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17 minutes ago, NYcruzzer said:

Poster never mentioned anything about a package. Butchers Cut is an Ala Carte restaurant that also offers package pricing. Looks like  poster is asking if they can order 1 porterhouse or ribeye (ala carte) and share . I guess the only way they will know for sure is when they are onboard and inquire directly with Butcher Cut staff.

Correct.Was wondering both about the restaurant policy but also personal experience as to whether it was enough food.     

Has anyone ever shared an entree ( porterhouse or ribeye) in Butchers Cut specialty restaurant?

Does anyone have a photo of the drink menu for the Ocean Cay drink package?

With Arthur gone, any other server recommendations in the Seasude Yacht Club?

Hi Jen,

NCL and MSC are our two favorite mega ship cruise lines but for very different reasons.  For us MSC is all about the Yacht Club.  Yacht club is sometimes half the price of the comparable Haven on NCL and for many a superior experience. In the Yacht Club, no crowds,no set dining times, a great drink package (except for wines) and very personal service. And still the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the ships ameneties. Booking outside the Yacht Club gets more complicated. In addition to selecting your cabin, you select an “experience level” each of which comes with different drink packages, dining time options and perks. Study each one carefully.

On NCL for us it’s albout about the breakaway class ships. Love the all fresco dining, the specialty restaurants, the entertainment and the Thermal Spa. Not as personal experience as MSC Yacht Club but we prefer it over the other “experiences” on MSC.

We are back on MSC in the Yacht Club in March and then probably on the Getaway later this year in a Spa mini suite. Note the Spa mini suite on NCL is about the same size as a deluxe suite on MSC Seaside Yacht Club except for the larger balcony on MSC.

Hi,

We too loved our Seaside Yacht club experience and were fortunate to not encounter most of the issues you experienced related to the high occupancy.

Our biggest negative that was on your list was the Yacht Club wine list, with only mediocre quality selections available. We aren’t wine snobs but there is a big leap in quality from a $7.00 bottle to a $10-12 one.   

Our work around was to stop at the wine bar outside of Yacht Club to pick up a couple of glasses of Oberon Cab and take it to the restaurant. Interested in how  you dealt with it.

Thanks for taking the time for such a thorough review. We are sailing Yacht Club again in March and find your info very helpful.

There's no table inside either. That's what I found to be weird.

 

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If it’s important, doesn’t hurt to ask. They will aim to please if possible.

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Hi guys, I am a bit hesitant about booking with MSC, they look like they have fabulous ships and great itineraries, but, I have read so many negative reports about MSC, I really don’t know if I should risk trying them. We really like the itinerary of the new ship Bliss, and if we booked we would like to try the yacht club, but as you know it doesn’t come cheap, so do we risk it ?.

We loved our Yacht Club cruise last week. But by now there is a ton of information and opinions about Seaside so if after reviewing it you are still very nervous I would suggest you book something you are comfortable with. It would be terrible to constantly worry about your choice.

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Which drinks package and where are you travelling as that makes a difference to the wine included?

 

 

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On Seaside, an upgrade to the premium package adds two red wines. Oberon, a nice Napa Cab and a French Pinot. Then again, only a few outlets carried them and even they were sometimes out of them. We snagged a few glasses of the Oberon when we found them out and about and brought them to dinner with us. Also note that the Gabbiano Chianti Classico on the basic wine list was in fact not the Classico but the basic Gabbiano which is a poor version of this wineries offerings.

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We have a drinks package think it is basic? What is the red wine offered on that package does anyone know

We are red wine drinkers and very disappointed in the choices. We are not wine snobs but nothing available that would cost more than 7.99 in cvs or Walgreens.

However it was the only negative in an otherwise wonderful cruise. Enjoyed the beer and cocktail selections.

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I am not 100% sure, but it did not look like any bar service was available in the top sail lounge or the restaurant.

Prosecco was available.

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Is there a jazz club on Seaside?

Yes, Seaview lounge. Every night.

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Hilton lifetime diamond = silver

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Had the same feeling after I booked the Escape. We hate crowds, smoking, bingo, art auctions, lazy crew members, chair hogs, mediocre food and all the things we saw many complain about. And all of those things could be found on our cruise. But we also found many caring and hard working associates. Many wonderful dishes in the free and speciality restaurants. Peace and solitutude on the Waterfront promenade. Great entertainment and a new experience in the Thermal Spa. Our favorite cruise line is Windstar and this wasn't that. But we had an open mind and looked for ways to get the most out of our week and found them. I would do it again.

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Available were t shirts last week on the escape including 10% off on the last day. And $6.00 cool blender cups at 5 o'clock somewhere bar.

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18% on $80 per day. 8 drink average per day = 18% gratuity. 4 drink average per day = 36% gratuity per drink depending on consumption.

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Your average wine drinker can usually find something that will fit under the 15.00 limit. It's the wine snobs that are used to the fancier wines that they consume at home and they have a fit when they can't get something that is palatable to their taste buds that is under 15.00. They usually find something that only costs a few dollars over the limit and it appeases them.

Just cruised last week and normally drink $10-20 bottles at home. All red wines were priced under $15. per glass and all were mediocre or poor. Probably $5-10 per bottle at local retailer. Merlot was Blackstone. Malbec was Trapiche. Only Chianti was Bolla and both bottles they opened were spoiled. On the other hand plenty of top shelf liquor and great craft beers.

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Our 3 meal package included both the fixed price cover charge in one restaurant and full course ala carte dinners in the other two. Ala carte value ranged from 32 to 46 pp.

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I think a lottery is a great idea.

 

Since these are in such demand, I wonder why NCL hasn't raised the prices on these passes.

I wonder the same thing. Price them high enough that people won't stampede, argue and race only to be disappointed and low enough that those who really want them can and will pay for them.

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Try the waterfront near the Baz bar. Free wifi during the day and a fun place to stop by later and show appreciation by buying a drink or two.