American Bear

[quote name='John&LaLa']$971 for 4 people for a week :eek:
Do you think that kind of pricing is sustainable :what:[/QUOTE]

We did a B2B last year in a balcony, 14 days total on the Divina out of Miami.
At that time, we compared and came away with,,,
we couldn't find an RCL cruise within $1200. of the Divina,
Celebrity had a good sale but was $800. more,
NCL with the Getaway was running $1500. more,
Carnival 2.0 Conquest class about $850. more.
MSC owns a very profitable shipping company, and is a private company.
They don't answer to stock holders, so my opinion from what they've stated in the Press, yes they can sustain low prices for 'quite a while' while they're building up their North American business.
This fall they'll have 2 ships in the Caribbean, and 4 ships in South America.
Then who knows where their prices will go?:)

MSC has traditionally targeted the European Market and up until now has never had plans to permanently home base a ship in North America. MSC's new build the Seaside will be permanently based in North America when it debuts in 2017. So it makes sense that MSC has chosen to do a Loyalty Match Program to entice consumers from other cruise lines that have long been established in the North American Market.

 

The current MSC loyalty match program appears to be away to introduce cruises from other lines in attempt to build up North American Market interest in preparation for their introduction of the Seaside when it's home based in North America in 2017.

Doubt RCCL or any other cruise line well established in the North American Market will follow suit.

 

MSC has called themselves permanent in the American mkt since 2013, (though they left this summer for the Med., and return in the fall)!

MSC brought the Divina here to Miami in 2013, it was a real step up, a beautiful ship, compared to smaller, older ships they had in Florida in the past.

MSC announced the 'Seaside' ship (new class, check it out on youtube) is coming to Miami in 2017(ship will be named formally in Miami),

a second MSC ship sails diuring the winter in the Eastern Caribbean out of Martinique,

and 4 MSC ships sail South America this winter.

With the future new builds announced, MSC attempting to take over as #3 in major cruise lines. At least that's what has been reported.

Those extra cabins on new ships, with new routes will need new cruisers, thus the new program!:)

Thanks Peggy.

 

Maybe I'm not looking in the right place, but I took a look and could not find where it mentions how what MSC level they would assign to a C&A D+ member.

 

Bob, as a D+ you'll be a Black card member in their club.

Last year we were looking for a B2B to celebrate our wedding aniv., and priced out B2B's in the Caribbean.

MSC won our business easily with a B2B East/West Caribbean cruise over a '$1,000. per person' less then RCL, even with our D+ benes.!

Their ship out of Miami, the Divina is a beautiful large ship (abt. 140,000 tons) their food is very Italian, very good, and the service is old world relaxed!

Drinks were amazing low priced, voucher books bought a mixed drink to about $5. with gratuity, and bottled beers to less then $4. a beer.

So there's a lot more to check out besides their loyalty benes..:)

I checked their benefits for their highest levels and they don't come close to what D and D+ receive with RCCL.

 

Very True now, but their cruises were on sale last year with balconies at $399. for 7 days, and that's before the % off for the loyalty club!

And this falls balcony prices are still running about 50% less then RCL.

MSC's alcohol drinks bought through a voucher book bring the price of a drink to about $5. with gratuity! A bottled beer to less then $4. with gratuity.

And they have the 'Yacht Club' with 'over the top service', that exceeds anything RCL has for a similar price.

So RCL's extra benes only go so far!

No one on this thread fully understands how the crew is paid. I would suggest that a way to reconcile statements that the crew depends on tips and statements that they are guaranteed a minimum wage exists.

 

Suppose the prepaid/recommended tips for a particular crew member totals $100. (Truly arbitrary number but round numbers are easy to work with and can be scaled.) The cruise line might guarantee the crew member some arbitrary percentage (80%) of that amount. If few people remove gratuities and the ship sails near capacity, the crew member would make some amount above the guarantee.

 

In this case, the crew member is guaranteed a specific amount and can earn significantly more. He would be dependent upon tips for the amount above the minimum.

 

After thinking about this, I suspect it, or something similar, is probably in effect. It would be a great marketing tool for attracting crew. I've heard that most of the crew is hired through personnel agencies. A system like this would also guarantee the personnel agency a certain rate. (Pretty sure they would only earn commission on the guaranteed rate.) This system would provide an incentive for crew members to offer good service too. It would also protect the crew against those who have an emotional distaste for tipping. There are probably other reasons too.

 

 

I'd agree that no one most likely knows for sure how all the cash tips given to employees on the ship work, but I seriously doubt that RCL is guaranteeing cash tips to their employees after recent changes with their customers.

Besides, you could also say that if tips were guaranteed, it could take away the incentive to provide good service.

They do now.:D

 

What? RCL makes up for cash tips they know nothing about?

Not for me. The Oasis class hands down are the best ships around! LOVE them.:D

 

 

And many others do since RCL is building more, just not our taste.

To us, the Radiance Class is RCL's best.:)

The amount differs depending on the service, no service=no tip, great service=great tip, etc..

We usually tip before the last night to make sure the people deserving get the tip.

Plus we usually tip the waiters each day when we're finished (if we at a table), or the bar tender if we're sitting at the bar.

I've noticed over the years if you tip once bigger at the end, you're remembered.:confused:

The amount=what you can afford comfortably.:)

I'd have liked some more detail as well. Looking at the pricing for the Haven compared to what we've paid recently for a GS it's tempting, plus it appears the Nickel-and-Diming isn't so ugly at that level, there's more stuff included.

 

 

Michael, if you're looking at top end cruising, a lot of service, the following is our opinion,,,,

1) MSC Yacht Club (awesome service for a price slightly higher then a RCL Jr.)

2) NCL The Haven (same excellent service as MSC Yacht Club, but more $)

3) Celebrity Suite (access to Michael's Club Lounge)

4) RCL Suite (access to the Concierge Club)

Carnival Corp, don't bother, very little perks.

If there is a flaw(?) to the Getaway/Breakaway, it is the balconies are too small.

That said they are still far more likable ships to us then the Oasis Shopping Mall Class.:)

Hello!

I live in Boston. Two drinks at a decent bar in town will set me back $23-$27 with tip.

A decent beer is about $7-$12.

Cheap beer BL or CL $5-$7.

 

RCI - prices to me are fair enough.

 

 

Love Boston, and New York, but they are 'extremely' expensive cities, not the average for most Americans.

I think that's why most here in the forum find the new prices high.:)

Steve,the crew are assured a set wage, which is dependent on their job description and where they work. If that wage is not met, RCI makes up the difference so I see no decline in service.

 

The cash tips given out are an important bonus to the crew.

I don't think RCL is going to make up the difference in lost tips because there are empty cabins. (that is if there are empty cabins from RCL's strategy)

Agree with poster, its too early to tell.

Lets see if it works in the fall, winter, and spring in slow periods.

Empty cabins not only mean less money coming in for the cabin, but also in drinks, and excursions which are big profit makers!

My opinion, its still marketing 101=talks cheap, lets see if RCL sticks to its guns if they have empty cabins.

My guess is when all those new cabins come to the US in the next few years in a number of cruise lines adding large ships, RCL won't be talking this garbage anymore!

I know this is a touchy subject but do you think any of the cruise lines have worked out whether it is more profitable to allow smoking or more profitable without smoking. Most of the casino's seem to become an area to smoke even though they are not playing, thus making the area a virtual no go area for non smokers and even unpleasant for some smokers. I know some lines have made it non smoking on one side but that is like allowing peeing on one side of the pool. I think a better option would be to divide the casino with a glass screen thus not spoiling the ambiance of a large area, this would also give a clean passage through if there were separate exit and entry; and it may encourage some non smokers to linger and try there hand.:confused:

 

No smoking in the Divina Casino in the Caribbean.

Others should follow.:D

I personally like the 3yr rule, I wish other lines would do the same thing. I just think it makes good sense. Carnival is getting overrun with Platinum card holders and a 3 year requirement would take some of the issues with check in and tendering away. Cruising once every 3 years is not hard to do. Airlines make you qualify every year, why not cruise lines.

 

I've actually noticed it the other way, companies have been doing away with time limits/expiration dates on points you've earned! One for example is Delta, and Delta miles from our AMEX Delta card.

have people heard back yet as to their new status based on uploading their membership card with other lines? I am curious as to where Diamond Plus with RCCL will fit with the new loyalty match assignment.

 

A guess, Black Status.

Annie........... I've only sailed once with MSC at Black card level and have never received the 20% discount for any of my YC sailings (except for Meraviglia 2017 inaugural :D)

 

However, I always booked YC at promotional prices - e.g. I received a 10% discount (Gold level) on an Early Booking Rate PLUS €400 OBC with a €10 voucher for my upcoming cruise in YC and I really don't think YC can be beaten on price at that rate!!!!

 

Yes, the 20% discount did keep me loyal - but only up to a point. I'd booked 3 cruises for 2016/2017 before I even knew the 20% was being done away with! One was definitely influenced by the discount, the second was the repo to Durban which I really wanted to do. At €40 pn offer I don't think the lack of the 20% discount would have put me off. And the third was the inaugural on Meraviglia. I may not have booked YC were it not for the 20%, but I did get €400 OBC on that one from another €10 voucher which would have weighted my decision, too.

 

It's going to be some time before I know how the loss of the discount affects future bookings, but if MSC continue to be great value, I may continue with them. Depends on how Celebrity works out. I may find they offer better value. They certainly offer a more diverse range of itineraries and cruise lengths - 10 night cruises are more appealing than MSCs regular 7 night ones. There's more to choosing cruises than just the price and 20% discounts, or lack thereof!!

 

 

I'm going to agree with you, although I find much that is not good in the recent changes to the 'coupon club' (refuse to call it Loyalty Club) my opinion is the Yacht Club is still a great deal when compared to other cruise lines higher end cabins/prices/service!

Purchasing drinks or the Drink Pkge. can be easily figured out by each cruiser for what works better for them.

There is no right or wrong, just what works out best for you.

Those who drink 1 or 2 a day, a drink pkge. makes no sense.

Those who drink more may think a drink pkge. is worth it.

Others like us who are D+ and get free drinks, along with free drinks in the casino as casino club members, don't see the need for more.

That being said, RCL's drink prices are the highest of any cruise line right now it seems, so it will affect some who used to drink 1 or 2, not to drink any.

Checking back on my figures and those of MSC I decided to run through them again this morning only to find that either there has been a mistake in the system or MSC are taking the proverbial with club members!

 

On the main page under Find my cruise Joe Public who has never cruised before can book cruise only on the Orchestra on May 8th 2016 in a Bella Inside for £499.00 per person.

 

Club members who may choose to book this way after entering their details having taken off the 5% discount will pay £475.05, fine you may think until you actually Log in to the page where the Book Via Club Voyages page is.

 

The same cruise only Bella Inside is marked up at £699.00 ? after the so called 5+5% Discount the price is £595.90 !

 

So Club members are being asked to pay more than Joe Public who can book at £499.00! not such great deals after all eh MSC ... :eek:

 

 

Sounds similar to what RCL has been doing lately with their 'BOGO' promotions which advertise sales buy one, get one 1/2 off, but the price is inflated that you end up paying the same amount without the sale!:)

Well said.

 

Just a thought and I know many will disagree.

 

For me with the new structure, the benefits are of so little value why don't MSC scrap the whole loyalty structure??

 

I actually think it makes it easier to evaluate a cruise purchase in terms of value.

 

With the other cruise lines in the past, even as a solo, I have been able to negotiate better perks i.e. prepaid tips and OBC.

 

Annie

 

 

 

Annie, basically MSC has abandoned the idea of a 'Loyalty' Club to a Concept Club that might attract higher level (loyalty club) cruisers from other lines to try their product while MSC sacrifices loyalty to their higher level members!

The single item that made the past MSC Loyalty Club special, and one of the best was the increased %'s off for higher club levels!

Without that, the levels really mean little to most cruisers!

Knowing MSC watches these boards, i wouldn't be surprised to see the %'s changed back in the near future, at least before the Seaside comes to the US! (We can hope)

RCL's loyalty club, which I consider the best at the top levels, gives out a balcony discount that increases as your level in the club increases, also free drinks are handed out during the nightly cocktail party for higher level club members!

MSC can, and should do better!:)

One new perk for Black Member is the late cabin check-out. Black Members can stay in their cabin until 2 hours after the ship arrives the disembarkation port. This new perk is a nice one and is perfect for me.

 

 

Agreed, nice perk, but not worth the 15% reduction.:)

So, since the original thread discussing whether RCI was "abandoning" PC by bringing MJ here was closed for some reason I'll start a new one.

 

With MJ coming here to replace Enchantment/Rhapsody I was not overly thrilled. And with Oasis at PC really not thrilled, no interest in her. So I wandered back over to the Carnival website to see what my options were, having sailed both pretty consistently though pretty much RCI recently.

 

Surprise, Surprise! Carnival is sending Sensation to Miami and having Victory and then Valor take over the 3/4 and 5/6 day runs.

 

Meaning Carnival has relatively newer, more featured (Yes, I Know MJ is going in for refurb). ships with more itinerary options.

 

Request in advance. Please no CCL vs RCI comments. I am aware of the differences and all things being equal prefer RCI. But all things are not equal and CCL will give PC cruisers more options, which is the point of this discussion.

 

Thoughts? Will the greater options compared to just having Majesty and Oasis tempt you? It's tempting me.:D

 

 

Don't be so quick to judge differences, if you throw out the 'floating shopping mall ships' which we're not fans of, Carnival 'sizes' up to RCL very fairly!

And because of price, and itinerary Carnival wins our money a fair share of the time!

We're RCL D+, Carnival Platinum, so yea, the options, the itinerary, and the price always matter to us!

We are getting married back home and going on a RC cruise for our honeymoon. I want to do a "Trash the Dress" shoot at one of our port stops, but I am having trouble deciding on which port would work the best. Also, does RC do photography off the boat if I hire one, or would I be responsible for finding a photographer at that port?

 

Cozumel, Buccanos beach bar restaurant!

Got great food, nice beach, good snorkeling, nice pool, an area for outdoor massages, etc.!:D

OH ! BOO ! so I need a taxi !

 

They used to have horse drawn buggies to go downtown too!:D

Thanks for the review! We are sailing in September. We will have 2 picky eating toddlers. Did you notice if they had children's menus/items? I'm particularly interested in if they had chicken nuggets and yogurt.

 

Yes they had chicken nuggets on the children's buffet on the Divina in the Caribbean, and they were GOOD!:D