ashank1m

On 6/27/2019 at 1:07 AM, sverigecruiser said:

 

I do believe that you will get all YC benefits and that "shoreside" doesn't know what they are talking about but I'm not necessary correct.

 

I have heared about people being upgraded who didn't got the benefits, for example access to the Top Sail Lounge. (I think that was a free upgrade and that's not the same thing but it can be done.)

 

If they have upgraded passengers without access to the Top Sail Lounge they can ask for the cards the first day and they can probably also see the photo taken at embarkation if some people can get Into the YC but don't have all the benefits.

Hmm, is that mean your phote will be posted to all the bars and wait/butler station to remind them you ARE not YC guest just a roomer in YC?  Ignorance can be a bliss, hit the YC tent, Boarding pass may not have YC experience but room is in YC so act like it and hope for the best. 

Tips on top of auto gratuity seems silly, but IMHO tips are according to what you perceived to received.  BUT in society $ talks tips tend to hit earlier in hope you get a better service.  While ago, first time in YC, a butler helped us into the checkin/waiting lounge, gave him $20 for help with bags to start.  Then realize this is just a hand off land based butler.  Different butler helped us to YC lounge with bags to wait as rooms were not ready, gave the lady $20.  Thang it, not our butler again.  Once in our room and hour later our butler showed up and introduce himself and his assistance.  I wanted to wait but my mother went ahead and tip him $40 and $20 for assistant in hope of getting a good service (?we dont ask much, last 8 cruises, our request 'have a nice day').  Over our stay we really didn't asked for much.  Certain drinks for the mini-bar, pick from pillow menu but my prefer pillow was out.  Butler usage was paramount when getting to the show or getting off the ship.  Our butler was so busy, and had other butler filled in, so we also, tip them $20 each.  Since we cruise around X-mas or week before Easter, we tend to take some chocolate and give to bar/restaurant/maid staff.  This is not much but a thought and has always had positive return.  Tipped waiter and assistance $20 each.  So, we burned through $220 in tips, but it sure was worth it as all those got the tip the first time did recognized us and gave faster service, and truly a remarkable service.  If I had money to burn, I would tip more but with tight budget that is all I could afford (on top of $12k in fare for three YC staterooms and other expenses MSC squeezed out of me.)

On 4/26/2019 at 7:03 AM, ptuder said:

Thanks for the helpful review. Was the specialty restaurant tasting for yacht club only?  Thanks! 

 

Spec Rest preview tour is for all classes that has the invitation.

27 minutes ago, floridian1 said:

does Yacht Club restaurant have a kids menu? How were the servers with the kids?

Did you receive a bracelet to wear that you were able to charge things to and open your door?

Could you access the lounge from deck 18 by walking through the restaurant? or did you have to go down to 16 first than out to the lounge?

No kids menu, but ask if they have something they can cook up, like pasta and burger, fries etc.  If they have the item in the kitchen they will make it for you or bring from the YC Grill.  They are good with kids.  First night for desert there was a crepe with V. ice cream.

You will get a YC wrist band along with your room card during the check in.  Convenient since a room card has to be in the slot all the time to keep the light on.

There is a Crystal stair case linking 18 restaurant and 16 lounge directly front of you (slightly to right) as you walk in the restaurant.  Also, use this stair case to go down and to outside deck for smoke if you are for one.  So if waiting for a table you will wait in the lounge and they will come and get you. (make sure to check in with restaurant first so they know you are waiting down stairs), any drinks not finished take it with you or ask lounge server to bring it up to the restaurant.

hmmmm. I thought we weren't assigned to any restaurant.  Even in reg cabin, you can eat at either MDR, although making a reservation prior does save time from waiting.  Even MSC website mentioned that you can eat any restaurant, you will have priority seating at MDR as YC as do Aurea.

Off the ship you don't get scanned and never had any problem taking food off the ship.  Buffet has cold cuts to make a nice sandwich with.  I don't take any fruits though possible germ for local plants.

15 hours ago, floridian1 said:

Very helpful and thank you for the elevator tips. Was this eastern carib? Any advice on excursions?

How was breakfast and lunch in YC? Did your whole group get to dine together?

E Carib (my schedule keep getting me the E Carib for the third time in two yrs.)  Look at the MSC Excursion, it is cheaper to do it online before the cruise.  Personally, have not done ship excursion the past 8 yrs.

- Puerto Rico/San Juan:  Walk to pier 1 and find a trolley (free) to take you to the El Morro.  They stop running at 6 pm.  Last week, I waited from 5:30-6 and didn't see one but I used it couple years ago.  We ended up walking to the far end and walked up to El Morro and walk back through streets.  Pretty much same as one you pay to do for Night Walking Tour for $35 PP.  It is about mile up and a mile down.

- St Thomas: Once off the ship there are tons of hawks asking for taxi, they are all Taxi Asso dispatchers so no risk there.  Tell them where you want to go.  I did the Megan Bay last Xmas, $8 pp each way, $5 to get in the park.  you can rent chairs but they are not spread out like public beaches in Carib, bathrm and shelter on both end of about a 1 mile long beach, there is a restaurant and a bar.  This time we did Coki beach $9 pp each way.  Very crowded beach with no space since all the space has been filled with chair/umb ($5 per chair/ $10 for umb, so $20 for a set.)  Hawks for drinks and food.  I found food quality very poor. Nearby, right side, Coralworldvi.com, nice to visit but at $20 a pop not worth the price.  In Coralworldvi, few paid activities, we did snuba $84 including admission.  Also, on right side before the coral world, is Cokidive, com you can do scuba for $89.  Google for website and pricing.

- St. Marten: we took water taxi ($7 for round trip) to nearby beach.  typical price for 2 chairs and umb ($20), cheaper drinks(5 brew for $10), sis family did taxi tour of island for $25 each (for 8+)  she was party of 4 shared ride with other 4 to make it $25 pp other wise $40 pp.  3-4 hours tour of famous landmark in St Marten on both Dutch and French side.  Yes, you will see Maho beach where airplanes land over the beach.  Very small/narrow beach with foot and car traffic.

- Bahamas.. just walked around and ate Conch salad by water side near Senor Frog, Conch Fritter by ship market place.

Restaurant: Breakfast a typical restaurant fare, did enjoyed Farmer (over easy eggs, bacon, tomato, beans, a steak.  Steak was small fresh cooked so it was delish.), Lunch have not done, typically did lunch on YC Grill by the pool.  Lunch and dinner menu is posted in 16th YC lounge.  YC grill, have steak, cook to order burgers/hot dogs avail even not on buffet line.

Enjoy!

7 hours ago, umtigerfan1 said:

Do you remember what time you arrived at the port? Last year we got there too early, just in my nature. The staff did not arrive at the tent until 10:30 so we had a little wait outside. Thanks!!

I get there around 12-12:30, from others they said staff men the tent around 10:45-11:00ish.

kids, girls aren't enforced.  But no open toe shoes for boys.  Personally, I make sure they were something nice for my kids but I have seen others with very casual clothes.

On 4/19/2019 at 2:37 PM, deliver42 said:

When NCL lowered their status's, MSC lowered theirs from NCL accordingly

I was silver but because of lowered status I was only given Classic as well.  But as thetaro mentioned, not much there for Classic and Silver.  Both gets the welcome back cockatil, to get some freebies need 7 sailing to reach Gold. to get small benefits.

I did my own reservation first time, some of my pre-purchased didn't show and had some issues.  This time via TA and all smooth.

Lucky for you, I didn't find out until I booked and cancellation penalty and promo was higher than 5%... I did a booking for my aunt, one just finished for YC and in May Fantasia.  I asked if she can get 5% disc for May cruise, they said no, so you have to be a member before you book.

On 4/14/2019 at 3:10 PM, cathep said:

Thanks for the replies.  We'll book on deck 16.

 

We were recently in the 2-bedroom grand suite with the Aurea experience and loved it so much we thought we'd book it again.  But the family is pushing for YC instead.  I'm trying to figure out how to make 1 bathroom work.  I figure the adults can take a shower in the spa if need be.

that worked for us.  Take sometime for shower..... go down sweat out the alcohol from all that free drinks from YC in the sauna and take a cool shower so we can refill with alcohol again after the shower!  hmmm weird, I actually lost a pound from this cruise.......Must be from all that light beer and red bull I drank...

Looks like you have a buffet but other eatery and bars will be a fee based.  Better stock up drinks in your mini friz before going out.  Also, chairs included but umb and cabana, extra.  Nice move by cruise lines to take away Bahama economy to their bottom.  Instead of cheap drinks on the Nassau shore, we will have to pay ship price drinks on the O Cay.  Hope they don't have hair braiding there money saved on braiding can go to my drinks.....oh wait, you pay for drink package then pay more to drink on their island......are they also going to sell a gold pass to get off the ship early so you can go hog the chairs at the good spot?

One more thing, I forgot to mention (prory got more).

Elevators, we noticed many YC didn't know how to use Priority service.  Fwd elevator banks one on each side (port/SB) toward middle there is insignia of YC.  Place your wrist band or card to call priority service of the elevator.  Once in elevator, there are scanner on either side for you to scan again in order to select a floor.  Of these two scanner, only the fwd one had two black dots.  You have to use these scanner to select your floor and have a priority.  After fumbling for a while priority gets cancelled and others push buttons for their floor finally get the button light up and you lose your priority control.  Once you use that right scanner to select your floor, all other floor goes away and you go to your floor while others start to curse about elevator not working.

59 minutes ago, floridian1 said:

How was your statetoom 18021? Was there noise from the deck above?

How were the kids clubs?

For your table of 8..what dining times did they offer you to choose from?

I am a light sleeper but then 19 hours drive might have knock me out.  I or any of us heard any noise above.

Kid club...mmmmm.....my kids not so much.  Most kids are foreign speaker and couldn't make any friends so they skipped.  This was same in Divina.  Younger kids are better with scheduled program but teens are more of their own so no.  Kids were given choice after the YC experience where they were so impressed and pampered with so much food, drinks, gelato, and service. (not to mention exclusivity of YC): for next cruise NCL balcony (not Haven) or MSC YC.  Kids chose NCL.  I guess they are staying home on my next cruise 😉 *One night there was macarone, and my daughter got so excited she dropped them on the floor, when we asked our butler for more he left them next two nights along with nightly chocolate. (thanks Alex)

First night, we ate around 6:10 on Port side with Jeffrey, it was not pleasant and had to call MD few times.  On my way out, I ask to set my table for 9 for the week, they told me they didn't have table early so we had to come at 8:30.  Being so late, we asked for two tables for 3 and 6 for 5:45 dining.  Next day when we came in they put three tables together by SB side to make table for 9 and served by Alex and Gary (My daughter had a ball as her name is Alexandria and we had Alex as Butler and another Alex (small Alex) as our waiter, then met Alejandra, Butler Alex's wife).  So table for 8+ you really need to make pre-arrangement for 5:45 or 8:30.  For MD outside of YC, it is 5:30 7:30 and 9:30.

Bathroom in YC (YC is in Fwd)

1. inside deck 16 starboard side  half way between YC lounge and concierge. 2 sinks, 2 urinal, 2 potty for men.

2. Deck 19, sundeck fwd starboard; a single bathroom for men, port side for women.

3. Deck 19, sundeck starboard between entry to Aurea 19 sundeck and YC entrance (behind the pool), both men and women.

Alternate shower area:  When you get down to deck 8, port side is GYM and SB side Therma/spa/beauty salon area.

1. Deck 8 GYM, there is a change room (I didn't use but DW did so I am describing women's side so assume men has one too) with a shower.  I was told there is no towel there, so take one.  Lockers use room card/wrist band and couldn't get it to lock so I stop using it.  I was told the shower area was open and not individual.

2. Deck 8 Spa/Therma area.  It is for 18 and old.  Walk up to the desk on left give your room number then they check for package/age of room occupants and if they have access, and assistant will ask if you want a towel.  If you are using therma area ask for 2, 1 to use inside and 1 to use for shower.  There is two shower stall in men's change room. *I had 16 yo and I had to use her older sisters acct to have her go in.

3. There are several pool side showers avail by YC pool and fwd by hot tub.  I don't know if your kids will be bold enough to take shower there.

FYI: elevators out by YC both Port/SB toward mid are dedicated elevator which you can use your wrist band/room card to call priority which will over ride other riders (unless other YC user or butler/staff are using.)  Good ways to go down in hurry.  Yes, you will have less room than Aurea but time saved on emb/debark and elevator ride + pampering.....it is worth try.  Also try to look for rooms that have pullman bed.  Sofa couch is bit tight for two boys.  If you get a room with pullman then you can have bigger kid on sofa bed and younger one on the pullman bed. (look for symbol code in room description)

I pack light(weeks worth in a flight carry on) for all my trips so I tend to wear clothes few times.  

This is what I packed as male.  I had two swim trunks, 4 shorts, 2 slacks, 4 polo shirts, 2 dress shirts,  2 ties, 1 short green collar shirt, 4 t-shirts, 3 gym shirts, 2 gym shorts, one black walking shoes, sandal..socks and undies.

Most days I wore slack and dress shirt/polo shirts for only dinner or for pictures, so I was able to rotate them.  

Day time at YC lounge and pool/grill; no dress code so swim wear and short, shirts and sandals.

For dinner, slack and polo with black walking shoes most of time.  For two elegant dress nights, slack and dress shirt with a tie.  As long as men wears long pants and collar shirt there is no issue.  In restaurant, I only saw once a man was asked to change when he came in shorts and a t-shirt.

Welcome FG, IMO if you are not excited you shouldn't be going.  I have large family and often my siblings join me on my cruise, so we typically have 2-6 cabins, on a budget side of moving large party we drive from DC area, so with stops it takes about 19 hours to Port of Miami.  We skipped skiing and went NCL on Dec, and just got off Seaside two days ago and each time drove 19 hours back and forth on Ford Transit (these are not comfy vans to drive on), yet with excitement, I am starting to prepare for my next cruise.  As for diplomatic BS, things can change in whims.  Spring of 2018, we had booked flights to Istanbul, Nov 2017 Turkey suspended VISA for US citizens then in Jan 2018, it was back on and I was able to get a visa and visit Istanbul.  With prepaid non refundable hotels and tours, I was on a hook for $10k loss but it all worked out. (also having an trip insurance does come in handy.)

Hope you enjoy the cruise, once hooked you will be like me, over look 19 hour drive for a week of bliss in a cruise ship.

1 hour ago, Cruisergal1208 said:

Were you the large group that dined behind us, Tom and Mary Ann?  I am the one in blue standing next to Captain Di Palma.  Hubby is in the bright blue shirt behind him.  I think the DR staff was swamped due to the large number of holiday cruisers.  We usually don't have that many large groups in the YC when we have sailed in the past.  A very good and detailed review and it will help many on CC.

Mary Ann

yup, Korean family of 9.  you are standing next to DW and I am one with Blue/Orange shirt.  Thanks for nice words from you about my kids.

44 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

May I assume from what you have written that you were able to drop off your luggage, then park your car, and return to the VIP tent for check in?

 

Thanks for an informative review of your Yacht Club experience!  It helps me as I prepare to make my first MSC booking which will be in Yacht Club.

Yes.  I dropped off family and bags.  I had Ford Transit that doesn't fit in the garage, and last year I didn't find first level parking in garage or lot(we get there around 12-1 and parking gets tight), so I parked outside this time at Safecruiseparking for $80 which was over $200 cheaper than Port parking (over sized double price).  Thank God for YC lounge at check in, took me an hour to get back as I got lost to the parking lot, but they were waiting in comfy not in line with other 4000 pax looking for me.  When I got to the tent, they already knew my family was inside and next available staff took me in to where my family was.  So, if you are parking, don't sweat, they can go in and wait for you in comfort, prory knocking down few cocktails and sandwich before you get there 🙂

On 4/18/2019 at 7:50 AM, thecruisers6 said:

It’s good for the duration of your cruise. Not sure about disembarkation day though I would use it up the day before. 

Only thing available on Debarkation day, photo shop, customer service, breakfast at buffet and restaurants, lounge chairs for you to wait to get off the ship.

Fun pass that is not so fun.  Yes, online pre-purchase of $100 will get you free $80 (in USA), vs if you purchase on the ship, it will be $100+60 and other two options of $75 and $50.  Fun pass can be purchased by anyone, if you buy one for the family, you cannot transfer or split.  Only the original purchaser will have the account and you can share the fun as long as you use that card or wrist band.(YC will get a wrist band free but regular cabin user will need to purchase), so option will be pop having in his acct and let the kids use the wrist band or purchase on kids card.  I had no problem using among 3 cabins and 8 people. Acct balance is good for the duration of the cruise or until all used up.  When you use all amount and need additional amount it gets billed (ask to buy that addition amount not the new fun pass, unless you want to.)

In Seaside entertainment was very limited and limited usage.

1. Zip line $10 per ride per person; Zip line was cool looking but not exciting as it had a speed control lock so it crawled to other side.

2. 5D/4D show ride $10 per person upto 8 people or family can go in.  4 choice of games which lasts about 5 min.  It is an interactive shooting game with chair moving to simulate the motion.

3. F1 ride, there is only one so expect wait.  $10 per person per ride.

4. Bowling, only two lanes and reservation can only be made at the game desk on that day.  Located next to Garage bar/club on deck 7 aft port side.  $25 for 30 min, $2 for shoes (?) if you have a tennis shoes you don't need to rent shoes, but flip flop/sandals needs one.  Expect a long line, even you don't see one as usually several people are ahead of you.  Although, on Tuesday at 10 pm there was no one and game attendant was begging me to play as I waited for shooting game.  He gave us free use of the shoes as tool to have me play.

5. Two cycle ride arcade games and one air hockey machine

6. Water slide tube and dual slide: Free.

To use Zip line and water slide you will need a waiver.  For Seaside. On 18th floor near aft/ starboard side next to the water slide (tube slide) discharge area there is a table for you to sign a waiver and get a bracelet to ride these.  If you want zip line, this is where you need to pay and get your token (large button) before you head up three floor up to zip line. If you have a play pass, use that to pay for token here.  Zip line was cool looking but not exciting as it had a speed control lock so it crawled to other side.

Typically, two elegant dress nights.  Not enforced.  First night, I wore shirt and a tie, second I did wear jacket.  But did see someone get asked to leave for having a short and t-shirt in Restaurant.

On 4/19/2019 at 2:37 PM, deliver42 said:

When NCL lowered their status's, MSC lowered theirs from NCL accordingly

I was silver but because of lowered status I was only given Classic as well.  But as thetaro mentioned, not much there for Classic and Silver.  Both gets the welcome back cockatil, to get some freebies need 7 sailing to reach Gold. to get small benefits.

I did my own reservation first time, some of my pre-purchased didn't show and had some issues.  This time via TA and all smooth.

Really should be using an agent, what you pay can be much lower with agent than you doing it on the company website.  All the prices are same, agent can offer credit, that is why you see additional OBC offers, wine offers, etc on sites (Cruises, cruiseonly, traverosity, etc).  My agent offers 5% cash rebate after my cruises.  As for linking, she linked for me and when I did the web check in, I also made sure it was linked.

6 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

Fair enough...sailing this Saturday....14 the floor, Fantastica toward the back...maybe that will help with the wind.  

 

Did you taxi to the beach in St Thomas or take an excursion?  We are on the same itinerary. 

Taxis in St Thomas varies from $7-10.  As you get off the ship, Taxi valet will hawk you.  There is a board with pricing so, all the price will be same.  Just ask tell them you want to go ???? and they will take you to a nearby driver that goes to that location.  Megan Bay $8 per person with $5 entry fee; Coki beach $9 per person.  Coral world at Coki beach was not impressed for $20 entry fee, quick 5 min tour and one under the sea view... hmmmm but did have bathroom that I could use from the beach and Snuba package had entry fee included.  Coki beach was small and packed, with Chair hawks already took all the good spots, you need to get a chair from them if you don't want to lay on the street.  $5 for chair and $10 for umb.  Food there was horrid, some said good so I order $115 worth of jerk chicken, Conch fritter platter, Fried fish, shrimp platter.  Jerk chicken was a jerk soup with chicken swimming (I wonder these are the same chicken roaming on the beach?), Conch fritter burnt, fried fish was only good food.  If you want a nice quiet place with little snorker and away from loitering hawks, Megan bay is good choice (fee park) so it is controlled and large area to use your ship beach towel to lie on, plus bathroom and restaurant.  I didn't rent chair at Megan so ? price.