MsTabbyKats

It would be my choice if DH didn't have a cane and walk like a snail. If the skies are clear, I wouldn't mind waiting at the pier. In bad weather, either way it's uncomfortable and in snow/ice...I can't imagine how the cars would get in there. This is actually a deciding factor of whether or not to sail MSC again.

My opinion is "extremely pro". We sailed Jan 2024. I had the bar set really low....based on the great deal and great cabin I had. What could I expect for "almost nothing"? As it turned out....it was a perfect cruise. Entertainment was good, brunch was very good.... Service was better than expected in the buffet (DH uses a cane so I generally am his butler....while I was running around for him, the staff was bringing him food). The food in general was ok...nothing to write home about, but nobody starved. Edited to add about the theatre: As someone else said, get there early. There was barely an inclination so if you're short, and not in the first row, you won't see much.

But you can put your carry on in your lap if in a wheel chair. DH does this all the time. However, the wheelchairs (in NYC anyway) are inside and upstairs in the terminal. You'd have to get to that point yourself, without assistance. I'd also suggest a backpack...so you'll be hands free if you decide to go.

@mscdivina2016Did they offer you a refund/cancellation? If so, why didn't you accept it?

Several years ago we didn't go on a cruise (bad weather). No insurance so we lost the fare and we didn't get the points either. The logic was that if you aren't spending $$$ on the ship, so they aren't getting additional revenue. Makes no sense to me....since they're getting the fare.

Yes....but OP is asking about the main buffet, not YC.

Born and raised...and will die....NYC. For the record, my TA is unable to give much of a discount with Carnival. But, then again, the price of a Carnival balcony is about 25% the cost of MSC YC.

@dbrown84My husband confirmed, no made to order omelet station on Mera last week. We were in YC, and I had my omelet up there at 7:30 am. He sleeps much later than me so his breakfast was in the main buffet (open "almost always") about 11 am...and he had the pre-made ones. Another point of interest pertaining to buffets; I don't know if you care...but MSC's does not have those cabinets full of desserts/pastries or 8 kinds of ice cream with toppings! MSC is very frugal with ice cream.

@ready2cruzagainI hope this was an "Epic Specific" buffet issue and not a fleet wide cutback.

Our butlet was Onil, and he was great. His asst was Vinz...also great! Our cabin number was 16022. We really didn't spend that much time in the YC...I never learned any of the other names. But everyone was helpful and friendly.

The NCL buffets (all 3 meals) have unlimited options.....never had a bad meal there. On MSC the buffets are "ok" but with limited choices...there were a few really "not good" things I tried. However, nobody beats MSC when it comes to pizza. There was a large bowl of sphagetti by the pizza; I didn't try it so I won't comment. IMHO...if you're cruising for the buffet, NCL is the way to go.

Hmmm...I sure there was an omelet station (last week) but I didn't have one, so maybe it was just a vat of pre-made ones.

Meraviglia had made to order omelets (I don't think every day....I could be wrong). Nothing else that I noticed was made to order. It in no way compares to the NCL buffet.

I don't either (I didn't think any wheelchairs could go on any tenders. How does a wheelchair manuveur that little ramp or couple of steps???)....but let's just say her port fee refund is classified under "good will"

I'd love to give him the business but cruise critic would ban me for life. I think it was closer to 15%...looking at my records, between the MSC 5% + 5%....it was about 25% off the original price. Did you ever try the site where agents compete for your business? I believe that's where I found him (he's on vacation this week).

LOL....our subways (NYC) are filled with roving musicians...that sound a lot better. Seriously, I'd expect a more subdued atmosphere in Butcher's Cut...let's say a violinist would have been nice.

Umm...I didn't witness this myself...but "on the social media" site, it was reported that there was chair hogging in YC on Mera last week. I'm not sure if the person meant "no loungers available" or just people left stuff on "prime loungers" for hours without being there. Maybe this is what happens when people from "gen pop" upgrade to YC!

It isn't showing the discount because it's an awful and inconsistent website. I do the math myself and confirm with the TA that my math is correct.

My TA will only book directly, won't do transfers...but he gives a a very good discount...a bit over 10%. He seems to have a good relationship with MSC (hoping he can do something with my non-refundable YC deposit that I already did a "cruise change" with. But definitely...use a TA for MSC.

Obviously a mariachi band that got lost on their way to Hola! I'd point them in the right direction.

I saw only one taxi passing by while I was waiting for uber..about 15 minutes. There was no long line of yellow cabs. It's not like Manhattan. I got there about 9:15. There may be more when people arrive for embarkation.

Thanks....great advice. But I already used my "one free move" option so it's highly unlikely I can go that route. TA is on vacation now; will see if there are any options upon her return.

Yes....it's the same great service, cabin size/cost doesn't affect anything. I never should have waved those pompoms and let the secret out! Just a note: My husband didn't share my disappointment. His main complaint was "itinerary"....3 sea days in a row with "too cool and windy" for the YC pool deck was boring. That he couldn't get freshly grilled fish bothered me more than it did him.

@cellfreeIf I were to go in YC again, it would be in an interior cabin. Although the balcony deluxe was deluxe...the interior was adequate. We travel lite...so even the lack of storage space would be ok for us. This time the butler brought more snacks....maybe because we had more space and a table.

Another thought....the Brookly cruise terminal vs Manhattan. Getting off the ship was easy thanks to the butler....but there was chaos at "the uber waiting area"...I guess due to the drizzle. It would be awful in winter. Our wait for the car was about 10 minutes. Without the butler, the line to get off was loooooong.