Seaside Yacht Club Observations 'Revisited'

[gmbhardy]

2 hours ago, Todd320 said:

 

Everybody has their own dog in the flight as in priorities for YC privileges. Losing gelato and unlimited mini fridge snacks is a bigger loss for us than the gain of internet. 

 

Dollar wise the announced internet package comes out ahead. We probably only consume $30 dollars of gelato,  Its not about dollar savings with these relatively small amounts but the YC overall experience. As far as mini fridge snacks go, yes other types of additional snacks are available outside the cabin but at an inconvenience.  Yes, change happens but after having a perk like gelato and then losing it, feels like a loss.

 

 Again value to us is in the all inclusive feel that you get in the YC. Being nicked and dime with the possibly loss of the mini bar snacks and gelato is not the direction I would like the YC to go.

 

Unlimited laundry that the RS gets and what we are so used to at Princess would be a gain in the YC no doubt, especially on the longer cruises.

 

Great post. Totally agree.

[rattanchair]

17 hours ago, Kmkub said:

There's no reason to light the cabin when you aren't there. The key card doesn't power the AC. It's only the lights. Wasting electricity on a wide-scale only leads to increased fuel usage, which leads to increased pricing.

 

 

Dear K,  I am not an engineer. But living in South Florida and hurricanes knocking out power for weeks at a time, we used our cruise money one year and put in a whole home Generac Quiet Source with in ground and above ground propane tanks that should power, according to FPL, our home for 5 days, waiting for a refueling after the hurricane passes. DW had the same idea that you now have, that if she unplugged every non-essential appliance in the house we could extend the fuel to 6 or 7 days. Our FPL generator maintenance manager told us that the generator does not operate that way. It creates a certain number of kilowatts, use it or loose it, 5 days is 5 days. I do not think the ship will turn on another generator for my leaving on a light in a dark cabin, besides I am paying for the privilege of doing so.

[rattanchair]

19 hours ago, frank808 said:

Dang now it will make trying to book the royal suite even harder.  I could have booked the royal suite for one week of our b2b cruise this coming June.  Told the wife we could have RS the first week and but would have to move the second to another cabin.  She was adamant it was more important to stay in the same cabin both weeks.  Seems it will be a while now before we can sail in a RS on MSC.  

Dear Frank,  This morning in the Top Sail Lounge, at the unoccupied Future Cruise desk was a MSC brochure in Italian for 2020-2021 sailings. I sat myself down to see future sailings and alas, it stopped in April 2021 just like on their website.

[rattanchair]

14 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

You are conveniently ignoring that this perk is for royal suites only.  The not-yet missing Pringles are for those of us plebes in YC1 suites.

Dear Hap, Free, limited to once a day refills of  Pringles in all YC suites as of this sailing. Who knows what tomorrow may bring?

P.S. If Pringles are so vital , wait for a sale at Walmarts and fill up a duffel bag like I did with my  maybe- not-so-vital survival gear. I think that X-ray security will understand, as they did in my case.

Edited November 26, 2019 by rattanchair
P.S.

[rattanchair]

I have some more insight about Ocean Cay which may or may not have been reported already. Very much like my own observations posted on this CC board , its all worthless drivel. I am very cognizant of the saying " wise men have something to say, fools just have to say something". We 'fools' of the CC boards always have something to say.

   Anyways, when MSC docks at Ocean Cay someday, passengers will not be let off the vessel for 2 hours to allow the staff and crew to unload all food and everything else needed to be set up being stored on the ship for each sailing.

   Your Royal Fool,   RC

[Kmkub]

17 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

 

That's what we thought on Seaview, so we 'did the right thing' and left the card slot empty when we weren't there – and came back to computers with 0% battery charge!  It's not just lights, it's also the outlets.  So we went back to keeping the spare card in the slot, but were careful to turn out the lights manually [just like we always did in the old days...]

True, the outlets use them and some people do need to be tied to their devices, even while on vacation. My husband and I are very fortunate that we can completely unplug from work while cruising. we work extra hard the week before and the week after, but we get that desperately needed  "unplugged," time.

 

There are people though, who would proudly proclaim that since they paid for unlimited electricity, it is their responsibility to use as much of it as possible. Lots of selfish creatures out there with all sorts of wacky entitlement ideas. Wasting for the sole purpose of wasting is just irresponsible, IMO.

 

 

[rattanchair]

Another observation.  When it comes to wait staff you will be hard pressed to find your 'old' waiter friend to kick around again. They have left and those on board are counting the days to the end of their contracts. The 'famous' Andre has left MSC altogether for some Chilean upstart.

   As of three weeks ago there is a new Italian Head Chef in the YC (maybe he is for the entire ship). I thought the filet mignon was a bit tough the last 2 evenings. The first I had medium well, the second I had 'butterflied" and well done. The second was less chewy. They were both ordered from the 'right' side of the menu (always available). Tonight the filet is featured on the left side of the menu. I will try it for a third time and let George C know.

  No, no I will not be pixelated and apply the "Irish Influence" in the YC dining room.  They may 'tenderize' my filet the ' old fashion way' by having the kitchen staff stomp on it on the floor, throw it against the wall a few times and finish  it off as a soccer ball.

[rattanchair]

On the back of your cabin door is a schematic of your primary and secondary escape routes to the two stairways. Our  primary escape route is to our left as we exit the cabin and 22 paces to the main staircase. In the event this escape route is filled with toxic smoke or power is knocked out of the emergency lighting, our secondary escape route is to our right and 66 paces to a crew door on the left. Something each of us should be aware on the first day of our cruise.

  Oh yes, there was a second day boat drill for those that skipped the mandatory first day boat drill.

[JAGR]

46 minutes ago, rattanchair said:

I thought the filet mignon was a bit tough the last 2 evenings. The first I had medium well, the second I had 'butterflied" and well done. The second was less chewy. They were both ordered from the 'right' side of the menu (always available). Tonight the filet is featured on the left side of the menu. I will try it for a third time and let George C know.

I know you have a fine grasp of the obvious, so you are fully aware of the relationship between excessive heat and beef:  The longer you cook a steak, the hotter it gets, and as it heats up, the muscle fibers get firm and all the juices cook out. The result is that the interior of a well-done steak is a uniform gray color, and the steak itself is tough, chewy, flavorless, and dry.  But, as you say, you have paid for the electricity demanded in cooking at sea, so by all means have the broilers on full steam ahead!

Edited November 26, 2019 by JAGR

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

2 hours ago, rattanchair said:

Dear Hap, Free, limited to once a day refills of  Pringles in all YC suites as of this sailing. Who knows what tomorrow may bring?

P.S. If Pringles are so vital , wait for a sale at Walmarts and fill up a duffel bag like I did with my  maybe- not-so-vital survival gear. I think that X-ray security will understand, as they did in my case.

 

Will see what happens on Saturday's sailing.  Pringles are not vital to my experience.  They were a fun treat that I do not normally allow myself at home.  Same with the chocolate-covered peanuts.  I'll live without them, but the experience will not be as good as it once was.  To me, it was one of the things that set YC apart from my experience in suites on Celebrity.  Even in the penthouse there, you cannot get Pringles.  Or chocolate-covered peanuts.  And, no, I am not dragging food on board!

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

3 hours ago, rattanchair said:

Dear Frank,  This morning in the Top Sail Lounge, at the unoccupied Future Cruise desk was a MSC brochure in Italian for 2020-2021 sailings. I sat myself down to see future sailings and alas, it stopped in April 2021 just like on their website.

 

I never noticed a future cruise desk in the Top Sail.  Is this something new?  Where in Top Sail?  My problem with booking a future cruise is that their Caribbean itineraries are very unimaginative.  I hope they get better as they port more ships in Miami.  Arriving in San Juan at 5:00 p.m. is the pits.  And I hope Nassau goes away as a port call once they get Ocean Cay up and operational.

[bigblue1952]

On the Seaside,  the future cruise desk is in front of the stairs up to the restaurant.  Just to the right as you walk into the TS lounge.  It is open from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM every night.

[rattanchair]

1 hour ago, JAGR said:

I know you have a fine grasp of the obvious, so you are fully aware of the relationship between excessive heat and beef:  The longer you cook a steak, the hotter it gets, and as it heats up, the muscle fibers get firm and all the juices cook out. The result is that the interior of a well-done steak is a uniform gray color, and the steak itself is tough, chewy, flavorless, and dry.  But, as you say, you have paid for the electricity demanded in cooking at sea, so by all means have the broilers on full steam ahead!

 Dear Enlightened One,   Your true genius exceeds the physical and meta-physical plane of existence into the culinary world as well. I am such a lucky 'dolt' to have an incarnate 'Muse'  on the CC boards to edify (and correct my spelling).  I will test out your teaching tonight at dinner. I am sure it will turn out exactly the way you predict.

[rattanchair]

1 hour ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

Will see what happens on Saturday's sailing.  Pringles are not vital to my experience.  They were a fun treat that I do not normally allow myself at home.  Same with the chocolate-covered peanuts.  I'll live without them, but the experience will not be as good as it once was.  To me, it was one of the things that set YC apart from my experience in suites on Celebrity.  Even in the penthouse there, you cannot get Pringles.  Or chocolate-covered peanuts.  And, no, I am not dragging food on board!

Dear Hap,  Found out today at lunch (did not bother to get off the ship) that YC lobster lunch out on the pool deck once per cruise is no more. They will continue to have lobster marinara sauce for the pasta at lunch in the YC restaurant. I do not eat shellfish, but I know there are many YC quaffers on these boards that will be disappointed. I just hope they cancel their RS reservations when they read this.

  P.S. Just an idea that I would try... Tip your cabin steward $5 ( or  $10 bucks if your really serious) at the beginning of the cruise to keep your supply of 5 cans (or X cans ) daily on hand in your cabin. And what ever you do, do not let your fellow CC posters know if you have success. Those 'pixelated' ones on board will have a paroxysm.

Edited November 26, 2019 by rattanchair
P.S.

[Todd320]

1 hour ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

I never noticed a future cruise desk in the Top Sail.

 

 I hope they get better as they port more ships in Miami.  Arriving in San Juan at 5:00 p.m. is the pits.  

 

I highly recommend Sulekha for a cruise planner, she will still be onboard. We had a communication problem with Buse, spelling might be off.  Sulekha was nice and saved us money.  You can also request an appointment with a cruise planner at the concierge desk.  That way you do not have to wait in a possible queue.

 

Sailing into San Juan is so beautiful and old San Juan is great!  I also wish we had a full day. Don't forget about the deck party in San Juan from 9:00 to 10:30. Best spread at the grill all week with good music.

[rattanchair]

More great news for Royal suite passengers. We are not limited to a cabana in just one location on the YC pool deck. Pick out a cabana anywhere on the deck, call over a pool attendant, slip him $5 and have him move your preset cabana from one to another on the other side. For another $5 have him switch you back in the afternoon. (The $5 is my idea not MSC) This hint is on the QT !  QT not from MSC, but QT from 'you know who'. (the "Irish Influence" ilk).

Edited November 26, 2019 by rattanchair

[rattanchair]

There will still be lobster on the menu in YC restaurant one evening. I remember the entire YC was on hand for lunch on the pool deck this past July for unlimited lobster grill. I am guilty of leaving my lights on in my cabin when I am gone, that typical YC group abused the lobster fest by over indulging on lobsters and posting their over indulgences on this very board; what are you all guiltless of? "If most of us remain ignorant of ourselves, it is because self-knowledge is painful and we prefer the pleasures of illusion" A.H. "God himself, sir (madame), does not propose to judge a man until his life is over, why should you?" Samuel Johnson

[Host Jazzbeau]

My experience (limited thought it is) is that the Filet on the everyday menu is not as good a cut of meat as the one you should be experiencing tonight.  Plus, ordering it medium rare will keep it more juicy and tender [the French call this 'a point' which I think means 'the way you should have it, you idiot American'].

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

8 hours ago, bigblue1952 said:

On the Seaside,  the future cruise desk is in front of the stairs up to the restaurant.  Just to the right as you walk into the TS lounge.  It is open from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM every night.

 

Probably why I never noticed it.  We're eating dinner during that time period.  Really?  Only one hour/day?  Not very user friendly.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

7 hours ago, rattanchair said:

Dear Hap,  Found out today at lunch (did not bother to get off the ship) that YC lobster lunch out on the pool deck once per cruise is no more. They will continue to have lobster marinara sauce for the pasta at lunch in the YC restaurant. I do not eat shellfish, but I know there are many YC quaffers on these boards that will be disappointed. I just hope they cancel their RS reservations when they read this.

  P.S. Just an idea that I would try... Tip your cabin steward $5 ( or  $10 bucks if your really serious) at the beginning of the cruise to keep your supply of 5 cans (or X cans ) daily on hand in your cabin. And what ever you do, do not let your fellow CC posters know if you have success. Those 'pixelated' ones on board will have a paroxysm.

 

I don't get excited about lobsters when I'm on a ship because they're not cold water lobsters.

 

Maria was our assistant butler last year and she kept us well supplied.  I understand she has been promoted to butler.  I probably don't need 5 cans of each daily!  I wouldn't fit into my clothes by the end of the cruise.  We shall see how it goes.  I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

[Host Jazzbeau]

1 hour ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

I don't get excited about lobsters when I'm on a ship because they're not cold water lobsters.

 

I completely agree on this.  If you don't live near Maine, take a 'fall foliage' cruise that stops in Bar Harbor.  After that, you'll be spoiled and will never order lobster in a warm climate or on a cruise ship!

[rattanchair]

Last night I shut the lights in my cabin when we left for dinner. On returning to a dark cabin including bed and bath I caught 'holy hell' from DW. My 'Lady Aster' told me 'in no uncertain terms' that if she falls in unfamiliar surroundings in will cost me a whole 'hell' of a lot more than saving a cruise line or placating some eco-terrorists.  End of story.

[rattanchair]

This morning, upon leaving our cabin, our butler Joel greeted us in the hallway, the same moment that YC director Robert Balla was passing and stopped. I grabbed the opportunity with Mr. Balla, in Joel's presence, to request our having Joel as our Butler in the other Royal Suite in 4 weeks Christmas cruise. Mr. Balla regretted having to decline my request, because Joel will in 2 weeks time become Head Butler onboard the Seaside and it is a management position. George C will still have the pleasure of Joel's services as one of his last and most memorable passengers (one tends never to forget one's first and last of anything, right GC?)

   When Mr. Balla walked away I beseeched Joel to give me his best new pick from his stable of butlers that would match his level of service. A short while later during breakfast in the YC restaurant Joel came to our table and ask us our plans for the day. We planned to walk off the ship in Montego Bay. We did, there was absolutely nothing but passengers queueing for tours, so we returned to the ship. This will be the first time we did not get off the ship at any port (and not the last).

    The Top Sail Lounge is where all the passengers with tours assemble and wait in comfort for their Head Butler to be notified that a passengers tour is ready and he dispatches a free butler to escort the party down an express elevator, butting their way to the front and off the ship to their tour guide. It was in the TSL that Joel stopped us and introduced us to our future new butler Julian.

[rattanchair]

17 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

My experience (limited thought it is) is that the Filet on the everyday menu is not as good a cut of meat as the one you should be experiencing tonight.  Plus, ordering it medium rare will keep it more juicy and tender [the French call this 'a point' which I think means 'the way you should have it, you idiot American'].

Dear Jazz, I signed off before your post reinforcing the Enlightened One's. It was exceptionally better as you say.

[George C]

Sounds like we are really lucky to have Joel as our butler on our first YC cruise , fairly new to having a butler which we had on last few celebrity cruises . Love all the great information supplied in this thread. After doing about 50 Caribbean cruises there are several ports where we stay on the ship.