DGP1111
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Posts posted by DGP1111
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On 4/10/2024 at 4:58 PM, Cruzinram said:
I have never had a problem using any gift card for celebrity purchased from any source. The policy says nothing about where the card is purchased . . .
On 4/12/2024 at 9:51 AM, Cruzinram said:Celebrity Terms and Condition apply regardless of the source. Ignore the TC on AARP, They are not updated and are outdated. Refer only to Celebrity for redemption policy. . .
On 4/13/2024 at 7:40 AM, Cruzinram said:Currently on Beyond and attempted to use 500.00 gift card for onboard purchases. As I expected we had an issue . . .
21 hours ago, Cruzinram said:Latest news from GS onboard regarding gift card use for onboard purchase. Inspite of what I was told by the gift card support dept on shore, They now are saying you have to call them before sailing to load the gift card to your account. I just knew they would not handle this correctly. . .
16 hours ago, Cruzinram said:For the time being DO NOT purchase any gift cards for Celebrity until they can get their act together. Do not trust the policy statement. No where does it say third part gift cards cannot be used for onboard purchases. That seems to be the issue. . .
That seemingly took a swerve. 😶
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On 2/23/2024 at 10:40 AM, Sailing12Away said:
Ok kids, the time is here for another adventure on the Epic. This will be our 3rd time sailing on her, but the first time since the renovations that were done during Covid, so we're excited to see the differences.
I've just now completed my binge-reading of your review, and certainly benefitted from the content, so a sincere Thank You for doing it. I will be embarking in two weeks for my 16th time on Norwegian Epic. I was on the final cruise that successfully started/ended in San Juan before 'cooties' shut the industry down. I look forward to seeing the onboard changes that have taken place since then, and . . . although I'm definitely still excited about the return to a favorite ship, I've absolutely lowered my personal expectations about the overall onboard experience. Your comments about several things seem to parallel those by others who've been onboard.
Hopefully the willy-nilly assignment of beverage ingredients won't continue and diminish my Premium Plus purchase. I do anticipate the regular nightly confusion at the podium/table regarding if my FAS/Diamond is being applied for that particular meal (especially since you described the absence of the physical tear-off coupons). Will do my best to get clarity on arrival.
You return tomorrow, so Welcome Back!! Thanks, again, for the great info. 😊
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On 10/11/2023 at 1:54 PM, momof4girls said:
Can you add a digital / virtual gift card to your account when you are at the port getting checked in?
On 10/11/2023 at 3:21 PM, cruizinisthebest said:yes you can load digital gift cards in the terminal. I have.
As answered by cruizinisthebest, Yes you can . . . and I'd done it several times as well right there at the embarkation terminal . . . but would no longer recommend doing that.
It was certainly an anomaly, but a big big big one. The agent goofed up the input, and when I was asked to sign the small receipt, I looked at it closely and started, "That's not me". It was a completely different name, and the agent and supervisor explained that a message would be sent to the ship, and it would be taken care of. "Don't worry". I advised that I was worried, but they were kind with the situation and the promise.
The other passenger spent the (my) onboard credit very soon after boarding. Guest Services said they'd research, but eventually said it would have to be addressed with corporate after the cruise, since the error occurred shoreside.
Had I done it all once onboard, the ship would have had total control for finding a solution. At the Diamond invite event, the Guest Services manager was quite apologetic, but said nothing more could be done, and added, "Good luck with getting that done once home".
End result: Multiple post-cruise communications fell on deaf ears, and I was out the entire amount of intended onboard credit. Live and learn. 😟 😟
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On 10/13/2023 at 12:44 PM, Tom-n-Cheryl said:
We have not experienced that, not in the Presidential. The only time something close to that occurred (and we showed them around) was when we stayed in the Owner's Suite (S1 or S2) on Fantasy class ships.
Tom
Your Honor . . . I readily admit to being a total stranger knocking on the door of Tom-n-Cheryl in S2.
Yes, it's true. Guilty as charged.
And whoda thunk how that would impact the three of us over many years to come. 😄 😄 😄
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On 10/13/2023 at 12:31 AM, Dwright826 said:
On 10/13/2023 at 7:42 AM, mz-s said:That is what we would call false advertising.
The pricing (previous of current) no longer matters to me, but I can offer a comment about the false/incorrect information presented above . . . .
The joyful lady in red cheerfully applauding the fact the one in blue was able to acquire the real glass hurricane beverage, plastic straw, and paper umbrella with fruit garnish a few years after they were discontinued. She accepts defeat of only receiving the straw. A good sport indeed. 😄 😄
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2 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:
. . . .
How long should it take to update? I called customer service, but, of course, no help.
It SHOULD not take long, but apparently it does.
My call to them resulted in the answer "within ten days"
My e-mail to them resulted in the answer, "per our policy, it can take thirty days".
Absolutely nothing from my March 30 Mereviglia cruise is showing up in Voyagers Club.
They truly are a mess in hospitality guest service if it is something about technology.
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On 3/6/2023 at 5:01 AM, ready2cruzagain said:
Most of the time starboard but I did read last week that one of the ships docked at OC on the port side.
March 30 Meraviglia was a rare port-side docking at Ocean Cay. I was disappointed that when I booked it all the starboard balconies were gone on a nearly sold-out cruise, but I took what I could get. Lo, and behold, that morning we pulled right in moving forward. Bonus!! Got to watch the second lighthouse show in my jammies from my balcony. 😀
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22 hours ago, M2ice said:
We were on board at the same time. . . .
Just some quick notes.
. . . . .
Talked to three different members of the Expedia group. None would sell MSC unless the customer insisted due to the service/staffing issues. This despite the fact that MSC pays them a commission of almost twice the rate of any other line.
. . . . .
I also had several brief conversations with members of the Expedia Cruises group on all three days, and there was a definite 'theme' to the opinions voiced (albeit a very small sampling of the total group).
If you were not aware, there was also the presence (at the invite of Expedia) of several competing cruise lines who had the opportunity to market themselves during some of the private sales meetings.
22 hours ago, amygutman said:. . . . And good lord - to only find out when you got on-board?
You are really lucky to have the YC dining, but consider those who really look forward to having a special night at a special restaurant. who are not in the YC - or perhaps are in the YC, but still wanted to have a special night out.
. . . .
Amy, thanks for that consideration, as it did impact others.
I boarded about a half hour after Tom/Cheryl, and waited on them to advise me about some potential of us dining together in Specialty Restaurants we'd discussed. I was not in Yacht Club. It started with "full steam ahead", then morphed into "hang on, there might be issues" and eventually "Nope, ain't gonna happen for anyone".
I had a pre-purchased dining package, and I went to the podium to find out how that would factor into my dining plans. To paraphrase, the initial reply was, "Oooo, sucks to be you". 🙁
It seems that my accepting response was different than most/all others onboard, and it seemingly made a difference. I've spoken with ship leadership praising one very helpful individual, and I intend to do a nice gesture for that same person in a few weeks when I return.
On 4/30/2023 at 2:30 PM, Tom-n-Cheryl said:. . . . .
This cruise would not have been the same (and we might still be on that darned balcony) without being able to share it with @DGP1111. He had run "MSC reconnaissance" for us a few weeks prior on the Meraviglia. Don, how many sailings have we been on together now? I think you keep a better count than I !
I do know the number, but how about we call it 'Well beyond a baker's dozen' (heck three times last year alone -- mostly unplanned).
Always always always a pleasure, my friends, and this time I get to sport the badge of Rescue Ranger!! 😀
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1 hour ago, RD64 said:
Not a lie - their single cruise fare policy. Sold out for single occupancy.
Untruth? Misrepresentation? (or any of a variety of synonyms to be used; I'm flexible)
Most companies with an enforced policy can provide some sort of 'fine print' text to offer . . . something . . . anything . . . but it definitely appears that MSC does not offer that to the general consumer, or even their onboard personnel. The really nice lady onboard Meraviglia a few weeks ago squirmed uncomfortably with most questions about future cruises I was interested in booking (potentially three new ones). I thanked her for her time, offered my e-mail contact in case she researched answers, and I left the ship without booking anything. In a few days I will visit with the team member onboard Seaside, and perhaps book some future cruise vacations.
Their marketing team is seemingly not as interested in a solos market as some of the other major lines are. That may change in the future, yet perhaps not. As you said, their rules to make (just be prepared to provide me the rules).
For the record, my first MSC cruise greatly exceeded overall expectations once onboard, and I'm really looking forward to another positive experience later this week. Their pre-cruise booking process, e-mail communication, and online/phone support is a glorified turd in most instances.
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13 hours ago, Homosassa said:
I think you are confused about how single supplements work. While a single rate is available on all ships, it may not be available for all sailings on a ship.
On MSC (and other cruise lines), the single rate is normally the cost of the fare for two in the cabin and sometimes an additional amount added to compensate for the loss of on board purchases that might be made by the second passenger.
I just looked at Meraviglia single rates for May and it is offered and available. The rates offered are less than the price of the usually double cabin rate.
Personal opinion: A solo/single rate should be available on all sailings that have a cabin available for two passengers when the solo passenger is willing to pay the 200%
If they want to increase/entice that solo market with occasional specials (smaller supplements) then that's even better for that market, but it certainly can't be expected. To remove complete categories of dual-occupancy rooms from view when changing the number of passengers to be 1 is the choice of the cruise line, and often it's a foolish one. I happen to think the online marketing team at MSC is pathetic at best. It turns quite a number of people away before they have the chance to experience just the opposite of that while onboard some magnificent ships, that can offer superior onboard service.
Regarding the rates you mentioned for Meriviglia . . . for May and beyond are you finding anything less than 200% being offered??
When I very recently spoke with the onboard personnel selling future cruises, that person admitted they are often 'kept in the dark' about most things related to solo passengers. The individual was rather stunned by the number of solo cruises I've done on multiple lines and was open to my comments that my experience with MSC in planning was less-than-exceptional.
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On 4/17/2023 at 4:57 PM, Nautical way said:
. . . tried calling MSC and MSC customer service was unable to set it up over phone . . .
Ditto that same result from my recent call to MSC. Once the agent eventually listened to my reason for calling and requesting assistance (described below) he attempted and failed as well. His reply after quite a while on hold was, "Oooo, that's not supposed to happen." 🙄
On 4/17/2023 at 5:38 PM, RudiRatlos said:No. You can pre-book and pay, but reservations can only be made on board.
I fully understand that reply and agree that has been my own understanding as well, but . . .
Oddly/ironically it is their requirement for me to select my dining time for the restaurant when placing the order online in advance, when clicking on "Add to my cruise". (I embark a week from tomorrow)
For starters, the 2-meal description includes the name of a restaurant that doesn't even exist on the ship (Seaside). It's incorrect on the "See details" description as well.
In order to add/purchase the package, I must choose a dining time for Kaito Sushi Bar, which is not even supposed to be one of the choices. I have zero intentions to eat a sushi meal (Bleech, for me), but no one could/would confirm that I could change it to Ocean Cay Restaurant once onboard.
They truly are a pathetic mess with that online presence.
8 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:For a company supposedly interested in becoming a dominant player in the cruise industry - they seem to suck at a lot of things!
Tom
<< insert "La" song here >>
You saw that one coming, didn't ya?? See you both soon.
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On 4/17/2023 at 10:09 AM, JamieLogical said:
That description of the classic favorite French Onion Soup definitely got my attention, as I've never once dined anywhere that included the addition (even a 'splash') of liquor. Interesting variation on a theme. 😀
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On 4/5/2023 at 12:37 PM, JAGR said:
This one has and will bounce all over the place. There is Kaito Dining Experience menu, but there is not one listed for Teppanyaki. At some point (pre-COVID) you could get the Teppanyaki with a $10 surcharge, but most recently on Meraviglia a few months ago, we were told by the YC concierge that was not an option. Later, we met a couple who said they did get the experience with the surcharge. Typical inconsistency as an MSC trademark continues.
On 4/5/2023 at 12:50 PM, L1211 said:I was just told teppanyaki is not included for Diamond meal…. That was on the Mera.
On 4/5/2023 at 10:51 PM, PompeySailor said:Guessing this will be an ask and try as you go experiment.
Oooo, I'm about to muddy the waters even more here . . . .
During my recent 3/30 Meravigilia cruise, I was seated at Kaito/Teppanyaki with one solo passenger who definitely was using her Diamond meal perk that evening. Like those of us on the dining package who'd been advised a bit earlier, she agreed to a $10 surcharge for the overall experience (and would be allowed to order the Samurai meal), or could accept a $20 surcharge and choose the Emperor meal.
From overheard conversation, it did sound as though she was a Yacht Club passenger as well.
I'm fully convinced that MSC uses one of those old-style board game spinners to deliver answers.
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On 4/8/2023 at 5:32 PM, Two Wheels Only said:
You can wait to take the photo. Even the people who successfully upload a photo sometimes end up having to take another one at the port.
That was my experience boarding Meraviglia on 3/30, after finally getting a quality photo taken, resizing it for being accepted, and uploading it to the app . . . the very sweet lady at the check-in desk advised, "Yeah, we do it all over once you are here". Smile / Click
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8 hours ago, JamieLogical said:
We are on the ship!
Bon Voyage!! I hope you'll have the same overall wonderful onboard experience that I recently did (debarked last Sunday).
It was my first-ever MSC experience, despite being a very frequent cruiser. The few onboard 'bumps' were easily overshadowed by other things of extreme excellence.
The atrium Infinity Bar was always a quality experience, and less busy than I'd expected, but I found the best, and most attentive, service at the Casino Bar. Always felt welcome ... once I got past walking over that bizarre floor with the strange light effect.
If you have the opportunity/time, I highly encourage catching the atrium stage performance(s) by the Italian jazz trio (vocal, piano, bass) who are simply magnificent.
Enjoy!!
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4 hours ago, bruce85 said:
I sail in May on the Seaside. When I try to book the 2-night dining package I see this.
The package includes two experiences:
- The Butcher's Cut Steakhouse celebrates America’s craft heritage combined with the skills of the master butcher.
- The Sea Pavilion is your portal to a world of contemporary Asian culinary sensations.
From my research The Sea Pavilion is the water park on the ship, am I correct? So, should this package be the Asian Market instead? Has anyone done the two-night dining package lately on the Seaside?
I personally questioned this earlier as well. I couldn't find that venue on any of the deck plans online (the MSC site as well as popular sites specific to these). While speaking with an MSC phones agent last Monday, the day after returning from my Meraviglia cruise, I got a lot of non-answers to an ongoing inquiry, and then I asked where this restaurant is located onboard. I expressed great interest in booking specialty dining for this upcoming cruise later this month. The best answer I received was, "There may be an error".
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On 4/4/2023 at 9:07 PM, unc1acc said:
Overall: I'd give Butcher's Cut a 9/10. The friends I travelled with had recently eating at the Carnival steakhouse and said Butcher's Cut was far and away a better tasting experience.
I really enjoyed reading your personal take on this sailing, as I was onboard as well, and also experiencing MSC for my first time ever. I boarded with those same concerns due to what I'd read/heard.
I'm gonna 'throw the gauntlet' and say as a challenge I think I may have enjoyed it all even more than you did. 😊 I was pleasantly stunned with so many things and found most very memorable for all the right reasons.
I'm glad to read what you said above about Butcher's Cut, as I want to believe my own experience (Friday night) was a bit of a fluke. I'd probably give mine a 6/10 at best, and really hoped to love it.
I hope you were able to witness the jazz trio (from Italy) who played on the Atrium stage on Saturday. They were magnificient!!!
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5 hours ago, Ottawa_Cruiser said:
Following as we are sailing on Meraviglia later this month. I know our confirmation indicates up to $10, but I am also aware that despite this another cruiser had issues.
While I realize the ship mentioned in the thread title is MSC Seascape, and I don't personally know the situation onboard that ship at the current time . . . I can answer what was taking place on MSC Meraviglia this past weekend. If you had the Easy Plus package, your limit was $9 and not the new $10. If you ordered anything over the $9 price point, you'd be charged the difference. The package was also totally acceptable in the specialty restaurants.
I hope you'll have a great time onboard the ship . . . as I certainly did. All of the bartenders were splendid at all locations, but those at Infinity and Casino had extra Moxy. 😊
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39 minutes ago, HardToPort said:
There is no rule that applies to your table.
the rule is that all passengers sharing a cabin must have the same drinks package.
Current 'Terms & Conditions' tends to disagree with your reply . . .
Availability of Drink packages and prices may vary per sailing. Packages are sold on a per cruise basis and not a per day or any other basis. Pricing applies to each day of the cruise, except for disembarkation day. Once activated on board, packages cannot be terminated or refunded. Packages must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, and who are traveling together and wishing to dine at the same table. This includes minors, for whom the Minors Package must be booked. Packages are not obligatory for infants under three years of age.
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5 hours ago, cruisekel1 said:
I downloaded VeriFLY. Appreciate the tip! Its interesting that it says I am ready to sail for my Aug 15 trip to Bahamas and there is no caution that I need to upload neg covid results. I'm guessing they took the info from Friday and eliminated the requirement and havent updated the app yet with the new info from 8/1...
Ditto that!
VeriFLY app clearly says my next sailing is complete and I'm "Ready to Sail".
Appears the developers communicated with CCL and made a change . . . that they'll now have to correct.
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On 3/21/2022 at 9:02 AM, MeganGC1983 said:
It’s cruise week! Join me for a full week of Bahamas fun with all the cocktails, food, and details you could desire.
Megan, I'm going to take your post here quite literally.
Since we somehow failed to connect while we were on Mardi Gras in November, I'll hopefully find you onboard Carnival Liberty in a few days. Most likely . . . Alchemy Bar. 🍸 😊 🍸
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On 3/22/2022 at 9:34 AM, Tom-n-Cheryl said:
. . .
So, it surprised me on our 3/11 sailing when we were given cash at the cage instead. Is this now the case across the fleet, or just a ship specific thing?
Ooo, Ooo, Ooo, good to just now read that was the case for you earlier. You should expect that same result on the Friday cruise, and it (according to what was explained to me on Carnival Sunrise) also indicates something else about the Carnival Liberty casino options that could be beneficial next month as well. 💲
Will 'splain on Friday. Also . . . the ship is getting a new thruster installed Friday morning to replace that one you and C broke two weeks ago. 😄
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On 2/17/2022 at 7:02 PM, Tom-n-Cheryl said:
. . . When they remodeled the Owner's Suites we were lucky enough to obtain two of the Murano glass lamps out of S1. So, we'll always have a little bit of the Sensation. 🙂
How have I never heard this story?? 😮
Very cool, my friends !!!
😊
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23 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:
It is good and inexpensive. People should eat there.
I agree that it is both good and inexpensive, but the overall marketing is weak (bordering on a suck factor) and until they find way to overcome that, it is definitely in jeopardy of being removed/replaced when a dry dock occurs in the future.
The surveys they were doing again this past week seems to garner mostly negative answers about passenger plans to visit the venue. I made a suggestion about an easy change to the breakfast menu that could make an impact, but I don't know how interested they truly are about suggestions.
For me it was a one and done.
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Premium Access- should it show on luggage tags, cruise docs?
in Celebrity Cruises
Posted
Ditto on any confusion regarding the "How?" of this item on embarkation day. Rather weak communication once you've purchased and committed. It says, "Look for the logo" (luggage drop and meet for terminal access), so I hope that does actually exist. Other than the printout I'll take of my purchased items I have no other proof. My Xpress Pass indicates a time later than the start of Premium Access. I still plan to go to the lunch (if I get there in time).
If it's printed on the ship card that'll be good for later, but not overly helpful on initial arrival when they don't know me from Adam.
If the signage exists, I should be good to go. If it doesn't, I'll just put on my patience pants and go for the ride. I'll be on vacation. 😊
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