morrieb1

1 hour ago, styles27 said:

@sidari thank you!

 

So unfortunate and disappointing for them. 
It sounds like this was the problem the fact that some were handwritten. 

 

 Also in the post, there's mention of antigen tests....and those would not be valid for unvaccinated children - they must have the PCR or NAAT.  In any case, I feel badly for the family as I'm sure they thought they had what they needed to cruise.

2 minutes ago, sojodave said:

We are going on the Nov 6th sailing of the Meraviglia and my father-in-law talked to a rep on the phone and he said they will not accept antigen test unless they are CDC approved.  What the heck does that mean???  I don't know if the reps for MSC even read the website or because they have a different answer depending upon who you talk to.  

It means that whatever test you are taking must be CDC approved.   If you get an antigen test ( the one where you get results in 15 minutes to a couple of hours) from any pharmacy or clinic, it should be CDC approved, but perhaps you would want to ask them to confirm.  If you buy an at-home test antigen test kit - then it needs to have teleheath monitoring included to be acceptable for travel.   

And its quite possible that the mention of "must be CDC approved" is due to the cruises being opened to Canadian and European travelers.  I am not familiar with their testing protocols, but perhaps some are not CDC compliant, hence the message your FIL received.

Hi Perakcruiser,

I was responding specifically to Port Canaveral and Orlando airport...and my information came from a MSC rep that I spoke with on Thursday.  If you have different information for that port, I'd appreciate details because as it stands right now, I'll be spending quite a bit of time sitting in the airport.

Thanks

On 10/29/2021 at 9:29 AM, Morgsmom said:

LOL!  I'm going to be on the Divina next week.  In September we made some friends and brought them things from the Mega store when we were in Cozumel.  I wanted to see if they needed any supplies that I could bring onboard for them. Wish it was a sordid love affair 🥰

 That is really kind of you.  I know the bartender I talked to most last week (Rodito) was frustrated with the poor internet onboard and he reported a shortage of toiletries since none of them are allowed off the ship yet and the onboard shop price is crazy.  So I'm actually bringing toothbrushes/floss picks/toothpaste when I go back in three weeks.   

The suggestion to find them on Facebook is a great one.

Fantastica gives you a better cabin choice and as you said, room service.   But as some of my fellow cruisers discovered recently - ordering a bacon and eggs kind of breakfast from room costs 7.95 - just the continental kind is free.  And you get a free professional photo.

 If you already have the cabin you like then I wouldn't bother upgrading...at least not now.  You can always change your mind later.    

MSC customer service is hit or miss.  I know they offer transfers but you do have to call for them. There are no transfer/sightseeing packages.   GoPort offers a transfer shuttle for 19.95.  They are supposed to start shuttling within an hour of first passenger debarkation, but last week they actually didn't leave until close to 9 though self-debark folks started leaving the ship at 7:15.    It took about 45 minutes to get to MCO and we were all dropped at the same terminal (A, I think) which involved a bit of walking if your airline was out of Terminal B.

Its always a bit of a crapshoot when Customs clears the ship - but our schedule had everyone exiting the ship no later than 9 am, I think - and if you had an early flight, the first baggage tag folks were debarking around 7:30.

Do keep in mind we were cruising at about 35% capacity, so more passengers might mean a longer wait to debark.

My airline (American) won't take bags more than 4 hours before the flight.  I got around that by going standby on an earlier flight (they allow free same day standby/changes) which allowed me to check my bag.  I didn't get a seat on that plane, but my luggage did which meant it was waiting for me when I got home on my original flight.  I found MCO to be very crowded and a lot of kids around(to be expected, I guess) so I bought a one day pass to my airlines club and spent a much quieter morning/afternoon waiting for my flight.  I imagine United offers the same thing.

Can't speak to your excursion questions as my itinerary was Mexico.  

13 hours ago, styles27 said:

Funny you say this about your time getting changed.

Mine has been 3 pm since I booked and paid for the 11/14 sailing but today I received an email changing it to 12:30 which was about the time we were going to get to that area so it works out better than 3 pm.

But now I’m going to wait to print out the new docs just in case they decide to change it again. 

Personally, I'd print that boarding pass and use it if that's the time you want.  I assure you its been done before 😉

I was on Divina 10/17 to 10/24, and participated in an online discussion group before the cruise.  Everyone started with a 2pm embarkation time.  Then, about two weeks before the cruise many of us started getting new emailed boarding documents with different times.  I think I got a total of 12 emails with at least three different times- others got a lot more.  Times ranged from 11 am to 3 pm.  So what you see now is probably not what you will end up with.  

No one that I'm aware of was asked to wait - everyone was checked in as they arrived without issue.  I am pretty sure no one at the port looked closely enough at the boarding pass to notice the time...they were much more concerned with the vaccination card and test results document.

Apologies if its covered in that thread referenced above - I didn't want to go through all the replies.

MSC Meraviglia - 7 night from Port Canaveral  

01/02/2022 or 01/09/2022

$489 solo balcony (Bella)

$472 if MSC Voyager Club member 

MSC Seashore - 7 night from Miami 

01/15/2022 or 01/29/2022

$705 solo balcony (Bella)

$598 if MSC Voyager Club member

I was on Divina 10/17.  White Night was the only formal night which I thought odd (and I believe that was followed by the White Party).....they did have Italian night (red/white/green) and the Flower Party (60/70s).  Had guessed the one formal night was because of an itinerary change, but from Morgsmom's post - perhaps thats the new normal.

Em

Heres the link to their packages - there's a table that shows what's included, and it includes Miller Lite.

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/on-board/dining-drinks/drink-comparison-chart

MSC Divina from Pt Canaveral 10/3/21 or 10/17/21 7 night.   Solo Balcony Bella $879 (+128 taxes) with $100 OBC -   price 5% to 10% lower for MSC Club members (depending on status) with additional $100 OBC provided.

 "Balcony for the price of an inside" promo  - don't know the deal end date - booked direct

 I'm booked for  the 10/17/21 cruise and there are at least 40 other solo travelers booked as well.

I have cruised NCL/RCL/Carnival/Celebrity but not HAL.  I just came off the Seaside a week ago and I was very pleased with their food. The only comment I'd make is that the evening buffet options were lacking when compared to the dining room, but I think their dining room food stands up well to Celebrity (which I'm guessing is comparable to HAL).  As was posted above, the entertainment was excellent - the ship beautiful.....and I experienced the easiest debarkation ever in my 20some cruises.

If I had a criticism it would be that I was traveling with a friend and we were given a table for two.  The cruisers around us were quite pleasant but not native English speakers so there wasn't a lot of conversation across tables.  But the bar staff was great, the cabin beautiful, the thermal suite amazing, and overall it was the best value for money I've encountered in a long time...so I would not hesitate to book MSC.

I did a two person booking on NCL Pride of America a few years ago and I neglected to mention the other person wasn't coming when I checked in. They called me the next day to check on the status of my cabinmate and I then explained they had to cancel at the last minute. They refunded the other persons port taxes to my on board account. Based on that, next time I do it, I'll alert them at check in that my companion isn't coming. Yes, you need to use a real person, and I asked permission in advance. But there are often noshows on a cruise - illness, family emergency, etc - so its understandable and no reason anyone would be "red-flagged" for any reason.

If you decide on MSC - note that they will status match RCL. https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Loyalty-Match-Program.aspx

How did this work? Didn't you need to put in the 'other person's' information when you checked-in before you went?

A TA I am working with said this works since I/we paid the double rate and it happens all of the time; just a bit curious about the logistics.

 

Thanks!!! :)

I've done it on NCL and Carnival....but instead of a "phantom" person I used a friend/relative that wasn't interested in the trip but didn't mind being on the booking. Then they are simply a no show at the port, which is what would happen with any last minute emergency cancellation. As the OP said - the port fees and taxes for the second person are then refunded.

I generally fly in day of IF:

1. the flight is nonstop and arrives at least five hours before the cruise departs.

2. its the first flight out and there are at least two more possible options that will get me to the ship on time.

To me the vacation time and money saved is worth the risk.

Em

2216 is my cabin on the Conquest. Video is Cabin 2216 on similar class ship.

I really like it. Very roomy. Not use to being on such a low deck, but I can live with that. I'll have a nice water show if the seas are rough. ;)

 

Hi Neighbor (well, across the ship neighbor - I have 2217 on the second leg of your B2B)

There are a couple of advantages to the location I wanted to point out. Its really convenient to the main show lounge - I like being able to stop off and freshen up before/after dinner.

Its really easy to get back onboard from a port stop - you can skip the elevator line and head right up the stairs.

 

I am concerned about the pricing. Currently it is showing at over £5000 for a single occupancy balcony. All in with tips etc, cost us just over £3000. (balance is due in September). So would I really have to pay what is approximately £3500 to go it alone? Some posters on here have suggested just not telling RCI and turning up alone? What might happen then? If we have paid the balance in full can they charge me more?

 

Thanks in advance for any responses.

I haven't done a noshow with RCI, but I did one last year with NCL - and it wasn't an issue at all - I simply told them that my cabinmate couldn't make it when I checked in. In fact I got the other person's port fees refunded to my shipboard account the day after sailing.

These things happen - people fall ill, or have some sort of emergency at the last minute.

As long as you don't make any changes to your booking - they can't change your pricing - and that's why its being suggested that you leave everything as is.

Thank You all for your input. This really helpful. I don't know how I would cruise without cruise critic boards. lol!

 

I forgot Belize was tendered, so I will probably stick with an excursion. I may end up snorkeling there as well. The other island I am going to is Roatan and I heard snorkeling is beautiful there as well.

 

I have been to cozumel a few times before but I have managed to have a travel companion for tose times, I had done the downtown area as suggested above, Mr Sanchos and Nachi Como. I thought the Barhop would be different to see the other side, but I am having my doubts with it not being a ship sponsored excursion. Oh well, I will figure it out I have time. I know I will fun regardless.

In Belize I've done the Geoffs Cay snorkeling, the Altun-Ha river excursion and the cave tubing and enjoyed all of them. The port area has been developed nicely with plenty of shopping/eating/drinking available if you do decide just to wander around - but there's no beach.

Roatan has very good shore snorkeling at Tabyana Beach and for a solo - the excursion price is about the same as if you try to get there yourself. I didn't find good snorkeling at Mahogany Bay but its a nice beach.

I love the far side of Cozumel and although I haven't taken the bar hop tour (I've gone by rental car) - I'd encourage you to do it. My personal favorite spot is the Bob Marley Bar...so I hope thats one of your stops.

Half year sale - $50.00 deposit - 482.30

Senior offer - regular deposit 472.30

still a number of 1A portholes available

Other categories appear to be regular supplement

To me it doesn't really matter what the single supplement is if the total price of the cruise is just too high. I did a dummy booking at the Royal Caribbean site and the cruise on the Allure for solo occupation of a inner cabin would cost me $1925 for the May 4th sailing. I sail on the Carnival Conquest on that same date for 7 days in a balcony cabin and my total price is $670 including port charges and taxes. Admittedly I got a special casino deal that other people can't get but the price would have only been $120 more if I had not booked the casino deal even with paying a higher price to get to choose my own room. A balcony guarantee would have only cost me $70 more without the casino special. For a special destination or an extremely lengthy cruise I would pay more but it's just not worth it to me to pay those kind of prices just to be on a particular ship. Anyone can still get that balcony guarantee cabin solo for $619 plus $115 in port charges and taxes on the conquest for May 4th.

 

These are the kind of solo deals that I would love to hear about from my fellow cruisers at this site. Heck you could almost live on a cruise ship cheaper than on land.

 

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Forums mobile app

Re the Royal Caribbean Allure pricing - That's because

1. The sale doesn't start until next week and

2. The sailing you chose doesn't have inside cabins with the reduced supplement

Here's the link http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Multi_Dest/Special_Offers/rci_sales_event.pdf

That long. A connection at BWI will give you plenty of time, even time for a meal. (Unfortunately there are no decent places to eat ther--Blech!). It's a pretty small and efficient airport.

I'm going to respectfully disagree on both counts - first off - depending on the concourse - BWI has a number of restaurants even past security that are pretty good - there's a Silver Diner at B. Ramshead at C, and Greene Turtle at D just to name a few.

But whether or not you have time to eat depends on if both flights are leaving from the same gate area. I'm reasonably certain that you can't get from one concourse to another without having to go through security again (except for A/B).

http://www.bwiairport.com/en/shops/shop-dine

I do find it much easier to change planes at BWI because its a smaller airport...but I believe both airports have similar on-time stats.

I just booked a 5 night on the Carnival Paradise for Oct. I have been on 5 other cruises and have always had a wonderful time! I have been wanting to do a solo for a while and finally now I am. But I guess there is a nervousness there. I think of certain situations and am like oh alone that might be odd.

 

Does anyone have words of wisdom and advise? I almost did your time dining so I would not be stuck at a table on my own. I am not super outgoing and many times not the first to start a conversation but once its started I am good. I wonder about evenings, I know there is much to do. I know I want to relax, get some sun, sleep. I have spent time on my own on cruises while the other person naps or goes to the gym. I like to hang out towards the back of the ship at the pool and sun. I like the casino at night and the shows.

 

Thanks in advance!

If you are concerned about being stuck at a table on your own - make sure you request a large table.....I've always been seated with at least one other solo traveler as well as finding the couples I've met to be very welcoming - we'd often end up planning our after dinner adventures together.

Even if you aren't a drinker, I find that a poolside bar (for that matter almost any of the bars) is a good place to strike up conversations with both staff and fellow passengers.

I've met lots of folks at the Serenity area just because they had a chair near me and struck up a conversation, which is great because I'm a bit shy and not the one to speak first.

I've been trying to find out what the difference is between a cloud 9 spa balcony and a regular balcony? What amenities do you get with a spa balcony?

 

What is the likelihood of being able to change cabin categories (at no charge) after final payment if there is a price drop to less than we paid for current cabin?

 

Also, if prices drop after final payment, are you only able to get OBC if you booked the ES rate?

Re your first question about the Splendor Cloud 9 spa balconies

You get nicer bathrobes, slippers, elemis shampoo/conditioner/lotion and access to the Thalassotherapy pool/scented steamrooms/heated loungers at no additional charge. You also get two free classes (yoga/spinning/etc) There is no smoking in spa cabins or balconies. The hallways and room decor are a bit different - I would describe it as more subdued than the regular cabins - but the rooms are the same size.

I loved mine.