MSC (1st) DIVINA - Yacht Club 'Focus

A brief background, we've only been cruising since 2008 (see expanded signature below) and we've been fortunate to have been on some very new (at the time) ships. At the time we were in our early 50's and had just completed paying for three sons college, graduate school and also one law school; and they were off to Southern California, Annapolis Area Maryland and Boston. It was time for us, and the grandchildren hadn't started to arrive yet. We also scheduled the cruises 'around peak holidays, and school vacations, and more time significant, around travel to each of the sons homes a couple of times a year. We travel a lot now; wife flies for free on a Companion Pass as a benefit.

At first, my wife was very concerned about cruising (concern about sea sickness) and we started with the Disney "brand" on a short cruise since she was comfortable with the 'brand based on our almost 20 years of on-site at Disney Yacht Club as the family grew (including friends and girlfriends, it was always a blast).

The first night was rough water and we had dining in the premier specialty restaurant Palo. It was above great, and despite the ship's movement (they escorted us all the way out to the hallway to our stateroom) we found out we had great sea legs (and stomachs). And it began. We have a fantastic time, especially the Adult private beach on Castaway Cay with only about 6-8 other couples. It was stunning beauty.

We then followed CRUISE CRITIC as the "primary source" for information about cruising. It is an AWESOME resource (the members contributions are so helpful), and began a schedule of annual cruising. We have been expanded our number of cruises recently (decreased time commitments) and are excited about the projection of ships that are scheduled by most of the major cruise lines. We believe the CAPACITY or SUPPLY is outrunning the advance DEMAND (we also used to book 'last minute with our almost total flexibility in scheduling, and received some incredible experiences and value), so we are rapidly booking ahead now with really significant perks, discounts, etc. on really nice ships and stateroom categories.

So, late last year we were looking at the NCL Escape for another Haven experience in a category above Haven Spa (we had no use for the in room tub). In the CC threads we often noticed comparisons to MSC Yacht Club. We had zip, nada, zero knowledge of MSC. Went over to that forum and saw the same comparisons.

So, after reviewing the ships (and acknowledging we've been on Breakaway and Getaway), and comparing the cost (NCL Escape Haven was $2,000 more per person than the MSC Yacht Club, and the Yacht Club including the Ultimate Beverage Package; upgraded on 4/1 to premium brands 'across the ship) we made the choice to dip in and try MSC, the Divina and the Yacht Club. We were also influenced by the website presentation of the two new classes of ships in the making, especially the Seaside.

So we booked TWO MSC Yacht Club (B2B 3/25-4/8/17) experiences.

We have used a big box for reservations and got the same stateroom 16009 for the B2B cruises. Then, using CC members threads on the Status Match program, completed the process and got the Gold level and the 5% discount, which was retroactively credited to our account.

As far as planning, it was then an immediate and noticeable difference as the specialty dining options were much more limited than comparable ships on other lines, and the shows were shorter and doubled up most nights; thereby eliminating assembling a schedule by day of 'at sea, 'at port, 'show and 'dining coordination. Also, the REVIEWS of the Yacht Club dining options, and Le Muse, were pretty good, so we felt we were all set.

I will say the MSC website did have some issues. It appears they've got a ways to go in the IT management of such; because with $9B in new ships and an island on the roll out schedule, they are going to need it.

As far as excursions, after our first couple of cruises to the same ports, we've become enthusiasts OF THE SHIP on port days. As we will detail later, this plan didn't disappoint on our Divina cruises. We will explain; awesome times and service.

So, over the weekend, we're planning to re-visit our cruises with a FOCUS ON THE YACHT CLUB EXPERIENCE for the benefit of CRUISE CRITIC members that have provided us WITH SO MUCH VALUABLE INFORMATION since 2008. We hope that our re-visit sharing will help someone with some question.

We will make some 'off focus comments. For example, the WIFI package was cheap and the signal was fantastic throughout the ship in all weather conditions. Also, the passenger mix appeared to us to be 40%+ European, much lower average age and very few children on our cruises. Also, very 'nice (elevator courtesy, chairs when walking, etc.) with the tiny joking exception common to all ships we've sailed, the 'buffet battles (we went in twice for the pizza - - yes, best at sea over the counter).

WE ALSO WAITED TO DO THIS FOR SELFISH REASONS. In all honesty, we wanted to make sure we confirmed our reservations for Seaside next spring (we've actually got to update our Signature of B2B to a B3B) as one week will have one son and wife also in a YC stateroom and another couple for a different week in a YC stateroom also.

The YACHT CLUB EXPERIENCE is highlighted by a number of cruise line top venues and amenities and incredible service and also the incredible VALUE. IMO, we can't see MSC being able to maintain this low, relative costing (to the other 'ship within a ship cruise lines that offer such) for too long.

We are travelling in the YC later this year - so your offer of YC info is great! I am looking forward to reading all about it!

PRE-CRUISE TRAVEL

We fly out of Manchester, NH; a great modern little airport that Southwest “used to have a lot of great nonstop” or “reliable one-stop”flights. That all changed after acquiring a competitor and opening a Boston, MA terminal. Manchester PAX have paid the price; little to no nonstop, and everything else through BWI or Chicago (primarily).

So, since we have son in the Annapolis, MD area not too far from BWI, we headed down a couple days earlier to visit him, wife and our ‘grand dog. We scheduled a flight from BWI to FLL early in the day of the cruise embarkation since (1) MSC Divina leave quite late (we’ve been told to accommodate the European travelers) and (2) our early flight was followed by four more in case we had any issues with our flight.

TRANSFER ARRANGEMENT AND ARRIVAL

We have used GoAirport Shuttle for year for FLL and MIA cruises; meet and greet at airport and cruise port, top vehicles, drivers, etc.and reliable in our experience. As we approached the MSC Divina terminal he asked our stateroom category or deck name; we said Yacht Club. “Ooooooooooooh,he said, that is so easy.” You are going first class. We pulled in to the Yacht Club tent area and it began; they took the luggage, welcomed us, checked the list, took my wife’s arm (the butlers were in full ‘garb with long tails in the heat) and lead us into a small check in desk and reception area. We met a few other travelers, drinks, light snacks and couches. Within minutes,butler escorted directly onto the ship to a private elevator corridor for the Yacht Club (note, this is used for massive time savings perk for those gettingoff the ship; they walk you down ‘when you want to leave, and take you to thefront of the line (a touch embarrassing the one time we left the ship as when we returned we witnessed a line down the hallway, upstairs and into a Q-in area)).

BOARDING

The butler showed us how to use the TWO MIDDLE ELEVATORS forward; i.e, inserting your card to get on one ‘will bring one; inserting your card while on one ‘will generally bypass the other stops. We did not use this if there were others on the elevator, others did. We used it once to get someone who needed to get somewhere with assistance.

STATEROOM

We were asked if we’d like to see our stateroom first, and we did. Nice layout. Nice closet (bring an elastic to keep the hangers from banging on certain nights). Nice bathroom layout. Nice bedand bedding. Very small TV in the corner by the veranda door (yeah, we don’t use the TV much at all). Very quiet and sound proof on all sides and up and down. Very small veranda, good for port arrivals (better than standing up at the One Pool as the glass obstructs direct sightlines for viewing and pictures). Also, the same old plastic card is needed to keep the juice on in the room while you’re out. Magnetic signs for privacy or please clean. Good sized safe. Good closes storage. Large suitcases a breeze under the bed.

Champagne, fruit package and later chocolate covered strawberries. Never had any of it other than a couple of strawberries (because what else if offered in the Top Sail Lounge, the One Bar and Le Muse is simply over the top).

Butler inquired about our likes for the mini-fridge, told him Vodka, Gin and Rum and Corona Light; for my wife (almost a non-drinker; ‘bubbly's with a strawberry and sometimes a frozen mudslide) water. I took the three little mini’s daily and stored them, and along with the total three bottles of bubbly, gave them to our Le Muse waiter at the end of the two weeks.

TOP SAIL LOUNGE

He then took us down the starred glass spiral to the Concierge. Very nice. Started to notice ‘these people are really friendly. And a lot of them. What a great place, but just a blink compared to the Top Sail Lounge. It is the entire front of the ship, wrapped in glass, beautiful seating, huge open spaces (which are appropriately cut back on Seaside IMO), a piano bar, a bar (with smiling,happy bartenders) and a ‘food side area that was rotated 4-6 times a day with ‘really nice and different themed offerings).

The bartender asked what we drank. I mentioned a ‘dirty Vodka (shots of Vodka with a drizzle of Kahlua, Margarita (frozen generally) with Grand Marnier and Cointreau, and spicy Bloody Mary’s in the morning. Absolut was the Vodka on the first leg, and the new premiums came on for the second leg and Grey Goose was available. Discussed wines as a decision when dining at Le Muse.

Quite impressed.

ONE POOL, ONE BAR AND SUNDECK

The bartender got us another bubbly as we headed to the One Pool, One Bar sun deck.

It’s not a tease, but the accommodation and amenities are the best club-within-a-club pool and sundeck we’ve been on (large ships).

Best tip ever ( elastic for hangers) love it.

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Recognize your name from the NCL boards.

Great review so far. We are taking our first MSC in August for DD HS grad party - we have 2 rooms.

Did you happen to see 16008? We have that as one of our rooms.

I have a question on your review under the Top Sail Lounge space where you say "appropriately cut back on the Seaside." What does this mean? Does it mean you think that the Lounge on Seaside will be smaller? Is this a known fact (I haven't been keeping up with the updates).

Thanks, btw. I'm looking forward to the rest of your review.:D

Me and the wife will be on our first MSC and in the Yacht Club at the end of May. Looking forward to the tips. They say you can get Gelato at the one bar. Did you try it?

Recognize your name from the NCL boards.

 

Great review so far. We are taking our first MSC in August for DD HS grad party - we have 2 rooms.

 

Did you happen to see 16008? We have that as one of our rooms.

If you've got 16008, your one of the LUCKY ONES. That is one of the YC3's isn't it? It's opposite from the Sophia Loren Royal Suite (Port, and all Red decor). We were real lucky to meet a couple from So. CA that had 16008 and invited us to their stateroom. Brown decor (like ours), really nice layout. HUGE. From what we were told, for them, not really that much of a bump up in cost they told us, BUT REALLY HARD TO GET. We believe we remembered they said they booked the cruise date based on the availability of that room.

They also enlightened us about MSC and the Yacht Club. They were really nice people and it helped make the first week great. Their basic message "you can what ever you want if you just ask for it and they have it." GOOD ADVICE.

Thanks for the note on the NCL board. We did love both the Spa Balcony and the Haven Spa, our first experience in the club-within-a-club offering. The Yacht Club SPACE and DESIGN is really impressive and believe you will also be impressed.

I have a question on your review under the Top Sail Lounge space where you say "appropriately cut back on the Seaside." What does this mean? Does it mean you think that the Lounge on Seaside will be smaller? Is this a known fact (I haven't been keeping up with the updates).

 

Thanks, btw. I'm looking forward to the rest of your review.:D

I don't have the actual dimensions, however, the Captain's presentation in the YC and later discussion of Seaside (he stated he likely would be taking over Seaside) that there was a different configuration of Top Sail. With those we were with, it was our perception that there was some cutback of the inside space. If you look at the deck plan of Divina and Seaside it "appears" they've reduced some open space that is on Divina (but, honestly, I don't know).

Me and the wife will be on our first MSC and in the Yacht Club at the end of May. Looking forward to the tips. They say you can get Gelato at the one bar. Did you try it?

Sorry, never had Gelato, so didn't order it and do not know if you can get it at the One Bar.

I will say that, after dinner early in week one at Le Muse, I asked for a Tawny Port. They did not have any at Le Muse or the bar adjoining. When we later were up on One Deck and the One Bar, the bartender (Gary) told me he had "my Tawny Port." He did. YIKES.

ONE DECK

Our butler escorts us to the elevator after we had returnedto our stateroom to drop off some items on 16. The elevator is just a few steps away and it is one that you enter onone side and exit on the other. It istiny; not related to the other elevators previously mentioned. We head up to 18, exit the elevator, and headtoward the sea door. It is heavy woodwith a handle; not electronic or sensor opening (something which is noticeablyabsent throughout the ship). As you exitthe sea door you enter the smoking and shower area. The smoking area is well placed as it is onthe back port side of the One “Deck” and has tables and umbrellas. The towel station is there also, as well asdouble orange crossed towels on every lounger. The glass shower stalls (I believe four of them) are large, have bodyand hair wash soaps, you’ll have push button warm/hot water for brief spurts. To fully use, you’ll need to push push pushquite a bit. The water pressure is goodand the water nice and warm.

The entire rounded forward of the ship is angled glass protected(not solid, has panels with gaps to allow air flow). There are so many loungers that we never sawthem full. They aim in both directions. A measure in from the outside ring of glassand loungers is another glass ring. Inside this ring are more loungers directed at the two elevated teak andglass hot tubs, and further up, the large elevated teak in and marble backedwall cold salt water pool with canopy. On port days, when we “owned” the One Deck, this was all ours’ for 2-3hours, flanked by pool attendants and bar service.

As there are no hot tubs on the Starboard side there is alarge marble wall with loungers that, depending on the ships direction,provided the only SHADE area other that in the One Pool under the canopy (whennot at the One Bar).

Continuing around to the Starboard side, opposite theoriginal smoking, shower and towel area, is the outdoor dining canopy with glasswind screen, the One Bar, and the mini-buffet B-L-D and in-between.

On both back sides of the One Deck are glass wind screensand Yacht Club card gated entrances or exits to take steps a couple of decksdown to the main pool deck (i.e., the One Deck is elevated).

DESIGN

Fabulous. Best ‘club-within-a-clubin our experience.

SERVICE

Fabulous. At first,intrusive we thought (when in the One Pool there was always a pool attendantnearby; odd a first, but they squeegee after you get out of the pool so otherswill not slip). They only getoverwhelmed on sea days when there are a lot of YC loungers, but it was neverclose to full.

We prefer to go to the bar to get a beer or frozen drink,and they really want to bring it to you. It takes quite a while for them to understand you really prefer to doit. They win quite a bit when the say,after you order, they’ll bring it to you. THEY REMEMBER your drinks and how you like them almost immediately. I like my Corona Lights in a bucket, with alime, and then ice filled (around only 1-2 beers). They copied the entire two weeks (as well aswith a pack of salt on the side that I also use).

BAR

YOU DON’T SIGN FOR ANY DRINKS. NEVER. You get your order, how you instructed, and you’re off. NO SLIP.

SHOT GLASSES are sometimes used, but you can have whatever(amount) you want.

They did not regularly stock Corona Light at the One Bar (it’sa low carb thing, had to make the switch years ago), however, it was stocked bythe time I asked for one as the bartender in the Top Sail lounge had ordered itfor me. Wicked.

BUFFET

Cute, available as an option when you want somethinglite. Usually has similar (lesser)options than the Top Sail and always Le Muse (FORGOT to mention the Le MuseB-L-D menu’s are posted at the entrance to the Top Sail in several languages). You could also ‘custom order some typicalitems.

VERDICT

Really, really nice. It helped that we had 14 days of almost pure sunlight and great weather(sans for one 20 minute storm “out of the blue” on the last sea day).

BEST CLUB-WITHIN-A-CLUB we’ve experienced.

Really enjoying your review , thanks for sharing , we love the MSC product also !!!

I don't have the actual dimensions, however, the Captain's presentation in the YC and later discussion of Seaside (he stated he likely would be taking over Seaside) that there was a different configuration of Top Sail. With those we were with, it was our perception that there was some cutback of the inside space. If you look at the deck plan of Divina and Seaside it "appears" they've reduced some open space that is on Divina (but, honestly, I don't know).

The model that people have posted shows some tables, chairs and loungers on a deck accessible from Top Sail, in the front. I don't think total space will be smaller.

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The model that people have posted shows some tables, chairs and loungers on a deck accessible from Top Sail, in the front. I don't think total space will be smaller.

 

 

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Yep, I've seen that. It's semantics I guess re: Top Sail Divina and Top Sail Seaside if you include the outside decks. We'll see when we get on board in March 2017. Hope it's like you say in total space and we like the idea of the outside deck seating.

Thank you so much for your review. I booked the Seaside YC for April of 2018 and am getting so excited. I am on the RCCL Oasis in November in a CL suite and the perks are nice but the yacht club experience sounds so much better. This will be my first time with MSC but from the way you describe the line I don't think it will be my last[emoji3]

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Thank you for this review! We are booked in the YC on Seaside next year to celebrate my 50th birthday. I couldn't believe how reasonable the cost was. I too think prices will go up as more people stray from other lines.

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Thanks for the info, very useful! We are headed to the Divina next weekend to experience YC for the first time!

If you've got 16008, your one of the LUCKY ONES. That is one of the YC3's isn't it? It's opposite from the Sophia Loren Royal Suite (Port, and all Red decor). We were real lucky to meet a couple from So. CA that had 16008 and invited us to their stateroom. Brown decor (like ours), really nice layout. HUGE. From what we were told, for them, not really that much of a bump up in cost they told us, BUT REALLY HARD TO GET. We believe we remembered they said they booked the cruise date based on the availability of that room.

 

They also enlightened us about MSC and the Yacht Club. They were really nice people and it helped make the first week great. Their basic message "you can what ever you want if you just ask for it and they have it." GOOD ADVICE.

 

Thanks for the note on the NCL board. We did love both the Spa Balcony and the Haven Spa, our first experience in the club-within-a-club offering. The Yacht Club SPACE and DESIGN is really impressive and believe you will also be impressed.

Thanks for the info on the room. Yes, it is one of the two YC3. We booked early this year (Jan or Feb) and for the entire summer for the Western route there was only one week that room was available so we booked it. which was mid-August.

I've seen pictures of it and hopefully it looks better in person (sounds like it does). I guess I struggle with the brown furniture - reminds me of the '70s.

Thanks for the info on the room. Yes, it is one of the two YC3. We booked early this year (Jan or Feb) and for the entire summer for the Western route there was only one week that room was available so we booked it. which was mid-August.

 

I've seen pictures of it and hopefully it looks better in person (sounds like it does). I guess I struggle with the brown furniture - reminds me of the '70s.

Good for you.

The couple we met did exactly what you did; when is it open and that is when they booked.

We also got a tour of the 'Red YC3 next to our room. Your YC3 had the same color scheme as ours. We were a bit overwhelmed by the 'Red YC3 to be hones.

The amount of space in both is very nice and well laid out. The balconies are over the top.

We did prepare an entire post about concluding our arrival with a visit to Le Muse and (after 20 minutes) 'timed out on CC and our content we lost. We know it is better to prepare in Word, but in this thread posting copy and paste from Word makes for dozens of re-edits. Don't know why; will try again soon.

Me and the wife will be on our first MSC and in the Yacht Club at the end of May. Looking forward to the tips. They say you can get Gelato at the one bar. Did you try it?

Yes, you can get Gelato at the One Pool between 12:30pm and 4:00pm. It was delicious! You can also get it on deck 6 (more options to choose from and completely free for YC) and deck 14 (we never made it there).

Yes, you can get Gelato at the One Pool between 12:30pm and 4:00pm. It was delicious! You can also get it on deck 6 (more options to choose from and completely free for YC) and deck 14 (we never made it there).

Thanks for the info. I love gelato especially Italian gelato. My husband said we would break the bank with me getting gelato on the Divina but since we are in the YC it won't cost me a thing. :D

Thanks for your detailed review of your Yacht Club experience. My wife and I just finished reading through it and are more excited for our vacation. We cruising the Royal Suite next month aboard Divina and can't wait to experience what you've just described. Any pictures??

Thank you for your detailed review.

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NEXT UP - INTRO TO LE MUSE

After the introductions to our stateroom, Top Sail, the One Deck and Concierge, our butler asks to take us down to Le Muse to pick a dining table, look at menus and meet the staff. SURE.

GETTING THERE OPTIONS

Leaving the YC to get to Le Muse, for us, involved three options.

1. At the end of the hallways heading aft, there is an automated door on the LEFT to get to the YC access to the elevators. For us, if it was really windy or really hot, we'd head down to DECK 7 and walk through all of the venues to the back of the ship ELEVATOR and up to DECK 15; Le Muse entrance is Starboard.

2. At the end of the ONE DECK there are glass YC doors that open with a PUSH OF A BUTTON from the inside (opens with A CARD from the outside); down a set of steps to the pool deck.

3. At the end of the hallways heading aft on 16 (for us) there is a SEA DOOR to exit after you leave the YC carded area. You can then take a quick LEFT to access steps that head down to the pool deck.

CAUTION: Exiting through the sea door requires a slight STEP UP. We know we stumbled on it a couple of times, and that one man fell quite badly on day one of the second week.

FIRST TIME

We chose exiting the YC and heading down the stairs to the pool deck. There was hardly anyone there as we had boarded so early. We walked with the butler past the pools all the way to the aft to the GARDEN BAR (this is the hot spot on the ship for smokers and party time all the time, always packed, always pleasantly loud). AFTER the GARDEN BAR itself, you take a left as if you were heading around the bar. There is a LARGE WOODEN SEA DOOR that you have to open to step into DECK 15. Simply walk past the elevators into the Le Muse 'welcome entrance area.

We were welcomed by PAULA. She has an infectious smile and genuine welcome; as nice on day 14 as on day 1. 'Hello, how are you, how is your day, welcome to Le Muse. She then escorted us to TABLE 18 (I believe; we had met MARIO* in the Top Sail and took the recommendation of 16008 on table selection) to see if we like it. We did, but to be honest, there isn't a bad table in Le Muse.

*MARIO is part of what made Le Muse (for us) special and unique from any other experience. He manages Le Muse, he welcomes everyone and he entertains with his "on the floor" daily lunch and or dinner PASTA specials (sauces and pasta hand made for each table or group). He also made some desserts. The guy is unbelievable; he manning his pasta station, the wait staff is prepping for him and attentive to his requests, he know WHAT TABLE the pasta is going to and he customizes from memory (i.e., for me, low carb, pasta not on the daily plan; so served on sautéed vegetable medley, spinach, greens, whatever I wanted). ALL THE TIME he is on the phone, scheduling, welcoming everyone walking in and visiting the tables. Definitely, Le Muse has some kind of EVER READY BATTERY charge.

We met our primary waiter, ARTHUR and his assistant FAYE. After about one day he had our dietary preferences down pat, and he would offer customization to anything on the menu or what we could have off the menu.

I'm 5'8" / 165, low carb, heavy on fish and lean proteins, no bread, potatoes, sugars managed but no sweets after dinner. I THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM "before the cruise." IT WAS NOT. Despite the reviews to the contrary, the FISH SELECTION was really good; I had fish, only fish, and primarily different white fish, for the first four days (without repeating), and didn't even get to the salmon until the second week. SECRET TO LE MUSE - they will make for you whatever you want, how you want it, you just need to ask (* if your waiter is not fully literate in your language, make a change right off as the only times we witnessed mistakes was because of language communication difficulties).

My wife is 5'6" much smaller, heavy on meat and potatoes, bread and sweets (all the time). She has a better metabolism. She had all of the goodies all the time 'the way she like it. Both of us always had greens and a tasty appetizer to start. We always had a frozen glass with a strawberry and bubbly on our table before we got our seats adjusted. We always were given the evening menu with the lunch menu so we could plan our dining and, for me, my WINE selections.

The WINES in Le Muse are not traditional to our selections in the Northeast US. To get a feel for what would work, Arthur would suggest and bring over bottle after bottle until we found what worked with what foods. He changed the glasses every time and was not bothered at all (he prides himself on getting a match). For the first week, before the beverage package upgrade in effect on 4/1, the wines at Le Muse were really only YC venue that had a wide selection (of course you could pay at any bar pre 4/1 or go to any bar post 4/1).

ATTIRE

We messed up planning big time. Since 2008 when we started cruising, we moved from the top with Tuxedo and formal dresses, to suite and tie and less formal dresses, to resort casual on formal nights PRIOR to this cruise. WHY? Well, we have seen a real PERCENTAGE DECREASE in formal attire over the years. So, we planned on resort casual.

That was a mistake. On a couple of fronts. First, there are THREE THEMED COLOR NIGHTS. We had missed that in the reviews. I was able to scramble around for one of the nights, but we weren't prepared and IT LOOKED LIKE A FUN THING TO DO. Second, in Le Muse, the formal nights were generally suit and tie and semi-formal dresses. I was a touch embarrassed, but self-justified with friends we made on each cruise when I said "I've worn a suit and tie every day for 35 years." It was an excuse, I plan on bringing a couple of suits (I've got some nice ones) on Seaside. Of note, there were several others that were casual also; we weren't alone by any means.

LE MUSE CONCLUSION

We really, really enjoyed it. I will say that, base on advice from 16008 in the YC on day one hour one, "they will get you whatever you want, you just have to ask."

We only ate outside of the YC or Le Muse twice in two weeks; once a week we had to nudge into the buffet to the large, fresh cooked pizza station. We had ONE SLICE each time. The best a sea over the counter (only NCL Breakaway class that has the $5 delivered anywhere on the ship pizza is top notch).

In perspective, Le Muse is not a specialty restaurant along the lines of Chops Grill for beef (the historic Chops, not the one we recently dined on Harmony with the jumbo colossal shrimp cocktail in a stainless steel upright that has been replaced by the 5 mini shrimp in a martini glass), or Giovanni's for Italian or Wonderland for over-the-top bold uniqueness. It best compares to NCL Haven and RCCL Coastal Kitchen. We give Le Muse the edge. First, the location, design and ambiance of Le Muse is tops. Second, the menu's and specials, and the 'have you want attitude" is really noticeable. Then there is the STAFF (from Mario, to Paula, to Arthur and Faye, and sometimes Pasqualle), the friendliest, happiest, most accommodating we've ever experienced. Mario's on floor daily entertaining preparations of sauces and pastas and sweets was, or is, unmatched by any of our other experiences.

I didn't even mention the 7 ounce Lobster tail yet!

I take it that your signature is wrong about 2018 MSC cruises, since it says Divina, and you write that your are really going B2B on Seaside. We are on Seaside in YC on March 3rd. Curious what weeks you are on her. Great review so far. Love the details. Thanks!