Switched to Meraviglia sailing in YC...+ or - ?

[jules815]

17 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

The theater lobby on Seaside is nothing to write home about either.  I'm not big on the shows anyway, and would likely give anything in the theater a miss this time--too many people in the space.  The Yacht Club allows plenty of space for people to spread out, I have no worries about that.  All I know is (as my friend says)--if this ship sails, I plan to be on it.  I NEED A CRUISE!

I feel the same way.  We can take or leave shows. Not big fans of the casino. Would have no problem wearing a mask walking thru the ship or in areas that tend to have more people, like muster. We're fine with the switch to Mera. (Not too happy that MSC hasn't notified us of the change yet, but it is what it is.)  Loved Seaside, but Meraviglia was on our radar. Plenty of space in the Yacht Club, and it sounds like they'll be taking precautions to social distance as best they can. We may not even get off the ship. Been there, done that.

 

My main concern is the Covid surge happening in Florida right now, or once cruising starts, having a few cases on board that would shut the entire thing down again.

 

[sptrout]

3 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

Nope.  Unable to access my booking online.  Have been trying for days.

 

Thanks for the replies! I am still getting nothing but "My Itinerary" when I check my old booking number. I guess that I have some phone calls to look forward too.

 

 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

5 hours ago, jules815 said:

I feel the same way.  We can take or leave shows. Not big fans of the casino. Would have no problem wearing a mask walking thru the ship or in areas that tend to have more people, like muster. We're fine with the switch to Mera. (Not too happy that MSC hasn't notified us of the change yet, but it is what it is.)  Loved Seaside, but Meraviglia was on our radar. Plenty of space in the Yacht Club, and it sounds like they'll be taking precautions to social distance as best they can. We may not even get off the ship. Been there, done that.

 

My main concern is the Covid surge happening in Florida right now, or once cruising starts, having a few cases on board that would shut the entire thing down again.

 

 

The only place I would get off the ship on this itinerary is Ocean Cay.  One of my best cruises ever was when I got paid NOT to get off in Nassau--we went to Freeport to deliver hurricane relief instead.  We were each reimbursed one day's cruise fare.  Bargain of the century!

[tallyho8]

I tried to book Seaside on 2-21-21 but when my TA phoned them he was told that MSC was trying to "get their ducks in a row" right now with the tens of thousands of cancellations they have plus MSC for some unknown reason changing the itineraries of many of their ships causing thousands of more changes. They said they plan to have all the kinks worked out by July 1 and will be taking new reservations by then and notifying everyone of all the changes.

 

Does everyone know that many travel agencies have the Seaside rated as the only 5 star ship in MSC's fleet and that the Meraviglia is rated as 4 1/2 stars along with the Seashore? 

[Hlitner]

3 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

The only place I would get off the ship on this itinerary is Ocean Cay.  One of my best cruises ever was when I got paid NOT to get off in Nassau--we went to Freeport to deliver hurricane relief instead.  We were each reimbursed one day's cruise fare.  Bargain of the century!

ROFL!  We agree 100%.   Have booked 14 days in December (back to back) in the YC.  The reasons we booked is we love the YC and also love Ocean Cay.  On that cruise we get two days in OC (weather permitting) and could care less about the other ports.  The YC is terrific on port days as the restaurant is empty at lunch and the sun deck/pool is very quiet.  Why bother going ashore at the usual Caribbean islands (we have been to all those ports numerous times over the past 40+ years) when we can sit in a comfy deck chair at the YC, sip drinks, eat, relax, etc.   You could not bet me off the ship in some of those ports (especially Nassau and Ocho Rios) even with a shotgun.  For us, the YC is the major attraction and it beats most ports.

 

Hank

[jules815]

15 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

The only place I would get off the ship on this itinerary is Ocean Cay.  One of my best cruises ever was when I got paid NOT to get off in Nassau--we went to Freeport to deliver hurricane relief instead.  We were each reimbursed one day's cruise fare.  Bargain of the century!

 

I consider Nassau another sea day.  🙂  And I completely forgot about Ocean Cay.  Yes, we'll for sure be getting off the ship on that day. We haven't been there yet and are looking forward to it.  I just wish it wasn't our last day, because I know my mind will be on packing and I won't fully relax and enjoy it.  Too bad they can't dock there overnight instead and skip Nassau altogether.  

 

 

[Hlitner]

27 minutes ago, jules815 said:

 

I consider Nassau another sea day.  🙂  And I completely forgot about Ocean Cay.  Yes, we'll for sure be getting off the ship on that day. We haven't been there yet and are looking forward to it.  I just wish it wasn't our last day, because I know my mind will be on packing and I won't fully relax and enjoy it.  Too bad they can't dock there overnight instead and skip Nassau altogether.  

 

 

We were on the 2nd ship to ever visit OC and loved the experience.  The island is quite large with plenty of space for everyone, but the YC area is quite special.  When it opened the major problem was they only had a single bathroom for each sex and that caused some major backups for the ladies.  This was going to be corrected but we are not sure about the status.  The other issue was that MSC built a very attractive YC cafe/restaurant on the island but it is not large enough and will be a problem for the larger YC's such as on the Meraviglia.   We were on the Divina which had a much smaller group of YC guests but there was still a long wait for lunch.  I have no clue how they handle 200 souls from the larger YCs.  

 

Our ship was docked at OC until around 11pm but there was little reason to go ashore after dinner.  The light show could easily be viewed from the ship.  I noticed that our two upcoming visits are scheduled to depart at 6pm which makes no sense.  That means that folks will not get to see the light show and we are really curious why MSC is planning on early departures.  On our cruises the OC visit is the last night of the cruise and it is a very short run to Miami so they could easily stay until midnight and still take their time getting to the Port.

 

As to overnights, I am not sure we would care.  There is not much reason to go off the ship after dinner unless you simply want to take a walk.  When we were there last year they only had one of the food trucks open which was no big deal.   Much of the facilities are staffed by crew from the ship and they need to get most of those folks back on the ship to handle dinner and evening onboard services.

 

Hank

[BoundForSea]

I’m honestly a bit peeved. I booked Seaside YC Jan17th for the ship. Not for the port and not for the itinerary. It is my backup to the Oct sailing on her. Weve been on her three times and Mera once just this past Feb and I like both for different reasons but wanted a week on SS. My May on her was already CX. Anyway I think it shoukd have been skmewhat left to the guests what they wanted to do. Cancel, goto Seaside in POC or stay in Miami on Mera.   We got rebooked on Mera on deck 15. I booked SS a long time ago for Deck 16 and a more desirable location on 16. Now, the Mera sailing is completely closed and no changes are allowed and no availability is showing. Seaside is not a Voyagers Select sailing (orginally this was a 5+15 deal) any longet and prices on her are high (relative to previous booking). I appreciate the 200$ but I believe they needed to give some choices. So if my October CXs Ill be back on Mera and not SS and then SS goes away!! Ugh. I need my Venchi fix!! We are booked on Mera again in April. Anyway, just my opinion. We are Diamond level and really enjoy MSC but this is one of those MSCisms that just annoys me. 

Edited June 27, 2020 by BoundForSea

[BoundForSea]

15 hours ago, Hlitner said:

ROFL!  We agree 100%.   Have booked 14 days in December (back to back) in the YC.  The reasons we booked is we love the YC and also love Ocean Cay.  On that cruise we get two days in OC (weather permitting) and could care less about the other ports.  The YC is terrific on port days as the restaurant is empty at lunch and the sun deck/pool is very quiet.  Why bother going ashore at the usual Caribbean islands (we have been to all those ports numerous times over the past 40+ years) when we can sit in a comfy deck chair at the YC, sip drinks, eat, relax, etc.   You could not bet me off the ship in some of those ports (especially Nassau and Ocho Rios) even with a shotgun.  For us, the YC is the major attraction and it beats most ports.

 

Hank

Same here!!! We also were on same sailing  with you guys in YC for the 2nd visit to OC! 

[BoundForSea]

On 6/26/2020 at 2:31 PM, jules815 said:

 

My main concern is the Covid surge happening in Florida right now, or once cruising starts, having a few cases on board that would shut the entire thing down again.

 

This is EXACTLY my fear for resumption of cruising again and the future of cruising until the vaccine is out and available and plentiful. You know its not if but when an outbreak occurs on a ship, they quarantine, it hits the press (and they exploit the heck out if it for ratings), cruising gets the black eye again, and the CDC iver reacts and ships are left out at sea and the entire house of cards comes down again. Of all the places for surging cases FL and TX are probably not what we want as cruisers (or NY/Seattle for that fact). Im ready to go, and I love cruising and MSC YC enough to go, I’m just fearful this is going to be a losing battle until a successful vaccination. 

[Beachin2]

Interesting that my 10/3/20 & 10/10/20 B2B Seaside YC cruises are still showing as a go as booked R/T Miami.

 

Final pay for the first leg not until 7/6 so we will see what announcements are made 7/1.  Don't relish the idea of making final payment and then waiting months on end for refund after they cancel.

[rkacruiser]

4 hours ago, jules815 said:

Ocean Cay.  Yes, we'll for sure be getting off the ship on that day. We haven't been there yet and are looking forward to it.  I just wish it wasn't our last day, because I know my mind will be on packing and I won't fully relax and enjoy it. 

 

As for itinerary planning, this is a major failure of MSC in trying to provide for the best possible guest experience.  Ocean Cay ought to be the first port of call on a Caribbean cruise so that one can stay up as late as necessary to enjoy the nighttime entertainment on the island as well as the light show without having to be stressed about packing and all of that "last night at sea" activities require.  

[rkacruiser]

3 hours ago, Hlitner said:

The other issue was that MSC built a very attractive YC cafe/restaurant on the island but it is not large enough and will be a problem for the larger YC's such as on the Meraviglia.   We were on the Divina which had a much smaller group of YC guests but there was still a long wait for lunch.  I have no clue how they handle 200 souls from the larger YCs.  

 

As a Meraviglia guest, it was a problem.  I arrived for lunch around 1:30 P. M. and had to wait until a seat--not a table--but a seat was available for me.  I was asked if I would be willing to join a couple who were finishing their lunch.  I agreed; it was a pleasant lunch (nice folks),  but not quite a "YC" type of experience that one might expect.

 

3 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Our ship was docked at OC until around 11pm but there was little reason to go ashore after dinner.  The light show could easily be viewed from the ship.  I noticed that our two upcoming visits are scheduled to depart at 6pm which makes no sense.  That means that folks will not get to see the light show and we are really curious why MSC is planning on early departures.  On our cruises the OC visit is the last night of the cruise and it is a very short run to Miami so they could easily stay until midnight and still take their time getting to the Port.

 

No reason to return ashore after dinner other than maybe witness the Junkeroo parade.  But, if one dines late, the parade would be missed, I think.  Agree that such an early departure from Ocean Cay is unwise if MSC wants their guests to experience "the best that Ocean Cay has to offer".  Who is in charge of itinerary planning?  Someone who has not cruised?

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

4 hours ago, Hlitner said:

We were on the 2nd ship to ever visit OC and loved the experience.  The island is quite large with plenty of space for everyone, but the YC area is quite special.  When it opened the major problem was they only had a single bathroom for each sex and that caused some major backups for the ladies.  This was going to be corrected but we are not sure about the status.  The other issue was that MSC built a very attractive YC cafe/restaurant on the island but it is not large enough and will be a problem for the larger YC's such as on the Meraviglia.   We were on the Divina which had a much smaller group of YC guests but there was still a long wait for lunch.  I have no clue how they handle 200 souls from the larger YCs.  

 

Our ship was docked at OC until around 11pm but there was little reason to go ashore after dinner.  The light show could easily be viewed from the ship.  I noticed that our two upcoming visits are scheduled to depart at 6pm which makes no sense.  That means that folks will not get to see the light show and we are really curious why MSC is planning on early departures.  On our cruises the OC visit is the last night of the cruise and it is a very short run to Miami so they could easily stay until midnight and still take their time getting to the Port.

 

As to overnights, I am not sure we would care.  There is not much reason to go off the ship after dinner unless you simply want to take a walk.  When we were there last year they only had one of the food trucks open which was no big deal.   Much of the facilities are staffed by crew from the ship and they need to get most of those folks back on the ship to handle dinner and evening onboard services.

 

Hank

 

I don't understand why we're leaving Ocean Cay at 6:00 p.m. either.  What are we going to do--sail around in circles?  MSC could easily solve the staffing problem on the island by employing some locals there.

[Hlitner]

6 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

I don't understand why we're leaving Ocean Cay at 6:00 p.m. either.  What are we going to do--sail around in circles?  MSC could easily solve the staffing problem on the island by employing some locals there.

They do have a small staff on the island.  Several of those folks told us they were from Freeport and spent weeks at a time on the island.  These folks had plenty to do with various construction/maintenance projects and also working to give direct support when passengers are on the island.   Just keep in mind there are no "locals" as its a man made island with no real residents other then those brought over by MSC.   It would really be an isolated living experience.    There is adequate staffing provided from the ship during the day.  We noticed in the YC area that some of the staff were our YC staff from the ship including some Butlers and wait staff.

 

Hank

[rkacruiser]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

We noticed in the YC area that some of the staff were our YC staff from the ship including some Butlers and wait staff.

 

I saw that as well.  The Head Butler seemed to be in charge.

[Shippy]

20 hours ago, tallyho8 said:

I tried to book Seaside on 2-21-21 but when my TA phoned them he was told that MSC was trying to "get their ducks in a row" right now with the tens of thousands of cancellations they have plus MSC for some unknown reason changing the itineraries of many of their ships causing thousands of more changes. They said they plan to have all the kinks worked out by July 1 and will be taking new reservations by then and notifying everyone of all the changes.

 

Does everyone know that many travel agencies have the Seaside rated as the only 5 star ship in MSC's fleet and that the Meraviglia is rated as 4 1/2 stars along with the Seashore? 

   The Seaside has much better Perks if you get the YC3 RS.   You would think that that would be the same on all ships but it is not.

  Last year on the Seaside, in the YC3,  we got free gelato & crepes, free unlimited laundry, and our cruise this year that was cancelled, we were also to get a complementary ocean cabana on their island...that is worth a lot.

  We pushed our September cruise this year to September next year and they had changed the ship to the Meraviglia.

 It is my understanding that none of those perks will be honored on that ship.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

3 hours ago, Hlitner said:

They do have a small staff on the island.  Several of those folks told us they were from Freeport and spent weeks at a time on the island.  These folks had plenty to do with various construction/maintenance projects and also working to give direct support when passengers are on the island.   Just keep in mind there are no "locals" as its a man made island with no real residents other then those brought over by MSC.   It would really be an isolated living experience.    There is adequate staffing provided from the ship during the day.  We noticed in the YC area that some of the staff were our YC staff from the ship including some Butlers and wait staff.

 

Hank

 

All of the staff that serves customers on the island is from the ship.  That leaves the ship really bereft of staff.  I can only speak to the YC experience.  I get that there are no locals.  But there are folks in Freeport or Nassau who I'll bet would be glad of the employment opportunity.  Our cart driver was very pleased with the opportunity for employment.  It wouldn't be any more isolated than working on a ship.

[sptrout]

16 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

I don't understand why we're leaving Ocean Cay at 6:00 p.m. either.  What are we going to do--sail around in circles?  MSC could easily solve the staffing problem on the island by employing some locals there.

 

I agree that departing OC at 6PM is a bummer and depressing (heading back to the home port). My guess, and that is all it is, is that the early departure may be to allow for a very early arrival back into Miami so the crew can start the yet unpublished new cleaning protocols that MSC may be planning for the "turn around" day. Instead of floating, they will be cleaning like never before????

 

As for the question/complaint mentioned about the slow service/long lines at the YC, OC restaurant, the answer that worked for us last December was to arrive early before opening and then wait (seated) at the dinner tables a few minutes for the food service to begin. This was totally by accident since we had no idea what to expect at the YC restaurant since OC was still brand new. No lines, just some peaceful time looking out at the beautiful ocean views. There was a line when we departed, so we were lucky that we arrived early. But, we are early birds so arriving early was easy for us.

[dexddd]

15 hours ago, Shippy said:

   The Seaside has much better Perks if you get the YC3 RS.   You would think that that would be the same on all ships but it is not.

  Last year on the Seaside, in the YC3,  we got free gelato & crepes, free unlimited laundry, and our cruise this year that was cancelled, we were also to get a complementary ocean cabana on their island...that is worth a lot.

  We pushed our September cruise this year to September next year and they had changed the ship to the Meraviglia.

 It is my understanding that none of those perks will be honored on that ship.

When did you sail?  We had RS in June on SS and only perk aside from cabana by pool was Gelato which all YC got.

 

Nothing else.

[Shippy]

 We sailed last September...

Apparently not all perks are written down.

Half way through the cruise, I asked our butler if there were any laundry specials. He said since we were in the RS we did not did one as we had UNLIMITED laundry. Although I felt a bit guilty I sent everything we had worn out before the end of the trip & we never received a charge.

  On our cruise for this September, I went online to MSC MY ACCOUNT.    Under the reservation for the room it says...

Included     Beachfront Yacht Club Cabana (max 6 people) All Day Rental

  We cancelled that and rebooked for next September. They switched ships.

When I check online now, it says NOTHING about the cabana    :O(

  As far as laundry ??? I will whine & say we got it on the Seaside but they probably will not care

 

 

 

,

[rkacruiser]

2 hours ago, Shippy said:

Apparently not all perks are written down.

 

And sometimes, even if they are, those perks seem not to be understood or accepted by some staff members aboard the ships.

 

2 hours ago, Shippy said:

On our cruise for this September, I went online to MSC MY ACCOUNT.    Under the reservation for the room it says...

Included     Beachfront Yacht Club Cabana (max 6 people) All Day Rental

  We cancelled that and rebooked for next September. They switched ships.

When I check online now, it says NOTHING about the cabana    :O(

  As far as laundry ??? I will whine & say we got it on the Seaside but they probably will not care

 

MSC needs to be careful not to fall "into the same hole" that has become a major irritant with those of us who are guests of Holland America Line.  The only thing that seems "consistent" is the "inconsistency" of the cruise experience from one cruise to another; from one ship to another.  To be fair to HAL, my most recent HAL cruises in 2018-2020, "consistency" of cruise product seems to be returning.  Why?  My opinion:  there was a Senior V-P or two of "this and that" that departed and more competent replacements were hired.  

[dexddd]

16 hours ago, Shippy said:

 We sailed last September...

Apparently not all perks are written down.

Half way through the cruise, I asked our butler if there were any laundry specials. He said since we were in the RS we did not did one as we had UNLIMITED laundry. Although I felt a bit guilty I sent everything we had worn out before the end of the trip & we never received a charge.

  On our cruise for this September, I went online to MSC MY ACCOUNT.    Under the reservation for the room it says...

Included     Beachfront Yacht Club Cabana (max 6 people) All Day Rental

  We cancelled that and rebooked for next September. They switched ships.

When I check online now, it says NOTHING about the cabana    :O(

  As far as laundry ??? I will whine & say we got it on the Seaside but they probably will not care

 

 

 

,

We had a RS on Mera in March and nothing showed up other than what we paid for but trip was cancelled.  Second time a no go to OC.

 

Still waiting close to 100 days for refunds and FCC,  Shame on MSC!

[GOLDENBONNY]

On 6/22/2020 at 1:21 PM, Nashna said:

I typically do lots of research before I book a cruise.  MSC just switched our sailing to Meraviglia.  I am not at all familiar with this ship.  We have previously sailed on Davina in YC and totally enjoyed the experience.  I have read a few comments on the Meraviglia and they were not all positive.  I would appreciate hearing the pluses and minuses of the ship.  We were assigned stateroom 14027. 

If you like Divina you will love Meraviglia. It's much better actually and not as crowd as people love to say on this board. 

[js]

I had two cabins in YC Seaside for a February sailing changed to Mera. Both balcony cabins in YC. It shows both of my cabins getting $50 OBC not the $100 others are getting. Both cabins are Diamond members. 
 

Really wanted to do Seaside for our fourth time and my dh was finally coming since I usually just sail MSC with my mom. If we dont get Deck 16, I may cancel. My mom doesnt venture out of the YC so the location is very important to us. We love the second cabin in from the Seaside YC lounge “secret” door and book in advance to get our exact cabins. I do not want Deck 14 and not be in the YC proper. 

Edited June 30, 2020 by js