Silhouette LIVE (1/12) w/ Side by Side: A Royal Week on Celebrity and MSC

[Azulann]

5 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

My day so far:

 

After breakfast and ship walking I went to rehydrate at the one pool.

 

Today’s Yacht Club pro tip:  if you’re hurting for a pick me up, Hugo at the one pool makes a great latte AND he’s an amateur magician and if it’s not busy, he’ll show you a few tricks.

 

I was knocking back the waters when my butler showed up out of nowhere, mimosa in hand, to ask me what time I plan to head off the ship to the island so that he can escort me past any lines.

 

I wasn’t feeling a walk back to Le Muse for lunch so I grabbed a few things from the pool lunch buffet. The udon was good but I wouldn’t recommend if you don’t like spicy food. The chicken stir fry was also good and not as much kick.  The pork steak had ok flavor but was kind of dry and it seemed weird for it to be so thin and tough.  We Missourians have high standards when it comes to pork steak. 
 

There was also a fresh made pasta station that I didn’t try but smelled amazing cooking.

 

Once he saw that I was back on cocktails, Ashish came around with a much smaller (thank heavens) glass of his rum punch.

 

The yacht club manager Rafaello came by during lunch to see how everyone was enjoying the food and since it’s my first visit offered to take me on a golf cart tour of the island while we’re there.  So stay tuned for good intel!

 

We’re backing into port at Ocean Cay now so I’m off to change and pack my beach bag!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That is a great breakfast menu. Pickled herring roll and smoked salmon!!!!! Now I am really hungry.  The choices of cheese are wonderful. I am impressed. Love all your pictures by the way!!!!!!

[GenerationX]

42 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

I’ve sailed Seaside when she was brand new..beautiful ship, different class than this ship.  Zero issues. 

I’m looking at booking Seaside out of Miami in July.   With the onboard booking deal it is about $200 more for yacht club on seaside for 7 nights than for aqua class on Equinox for the same week and I’d like to try the experience on one of the newer ships.  Would love to hear more about your cruise.  Did you by any chance do a review that I can search down?

[manmachine]

23 hours ago, LouChamp said:

So funny! You are the only person I know who remembers Carnival Air! 

I flew it once!

[Blueheart87]

23 hours ago, GenerationX said:

My husband jokes that I’m probably the only person under age 70 who still has a print subscription to the St. Louis Sunday paper.  When I start reading it he asks if he should also fetch me a martini, a pipe of tobacco and a pair of slippers 😂

 

I just have a thing for the printed word.  I’ve resisted kindle/ebooks too.  
 

Plus we have lots of small animals and sometimes foster housebreaking rescue puppies, so having a big box of newspaper around the house still comes in handy for us!

That being said, I’m about to contradict myself and say that one thing I’ve really missed from Celebrity on this ship is having the app with the daily schedule and all the restaurant menus for the entire cruise in it.  There is an MSC app but it doesn’t work for Divina and my understanding is that even on the supported ships it doesn’t have as much functionality as the Celebrity app.

 

I want to do the sushi restaurant for dinner one night of the cruise and I didn’t like that I couldn’t just whip out my phone and  look at all the dinner menus and schedules for the cruise and decide which day I didn’t mind missing the suite menu and what time I could book without missing something I want to attend. I also forgot how fast a paper daily gets torn and beat up when you have to carry it around and keep referencing it all day in Caribbean humidity.

 

Oh but back to the topic at hand, this newspaper they deliver is a stapled photocopy of the actual paper, so if you sail MSC and are interested in trying a physical paper, it may not bother you!

Hi Charla!

I just wanted to say thank you so much for your lovely reviews! You are amazing and honestly seem like a very cool person. So I am very much enjoying both of your ship reviews. We are cruising on the Silhouette next month in a Sky Suite, and admittedly after reading your review I wish that we weren't also saving for an all-inclusive resort later on this year so we could've attempted to move up to a Royal Suite. 😅 Everything sounded lovely, and I will definitely remember all of your recommendations.

 

I also love books - cozy novels are my favorites. I loved your picture of the bubble bath complete with an Agatha Christie novel desserts, and wine. That looked like my definition of a perfect evening. I agree wholeheartedly with you by the way about printed words. The feel and smell of a brand new book is one of my favorite things on this planet. I usually carry at least two books in my purse wherever I go, which my husband finds amusing. But if an opportunity comes where I can read and relax, I definitely will.

Thank you again for your lovely reviews! I hope that you're continuing to enjoy yourself because you deserve it! 🙂

Edited January 18, 2023 by Blueheart87
Missing a word.

[Kteacher]

Charla you should be getting a free cruise from MSC. I hadn’t considered sailing on their ships but now find myself searching for MSC cruises 😂. Thank you once again for taking us along on your travels!

[Stem to Stern]

Charla, You are killing this Live Thread.  I can’t tear myself away from the photos and all the wonderful attention you are receiving from the crew on board.  But it is killing me that my next cruise ship embarkation is not for another 332 days.  You got me thinkin’ ‘bout my options.  Familiarizing myself with www.msccruisesusa.com and headed for You Tube next.   It is always good to have options.🤔😃🙏

Edited January 18, 2023 by Stem to Stern

[Jim_Iain]

8 hours ago, GenerationX said:

It’s a beautiful morning to be nursing sprite and ice water on my veranda.

 

My butler has been really good about restocking my ice bucket and bottled water at turn down and this morning it is a life saver.

 

We’ll go further back in time later today and talk about my amazing early evening last night at the One Pool and second dinner in Le Muse.

 

But first, I wanna tell you all about the most ridiculous cruise ship party I’ve ever been to. 

 

MSC does not play when it comes to their white night pool party.  Apparently they throw a party like they decorate a cruise ship. Extra. Extra. EXTRA.

 

While as mentioned above, I’m not much of a fan of over the top decor. On the other hand, I love an over the top party.

 

I think every crew member who could sing, dance, do a backflip or play an instrument showed up in full white party attire at some point to perform.

 

After the performances a DJ started and the ship’s entertainment team got the dance floor started.  I’ve had some really great party nights on Celebrity (as evidenced my my hangover nursing on the retreat sun deck on day 2 of my prior cruise).  This party though was like south beach at sea.

 

Looking at how crowded the deck was, I’d say 70% of the adult passengers on the ship were at that party (and, at least at 11pm at night, had enough sense to not bring their small children).  Even better, 90% of said attendees had RHYTHM!  And got out on the dance floor nonstop for almost 2 hours!

 

Alcohol consumption seemed to abound, but I didn’t see anyone getting to the point of being a sloppy mess.

 

When I pulled myself away from the dance floor a little after midnight, I was actually the early bailer.  So I can’t represent or warrant whether the fun took a turn for a hot mess later on.

 

When I got back to my room, I cooled off on my veranda drinking wine and eating cake and prosciutto and, while the sound didn’t carry inside the room, out on the veranda I could still hear echoes of the party still going strong.

 

Oh, you’re probably wondering how on earth I ended up with wine, cake and prosciutto at midnight.  Well…

 

When I got back to the quiet refuge of the yacht club and came in my room, I saw that butler Kevin’s turndown game seems to be escalating with each passing night.

 

At dinner tonight I was way too full to have dessert and be in any fit state for a dance party afterwards. Rohan and Z then suggested that I just tell them what I’d like for dessert and Kevin could come collect it and deliver it to my room at turndown so that I had a little snack after the party.

 

I took them up on that and when I got back post-party I saw that Kevin did in fact deliver my chocolate cake.  Plus a glass of wine. And meat and cheese.  With preserves and honey, just how I order my cheese plate at the restaurant.

 

After I finish my sprite I’m going to go find some recovery breakfast and then hang out by the one pool.  Then maybe have a chat with the gentleman from future cruises (NEVER thought I’d be saying that about any other line than Celebrity).  This afternoon we arrive at Ocean Cay.

 

 

 

 

You definitely have a butler who knows how to take care of you.     Love the heart on the bed and the artistic way they prepare the meat and cheese.   My only thought was - Saltien's?    NO No no

[Seas2mountains]

8 hours ago, mnpurple said:

I'm glad we were directed to your review from the MSC Board. My husband and I will be in Divina YC in about a week. I hope we get Kevin for our Butler because he sounds grreat! And I also made note of Ashish at the One Pool bar to try some rum punch!  It seems that Divina YC is more attentive than when we were on Seaview this past spring.  I loved the Swarovski staircases, they are really beautiful when the sun is shining on them.

 

Can I ask what your room number is? It looks a bit more spacious than what I'm expecting. 

 First, this is an excellent review! Thank you, @GenerationX!

 

We just got off this same exact cruise with the same butler, Kevin, on Monday of this week. We definitely need to do a better job of communicating that we would love a cheese plate every night or even in the afternoon along with our other preferences.  We did not realize that was possible. @mnpurple The staff will treat you well especially in Le Muse and on One Pool.  I wish @GenerationX had cruised before me as we would have known to make these special requests.

[Seas2mountains]

@GenerationX are you using the ship Wifi to post your updates or your cell phone plan?  I attempted to do a live review on the cruise before yours but got blocked going on CC on both devices (iPhone and iPad) after making updates.  I could go to any other website or social media site but it would not connect to the MSC pages on CC. This was reported to have been a problem for another CC live review poster before me, too.

 

I was using the ship wifi the whole time and had my cell phone on airplane mode so I would not use the data from my cell phone plan.

 

 

Edited January 18, 2023 by Seas2mountains

[GenerationX]

6 hours ago, jerseygirl3 said:

I'm thoroughly enjoying your reviews and photos.  However, I don't think those who complain about the reduction in the quality of food and service on any of the cruiselines can be dismissed.  Given that you are enjoying a more entitled cruise experience, the comparisons are apples to oranges (or filet mignon to hamburger...LOL).  And it is a bit disconcerting that those in suites are "prioritized" to obtain a cocktail at a bar.  Sorry, but that seems a bit elitist to me.  Please don't be offended, because I am truly enjoying your experience.  My husband and I will never get to that level, but it is nice to get another cruise perspective.  

No offense taken! In my profession it’s a necessity to be pretty difficult to offend. After all, nobody really likes a lawyer 😂

 

I certainly never intend with my reviews to dismiss anyone else’s experiences on the same ships/cruise lines. I just try to report mine honestly in comparison to what I read pre-cruise.  
 

I always try to make a point of mentioning the class of stateroom that I’m sailing in at the very beginning of my reviews so that it’s very clear to everyone following what level of accommodations and cruise fare spend are resulting in the service and quality that I’m receiving and reporting.

 

I fully agree that it is not an apples to apples comparison to compare food quality in MDR’s vs. extra charge specialty restaurants and/or suite dining rooms and certainly didn’t intend to make such comparisons.  
 

I had actually read recent reviews reporting poor quality of food and service in Luminae and specialties on Celebrity and MANY such reviews about yacht club on MSC (hence my prior reluctance to try the line) and wanted to convey that those (in some but not all cases) have not been my experiences in the these two specific cruises, in these stateroom classes and dining venues.  

 

As far as “privileged” treatment for those who pay double or triple the non-suite rates for a cruise, I can certainly understand your position. But for me personally it doesn’t bother me as much or seem elitist, perhaps because of my background.  

After all, Celebrity and MSC aren’t like country clubs where an application, sponsor and reference are needed to get access to the extra benefits.  Anyone who is willing and able to pay X fare gets Y perks and benefits. 
 

When I was sailing in $300 per person inside staterooms (and even now when sailing in no frills verandas and elevated, but not suite level staterooms due to budget constraints), I fully expect that those who are paying 4 or 5 times or more than me to be on the same ship would be given preferential treatment over me.  
 

After all, to me it seems it would be foolish for anyone to pay so much higher fares and not get a much better experience than those who paid thousands less.  And it would seem foolish to me for the cruise lines not to go the extra mile for the customers who are driving the highest revenue.
 

Honestly, I struggle to think of any area in my non-cruising life where those who are able to and do spend more money aren’t given more/better service and quality.

 

Plus frankly, as a woman and as a minority in my country, I’ve experienced my fair share (sidebar for those interested: NEVER on Celebrity and not as of now on MSC) of others receiving preferential treatment over me for FAR less valid reasons than me spending a lot less money than them.
 

My view on those in higher classes getting put ahead of me is really is just to shrug and say “must be nice to have the means to that end” and enjoy what I can afford and have.

 

I worked extremely hard for the education and resulting earnings that allow me to splurge occasionally on higher level travel accommodations and with the exception of those (lucky people) with way better gambling luck or generational wealth, I assume those who sail/fly/stay in higher class accommodations than me do as well.  So I don’t really see a problem with them spending their much needed time off getting special treatment that they’ve paid an arm and leg for.

 

I sincerely hope that my thoughts don’t offend you either and I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the review!

 

 

 

 

Edited January 18, 2023 by GenerationX

[postnobills]

1 hour ago, Kteacher said:

Charla you should be getting a free cruise from MSC. I hadn’t considered sailing on their ships but now find myself searching for MSC cruises 😂. Thank you once again for taking us along on your travels!

I fully agree with Kteacher!  OTOH, the hopelessly cynical side of me can't help but wonder if MSC realizes Charla has a huge fan base on CC and is going out of their way to give her extra special attention, realizing what great free marketing of their product they are getting.  Charla - any thoughts on this?  If this is truly representative of life in the Yacht Club we too are thinking about moving on from X and giving MSC a try.

 

[Lena11033]

13 minutes ago, postnobills said:

I fully agree with Kteacher!  OTOH, the hopelessly cynical side of me can't help but wonder if MSC realizes Charla has a huge fan base on CC and is going out of their way to give her extra special attention, realizing what great free marketing of their product they are getting.  Charla - any thoughts on this?  If this is truly representative of life in the Yacht Club we too are thinking about moving on from X and giving MSC a try.

 

 

I'm not going to lie, I've changed where I had my hotel next month based on Charla's review. I'd never been to Miami so just stuck with my regular hotel line but by switching hotels alone I've save a ton of money.

Now I've been looking at MSC line - my husband's hoping I don't win the lottery because I'll spend half the year cruising 🤣

Joking aside, honestly I started looking at YC based on this review (I can live with the décor for pricing)

[GenerationX]

1 hour ago, postnobills said:

I fully agree with Kteacher!  OTOH, the hopelessly cynical side of me can't help but wonder if MSC realizes Charla has a huge fan base on CC and is going out of their way to give her extra special attention, realizing what great free marketing of their product they are getting.  Charla - any thoughts on this?  If this is truly representative of life in the Yacht Club we too are thinking about moving on from X and giving MSC a try.

 

Ok so, I’ve definitely wondered this too and reading several recent articles in cruise industry publications essentially saying that MSC is “coming for” the other cruise lines’ spots in the US cruise market made me even more suspicious.

 

I’ve asked several regular MSC cruisers and they’ve said what I’ve experienced is pretty par for the course, but here’s the rub:

 

It’s par for the course on DIVINA.  People have consistently told me that Divina is the best yacht club service experience on MSC and that on the newer ships it’s not as personalized or attentive because the ships are bigger and there are so many more yacht club cabins.

 

I’m going to spend the next few months on the hunt for feedback on how the yacht club experience on the newer ships compares to the retreat (and I’ll of course fully report on my own experience if I decide to try one of the newer ships this summer).  
 

My current assessment is that it’s a trade off.

 

I feel like I’m getting the Celebrity retreat service experience that made me fall in love with it several years ago  (with a few more perks than Celebrity ever offered), at almost half the price.

 

However, the cabins, ship decor, non-club areas, technology and shoreside customer service experience in a BIG way don’t hold a candle to Celebrity.
 

I’ll do a separate post later in more detail comparing the websites, booking experiences and shoreside customer service but to give a preview, these things are all admittedly weak points for Celebrity, but compared to MSC, Celebrity looks like an expert.

 

I’d say right now, in Charla’s perfect world, if MSC refurbished Divina to tone the schmaltz way down, bring the tech into the 21st century, but also keep the yacht club A-team and perks just the same,

 

oh and also some how magically keep fares the same despite the millions that are going to have to be invested in doing all of the above, I would follow this ship around the world like it’s a Grateful Dead concert.

 

 

Edited January 19, 2023 by GenerationX

[Kandtcruisers]

Charla, I received my map dress today! Thank you for showing us yours and where you got it.  One thing though, I don’t see the US or Caribbean on it. Darn!  I’ll still wear it. 💃❤️

[hcat]

10 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Unfortunately I can definitely see the ship being challenging for those with visual issues. Outside of yacht club there are a couple of areas where the floor to ceiling mirrors have been put up in such a way that even without vision challenges, I nearly walked right into the mirror thinking that it was an entrance to another hallway. Only the sudden appearance of another impeccably dressed woman who looked just like me stopped me short. 🤦🏾‍♀️

thanks for understanding  of visual.issues... and  love your sense of humor ..

 

have not seen any pics of great art so far..the wall of lipstick pics was  def not my style.  .. 

 

On X (esp E class) we have appreciated the curated art..taken the art tours and enjoyed discovering  new artsts..   yes dome of the art on X is wierd but can be  thought provoking 

 

I also find the botanical collections on X quite interesting.... not not easy caring for plants at sea..

 

[miched]

I was looking at MSC cruises after reading this and am considering trying them.  They seem to be in line with X and may offer more perks and frills in the Yacht Club than the Retreat.     There is the Escape to Sea price  and one with the All In that includes the  Easy Drink Package  and Wi-Fi for an additional cost.   It can be upgraded to The Premium Drink Package for and additional cost.  What is the extra cost?   Are the gratuities for the drinks included in the package?   
 

Escape to Sea

Take advantage of these special cruise only reduced rates. Please note that these special rates are not eligible to receive extra perks and amenities.

 

If you are in the Yacht Club what extra perks and amenities would you be excluded from?  

 

Free drinks and WiFI

Go ALL-IN and get unlimited drinks plus free wi-fi on this cruise! The ALL-IN promotion includes the Easy Drink Package. Guests can upgrade from the Easy Drink Package to the Premium Plus Drink Package for an additional charge.

 

 

How are the daily gratuities handled?   Are they included in the Yacht Club or the All In  package or are they an additional daily charge?   The All In doesn’t list the gratuities.  
 

Thanks for using your time 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🌅🇺🇸

[hcat]

hoping to read a  Gen X review  for a  less ornate ship of this cruise line. This ship  reminds of photos of early Carnival ships  def not our style..

 

our on ship prefrences  include  relaxing,  enjoyment of the spa ,thermal suites..T pools   views of the sea and  night sky,  healthy food. and good music and shows.  Pampering is also  nice but not "overboard"..We found on Beyond that  having an "attentive" Butler fussing over us was a bit too much! 

 

but i am very much  enjoying the review.    even if it convinces me  that X AQ Class is still  our best fit!

[jcpc]

2 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Ok so, I’ve definitely wondered this too and reading several recent articles in cruise industry publications essentially saying that MSC is “coming for” the other cruise lines’ spots in the US cruise market made me even more suspicious.

 

I’ve asked several regular MSC cruisers and they’ve said what I’ve experienced is pretty par for the course, but here’s the rub:

 

It’s par for the course on DIVINA.  People have consistently told me that Divina is the best yacht club service experience on MSC and that on the newer ships it’s not as personalized or attentive because the ships are bigger and there are so many more yacht club cabins.

 

I’m going to spend the next few months on the hunt for feedback on how the yacht club experience on the newer ships compares to the retreat (and I’ll of course fully report on my own experience if I decide to try one of the newer ships this summer).  
 

My current assessment is that it’s a trade off.

 

I feel like I’m getting the Celebrity retreat service experience that made me fall in love with it several years ago  (with a few more perks than Celebrity ever offered), at almost half the price.

 

However, the cabins, ship decor, non-club areas, technology and shoreside customer service experience in a BIG way don’t hold a candle to Celebrity.
 

 

 

Charla,

I find the Retreat experience on M-class and S-class ships far superior to the Retreat experience on E-class ships.  Just like MSC larger ships Celebrity’s larger ships have way too many suites for personalized service.  On my recent Beyond sailing the service and food quality in Luminae was definitely sub-par.  The MDR for breakfast was 100 times better than Luminae for breakfast in terms of both food quality and service.

 

I have heard that the booking process with MSC is cumbersome to put it mildly.  But, while I do a lot of research and investigation regarding the ships, service, etc. I leave the cumbersome dealing with the cruise lines (whether it be Celebrity or MSC) to my very capable travel agent.  From what I read Celebrity’s shoreside customer service is definitely no walk in the park!

 

My travel agent sailed in Yacht Club on Meraviglia last week and she was very happy with everything.  While she travels and cruises a lot, this was her first time on MSC.  She and her husband were both impressed (and they are real “foodies”).

Edited January 19, 2023 by jcpc

[thatguy865]

3 hours ago, GenerationX said:

No offense taken! In my profession it’s a necessity to be pretty difficult to offend. After all, nobody really likes a lawyer 😂

 

I certainly never intend with my reviews to dismiss anyone else’s experiences on the same ships/cruise lines. I just try to report mine honestly in comparison to what I read pre-cruise.  
 

I always try to make a point of mentioning the class of stateroom that I’m sailing in at the very beginning of my reviews so that it’s very clear to everyone following what level of accommodations and cruise fare spend are resulting in the service and quality that I’m receiving and reporting.

 

I fully agree that it is not an apples to apples comparison to compare food quality in MDR’s vs. extra charge specialty restaurants and/or suite dining rooms and certainly didn’t intend to make such comparisons.  
 

I had actually read recent reviews reporting poor quality of food and service in Luminae and specialties on Celebrity and MANY such reviews about yacht club on MSC (hence my prior reluctance to try the line) and wanted to convey that those (in some but not all cases) have not been my experiences in the these two specific cruises, in these stateroom classes and dining venues.  

 

As far as “privileged” treatment for those who pay double or triple the non-suite rates for a cruise, I can certainly understand your position. But for me personally it doesn’t bother me as much or seem elitist, perhaps because of my background.  

After all, Celebrity and MSC aren’t like country clubs where an application, sponsor and reference are needed to get access to the extra benefits.  Anyone who is willing and able to pay X fare gets Y perks and benefits. 
 

When I was sailing in $300 per person inside staterooms (and even now when sailing in no frills verandas and elevated, but not suite level staterooms due to budget constraints), I fully expect that those who are paying 4 or 5 times or more than me to be on the same ship would be given preferential treatment over me.  
 

After all, to me it seems it would be foolish for anyone to pay so much higher fares and not get a much better experience than those who paid thousands less.  And it would seem foolish to me for the cruise lines not to go the extra mile for the customers who are driving the highest revenue.
 

Honestly, I struggle to think of any area in my non-cruising life where those who are able to and do spend more money aren’t given more/better service and quality.

 

Plus frankly, as a woman and as a minority in my country, I’ve experienced my fair share (sidebar for those interested: NEVER on Celebrity and not as of now on MSC) of others receiving preferential treatment over me for FAR less valid reasons than me spending a lot less money than them.
 

My view on those in higher classes getting put ahead of me is really is just to shrug and say “must be nice to have the means to that end” and enjoy what I can afford and have.

 

I worked extremely hard for the education and resulting earnings that allow me to splurge occasionally on higher level travel accommodations and with the exception of those (lucky people) with way better gambling luck or generational wealth, I assume those who sail/fly/stay in higher class accommodations than me do as well.  So I don’t really see a problem with them spending their much needed time off getting special treatment that they’ve paid an arm and leg for.

 

I sincerely hope that my thoughts don’t offend you either and I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the review!

 

 

 

 

I understand the POV of the poster you are responding to, and I thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I am also a minority and the lens through which we view the world isn’t always clear to other who haven’t experienced prejudices we have. Frankly we all as humans have different life experience and our preferences and desires and qualms are all a result of that. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and giving us glimpses into who Charla is and why you feel the way you feel. 

[jelayne]

1 hour ago, miched said:

I was looking at MSC cruises after reading this and am considering trying them.  They seem to be in line with X and may offer more perks and frills in the Yacht Club than the Retreat.     There is the Escape to Sea price  and one with the All In that includes the  Easy Drink Package  and Wi-Fi for an additional cost.   It can be upgraded to The Premium Drink Package for and additional cost.  What is the extra cost?   Are the gratuities for the drinks included in the package?   
 

Escape to Sea

Take advantage of these special cruise only reduced rates. Please note that these special rates are not eligible to receive extra perks and amenities.

 

If you are in the Yacht Club what extra perks and amenities would you be excluded from?  

 

Free drinks and WiFI

Go ALL-IN and get unlimited drinks plus free wi-fi on this cruise! The ALL-IN promotion includes the Easy Drink Package. Guests can upgrade from the Easy Drink Package to the Premium Plus Drink Package for an additional charge.

 

 

How are the daily gratuities handled?   Are they included in the Yacht Club or the All In  package or are they an additional daily charge?   The All In doesn’t list the gratuities.  
 

Thanks for using your time 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🌅🇺🇸

I’m with you on this.  I have looked at MSC but couldn’t figure what was YC and what wasn’t,  what was a Suite and what wasn’t ‘and the  various options for the same cabin.  
Gave me a headache and I gave up.  It didn’t help when friends of DH who sail MSC sail they never leave the YC because the rest of the ship wasn’t pleasant. 

[RichYak]

1 hour ago, miched said:

I was looking at MSC cruises after reading this and am considering trying them.

Me too! I signed up for a MSC account and matched to top tier Diamond. Now I just need to pick a sailing.

[Wink87]

4 hours ago, GenerationX said:

No offense taken! In my profession it’s a necessity to be pretty difficult to offend. After all, nobody really likes a lawyer 😂

 

I certainly never intend with my reviews to dismiss anyone else’s experiences on the same ships/cruise lines. I just try to report mine honestly in comparison to what I read pre-cruise.  
 

I always try to make a point of mentioning the class of stateroom that I’m sailing in at the very beginning of my reviews so that it’s very clear to everyone following what level of accommodations and cruise fare spend are resulting in the service and quality that I’m receiving and reporting.

 

I fully agree that it is not an apples to apples comparison to compare food quality in MDR’s vs. extra charge specialty restaurants and/or suite dining rooms and certainly didn’t intend to make such comparisons.  
 

I had actually read recent reviews reporting poor quality of food and service in Luminae and specialties on Celebrity and MANY such reviews about yacht club on MSC (hence my prior reluctance to try the line) and wanted to convey that those (in some but not all cases) have not been my experiences in the these two specific cruises, in these stateroom classes and dining venues.  

 

As far as “privileged” treatment for those who pay double or triple the non-suite rates for a cruise, I can certainly understand your position. But for me personally it doesn’t bother me as much or seem elitist, perhaps because of my background.  

After all, Celebrity and MSC aren’t like country clubs where an application, sponsor and reference are needed to get access to the extra benefits.  Anyone who is willing and able to pay X fare gets Y perks and benefits. 
 

When I was sailing in $300 per person inside staterooms (and even now when sailing in no frills verandas and elevated, but not suite level staterooms due to budget constraints), I fully expect that those who are paying 4 or 5 times or more than me to be on the same ship would be given preferential treatment over me.  
 

After all, to me it seems it would be foolish for anyone to pay so much higher fares and not get a much better experience than those who paid thousands less.  And it would seem foolish to me for the cruise lines not to go the extra mile for the customers who are driving the highest revenue.
 

Honestly, I struggle to think of any area in my non-cruising life where those who are able to and do spend more money aren’t given more/better service and quality.

 

Plus frankly, as a woman and as a minority in my country, I’ve experienced my fair share (sidebar for those interested: NEVER on Celebrity and not as of now on MSC) of others receiving preferential treatment over me for FAR less valid reasons than me spending a lot less money than them.
 

My view on those in higher classes getting put ahead of me is really is just to shrug and say “must be nice to have the means to that end” and enjoy what I can afford and have.

 

I worked extremely hard for the education and resulting earnings that allow me to splurge occasionally on higher level travel accommodations and with the exception of those (lucky people) with way better gambling luck or generational wealth, I assume those who sail/fly/stay in higher class accommodations than me do as well.  So I don’t really see a problem with them spending their much needed time off getting special treatment that they’ve paid an arm and leg for.

 

I sincerely hope that my thoughts don’t offend you either and I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the review!

 

 

 

 

Well said Charla.

[CruiserRob]

3 hours ago, GenerationX said:

I would follow this ship around the world like it’s a Grateful Dead concert.

ROFTLMAO

[cruzzzinma]

Charla, MSC should hire you as a recruiter. You’ve shared more in this review than I ever understood about MSC. Although, their website is truly terrible! Like many of your readers, I went to look at cruises.

[aggiejd2000]

On 1/17/2023 at 8:20 AM, GenerationX said:

The entire wall across from the bed is a massive mirror.  I’m keeping this review rated PG so I won’t share my husband’s response when I sent him a photo of this about how he felt that this feature could actually [cough] “optimize” our [cough] “cruising experience”. 

OMG, this part made me LOL, especially because this is totally something my husband would say! 

 

Been enjoying this side-by-side comparison.  As a fellow attorney, I hope your briefs are just as colorful and entertaining!