jame_g

We did the Mera in March, and while there were a couple tents set up for shade, it didn't provide much shaded space for people unless you were one of the few lucky ones to find an open spot. There wasn't nearly enough shaded space for the guests, especially during any busy times. They needed more shaded space. I found the SeaShore to be better, and I hope the SeaScape is at least the same or even improved.

Our YC bathroom was okay when we boarded the Mera back in March, but was unbreathable before we left port. We had to say something to the cabin steward. They called maintenance to fix it and actually said there was something wrong that they had to correct. After that I think we had a mild odor a couple times during the cruise, but nothing near as bad as that first evening.

Okay, that's what I was hoping!

Why would we each want one on board? My spouse is very unlikely to want to create an account or even turn on his phone while on board. I usually handle any reservations, have charges linked to my account, etc. (And if he does, it will just be twice as much work for me, because I'll still end up doing it all, except having to use two accounts to get it done.)

VV currently has the promotion for booking by Aug 22 and getting $500 per cabin plus up to $600 bar tab for cruises from Miami through Apr 2024. I already have a cruise from Miami booked and fully paid for in January. If I contact them, are they likely to add the bar tab to my existing reservation?

Has anyone heard if they plan to do this, or something similar, on the World America too?

I think I bought cruiseline insurance for the first cruise I booked, after that I always got it through a 3rd party. There are several sites like insuremytrip and squaremouth that let you select the options important to you, and compare coverage and prices. GeoBlue may be another option if you have more than one cruise or out of country trip booked during the year. You can usually get better coverage at a better price. Most Americans should likely be getting medical coverage included in their policy. While some employer policies will cover travelling outside the US, most won't. And neither will Medicare. You should buy and pay for your policy very shortly after making your deposit. Otherwise you probably won't qualify for pre-existing condition coverage, which is probably one of the most important coverages for many people. Most people don't realize all the things that could fall under pre-existing condition coverage and think because they're young and healthy they don't need it. If you get the cruiseline coverage, you likely won't have this unless you pay for your cruise in full at the time of booking.

I always have to call to add my spouse's VC number after the reservation is made. (Mine is always there with the reservation to get the proper pricing.) Then the OBC comes automatically. Never had an issue with this impacting the reservation itself.

You should get a reminder email one week before final payment is due.

Same. I can't remember the last time we let them take a photo, boarding, on port, or in ports.

Look for a sign where the lines start. There should be one. If you don't see it, ask a rep, there should be someone there pointing people to the line, and they should be able to point you to the Diamond/Aurea line. We had to ask because the rep was standing directly in front of the sign so no one could see it. We only had the people already being served directly in front of us, but there was only 1 rep too. Not sure if they would have made more available if the line got longer. There were only 1 or 2 people in line when we got done.

We're looking at joining my SIL and niece on a cruise that's a ways out yet, about 15 months. However, the only suites left are a Junior obstructed view and a Cloud 9 Spa Suite. The Cloud 9 Spa Suite seems pricey for what it is. (So does the Junior suite for that matter. But I'm guessing part of it is that there are only about 2 of each left already.) Does anyone have experience with these suites that can weigh in on their experience and if they liked the suite and would do it again, or not? Also, if we book the Cloud 9 suite and someone happens to cancels a Vista suite (not counting on it), is it difficult to switch before final payment? Wouldn't mind comments on the Magic. It's been a few years since we sailed Carnival, but we did enjoy the Pride and Spirit years ago (and the Vista suite). Edit: I meant "Magic" but typed Miracle. lol

If you feel your points are wrong, you will need to email MSCVoyagersClub@msccruisesusa.com to ask them to review and correct it. Customer service cannot help and will just give you the email. You will need to include your full name, phone number, email address, and VC Number. Along with the booking numbers, ships, and dates of the cruises you should have credit for. It can take them several weeks to review. I had to email them because I didn't get credit for one of our cruises. Then I had to send a follow up email with the case number after a month. Then they finished up within a week.

Same as the other poster. Figured if the OP's SIL had a passport, there would be no question about the State ID.

She may want to consider replacing it if she ever flies for any reason. Alabama is currently Real ID compliant. IDs will need to be Real ID compliant in order to be valid for air travel come 2025. She's going to have to replace it within the next two years if she ever plans to fly anywhere after May 6, 2025. Just something to be aware of, even if not necessary for this cruise.

Admittedly I've ignored NCL since a bit before COVID. But this previously was a very heated topic on NCL many times over the years which generated a lot of discussion as well. Especially in the early years of the haven with haven guests bringing other non-haven guests to use the haven pool and the haven restaurant. One thing with NCL and the Haven restaurant before we stopped cruising NCL was that you had to give your room number or card to the host, so a non-haven guest couldn't just sneak in on their own. And NCL didn't have an automatic drink package included with the Haven. With Yacht Club, once you're in no card is needed unless someone questions your presence, and premium drinks are included.

Depending on the port you may have to ask someone. On one of our cruises, the agent was directing everyone to the regular line, and standing right in front of the sign and a narrow opening for aurea and diamond, so no one could really see the sign or tell there was a separate line (with no wait) there. We knew we were supposed to have a separate line so we asked. The agent looked at our boarding documents and then moved aside.

Ahh, they were referred to as aft Aurea suites, and I wasn't aware of the reclassification of other staterooms, although I found the mini suite reference odd. I guess strike my whole post!

Guess we got lucky? Our cruise goes to Ocean Cay on 4/5/24.

More like you go out on the balcony, close the door, and then it gets stuck and won't open. Like it did to me. Fortunately my spouse was able to get the door open from the inside without using the emergency button.

The photo of the mini bar is not accurate. Mini bottles of alcohol are no longer provided. They will give you one 375ml bottle from a limited selection for a 4 night cruise. (one 750ml for a longer cruise) At least that was our most recent experience. The snacks are also pared down. There were pringles and such when we were in that cabin in Oct, but on our March Meraviglia cruise, there was one jar of nuts and one toblerone, and no other snacks. (There were snacks in the Top Sail lounge though.) There were a couple beers and a couple other bottled beverages. The soft drinks/juices will be replenished. 19033 has plenty of space to move around, and there is an automated door to a very large balcony. The door to the balcony is automatic, but we found that it would stick or get jammed at times. Best to use only while in port or moving very slowly with little breeze. When the ship is underway or there is wind the door will not operate properly -- unless they got it totally replaced already. The bathroom has the zero entry shower and a handrail. I believe there is a drop down seat as well. The video above is pretty close but as stated the room layout is flipped. We didn't need a HC room, but were given that room after boarding. It isn't what we booked or asked for, but it was not being used on our sailing and MSC messed up our booking for that particular cruise.

Those suites are really nice. Fair amount of space. The balcony wraps and is long, but not very wide. Also very convenient to get around with the two aft elevators right there. Easy to get to the adult area on deck 8 and the buffet and main pool deck. Those elevators were usually not very busy, only at a few select times. My guess is that Deck 9 could be a bit noisy at times with the pool and bar right below. No issues with the higher floor levels, which is what we had. Deck 8 starboard side has a section that is just a little farther forward that is part of the adult pool and bar area that allows outdoor smoking. So some balconies near that area (since you go out on the side and wrap to the back) could detect some of the smoke depending on conditions. As far up as we were, I never did, but deck 9 and 10 might.

Make sure the VC number is associated with your booking. If it isn't, call and have it added. I have to do this on every reservation to get my spouse's VC info added as the MSC website doesn't let me update that field for the other passenger info for some reason.

My spouse's points were on his account within a week. Mine weren't there after 3 weeks so I had to email them with all my reservation info (Booking#, VC#, Name, DOB, Ship, Departure Date, phone and email) and it took about another month, and a follow-up email, to get them credited to my account. Customer service can't do anything and you have to email the VC team, or so I was told. MSCVoyagersClub@msccruisesusa.com

I just checked the webcam and it looks like NCL is already docked, MSC is almost there just passing the Escape, and Carnival is right behind.