TrinaLC

I agree with the above response. Get envelopes from the concierge and distribute the last day. 
 

Also take pictures of your favorite crew members’ name badges so you can mention them by full name in the review you are asked to give several days after you return.  It isn’t awkward, they are more than pleased that you plan to mention them by name (I tell them why I am asking to take the photo). It makes a diffference to their career trajectory. 

I personally think you underestimate the ability of a smart executive to learn the ropes of an adjacency. Maybe this guy wasn’t the right guy, but a savvy and highly capable individual can certainly make a jump. And frankly maybe even bring some new and better ideas. 

Have been trying to look at 2025 cruises and get an error message every time.   “This page unreachable”
 

https://booking.explorajourneys.com/touchb2c/

Is it just me?!

On 2/13/2024 at 12:32 PM, as3369 said:

There is limited information provided but we found it more useful to watch a YouTube video on the models

Link please!

Does Explora staff remove items if they’ve clearly been left there unattended for hours?

I can’t answer the parking question for that port, but suppose it will depend on how much luggage you have!

as to the fridge, just ask your butler to remove what you don’t want (or do it yourself and place it in unused closet space). And the. Let him or her know what you would like to keep stocked. 
 

you do get one free bottle of liquor - if you don’t drink at all you could offer it up to folks you meet in YC. Or we posted in the fb group for our sailing asking if anyone wanted our Prosecco and we dropped it off at their cabin they were non YC and super appreciative!

and yes,Mon,y one toblerone, sadly!

The responses did sound harsh and judgmental!

And it is a reasonable question - since international travel usually requires a passport that is not within six months of expiration. Basically, might the same six months rule apply to d/ls when being used in lieu of a passport?

20 minutes ago, Crusin Karen said:

Slightly different scenario: can I request NOT to be put in a certain area? I cruise and dine solo. I was put in an area I did not like every night-basically a narrow walk thru. 

yes, just stop by the desk on the way in

On 2/22/2024 at 5:03 PM, Jim_Iain said:

 

Same here.     Looks nice but so fare the size of the ships and passenger load are a deterrent to examine further at this time.   We have gravitated to smaller ships like Oceania and SilverSea.   Each has their advantages and disadvantages as we seek a better fit than the recent X experiences.

I’d highly recommend a small ship like Divina. Keep it on your list 🙂

23 hours ago, Langeraf said:

First MSC cruise in 3 weeks on Seashore in YC.  A few questions:

- do you happen to know what brands of whiskey/bourbon/scotch they offer in YC

- I think we get a stocked min-bar in YC.  Do they refill it regularly or do you just get one bottle of each?…

Appreciate any tips for first-timers.  Thanks in advance.

Steve

They only give you one bottle of liquor (years ago they restocked minis the entire cruise -  that was stopped when everyone filled their suitcases with these).  You also only get one mini Pringle (who would want more?!), one bar of toblerone (more please!) and one mixed nites (meh). 

  They will restock all the soft drinks/juices. 
 

bring your own reef safe sun screen. 
 

no idea on distilled water. 

I’d do YC for the pampering from the incredible staff. But I don’t value a private jacuzzi at all …

5 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Just to add to why the diminished perks. From an analytics consultancy " Using Data analytics, financial modeling and consumer surveys to analyze the effectiveness of Loyalty Programs. The relationship between customer behavior and profitability found some distortions in the Loyalty Program. The way customers were using the program meant the highest spending and longest term customers weren't always getting rewarded proportionately for their value at the same time other customers that were earning rewards passively without spending enough to make it profitable for the business."

    This data analysis indicates that loyalty programs are rewarding the least profitable guests..

That sounds unfortunately true. 
 

Airlines have been ‘fixing’ this, rewarding what brings the airlines value - and that isn’t a bunch of basic economy flights!

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

@Best Cat Mom

 

 

How did you like it? We did it once, but they don't have any GF options for me. 😞

 

We did not have any of the food, just the tea.

 

I see Dwi was one of the butlers serving you. She had said that she'll be our butler in April -- if she still has the same rooms on thestarboard side of deck 15. Who did you have for your room butler this cruise?

 

I am not sure which rooms she has as we are on deck 15 and I believe she’s on deck 16. 
 

Our butler was Putra and our assistant butler was Peter.  Found out the Putra was the one leaving us the towel animals.

 

 

We had Dwi a month ago. She is terrific.  Her assistant butler Richard is wonderful as well. We were in the non-YC area on 12 (“family suites”) so not sure what YC area they had. 

19 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

I spoke with him at lunch a few minutes ago and he said his contract was scheduled to end April 18 but he extended until May and will be making the transatlantic.

 

Awesome, that is what we were hoping for!

9 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

I am not sure who Mahetma may be unless you are speaking of the Le Muse Maitre’d whi I have been calling Mahmed and that is what I understood him to introduce himself to us as. 
 

 

You are right, I misremembered his name!

Can you ask Mehetma whether he will be staying on for the April 21 crossing?  We were on Divina a month ago and he wasn’t sure - he was due to rotate off but thought he might be extended through the crossing. 
 

22 hours ago, Mark_T said:

 

 

Ryan up is still around in the evenings, or can be found at the One Pool buffet, but he still remains dedicated to doing whatever it takes to earn a gold tie eventually. 

 

That is indeed Ryan!  I do hope he earns that gold tie.  He was our assistant waiter last month but was everywhere to be helpful. 
 

There is no comparison. But please don’t tell anyone. 

11 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

I've never, ever sailed without a balcony but if the choice is "balcony non-Yacht Club" or "interior Yacht Club", I'd take interior Yacht Club every time. 

I would too. And the YC is the only way I would even consider that trade off 

We have so many fond memories of Divina YC’s fine staff but Patrick has a special place in our hearts. 
 

if you have not met him yet, you will enjoy making his acquaintance. He works TopSail and One Deck and is a lovely, caring gentleman. 
 

For some reason I cannot upload his photo … do look for him!  
 

I think you will love MSC YC. 

1 hour ago, Momma1980 said:

While I agree they were not being intentionally cruel, I still think it was cruel to neglect preparing this animal to be on a cruise ship for multiple nights away from land. Much could have been done. 

Wow. Just wow. 

A small travel backgammon set is another option!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BFDB4BG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 

Just now, morpheusofthesea said:

An important reason we use an experienced travel agent is for the additional REFUNDABLE OBC we get. On our last cruise it was $800 on Seaship. On Explora Journeys it was $2,800. Shop around.

Wow, thanks. 

Honestly I would have second thoughts booking MSC for a European cruise. I should think the daily embarking/disembarking would be disruptive, as would having the officers introduced every night and more than 2 or 3 languages for announcements. We cruise for the overall experience, not the floating hotel/tour bus aspect.