dns20

Back in the days, they also had chocolate covered strawberries in the Explorers Lounge Cafe. And macaroons, too. Nothing much there now.

HAL is very much a full-service line, no DYI. Even in buffet, most food and beverage are served by staff, no self-serve beverage machines (other than coffee and water). They do not expect/want guests to make or even heat up their own food. If something needs heating, they will be happy to do it for you. I do not like putting cold cream into my coffee because it cools it too fast so I tried to warm a small amount over hot water - the server saw it and offered to warm it up in the kitchen for me. They may pop a bag of popcorn for you if they have microwave in the kitchen.

The longest line for anytime dining is usually around 7pm. Hardly any wait before 6pm, unless it is Gala/Dressy Night. 5:45 is good time because they open up no-show seats from fixed 5:30 seating.

If you don't have a printer, can you just show the form with barcodes on a tablet or the like, or does it have to be on paper?

How can you tell which cabins are Fantastica vs Bella vs Aurea? The deck plan doesn't distinguish.

Thank you for clarifying how it works. Since they have to scan everyone's card, is there a line to get in, like at certain "rush hour" (to avoid)?

Some questions regarding the reservation system? Is there an attendant at the entrance checking reservation on everyone entering? Do they have the reservation list or do you have to show it on your app? Can you sit anywhere or is there seat assignment on the reservation? What happens if you don't have a reservation - do you get turned away or be put on a waiting list, since some won't show up?

Any particular reason for doing this 4/3 b2b instead of the 7 day that goes to OC overnight and Mexico?

I heard that the clientele on the 3-day cruises (especially the ones on the weekend) tend to be more rowdy that the longer cruises. Do you notice any difference between this 3-day cruise vs. the 4-day one earlier this week? BTW, thank you for this non-YC "live from" experience journal that us non-Yacht Clubbers can relate to.

So, you CAN get iced tea in the MDR? No need to take a glass from the buffet?

I investigated this whole "water with meals issue" last I sailed with MSC (which was pre-Covid) so this may have changed since, but apparently serving water is not traditional in Europe and since MSC is European in nature, this is not something they normally do. However, because water is expected to be served automatically in North America, they provide complimentary bottled water only to American, Canadian, and British passengers in European sailings (apparently they do not carry water pitchers there). They have water pitchers in U.S. departing cruises, so they use that in Caribbean sailings for all passengers.

How does that compare with Happy Hour prices? I believe it now only BOGO 25% off and no Mariner* discount, so probably not a good deal.

Looks like there is a consensus - Lido salad bar! Same here. Looking forward to our favorite dish for lunch: Asian salad with lots of seared ahi