On the Seaside now.

[gimletgal]

I am interested in the Yacht Club embarkation.:hearteyes:

 

I believe this question has been answered, at least once, but I'll give you my 2 cents on embarkation:

 

Arrived curbside around 11 AM. A curbside porter took my luggage to the YC tent. I went and parked the car and returned to the tent. A shoreside butler (not ship butler) almost immediately escorted me through security and up the escalator to the YC lounge where he took my cruise documents to the concierge desk and then offered refreshments. About 10 minutes later I was called to the desk, had my photo taken, wrist band issued along with seapass card and then returned to my seat. Within 5 minutes, a butler took a group of us onto the ship and up to the YC Concierge on Deck 16. While the Concierge was explaining the basics of the YC I registered my credit card at the kiosk located several feet away. All extremely simple. My cabin was not yet available but I left my carry on at the Concierge area and proceeded up to the One Pool deck for lunch and a cocktail. By the time I was done my cabin was ready. Easy peasy. No complications. From that point on it was nothing but great service from ALL of the butlers!

 

(The only thing I found a little strange was that there are no restrooms in the YC lounge area. You need to go outside, past the photo area (which is really poorly located), and then into the main terminal waiting area. Not convenient, but it certainly didn't ruin anything for me. I just found it odd.)

[riclop]

I believe this question has been answered, at least once, but I'll give you my 2 cents on embarkation:

 

Arrived curbside around 11 AM. A curbside porter took my luggage to the YC tent. I went and parked the car and returned to the tent. A shoreside butler (not ship butler) almost immediately escorted me through security and up the escalator to the YC lounge where he took my cruise documents to the concierge desk and then offered refreshments. About 10 minutes later I was called to the desk, had my photo taken, wrist band issued along with seapass card and then returned to my seat. Within 5 minutes, a butler took a group of us onto the ship and up to the YC Concierge on Deck 16. While the Concierge was explaining the basics of the YC I registered my credit card at the kiosk located several feet away. All extremely simple. My cabin was not yet available but I left my carry on at the Concierge area and proceeded up to the One Pool deck for lunch and a cocktail. By the time I was done my cabin was ready. Easy peasy. No complications. From that point on it was nothing but great service from ALL of the butlers!

 

(The only thing I found a little strange was that there are no restrooms in the YC lounge area. You need to go outside, past the photo area (which is really poorly located), and then into the main terminal waiting area. Not convenient, but it certainly didn't ruin anything for me. I just found it odd.)

That was my experience also, very easy.

[windlicht]

Lol good for you.

[DMH15]

That you will have, Yc is wonderful and if you are a pool person there are always padded loungers available.

 

 

 

Thank you. I have heard good things about YC. After several NCL

Haven and Suites I am going with an open mind, excited to try something new.

 

 

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[luvavacation]

Just to clarify - if you have a balcony in the YC and specifically ask for a lounger - that request will be denied?? Seems odd. Also, have heard by now of quite a few YC boarding incidents plagued with confusion - really poor way to start as the old saying goes - you never get a second chance to make a first impression - hope MSC is listening!

 

 

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When my family sailed in YC in May, we asked first our room steward (he was the one that showed us around our room, and told us he couldn't do anything about the furniture, but the butler could), and later our butler, if it was possible to have a lounger. We were told it was not possible.

 

Reading here, before and after our cruise, I find that experiences seem to vary depending on who you ask. Some people here have had butlers that will practically bring them the moon if they ask. Others will have butlers they hardly ever see and, when seen and a request is made, will have nothing happen. Or, be told it can't be done (such as gelato, which our butler said was not available in room service, even though others have had butlers that bring it to the room).

 

Our room steward was more helpful than our butler. We tipped our room steward to show our appreciation. Our butler, eh. But, the YC experience was still fantastic, overall.

 

I suggest just keep asking. Even if you are answered in the negative, perhaps the next person will get lucky and things will change. I would say that policy may change later if enough requests are put in, but I found that there doesn't appear to be a policy, as there is no apparent consistency on MSC.

 

Or, cross your fingers and hope you get a butler that lives up to the expectations of what MSC has advertised, and then offer an appreciative tip so that perhaps the word will spread and other butlers will also try to be a bit more helpful, as MSC has advertised, than the room stewards.

[Skier52]

Loungers are available in the YC for use on balconies, you just have to ask the right person. If your butler says no , then try the head butler and if he says no then ask the Hotel Director. I've done this and was given what I requested.

 

Gelato is definitely available from the kitchens , all you have to do is ask a butler to get some for you. I've also done this with the outcome I wanted ie I gelato was brought to me.

 

Pete

[JAGR]

Delete

I believe this question has been answered, at least once, but I'll give you my 2 cents on embarkation:

 

Arrived curbside around 11 AM. A curbside porter took my luggage to the YC tent. I went and parked the car and returned to the tent. A shoreside butler (not ship butler) almost immediately escorted me through security and up the escalator to the YC lounge where he took my cruise documents to the concierge desk and then offered refreshments. About 10 minutes later I was called to the desk, had my photo taken, wrist band issued along with seapass card and then returned to my seat. Within 5 minutes, a butler took a group of us onto the ship and up to the YC Concierge on Deck 16. While the Concierge was explaining the basics of the YC I registered my credit card at the kiosk located several feet away. All extremely simple. My cabin was not yet available but I left my carry on at the Concierge area and proceeded up to the One Pool deck for lunch and a cocktail. By the time I was done my cabin was ready. Easy peasy. No complications. From that point on it was nothing but great service from ALL of the butlers!

 

(The only thing I found a little strange was that there are no restrooms in the YC lounge area. You need to go outside, past the photo area (which is really poorly located), and then into the main terminal waiting area. Not convenient, but it certainly didn't ruin anything for me. I just found it odd.)

[mafig]

How many times are you going to ask the same questions????????????????????????

 

 

 

I think I have a stalker.:rolleyes:

[missthesea]

OP, how are you enjoying your waitstaff? We found the food just good, but the service wonderful. Arthur made us laugh, and steered us to the best dishes. Our embarkation last month was a little more hectic than I expected, but we still were onboard in 45 minutes and plied with drinks and snacks which distracted us, lol. We had an inside cabin, so no need of a lounger. We loved the pool area with so much seating. We never asked for gelato, but if I had and they gave it to me - I’d have never left the YC except for the shows! Interestingly, I brought a crepe from the Miami Beach pool area (don’t miss these!) back into the Top Sail Lounge and a butler saw it and asked what it was and where I got it! He wasn’t aware of what was offered in that part of the ship at all.

 

 

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[mojitos24]

Can you tell us what the gym's locker rooms look like? Is there a free sauna and steamroom in the men's locker room? Thanks ;)

[nkociub]

Can you tell me what the all-aboard times are for port days? For example, on the itinerary, it says that in port for Amelie Charlotte will be 7 am- 7 pm. Does that mean 7 pm is the all aboard time or is it usually before that? Trying to find some excursions because the ship offered ones didn't speak to me, but want to make sure we get back with plenty of time

Thanks!

[Beamafar]

Can you tell me what the all-aboard times are for port days? For example, on the itinerary, it says that in port for Amelie Charlotte will be 7 am- 7 pm. Does that mean 7 pm is the all aboard time or is it usually before that? Trying to find some excursions because the ship offered ones didn't speak to me, but want to make sure we get back with plenty of time

Thanks!

 

You need to be back onboard a half-hour beforehand, so, if the itinerary states 7am - 7pm, you need to be back by 6.30pm.

[Beamafar]

Just to clarify - if you have a balcony in the YC and specifically ask for a lounger - that request will be denied??

 

I asked our butler if I could have a lounger on Splendida (had one of the 'square' cabins so plenty of room for one) and he very kindly obliged and set one up on the balcony for me.

[nkociub]

You need to be back onboard a half-hour beforehand, so, if the itinerary states 7am - 7pm, you need to be back by 6.30pm.

 

 

Thank you!

[Beamafar]

Thank you!

 

You're welcome! :)

[graphicguy]

Can you tell me what the all-aboard times are for port days? For example, on the itinerary, it says that in port for Amelie Charlotte will be 7 am- 7 pm. Does that mean 7 pm is the all aboard time or is it usually before that? Trying to find some excursions because the ship offered ones didn't speak to me, but want to make sure we get back with plenty of time

Thanks!

Each port may have different arrival and departing times. There's a difference between departing times and "All aboard" times.

 

You should at least be on board an hour before departure time. Actually, I think that is required.

 

So, if you are looking for an excursion, be certain to find one that allows for return 90 minutes before departure to account for any snafus. And yes, the ship will leave without you.

 

Been in YC twice....once on Divina and again on Meraviglia. Both were marvelous.

 

 

If you arrive during peak period (say 11 to 1) you probably will have to wait a slight amount for the Butler(s) to get your luggage tagged and to get you through security. And, if they see more people headed for the YC tent, they will wait to escort more than one party at a time.

 

As far as getting pics, embarkation is really quite hectic. If you want a pic taken, speak up.

 

 

Once you're inside the YC boarding area, snacks and drinks are available (free). And, once escorted on board, you'll be taken to the YC Lounge (Top Sail Lounge) where more free drinks and snacks are available. This is where you make your dinner and show reservations, also where the concierge office is (right outside of the Top Sail Lounge).

 

I've never boarded any cruise ship, whether in a suite or not, that had my cabin ready immediately upon boarding. That would be a rarity.

 

Overall, the Butler(s) (you'll interface with more than one, as they also do double duty as waitstaff in the Top Sail Lounge) are at your service for anything pertaining to your cabin, including delivering snacks and room service. And, the concierge (again, more than one) will handle billing issues, excursion booking, WiFi issues, newspaper choices and delivery. Maitre'd will handle any sort of reservations in the restaurants.

 

Been in the Haven and the YC. Great service in both. Anxious to sail the Seaside as the ship looks stunning.

[Beamafar]

You should at least be on board an hour before departure time. Actually, I think that is required.

 

It's 30 minutes, actually.

[Arizona Travelers]

deleted

Edited July 6, 2018 by Arizona Travelers

[Two Wheels Only]

I've never boarded any cruise ship, whether in a suite or not, that had my cabin ready immediately upon boarding. That would be a rarity.

 

Certain suites have "priority". The Royal Suite on Seaside was ready immediately and we boarded 10 minutes after boarding began. On NCL, the DOS and OS are usually the first suites that are ready. I would guess that the same is true for the Garden Villa (if the steward doesn't get lost while inside of the suite). :D

[windlicht]

Can you tell us what the gym's locker rooms look like? Is there a free sauna and steamroom in the men's locker room? Thanks ;)

Well, I am a girl so I am not too sure about the men’s locker room. I expect it’s like the girls‘ locker room. There are plenty pf lockerd in various sizes and you open/close them with your card or bracelet.

If you purchase a thermal pass (or if it’s included in your experience), you may use the thermal area of the spa at your leisure. Opening hours are 9-9.

There are no unisex saunas. So you share it with the girls who would probably prefer to have you wearing swimming trunks ;-)

 

So, the thermal area has two dry saunas in which the temperatures differ a bit. You also have two steam rooms with different lighting. There’s a whirlpool tub, a snow room (wonderful after that sauna!), a salt relaxation room, a Kneipp room (alternating cold and hot showers). You have different types of showers including breeze and storm and rain.

There are also regular showers in the locker rooms.

[windlicht]

You would not be happy with the YC inside room because it has a very small shower.

I don’t mind if showers are small. Is there still a rain showerhead?

[windlicht]

OP, how are you enjoying your waitstaff? We found the food just good, but the service wonderful. Arthur made us laugh, and steered us to the best dishes. Our embarkation last month was a little more hectic than I expected, but we still were onboard in 45 minutes and plied with drinks and snacks which distracted us, lol. We had an inside cabin, so no need of a lounger. We loved the pool area with so much seating. We never asked for gelato, but if I had and they gave it to me - I’d have never left the YC except for the shows! Interestingly, I brought a crepe from the Miami Beach pool area (don’t miss these!) back into the Top Sail Lounge and a butler saw it and asked what it was and where I got it! He wasn’t aware of what was offered in that part of the ship at all.

 

 

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The waitstaff is fine. I had a waiter in the MDR of the Divina last summer who was significantly better than my waiter in the YC. I clearly don’t have the famous Arthur. :-D

I did discuss this with another passenger and I assume that HE said something to the Maitre d‘ because all of the sudden the service improved noticeably.

 

The butlers are incredible without exception.

 

I admit I rarely leave the YC. It’s so relaxing and everything is right there.

[seapad]

I don’t mind if showers are small. Is there still a rain showerhead?

 

Yes, albeit the tiny shower space and bathroom, there is indeed a large rainshower. We stayed in an inside. While we know it is tiny, it's do-able for us, given the great pricing. Can't be beat.

[windlicht]

Yes, albeit the tiny shower space and bathroom, there is indeed a large rainshower. We stayed in an inside. While we know it is tiny, it's do-able for us, given the great pricing. Can't be beat.

 

That’s exactly what I was thinking! The YC is lovely. And really so peaceful. There are a few snobs lol (present company excluded) and some who always have to sound/be important... and that’s okay. It’s the perfect place, everyone is pampered, regardless of self worth or other status.

You can tell... I am weird, I an different, I am definitely not wealthy - this vacation took some serious saving on my part - and I fit in just as well ad abyone else.

I didn’t socialize much. Only Frank pulled me out of my cocoon lol.

 

Truly, a lovely experience... but if you cannot afford the YC, I think it would have been lovely elsewhere on board, as well... just probably a little busier.

[riclop]

I don’t mind if showers are small. Is there still a rain showerhead?

Yes it is.