Seashore YC semi review/thoughts 6/11/22 - 6/18/22

[Paphillyguy]

We just returned from our 2nd cruise on the Seashore.  This mini review will do some comparisons from our December 2021 cruise on the Seashore to the June 2022 cruise.  Both times we were in the Yacht club. 

 

We arrived at 11 am and were on board by 11:20 am.  Very smooth this time mainly due the fact they had our keys ready this time.  Last time was quite the ordeal.   We got to our room and nothing we selected for the precruise selections were there.  No pillows, no alcohol, no paper selections.  A quick chat with the butler and we were told that they have very limited pillow selection and all were gone.  The papers and alcohol were noted and we had them the next day.  If you aren't going to prepare the items selected precruise  why ask.   

 

The ship is still as beautiful as before.  There were around 3,300 passengers and the YC was full.  

 

Thoughts 

 

Service in the YC -  Service for dinner was very good we had Dominic and Miquel (I loved Miquel, he by far was my favorite).  Dominic was a very good server.  We did think that Jason from our December cruise was a bit better.  But I had no complaints with dinner service.  Breakfast service on the other hand was an issue so much that we talked to the Dining manager.  The service was slow and the first 2 meals something was missing from each persons order.  We had to ask for refills.  The service in December was far superior.  Once we talked to him things improved but were never up to the YC standards in my opinion.  The waiter service in the YC pool area was good but again not great.  I am not sure if it was that the YC was full or the new staff is just not as attentive as the December crew. 

 

Butler and Room Steward -  Our room Steward cleaned the room pretty good but was not very friendly.  He was efficient but definitely not interested in talking to you.  Our butler was pleasant enough.  However, our butler in December was more attentive.  She only checked in a few time and even had us walk ourselves to dinner by ourselves.  They both had to be reminded of items we went over the first day.  Like the number of towels we liked and what we liked in the mini bar.  These are basics that should not have to be reminded.  2 times we even had to call the butler because they forgot to leave wash cloths.  The other butlers were very attentive and we always saw them check on their guests ours rarely checked on us.  We are not very high maintenance so it really wasn't a lot to ask.   

 

I just felt like the staff in December in the YC was way more attentive and seemed to go out of their way to make the trip special.  I am not sure if it was because of the number of people in the YC but there was a marked difference.  Honestly, if we have not experienced the service we did in December some of the things might not have been noticed.   We still love the YC. 

 

Casino -  We were on a casino certificate and we paid to upgrade to the YC.  We did not know it at the time of booking but there was $75,000 invited guest slot tournament onboard this week.  We were invited to the slot tournament.  With all of these gamblers the casino was packed a lot of the time.  The dealers were great and on par with the dealers of our December cruise.  The casino host was actually the same as December but with the number of casino guests she was overwhelmed.  However, I did very well in the casino and came out ahead.  Always good.  I think MSC has one of the best casino programs at Sea. 

 

Ports - We didn't do any excursions since we had been to these ports many times before.  The 5 pm docking time in San Juan is a bit of a disappointment because there is not much to do.  We did walk to the fort to walk around outside since it was closed.  We did get to see them setting up to film a Marvel movie that night at the fort.  

 

Ocean Cay -  We love Ocean Cay.  The YC area was never really full despite the YC being full.  The one thing I find unacceptable is that in the YC by about 1 pm they had run out of towels and never got more.  Also, a little after lunch they ran out of bottled water and never replenished it.  We got to see 2 light shows and the beach party since we left at 9 am.

 

Bars - as in Dec, the drinks were inconsistent between bars.  You would think all the bartenders would know how to make the MSC signature martini.  not that the casino bar.  2 tries and they never could get it right. 

 

Misc -  We did find the elevators to be a bit slower then December but never that bad.  The buffet was crowded but never really long lines when we stopped there.  There were definitely more activities throughout the ship in June then in Dec.  The Spa was a bit crowded at times but never packed.  One weird thing when I came back from Ocean Cay I decided to stop in the spa's thermal area and when I checked in they said they could not give me a locker because they were all being used.  I went in and expected to see a packed house and there barely anyone in there so I am not sure who was using all the lockers.  LOL  The pool areas in the YC and outside were never completely full and you could always find a spot.

 

This was a great cruise and we love this ship.  The service outside the YC was very good as it was in December.  The YC service was good but not great like last time.  This however, did not ruin our experience at all and we had a great time and would sail on this ship and MSC again.  As we all ready are as we are booked in October on the Meraviglia 

 

 

 

 

[Paphillyguy]

I forgot food.  The food was again excellent.  We ate all meals in the YC.  We did eat a few times for snacks at the buffet and the pizza was great as always.  We like the food selection in the YC.  The only thing that i missed was the grilled lobster on the outdoor grill.  It is not offered anymore.   

[mafig]

Thank you for your review.

 

How was the seating in the YC restaurant?  Are the tables nicely spread apart.  They're not on top of each other, are they?

[Paphillyguy]

21 minutes ago, mafig said:

Thank you for your review.

 

How was the seating in the YC restaurant?  Are the tables nicely spread apart.  They're not on top of each other, are they?

They definitely did not feel on top of each other. They also do a very good job keeping you at the same table once you get one you like.  

[deliver42]

We had the same table and wait team in the YC every day. We didn't have to ask, they just gave it yo us. Nicely spaced between tables