texangal39

Got an email today that my purchased excursion, the Ceclo Electric Pedalo, was canceled due to operational concerns. I thought this was going to be kind of cool because it was very different looking. We have been assured a full refund, but I’m feeling a little bummed about the cancellation; it seemed like a real good time. Anyone else get cancelled from this excursion? Anyone been on one of these neat looking contraptions and have a story to tell that might explain these concerns? Anyone have a fun story about these contraptions?

I am trying to figure that out too. I just completed my online check in for my cruise in a few weeks and it asked for my credit card and I got a message back saying my card was registered for onboard use and that if I wanted to change it to go to Guest Services on the ship.

Hence the, “…and when asked to move they do not speak English all of a sudden.” 😂🤣

I agree that this is based upon individual preferences. I prefer more shade than the umbrellas can provide as a woman of a certain maturity🥵 I also noticed they are now selling the use of an umbrella for my cruise 😳

Well, there goes my theory that maybe people were unaware and taking up cabanas that weren’t theirs because of a lack of signage 🤣

Thanks for the tips. I went ahead and booked the cabana for my upcoming sailing. Looking forward to it. Hope I don’t have to evict anyone but it’s a good thing I’m not shy or afraid to be firm but polite. Plus I have serious RBF which is helpful in confrontational situations. It would be nice if MSC added chalkboard name plates to the front/side of the cabana so that it is clear they are reserved for someone. This would make it easy to identify your cabana and most people wouldn’t park themselves in a reserved cabana with a sign containing someone’s name.

Thanks for the info. We are ready to go and can’t wait to check the ship out! We will definitely include this ask/need in our survey response after our cruise, but I will also see if I can mention it while on the ship to the crew.

Since I will be Aurea on my next sailing we are considering a cabana because it will be Spring Break and more than likely very crowded as I believe our sailing is nearly sold out. Are the regular cabanas assigned or is it first come?

Adding my question to this thread and appreciate any responses…. I have a young adult (20) who will be sailing with me on MSC for the first time. Typically we are on Royal and NCL and there are meet-ups and activities for ages 18-22. We are wondering if MSC does this? We are crossing our fingers, but also aren’t going to be crushed if not. There’s plenty to do regardless and meeting people isn’t hard. We’re just wondering…

From what I’ve heard most dislike this category of cabins because the A/C is sucked out and turns off when you open the window. I will probably like it because I love everything about vacationing because it’s better than being at home working! I also like the thought of expanding my cabin a bit and having a window that opens. But, if nothing else I prefer my bed by the balcony; a must for me!

Thank you for the f/u and info! It’s pretty much as I expected. Hope the cruise is going great! Wishing you a fabulous time!

Great blog! Thanks for all of the detail. I am learning so much about board games (you mention many I’ve never heard of) and I’m now creating a list of some that I want to purchase before we set sail. We usually travel with Regular playing cards, UNO, Travel sized Yahtzee and Othello, Cards Against Humanity, Tell me without telling me, and Travel sized Checkers. So, I’m sure my folks will be excited to try some new games. I’m posting because even though I’ve only made it to page 7, it’s a very good blog and it’s nice to see someone else’s viewpoint of the Davina. I was on her in July of 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed the size of the ship. It was easy to figure out where everything was and also large enough that it didn’t feel crowded even though it was fully booked. There were lots of Australians, Spaniards, and other Europeans onboard and very few Americans during our sailing as well which was great in our opinion. We enjoy meeting people from all over the world because we invariably make new friends that we connect with when traveling and also reciprocate if/when they are in Texas. Like you, we ate at the Black Crab often, but during our cruise we experienced decently paced service with good food most of the time. But, I cracked up laughing when you said “who knew there was a second entrance to the Butcher’s Cut” because the exact same thing happened to us when we went to make our reservation for dinner and we lucked up on the second entrance on our way somewhere else and no one was in line so it was a quick stop to take care of that. We did have a fabulous meal that night; seafood tower, lamb chops, steak, and they plied me with more wine than I should have had! Overall a great time on the Davina and I will sail her again for sure! So, thanks so much for the interesting read and for taking the time to write it up and share your pics.

Thanks for responding! I’m on page 6 of your blog and enjoying the work you put into it. The check-in at the MIA port with Aurea experience is a big question for me. I’ve decided to expect a general check-in and luggage drop as if we are in Bella or Fantastica so that I’m not waiting for some special check-in that is actually minimal in MSC’s eyes 😁

Read this whole thread and many others and I have a couple of questions about our upcoming sailing on the Seascape: 1. The website, the app, and our confirmation all say Aurea has priority check-in and boarding. I’m leaving from Miami and all of the threads I’ve read only mention YC. Our bag tags don’t say Aurea. Are they going by the color on the bag tag? Is there a designated Aurea check-in and boarding area? I’m wondering how this will go and if anyone can provide their experience. 2. Do we have to book our dinner time each day or can we just show up? 3. I’ve read many threads that say Aurea has a different MDR but I’ve checked the MSC site, our confirmation, and the app and this isn’t mentioned. Has this been disconfirmed? 4. I tried booking shows on the app, but wasn’t able to. There’s a small lock showing on each day so I suppose that means I can only book it on the ship. Is this correct? 5. Does the chat feature in the app show after boarding? Any help you all can give with my questions would be greatly appreciated!! Have a great day!😀

I called in and booked what I needed over the phone this morning. Much faster and they sent me an updated itinerary that reflected the newly added items I purchased. So, if you still aren’t seeing it, give them a call. I didn’t even have to hold for assistance, they picked up right away. Good luck!

Sounds like you had a great time and your choice was worth it and you captured an awesome deal. I agree with you about Aurea being an excellent value for what you pay. The cabins appear to be very nice with an elevated experience and it’s not much more to add a dining package. I just did that today for my upcoming sailing and it was only $110 each; indeed a steal. I am excited about the Aurea experience and the YC as well and know that what you said is exactly why I booked them both; Aurea for the cabin I wanted and YC for the pampering experience. I considered trying a 4-night cruise to try out YC but decided to just dive right in and go for a full experience on a longer sailing for this fall.

Thank you and I think you’ve summed up Aurea and YC perfectly! Thanks so much for the tip/reminder to research! I plan to start my research on our stops soon. Some stops I’ve already spent considerable time in because I try to split my fly&stays and cruises for balance, but it’s a new adventure for me every single time to find the things I missed and also add new things to see to the list. Happy cruising!

For those who are curious, I booked …. 3 cruises because I couldn’t decide 🤩 1. Seascape - Caribbean Cruise - Aurea Premium Suite with Whirlpool. This allows me to try the Aurea experience and the cabin I coveted and get it out of my system. We will be onboard in a few weeks!! 2. World Europa - Med. Cruise - Yacht Club Deluxe Suite. This coming fall. 3. Seashore - Caribbean Cruise - Winter 2025 - Yacht Club Deluxe Grande Suite We will be on Royal on the Icon of the Seas in a Jr. Suite for Thanksgiving this year. So, I still need to book Thanksgiving 2025; looking at NCL right now. It’s been a while since I was on them. I had something booked for February, but I canceled due to a family emergency. THANKS SO MUCH for the pics and advice everyone!!

The website is very very glitchy so sometimes things don’t show up correctly or at all. Just call MSC, if you booked direct, and have them add it to your booking. WORD OF CAUTION: Check your itinerary after you do any arrangements over the phone with them because errors are a big problem.

Great advice! I’ve never been tapped by the upgrade fairy but I can only hope I do get an offer acceptance and this strategy may prove successful. Thanks a million!

Thanks so much for sharing the video. That really helped and definitely changed my mind! Just the thought of not having to share the pool area with the entire ship has me sold now, so I think I’m booking the YC Deluxe Suite and will cross my fingers for an upgrade offer to the Royal Suite.

Thank you for the info. It’s nice that Aurea gets some things different from Fantástica onboard. It almost sounds like the Jr. Suite access on Royal. You have access to some special things but not everything the higher level suites get.

Yes, the Haven was really good pre-COVID. These days, it’s just ok and at times not so good because the service has dropped due to the staffing issues. This will be my 2nd MSC sailing. Yacht Club and Aurea were sold out on my first sailing, so I’m trying again. I agree that the difference from suite to suite can be either a deal & steal or a bank breaker, so good luck on your decision and booking!

Thanks for replying. That’s why I am so torn right now. I generally soak these old bones in the hot tub almost every night when I cruise, so this cabin is just what I need at the price I need. I just wish I could get the Royal Suite as that would be everything I want, but … Cadillac taste with Chevy budget! 🤣

Hi everyone, I need a little help from the MSC veterans. I’m looking at the Seascape and trying to decide between the Premium Aurea with Whirlpool or the Yacht Club Deluxe Suite. I am really torn because the cabin seems amazing but the Yacht Club is calling to me and the Royal Suite with the whirlpool is out of my budget so I’d have to go with the YC Deluxe Suite. I hate to give up the whirlpool because the YC Deluxe Suite doesn’t interest me as much, but I equally want to be in YC. So, my questions are: Does being in YC completely trump the Aurea Experience and Aurea Premium Cabin with whirlpool? Aside from the cabin, spa access, drinks package, WiFi, anytime dining, and priority boarding, what else is designated for Aurea Experience cruisers? Are there any reserved areas onboard for those with the Aurea experience? If so, what are they? Thanks for your responses and happy cruising!! Sincerely, Stuck like Chuck 🙃😀