Zephyr173

We've cruised several times on MSC, and generally did not encounter issues requiring contact with customer service, except our last 2 cruises. Issues arose that led to postponing a first time, and obtaining a future cruise voucher. When the time came to use it, MSC forgot the OBC. So that's when the trouble started and my TA had to get on it to sort it out. Turns out the whole thing was a huge ordeal, with numerous follow-up because there was always a new issue raised in an attempt to resolve the previous ones. Soooo. My TA has thrown in the towel and I have to literally beg/bug her to handle my MSC bookings. My TA is... my own sister!!!

Jeeez. When we enjoy MSC from Europe, we just show up around 11 and hop on the ship. Things seem complicated on our side of the pond.

Thank you, Styles27. With your precious information, I booked my return flight at 3:45. The noon option was too risky. Have a super b2b.

Thé menu on thé specific day we were there was nowhere near as nice as what you describe, Jagr. And yes, we were in the YC section, and we’re waited on by YC staff. Perhaps because we were on the next to last day of a TA, they could have been short on the nice stuff such as octopus, crab ceviche and mani-mahi ? Or maybe just our fault, as we went for lunch rather at the tail end of service ?

Hi Rbtan, Good sailings with MSC. Enjoy this beautiful ship. There are no inside cabins in the YC on Divina. We were recently on Meraviglia, with a booking for a YIN. Upon arrival at the cabin, I hurdled to the concierge and obtained - and payed for - an upgrade to YC. The difference is that YIN are exactly the same as other inside cabins on the ship. The price difference is certainly in keeping with the experience (service, food, drinks). However, YC cabins have the nice materials such as marble, more space, and, of course, a balcony. Comfort has a cost. On Divina, if my memory serves me right, there are 6 slightly larger rooms in YC (other than family and royal): 15031, 15030, 16032, 16033, 16035 and 16034. Just 2 feet wider at the end of the bed. Those are the suites that MSC sell as premium. They were initially sold as «H».

We have been to OC once, with YC. My opinion is that next time (February '23), I'm getting back to the ship, dressing back up and going to the YC dining room. I was not impressed by the food at the YC section of OC in October '22 (just fancy but bready hot dogs and salad) and the wine ran out; the remaining white wine was (1) warm (2) silly sweet; and (3) not recommended / laughed at by staff.

We enjoyed a TA on Meraviglia recently, with a port call in Funchal. We had a FANTASTIC time doing a side-car excursion. Picked up at port, 3 1/2 hours of excellent excursion. 120EUR. I will not, of course, give out the site name in a post, but you can try «Madera» and «side-car». Felipe is a swell fellow, his business is a start-up, and he is keen on customer service.

Good to see you’re having a great time. would you kindly make a note to give your comments as to disembarkation? Is it a heavy and difficult process due to immigration procedures, or rather straightforward? I would like this info to book my flight out of MIA, and my choices are 12 and 3:45PM. As Divina is set to arrive at 7AM, I would prefer the noon flight. Your thoughts and those of other CC friends are welcome. We will be in YC, and have a Canadian passport.

That's really hot (or cool ?) information. Super smart Well... I had not read EM's post (#11) before being amazed by Phissy's (#10). Back to arts & crafts, or as mafig suggests, hoping to God your bracelet works,

Hi Best Cat Mom, Your comment seems to refer to Fantasia class (Fantasia, Divina, Precious, Splendida) ships where you can trick the power receptacle with a bit of arts & craft. There is no DND card on Meraviglia class ships, but rather a button in the cabin that activates a light outside. My recollection of MSC Sinfonia is that there was no such power control system. But, there was a DND/clean card that you would slide in the the key slot outside the cabin door.

You can pretty much ask the concierge for anything reasonable, such as bookings at specialty restaurants, shows and the like. They also provide you with your newspaper delivery if you wish, and summon your butler to escort you off the ship (i.e. a dedicated exit with no queue). You can also call for room service for food, coffee, drinks, ask for extra towels. We often found it was a breeze to book excursions - simply no hassle: you ask, and you're on the excursion, tickets in your cabin (with instructions as to when to pop in to the TopSail), and the butler appears on time to escort you to the proper place for the excursion (i.e. off the ship, or on it if you're doing the «behind the scene»). I'm an early riser, and take the time to chat with the people at the concierge desk on my way to the TopSail every morning. Just a few minutes of friendly chatter with them, all interesting and from all calls around the World, and it takes only a couple of days to get known by name. Yes, being nice to staff does bring a commensurate response.

No, you cannot just carve up a credit card style card and toss it in the receptacle. I don't know exactly how , but I suspect it's NFR technology, but not only does your cruise card need to be inserted, but it has to be in the proper position. When you first insert your card, irrespective of how, power will go on for a few minutes; after that, the card has to be inserted properly. In the same fashion, once you remove your card, power will be shut off after a couple of minutes. While on Meraviglia recently, our cruise card had a hole punched in advance for a laniard, and we used this as a cue for proper alignment for the power receptacle.

Just got off that ship, and had a spectacular time. Our butler, room attendant and then waiters were fantastic. Disappointing to read you are having a negative experience.

The water slides are also complimentary. There are 3 slides. 2 require a float (either a donut, or a 2-person float). 1st slide is longer and slower, 2nd slide is shorter and faster. They start on the same platform, up a couple flights of steps. A 3rd slide starts a bit higher, and it is used without a float. It is narrower, and almost all in the dark. It lasts maybe 10-12 seconds and one gets deposited quite fast is a giant bowl. From there, you use a stairway to get back down. Nice little thrill. Same waiver/bracelet as I mentioned in previous post.

It's complimentary and quite fun. You just need to sign a waiver and you will be fitted with a nice bracelet. From then on, you just go to the entrance and the attendants will see you up with the harness. I saw another post where someone asked about clothing and footwear. Clothing is not an issue. I saw people in bathing suits. As to footwear, proper shoes should be worn, as some obstacles are simply ropes, such that I don't thing flip-flops or bare feet are the best. I did not see users using those solutions, not did I see any pictograms requiring shoes. Just a personal comment.

Seen him quite a few times having breakfast at the YC Pool Grill, or a quick coffee at the TopSail, as well as the usual appearances of a Captain, such as Yatch Club cocktail. He popped up as well for a few moment during a « behind the scenes » excursion we did today (7 Oct. 2022) while we visited the bridge. I find he’s quite a nice guy.

Yep. On there until the 13th of October.

Hi tbmrt, In consulting the Daily Planner and YC concierge, it became apparent that while they strive to get the shows on, it appears the decision to do so depends on the sea conditions and whether the ship is moving. I have not seen Houdini on the planner for a few days now, and this is perplexing as the sea was really calm. The above pretty much answers the question about buying tickets: yes, get them on board. we went to the Rock Circus show this evening and really enjoyed it. The performers are full of energy and the music was well chosen in our opinion. We were seated first row from the stage… pros: you can feel the steps, the wind of the movements and you can see their eyes and facial expressions ; cons: not sure we got the full scale of all special effects the Carousel offers.

I’m still on the ship until 13 October. Let me know if you have any questions. I have 3 more sea days to run around to find your answer.

Hi Slk 1000, I will let Racephoto get back to you as to noise from the Carousel. Trotted to your room a few moments ago. As you rightly concluded, it’s at the end of the hallway, and the door that is there (left, when facing your door) is indeed crew only except for emergency. Walked back to the nearest bank of elevators and stairs. Next to 8167. Took me 130 steps, in 1:24. Did not walk super fast, but a tad faster than with DW in tow. Next elevator is the panoramic. Here is a link to the deck plan. https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/deckbydeck.php?ship=MSC-Meraviglia&deck=8 Be well and enjoy your cruise.

Hi #1Travelmom, I just went to the basketball court to get your answer. Yes, there are basketballs for you to use. When I went, there were 2 good looking Spalding balls 🏀, the usual orange with black webbing. The court (“Sportplex”) is on deck 16 aft, just next to the Sports Bar, F1 Simulator and bowling. The schedule is 10AM to 6PM. When it is free, you simply jump in and enjoy. Otherwise (smarter), you see the attendant and reserve your time slot. Slots are 20 minutes, and during that time, the place is yours. If there are more slots available, you can reserve again as you wish. So, if attendance is scarce, you can string up a nice period of time. Please let me know if you need more information on this topic. Be well.

Nice, Canadian_J. Enjoy your MSC cruise. I read in your signature “Ocean Cay Weekender”. Is that what it sounds like : YYZ-MCO-Ocean Cay and back on Sunday?

Hi tbmrt, i will get back to you with good intel bout the Houdini and Rock Circus shows once I collate it. The main show at the Broadway theater (deck 6 fore) is at 7:30 and 9:30. As I have observed, it is the same show on a given day, but different from day to day. Duration is 45 minutes. We have been on Meraviglia 4 nights as of now, and have enjoyed all shows. We were treated to the première of “Cool” and must say that it was exceptional, super high energy music from the 70-80s with lavish costumes. I liked it even more than either Michael Jackson or The Mask, and they were great shows 😃 on MSC. Back to you soon for the rest of your question. Be well.

Hi GonzoWCS, I submitted your question to Mr. Moik, hotel director. He’s really nice and spent quite a few minutes speaking to me about how MSC is organizing the winter season with several ships in the southern USA and Brazil, as well as how they plan on dealing with storms that are getting more frequent and violent. Do try to spend a moment with him if you can. This being said, the current expectation is 4400 pax for the cruise departing on the 16. However, the current load for the next one, on the 23rd, is 2200. Mr. Moik said that 2200 is in line with what is observed on Divina at this time. Have a super day.