xmarksx

A word of caution. I would strongly suggest you book the excursion after you board and not prior. MSC's pre-booking platform has problems and two of my pre cruise bookings, an excursion and laundry package, did not transfer over to the ship when we boarded. We received a refund but it was an unnecessary hassle. I enjoyed our cruse but their online presence, is miserable. Others have complained as well.

. Surprisingly they were all out of noodles!! Slightly disappointing since the noodle dishes really looked good. It was only 6:30 btw and we were the only ones eating there. I will give them a pass on this since they are still working out logistics.

TBC

HA! We sailed the week prior an ran into the exact same answer about the noodles. Something is wrong, how can an Asian restaurant be "out" of noodles? Overall, it was a good meal but we had a very similar experience as you.

One more question for you ... at the pier for embarkation did you find the YC "tent" easy to locate and was check-in and getting on the ship easy and fast? Was your cabin ready right away?

The tent was very easy to find, just to the left of the main building entrance. At the tent the took our luggage and then guided us into the priority line for security. Once past that you enter the VIP lounge and they issue your sea pass card and bracelets. We waited until around 11:30 in the lounge, snacks, wine, Champaign provided. After the ship was opened they ushered us to the gangway.

I think cabins were ready around 2:00. Maybe a little earlier.

We usually sit in the back so we can sneak out if we don't care for the show.

Exactly!

Mark, thank you for all your information. Could you tell us about the shopping on board? Did you venture out of the Yacht club area much? My husband seems to think we won't want to leave the Yacht club that often.

 

Thanks Again.

Shopping is similar to other ships with a higher end shop that sells handbags, usual clothing for men and women, another MSC shop, a Swarovski shop, a very large duty free shop and a selection of medium priced watches.

Also, every day they do a discount sale for a specific feeding frenzy shopping item. For example, cheaper handbags one day, watches another day, a selection of jewelry and other similar items another. If you have participated before then you know what I am talking about. Tables roped off until XX time when they let everyone attack.

As for venturing out, I can see your point and it's easy to camp in the Yacht Club. Some reasons. The chocolate, gelato, crepes, bars, entertainment. The outdoor areas are really pretty also, especially the bridge overhangs.

Thanks for the report, Mark.

 

We are new to MSC, and I’ve seen in several threads where folks are asking for recommendations on waitstaff. This is confusing. Can you request certain waiters in the YC? If so, do you have to do so every night? Thanks!

 

Sorry, that's one I cannot speak to. We just took the waiter they gave us each night. I do believe they try to continuously place you in particular areas though.

What time is formal tea? That sounds wonderful! I don't want to miss that!

Well now, I wish I could answer that question. It was definitely after lunch and before dinner but... I had a couple of the super nice rocket fuel drinks they make in the lounge (and a couple at the pool earlier). For some reason I cannot remember. :o

We did the same thing as KC Michael on the same cruise. I was skeptical because we arrived to the disembarkation deck (cannot remember which one) at 6:25 and the line was already long. However, once they opened things up the line really moved quickly.

One thing to note. As you are nearing the escalators down to customs a long line formed for the elevator. Just go to the right of that line and you will avoid a good chunk of folks waiting.

Also, Miami had signs for Global Entry but I did not see any kiosks and didn't need to ask because the line was moving so quickly. We were outside right at 7:00.

Thank you for your detailed review!

 

One question - can you access the YC Dining (LeMuse) from the cabin area of 18th floor, or only from the YC lounge where I have seen a picture of a double staircase leading up to the restaurant?

Hi Trina,

On Seaside you can access dining both from 18 and the lounge on deck 16. The dining room is on deck 18 so all you have to do is walk a short distance, literally a few steps away, for dining. Also, you can access it from the lounge on deck 16 via the staircase you reference. There is an elevator that you can access 18 and 19, near the concierge area as well.

For me, I liked being on 16. I walked down almost every evening for a drink while I waited for my wife and daughters to get ready for dinner.

One thing I forgot to mention and it's worth noting. I learned on our last sea day that the butlers served a formal tea every afternoon. I have done formal teas on Celebrity and MSC's put the Celebrity tea to shame. The butler pushes around a tea cart with a variety of very good loose leaf teas to choose from and they brew it for passengers individually in pots. The wait staff also deliver scones, cookies/biscuits and sandwiches on nice three tiered serving plates. My only regret is that I didn't learn about it earlier in the cruise.

Thanks for proving your review and answering questions! If you don't mind, I have one as well. You mention that the Concierge booked shows. I thought I had read that you had to do that on your own. It would be nice if I could have him or her do that, particularly if they can do multiple days ahead of time. Thanks

Hi JAGR,

Another good question and one I can answer. I had read the same information you reference and was surprised when I heard the Yacht Club concierge suggest to passengers that they make reservations. Yes, you can make them with the YC concierge but not individual seats. Also, unlike Celebrity, there is no designated area for YC guests. Not having gone myself I cannot say much more but as I understood it the reservation just guaranteed you would receive a seat in the theater.

Thanks for your review. In the future, let's just keep Arthur our little secret ;).

Now that made me laugh, thanks!

xmarksx - I'm sailing in Seaside's YC very soon (second on MSC; first in YC). I read that you didn't interact much with your butler during your cruise. I don't have a clear understanding of the (workload) differences between the cabin stewards and the butler and therefore, I'm not certain as to what I should expect - can you help?

I can try to explain but some of it is a bit mysterious to me as well. The two cabin stewards, they worked as a duo, were responsible for cleaning the cabin. Pretty much what any cabin steward does. The butler is responsible for assisting with other cabin items, shoe shines, unpacking/packing if you want it, delivering room service and I think he did the evening chocolate delivery (maybe minibar too?)

This was our third cruise with a butler, once with Celebrity and another with Silversea, and we had the least interaction with this one. Not necessarily a criticism because A) We didn't use room service and don't need assistance with the other listed stuff and B) Much of what the butler did with Celebrity and Silversea is handled by the Yacht Club concierge. For example, booking shows.

Hi, xmarksx!

 

Thanks for the great review of the YC! Very helpful!

I do have a question since you use the zipline - in another thread, someone said that zipline use for YC guests was free (well, included in the YC experience), and others said it was not. So.. was it included or did you have to pay?

 

Thanks!

PS lol I am the unfortunate gal who started the discussion about visitors in the YC with one innocent question. I guess people took notice.

Hi Windlicth,

They charged us for the zip line and I am now wondering if they "should" have done so. Certainly knew we were YC members because I charged it using my YC bracelet. Oh well. By the way. The zip line was fun but really only a one time thing. Not super exciting/fast but a wonderful view.

As for your question on the sneekers into YC I do remember your question but it wasn't the thread I was referring. One of the early transatlantic cruisers posted that they were not controlling entry into the pool area. There is an entry point door from on deck 19 into the YC pool area but that they seem to have corrected it. No longer a problem.

One thing I forgot to mention were my thoughts on the seapass bracelets. In short, I liked them. Yes, they are quirky and don't instantly unlock the YC door or your cabin door. The trick, my 20 year old daughter taught me, was to make sure you lay it flat onto the reader surface and on the area designated where you're supposed to place it... stupid dad. They do work great for registering drinks outside the YC area and we never had a problem being charged for something that we should not have been charged. So, again, I liked them.

Xmarksx...thanks so much for your review. Nice to see another positive YC one. I was just wondering, did the dinner menu in the YC change from night to night or did it remain the same? And did you meet your butler on the first day or much later like a few others have mentioned?

The menus did change nightly and we met our butler the first day. We saw him a couple of times during the cruise but did not have any requests of him.

Thanks for your review. Glad to see you enjoyed your cruise. Disappointing that the YC concierge didnt get your excursion fixed once you brought it to their attention. On NCL Haven I am confident the concierge would have fixed this for you and you wouldnt have had to make a trip yourself to the excursion desk. Glad to hear your other experiences in the YC was enjoyable.

I cannot speak to NCL as I have not sailed Haven with them. However, in defense of the YC concierge, I doubt a Crystal concierge could have helped with this one. The port was packed with regular ships and others, like the huge load from Seaside, that adjusted because of the hurricane. There truly was no availability for the good excursions. I did mention to the YC concierge that it was sad that it appeared MSC hired a 13 year old boy to oversee their online customer facing platform. And that that boy ran it from his parents basement.

There was a thread a few days back where someone mentioned he noticed people sneaking non-YC members into the area.

Did you notice any of this happening?

I noticed the thread as well and was watching to see if any squatters/sneakers came in. Saw zero in the pool area and the only true sneaker I saw was a woman who walked into the concierge area behind some YC passengers. Basically she tailgated behind the YC passengers as they carded in. She was only walking in to be a lookie-loo and wasn't trying to grab a pool lounger or free drink. Most of the servers started recognizing YC passengers after the first day. As for the pool, they did a good job of keeping the door locked between the non YC pool area and YC area.

Cruiser - Yes, I would recommend two. Both Arthur and Supra were excellent. Others were good as well but they set the standard.

Sheets - In the afternoon you could get some shade at the end of the pool where the wall meets the deck. There were other areas but not near the pool. In the summer months it's gong to be a hot area.

Thanks for the feedback, I have never done this detailed of a review.

mafig - good question and I forgot to mention the pool. It's saltwater and I enjoyed it. Some complained that it was too cold but I thought it was fine. Yes, it's a bit small but it was never crowded. Most times just one or two people in it. Granted, it was kind of cold several days.

Casino - I never played but walked through it and perused the machines. They had a nice selection. Some will complain about smoke as part of the casino did allow smoking and you could smell it. It wasn't significant but the smoke smell did linger.

Shows - We didn't attend any shows but did enjoy the bar entertainers and all were outstanding.

omarchs - I wish I could answer your question but I never looked at the MDR choices. I just assumed the YC menu was specific to the YC.

We just completed our first MSC sailing and I thought I would provide a review of the cruise. We loved the trip but I have one word of caution. Not about the ship or crew but with pre-booking excursions with MSC. Their hideous online system strikes once more.

The excellent - Cabin stewards. We had two Yacht Club balcony cabins for my wife and I and two daughters. While I have not had a wealth of cruising experience (three sailings on Celebrity, one Silversea, and one on Norwegian) I can state that the two cabin stewards assigned for the upkeep of our cabins were the best I have ever experienced. Twice daily service, exceptionally clean and very friendly. We really didn't interact much with the butler, just not something we needed, but he seemed friendly. I know some have complained about the YC cabins but I found them excellent, especially the shower and bathroom. My only complaint, I wish the veranda windows traveled the length of the cabin.

Also excellent, evening Top Sail lounge entertainment and service. Very attentive bar staff and the pianist/violinist who played every evening were superb as well.

I thought the ship was excellent as well. Some random thoughts

* Others have complained about the use of mirrors in common areas, I did not find them to be a problem at all. Nor did I see anyone running into anything as was predicted by others.

* The ship never felt crowded in common areas. Granted, we were in Yacht Club so I cannot give a first-hand opinion of the number of passengers for things like disembarkation and embarkation. However, the bars and common areas during sea days and evenings were really uncongested. I had a couple of beers at the Sports Bar during the college championship game and you would think it might be packed, nope.

* Zip line and waterslides were not overly crowded either. We all zip lined and only waited about 10 minutes on a sea day.

The very good - Food and service in the Yacht Club restaurant as well as Yacht Club grill. Dinners breakfasts in the restaurant were nice and I have no complaints. Service was always attentive and frequently was excellent.

Also very good was food and service in the Ocean Cay specialty restaurant. We ate at Ocean Cay, Butchers Cut and the Pan Asian restaurants and found the other two good. My only complaint with Butchers Cut was food delivery was super slow, but very good food.

Word of Caution!

I booked one excursion with MSC, a two stop Gran Cayman snorkel trip. Booked for both my cabin and my daughters cabin. Why did I use MSC? Because we had a tight timeline on the island and had to tender. Figured I would pay the extra for the comfort of knowing we would get back onto the ship regardless of what happened. Knowing that the port would be jam-packed due to Seaside being added last-minute because of hurricane itinerary changes, I booked the first day the excursions were posted on the MSC site. I also checked back on my account at least twice a week, for both cabins. Just prior to the cruise I also called MSC and conformed on all my pre-bookings (laundry for two cabins, trio meal package for all four of us, spa manicures for my wife/daughters and some extra cabin credit) Everything was showing, no problems.

The day prior to arriving at Gran Cayman my daughters received their tickets, not my wife and I. I checked with our Yacht Club concierge and the excursion desk, the excursion had not transferred over to the ship. Of course, it was sold out now. No matter how much documentation I presented, my payment history and my email confirmation, I was toast. I have read horror stories from others who experienced this and would strongly suggest you to not pre-book excursions until they get their ridiculously bad site fixed. We rebooked a short snorkel excursion but I was looking forward to the one we booked.

Happy sailing to all!

Spin classes were $12, that's the only thing I did. Sorry, cannot answer about the others. Nice bikes but the giant screen is still not working, I am sure it will be online in the next week or so. The spin instructor was very good too.

Hi tcbptg,

We disembarked Seaside yesterday and were booked in the Yacht Club. I am a huge fan of renting cabanas and have done so on Celebrity several times. I fully intended to spend the $149 for one of our sea days this cruise but decided against it on Seaside. My reasons:

1, There are plenty of loungers available in the Yacht Club. Granted shady lounge locations are at a premium but our cruise was partly cloudy so it wasn't necessary.

2, These cabanas contain only two beds and are designed really for two people. Very intimate but not really practical. Also, they are kind of flimsy and cheap in my opinion. Not a deal breaker but just makes spending the extra $150 a bit harder to do.

3, Yacht Club food and beverage are literally steps away from the cabanas. No need for enhanced service.

I only saw one in use during our cruise and they were using a couple of them for lounge cushion and furniture storage.

perhaps a link to the vid on my google drive???

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KjKp3KIkjEDH0sKz1

Thank you KBA! Wow, big shower.

You will be lucky to see the rest.

That made me laugh, like the scene from Caddyshack

“You’ll get nothing and like it.” — Judge Smails

They ran an iOS update about a week ago not sure about Android. Still waiting for them to add Seaside, sadness, not yet.

It is waterproof, this video covers both the bracelets and MSC for Me. Starts at about the 50 second mark: