Kevinb1176

2 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

We use a travel agent. We never call direct. Horror stories abound for those that call direct. Telephone agents have no clue what is going on. Filled out forms are never forwarded to ship. Some travel agents give up to 10% back to clients in form of refundable on board credit, which those that deal direct do not receive.

Can be more than 10%. The agent I used for last 2 MSc gave 12% off total with taxes and port fees. 

6 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

We thought MSC was very well organized. 

We were on for 2 cruises and HAD to get off the ship on turn around day. Our butler informed us we had to congregate at about 10 am in the TopSail Lounge. Listening to the CD announce the groups over the public address system call the last remaining guests to leave. At 10:45 am CD came on the PA announcing 'last call' for everyone to leave the ship. A few minutes later we YC B2Bers were escorted down to the terminal. Boarding back on not till the ship rounds up all the "zeros" (those that have late flights and hide out on the ship). B2Bers will not be 'processed' (facial recognition) and allowed back on the ship until the "zeros" have been found and processed. Once the B2Bers are led back on they are followed by Yacht Clubbers and then everyone else in the terminal. This began around 11:30. We were B2B (about 100 of us) waiting in line to be processed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when a butler pointed out the "zeros" that were taking their 'sweet time' collecting the last of the remaining luggage and strolling over to the facial recognition machines. Always get this bunch of 'losers' every cruise.

There is always a small group of inconsiderate passengers that have late flights or just no place to go after the cruise has ended. They dilly-dally and hold up the ship from "clearing" for the next cruise group to embark. These "losers" are called "Zeros". They are the stragglers that sometimes hide out and often the sheriff''s office is called in to escort them off the ship.

We’ll see how it goes. Hopefully not too much of a hassle. As far as MSC being disorganized, we’ve only done one cruise with them but I find one hand doesn’t know what the other is saying or dying. I called last week as I was booking and asked how it works for the day back in Port Canaveral and the rep said you can do an excursion or stay on the ship. She mentioned nothing about customs.
 

Before our last cruise, I was told that ships can provide cribs as this was our first trip with our toddler. I called and requested one in advance as we were told. Several calls, one person would say it’s not guaranteed, the next would say it’s confirmed, then I’d get an email the next day that it’s not guaranteed. The other day I put in a move reservation to my travel agent form, I received a response asking for my military information which I’m not military. 

Our first sailing with them was pretty bad, others that were in YC with us that sail frequently on MSC said not to judge them based on the sailing we tried. 
 

hopefully is smooth sailing, thanks for the details. 

2 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Besides these losers there are also a group of passengers called Downliners that MUST be off the ship first to clear CBP, before anyone is cleared to leave the ship. They got on the ship somewhere down the line. They also dilly dally holding up the disembarkation process. 

A little more hardcore than me. I like to be off the ship and on the road as soon as we can. As soon as they say you can disembark, we’re off. 

13 hours ago, carlmm said:

Looks like just another case of US border control. This has nothing to do with MSC. Ships are required to zero out in US ports when coming from a non-US port.

If that’s accurate then MSC should note that when booking it as a 10 day cruise. They’re not very organized. 

5 hours ago, gotta cruise again said:

Initially we were told we would not have to disembark and parade around the cruise terminal since we were booked in a 10 day and not 3+7. 
 

Wrong—they said we did. So, passports in hand along with cruise cards, we met in the YC lounge; I think rest of pax met in a restaurant or lounge. Then we all met up on deck 6(??) to “ding” off the ship. Walk the “jet bridge”, long hallway, zigzag down a ramp, pass where luggage will be when we actually disembark, pass the facial recognition rolling stands, and into a snake roped off area to wait for wheelchair folks to pass facial recognition first. Now, if we had known (another lesson learned!!) there would be that much walking for DH, we would have gotten him a wheelchair or at the very, very least have brought his walking-seat (see Ta-Da chair, which I learned about here on CC!!). He was wiped out for the rest of the day. After facial recognition, then back through luggage, up zigzag ramp, long hallway, jet bridge, then to cabin (without benefit of butler-expedited passage).

 

Yes: they give you passes so you can leave the port and have an easier time getting back on the ship. 
 

I wouldn’t say it was chaotic but we didn’t know what to expect so weren’t prepared for DHs mobility needs to be adequately met. However, I cannot speak to any possible chaos at the port should you leave for a while and return later. 
 

Would we do it again? Yes, as we know more!

Thats bizarre! I can see if a true back to back but if you booked as a 10 day through them, I don’t see why we’d need to get off and back on. 
 

I figured if we’re yacht club they’d let us hang up there. We’ll see, the whole MSC experience seems very confusing. 
 

At least you don’t have the outside contracted film crew in YC with you like we did a couple weeks ago!

Thanks and Enjoy!

On 12/6/2023 at 10:20 AM, gotta cruise again said:

This is an attempt to do a ‘live from’…we’ll see if I can keep up with it!! DH and I are on MSC Seashore for a 10 day cruise. We booked as a 10 day but it’s a 3 + 7 schedule so we’ll be returning to Port Canaveral 12/10. Our cruise starts 12/7.

We arrived from central Texas at MCO yesterday about 5pm. Caught the Cocoa Beach Shuttle to Towneplace Suites near Port Canaveral.

 

It was an uneventful journey, which is always a blessing. I say “uneventful” but there was one snafoo: our bags arrived at A14 but our shuttle pick-up point was all-the-way-down at the other end of the lower level of MCO. We got to the end and were looking for shuttle parking #3 & 4 but there was new construction in that area. A quick call to the Shuttle company and we were redirected to #9 & 10, which is where we were—YAY. I was tired and DH needed to sit down so was at a nearby bench. A van pulled up with various Mariott logos on the side…and you have probably figured out the rest. That’s right: I got us on the wrong shuttle van!! Oops! Fortunately, I asked the driver a question, which then clued him (and me) to the fact we weren’t where we were supposed to be. He could have let us out at the far end (yep, down by A14) but graciously looped back around to #9 & 10, where our shuttle kindly waited for us (I had texted about my error).

 

The Towneplace Suites are really nice. It’s a new property so everything is nice & fresh. Our room has a nice balcony and the bed faces it, rather like a Sky Suite in the Celebrity Retreat. There is a kitchen with full refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and even a cooktop; dishware too. They do serve food down in the bar area, which was handy for a late-ish arrival last night. Breakfast this AM was just fine too (I always think that when bacon is crisp and DH gets a waffle!!)

 

On the flight, we were treated to a lovely sunset.

 

 

We just booked a 10 night (3+7) for next December. 
 

I’m curious how the return day from the first leg is?

Any insight into what is open on the ship? Can you get off the ship and go out on your own for the day? Do you feel like it’s chaos the day back at the port?

thanks

IMG_7822.avifwider one. Balcony is that much wider too. 

1 hour ago, loge23 said:

Looking at a Seascape YC cabin as well.

We're mostly Princess cruisers but have migrated recently to smaller ships. Now the Seascape may be the largest ship we were ever on, but the YC experience seems to get rave reviews. We also tried the Retreat class on X, right after the cruise lines started up after the COVID shutdown. The ship was only 50% capacity and we thought that the Retreat class was fantastic. This has apparently changed not for the better with full capacity according to friends - not to mention that the cruise fare for Retreat has greatly increased. So for a short 1 week cruise with no flying, we figured why not give MSC's YC a try.

Whatever, how bad can it be?! It's fun trying new cruise lines anyway! I doubt we would cruise on a ship this size in a class other than in Yacht Club though.

Any experienced YC cruisers out there with an opinion?

 

 

 

We just booked a YCP which is the deluxe grand suite. It’s around $100 more pp than the deluxe not grand. Keep an eye out there are 6 of the wider grand ones that are huge compared to the rest. Only 3 cabins total were available the other night. I check 3x a day because I’m nuts. Around 7:00 at night a ton of cabins showed available including 3 or 4 of the wide ones. I was able to get my agent to rebook me as I only had a hold at that point. They all were off the site again by early morning. Also get a voyagers club membership which they match to other companies. The membership will get you 5-15% off. IMG_7822.avifIMG_7822.avifIMG_7822.avif

The reviews seem to be not great outside Yacht Club, and outstanding in the Yacht Club.
 

Have had mixed experiences on Celebrity. Had sailings that were flawless, some that were a disaster. Service has been hit or miss. Been in a suite on Silhouette where carts rolled through the buffet all hours of the night that vibrated the cabin, others where my wife got hurt on a windy day where the deck 5 door closed on her arm where they admitted it should’ve been closed.  They put the out of order sign on right after and in medical center were only concerned about covering their butts with taking pictures as I told them to attend to her arm before you worry about covering your butts. Cabins that smelled like paint from the vents where they said nobody was painting to find a guy waving to us as he varnished the handrails in the staff stairs outside the cabin. Another one where there was a large outbreak of norovirus, medical was supposed to come up to the suite to help instead of my wife puking in the public areas and never showed. Was told they’re very busy, time to disembark. Butlers that we’re great, one’s that never showed. 
 

I’m open and looking forward to trying new experiences and will give MSC a shot. Hopefully it’ll be great. One thing that has great reviews is the pizza. Since moving south from NY that’s one thing I am looking to trying. 

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing the differences. Have a 1 year old so a little concerned about disturbing others. Will try and do dinner as early as possible and try to get a table in the corner. We probably won’t make it to shows unless they have babysitting but that’s ok. 
 

Reviews on MSC service aren’t great outside yacht club but I find most reviews are complaints as positive ones don’t always make it to boards. 
 

I’ve seen celebrity is slowly cutting back on perks like group butlers for sky suites starting soon. It’s a good time to see what else is out there. 

Have been exclusive with Celebrity since 2007. Last 5 or 6 sailings have been in suites with Michaels Club or The Retreat. We haven’t cruised since January 2022 which was a third makeup from Covid. 
 

When I priced a suite for 2 adults and a 1 year old it was a lot more than it used to be. Celebrity was charging a lot for my 1 year old. Looked at Royal, Norwegian and found MSC. Under $6000 and a ton of onboard credit for 7 nights on Seashore in a Yacht Club Grand Deluxe Suite. Was lucky to find one of the few extra wide ones. Looks nice and some reviews say Yacht Club is great.
 

Looking forward to trying something new. Hoping it’s a great experience. 

1 hour ago, SNJCruisers said:

Do you wear a mask in your cabin?  Obviously no.  If the members on the bridge wish to do their duties mask free, it should be their option. Obviously once they leave the bridge and possibly interact with the general public, masks go on.😷

No, I don’t wear a mask in my cabin but I’m told to everywhere else. They are in close proximity to those entering and exiting the bridge with the public. They should be wearing a mask. If they have a Covid outbreak in the bridge, are you going to drive the ship?

they should follow their rules!

3 hours ago, Cruisegoer said:

Sorry I'm a little confused, so deck 3 forward by the theater, but doors that were between the theater and cabins? Looking at the deck plans there really aren't identified doors forward on deck 3 before the theater.

Internet Service was terrible today so couldn’t respond. I attached a screen shot of the map. The x’s are where we saw the signs. I don’t remember if we took the elevator or stairs to deck 3 but it was the forward one. 

1 hour ago, BennyBrun said:

Oh it’s not that I don’t want to say, it’s because I don’t know yet but I will ask someone and get back to you!

I can tell you we saw the forward doors by the theater had the signs off limits when we got onboard and did our own tour of the ship. We quickly went up a level when saw the sign. 
 

so far we’ve heard 4 people in quarantine and the following day “the number went up”. No other info, we just keep to ourselves and try and distance as much as possible. 

22 minutes ago, kirtihk said:

We just cannot see it (well designed blended in one's face to look like a normal person).

Yes, the invisible masks are tough to see. They wear ones made of facial hair on the ship to throw us off. 

They’re not in a bubble as staff are walking through the halls all day and night in and out of the bridge. I really don’t care what they do other than the rules are pushed on me and those who should be the most cautious abandon the rules. I was scolded one time when I walked in from outside to indoors which was an honest mistake. I forgot to put the mask on. 
 

and there are no decisions made where clarity needs to be 100%. We’re in port today. Here are additional photos. 
 

I’m sure corporate would not be happy about this. 
 

There’s no planning up there that doesn’t need a mask. It’s an excuse if you come up with anything other than hypocritical. 
 

We just left our room and another officer was walking back with WD-40 to the bridge which is right next to our room. They’re in and out all day and night so they should be masked up if we have to be. 

Rules for thee but not for me on the Apex right now.  I’m not really a believer in masks or the vaccine and booster I got but I do respect the rules that they ask you to abide by. 
 

If I have to wear a mask, why doesn’t everyone including the bridge staff? Shouldn’t their health be most important as if there is a Covid breakout, who drives the ship and keeps the passengers safe? Seems hypocritical that these fine officers don’t think the rules are important enough for them to follow.  
 

I watched from my balcony earlier this morning. It went on for more than just a few minutes. 

Here are step by step from app

click on Health button on app on bottom 

healthy cruising

scroll down to masks section. 

Spoke too soon. It used to say unvaccinated. Now it shows all guests. 
 

we’re planning on going apex this weekend. It’s too much. Not anyones fault but I’m not rebooking. We had the first cruise cancelled on edge 3/15/20 a day before departure, it’s been rebooked 4x already and with my wife being due in July, we can’t cruise by the end of the year. 
 

Stress is the amount of ifs. Have to hope the CVS has tests we’re scheduled for Thursday, have to pass the tests, then have to hope the flight isn’t cancelled, then worry about being quarantined if we get Covid. 
 

We’ll stay on the ship, try and distance in the outdoor retreat area, and hope for the best. I don’t think this will be enjoyable until it’s over and we’re hopefully back home and done with 3 years of planning this. 

I’m not showing for apex 1/8 either 

I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to but you’ll lose any extra credits from the TA. 
 

We had Edge booked for 3/15/20 which was the first cruise cancelled from Covid and our agent was terrible. They couldn’t get us answers that week and didn’t respond to calls or emails. Recorded messages only said we had to cancel online through their site but didn’t have an option for the cruise with confidence other option of moving so I didn’t want to “cancel”. Celebrity allowed us to dump the agent but I have been dealing with the CEO’s office as the agent failed on other parts of cruise with confidence or lift and shift programs. 

What level suite. We’re supposed to be on Apex 1/8/22 in a Celebrity Suite and I haven’t seen anything like that come through. 
 

Thanks for the reply. I wasn’t able to see cabins available for tomorrow’s sailing. With a 48 hour window required to reschedule that was announced yesterday, I guess most guests will be going. We’re in a sky suite towards the front of the ship, I wanted to move midship but now I think we’re better off being in a low traffic area. I’m thinking about putting a bid in for a higher suite as I’m sure they’ll grab any money they can at this point. 
 

I hope you have a great and safe trip. 

Booked a few months ago and have really looking forward to sailing, now unsure what to do. Does anyone know what it’s like onboard? Is it business as usual? Or fear everywhere and you can’t enjoy vacation like when a bad Norovirus breakout happens?
 

I’ll probably decide by mid week as the world changes daily. I counted 193 available cabins this afternoon and 210 tonight. 
 

If we do go, and it looks like there will be tons of empty cabins, does Celebrity offer upgrades?