JAGR

Thanks for you "detailed" response. Really helps us to understand where MSC shortcomings are! Personally, I think the Yacht Club experience at its price point, is dollar for dollar ahead of 'premium experience on other line. Specifically, to get dedicated butler service, upgraded dining, seclusion from crowds, ample seating on the sun deck, unlimited spa access, excellent service for the most part, and other YC-only amenities I would dare say I would have to pay twice what I pay to MSC to get comparable benefits on a "premium" cruise line.

My CC statements typically show on the 20th of the month. Our last cruise was a B2B out of Miami that ended on March 12th. My MSC charges hit the March 20th statement.

Yes, I did meant to say that. I know on the Seaside you preferred 16002 or 04. The difference with Meraviglia from Seaside is that you can enter the lounge freely from both sides of the ship.

You may be thinking about the YC dining, and end (fore/aft)versus side (port/starboard) of the ship. For Divina, the YC restaurant is in the back or aft of the ship. For Seaside and Meraviglia, the YC restaurant is in the front, above the lounge. As far as cabins YC cabins are all in the secure YC complex (with the exception of 12 cabins on Meraviglia split between decks 12 & 13).

Not sure what you mean about "opposite" side of the ship. If you are referring to the end of the ship, the YC on Meraviglia, like Seaside is in the fore (front) section of the, with YC cabins on decks 14, 15, 16, and 18. Like Seaside, the Top Sail Lounge is on 16, and the restaurant is on deck 18. Drink package is the high end Premium Plus, which includes most drinks, but not all like we had on Seaside back in the day. Spa access is still included.n Not sure what you mean about not having a cabin in YC proper. There are some deluxe suites on decks 12&13 that are outside of the YC area, but include YC benefits and access. Are you thinking about those?

To add to to what Emmas Gran wrote, US-base cruises are closed loop. You sail from your port and return to that port (rare exception may be a relocation cruise, like leaving Miami and switching Port Canaveral as a new home port). To that end, the ship has to do a complete turnaround. As Emmas Gran says, the ship must be cleared before they can board the next cruise. With MCS, from the US, you are typically asked to vacate your cabin by 8:00 and be off the ship no later than 9:45 or 10:00, so your preference should be okay. For European cruises, that are mostly open loop, with passengers embarking and disembarking at any ports of call. With that, they still would like you off early, but are likely to be inclined to give you some flexibility.

Oops, my bad! Just saw the mention of Virtuosa. Sorry.

Isn't he still on Divina? He's not on Seashore, now is he?

Actually, the YC tram circles the area. On our two last visits, the driver dropped people at a beach/lagoon area of their choosing. To the OP, there are free umbrellas at the Lighthouse Beach, but they are first come, first served. Other beaches, you would be charged for rental.

Title of thread said Divina. There weren't cushions on them a few years ago, but I think OP was looking for feedback from someone who sailed on her recently.

No. I meant you would be pretty well off. The elevator is right outside your door, and the room should be generally quiet.

OP was asking about the Divina. In your situation, you've got another disability interior. Above you is the main women's restroom, so noise would not likely be a factor at night.

The two panoramic lifts go from 18 down to 8, and can stop at all floors in between.

I have no direct experience, but did want to share a review from last year from a gluten-free couple. It would perhaps give you something to review. https://glutenfreetravelwithme.com/msc-virtuosa-staycation-cruise-28-05-21

Interesting. Here in the states, we wouldn't pay any sales tax on pre-cruise purchases.

Booking before sailing will save you the 15% service charge on board.

Thanks. I was thinking about the elimination of the Welbeing package.

What is your preference? Quiet? Deck 15, with spa below (so quiet at night) and cabins above. Access to Top Sail Lounge and The One area? Deck 16. There's no real wrong deck.

If the thermal spa pass is what you value, it is no longer an Aurea perk. You get a 40% discount of pre-paid packages.

Food is subjective, and has been commented on. Let me weigh in on your other questions: 1. Don't worry about the credit card. You can easily do that on board or at check in. Ship side, MSC is very good. Land side needs work, especially IT. 2. Upgrade: Not sure if you are quoting PP only or PP per Day. Aurea cabins are generally the same size and rough location as other classes. The old advantages of Aurea have been removed or reduced (no drink package, no free spa access on one free massage each, just a discount). Only real advantage is some priority in boarding, anytime dining, and the private deck area (Top 18). The Top 18 isn't really all that special, but your private access means you don't have to get up early to beat the chair hogs. There is plenty of space, as a rule. I have no experience with the Premium Balcony. Ocean Cay: There are no free umbrellas that I know of at the beaches, except for Lighthouse Beach right beside the beach, and in the Yacht Club area (which you won't be allowed access to. If sun is a problem, you may want a cabana. You do get better service. Remember, though, that cabana rental is per cabana, not per person.

Since you've sailed on Seaside, smoking areas were all on the Starboard side. When we were on her a few times out of Florida, the outdoor smoking area on the ship was by the Seaview Lounge and outside of the buffet area on the Waterfront Boardwalk (areas we studiously avoided!). Same held true on Seashore, where the area was by the Brooklyn Cafe. thought that decision was made 3 or 4 years ago to use the starboard side fleetwide, but maybe someone who has sailed Seaside on the Med can clarify.

Interesting. I always thought the title was Head Butler. https://www.hosco.com/en/job/msc-cruises/head-butler

Hope it's not too bad! We were there in Feb and March, and when it wasn't raining, the setup of the tables in the area between the Ocean House and the catering building really served to ease any waiting time in the noon to 1:00 rush.

I know "Guess" was a typo for "Guest," but with MSC customer service, you nailed it! LMAO! Too funny, and so appropriate!

It is option 2. You pay the whole amount, plus the 15% service charge.