shipgeeks

OP, When we sailed in a balcony cabin on MSC, there was indeed a small (aka tiny) plaque on the door frame, re keeping the door closed. However, I am disappointed that your issue was not resolved to your satisfaction, if it was too hot due to a neighbor's practice. In YC, especially, it is management's job to fix things for all guests; the offender should have been tactfully approached and made to follow the rule.

I had a single plastic bottle in my carryon, empty from the trip to the port. X-ray caught it, I had to open my bag and let her determine that it was, indeed, empty.

Or just pack an empty water bottle or two, and fill them from the tap/dispenser any time you want more water. The shipboard water is good. Can even add ice if using a wide-mouth.

Am I correct in thinking that American Heritage will be arriving/departing Pittsburgh on Monday (Labor Day)?

The tap water is excellent. We just take one water bottle each, in case we want to carry them ashore. Otherwise, we drink the water in our cabin, buffet dispensers, and water served in MDR.

Our back yard is the Ohio River. We have done a few river trips, including an all-day trip on the last cruise of the President. It was neat seeing our area from the river instead of our usual land routes. That trip lasted around nine hours. We were met by charter buses at the terminus, and back home in 45 minutes.

No, have never had to wait in a queue. I just wanted a few $$ to cover incidentals ashore, smaller amounts than I would use a credit card for. Very worth it for the convenience, and we don't use ATMs.

Yes, we've been behind people with wine, in Baltimore, and it made us want to be in a "no wine line". Last time there, I had a water bottle in my carryon (empty), and I had to take it out so she could confirm it was empty.

In thinking about this subject, I realize we've been in lots of different cabins, some in extreme ends of the ship, over or under public spaces, some very small, weird bed configurations, etc., but it never bothered us. I'm really not sure why this is a significant concern.

Please tell us more about the deconstructed dishes at your special dinner previously!

I see you have answered my question about the ship, TY. I'm still curious if that was the only ship in port, plus I'm wondering if you were in Saint John, NB, or St. John's, Nova Scotia.

What ship were they on? Was there more than one ship in port?

Happy Birthday, RK! The above sounds like a hard act to follow, but I hope today will be an especially good day.

We've never used cases. Just print, fold as noted on the page, cover with wide clear tape, attach to luggage handle.

Got it, thank you!

Is this a problem only for people using the app? All my docs are on my laptop; have had the button for luggage tags as long as I can remember (couple of months, at least). Not printing them yet, just in case we get an upgrade, but I agree, it's one of those things I love doing!

How exciting to be returning to cruising! Re excursions, there is a lot of helpful information re ports of call here on CC, further down on the main page of the Forum. If the ports are unfamiliar to you (or even if you've been there), it's always worth checking for new comments and info from time to time. And looking at the RC excursion options give a good introduction to what might be available, too. And of course, sometimes it's nice to just get off the ship and wander, or even to stay on the ship! Your choice. If more questions occur to you between now and then, please keep coming back. We love to share ideas!

I believe you are referring to the tented area just beyond the terminal. The container village is new this year.

There should be a "fine print" on any cruise search that says something like "price includes cruise, port fees, but not government taxes, gratuities, excursions......." etc. Included food is available for all meals. We rarely do a specialty restaurant or other pay-for items. The biggest costs beyond the price of the cruise is probably gratuities, which can be paid for ahead of time, and excursions, if you choose to do any. Some people buy beverage packages. Many family-friendly beverages can be had free of charge (juice, coffee, tea, iced tea, etc.) On a big ship there will be some rides and activities for which there is a charge.

On sea days, the restaurants and the buffet are open for all meals. On port days, the restaurant is closed at lunchtime, but open at breakfast and for dinner. Personally, we have always enjoyed having breakfast and lunch in the buffet, and dinner in the dining room, in our case, at a set time and table.

Mets, Please tell us more about the container village, before I post about it elsewhere. Is it expected to continue into September and October, at least on cruise ship days?

We've done it, it works, it is what I was going to recommend.

There are negative reviews here and there for all cruise lines, not just MSC. As mentioned above, there are some differences. Personally, we loved the fact that many passengers were not American. It felt more like being "away" than what we get on RC or similar. We preferred MSC's shows. We've seen enough "Broadway" type shows on cruise ships to last a lifetime. One should be aware of the different "experiences" and what they give. For us, we wanted a set dining time, and we do not use room service. So Bella was the right fit for us. But for someone wanting flex dining, that would not be a good choice. Service from crew is more European style, meaning less overly friendly or effusive. Again, that suits us, but it might lead some to say it is "cold". We found the food, overall, on a par with other mainstream lines. Some items, such as the pizza and the sticky buns, are outstanding. We have had wonderful cruises with MSC, and want to do more. Never had any reason to phone or contact them, so no problem there, nor did we ever have to use Guest Services while onboard. As long as you are aware of some of the differences, you can have a fabulous cruise.

We cruise as a twosome but have always been seated at a larger table. In years past we frequently did not have anyone else ever show up. This year, on one Enchantment cruise we had one other person at our 8-top, and on the second one, another twosome every night. (Traditional dining, in all cases.) It was quite enjoyable. Close enough for conversation, but with one seat in between, far enough apart for any health concerns. I don't know how MTD would work now; as noted above, many of the two-tops really are close together.

I've seen stands (kiosks) along the boardwalk.