Essiesmom

I doubt if their computers take much of anything into consideration.

Consulting cruisetimetables, it appears that WE does not regularly embark guests on a stop in Malta. The first one showing for September is the 4 day on September 20. EM

There are several Rey recent threads about the $5 charge each for extra entrees. I discussed it in my Live thread. It’s in very small print on the menus. It includes all entrees from chef’s selection down, and on the classics side from Mac and cheese down. Apps and desserts are still unlimited. EM

Think about what you want inside the bag also. When I went looking I wanted an expandable bag with wheels, and inside at least one side, preferably both, have zipper closures. I found the perfect bag in pumpkin orange on deep clearance at a dept. store. I have also purchased bags at TJMaxx, Burlington, online at ebags, Target, Marshall’s…look everywhere. My only complaint is that last time I looked in Burlington, the bags were all locked, you couldn’t open them to check the inside. They said you had to take them to checkout to have them opened. What a pain. No more Burlington for me. I also bought bags at American Tourister when they had stores. EM

Eat he’s in Europe generally are pebbly, not the pristine powdery white sand of the Caribbean. And remember, if the port is a 30-60 minute drive from the city, you are still in a foreign country, and the scenery can be interesting, educational. EM

Just a suggestion…I started out taking pics of the menus, but then found they were much clearer and no phone Shadow if I pulled them up in the app and did a screen shot. EM

It’s usually 0730-0900, might be earlier if it’s a really early port day, and on debark day. EM

Get a copy of Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Cruise Ports. He tells you about the ports, what there is to see, how much you can do in the time you have, and how to DIY. He also has one for Scandinavia and Northern Europe Cruise Ports. Read up, choose some places you want to see, and then go to cruisetimetables.com to see who goes to those ports and their itineraries. EM

There will be breakfast in one of the MDRs. Limited hours, though. EM

I saw people carrying their own. EM

I don’t believe there is any distinction in price or device per experience. EM

Some ships have a separate dining room for Aurea. On Seaside Aurea had one side of the Seashore MDR on deck 5 with entrance on far left. EM

It can be purchased by any and everyone

It depends on how many devices you plan to use. On MSC you can’t log off one device and log into another device. So if you both want to use phones, you need a two device plan. I got a two device plan to use with iPhone and iPad. These rates are for a 7 day cruise.

You watch the video in your cabin. Then dial the number that is supposed to be announced/displayed at the end. I never saw it, but someone told me what it was. Then you go to the muster station on your cabin door and on your card. They scan your card and you’re done. EM

Emma Lazarus

I answered on your other thread. EM

Yes, the wristband will do the trick. MSC does not give duplicate cards. It would have been helpful to have connecting cabins, but that isn’t always available. EM

When you board, you will be given a single page welcome paper. On the back side are instructions about dining. The sheet I am posting is from Seaside August 13. Directions may be slightly different on Seascape. I doubt you can make reservations for the second week during the first week unless you booked them as a single cruise, since I think they will be scanning your card(s) when making the res. But ask when making the original res. You will get a group of papers in your cabin the afternoon or evening of the last day of the first cruise. If you don’t get it, corner your steward and ask for it. Also including pictures of the card activation kiosk. You can do it any time during the first few days. On my. 3 day cruise, they were still reminding people to register during debarkation.

Yes you can. On Seaside last month they were $10 at the photo counter. I gather you are moving people around in cabins? EM

Do you have TSA pre-check? Having it will get you shorter lines at security. EM

I believe they are confused. One MDR is always open for breakfast. You can have as many apps and desserts as you want, just a fee for second or more entrees. EM

I share your disappointment, especially when looking for last minute bookings. But this problem in not limited to MSC. I have also faced it on Celebrity and Carnival. The solution may be to book as far out as possible, and choose times when kids are in school and demand is slightly less. That said, I did manage a solo B2B in August on Seaside, and I have a solo booking on Seashore for December. EM

That might have been me. But that has also happened to me when researching Celebrity. EM

If the above instructions don’t work for you…and sometimes they don’t…just go back to the main boards page, scroll down below Cruise Lines A-O and P-Z, and River Cruising, to the ROLL Calls. Click on Celebrity Roll Calls, then Beyond, and look for a thread with the dates for your sailing. EM