nalrudaini

Greetings fellow cruisers.

First timer on MSC, sailing out of Southampton.

With RC and NCL (US sailings), we could disembark whenever we want (after custom clearance) if we are carrying our luggage with us.  Does the same apply with MSC and UK customs, or do I have to adhere to the timing provided by the ship?

Thank you in advance.

Sailed the Escape, Deck 16.  We felt every movement.  It wasn't that bad, but you do feel it.

Had the cloth on a suitcase partially ripped when it arrived at our stateroom.  Our stateroom attendant filed a report for us and we were contacted by guest services.  After a short back-and-forth, they gave us 2 brand new suitcases (the damaged one was large, and they only had a medium size) and OBC (can't remember how much it was).  Guest Service rep actually came to our room to solve the issue, so I didn't have to go to them at all.

This was in August 2018 or 2019, out of Port Canaveral.

From my experience, this is always done on port days. They never give you advance notice because they don't have a schedule.  On my recent cruise (Feb 19, Escape) I know there was a notice somewhere that the windows and balcony could be cleaned at anytime so we should be aware of that. 

On a side note, free wifi/room service or next cruise credit for cleaning your windows is too much to ask for really. 

On 3/23/2022 at 7:03 AM, Maryscooking said:

 

Oh that would be so tempting if I didn't have a high schooler already a bit stressed that she is missing one day of school before her official spring break starts...

You have a kid who'd rather go to school than cruise!!

as you get off the ship, there will be a towel station

Kudos for not losing your cool.

The on-board time is posted in several places (including elevator).  But I always do is set my alarm for one hour before the on-board time.  I also have a clock widget on my mobile that's called "Ship Time". 

18 hours ago, mafig said:

I was going to order the Water Package.  I didn't know if they had water for purchase in the fridge.

 

Anyone recall how much $  and how many bottles are there?

The carton water was for $5, and only one piece was available. I don't remember the price of the fancy waters, but there was aslo a bottle of each. 

I had FCC from my August 2020 cancelled cruise, and applied it to a cruise in August 2022.  A little over a month ago we booked a cruise sailing in less than 10 days from the date of booking.  I do my bookings with a travel agent.  I asked if I can convert my FCC (now deposit) to the Feb cruise.  TA worked with NCL to have that amount applied to the new cruise.  August cruise was cancelled and out of the books.

They only have a carton of NCL water, and 2 bottles of fancy water (one sparkling and one still).

We were on the Escape few weeks ago (Feb 19 sailing).  We had Maria as our butler.  I booked the cruise 10 days prior, so I didn't have the luxury of contacting the concierge and making any requests.  When Maria came and introduced herself to us, we talked about what we want and expect.  When she left, I gave a small tip just to say that if you take care of us, we will take care of you.  She really didn't disappoint throughout the trip.  On our last night, We said goodbye, and I handed her an envelope with a thank you note, and the rest of her tip. 

On 2/15/2022 at 3:19 AM, Thunderbird19 said:

 

 

Any legal thriller by James Grisham (favorite: The Pelican Brief)

 

 

 

 

John Grisham.  That would be my recommendation.  The last one I read (didn't finish yet) was Gray Mountain.

There is one sports channel available (Sports24). For that week, they are only showing Asian and European WC qualifiers.  You can check their schedule on sport24live dot com

For our Feb 19 sailing on the Escape, we took a PCR test in Orlando.  We got the location from a link on NCL site.  When we checked in, NOBODY asked for it. We just did the NCL rapid test in port, and that was it.

1 hour ago, jljlinda said:

Are you docked at the pier shown in your photo?  (We will be sailing the Escape in a couple of weeks.)  THANKS!

Yes we are. Enjoy your cruise 😊

1 hour ago, ggTexasGal said:

With no deviation to the itinerary (so far) ...correct?

Correct. 

We are in Jamaica 🤨

I'm in the Escape.

I'm not seeing any enforcement, but for the most part the passengers are wearing masks. I'd say about 80% compliance. 

9 minutes ago, Hutcha said:

Why do you specifically want a PCR test?

 

This is what their letter said, 96 hours before embarkation. 

Enjoy your cruise 🌹

I'm sailing the Escape on Saturday.  I was wondering if you can recommend where I can get a PCR test? 

We are not from Orlando. 

That's interesting.  I was booked on an August 2020 sailing, that I cancelled just before final payment (because at that time it was still on).  I received FCC, that was set to expire on 31 December 2021.  I contacted NCL (myself and through my TA) asking for a refund and was shot down.  Then I asked for an extension to my FCC, and was told no.

I ended up making a reservation for August of this year, which I have a slim chance of making.  I figured that I would use the FCC before expiration, and figure out what to do with it later.

On 12/23/2021 at 1:24 AM, copper004 said:

On my previous cruises, they seem to take over the cigar lounge. No crew members cared or would say anything to them. I told them I was willing to purchase cigars from them and smoke there, but not with the cigarette smokers there. There was nothing they cared to do. 
‘Enjoying a good cigar is not possible in a room full of cigarette smoke. 

Crap. I'm going on the Breakaway in August, and was looking forward to a relaxing time in the cigar lounge.

I hope by the time I sail, the cigarette smokers would like to be out in the humid Caribbean air.

Thank you all for the replies 🌹

Hello, and Happy Holidays 🎄

I'm planning a cruise out of Miami in August.  Before the cruise, we will be staying in Orlando.  

Been thinking about whether its best to spend the night in Miami or just stay in Orlando and drive to Miami in the morning.

5 hours ago, mek said:

So you live where the vaccine is being spread out so more people can get the 1st dose?  How well is that being received by the public?

I live in Kuwait. They started with healthcare workers and the elders (65+). They were getting Phizer. Once they started receiving the Oxford vaccine, they started doing younger people. First they went with 55+ then 40+ then 30+. They also started vaccinating 16+ with Phizer. 

The thing is, they only vaccinate those who signed up for it. So its voluntary not mandatory. Not many people are interested at getting the vaccine at this time. 

I took my first dose of AstraZeneca 10 days ago.  Only felt a very very light headache for the next 24 hours, and that was it.

I'm 45 with no medical problems.  2nd dose will be in 8 to 12 weeks.