EngIceDave

2014

Maybe I'm just too poor or cheap....LOL

(Sorry.....joke)

Can't say "Been there, done that," but does anyone really need a "personal butler" on call 24/7?

You can also use the credit for your gratuities 

Soda is not free, regular coffee is free, but espresso/cappuccino is not

You can get a glass of water, but a bottle will cost you

I can help with Q2

Most all cruise lines, including MSC, offer a sit down a la carte breakfast in the MDR.

You do not always have to eat a buffet breakfast

Though, they can be closed on certain port days or on disembarkation day

I saw those, thank you.

I leave a week from Monday....Got to get through Daytona Bike Week first though...LOL

I can't remember from when I went on Divina a few years ago, but sometimes on other cruise lines, I may get two (2) appetizers as my whole meal (no entree) or if I like the entree and it's small or wifey-poo and I want to split an extra one between us, is there any problem with that on MSC?

I know with my CCL and RCCL cruises, it was never an issue and you could order whatever you wanted and even seconds.

I saw a guy one night on CCL order the lobster entree five times on lobster night....blew my mind

I'm not a big guy (RE: thin), so I can get picky or not want a big meal, but I may want to try something new or different along with my entree and/or share with wifey-poo.

So, so ordering extra is not a problem on MSC or Armonia?

Thanks

I asked about this when I called and the young lady said to ignore it, said she didn't know why they scheduled so late, she suggested noon-1pm

Agreed, no way anything can incubate and come to full bloom that quickly

If train isn't running, then I'd rent a car, dropping it at CDG, then take train (subway) into the city center. You can literally go from CDG to Notre Dame on a single train. Subways will be running (unless on strike, of course)

When in Paris, highly recommend Big Red Bus Tour....both red and green lines will take you about everywhere you want to go and see in Paris

By the way, are you asking about how to get around Paris itself, since the bus will be taking to TO Paris?

Man, you do not want to drive in Paris...it's nuts

Not a direct answer, but I will offer this nugget....The French have this penchant for striking.

It is not unusual to show up in Paris or France and the trains be on strike, or the taxis or both

When it comes to getting around Paris and France, ALWAYS have a plan B

Been there enough to know the hard way.

Keep eye on news too

It took me a week....Not sure what Gold gets me, but, whatever...

Welcome David,

To the MSC Voyagers Club.  You are now a Gold card member and your number is 2XXXXXX.  Enjoy all your exclusive benefits right away, on your first cruise (No, it ain't) with MSC Cruises; just don’t forget to communicate your Club number at the time of booking.

As a reminder, the Status Match is a one-time courtesy to allow our guests to join us at a higher level than they might otherwise be able to.  Once you’ve been matched, we’re not able to change your level by matching you again, but every cruise you take with us, as well as your on-board spending will add points to your account and increase or maintain your level.  Simply cruise with us once every 3 years, to retain your points.

Thank you for choosing MSC Cruises.  We look forward to welcoming you a board in the very near future.

Regards,

MSC Voyagers Clu

54 minutes ago, MrMike45 said:

Is there any confirmation anywhere about a 200-250 pound slot machine flipping over and landing on a woman?  That sounds rather extreme even given what happened 

I own a real slot machine, and I can tell you that they are crazy heavy, at least 300#

Also, they're more bottom heavy than top heavy, top is little more than lights and stuff.

Be hard to see one actually toppling over, especially onto someone. Have to be some seriously violent thrashing motion, like a snap motion, to get one over, being most all the weight is at bottom

Cool, thank you

We are looking forward to the trip, and keeping expectations a little subdued 

4 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Let’s see what Nassau night life is like!

 

Be careful in Nassau, especially at night. In the last week, the US Dept of State actually put out a travel warning for the Bahamas and Nassau. Don't venture too far off the beaten path at night, stay in well lit areas and keep moving. 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/the-bahamas-travel-advisory.html

Feb 25, 2019

Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.

Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, is common, even during the day and in tourist areas. Although the family islands are not crime-free, the vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to visit the Sand Trap area in Nassau due to crime. Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists.  As a result, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:

• Exercise caution in the area known as "Over the Hill" (south of Shirley Street) and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay in Nassau, especially at night.
• Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for The Bahamas.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Thank you

I go on 18th

If you don't mind my asking, what was the average age of the ladies in your group, are you all from TX and how many other cruises had the group done, on average?

Just for demographic understanding

That port is no where near close to Rome, it's like an hour + away

I understand, my question was to the person I quoted.... @seathew0rld

33 minutes ago, SeaTheW0rld said:

When they eliminate the Easy Package, or raise the price, and people start howling I'll reference this thread. 

I'm sorry, honestly, I do not understand the logic here.

With the Easy package, one is allowed "UNLIMITED" drinks of the beverages within that package, let's call them "well" sprits and non-alcoholic beverages (to make it simple).

Is there any part of that where I am incorrect?

So is a virgin pina colada and a shot of rum, no?

You and I agree, but apparently others do not

To clarify, so I cannot order a glass of coke and a separate shot of rum, without running a "scam?"

Understood, I am only speaking as to any recent bookings, as I booked in December. 

I am Aurea on my cruise in 2 weeks (Armonia - Cuba) and I am to have the easy package to my understanding

Seems to me, you need to add into the equation, what you drink, how much you drink and how particular you are.

If you're fine with Bacardi and Smirnoff (Rum and coke, screwdriver, etc...) then easy is fine. If you're ok with Heineken for beer (Draught), then you're fine.

Bacardi and Smirnoff as your "well brand" is a pretty darn good well brand. If you have to have call brands like Appleton or Titos, and nothing else will do, then the upgrade may be worth the coin.

IMO, if you're doing mostly blended drinks or cocktails, the available well brands on easy, are fine. If you're doing lesser blended drinks like Cuba Libre (Rum/Coke) or Vodka/soda, then you may want the more expensive call brands.

Look at the bigger picture and what you normally order when at a bar or restaurant. Do you pay the extra for the premium brands or do you normally just order your drink and take what they give ya?