shipgeeks

In my experience, one is always asked to "cover up" before going into other venues such as the buffet, and in my opinion, something like a shirt, or a wrap or little dress, are nicer than a robe. Also, one should dry off at least a bit before sitting down in other venues, so as not to leave a wet puddle. Enjoy your cruise!

I love having the instant access to information that was never the case in my youth. However.... As a veteran cruiser, I cringe at some of the things I read and see on "some other sites", with no way of knowing who is credible. Example: "I just booked a cruise for my family, and the TA told me food is included. Now I'm learning that we have to pay for everything we eat and drink." Example: "The app says there are only two shows during my 9-night cruise." Example: "I hear we have to dress for all the theme nights, but I don't know if we have 50s/white/tropical/80s/country-western/other. How am I supposed to buy all my outfits?" Example: "What's the best way to avoid seasickness?" Answers: "Highest deck -- Lowest deck -- all the way forward -- all the way back -- balcony only -- You can't avoid it, everyone gets seasick."

When we sailed Bella, we were given a dinnertime we did not want. We were able to easily change it by speaking with the headwaiter at the time and place noted, after boarding. I'm sure it all depends on availability on any given cruise, but it's worth a try. Overall, we had no complaints at all. We were treated fabulously in all venues. We would sail Bella again without hesitation. (And we are not casino users.)

barric, there are several other lounges on Vision, many with music and other entertainment. No music in Crown Lounge, just enjoyable conversation for those who wish to partake. But there is Some Enchanted Evening Lounge (Latin band or other), Schooner Bar (piano player), etc.

For those of us unfortunate souls who will not be on a ship in PC, will it be televised anywhere?

Same here, including one time that our luggage tag was torn off. They figured it out from our bus line tag, and delivered as usual. The only time I've read of non-delivery has been from people whose bags were taken to the Naughty Room.

One of the "quirks" of MSC is the four Experiences, which, in part, determine one's dining arrangements. In our case, we will only sail with assigned dining, so we choose Bella or Fantastica. Those who want anytime dining need to choose Aurea.

We loved our MSC cruises; what we perhaps liked the most was the fact that it was different from our usual cruises, probably owing to the passenger mix (Americans in the minority), and the different foods, shows, and overall feel. It really felt more like being "away". As others have said, it is worth doing the status match. My main recommendation is to study the four "experiences" and their benefits before choosing one and making your booking. In our case, for example, we will not do Anytime Dining, so Aurea was not for us. We don't use room service, so Fantastica would not benefit us. We booked Bella, had a wonderful cabin, excellent service, and two great cruises.

Did you do anything other than just soak oatmeal in milk or water overnight? That's what I've always done. I usually add any dried fruits, as well, to let them soften. Then add fresh things like banana and shredded apple in the morning.

edspec and alserrod, Thank you for your nice notes about tortillas. I am regularly embarrassed by the naivete of some of my fellow Americans, especially here on the MSC forum, who assume that if something is not exactly what they expected, or what they have at home, then something is wrong, or they were misled or lied to. We spent several weeks in southern Spain, and ate tortillas, or bocadillas, many times. Delicious! We even asked niece-in-law's mother for cooking instructions. And the bread was unfailingly good - plain, or with olive oil, never butter. Such good memories. I think we need to sail MSC again!

Was popcorn ever free on RC? If so, I wonder if perhaps greed has led to the price for it. Little boxes of cereal, and individual bags of potato chips, used to be readily available. Then, after greedy people started taking shopping bags and filling them with these items, and depleting the supply for others, cereal became dispenser only, and chips are by request, one or two per person. ??

Misconception: I need to decorate the door of my cabin, and I need to buy and hide a bunch of little ducks. Reality: No, you don't need to do either. Most people don't.

Yes, They are usually in the center drawer of the desk/dresser.

Did this get posted in the wrong place? Worth trying again?

If I recall correctly, MB is one of the stops on the HOHO bus route. Getting there via the bus would give you a look at some of the other sights, as well. I think it is across the bay from cruise terminal, so not walking distance.

I'm still curious whether anyone from the social group OP sailed with was of any help, either with logistics, or allaying concerns about the procedures. Were they all first-timers, or were there any more experienced cruisers? Were they aware of the situation? Any emotional or practical support?

I would say the ones who are disappointed, in general, are the ones who booked MSC because it was cheap, without knowing anything about the onboard experience. The satisfied ones booked MSC because they wanted the more international experience, and perhaps a change from the sameness of RoyalNorwegianCarnival. I do blame MSC for emphasizing price rather than experience in their advertising, but I also think it behooves all of us to learn about something we are committing our $$ and our vacations to. Personally, we loved our MSC cruises.

Do you have a loyalty status with Carnival? If so, have you applied for a status match? You will be assigned a dinner time and table.

Misconception: If sitting in a lounge with live music, one is expected to buy a drink. Fact: Not true at all; it's entirely optional. With the occasional exception of a paid event, all venues are open for all passengers. If offered a drink, and you don't want one, just say No thanks. Typically, the server will place a paper napkin on the table and turn down the drink menu, which signals the other servers not to pester you.

MVP, I'm sorry this happened to you, but I have to agree with the others who said that RC did all the right (standard) things. I'm curious about the group you were cruising with. Did it contain some experienced cruisers? Have they been of any assistance to you? I would have thought that they would be able to set your mind at ease regarding the procedures you experienced, the costs, etc. I hope you are keeping all the receipts from medical care on the ship and off, so you can submit a claim for reimbursement.

A couple of years ago we were at a charity fundraiser, browsing, and came across a big framed poster: Ship of the Year, '85, Song of America, Royal Caribbean. Nice photo of the ship, at an unnamed port. We bought it, and it is hanging in our hallway in all its glory.

I'm wondering if the problem in 7602 is because someone in the past used one of the Dyson hairdryers that is notorious for destroying electrical systems. I can report some good news, though. Last week, on Vision, I found a new hairdryer in my cabin, and it was by far the best, strongest one I've ever used, including my good ones at home. I suspect they are being replaced as needed, rather than ship-wide or fleet-wide. For those who complain of having to hold down the button, this model doesn't require that. The button slides up for strong, middle for off, and down for low. My long hair dried in a jiffy.

On our most recent cruise, we loved spending time in the main live music/dance floor/bar venue.......except that every evening, a youngish couple brought their two toddler boys there, and encouraged them to run around the dance floor (even though the planner clearly stated that no children were to do so). Not especially worrying, though, except that then the dad would pick up the older boy, throw him high into the air, then catch and release. The floor is marble. We had such a concern about him dropping the little boy that we usually left, after telling a couple of bartenders, and band members, why we could not stay. His fun was repeated every day of the cruise. Would seeing this worry you? Are we overreacting? Should we have pursued reporting this? To whom? What do you think?

You just brought back a memory of the fact that my college dorm had bunk beds, so half of us had to climb a ladder every day. Good point, above, about leaving the main bed as a king, in case any child were to fall out. On the other hand, some have suggested having the main bed separated so access is easier for the parents, getting in and out of bed(s).

roupa, You just reminded me of a situation that was so unpleasant on last week's Vision cruise that we had to excuse ourselves from Centrum several times during good music sets. There was a family with two toddler boys who loved to bop around all areas of the dance floor. Bad enough, but every day, the father would then pick up the older one, throw him high in the air, and catch him on the descent, multiple times a day. It was terrifying to think what could happen if that boy landed head first on the marble floor. We told several bartenders, and the band, why we didn't stay.....but what could have been done?