Morgsmom

We've been notified that our 5pm departure from Quebec City is now an 8pm one (due to "flight arrangements"). Would it be ok if we checked in at our appointed time (11am), had lunch, and then went back out into Quebec to explore? I'm assuming it's ok, but I've learned to not assume 🙂

OH, Mauricio is the best! Such a hoot. He loves to bend the rules 🙂

Nope. Tried it. Denied. Was on the Grandiosa in Feb on my actual birthday. Boarded on my b'day and hubs asked if I could have a lobster tail w/ dinner in YC. Was denied. No special treatment for us 🙂 As with EVERYTHING MSC, your experience may vary...

$1500 for a 16 night cruise in a balcony (even if obstructed) sounds like a great deal to me.

WOW! Fantastic! I've never seen it in use so happy that the crew now knows how to properly use the lift. Happy Cruising!

Never, ever heard of this.

And I'll be kicking and screaming asking for a refund... Oh, wait, I was asked to move my cabin so that the Rastas next to me could light up at will.... ugh.....

@wgeddings so depending on your itinerary if you are on a 7 nighter with a stop in Cozumel you literally will dock right across the street from the Mega supermarket. There you can pick up a six pack of soda and bring it back to the ship with you. (No, they will not stop you, they only will at original embarkation.) So if you are a light soda drinker you could purchase as needed for a few days and buy some mid way at a port of call.

MSC is flush with cash from their shipping operations; as such they do not need to offer discounted gifts cards. In addition, they tend to "sit" on money in terms of not issuing refunds for an extended period, thus capturing even more interest on the $$.... So, no, they don't have discounted gift cards.

No sterilisers onboard. While a baby CAN go into a bar and theater.... why would you unless they were sleeping? (Which they won't be in the theater with all of the noise).

Best bet is to let him be a no show.

Fantastica includes the ability to "request" your preferred dining slot - early or late. It does not include any specialty restaurants.

Keep in mind that while your cabins might be "fantastica" your experience will still be Bella.

Yes, there is a kids menu (same every night) with suggestions by ages.

The cruiseline will not tell you. The best way I've found is to google the date and name of ship and add "charter" or the like. (Ditto with looking for a "book of the faces" group using that date and ship) If it's a charter they most likely have a webpage or FB group. In the past I've found myself inadvertently on a Swinger's Cruise, on a ship with 2000+ High School graduating seniors from Canada (no thank you!), and twice on a "Goth" cruise (the Divina) which was great fun. The biggest issue is that these groups tend to overrun the place and close down venues that you would otherwise have access to.

Someone correct this old gal's memory, but the YC doors are the same size as regular doors (??) unless you are in a Handicapped Cabin in the yacht club.

It's very common with MSC; normally it takes 2 months for a refund. Yes, that's why they have lots of $$$$$$

Well Celebrity's prices are MUCH, MUCH higher than MSC. You are paying for it in the base fare. If you book Fantastica level on MSC you can indicate if you want early or late dining. If you mean you'd like to indicate that you want a table every night at 7:30, that's a logistical nightmare that MSC would not be able to accomodate.

Yes, DH has been able to watch NFL football on MSC ships while in the Caribbean. If it's a BIG game (like "the Big Game") they will show on the big screen.

Just curious, how is this different than many other lines who have fixed dining times? You can always upgrade to Aurea or Yacht Club if you want to dine at will. As far as the $5 charge, it's new. And it's really to discourage the massive amount of waste.

It REALLY depends on the Dining Room Mgr/Maitre D'. I've seen gents turned away for wearing shorts, and others sporting ball caps in the dining room at dinner 🤢

No beach chairs however the umbrellas on Lighthouse Beach are free and first come, first served

There are many reports of the Dysons not working properly or short-circuiting due to amp issues. Wouldn't risk it personally.

98% of the time the Starboard Cabins "face" the island.

chances are .0000001%