bermuda triangle

4 hours ago, jenngirl said:

So when I called to follow-up for special needs like the CPAP and she called for the baby, it was the main number. She sent two or three emails before anyone answered. My tip for her and what we did as well is if they don't answer you and you need to bring things, print out the email so you can show you reached out and no one answered so you can show them at the pier. I checked back and saw that she emailed that same address, but I want to say there is also a special needs email address too! If I were you, I would do both! 

I haven't been able to find another email address. I found a FL based phone number that has a recording to call the reservation line.

I just sent a message on Facebook, maybe that will illicit a response!

Thanks again for your help. I read your review and found it helpful!

Laura

2 hours ago, jenngirl said:

Hi! My cousin had the same issue with her baby things she needed. She also emailed never heard back so I suggested she email again. She did and finally got an email back. They initially told her bring everything herself so she then called them and they had the items waiting for her in the room.  Keep in mind, you do have to ask for a lot of things on this ship, like even tissues, so if they don’t have it waiting, call them onboard. My dad also uses a CPAP machine and filled out the special needs form where he was told to bring the extension and distilled water.  2 days into our cruise they left us an urgent note on the door and asked if he wanted the distilled water. Just keep all of that in mind. We emailed both reservations, special needs and called so it doesn’t hurt to do all of the above. Here’s a review of the ship if you’re interested: https://thehappiesttravels.com/2023/07/30/msc-meraviglia-cruise-review/. Hope this info helps! 

So helpful thank you! Did she call the main phone number for making a reservation? I was told to fill out form by them and that the special needs department doesn't have a phone number 🤷‍♀️. The email address I was giving by TA ismscexistingreservations@msccruisesusa.com

was there a second email address you would suggest?

Thanks so much!

Laura

2 hours ago, JohninDC said:

www.resortpass.com  Plug in your dates and see what's available.

Any recommendations? I know about resortpass but sometimes there are great places and ones to steer clear of.

10 minutes ago, Morgsmom said:

Hi Laura,

I have used the special needs form for a severe food allergy. While it's never been acknowledged beforehand (other than the courtesy return email) it has been correctly noted on the ship. That's totally different, however from yours all of which require a service.  

 

The wheelchair embarkation should be easy enough to arrange even if that slips through the cracks. The pack and play seems iffy, based on how many babies onboard.  I should *think* that that number would be low in September, but then what's your plan B other than to cart on your own? 

And that's the great question! Bring their own or plan on one being there? Leaving the week after Labor Day so hopefully less kids than during peak summer cruises.

Wheelchair I figured was easiest and oxygen is a concentrator from home.

Hi! We are a party of 4 adults, 1 toddler and 1 infant looking for a day pass to a nice hotel with beach and pool access.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Laura

I just read a review where special needs requests were not granted (pack and play and wheelchair assist).  I have also read reviews where pack and plays were waiting in the cabin upon arrival.

We are new to MSC and in our party have a pack and play requested, someone who uses oxygen and someone who will need wheelchair assistance for embarkation.

These have not been issues with other lines should I expect an issue for this trip?

We sail in Sept and have sent in special needs forms within a couple days of booking (last week).

When should we expect to hear something from MSC other than the auto response email that they have received the forms?

Thanks!

Laura

Try uninstalling the app, restart your device, then reinstall the app.

You can also rent oxygen tanks. Our family member is on 24/7 02 and will be traveling with portable concentrator and tanks to be able to go swimming.  Special needs at sea is one company, there are others.

I have stayed at the Fairmont in Banff and visited the one in Lake Louise (they are now part of Le Accor hotel group).  Banff is town where as Lake Louise has only a few shops and no real restaurants.  They are about an hr away from each other.  I would suggest staying in Banff and visiting Lake Louise (unless you don't plan on leaving the hotel, which is lakefront, for meals).  Both areas are in the same national park so you will need to buy a park pass upon entering the area.

For my upcoming cruise I was offered an upgrade or a future cruise credit, not a OBC, for half the amount of the price I paid minus the current price. I went for the upgrade.

I haven't brought it on a cruise, but I love my surface pro 3 which is slightly larger than the new surface pro. I would recommend it in a heartbeat.

You should have no problem connecting to the ships WiFi with it.

On the NA the first week of Jan we were able to go ashore at both ports. It was a little windy and rocky to get on the tender for GC. I whacked my head because the tender moved, but was perfectly fine.

Heading out on Veendam May 30. Our 4th time on her and we can't wait!

 

I do have a question. The Bermudian and US dollars seem to trade one to one. Did they accept American dollars or did you need to exchange money?

You may use them interchangeably. If the shop has both currencies you will frequently get USD back as well, but try to use exact change or you may come home with some Bermudian money if they don't have enough change.

I'm sure you're right about some people not being in tune with body language, but from my experience smiles (or scowls) are universally understood -- but I could be wrong. :)

This is true!!:) Hopefully no one is scowling on vacation though ;)

I have found it's pretty easy to know by body language, eye contact, etc. whether or not chatty or not. Like most here, I don't go looking for conversation with strangers (or heaven forbid butt into their conversation, that's just strange!)

 

It can feel awkward when someone and sits down when you are already sitting -- do you welcome them, do you ignore them? I usually make eye contact as a welcoming gesture, and then go back to what I was doing. If they make conversation, it doesn't bother me and if they don't, that doesn't bother me either.

Not everyone reads body language well and depending where someone is from body language may mean something different to both parties involved.

I agree with you about it being awkward for all. I will smile as a friendly gesture and am happy to converse or go about my business. It's not a big deal and it won't ruin my vacation.

I don't expect privacy for a conversation but do expect to be able to speak with my husband without strangers who sat down with us jumping in and offering their two cents worth.

I also often use the time I am eating breakfast to check my email etc and don't appreciate being interrupted to tell the newcomer where I am from, what excursion I am taking, how many cruises I have been on ---and so on.

 

Why do people feel the need to do that anyway?

Regarding your morning routine of checking email, perhaps if you say to the newcomer when they sit, excuse me if I am not very talkative I am in the middle of something, most people will not have an issue with that.

IMO people make small talk to be polite. It is awkward to sit at a table with strangers.

Personally I don't mind the question "what do you do?". If you are meeting new people you often find things you have in common or can relate to. Therefore asking questions regarding what you do, where you live/are from, are you enjoying the weather, first cruise, plans in x port, x activity on ship, etc. seem to be quite benign.

I honestly don't think most people are trying to figure out how much I make or what I paid for my cruise based on what I do. I wouldn't walk up to someone and start a conversation with "Hi, what do you do?" but if it comes up over the course of the conversation I won't shut down and discontinue the conversation. A simple response is I don't like to talk about work while on vacation if you really don't want to discuss.

Also if you don't want to talk about yourself, remember that by asking open ended questions it gives the other party the opportunity to talk about themselves, which a lot of people enjoy doing.

Religion and politics I stay away from. Sports can also be a touchy subject depending on the season and if there are any playoffs approaching and where you are sailing from.

Given the feedback I have received so far, we are leaning toward Eastern Caribbean. I checked flight info, and trying to fly from Portland to San Juan is not really practical for now.

 

Given this info, which ports do you think are good for snorkeling or fishing? (Yes, we want to look at the fish (me) or catch the fish (DH)! :D

 

Thank you!

Snorkeling is great in Grand Turk and St. John USVI (can go if cruising to St Thomas), the Baths in Virgin Gorda BVI (again a trip over from Tortola) are fun too!

Great beaches for relaxing, not really snorkeling are Orient Beach in St Maarten, Jost Van Dyke BVI (very low key atmosphere) and Antigua has some great beaches also.

While Bermuda is not in the Caribbean if you are considering a summer cruise charter boat fishing and snorkeling are great!

I know more ships are going to the Dominican Republic, but I must say we spent a week at two different all inclusive resorts. It wasn't a place on our must go list but we were invited to a destination wedding. We really loved one of the resorts, the Iberostar Grand Bavaro. Everything was really top notch and it is a place we would go back to in a heartbeat. The beaches were clean and again it was very relaxing.

Thanks for that tip, I'll be looking at Walmart.

 

Lorie

Great! The link is to amazon, but you can at least know what you are looking for. It weighs .8 ounces and it is also great to grab for a trip to the bathroom during the night if you are sharing your cabin

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FSY7MM/ref=s9_simh_co_p201_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=typ-top-left-1&pf_rd_r=0V49H9WCF5WS17YT2DBR&pf_rd_t=3201&pf_rd_p=1827489602&pf_rd_i=typ01

I have a GE LED book light comes in pink or blue. I purchased at Walmart, can also be found online at Amazon. It flips open and uses 2 aaa batteries. I think it has like 8-10,000 hr LED bulb. It is compact, but bright!!

My dad is a retired lobsterman. From Canada to Florida the lobster is known as Maine lobster. Typically on cruises it is Australian or Caribbean lobster. Maine lobster is typically larger and sweeter with a harder shell unless it is molting season. The lobster served onboard has a softer shell and comes from warm water but tends to be chewier and is frozen.

I can't answer to the number of times it is served, but I do know the quality is much better ashore. IMO you should try it to see if you notice the difference.

What do you like to do? Shop, beach, golf, hike?

My gratuities add up to $160 , I have stayed in many hotels and have never tipped that much after a weeks stay.

Your tip isn't just for your hotel stay in this case. You have in essence 2 cabin stewards everyday with service twice a day, not once like a standard hotel. 2 waiters at dinner each night for dinner, 1-2 at breakfast,lunch, and afternoon tea.

In the end it is your vacation and you are going to tip however you choose, but you should be able to make an educated decision.

How were behind the scenes people compensated 20 years ago then?

 

I have to say this is the most civil and enjoyable discussion regarding this topic in a while.

They weren't and they complained. As I said in my first post :

Many hard working people were not tipped, hence the auto gratuity was enacted.

I wasn't limiting this to the cabin/dining stewards and their assistants who were not tipped.

It still is.

 

 

 

So why on Earth, then, if someone gives them cash instead of an automated daily service charge do some say they are compelled to turn it into the company, just for the company to give it back to them? If the point was to avoid crew being "stiffed" why would the company take cash from them? Makes no sense.

 

There WAS a time, actually not very long ago, that the gratuity WAS baked right into HAL's cruise fare and they advertised that no tipping was necessary.

The crew goes beyond your cabin and dining attendants. The person laundering your bed linens, the cooks, even the painters (,etc.) receive money from the auto gratuity. If you remove auto gratuity and only tip one or two people they are supposed to turn over those tips to the pooled funds. If you tip beyond the auto gratuity amount they do not have to.

No tipping was necessary, hence at ones discretion, however there were still guidelines for average tipping amounts. It was a gimmick when cruising numbers were down to encourage more people to cruise.

Not sure exactly the percentage or proportion but the steward may only get, and this is only an example, $30 out of the $100. Like it or not that's how HAL has decided to do it.