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MSC Seashore September 24, 2021 - tips & tricks, Q&A and small review

UniPac

By UniPac,
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UniPac

UniPac

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Hi everybody!

I would like to share some information regarding our cruise that started two days ago in Barcelona, Spain. I will focus on relevant tips & tricks and everything that was special in any way (ups and downs).

If you have any questions, feel free to ask – I will try to answer them.

So, let’s start – unfortunately, with some negative points… first chapter:

 

Embarkation

 

Our check-in time was 10.30am, we arrived at the port (using “cabify”, which seems to be Barcelona’s Uber) and went to the baggage drop off. Two persons checked our luggage tags (that stated Yacht Club) and sent us to some tent. We thought that YC has no priority because of Covid so we queued… inside the tent, there were 5 desks set up with two MSC employees and after about 15min we have waived to the next free one. Showing our boarding document, the woman recognized we are YC and escorted us outside to a separate tent and luggage drop off. That’s when we learned that if the first two persons would have been able to read our tags or ask us, we could have saved 15mins…

Sooooo… we showed our boarding document again, our passports, proof of vaccination … and next some discussion en espanol started and one more person came to the YC desk, totaling in four talking about our names/cabin number not being on their list. After 10 minutes of waiting and watching them discussing and calling other persons, we were escorted into the terminal where the Covid tests would take place. We haven’t been on the list at this point, so there was some short discussion again and the Covid test, after which we have been escorted to the YC waiting area. There was one couple waiting plus two YC butlers and two other ladies that came to us and asked for our boarding documents and passports. Discussion started again, phone calls, and my partner was asked for her passport 3 times within 20 minutes. In the meantime, several other couples came and immediately received their wrist bands and cards (which we didn’t), the first couple already left to the ship (and others arriving after us also left after a short wait for the test result). Finally, they asked me if I know a woman named “Jane Doe” (name changed for privacy reasons) which was somehow embarrassing as they didn’t tell my why they ask such a question in front of my partner. Never heard of that name (really!) I started to get upset as we had been in the process of boarding for almost an hour without been told what went wrong.

 

Long story short: somehow, they have been missing our names/cabin and when they “found” it, it was assigned to me and a woman I don’t know. So, they had to register us from scratch, print new cards etc…. in total, that took about 1,5hours waiting and sitting….

 

Onboard we learned that even it took so long, neither our drink package nor our internet package was registered… and our card didn’t reflect our Diamond status, but that’s something we didn’t care about.

 

All together, the whole embarkation took longer than for non-YC guests and we even had to go to the YC desk two times because of the missing internet and missing drink package. Of course they excused for that verbally.

 

Enough for now, hope you enjoyed reading it and have some questions already! Next up will be some tips and tricks and first impressions of YC, food and service. Be asured, our experience will get better!

 

Tom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  • UniPac changed the title to MSC Seashore September 24, 2021 - tips & tricks, Q&A and small review
Beamafar Great Review Rare

Beamafar

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What a mix-up and not a pleasant way to start your cruise.  Hopefully everything else went well after this. 
 

We’re embarking in less than 4 weeks (though not in YC.  That’ll be next March when we embark in Miami).   I’ll be following with great interest. 

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UniPac

UniPac

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Thanks, both @Beamafar and @MemeCruise!

We are close to Naples, ship will dock soon. Next Chapter:

 

Service, Crowds and Food

 

Our Butler and Junior Butler are doing a great job so far, same for the YC head concierge. And same for the restaurant and bar service. Almost no waiting, friendly with a smile and they always insist to bring the last drink to your room (incl. some sweat or savory treats, if you choose some).

 

YC is about 75% booked and most of them are couples and only few families. Sundeck is empty, I would say about 10% of Sunbeds being used (but weather hasn't been perfect).

 

I had read a lot of negative feedback that it is crowded, drinks service being slow (even in YC), elevators being full and stopping on each deck… after 3 days I can’t confirm anything of that.

 

We have been to the Sports Bar and the Brooklyn Café on two nights. Service wasn’t the same as in YC but still we got enough drinks without waiting too long. We have been asked regularly for another drink. Elevators been efficient, most of the time going to our desired deck without an additional stop. No crowds in front of the elevators, most time just us and maybe a second couple (waiting for a different cart).

We walked past the main pool, it was indeed crowded but there have still been sun chairs available around the ship. Same for the infinity pool. Closest spots to pool/bar are occupied, but you could always find a sunchair a little more remote. Let’s see how it will be on a sunny sea day. Aurea sundeck was almost empty. Jungle Pool is full, loud, warm – because the top is closed as the sun is still hiding. A place to walk by fast – only reason to go there was because we wanted to go to Marketplace Buffet and the Jungle Pool separates YC and the MP Buffet.

 

Speaking of Marketplace Buffet, this area is huge (as the second buffet has been eliminated on Seaside Evo class ships). However, it seems that at least a half of it is always closed. Food choice is the smallest I have come across on MSC ships, maybe Covid related. It is somewhat crowded, but not as much as I have thought.

 

I think the main difference is that the school holidays in Europe are over so less families and less bookings in total.

 

The food in the YC has been hit and miss so far. We had really good lunch, but also mediocre dinner. We must admit we are foodies and love the choice and quality on Celebrity. And we have not sailed on Celebrity since Covid (two days before departure in Miami our cruise got canceled). But the food on Celebrity was better – and we are comparing Aqua Class “Blu” vs. YC. Some of the food in YC looks really nice but tastes just so-so. We had the filet mignon on the sundeck – ordered medium – came rare, almost blue. Reorder was rare to medium. The filet at lunch instead was cooked perfectly. The Choice is really satisfying, but the food lacks of something “special”. Sometimes you are missing the acidity, sometimes the spice, sometimes texture, sometimes it is not cooked as we chose. Service, again, was outstanding - Pasta wasn't.

 

Pizza at MP is really good. Didn’t have enough space left to try out pizza delivery to our room. Regarding room service: used it one time for a decaf espresso – it never arrived. Second day we called Concierge for some ice – never arrived.  

 

That’s it for now, next update will be some tips and tricks. I hope I didn’t put in too many typos/grammar errors this time – but it is good practice for me so I enjoy writing as I hope you enjoy reading!

 

Tom

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UniPac

UniPac

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So here we go for some tips & tricks I came along - only a few but they might be helpful. Will add more once I come across.

 

 #1 bring your own towel to the spa - they don’t offer any because of Covid and they don‘t tell you so you will end up in the spa locker room looking for towels. I don‘t understand this one -  you get towels at the YC sundeck, you get it in your room, you get it in the gym… why is towel service in the spa such a risk?

 

 #2 don‘t try to call room service. Call your butler. Room service never arrived (3days, 3calls).

 

#3 shortcuts galore - besides the automatic sliding door to the YC, there are more doors. Some could be easily overseen (glass doors) but they will allow to cut your way to the restaurant or bar. Best shortcut is the hidden door that your butler will use. That way we cut down the way to YC restaurant by 70%.
Take a look around, it is fun to find out.

 

#4 non-YC: sundecks are crowded. Sunbeds are occupied. Take a stroll around and you will recognize spaces with less crowds and free sunbeds. Sometimes they are not set up. Grab one and you have your quiet place in the sun. It is worth to tour the ship to find those spots.

 

 #5 non-YC outdoor seating for buffet: at the back of the ship, there is some outdoor seating for buffet. Didn‘t find it first time as the Marketplace buffet is so huge and looks like indoor only. Plus the buffet on deck 9 is gone and replaced by butcher‘s cut outdoor area.

 

 #6 dining deals - it is easy to get 20%, sometimes 30% off for specialty dining. Just do the „undecided“ guest. Interested in first, but then undecided… works best with the crew members trying to sell the dining.

Side note: we didn’t enforce this as we have one free dining plus OBC, just learned by walking around the restaurants.

 

#7 paper tissues - another covid-reasoned-removed item. Ask for it and you can get it. 

 

#8 food menu for the week - it is within the app (and the giant touch screens around the ship), but is somewhat hiding. There are two restaurant „buttons“ within the app. One is just information, the other one will present a „Menu“ button. Slide left/right to change from breakfast to lunch and dinner. Note: subject to changes, the app menu is the „regular“ menu but depending on supply, items can change and will be correct on the „printed“ version of the menu.

Speaking of that is another (like the towels) funny Covid-story: because of that nasty virus, you don‘t get the regular printed menus. Instead, it is a single sheet of paper, black&white printed, showing you all the delights, you can choose.

You might think it is only used once and then trashed - wrong. It is reused. They collect it and put it back on the table with all the menus in different languages for the later guests. As long as it is only a little bit crumbled, it will do for the next guests…. So tell me, is there any special „menu card“ or „spa towel“ Covid out there that ignores printed paper or other towels?

Sorry for being ironic… smile and be happy 🙂

 

#9 emergency drill – because of Covid, this is different as well. They ask you to watch the security video in your cabin. Your proof of having it watched is dialing 881 (from your stateroom phone) which is shown at the end of the video, but only for a very short time. Guess that is why they announce the number through the speakers… you then have time to go to your assembly station and scan your card (your band won’t work, only the card).

 

#10 theater shows – some of them are being shown on two days, because of the limited capacity (50%) in the theater. Masks are required and you won’t be allowed to sit next to each other, even if in the same stateroom. This is enforced. If you are used to big production shows on ships, I can tell you that MSC has improved but is still not at the same level like Royal or Celebrity. So don’t waste too much time there, head to tip #11 instead.

 

#11 Cabaret Rouge at the end of the ship – this is new to Seaside class ships. It is a multi-story, 360° venue with bar service and life music. And I tell you, it is amazing. You can choose whether you want to sit right next to the singers or higher above them watching down. Sometimes the band has its own spot above the stage if there is more acting, for music shows the band will be on stage with the singers. And the current band/singers are awesome! Way better than what we heard in the theater. Great place to be! I know this is my personal view, but I am sure most of you will agree that it is really worth attending.

 

 

That’s it for now. Tomorrow is a sea day and we have received a letter, that everybody disembarking in Barcelona will be swab tested on that day. Let’s see how long this will take.

 

Tom

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zekekelso

zekekelso

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On 9/26/2021 at 9:45 AM, UniPac said:

Hi everybody!

I would like to share some information regarding our cruise that started two days ago in Barcelona, Spain.


Hi Dr Nick. Thanks for the clarification with “Spain” or we might have been thinking Barcelona, Arkansas. 🙂
 

So far lots of good stuff in he thread. And forgive some of the more stupid comments you are going to get. 

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Happygcruiser

Happygcruiser

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On 9/29/2021 at 1:57 PM, UniPac said:

 

 #6 dining deals - it is easy to get 20%, sometimes 30% off for specialty dining. Just do the „undecided“ guest. Interested in first, but then undecided… works best with the crew members trying to sell the dining.

Side note: we didn’t enforce this as we have one free dining plus OBC, just learned by walking around the restaurants.

Hello!

 

can you help me please with “doing the undecided guest”? I would like to take my family to one or two of them. How to get discount?  Thank you!

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TipsyT

TipsyT

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Thanks for all the great info, Tom. This is getting us excited for our voyage in November.

 

We love hanging out near the International Cafe on Princess ships. It's a place where you can pick up a specialty coffee and a quick snack. Is there some place like this on the Seashore?

 

Thanks in advance!

Trish

 

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ocdb8r

ocdb8r

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4 hours ago, gimletgal said:

Can you tell us who the captain of the Seashore is? Also, do you have any names of the YC staff? It's always fun to see some familiar faces! Thanks.

Giuseppe Galano is currently captain.

 

As for staff - make friends with Arnold from the Philippines at the YC Pool Bar.  Super friendly, full of drink suggestions and by the second day was greeting us by name and bringing us our favorite drinks.  He's new to the YC area and super excited to be there.

 

Other memorable staff were Illona (sp?) from Ukraine in the YC dining room who had the section to the right up against the windows (facing forward as you enter).  We didn't even sit in her section every night and she always came by to greet us.  We also got to know the sommelier (Alessandro) well, but he finished his current contract the last day of our cruise.

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gimletgal

gimletgal

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16 minutes ago, ocdb8r said:

Giuseppe Galano is currently captain.

 

As for staff - make friends with Arnold from the Philippines at the YC Pool Bar.  Super friendly, full of drink suggestions and by the second day was greeting us by name and bringing us our favorite drinks.  He's new to the YC area and super excited to be there.

 

Other memorable staff were Illona (sp?) from Ukraine in the YC dining room who had the section to the right up against the windows (facing forward as you enter).  We didn't even sit in her section every night and she always came by to greet us.  We also got to know the sommelier (Alessandro) well, but he finished his current contract the last day of our cruise.

Thank you so much! Unfortunately, I don’t recognize any of the names from my past MSC cruises. I am sure the staff will be excellent, as always!

 

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MarkusToe "Live from...." Rare

MarkusToe

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23 hours ago, Match Game 72 said:

Thank you Tom/unipac

 

2 hours ago, JetGreen said:


Where is the additional open space on the evo ships?

Easy, answer... 

Ship is 16 meters longer.... 

Wirlpool on both sides midship

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hamrag

hamrag

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On 9/29/2021 at 1:46 PM, Beamafar said:

....Looks like we’ll be spending most of the time onboard.  We’ve been to all the ports on several occasions before so it won’t be a problem.....

Especially with P+ for final time before it's phased out.....get your money worth out of this one!! 😂

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Beamafar Great Review Rare

Beamafar

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3 minutes ago, hamrag said:

Especially with P+ for final time before it's phased out.....get your money worth out of this one!! 😂


I surely  intend to, G.

 

DH, who is mainly a beer drinker, so he’d be covered by the most basic package, took a huge liking to Veuve Cliquot (and Johnny Walker Blue, which, unfortunately, was removed).  I just hope the ship will be well-stocked, cos he has plans to put a huge dent in it.
 

He also discovered that Macallan is a very acceptable replacement for JWB (on our recent NCL cruise, where we enjoyed their PremPlus).  I reckon he’s well covered. 😁.

 

Wines would be the important element for me, but the choices, even with PremPlus, are limited.   Had some fantastic wines on NCL (though their PP is twice the price!). I plan to enjoy some of the higher end cognacs as well.   Beyond that there’ll be some Hendricks imbibed as well as some nice tequilas. 😉

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hamrag

hamrag

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8 hours ago, Beamafar said:

DH, who is mainly a beer drinker, so he’d be covered by the most basic package, took a huge liking to Veuve Cliquot (and Johnny Walker Blue, which, unfortunately, was removed).  I just hope the ship will be well-stocked, cos he has plans to put a huge dent in it.
 

He also discovered that Macallan is a very acceptable replacement for JWB (on our recent NCL cruise, where we enjoyed their PremPlus).  I reckon he’s well covered. 😁.

 

We are not drinkers, but I do enjoy a good malt after dinner....from the YC menu, Macallan Select Reserve is perfect for me and we have never upgraded.

 

You have reminded me of our Caribbean YC cruise, where an English couple upgraded and drank the ship dry of JW Blue....it was the most expensive drink available by the glass, so the gent of the couple drank it exclusively. Near the end of the cruise, late at night, when he was 'well on' he confessed a preference for Macallan Select Oak but was drinking JWB to get 'best value' from the package even though he 'didn't particularly like it'!! 🙄

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ocdb8r

ocdb8r

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21 hours ago, Beamafar said:


I surely  intend to, G.

 

DH, who is mainly a beer drinker, so he’d be covered by the most basic package, took a huge liking to Veuve Cliquot (and Johnny Walker Blue, which, unfortunately, was removed).  I just hope the ship will be well-stocked, cos he has plans to put a huge dent in it.
 

He also discovered that Macallan is a very acceptable replacement for JWB (on our recent NCL cruise, where we enjoyed their PremPlus).  I reckon he’s well covered. 😁.

 

Wines would be the important element for me, but the choices, even with PremPlus, are limited.   Had some fantastic wines on NCL (though their PP is twice the price!). I plan to enjoy some of the higher end cognacs as well.   Beyond that there’ll be some Hendricks imbibed as well as some nice tequilas. 😉

JWB was listed as available last week.  We were focused on the cognac's and champagne....plenty of Veuve!

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Beamafar Great Review Rare

Beamafar

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Just now, ocdb8r said:

JWB was listed as available last week.  We were focused on the cognac's and champagne....plenty of Veuve!


I didn’t see JWB listed on any of the menus posted here.  DH will be delighted to hear this - cheers for that!

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