MSC Seaside 12/22/18 ~ Christmas in the Yacht Club

[LisaLisa87]

10 minutes ago, floridian1 said:

Your review is very helpful. Disappointing to see that you had to pay for Venchi though. a Few weeks ago a cruisecritic member (woman sailed with her mom - sorry i dont remember her username, hopefully she chimes in) got the venchi for FREE! There was a sign at concierge that said Venchi would have a charge but she never got a charge. If you've been following the YC drink package changes thread there has been alot of conversations about this. MSC seems to change their mind on if venchi is included or not with every sailing.

 

Did you try the crepes and gelato (and was there a fee?)

 

I noticed the sign on the concierge desk after we boarded. There was one about the charge for the zipline as well. We were charged for chocolate martinis and for gelato. We enjoyed both tremendously, though! I highly recommend chocolate martini #2.

 

We didn't get a chance to try the crepes. We were going to get them on the last evening, but the Venchi location on deck 7 aft (which we were told is the only location with crepes) was closed. It was disappointing given that it was still fairly early.

[LisaLisa87]

Just a quick note to say that DH corrected me regarding the number of passengers in the YC for our sailing. I said in an earlier post that the number was 285, but DH (whose memory is better than mine) said the number quoted was 265. That makes more sense as, judging from the deck plan, maximum capacity is 273. Someone please correct me if I interpreted the symbols incorrectly or miscounted!

[Aloha 1]

According to numerous other posts in this forum, you should NOT have been charged for gelato or the martinis since you booked the cruise before 11/18!!

[tlbutler33]

Never been on a cruise where we had to change clocks. Is this something new? Did it mess you up at all?

[LisaLisa87]

1 hour ago, Aloha 1 said:

According to numerous other posts in this forum, you should NOT have been charged for gelato or the martinis since you booked the cruise before 11/18!!

 

You know, I'm assuming we were charged because DH handed over his card each time we went, and he told me we were charged. We left the ship without getting a copy of our guest folio, so I haven't been able to confirm. I called MSC on Sunday to see if I could get a copy. I was told that an email had been sent to the department that could help me, and that I should receive it on January 2. That's today and I haven't received it yet. If I don't get it tomorrow, I'll call again.

[LisaLisa87]

1 hour ago, tlbutler33 said:

Never been on a cruise where we had to change clocks. Is this something new? Did it mess you up at all?

 

I was nervous about this because neither DH nor I had an actual watch -- just a Fitbit for me and an Apple Watch for DH. This wasn't much of an issue in San Juan and St. Thomas because we were able to turn off airplane mode (since we were in U.S. territories) and our phones updated to local time. In the morning, we used the clock on the phone in our room to double check the time. St. Maarten was another story because we needed to keep our phones in airplane mode. That day was also tricky because our all aboard time was 1:30. My recommendation would be to take an actual watch on the trip!

[gotta cruise again]

33 minutes ago, LisaLisa87 said:

 

You know, I'm assuming we were charged because DH handed over his card each time we went, and he told me we were charged. We left the ship without getting a copy of our guest folio, so I haven't been able to confirm. I called MSC on Sunday to see if I could get a copy. I was told that an email had been sent to the department that could help me, and that I should receive it on January 2. That's today and I haven't received it yet. If I don't get it tomorrow, I'll call again.

 

We were on the week before you and always had to hand over our card or wristband at Venchi’s or other bars but they did confirm the total was zero the first time or two, since we asked about it.

 

Fingers crossed that you didn’t get charged either!!

[LisaLisa87]

I finally have a little time, so here is some detail for my top 10 list.

 

1. Price

Once I saw the price for this cruise, I booked it and never looked back. I'm a big comparison shopper, but I knew a good deal when I saw it, and a week in the YC seemed like a great way to celebrate my 50th birthday. I have mixed feelings about sharing the price, but I figure I should since I've mentioned this a couple of times! We paid just over $3,900 for three of us. Very low for a holiday sailing. We're currently considering options for a spring break cruise in March 2020. The price for a YC1 on Seaside for the week we're looking at is about $4,800. We're also considering going back to RCCL and sailing on an Oasis class ship again. For comparison, the price for a Grand Suite for the same week is about $7,300 on Oasis, $8,600 on Harmony, or $10,000 on Symphony. From strictly a cost standpoint, Seaside obviously wins hands down. We're still considering one of the Oasis class ships, though, in part because of the overall value to us, and in part because of the itinerary. The Seaside itinerary is the same as the one we just did, with Ocean Cay instead of St. Maarten. More on price vs. value later.

 

2. The amenities and service offered in the YC

I don't think we got the full YC experience because there were so many more people than usual, but the amenities and service were still impressive. Our butler and stateroom attendant were fantastic. Our room was always cleaned and turned down in a timely manner, and we always had all the water/snacks/towels/toiletries/etc. we needed. As I've mentioned, the one (small) disappointment is that we didn't get the third chair we requested for our balcony. We loved the Topsail lounge, where we went a couple of times per day for cappuccinos, cocktails, and snacks. We also enjoyed hearing the live music that was often featured. The priority embarkation and disembarkation were great (more the former than the latter). We had sort of a mixed experience with the butler escorting us off the ship in port, but that was primarily due to elevator issues (stay tuned for more on this). The one area that disappointed was the concierge desk. I won't go into detail since the issue is pretty specific, but suffice it to say that I asked for assistance with something MSC-related and didn't get the help I needed -- despite multiple requests.

 

IMG_4716 by LCT Flickr, on Flickr

 

3. Most beverages included for YC guests (+ the mini bar)

This perk really adds to the value of a cruise in the YC. DH and I aren't heavy drinkers, but when we've sailed in the past without drink packages, we've typically run up tabs of $800-900. We paid for drink packages on our last RCCL cruise, and I think the total price was about $750. While the drink menus in the Topsail Lounge and the restaurant were somewhat limited, we were always able to find something we wanted. My favorite cocktail of the cruise was the Shanghai Margarita. Delish! Having a mini bar that was restocked daily was a nice luxury. DD had a ritual where she would go to the cabin to read each afternoon and would enjoy a can of soda and the small container of Pringles. Heaven on earth to a 15 year old!

 

4. Breakfast and lunch at the One Pool Grill

We aren't big on sit-down breakfasts and lunches, so the grill on the One Pool deck was perfect for us. We ate in the YC restaurant the morning of our second day and enjoyed it, but we just prefer not to spend that much time at breakfast. So from the third day forward, we ate all of our breakfasts at the grill. There wasn't much variety, but there were enough choices to keep us all happy, and the made-to-order eggs were perfect every time. We ate several lunches at the grill as well. Again, not tons of choices, but there was always at least one fish option, along with a sliced-to-order roast of some kind, and some type of red meat. We enjoyed the fish in particular. My only complaint is that I wish they'd had a bigger variety of vegetables. We liked that they had snacks out for most of the day. One afternoon they put out a blueberry bread pudding that was absolutely divine.

 

5. The shows (most of them)

I knew more or less what to expect from reading reviews here, and I had prepared DH and DD ahead of time. We ended up enjoying almost all of the shows, especially Fly and Starwalker. We liked that they were on the short side and that they were generally action packed from start to finish. Some of the performers were just incredible! I will echo what others hear have said, though -- they got sort of repetitive as the week went on. The Dream and Peter Punk were our two least favorites. I wanted to like Peter Punk, but it was just a little too silly for me. They were smart to end with Starwalker, which was totally different from the other shows.

 

IMG_5053 by LCT Flickr, on Flickr

 

6. Venchi

We loved Venchi and went there once each day. I also bought some individually wrapped chocolates to add to DD's Christmas stocking. DD got gelato each time. DH and I stuck mostly with the chocolate martinis. Chocolate Martini #2 was incredible! I wish I could reproduce it at home.

 

IMG_4927 by LCT Flickr, on Flickr

 

7. The pizza

I'm still amazed by how good the pizza was onboard. We got pizza at the buffet twice and via room service once. We loved that it was delivered in typical pizza delivery boxes. It's just astounding to me that they're able to produce so many pizzas of such high quality. We sat at the buffet one day and watched as pizzas were pumped out one after another after another. Impressive.

 

8. The cappuccino

What a treat to have delicious, authentic cappuccinos any time we wanted! DD had her first ever cappuccino (decaf) on this trip, and she is now hooked. By the last couple of days, we were getting two per day.

 

IMG_5023 by LCT Flickr, on Flickr

 

9. The Teppanyaki restaurant

This was the only specialty restaurant we tried. I thought it might be nice to do something different for my birthday. Unless you do the 3-night package, the prices are pretty high, IMO. The food and the service were both great. To cap off the experience, our server brought out a special cake, and everyone in the restaurant sang happy birthday! It was a fantastic night, and we'd definitely go back.

 

10. The constantly replenished bottled water in the room (still and sparkling)

We loved having big bottles of San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna water that were constantly replenished. This is one of those little things that meant a lot to us.

 

Bonus - The El Morro & More Walking Tour in San Juan

We were disappointed with the port times for San Juan (5pm-1am) because they really limited our options. We've been to San Juan before, but had never visited the forts. When I looked online and saw that they close at 6pm, I started looking at excursion options. My hope was that we'd get to El Morro quickly and have more time to see it before closing time. We haven't done an excursion through a cruise line in years, so I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. The tour ended up being fantastic. We did get to the fort quickly and had plenty of time to look around, our guide was fun and informative, and we saw a lot of old town San Juan. It ended up being really fun seeing the town at night. I would definitely recommend this excursion!

 

IMG_4779 by LCT Flickr, on Flickr

Edited January 3, 2019 by LisaLisa87

[LisaLisa87]

One quick addition (it's too late to edit my post): There was also a freshly made pasta option every day at the pool grill. DD is a pasta fanatic, so this was a big hit!

[Scot born]

7 hours ago, LisaLisa87 said:

 

You know, I'm assuming we were charged because DH handed over his card each time we went, and he told me we were charged. We left the ship without getting a copy of our guest folio, so I haven't been able to confirm. I called MSC on Sunday to see if I could get a copy. I was told that an email had been sent to the department that could help me, and that I should receive it on January 2. That's today and I haven't received it yet. If I don't get it tomorrow, I'll call again.

Loving your experience. On the topic of being charged did DH sign a receipt anytime the card was handed over? If so then he would have been given a copy meaning a charge to your account, if not then there would have been no charge, reason for this is so you can check with your final bill with your receipt and not overcharged for anything, hope this helps. 

[jvsnana]

LisaLisa, I have a question about the El Morro Walking Tour.  What time did the tour leave the ship and what time did you return?

[LisaLisa87]

7 hours ago, Scot born said:

Loving your experience. On the topic of being charged did DH sign a receipt anytime the card was handed over? If so then he would have been given a copy meaning a charge to your account, if not then there would have been no charge, reason for this is so you can check with your final bill with your receipt and not overcharged for anything, hope this helps. 

 

I talked to DH this morning, and he said that he was never given a paper receipt. So maybe we weren't charged after all! I'm going to call MSC later today and take another stab at getting a copy of our guest folio.

[LisaLisa87]

16 minutes ago, jvsnana said:

LisaLisa, I have a question about the El Morro Walking Tour.  What time did the tour leave the ship and what time did you return?

 

People booked on MSC excursions are the first to leave the ship. I think we disembarked a few minutes before 5pm. We boarded a small bus and headed right to El Morro. The tour lasted about 2.5 hours, including travel time to the fort. We went our own way 10-15 minutes before the tour would have ended. Some people walked back to the ship afterward, but we walked around Old San Juan for awhile and then went to a restaurant called Barrachina for dinner (we had a 7:45 reservation).

 

IMG_4832 by LCT Flickr, on Flickr

 

IMG_4840 by LCT Flickr, on Flickr

 

IMG_4855 by LCT Flickr, on Flickr

 

IMG_4857 by LCT Flickr, on Flickr

[mvh]

How was Barrachina? We are thinking about going there for dinner in a few weeks.

[floridian1]

We also have the same port time, was an hour at the fort enough time to see it?

[LisaLisa87]

18 minutes ago, mvh said:

How was Barrachina? We are thinking about going there for dinner in a few weeks.

 

We actually did not have a great experience, but I think that was due in part because it was Christmas Eve and the place was an absolute madhouse. We waited about 30 minutes after our reservation time to be seated, and then the service was painfully slow. The food was good, but nothing to write home about. I decided to try the mofungo and didn't care for it, although the shrimp served with it was good. In retrospect, I wish we had just stopped in to have a pina colada at the bar and then eaten somewhere else. I had read that Verde Mesa is very good, but they don't take reservations. A family we met on the cruise who are foodies ate at Marmalade and said it was fantastic.

[LisaLisa87]

1 hour ago, floridian1 said:

We also have the same port time, was an hour at the fort enough time to see it?

 

We thought an hour was plenty of time, and our guide provided lots of interesting information. The forts were open when we were in San Juan, but it looks like that has changed due to the government shutdown:

 

https://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm

Edited January 3, 2019 by LisaLisa87

[jvsnana]

29 minutes ago, LisaLisa87 said:

 

We thought an hour was plenty of time, and our guide provided lots of interesting information. The forts were open when we were in San Juan, but it looks like that has changed due to the government shutdown:

 

https://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm

Wow...you are a wealth of information!  It is much appreciated as we plan our cruise on the Seaside!!!  We leave on the 19th and it is so much fun reading your review.

[PRH]

Marmalade in San Juan is amazing.  Probably favorite.

[LisaLisa87]

MYSTERY SOLVED! I called MSC again at lunch time. This time I was transferred right to customer service, and the woman who answered asked a few questions and then sent the bill right over. At first I was confused because there were 4 line items for Venchi, in pairs. I finally figured out that the first pair of charges was for the individually wrapped chocolates I bought for DD's stocking and 15% gratuity. Or maybe tax? The bill doesn't specify. The other pair was for some chocolates I bought from the case on our last night and 15% gratuity/tax. So we were NOT charged for gelato or martinis. Now I'm kicking myself for not going more often!! 😜

 

On 1/2/2019 at 11:45 AM, floridian1 said:

Your review is very helpful. Disappointing to see that you had to pay for Venchi though. a Few weeks ago a cruisecritic member (woman sailed with her mom - sorry i dont remember her username, hopefully she chimes in) got the venchi for FREE! There was a sign at concierge that said Venchi would have a charge but she never got a charge. If you've been following the YC drink package changes thread there has been alot of conversations about this. MSC seems to change their mind on if venchi is included or not with every sailing.

 

Did you try the crepes and gelato (and was there a fee?)

 

20 hours ago, Aloha 1 said:

According to numerous other posts in this forum, you should NOT have been charged for gelato or the martinis since you booked the cruise before 11/18!!

 

18 hours ago, gotta cruise again said:

 

We were on the week before you and always had to hand over our card or wristband at Venchi’s or other bars but they did confirm the total was zero the first time or two, since we asked about it.

 

Fingers crossed that you didn’t get charged either!!

 

11 hours ago, Scot born said:

Loving your experience. On the topic of being charged did DH sign a receipt anytime the card was handed over? If so then he would have been given a copy meaning a charge to your account, if not then there would have been no charge, reason for this is so you can check with your final bill with your receipt and not overcharged for anything, hope this helps. 

 

[floridian1]

Thank you so much for looking into your bill to confirm you were not charged!! I hope it stays that way for our summer YC cruise.

Edited January 3, 2019 by floridian1

[LisaLisa87]

12 minutes ago, floridian1 said:

Thank you so much for looking into your bill to confirm you were not charged!! I hope it stays that way for our summer YC cruise.

 

I was curious too, so I was happy to dig into it. I hope you're not charged this summer as well!

[max996]

Great review LisaLisa! Thank you for taking the time and posting about your experience in the Yacht Club. My wife and I had similar thoughts with respect to our previous cruising experience with Disney Cruises. We were big Disney Concierge cruisers when the kids were younger, and were originally attracted to the MSC Yacht Club because of the price. We haven't been back aboard Disney since 2014, and have gone exclusively with MSC. The girls are 25, 21, and 18 now, so we don't need to Disney kid "magic" any longer. Our next Seaside voyage embarks on June 29th. We've got YC suites 16037 and the one next door 16029, because you're right about storage for 4 or 5 people (especially adults). My wife and I are in 16037, and girls are in the Deluxe suite next door.

I'm glad you were able to get a copy of your invoice from MSC; their customer service department (including the website) needs some serious work. But the last time we disembarked, I forgot to sign one copy of the invoice and leave it in the room when we left the ship. I took both copies home with me. It wasn't until we were on the plane ride home (2-days later) that I read it and learned that I was supposed to leave one. They just asked me to mail it back to Ft. Laud.

My favorite places on the ship are the Top Sail Lounge and the YC Pool deck as well. Did you make any use of the cabanas up on deck? I haven't done that yet, because I personally enjoy mingling with the other passengers and making new friends.

[LisaLisa87]

25 minutes ago, max996 said:

Great review LisaLisa! Thank you for taking the time and posting about your experience in the Yacht Club. My wife and I had similar thoughts with respect to our previous cruising experience with Disney Cruises. We were big Disney Concierge cruisers when the kids were younger, and were originally attracted to the MSC Yacht Club because of the price. We haven't been back aboard Disney since 2014, and have gone exclusively with MSC. The girls are 25, 21, and 18 now, so we don't need to Disney kid "magic" any longer. Our next Seaside voyage embarks on June 29th. We've got YC suites 16037 and the one next door 16029, because you're right about storage for 4 or 5 people (especially adults). My wife and I are in 16037, and girls are in the Deluxe suite next door.

I'm glad you were able to get a copy of your invoice from MSC; their customer service department (including the website) needs some serious work. But the last time we disembarked, I forgot to sign one copy of the invoice and leave it in the room when we left the ship. I took both copies home with me. It wasn't until we were on the plane ride home (2-days later) that I read it and learned that I was supposed to leave one. They just asked me to mail it back to Ft. Laud.

My favorite places on the ship are the Top Sail Lounge and the YC Pool deck as well. Did you make any use of the cabanas up on deck? I haven't done that yet, because I personally enjoy mingling with the other passengers and making new friends.

 

Hi Max. We were big DCL fans as well when DD was younger. We sailed in concierge once, but it was amazing. Their 1-bedroom suites are spectacular! As DD got older and prices continued to skyrocket, we decided it was time to move on. We've enjoyed RCCL for several years now, particularly our Allure cruise which was in an Aquatheater Suite. RCCL's suite perks are pretty good, but not as comprehensive as MSC's. You really can't beat their pricing! The setup for your 6/29 cruise sounds amazing. I'd love to try one of the royal suites at some point. Have you sailed in one before?

 

We did not utilize a cabana. We might have if the weather had been sunnier, but  we had a lot of clouds and I was looking for any sun I could get! 

 

I didn't realize that we were supposed to sign a copy of our invoice and leave it in the room. Was yours slipped under the door or on the outside? I was upset when I realized I'd left the ship without ours.

[jules815]

12 hours ago, Scot born said:

Loving your experience. On the topic of being charged did DH sign a receipt anytime the card was handed over? If so then he would have been given a copy meaning a charge to your account, if not then there would have been no charge, reason for this is so you can check with your final bill with your receipt and not overcharged for anything, hope this helps. 

Are you able to check your folio on the tv in your stateroom?