HAL loyalist - First Timer on MSC

[SirWolf]

Dennis, nice review (y) ...following

[cccole]

I am loving this review. We see comparisons of HAL to other lines but not often MSC. If I were in a YC cabin I would not appreciate the addition of non YC guests being brought into the areas. Not that non YC guests would not be wonderful guests but it would add additional passengers to an area that should be enjoyed by YC guests for it's lack of a lot of passengers. Again, loving this review. Cherie

Edited July 9, 2018 by cccole

[kelleherdl]

For those familiar with Neptune Lounge this is a photo of the Topsail Lounge with the YC restaurant above. Remember this is for less than 300 passengers!

 

 

 

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[CGTNORMANDIE]

Ok. Let's limit this one to the question of YC vice rest of ship, including the lesser 'experience' levels like Aurea. I would not personally sail MSC unless it's in the YC. We only sail Neptune Suite on HAL. That is why we are on this cruise, to experience the true original ship-within-a-ship. I like it so much I now have 3 future bookings. Two Caribbean and 1 We stern Med. all YC. Leaving the YC you are definitely in a large mass market ship. Since this is our first MSC I can't comment on other than the Seaside. Last night was the first elegant night. The main ship areas felt very crowded.

 

Yes...3 bookings...and probably for what one Neptune cruise goes for!!;)

[DaveOKC]

I am loving this review. We see comparisons of HAL to other lines but not often MSC. If I were in a YC cabin I would not appreciate the addition of non YC guests being brought into the areas. Not that non YC guests would not be wonderful guests but it would add additional passengers to an area that should be enjoyed by YC guests for it's lack of a lot of passengers. Again, loving this review. Cherie

 

I know that non-YC passengers are not allowed in the YC and agree that they should not be. I was just asking the OP how he/she thinks it would work out if some of the group members were non-YC while others are YC. I sort of think that this would be difficult for the group, even a small one, since it would be hard to get the couples together for meals, lounging around the bar and pool, etc., plus even getting on and off the ship together. Not sure if I am missing anything in the analysis though.

[Nunagoras]

Very nice and sort of different review!... Many thanks!... :)

[cccole]

I know that non-YC passengers are not allowed in the YC and agree that they should not be. I was just asking the OP how he/she thinks it would work out if some of the group members were non-YC while others are YC. I sort of think that this would be difficult for the group, even a small one, since it would be hard to get the couples together for meals, lounging around the bar and pool, etc., plus even getting on and off the ship together. Not sure if I am missing anything in the analysis though.

 

I agree with the difficulties presented with staterooms in different categories. I have never tried this, we have always reserved multiple staterooms in the same category of service. Cruise lines seem to be consistent on their policy of allowing concierge class passengers only in their concierge class lounges and amenities. I have only done this on Holland, Celebrity, Disney, and RCL so my experience is limited to these cruise lines. I do question whether you can have other guests in your room. On HAL you can entertain any passenger in your stateroom, including Neptune suites. I understand not having access to public areas but in the privacy of your stateroom I am curious as to the policy. This is such an interesting thread. Cherie

[missthesea]

I know that non-YC passengers are not allowed in the YC and agree that they should not be. I was just asking the OP how he/she thinks it would work out if some of the group members were non-YC while others are YC. I sort of think that this would be difficult for the group, even a small one, since it would be hard to get the couples together for meals, lounging around the bar and pool, etc., plus even getting on and off the ship together. Not sure if I am missing anything in the analysis though.

 

 

 

We were in Seaside YC 3 weeks ago, and met an unhappy couple. The rest of their family had a Fantastica experience, and they did not realize how much they’d be separated. They wanted to enjoy the YC, but spend dinner with the rest of their group a few nights in the MDR. That request was denied. The only way to eat as a group was in a specialty restaurant. I would not recommend splitting a group between YC and non YC.

 

As to dress, we saw flip flops and shorts at dinner in the YC, and my husband was one of the few in a suit for formal night. They seemed to be reluctant to enforce a dress code as “American culture has more casual dress” per one of the staff. It wasn’t a deal breaker for us, but I think at least pants and collared shirt should be worn at all times in a nice dining room at dinner.

 

Also, if you are coming from HAL, be ready for more kids - even in YC. They sail free, and there were about 30 kids the week we sailed, some very young.

 

We did really like the YC overall.

 

 

 

 

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[caseythegr]

You’ll still get your perks even if you get your status match after booking. The same goes with the military discount. I didn’t find out about it until we were booked. Emailing the DD214 allowed my TA to easily get the discount applied after booking (but before final payment was due).

 

What is the DD214?

Thanks

Laurie

[caseythegr]

You’ll still get your perks even if you get your status match after booking. The same goes with the military discount. I didn’t find out about it until we were booked. Emailing the DD214 allowed my TA to easily get the discount applied after booking (but before final payment was due).

 

 

What or who is DD214?

 

Thanks

Laurie

[George C]

What or who is DD214?

 

Thanks

Laurie

 

DD214 is army/military discharge papers says that you served and if you had ahorable discharge. Several places will give you a discount if you prove you served

[caseythegr]

DD214 is army/military discharge papers says that you served and if you had ahorable discharge. Several places will give you a discount if you prove you served

 

Thank you. And thank you for your service.

[cruiseintoheaven]

I know that non-YC passengers are not allowed in the YC and agree that they should not be. I was just asking the OP how he/she thinks it would work out if some of the group members were non-YC while others are YC. I sort of think that this would be difficult for the group, even a small one, since it would be hard to get the couples together for meals, lounging around the bar and pool, etc., plus even getting on and off the ship together. Not sure if I am missing anything in the analysis though.

 

 

 

I think your assessment is pretty spot on. The burden would be on those in YC to venture out into the main ship venues because the reverse can’t and shouldn’t be done. Personally I would think twice about booking this arrangement if you plan to spend the majority of your time together, as at some point you may wind up asking why you paid for YC only to spend quite a bit of time in non-YC areas or receiving non/YC service.

 

 

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[cruiseintoheaven]

I agree with the difficulties presented with staterooms in different categories. I have never tried this, we have always reserved multiple staterooms in the same category of service. Cruise lines seem to be consistent on their policy of allowing concierge class passengers only in their concierge class lounges and amenities. I have only done this on Holland, Celebrity, Disney, and RCL so my experience is limited to these cruise lines. I do question whether you can have other guests in your room. On HAL you can entertain any passenger in your stateroom, including Neptune suites. I understand not having access to public areas but in the privacy of your stateroom I am curious as to the policy. This is such an interesting thread. Cherie

 

 

 

Just speculating - but once the door is opened (literally) to entertaining anyone inside your YC stateroom -you’ve got trouble on your hands and an invitation for more.

 

 

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[cccole]

Totally agree. I think it would be difficult to monitor "outside" guests once through the doors, and would be a burden on the staff. This would be a difference between YC staterooms and concierge staterooms on other cruise lines, which do not have a card to get to their stateroom's location but only to get into the lounge. A very interesting thread and many are following it. Cherie

[MisterBill99]

I think your assessment is pretty spot on. The burden would be on those in YC to venture out into the main ship venues because the reverse can’t and shouldn’t be done. Personally I would think twice about booking this arrangement if you plan to spend the majority of your time together, as at some point you may wind up asking why you paid for YC only to spend quite a bit of time in non-YC areas or receiving non/YC service.

I was taken into the YC area on my cruise by someone staying there, but he got the OK from the woman at the desk before doing so and agreed that I would only stay for a few minutes.

 

I agree with you that one person booking YC and others not will not work well if you want to spend significant time together on the ship. Once you're in YC you aren't going to want to eat in the normal dining room and not in the sub-standard buffet (except for the excellent pizza). I suppose they could eat together in the specialty restaurants but once you're paying for YC I don't think I'd bother spending extra money to eat there very often.

[MisterBill99]

We were in Seaside YC 3 weeks ago, and met an unhappy couple. The rest of their family had a Fantastica experience, and they did not realize how much they’d be separated. They wanted to enjoy the YC, but spend dinner with the rest of their group a few nights in the MDR. That request was denied. The only way to eat as a group was in a specialty restaurant. I would not recommend splitting a group between YC and non YC.

I can see how they would not have allowed them to eat together in the MDR since if you are in the Fantastica experience, you are forced to have fixed dining and have an assigned table. So they would likely not have had room for them at their table. If they were Aurea (the more expensive class that includes a drink package), they would have been in anytime dining and it might have been more feasible.

[kelleherdl]

Folks sorry that I did not start the topic to keep it on HAL, because I did intend it to be directly most to HAL cruisers. However, I do accept the actions of the host/moderators.

 

Ok, value proposition of HAL versus MSC YC.

 

For this 7 day cruise we are paying $2150 pp. That would likely be about $1800 on HAL for a nice balcony cabin, Neptune Suite would be considerably higher. The differences are the inclusions, which many may not value as much as we do. This is not a port intensive cruise, only three. So for this cruise the sun, the relaxing atmosphere, the light entertainment, and food/beverage were key priorities. For unique itineraries HAL will likely remain our preference.

 

So 'private' pool deck, which is huge; about twice the size of aft pool deck on HAL. Very attentive service. Unlimited top shelf open bar. So far food comparable to Pinnacle Grill. Overall, a superior experience to Pinnacle Suite benefits on HAL.

 

I will share pictures of pool deck tomorrow.

 

Dennis

 

 

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[CGTNORMANDIE]

Great review, Dennis...thanks for your thoughts on HAL / MSC. The fact that you sail Neptune on HAL makes this review stand out. Keep it coming!

 

Thanks

[JoyMouse]

My guess is it was moved because in the end, it’s a review of an MSC ship not a HAL ship.

 

OP, I’ve seen others put a thread in their “home” forum with a link to their thread so their friends could find it.

 

I’m actually glad it got moved as I never would have seen it on the HAL boards. I have YC booked for December 2019 and find the OP’s feedback very valuable.

[sidari]

Also, if you are coming from HAL, be ready for more kids - even in YC. They sail free, and there were about 30 kids the week we sailed, some very young.

From friends who sailed last Xmas in the YC, kids in there do not sail free!

[dodger1964]

Folks sorry that I did not start the topic to keep it on HAL, because I did intend it to be directly most to HAL cruisers. However, I do accept the actions of the host/moderators.

 

Ok, value proposition of HAL versus MSC YC.

 

For this 7 day cruise we are paying $2150 pp. That would likely be about $1800 on HAL for a nice balcony cabin, Neptune Suite would be considerably higher. The differences are the inclusions, which many may not value as much as we do. This is not a port intensive cruise, only three. So for this cruise the sun, the relaxing atmosphere, the light entertainment, and food/beverage were key priorities. For unique itineraries HAL will likely remain our preference.

 

So 'private' pool deck, which is huge; about twice the size of aft pool deck on HAL. Very attentive service. Unlimited top shelf open bar. So far food comparable to Pinnacle Grill. Overall, a superior experience to Pinnacle Suite benefits on HAL.

 

I will share pictures of pool deck tomorrow.

 

Dennis

 

 

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Thanks for review. I like the idea of segregating to get more $'s from some, while others can sail for less. We are paying way less than half of what you are for no frills on same ship (but still get a few extras being having black status)...We all sail for different reasons and love that there are many options.

[cruiseintoheaven]

Folks sorry that I did not start the topic to keep it on HAL, because I did intend it to be directly most to HAL cruisers. However, I do accept the actions of the host/moderators.

 

Ok, value proposition of HAL versus MSC YC.

 

For this 7 day cruise we are paying $2150 pp. That would likely be about $1800 on HAL for a nice balcony cabin, Neptune Suite would be considerably higher. The differences are the inclusions, which many may not value as much as we do. This is not a port intensive cruise, only three. So for this cruise the sun, the relaxing atmosphere, the light entertainment, and food/beverage were key priorities. For unique itineraries HAL will likely remain our preference.

 

So 'private' pool deck, which is huge; about twice the size of aft pool deck on HAL. Very attentive service. Unlimited top shelf open bar. So far food comparable to Pinnacle Grill. Overall, a superior experience to Pinnacle Suite benefits on HAL.

 

I will share pictures of pool deck tomorrow.

 

Dennis

 

 

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Pictures of the YC areas would be much appreciated!

 

 

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[jules815]

Pictures of the YC areas would be much appreciated!

 

 

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Until the OP responds, here are some really nice pictures of the YC and all other areas of Seaside.

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/photos/ships/msc-seaside-994/msc-yacht-club-deluxe-suite-405546/

[Cruisergal1208]

Enjoying your comparison reviews. After having sailed HAL many times and being 4-Star level with them, I have to say the Yacht Club concept beats HAL hands down. Regarding bringing non-YC guests to your cabin, we have asked permission from the YC Director to do so and our butler provided extra set ups for drinks along with a few snacks. We were willing to pay for this but was told no. We did tip the butler well for his extra attention. We have seen escorted tours of the YC by ship staff also and it is for such a short visit, did not find it intrusive.

When others ask why we are going to front of lines with butler, we say, you can too if you book YC. We have sailed with MSC 15 times all in YC and have 3 more cruises booked this year. Hard to go back to HAL but we do so occasionally. The Captains, crew and staff of the YC are what keeps us returning and MSC has won our hearts.