Seaside and Yacht Club Review, March 3 - 10, 2018 - Part 1

[lcpagejr]

Thanks. What smell? DW sometimes brings up "smell" after I have used the facilities. Other than that, I did not smell anything in my travels on the ship.

 

LOL..... Great response!!

[ken_ll]

Thanks for the review.... Still trying to figure out why YC didn't appeal to you. Yes...Sun is an issue for you and I get that. Crying child....just bad luck...it happens. Why couldn't you have brought your food into the lounge area if the Sun was an issue? No way in He__ will I be going anywhere near the buffet on either deck for my meals.....other than to try a piece of pizza for an occasional snack. But I do appreciate your balanced review and respect your decision that MSC doesn't meet your needs. Thanks!

YC did appeal to us, but on this cruise it failed to deliver a complete package which we expected. A shaded area on the YC pool deck would be great to just lay back, there was none. In retrospect, we perhaps should have had an interior cabin with a Fantasia experience, the outcome for expectation may have been higher but at far less expense.

[bluefish17]

Ken,

Thanks for taking the time and doing this review. We were on the same week with you and your description of the screaming child is spot on. And to others who say "I would have said something to the parents" and other similar stuff, all I can say is that the parents just didn't care so it wouldn't have mattered. They radiated an attitude of "we have to put up with this every day, so should you because we paid our money too".

Really don't know what the staff could have done when people have that attitude.

We also had the same waiters and refused to be seated over there one morning because we saw the child there. Thank goodness we missed the subsequent screaming match.

Agree with you about the shade. Surely MSC can do something about this. Why don't they try something and see how popular it is. Like shade over the whole port side next to the pool.

We didn't have any issues at the busy 8:15 theatre show.

Was it a perfect cruise for us? No, but it was one of our best. We will definitely cruise Seaside in YC again.

 

Sent from my SM-N950U using Forums mobile app

[mafig]

Would you say the 8:15 show was the busiest?

 

What time did you have dinner ? Would 6 or so be enough time to make it to the show?

 

What time is the show after 8:15? DH likes to go to the casino after dinner.

 

 

Tell me more about the couple with the screaming child.

Did they speak English?

Did you see anyone try to talk to them?

Was it just a couple and one child?

[bluefish17]

The shows are at 7, 815, and 930. 815 was always sold out. 930 always had space even at the last minute.

We used the MSC for me app to make reservations at 815 for the whole week on the first day. Very easy. Just go to Theatre shows tab under things to do.

We ate around 6:15 to 6, always had enough time to get to the show. Just tell your servers. Also you can enter the theatre from deck 7 or deck 6. Deck 6 has very little congestion to get in.

 

Don't have any thing else to add on the child. I felt bad for the staff because they want everyone to be Happy and have a good time and they knew people were upset. Don't know anything about the parents or if anyone talked to them. I don't think they knew much about babies. If a toddler periodically shrieks to get attention, you don't pat it, stroke it, or otherwise reward it like they did. They truly are living in a hell of their own making.

 

Sent from my SM-N950U using Forums mobile app

[WinterWimp]

The child may have had special needs. I feel badly for people whose vacations were disrupted, but, if this child indeed has disabilities, then I hope the parents got to enjoy some relief from a trying caretakers role as well. Personally, we never traveled further than grampa's house when our kids were that little (wasn't fair to them or others to do anything else really), but you never know someone elses life path.

[GRANNYOFSIX]

Ken.....thank you for a detailed and honest review. We sailed on February 17th in the YC. First time in YC and second time on MSC. First cruise on MSC was February 2017 in Fantastica on Divina.

 

YC did not meet my total expectations as well. It was a great experience to have a private DR and lounge and I will miss that for sure when we cruise again on MSC but like you, the Seaside was not a good fit for us.

 

I totally agree with your frustration of one future cruise rep and the disorganization in that area. Almost as if it wasn't important to MSC if guests wanted to book another future cruise. Never had an experience like that before. I felt rushed. We did book another cruise in Aurea on Divina. We also had 3 bookings on the Seaside for 2019 which we cancelled when we got home.

 

My DR experience was a bit off. The first breakfast in the DR my husband's food arrived. I suggested that my husband to go ahead and eat.....my toast was delivered so I assumed my eggs were to follow. This never happened and no waiter ever checked on us. I did tell Luigi when we left but at that point he couldn't do anything and didn't offer anything. Last breakfast I asked for an omelette without cheese. It was loaded with cheese. I ate the toast and fruit plate.....that was sufficient but disappointing. We were about to get off the ship and didn't want everyone to have to wait for me to get another order. Then on lobster night (I love lobster) my lobster was awful. The filet was delish though. Surprised that our waiter didn't come over and ask if there was a problem with the lobster. Still trying to lose the weight I put on from this cruise, so I for sure didn't go hungry, I just thought service would be a bit more upscale in the YC DR. Other than that, ALL THE FOOD was delicious, especially the lasagna:)

 

We will definitely give MSC another try in the future on a different ship (Divina). The only thing that I worry about is so many of the seasoned staff are now on the Seaside.

 

 

[Formula280SS]

Ken.....thank you for a detailed and honest review. We sailed on February 17th in the YC. First time in YC and second time on MSC. First cruise on MSC was February 2017 in Fantastica on Divina.

 

YC did not meet my total expectations as well. It was a great experience to have a private DR and lounge and I will miss that for sure when we cruise again on MSC but like you, the Seaside was not a good fit for us.

 

I totally agree with your frustration of one future cruise rep and the disorganization in that area. Almost as if it wasn't important to MSC if guests wanted to book another future cruise. Never had an experience like that before. I felt rushed. We did book another cruise in Aurea on Divina. We also had 3 bookings on the Seaside for 2019 which we cancelled when we got home.

 

My DR experience was a bit off. The first breakfast in the DR my husband's food arrived. I suggested that my husband to go ahead and eat.....my toast was delivered so I assumed my eggs were to follow. This never happened and no waiter ever checked on us. I did tell Luigi when we left but at that point he couldn't do anything and didn't offer anything. Last breakfast I asked for an omelette without cheese. It was loaded with cheese. I ate the toast and fruit plate.....that was sufficient but disappointing. We were about to get off the ship and didn't want everyone to have to wait for me to get another order. Then on lobster night (I love lobster) my lobster was awful. The filet was delish though. Surprised that our waiter didn't come over and ask if there was a problem with the lobster. Still trying to lose the weight I put on from this cruise, so I for sure didn't go hungry, I just thought service would be a bit more upscale in the YC DR. Other than that, ALL THE FOOD was delicious, especially the lasagna:)

 

We will definitely give MSC another try in the future on a different ship (Divina). The only thing that I worry about is so many of the seasoned staff are now on the Seaside.

 

 

So sorry you didn't have an experience that met your total expectations. Such are individual and you have every right to have your opinion on such. Again, sorry it didn't work out for you.

 

I understand the YC dining can have some issues; we experienced such at the beginning of our B2B "until we remembered to tell them exactly what we wanted." On menu, off menu. And, of course, Arthur would take over from there. We sat with the same group of tables each week and not one experienced what you have described above (I am not doubting you, just that we never saw or heard of such over two weeks in an area serving 30+- immediate to us).

 

RE: the lobster, the second week first lobster served was 'sent back by us. Came back perfect (were told new staff and many sent back over-cooked). Same RE: the Duck Breast one night; over-cooked then perfect. Acceptable, IMO the response was. Admittedly, it should come out 'right the first time.

Each week, the lobster tails AT THE POOL GRILL were cooked to (NE) perfection; silky. NE-North East US, cold water (Maine or otherwise), we're normally hard to please on this gem.

Wife affirms your lasagna opinion.

 

Also, although sad you're not going back, personally glad you've opened up some rooms in 2019 (3 cancellations!!). It's really hard getting YC staterooms 'booking outward. We already have a B2B booked under prior price level (now much higher; little to no availability for the # of rooms we want). Looking to bring some family and friends if we could see YC rooms open up that we desire.

Again, sorry it didn't meet your total expectations. You might like Divina YC, we did last year. I don't know, however, about the staff remaining.

 

GLTY.

Edited March 18, 2018 by Formula280SS

[GRANNYOFSIX]

Hi Formula280SS.....I have been trying to reply to your response but I'm unable to do so. It keeps saying my post was to short???? I will keep trying.....

[GRANNYOFSIX]

Hi Formula280SS

 

Total expectations might not have been met, but we had a wonderful cruise sailing with my sister and her husband who live in another state. We would never let anything ruin a cruise. Seaside just wasn't the best fit for us.

 

 

I understand the YC dining can have some issues; we experienced such at the beginning of our B2B "until we remembered to tell them exactly what we wanted." On menu, off menu. And, of course, Arthur would take over from there. We sat with the same group of tables each week and not one experienced what you have described above (I am not doubting you, just that we never saw or heard of such over two weeks in an area serving 30+- immediate to us).

Thank you for not doubting my words about the YC DR experience. I wish it didn't happen, but it did. Two different waiters. No biggie....things happen. I'm easy to please, just thought it might be different in the YC. I would have asked for my eggs the first time there was an issue if the waiter came back, but he didn't. All other breakfasts were delicious. Disappointed that the omelette came with a lot of cheese, but it was the last day and everyone was rushed to get off the ship so I chose not to ask for a replacement.

 

RE: the lobster, the second week first lobster served was 'sent back by us. Came back perfect (were told new staff and many sent back over-cooked). Same RE: the Duck Breast one night; over-cooked then perfect. Acceptable, IMO the response was. Admittedly, it should come out 'right the first time.

Our waiter didn't like the way my husbands lobster looked so the waiter took it back and brought another which my husband said was excellent. I should have asked for another tail. My fault.

Each week, the lobster tails AT THE POOL GRILL were cooked to (NE) perfection; silky. NE-North East US, cold water (Maine or otherwise), we're normally hard to please on this gem.

On our cruise, at the pool grill, we were told they ran out of lobsters so we did not have them for lunch the next day. We also love cold water Maine lobsters being raised on Long Island.

 

Wife affirms your lasagna opinion. Yup, delicious and I am pretty picky about lasagna. Never had lasagna taste that good anywhere.

 

Also, although sad you're not going back, personally glad you've opened up some rooms in 2019 (3 cancellations!!). It's really hard getting YC staterooms 'booking outward. We already have a B2B booked under prior price level (now much higher; little to no availability for the # of rooms we want). Looking to bring some family and friends if we could see YC rooms open up that we desire.

Yes, we didn't want to hold on to those cabins since we know for sure the Seaside is not a good fit for us. Happy to relinquish them to someone who will enjoy the YC and the Seaside.

Again, sorry it didn't meet your total expectations. You might like Divina YC, we did last year. I don't know, however, about the staff remaining.

 

We did enjoy the Divina in February 2017 in Fantastica experience. The Divina was a good fit. Will be sailing on Divina in 2019 in Aurea experience. Don't get me wrong, we generally love the MSC experience and will cruise MSC again (we also have 2019 Meraviglia booked). We will definitely sail MSC again....just not Seaside.

GLTY.

[Formula280SS]

Hi Formula280SS

 

GLTY.

 

You've got a great attitude.

 

It makes me offer the following. When food items (mostly high end or specialty) didn't go our way, we USED TO just let it go. CRUISECRITIC members commented that we should reconsider such.

 

We did.

 

So, for every 'didn't work out that happened on our recent B2B, most got corrected very satisfactorily.

 

I will admit, it should be right the first time.

 

Of note, this is NOT UNIQUE TO MSC.

 

On RCCL for the past 2 cruises, can't believe the quality issues at Chops (so much so, we just cancelled); yet other specialty venues were still great (Wonderland for sure, and even Izumi (totally ALL OFF MENU)).

 

Even on NCL Escape, some issues. On NCL, got corrected.

 

Again, sorry it didn't work for the both of you. Hope you enjoy your future cruises.

[Beamafar]

Hi Formula280SS.....I have been trying to reply to your response but I'm unable to do so. It keeps saying my post was to short???? I will keep trying.....

 

If you post within the quotation brackets, Laura, the site doesn't recognise that you've written anything. You need to type something outside of the /quote closed bracket.

[GRANNYOFSIX]

Thank you Bea......I was truly frustrated typing my long thread over and over with the same response....... thanks for the tip!!

Laura

 

 

If you post within the quotation brackets, Laura, the site doesn't recognise that you've written anything. You need to type something outside of the /quote closed bracket.

[GRANNYOFSIX]

Hi Formula280SS......

 

We are seriously contemplating moving our 2019 Aurea Divina booking to YC...... We will miss the Top Sail Lounge and private DR if we decide to stick with Aurea. Not sure I can justify the extra cost but seriously thinking about it especially since we know the Divina is a good fit for us. Thoughts?

 

My husband and I have been cruising since 1993 and truly love to cruise. I do have an issue complaining about "anything".....just not my cup of tea....but, truly, if the waiter would have "checked on us" at breakfast, I would have said something about not getting my meal. But not saying something about the lobster was definitely my fault.....I hate that I didn't say anything BUT, I was concentrating on the filet. I almost never eat red meat but decided to give it a try so I ordered the surf and turf......the filet was so good and tender and I was proud of myself for eating it. I didn't want to order the lobster and feel to full to eat it. Now, a little to late, I wish I would have said something. Still surprised our waiter didn't notice that I didn't eat the lobster.

 

 

Looking forward to our next two cruises in May and August on Celebrity then the next two in 2019 will be on the Divina and Meraviglia!! Wow.....feeling very fortunate right now!:)

 

 

 

 

You've got a great attitude.

 

It makes me offer the following. When food items (mostly high end or specialty) didn't go our way, we USED TO just let it go. CRUISECRITIC members commented that we should reconsider such.

 

We did.

 

So, for every 'didn't work out that happened on our recent B2B, most got corrected very satisfactorily.

 

I will admit, it should be right the first time.

 

Of note, this is NOT UNIQUE TO MSC.

 

On RCCL for the past 2 cruises, can't believe the quality issues at Chops (so much so, we just cancelled); yet other specialty venues were still great (Wonderland for sure, and even Izumi (totally ALL OFF MENU)).

 

Even on NCL Escape, some issues. On NCL, got corrected.

 

Again, sorry it didn't work for the both of you. Hope you enjoy your future cruises.

[C-sea]

Thank you for your detailed review. Sorry to learn there will not be a live orchestra on Seaside. Did you get a chance to hear live jazz?

[josephml1]

the screaming child.

 

:confused::confused: Hello Ken, I read your review, your complain was about a screaming child in a FAMILY cruise ship.

 

Of course it should not be solve by the cruise line

 

is a FAMILY cruise. They do want to attract families WITH children

 

That is truly funny one of your main complains is that you find with a crying child...

 

As a father and a medical doctor. In several times you can not control a crying child. They are children, sometimes they have headaches, nausea, and the way to tell the parents something is wrong is crying..

 

And again this is a Family Cruise.

 

My suggestion for your next cruise:

 

1) Try a non family cruise Line, like Holland America, Azamara, Cunard, Cristal, Windstar etc. or maybe Princess in a non holiday date.

 

2) The families also can afford a YC suite so of course you will find crying children in MSC and in the YC.

And for all the readers in this review.

 

YES you will find children in the YC and several will be crying children, the babies and children communicate by crying...

 

they are children and in MSC is a family cruise line as RCL, DCL and Carnival.

If you get angry with crying children better choose another cruise line.;):):):)

[josephml1]

A FAMILY CRUISE.

 

Be prepared its normal to find babies crying.. in a Family Cruise.

 

https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/fussy-baby/why-do-babies-cry

 

Why do babies cry?

 

Understanding why do babies cry?

 

Your baby’s cries all have a purpose. This is their only way at this time to communicate with you that they need you. Dr. Sears deciphers why do babies cry and what they mean.

Automatic Signal

 

The basic answer to why do babies cry is that it is an automatic reaction. A perfect signal is automatic. A newborn cries by reflex. The infant senses a need, which triggers a sudden inspiration of air followed by a forceful expelling of that air through vocal cords, which vibrate to produce the sound we call a cry. In the early months, the tiny infant does not think, “What kind of cry will get me fed?” He just automatically cries. Also, the cry is easily generated. Once his lungs are full of air, the infant can initiate crying with very little effort.

You Are Supposed to Notice

 

The cry is appropriately disturbing: ear-piercing enough to get the caregiver’s attention and make him or her try to stop the cry, but not so disturbing as to make the listener want to avoid the sound altogether.

[Annbel1511]

A FAMILY CRUISE.

 

Be prepared its normal to find babies crying.. in a Family Cruise.

 

https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/fussy-baby/why-do-babies-cry

 

Why do babies cry?

 

Understanding why do babies cry?

 

Your baby’s cries all have a purpose. This is their only way at this time to communicate with you that they need you. Dr. Sears deciphers why do babies cry and what they mean.

Automatic Signal

 

The basic answer to why do babies cry is that it is an automatic reaction. A perfect signal is automatic. A newborn cries by reflex. The infant senses a need, which triggers a sudden inspiration of air followed by a forceful expelling of that air through vocal cords, which vibrate to produce the sound we call a cry. In the early months, the tiny infant does not think, “What kind of cry will get me fed?” He just automatically cries. Also, the cry is easily generated. Once his lungs are full of air, the infant can initiate crying with very little effort.

You Are Supposed to Notice

 

The cry is appropriately disturbing: ear-piercing enough to get the caregiver’s attention and make him or her try to stop the cry, but not so disturbing as to make the listener want to avoid the sound altogether.

 

I'm a mother as well and of course babies cry but when my children cried or had a tantrum in a public place like a restaurant I would always take them outside as to not disturb other diners.

 

I would call that being considerate of other people.

[plucasana]

@annbel1511

I couldn't agree more. Being a parent myself, I cannot understand how some parents can be so selfish. Show a little respect!

Just because some kids sometimes misbehave (or some are spoilt or in a bad mood or whatever) does not mean the fact that kids are allowed on a cruise ship means bad behavior is allowed and/or to be foreseen.

IMHO, nobody - neither kid nor adult has the right to be disrespectful.

 

Of course babies cry.

Just don't let them cry in a nice restaurant.

[bluefish17]

You don't understand. This toddler was not crying. It was a loud shriek like a baby pterodactyl. It was to get attention from the mother and the child was rewarded. If every time the child shrieked, the stroller was turned around so mommy was gone just for 60 sec, the behavior would probably stop in a day or two.

Everyone knows babies cry, that's not what this was.

 

Sent from my SM-N950U using Forums mobile app

[MarkusToe]

we where in YC this and the cruise before....2/24-3/10

to be very honest - second week was much more worse than first week, regarding food

First week was really bad because of noise from deck 19 (Aurea und Crew party)

Moved to different stateroom at week 2. Great service from both butlers (new and old) by help of movement.

 

Overflow of guest in YC - very long waiting times for dinner: arriving 19:30 - seated 21:00

One kid about a age of 4 in YC restaurant: at home I'd like to say - sorry I've to replace the carpet - every night - playing arround with food....what a mess....

Baby crying - was a russian couple - may be thats there training to build up stronger lung functions

They have done nothing.....

Thank's to the op adressing the lack of shade as well - I got the answer from the captain: this ship follow the sun - thats the reason

He did not like my answer: no shade - no futher bookings on YC seaside type ships from my end.....

YC director told me: they will think about some mobile shade installation - at least for low wind situation....

to the OP - may be you have seen my tent I've build in the front of the ship using magnets and towels....

Regarding smell: some smell in some areas of the ship, but not really strong

No lobster on pool deck buffet on week 2

Edited March 20, 2018 by MarkusToe

[mafig]

You waited an hour and a half to be seated for dinner?

Every night?

[MarkusToe]

nope 2 nights

[GOLDENBONNY]

(First of all, I was attempting to load pictures to the text, but I gave up, even using third party software.)

 

We arrived in Miami Friday afternoon after re-routing ourselves from Ottawa through Chicago instead of Newark (evening flight) as the first of the 3 nor'easters did affect the east coast. Having grown up in the east coast of Canada, the nor'easters generally dump lots of heavy snow after picking up moisture over the Atlantic. Many folks did miss the ship and I did talk to others who used ingenuity to get to Miami, I'll reference two situations later.

 

I should add that we already had 2 cruises booked on the Seaside for March, 2019, one week in an SJ3 Aurea Suite with whirlpool and the next week in the same YC interior that we had on this cruise, cabin 18031. We have sailed on Celebrity, Princess, Carnival, Costa in order of frequency and once each on RCCL, MSC and HA. While the balcony is preferred, we have had interiors to suites, with and without butlers. To me, butlers are overhead.

 

We stayed at the Intercontinental, a good location near the water fronting on Bayside Park and Market. The taxi from the airport came in at $28.00 on the meter.

 

Embarking - Saturday morning was bright and sunny, The Miami Humane Society had a dog walk starting from Bayside Park with lots of dogs. We could see the Seaside and just before noon, we took a taxi to Terminal F at the port. I knew I had to watch for a tent for the Yacht Club check-in. My idea of a tent and that used differs.

 

Taxi dropped us off with the luggage handlers for MSC. I mentioned YC and was directed to the "tent" about 150 feet or 26 seconds away. The tent is actually 2 sun shades under cover to the left of the Terminal F entrance. Although we had our luggage tags attached, the luggage handler attached his tags ($$) as well.

 

Milling about for awhile, we were taken in a group of 8 by a butler (holding high the YC paddle) to go through security and then taken to a lounge on the second floor of the terminal. Here we got ships card and YC wrist-band which I carried in my pocket, I hate things around my wrist. Here one could have a snack, water or wine. From here we went to the ship, from luggage check-in to boarding the ship took 15 minutes.

 

Once on the ship, we were routed past the chocolate bar to Deck 16 and the Concierge Desk. Here we were provided with basic details and from my understanding we could make reservations for the shows as well booking our pre-paid spa services. Whether you could or not, it did not happen. The guy serving us was not going to do this for us, he suggested we do it ourselves on the screens and in person at the spa. We had 2 minutes of his time and there was nothing he was going to do for us. Laziness or "that is not my job" came to mind. Off we went to our cabin, dropped off our bags and then to lunch where the reception was different and what we expected.

 

Luigi, the maitre'd directed us to a window seat on the port side of the YC dining room. Our servers were Andrei and Lyndon (named after L.B. Johnson), we received a warm reception and great service to the point, all dinners and breakfasts and most lunches were with these guys. Water is placed at your table, still for DW and sparkling for me. For lunch, I had a steak and overall, we were impressed with the food and service from the start.

 

We went to one of the electronic screens to make our theatre reservations for the next 7 days. At the spa, DW made her 3 bookings and one for me. At the beginning of the cruise, most times are wide open.

 

Dining - All meals were taken in the YC dining room with 2 exceptions,one lunch in the buffet on 8th and once in the Butcher's Cut. Dining room meals were all good with one exception that was a chicken dish on Day 2. Although an entree, it was appetizer size and the chicken tough or overcooked - could not eat, had a steak as a replacement. The steaks,lasagna and lobster were great. I would liked to have had a doggy bag of lasagna to bring home. We had butter, and various butter type spreads at different times. We did have the same table every evening at 5:45 pm, that replicates dinner time at home. No line up and servers had limited guests at that time. By 7:00 pm, the restaurant would be 60% or so full. We were out by 7:15 every night for our 8:15 pm theatre show.

 

Some of the food items were different and expected in their presentation, tried them once and picked something different the next time. e.g., the shrimp cocktail was on the warm side with a sauce I liken to "Thousand Islands" dressing. The French Onion soup lacked the ton of baked cheese which I am used to. It was good otherwise, but had something different next time. The one thing is that there is a lot of choice.

 

Wine was readily available with sufficient choice. This was always served by the waiters. There was a sommelier who circulated and she was good at meeting our wants and suggested wines. She brought different wines for us to try.

 

Breakfast was breakfast. I asked for smoked kippers, none on menu and none available. Bacon was served the way DW likes it, crisp and never to move again, but not the way I like it.

 

Butcher's Cut - We went there for lunch, did not want to waste a dinner, the menu is the same for both meals. This was another good meal,restaurant was quiet at lunch, there was no need to hurry. This was the Black Card freebie meal. DW had the goat cheese appetizer (an additional $5) and rack of lamb. I had the shrimp cocktail - six large shrimps on a bed of crushed ice, along with the same "Thousand Islands" type dressing and some other sauce. The shrimps were big and cold - enjoyable. Cheesecake for dessert. All was excellent.

 

Our server here previously worked on the Costa Cruise line and we mentioned we were on the Costa Atlantica 14 years earlier and if he knew of the two waiters we had then, two of the best over the years. Sure enough, he had a picture of Erwin, one of the two waiters. That Costa cruise was our second cruise and our best cruise to date.

 

A disappointment here was that there was no baked potato on the menu,settled for baked squash, it was good.

 

Marketplace Buffet on 16th - We tried going there a number of times but whenever we got there, it was never open. I did recall that for lunch, it did not open until 12:30 pm, about an hour too late IMO.

 

Buffet on 8th floor - We went there for lunch and at the time in our immediate sitting area, there were 8 of us from the YC. I had read about how horrible the food was. I had salmon, chicken, penne, two slices of pizza and I had to try the automatic beer dispensers, 7 oz. of beer for $3 each. The drink package included this. The food was quite good.

 

I did see the hamburgers, I think there is just too many sitting on the hot tables for pickup. Instead of 40 - 50 hamburgers sitting there,it would be more presentable to have 10 or so sitting there, at least it would give the impression of turnover. In our many trips in and out of the buffet, never did see anyone pick up a burger.

 

Outdoor Grill on 19th at YC - Only ate here once at lunch, had some grilled shrimp, an appetizer for lunch in the dining room. One of the times I looked at the grill, there was rack of lamb as well as a roast of lamb as well as an assortment of other grilled items. Dining there for lunch did not appeal to me as the shaded chairs were generally occupied on one side at lunch time and we did not want to eat in the smoke in the emptier smoking shaded area.

 

YC Pool/Deck - This area is great for the sun worshiper, it is not crowded. What it is lacking is an adequate area for loungers in shade. Before someone jumps on me, I do recall about 6 lounger in shade as long as the ship was going in the right direction for shade. There was shade on both the port and starboard sides with tables and chair for eating. We generally ended up in area next door where there were sofas under the shade next to the bar. We are shade people and generally do not use the pools. I did go into the "hot tub", but I think this is a misnomer, should be called a lukewarm tub, nowhere near being hot.

 

The Theatre - As I recall, the theatre seats 993 people and there are approximately 5,100 people on the ship. With 3 shows, at least 47% would not see a show on any particular evening. This was one level seating without any obstructions. The shows were all good, beautiful costumes. One in particular "Fly" was a show that the children loved, a lot of antics. One show had the Michael Jackson routine in it. A number of singer had obvious voice training and were a treat to listen to. There is no orchestra on the ship for the shows. This one thing that defines a ship and sets it apart from its' competitors. I enjoy live music, especially an orchestra.

 

The theatre has a non-resolvable planning error in my mind. The whole thing of making reservations, card checking to go in and those near or at the front of line (there are 4 of them) results in something I liken to "the running of the bulls" or Black Friday at a Walmart at 4:00 am when the door open. It is bedlam. Perhaps the card checking slows the bedlam down a bit.

 

Gangplanks/gangways - There is where I wish I had my pictures. There were 4 gangways on port days. In the YC, we used the forward one to get off but not to get back on. You only found out about this when attempting to re-board.

 

One gangway towards the aft of the ship was a set of steep stairs. I reckon 60 - 70% of the guests used this. I feel this was entirely too steep and one would have to watch their footing coming down with the risk of falling. Contrast this with another gangway directly below at grade level with virtually no one using it. The lower one could move more guests off the ship at a quicker pace.

 

At the ports we re-boarded at the aft gangway. The problem here was like a one lane bridge. The guests re-boarding had to wait until the line for exiting guests to clear. There was sufficient staff and equipment to handle the two different lines of passengers at the same time.

 

Captain Massa and officer visibility - There was lots of visibility of the Captain around the ship as well as in the Black Card event and once in the YC lounge. He had an open ear and listened to passengers without rushing. He was proud of the ship. Captain Massa and DW got along well, he was her favourite Italian Captain last week.

 

Future Cruise Sales (and Voyageur Club Coordinator) - There is one person who looks after both functions but I'll comment on the future cruise sales only. I have been on many ships where this operation is given prominence with an office, desks, seats for the guest and in a relatively quiet setting with 8- 10 open hours daily. Contrast this with one person at a counter, line up behind you, with the hustle-bustle of the 5th floor traffic and the MSC computer on the ship is as slow on land. This is a golden sales opportunity MSC is not utilizing. I did make an additional booking in our same cabin for February, 2019 but had not provided the CC number as yet. The paper work was to come to the cabin, it did and more about this later.

More to come!

 

Best waiters we had were on Costa , Celebrity(he was from Costa) and MSC (he was from Costa as well) . All of them missed Costa ships and all of them been sorry that Costa become CCL. I have to agree with them because out best cruise was on Costa Atlantica with amazing CD Max and his fantastic crew .

[GOLDENBONNY]

:confused::confused: Hello Ken, I read your review, your complain was about a screaming child in a FAMILY cruise ship.

 

Of course it should not be solve by the cruise line

 

is a FAMILY cruise. They do want to attract families WITH children

 

That is truly funny one of your main complains is that you find with a crying child...

 

As a father and a medical doctor. In several times you can not control a crying child. They are children, sometimes they have headaches, nausea, and the way to tell the parents something is wrong is crying..

 

And again this is a Family Cruise.

 

My suggestion for your next cruise:

 

1) Try a non family cruise Line, like Holland America, Azamara, Cunard, Cristal, Windstar etc. or maybe Princess in a non holiday date.

 

2) The families also can afford a YC suite so of course you will find crying children in MSC and in the YC.

And for all the readers in this review.

 

YES you will find children in the YC and several will be crying children, the babies and children communicate by crying...

 

they are children and in MSC is a family cruise line as RCL, DCL and Carnival.

If you get angry with crying children better choose another cruise line.;):):):)

sorry I am a mother and my DD started to cruise at 1 year old but I would never keep her in restaurant or show if she cries .