Tom-n-Cheryl

I used to take either Sprite or Sierra Mist with my vodka (based on what line I was on, and which brand they were carrying, that year!) Now, I just get it with Club Soda and, as a result, don't drink them nearly as fast --- good thing! Tom

Oh to have the kind of flexibility to take advantage of a great rate only a few days out! Tom

THANKS Not trying to be nit-picky, I'm just trying to wrap my head around the whole MSC process, being a total newbie ! So - there's an app for that (MSC for me)? What's required at check-in, I assume both a printed pass or the app version is acceptable? When you say the "cruise ticket", is that something you receive via email or is that something you download and print from the MSC site? When you say your "cruise ticket" has changed, and now shows as 12:00, how were you notified of that, or how did you become aware of that? Tom

Please - keep us updated ! I'm curious... your original boarding docs I assume were printed - not sure how this process works with MSC? Does the 10:30 time show on there? How were you notified of the new time (did you discover it by chance, or email/text)? I'm just wondering what would happen if you had the original one printed, and showed up with that... I doubt they'd be double checking everyone at the terminal. I've never (in 100+ sailings on other lines) encountered a situation where they change your arrival time - unless due to late arrival, etc. From what I've read, it seems to be standard procedure with MSC. Tom

eek

From what I've ascertained - embarkation with MSC is rather pell-mell. They apparently don't pay any attention to assigned times, so we are (for our first MSC sailing in April) going to be there early. If for no other reason to book specialty dining once onboard, since they don't have that option pre-cruise for the short sailings... stupid, but that's the way they do things ! Tom

I'm guessing that there's not many people playing BJ on MSC (at least that frequent CC). I wonder if they'll even open up a $25 table to begin with ! Tom

I read somewhere that there are Cabanas and Deluxe Cabanas (not to be confused with YC). Any idea what the difference might be? I think someone mentioned food/bar service being one of the differences. I was not offered anything but the (what I assume was) "regular" one, at something like $250 or so. Tom

In a nutshell (does not have to be once sentence, lol) - what makes it leaps and bounds more special than the Haven? Tom

Not sure why, but up until this moment I thought this was on the Carnival board, and not MSC! Well, either way - good info 🙂 Tom

I see in your signature that you sailed on the Regal Empress. Now THAT is one ship that I didn't shed a tear for when they sent her to the scrapyard. Frankly, that ship is the only one I've ever been on that I could not wait for it to be over, and that takes A LOT (for me) ! Edit - I'm sure in "its day", it was something. 🙂 Tom

(found the page)... So, yep - the option is still going on (for drinks and wifi). This is for the 4/27 sailing on the Seaside (3-nt). I thought I'd check and see what the Liberty (also out of Pt. Canaveral) 3-nt on 4/28 would run. It's $5 less, at $224pp. Of course, it's difficult to pass up on MSC's offer of an additional $80 getting you three days of wifi and drinks. They definitely have their sights on Carnival, among others. They'll be able to pick some up, no doubt! Apparently, if you don't pick this option during the booking process, they don't later offer (prior to sailing nor once onboard) any type of drink package. I thought that the "Easy Plus" package offered at this rate was bare bones, but found that it probably covered enough for us. I was told by one of their reps that I "might" be able to upgrade once onboard to the premium beverage option, though they didn't know what that might run. Looking online, it comes in at $20 more pp/pd - which is what some people report paying... again, assuming that doing so would be an option. HERE'S a link comparing their different packages. You'll have to scroll to the second chart, as the first one pertains to cruises IN THE PAST... so, yep, they really need to up their IT game !! Tom

That's what I learned as well - however, there was a promo running (perhaps one which runs rarely... or often?) which offered Wi-Fi and drinks for those who booked during a certain time period. Weird, I know ! Tom

Yep - my first in April too 🙂 My booked three night (non Yacht Club) on the Seaside has already been quite the learning experience. On the shorter sailings, apparently, you can't upgrade the internet or beverage package pre-cruise nor can you pre-book specialty dining, you have to wait until you're onboard... wow, that's going to be fun! We typically sail in suites, but I wanted to see what the "regular" MSC experience was before considering returning and spending more vacation dollars with them. I went ahead and booked a cabana for Ocean Cay - our only port of call (arrive 8 am, leave at noon the next day). They look pretty basic, but at least it's some guaranteed shade! I'm going with the most positive attitude I can - and I'm going to try and chill and just accept what comes our way! Tom

The best offers I’ve ever received from Carnival (just in the last few months) were when I had 4 future cruises booked. I kind of assumed nothing would come on the radar with all that already set up, but I was wrong! Regarding upping your bet when it appears the pit boss is making the rounds – I pretty much now just bet like I’m going to be anyway, based on how play has been going. I can recall one time seeing the pit critter coming towards my table… I play two (BJ) hands to begin with anyway at the $25 table, but upped it to $300/hand as he approached. Of course, I ended up that play with multiple splits and doubles and probably lost close to $2k just from those initial two hands… yep, I’ll just play the way I play (and tip generously and regularly, with a good attitude to boot)! BTW, there should be a “common sense” test for players at higher limit tables, lol… During our Liberty sailing last month there were more “bad” players than I’ve seen in years: dealt an A-5 against a dealer’s 5, and STAND… get a pair of Aces, and… DOUBLE ! At least 6-8 times someone would sit down an get chips on their card --- and only get between $25-50, at a $25 table! OK… off my soapbox 😊

I see some photos of cabanas with chairs out in front, others with loungers. Which is it, or is it both? Tom

The way I read it (on the shore excursion page), booking one only reserves it for a single day. Tom

Oh - one more question... the lower numbers are to the RIGHT... is that the right when looking at towards the water, or with the water to your back? Tom

Not that I could necessarily discern between 1, 2, or 3 stars - but those courses almost looked too good to eat!! Tom

New to MSC On Carnival, at the $25 table, they pay 3:2 and use a CSM, table max $2,500. On Celebrity, they're also 3:2 at the $25 table, but hand shuffle, table max $500. For both (above): Dealer hits soft 17's, no surrender, double any hand, split aces get 1 card each only. Where does MSC fit into this (@ $25+ tables)? SMOKING - just thought about this. Newer ships on Carnival have smoking/non-smoking sides. Celebrity is non-smoking throughout. What about MSC? Comps-- Any free/reduced sailings owing to activity, or other benefits (free play, spa, dining, etc)? THANKS

So, I'm guessing yours was at least 29+. There must be more than I envisioned - if the "preferred ones" start at #29 ! If one doesn't pop up on here, I'll make a point to try and get an image (onboard, on island) of the available cabanas w/numbers... if such a thing exists! Thanks, Tom

Yes - I recall that one. Not as exciting as climbing the ladder into a C-5 Galaxy (w/rucksack) but flashback "fun" nonetheless! Oh the memories! Tom

That depends... is Emeril's open upon embarkation? I know for our two sailings (8/21 and 11/21) it was not. Tom

OK - grabbed one 🙂 One other thought... it's for a max of 6 guests. When booking, it had (just) our two names listed there - which I selected. Is there anything which needs to be done in order to have someone from another booking/cabin share it with us? Tom

Thanks - I'll go ahead and grab one now, while they're still available. When you asked for a particular cabana, which one did you choose, and why (and were you pleased with your selection)? Tom