Trishaphil

HI ALL, thank you very much for your replies,i do love to visit for the culture and history and would like a two day perhaps in St Pettersburg. Are the celebrity , princess good for solo cruisers. This will be my second time out.

Hi all. I had my first experience in May as a solo cruiser in Fjords on MSC Fantasia in yc. It was wonderful. Now I would like to do a Baltic in April, May of next year. Again solo .. Will I try the msc Preziosa Or royal Caribbean . What do people think of the other like the Princess , celebrity cruises. Bearing in mind, I enjoyed the casual to wearing a dress for captain night but it was more relaxed. I like the idea of the the ships having a yc.

Hi everybody.

First of all, a big thank you to all who advised and helped me out with all kinds of info prior to my solo travel on Msc Fantasia in Y.C.

I travelled from Copenhagen solo and our cruise was to the Norwegian Fjords.

I was met and escorted to the conceirage on deck 15 where we said our hellos then met my own butler and organised my daily paper and viewed the room and was shown how to use the cruise card.

My first impressions is one of total amazement at the size of the ship and sheer beauty of it inside. Remember I never cruised before .

My butler was from Russia and a gentleman, other people in the yacht club were of all nationalities and some very friendly and chatted while some others bid you time of day and that was it which was fine too. I never felt left out nor lonely or very obvious as a solo cruiser. It was a fab week. The scenery was stunning . The first two nights we had a very rough journey and everything in my room was moving. I being a newbie didn't know what was going on but was told the following morning. I also was sick the first night. I tried everything had afternoon tea, ate breakfast in the Top Sail Lounge and One Pool area, had room service and also breakfasted in Our restaurant Letoille . This was a great experience as the head waiter and other waiting staff very friendly and even stopped to chat while I was waiting on my food. They were truly very kind. I was asked here before to speak about my experience dinning solo but I had no qualms about it at all and I wold be a shy quiet person. I felt totally relaxed and other diners would say hello as they passed too . I also went to Zannibar one evening to eat and visited the coffee dock and lovely cake area. I don't drink so I didn't partake of drink in any of the bars or mini bar. I loved the shows and went every night. I also went to the gym each morning as I suffer with my back and need to keep up exercise. I had also visited the spa and had a wash and blow dry for 27 euro and reflexology one day as I was in a lot of pain that particular day. The spa was heavenly. The style was indeed casual and I felt a bit overdressed my self. I also met the captain and took home my photo as some newbies did also. Overall it was a wonderful experience once I got my bearings as I did spend two days getting lost. For anyone wondering about travelling solo in Y.C ,give it a go, you will be very well cared for and have a wonderful time. It certainly took me out of my comfort zone.:D

I believe you will find the list in this thread.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/showthread.php?t=2480911

 

:cocktail::tropical-drink::wine-glass::beer-mug::whiskey-glass:

Thank you so much.:D

One thing I would do is walk around the ship while hubby rested. Window shop, explore different areas, take pictures, etc. If weather was bad, I'd walk through one of the regular cabin decks. Just to get my walking in for the day. You are free to go anywhere other passengers go:)

Hi Cruisegal1208

Thank you for the above. I'm only noticing your post now, normally I get an alert that I'm have replies to my questions. Can I ask you or indeed anyone in yc for the list of drinks available. I'm not a drinker as such and I know it was posted here before but cant for the life of me see where it is.

Thanks to all for all the help , its countdown nearly as I'm off 28th May p.g. I will let you all know how I get on on my return.:halo:

Again,

 

I want people to understand that the review that I will be posting tomorrow will be based on our opinions, thoughts and suggestions of the yacht club and some other parts of the ship. That being said we are not millionaires, we are a couple in our late 20s, Middle class and and own a business in the Construction/Farming industry. That being said we are down to earth and easy-going and don't expect a whole lot. So when we are absolutely blown away with the yacht club experience because we are not used to this type of treatment in Tennessee (or any other vacation we have cruised 8 times and flown to 4 different countries via Resort stay ). So I'm sure some people have complaints about it, but again those are probably not the people that I want to have a beer with.

 

More to follow, in Nassau now!

Thanks so much, can you tell me how much the internet is and I would love memento photo on the stairs, Thanks for your reviews and look forward to more. I am going Sunday two weeks with excitement judging by the reviews its going to be enjoyable..

Thanks. We all benefit from CC's members experiences.

 

If you get there @ 11AM, get the intro' and have a quick lunch @ Le Muse, or Top Sail or One Bar, you'll be on the ONE DECK in the sun, with a drink(s) for hours (versus showing up later in the afternoon), in the hot tubs and the cold salt water pool well before everyone else.

 

It's like adding 'a day.

 

Remember, Divina is a late departure date (believed to be to allow for European travelers time needs, which makes total sense) from the port, so you can sun all afternoon (stay away from the rest of the ship IMO, thousands exploring), meet everyone on the ONE DECK (including the Bar staff), have an early dinner a @ Le Muse, and view the sail away late from ONE DECK, your stateroom balcony, Top Sail or other.

 

Have fun, and make a list of your 'findings to let us all know.

Hi there Formulau 280SS.

Thank you so much for all the help and info, this is really great to know. I will definitely be there earlier and as you said have my bearings got.

When you travel in y.c did you walk outside , seems there is a power walk which will be helpful as I need to move about often and would you have tried yoga by any chance. I am hoping to give this a go , just wondering if its for beginners. At least if I'm too stiff for it , I wont be known by anyone .:')

:loudcry:

Bear in mind that a lot of the info you're being given is for embarkation at Miami (for Divina) or, in the case on another thread, the photo of the YC tent is at Barcelona. Things may be a little different in Copenhagen.

OOPS

Beamafar,

that could have gotten interesting with me looking for a tent etc but you have all being great and I really appreciate the help. I'm not used to what is going to be exciting nor ever had such luxury or help , just hope I'm not lost in y.c. I tend to be the one to do rather than have done for me so might get embarrassing.

We had a scheduled 2:30 boarding time but we arrived at about 11AM (make sure your driver, taxi, etc.) drops you off right at the Yacht Club tent. They took us immediately inside for registration and reception room.

 

After a small group assembles in the reception room, they let you know how long it will be before the next group is escorted up to the YC. It didn't matter what time our schedule was for.

 

Again, make sure you are dropped off right at the Yacht Club curbside tent. The rest of the area is a zoo with thousands LEAVING and thousands ARRIVING.

 

Have a great time.

Hi Formula280SS

Thanks for that, getting the whole idea now and I will remember about the luggage. Really appreciate your reply.

We try to arrive around 11am and get on as soon as boarding is allowed. You will have a special area to wait till boarding begins and will be some of the first to board.

HI Cruisegal1208

Thank you for that, seems like I may head out to the port a little earlier than I thought.

It can be quite confusing when starting out.

 

Here's a link to the Voyagers Club, MSC's loyalty programme, with all the info. You can wait 'til onboard to join up. There'll be a desk on deck 6 where the cruise consultant will assist with any queries and registration, etc. The opening times will be advised on a daily planner which you'll receive every night for the following day's events onboard.

 

http://www.msccruises.ie/en-ie/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Voyagers-Club.aspx

 

With regards to your embarkation form: you can have it signed and ready for check-in. You really don't have to worry about the embarkation process - they are used to newbies being unsure of procedure. We've all been newbies at one point! In fact, I envy you having your first cruise experience with everything being new to you. The Yacht Club is really going to spoil you.

 

Make sure when you get to port that you let them know you're a YC guest. The general embarkation porters may try to take your luggage, but you must insist that they get the YC treatment. I've never boarded in Copenhagen so I don't know exactly how the set-up is at the terminal there, but there is usually a dedicated line/area or entrance exclusively for YC guests where luggage is taken care of.

Hi Beamafar.

Thanks again, great help , really appreciate the info and link. It is giving me an idea of what to expect. Do you do any particular activities on the ship, I'm hoping to try the yoga as I deal with chronic pain and need to keep moving, I see that there is a power walking track and gym. I am so grateful for all the tips as its my first and solo .:o

 

 

Look for the YC entry and make a bee line to it (don't go anywhere else), your a YC Member now so be prepared to be pampered and spoilt like a VIP. Enjoy! [emoji4]

Hi Stealthy.

You made my day here. Thank you so much, love the picture. I know what to look out for now.

What port?

Hi Riclop.

I am going from Copenhagen. Was just getting info regards what time to arrive as embarkation at 3.15. Lots of tips here and a lovely picture to help.

A brief background, we've only been cruising since 2008 (see expanded signature below) and we've been fortunate to have been on some very new (at the time) ships. At the time we were in our early 50's and had just completed paying for three sons college, graduate school and also one law school; and they were off to Southern California, Annapolis Area Maryland and Boston. It was time for us, and the grandchildren hadn't started to arrive yet. We also scheduled the cruises 'around peak holidays, and school vacations, and more time significant, around travel to each of the sons homes a couple of times a year. We travel a lot now; wife flies for free on a Companion Pass as a benefit.

 

At first, my wife was very concerned about cruising (concern about sea sickness) and we started with the Disney "brand" on a short cruise since she was comfortable with the 'brand based on our almost 20 years of on-site at Disney Yacht Club as the family grew (including friends and girlfriends, it was always a blast).

 

The first night was rough water and we had dining in the premier specialty restaurant Palo. It was above great, and despite the ship's movement (they escorted us all the way out to the hallway to our stateroom) we found out we had great sea legs (and stomachs). And it began. We have a fantastic time, especially the Adult private beach on Castaway Cay with only about 6-8 other couples. It was stunning beauty.

 

We then followed CRUISE CRITIC as the "primary source" for information about cruising. It is an AWESOME resource (the members contributions are so helpful), and began a schedule of annual cruising. We have been expanded our number of cruises recently (decreased time commitments) and are excited about the projection of ships that are scheduled by most of the major cruise lines. We believe the CAPACITY or SUPPLY is outrunning the advance DEMAND (we also used to book 'last minute with our almost total flexibility in scheduling, and received some incredible experiences and value), so we are rapidly booking ahead now with really significant perks, discounts, etc. on really nice ships and stateroom categories.

 

So, late last year we were looking at the NCL Escape for another Haven experience in a category above Haven Spa (we had no use for the in room tub). In the CC threads we often noticed comparisons to MSC Yacht Club. We had zip, nada, zero knowledge of MSC. Went over to that forum and saw the same comparisons.

 

So, after reviewing the ships (and acknowledging we've been on Breakaway and Getaway), and comparing the cost (NCL Escape Haven was $2,000 more per person than the MSC Yacht Club, and the Yacht Club including the Ultimate Beverage Package; upgraded on 4/1 to premium brands 'across the ship) we made the choice to dip in and try MSC, the Divina and the Yacht Club. We were also influenced by the website presentation of the two new classes of ships in the making, especially the Seaside.

 

So we booked TWO MSC Yacht Club (B2B 3/25-4/8/17) experiences.

 

We have used a big box for reservations and got the same stateroom 16009 for the B2B cruises. Then, using CC members threads on the Status Match program, completed the process and got the Gold level and the 5% discount, which was retroactively credited to our account.

 

As far as planning, it was then an immediate and noticeable difference as the specialty dining options were much more limited than comparable ships on other lines, and the shows were shorter and doubled up most nights; thereby eliminating assembling a schedule by day of 'at sea, 'at port, 'show and 'dining coordination. Also, the REVIEWS of the Yacht Club dining options, and Le Muse, were pretty good, so we felt we were all set.

 

I will say the MSC website did have some issues. It appears they've got a ways to go in the IT management of such; because with $9B in new ships and an island on the roll out schedule, they are going to need it.

 

As far as excursions, after our first couple of cruises to the same ports, we've become enthusiasts OF THE SHIP on port days. As we will detail later, this plan didn't disappoint on our Divina cruises. We will explain; awesome times and service.

 

So, over the weekend, we're planning to re-visit our cruises with a FOCUS ON THE YACHT CLUB EXPERIENCE for the benefit of CRUISE CRITIC members that have provided us WITH SO MUCH VALUABLE INFORMATION since 2008. We hope that our re-visit sharing will help someone with some question.

 

We will make some 'off focus comments. For example, the WIFI package was cheap and the signal was fantastic throughout the ship in all weather conditions. Also, the passenger mix appeared to us to be 40%+ European, much lower average age and very few children on our cruises. Also, very 'nice (elevator courtesy, chairs when walking, etc.) with the tiny joking exception common to all ships we've sailed, the 'buffet battles (we went in twice for the pizza - - yes, best at sea over the counter).

 

WE ALSO WAITED TO DO THIS FOR SELFISH REASONS. In all honesty, we wanted to make sure we confirmed our reservations for Seaside next spring (we've actually got to update our Signature of B2B to a B3B) as one week will have one son and wife also in a YC stateroom and another couple for a different week in a YC stateroom also.

 

The YACHT CLUB EXPERIENCE is highlighted by a number of cruise line top venues and amenities and incredible service and also the incredible VALUE. IMO, we can't see MSC being able to maintain this low, relative costing (to the other 'ship within a ship cruise lines that offer such) for too long.

Hi ,I'm wondering can you tell me at what time in hours before enmbarkation you can go to yc. I'm in yc at end of may boarding 315 but it is suggested to go sooner for priority booking but how soon. Loving the whole thing here.

:DHi Beamafar.

Thanks a million for that. I'm due to embark at 3.15 in the afternoon so suppose I can head down at noon or after would be great and get to see the whole thing both from the yc embarkation and perhaps lunch and a look around,

.Also can you help me with the embarkation form which I need to print off. It requires my signature but do I do that at the security checkin or have it ready for them. Also with vogagers earning points, I can sign up for but am at a loss for what this means. Sorry Beamafar. I'm a very newbie, have always stayed on land. Thanking you in advance,

. :halo:

Thanks for all replies.

It would be nice to know which port you're embarking at. Some ports have a white YC tent with butlers at the ship's check-in point. Others have a YC check-in area in the cruise terminal. Basically you need to check in no later than one hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time.

Hi Capricruiser.

I am flying into Copenhagen and boarding Msc Fantasia from there. Thank you for replying and good to know what to look out for when I arrive as I may have to enter the terminal or yc awning may be outside . I'm realyy looking forward to the experience . Thanks also to other replies. Its a whole new experience and great help here on these boards.

I have just received my documents for my first cruise in yc on Fantasia. My embarkation is 15.15 . Can you please tell me as to what time I should arrive there. As I'm staying in yc I'm wondering if checking is somewhat faster as less people there. Any tips on embarkation process etc are very welcome. Thanks in advance

Hi suite traveler

Many thanks for your quick reply and help. I will indeed keep in mind re Italian night. Thank you . Greatly appreciated.

Hi all.

I recently joined cruise critic and found it very helpful . I have gotten a bit confused with some details so please bear with me. I am travelling solo in yc on Fantasia in six weeks.

Will I go to the ship terminal for stated time on my ticket or earlier in case of an early embarkation.

Do I tip the person taking my luggage and my butler or others.

once in yacht club should I book theatre shows , spas etc.

I have read that the dress code is as in the rest of the ship so I'm happy enough but I shall bring a dress for formal night.

Any other help very much appreciated and thanks again .

@TrishabhilI'm from 27th in Board from the Fantasia :-) Cool so we are two solo Travellers in the YC. I m a female in the early forties.

This is great and there may be a few more but you are a seasoned traveller . I am really pleased to have got so many helpful replies here and there is so much info. I travel from Dublin to Copenhagen on Sat morning as its an ealy flight so going to spend time looking around. I booked the Scandi for Sat night so I have plenty of time to get to port on Sun. Looks like at least one party dress Nikita. How are you in regards travelling solo.

Please, please let us know how it went after your trip!

I'm also going solo on YC in sept and would love to know about eating solo in the yc restaurant.

 

Have fun!

 

 

 

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HI there.

I will surely let you know how I get on, am not nearly as worried now and getting excited. I am now on the look out for one dressy dress for the party. :cool:

Enjoy it!

I'm also as a solo Traveller on the Fantasia at the last week of May :-)

Hi Nikita.

I am so glad that I have found the cruise critic forum. Am really looking forward to it now. Are you on the trip to Norwegian fjords the 28th May too.

Patricia

This is some place to have found, I am loving it, so much help and practical info. Thanks so much everyone, most of my first time questions and worries are covered.:cool:

Hi Darcy 15.

Cheers for that.

Am delighted to hear that you had such a good time solo travelling. I am quite quiet but will mix but fair play on going to the gala do . I had planned to avoid the captain.