M2ice

1 hour ago, NickG420 said:

I once came across a TikTok video of a woman who was frustrated because MSC Cruises wouldn't change her MDR time to an earlier seating, despite her being a diabetic and unable to eat that late. She was on the lowest possible booking, and MSC refused to budge.

 

While I sympathize with her, what she failed to understand is that in order to accommodate her, they would have to inconvenience someone else who has paid more for their experience and planned better. It's like when families book basic economy tickets and then ask other passengers to give up their seats for them to sit together. It's poor planning and expecting others to make sacrifices for you.

This entitled behavior is reflected in many of the negative reviews I see about MSC. While not all of them are like this, a significant portion are.

And the great part of these boards are that people who have never been on a single cruise can be an expert on how the dining room is run.  Yes there are people who believe that they are "entitled" however switching your dining time in no way fits into this.   Anyone who has been been on cruises would know this.   There is much background to the assignment of dining times and tables and it is SOP to make a switch on board,  on any line.  Just did it last weekend on Seaside and while it was not as easy as it should be it got done.

As to the "I wait 5 minutes and go to another bar" here is what would happen on the Seaside last week.   After leaving the first bar and walking up three flights of stairs you would find the wait there was even longer,  go down four flights and walk the length of the ship stand in line 10 minutes order a screwdriver and find out that they have no orange juice.  And my next move is?   And don't forget that you are just trying to get what you have already paid for if you have the drink package. 

As a customer at any level you are "entitled" to some basic level of service and this point in time MSC is often not able to provide it, even items that you have already paid for.  

Just got off.  have friends booked on two up coming cruises,  our advice to them was cancel and go elsewhere.  Take a peek at the on board now for 4/27 for more details.

Not sure of the details but the Expedia people were not on board for free.   They were having meetings and not just along for the ride.  Believe it was more of a sales meeting that Expedia was putting on for their store owners. 

Sure that they got some perks and discounts but the ones I talked to were very disappointed with the product.   One was standing next to me at a bar for 20 minutes and couldn't get a drink.  

Did a little research, 

Seaside holds about 1000 more passengers then the Independence of the Seas.  BUT they have about the same number of staff,  IF all positions are filled.  

Do the math,  it is pretty ugly.

We have been on Azamara, Carnival, Royal and MSC since the first of the year.   

All are having issues with staffing.

Azamara handled it well along with everything else,  truly a great experience.  We were in a suite but the whole ship was managed well

Royal had a terrible meal in Chops, rest was as we expected.

Carnival was an old ship and very warn,  big problem with them wanting you to do everything on their app but other wise as expected.

MSC we didn't expect much and got even less.  Way understaffed and no management of the employees.   

Quick example,  one morning at breakfast asked three waiters for water,  no luck,  tracked down the Manager  in the white jacket,  he asks how many,  8 one for each person.   He brings 2,  slaps them down and leaves.  Some 35 minutes after we sat down finally got water for everyone.   When the Manager acts like that how do you think the staff is going to act?

When the  food came all 8 orders were either cold or incomplete.  

We go on cruises to relax and constantly standing in line,  not being able to get even  basic food orders in a timely complete manner and having to bus your own table at the pool are not what we consider relaxing.  

I played BJ in the casino on two evenings (night 1 and 3). Ended up getting a little back on the second night. All in all, not a high price paid for the entertainment. I asked at the cage when I cashed out and was told I had earned a little over 3,000 points. I'm not sure if that was a "real time" figure or not. I probably put in less than 6 hours of play total. I was playing at the $25 table, and I can't recall seeing quite this number of people (with several hundred or more "in hand") that didn't know how to play the game. Examples: Standing on your A-A-5 against an 8, and losing. Doubling (yes, you heard that right) your 7's against a 9.. and winning. Splitting 5's against a 5 (and losing). It just never stopped. Internally, my eyes rolled over and over. I was shocked to see that they offered surrender - I play two hands, averaging $50/hand. Upon getting a 16 and 17 against the dealer's A, I asked, and they said YES. I surrendered. I don't think anyone ever takes them up on it, but the pit boss explained it to them. I saved half my bet that hand. I would go on to surrender twice more (mostly with "better than it would have been" results). BTW, it would seem they don't have, or at least don't often use, purple chips. If they did - the fellow with a FULL TRAY of blacks could have used them last night at first base. Even he hesitated on many obvious basic strategy plays. I'm the only one who hits my 12 on the dealer 2 or 3. I'm the only one who hits my A-7 vs dealer 9-10-A (take a shot!), etc...

Noticed this also,  was going to hop into the table with the big winner ( had 7-8 K in blacks in front of him).  After watching for a few minutes a kept going as no at the table had even a basic clue as to what they were doing. 

We were on board at the same time.  Third time on MSC,  well over a hundred cruises total.  In a balcony/aurora.

Just some quick notes.

Will never sail MSC again.

Ship was badly understaffed and poorly managed in every department we dealt with. 

Drink service was awful the entire cruise with the exception of the private bar on deck 19 which was always empty.

One decent meal the last night in the MDR.  All other's were a hot mess. 

Talked to three different members of the Expedia group.  None would sell MSC unless the customer insisted due to the service/staffing issues.   This despite  the fact that MSC pays them a commission of almost twice the rate of any other line.

Found the security getting back on the ship at the private island very invasive. 

Ship would get a C for cleanliness at best,  many dirty glasses on tables for hours at a time,  through out the ship.  Dirty floors very common.

The electronic elevators are the finest example of technology gone bad I have ever seen.  

Yep they are cheap,  but a glowing example of you get what you pay for.  

How formal was dinner dress?   Planning on bring tux but no need if I'm the only one.

On 3/4/2022 at 9:45 AM, MechE31 said:

What is your definition of undercooked pork? The safe temperature for pork was changed in 2011 to 145 deg which is still pink. 

Guess I could of had the girl with the thermometer at the entrance to the dining room check it for me.

3 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

Can you give details about this?

Just the security running the scanners were very abrupt and generally jerks.    Said I had to take off my prescription glasses to go though the scanner.   I was for the director of security to contact me about it.  Never heard from anyone.  And this was at OC their private island.   What is there that they are concerned about?

2 hours ago, FrostyJoe said:

I read before mera didn’t have a pool towel exchange on deck. Has that changed?

Yes it has,  small booth on the pool deck.  

minimum system controls 

This is an example of things looking nice but a lack of policy and procedure or training.   It was evident throughout the ship.   Another example was the blackjack table.  sometimes when you sat down the dealer squirted hand cleaner in your hands.  Other times they offered it but it was your choice and then sometimes it was not even offered.    

26 minutes ago, Morgsmom said:

NO pics, but please note that while "huge" in the past; it was not on this sailing. 

Morgansmom.

There are three planters in the atrium that have palms planted in them.   The points on the leaves are very sharp and hang over the planter into the walking area.   My wife got poked in the face,  it this case it was minor but they are a hazard.   Pointed it out to two employees and was wondering if your HD knows if they are still there.

Mine was blood red.  Not pink.   Generally don't carry a meat thermometer with me on cruises as I would expect the galley to have one and know how to use it.  Which they clearly didn't

13 hours ago, JT1962 said:

Thanks for the review. I was on the Meraviglia for a week on 1/23 and had a great experience. The only issue I encountered was entering a credit card on the website and was able to do that once onboard.  I was able to get Voyagers Club Diamond Staus matched from Hilton Honors Diamond and received all of the rewards with no issues.
 

This was my 20th cruise, but first on MSC. It was the nicest & largest ship I have been on. Food is obviously subjective, but I found the food very good and equivalent to or better than what I have experienced on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America and others. I do wonder what those that find issues with the food on a cruise ship normally eat when not on a cruise. As long as I am not cooking, I am usually happy with it. 

Don't really think that badly uncooked pork is subjective.   Along with other preparation errors that we saw at all most every meal.   That is a operational error that shows a lack of policy and procedure.   Which  was present thought out the ship.   We like to get a Pina Colada once a day for an island feel.   One day it has a cherry, pineapple slice, straw and pineapple leaf highlight.   The next none of those,  just the drink period,  not even a straw.    I know some are going to say,  what difference does that make?    The problem is that is the same employee who it running the dishwasher behind the bar,  is he adding the right soap,  or for that matter any soap?   Is he checking  that the mixes are not expired? Is the ice bin being clean properly?   Sadly I doubt it.   

Badly under cooked pork.  Hard green tomatoes in the Greek salad and items left off the plate that are listed as included on the menu are not items of taste or preference.   They are quality control and who ever is in charge needs to be replaced.

We too like the mirrors,  but the people in them look old and chunky,   and have gravy spots on their shirts.

Thoughts and grades on recent Meravilgia cruise.

Have been on well over a hundred cruise over the last 30+ years and think I have a pretty good feel for what is out there.

We cruise to relax,  see new places and meet new people,  have little to no interest in production shows, bingo or art auctions and there for will not be reviewing that type of activity.   I have a fine eye for detail and while I will list some positives and negatives it is the entire experience that is being rated.   One good experience generally doesn't make a cruise, but one bad one can ruin it.

I expect  the cruise line to safely transport me in a comfortable manner,  provide me with a choice of activities to pass the time and provide a enjoyable dining experience taking into account that they are cooking for thousands.   Really pretty simple

There seems to a lot of confusion on some boards about grades.   Things like "everything was A+", really?   After more then 100 cruises I can very safely say I have never been on one that is  all "A+".  There are always positives and negatives and it is the balance between them that counts.   There is also always room improvement.   A+  implies that there is noting that can be improved.  again really?

In my opinion  two  of the  deciding factors on how enjoyable a cruise is are the weather and the other passengers.  Items pretty much out of the lines hand.

One final note,  this sailing should be highly rated across the board.  The ship has been back in service for several months to "work the bugs out" and we were at something like 15% capacity.   If they can't get it right now what is going to happen when it 100% capacity?

The grades I use are

A -Exceptional 

B-Very Good

C-Average,   based on what you would find on the other mid market cruise lines.

D-Below Average 

F-Very poor and unacceptable 

Grades

Embarkation C

The covid testing was a mess and then  our agent at  check in says.   "This is my first day on the job,  I really don't know what I'm doing"  This is with half a dozen other agents standing around doing nothing who could of been shadowing and giving a hand.

Ship B-  It is a good looking ship,  no doubt.   Has some design flaws,  all of the public restrooms are poorly marked and hard to find.  The two story picture windows on deck 6 and 7 are about useless as they are covered up with lighting fixtures,  photo stands and desks.  Ship was clean,  top of life boats was not,  but I would expect nothing less with 15% load factor.   

Ocean Key  A- Generally great,  what a "private island" should be.  Not a mis placed water park like COCO Key is now.   One big drawback.  The island is large and to get around there is a series of concrete walk ways.  These are also used by a lot of service/repair/transportation carts.   On our walk around the island we had to get off the path to allow cart passage many times.   The entry to the lighthouse had 5 carts lined up that we had to walk around,  looked like the golf course starter shed. 

Every walking/biking trail I have been on has a sign "NO motor vehicle"

Cabin C  Nice color pattern.   No power by bed,  lack of storage,  small balcony,  good AC.   Overall comparable to the other newer chips.   

Staff B-  Staff was relaxed, friendly and always available.  But to be expected with the passenger load.   Way better then our Divina cruise a couple of years ago 

Ship Management.  C-  One request to speak with a manager that was ignored.  Bars often out of items,  cranberry juice, white wine, some brands of beer.  Plenty of staff, but a lack of direction.  This ship is weak on policy and procedures.  

Food  D  We had only one meal in the dining room that was complete.    All other were problematic.   Badly under cooked pork,  with no follow up by management.   Very bad sauce on Eggs Benedict,  no plan on salt and paper,   other then to ask, wait while the food cools and maybe not get it anyway.   Same with butter.   The buffet was decent for breakfast but that is our second choice by far.   After trying the MDR 3 days we just gave up.  This is after we were placed in the center of the dining room one morning.   Only 2 other tables in use in this section and all three are crowded together,   I have 2 people at other tables that are less then 3 feet away. addressed it with the head waiter and he just blew it off.    Lets see how this works,  I can't sit at a bar stool with friends of my choosing,   but the you can sit me within 2 feet of people who I don't know?   

Voyagers club  F   Wife made 5 phone calls and two email to get "matched" from our RCL Diamond.   The end result,  a gold room key  Period.   Didn't receive one other benefit.   Completely useless.

Website/Customer service.   Need I even go there.   

Tracker bracelet.   F.   I'm not a container full of auto parts that my buyer needs to know the status off.   I pretty much let mine in the room.  IF you think this is for you benefit good luck,   this alone will make me question if I want to sail with them again.   

Summery.   We had great weather and met some very interesting people so we had a good time.   The price we paid  was a great value.   The out island is worth a trip on it's own if you do the over night.

Other wise will not sail with them again.   There are better run ships/companies.  

After a couple of days on shore I have composed my thoughts on my recent cruise on the Meravilgia.

Will do another section with grades and more comments,  this is simply a list of random items that were either positive or negative.   After more then a 100 cruises over the last 30 years it is pretty easy to see where MSC is compared to other cruise lines.  I have a blessing/curse for detail and notice items that may escape others.

Likes,

The fruit on the buffet was very good.

If you asked for water at one of the bars you a given (if you request it) a 1 liter bottle.  Great Idea!

The pool towels are in the cabin when you arrive and switching them out in either the cabin or on deck is easy.   They don't treat you like a thief.

Found the bedding very comfortable

Ocean Key is a Gem.

Staff seemed to be relaxed and happy

Drink service at pool and bars was very good,  they come to you.

The AC worked well and keep the cabin at a comfortable temp with no needing to adjust.

The casino blackjack are as good as you are going to find.   WAY better then anything other then the highest stakes tables in Vegas.

Minimal PA on sea days

Little or no "upselling"

Dislikes

No electrical near bed

Carts on the walking paths at OC.

Palm trees in atrium.

Dining rooms.  Much more detail on this later

A noticeable lack of policy's, procedures and supervision 

Web site 

Customer service 

Security at metal scanners 

Voyagers Club

Embarkation C   Only 700 on board so pretty easy

Ship   B+

Ocean Key A-

Cleanliness C+

Food  D at best

Cabin  C

Staff  C+

Overall management  C-

Website (before leaving)  F

On board Meravilgia now

Reported by several sources at 700,  some say as low as 630.   Ship is extremely quiet.   80 in YC which is interesting as our bid to upgrade was no accepted.  Which after being on board is fine with me.

You forget that the world revolves around the "Karen's".   At least in their opinion.

1 hour ago, Outofofficeon said:

I’m also debating whether YC is worth the splurge. I remember MSC sometimes send an email offering bids.  It’s worth putting a bid in. Does anyone know how to get a chance to bid?

i called msc this morning to ask and they referred me to my travel agent and he refers me to MSC!!

Here is the story,

I used a TA on this cruise,  normally don't,  because the pricing had changed (gone up) on the MSC website.   The day after I booked it went back down to the price I got with the TA.   As is mentioned on here many times their web site is next to worthless.

A couple of days after making the reservation I got an email, addresses to me,  from MSC with upgrade offers.

The suite w/hot tub was starting at $500 so I made a bid.   However these seemed to be all booked.   After a couple of days I pulled the bid.  

Then went back to TA and asked if she could get upgrades.   Answer was to no,  to try on board.

There were 4 up grade options and the YC balcony was $900 pp.    

Last night went ahead and made a minimum offer for the YC balcony,   there are tons of them showing on line.  

I have been on 100+ cruises and in all types of cabins,  we miss the level of staffing that you got back in the "day".  As  you all know it has gone down, down, down over the years.   The main reason to give the YC a shot is to see if the staffing even begins to match that of years gone by.

Bid hasn't been accepted yet so we will see

55 minutes ago, Oxo said:

What did your current booking cost you? Can you book another cruise with that $2,000? 

You are the only one that has the answer to your question. It is your choice not mine or anyone elses.

Stay Safe and Happy Cruising!

Having never been in the YC it is hard to determine if the value is there in the upgrade,   hence the question to those who have.   My choice but to make a decision I value the input of those who have done it.