indicated by signage) of the principal outdoor pool deck areas, where ashtrays are provided. Guests are advised by the Cruise Director and in the Ship’s Daily Program to avoid throwing cigarette butts over the side of the ship, where they could be blown back on board and start a fire.

To Simplify; for Divina

Indoors: Enclosed Cigar Lounge; that was the only place allowed

Outdoors; one side of deck 7. One side of Aqua Park (main pool; deck 14). One section of deck 16 aft near its own hot tubs.

Thank you. That would be acceptable. :)

Just booked MSC Splendida, using MSC Black loyalty match, sailing Jan 2018, 7 nights Dubai = £800 GBP per person for YACHT CLUB !!

The deal was that good, we booked B2B lol

The loyalty match got us 20% off the regular cruise fare.

Well done MSC - it's looking like you may have grabbed a regular cruiser away from Royal Caribbean.

I would definitely book if the Black Card status match included the freebie cocktails. But maybe with an OBC incentive.....

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We got the black card match and I'm very likely to try Seaside within the next few years. Looks fantastic. I do want to wait to see, at least, the early reviews come in before committing since it's an entirely new design that could wind up being a crowded mess...

Overall, I feel that RCI is falling behind in terms of value. For the cruises I'm interested in (generally newer ships) RCI is routinely hundreds of dollars more than its closest competitors when considering price and added inclusions (i.e., beverage package on NCL). I'm not sure that the product is worth that much more.

We see commercials almost every evening for MSC, and they've definitely gotten our attention.

To Simplify; for Divina

 

Indoors: Enclosed Cigar Lounge; that was the only place allowed

 

Outdoors; one side of deck 7. One side of Aqua Park (main pool; deck 14). One section of deck 16 aft near its own hot tubs.

Curious if you checked out the cigar lounge and if so what you thought of it?

Curious if you checked out the cigar lounge and if so what you thought of it?

I only walked by it, never in it. It is situated on the Piazza of deck 6 and adjacent to the Casino. It looked comfortable with windows inward and outward and a nice looking full bar. That's all I can really help on that.

I only walked by it, never in it. It is situated on the Piazza of deck 6 and adjacent to the Casino. It looked comfortable with windows inward and outward and a nice looking full bar. That's all I can really help on that.

Thank you LMaxwell, I know we are putting you in an uncomfortable spot, but we appreciate the information. Thanks too, Maureen! :D:):D

thank you lmaxwell, i know we are putting you in an uncomfortable spot, but we appreciate the information. Thanks too, maureen! :d:):d

:):):d:d:d:d

Any idea what the status match is for Platinum?

Any idea what the status match is for Platinum?

Saw a thread in the MSC forum that said RCI Platinum goes to MSC Silver.