Live Seascape YC (7/9-7/16): A Celebrity Loyalist Jumps Ship

[KKB]

6 hours ago, perakcruiser said:

From my point of view this is totally wrong. It is like to take from a first class flyer report that econony or even business class should be avoided. The huge success of MSC is not based on the surely great YC product, it is based on what they offer for the other 95 percent on the ship. 

I'm gonna say their success is due to the price point. 

[GenerationX]

Good morning from Ocean Cay!  I can’t believe it’s already our last full day of the cruise. 😭

 

But it’s far too early for end of cruise depression. Let’s talk some about the rest of our day yesterday.

 

Yesterday afternoon Gen Z and I tried out more of the “kid” offerings on Seascape. With a good number of people in port for the day, it was a perfect opportunity to do so without worrying about any lines or waits.

 

First Gen Z tried the Robotron ride.  This is an additional cost activity (I believe each ride is $10) but the fun pass funds can be used for it.  She tried to convince me to get on with her, but I wanted to keep my delicious pancakes in my stomach where they were happily sat.

 

The ride has 3 different operating speeds that riders can choose from (slow, medium or fast).  Gen Z decided to go straight to the head and picked fast

 

The ride operator scanned our card, gave me a release to sign, let Gen Z on the ride (there was no line and she was the only rider) and secured her harness.  He went back to the computer to check the ride was green light to launch while I stepped over to take a photo of the ride operating hours for future reference.

 

When I turned back around I saw that Gen Z was on the ride in full operation, spinning and dangling upside down, etc. while shrieking with delight, but the attendant had just pushed the start button and walked away and had his back completely to the ride. He then proceeded to spend a few minutes at the side of the ship taking himself some nice pics of the scenic sail into Nassau with his personal cell phone!  I have never on any cruise on any line seen a crew member on their personal phone while on duty and I presumed it was a big no no.  

 

I also know these rides are designed to be pretty fail proof, but the lawyer in me thinks “they’re fail proof till they aren’t and that’s how the personal injury attorneys pay for their Gulfstreams”.  If something had started to go wrong or my child had panicked or gotten sick, the mama bear in me was fully prepared to shove Mr. Instagram Content out of my way (right over the rail he was leaning over to get his perfect Bahamas shot if necessary) and push the emergency stop button on that ride myself.

 

I’m debating whether this incident is one worthy of reporting to someone. I don’t want to be a complainer but it just struck me as at worst unsafe and at best very unprofessional.

 

Gen Z came off perfectly fine though and asked when she could go on it again. (I resisted the urge to say “never”.) 

 

After Robotron we did a different game in the virtual reality theater (there are 4 different ones to choose from) then changed into swimsuits and hit the one pool for a little bit and had a light snack from the lunch buffet (we didn’t want to ruin appetites for our early dinner) before heading to check out the water slides.

 

On Seascape, there is really no good place near the the water slides/park to keep personal items, so I dropped everything but our YC smart wristbands (which are waterproof and could open the YC access and cabin doors for us) in our room before we went to the slides.  Before you can use the slides you have to sign a release and get a wristband (at a station on deck 18 by the Pirate Cove water play area where the inner tube slide lets out). This is also where you get your tubes for said inner tube slide.

 

I did go down all 3 water slides (starboard, port and the one inside the Pirate Cove play area) solely for the sake of this review, of course.  My personal favorite was the tube slide, which featured lights and music inside and a solid shriek inducing final drop.

 

When I took Gen Z up to one of the slides for the first time, while we were waiting for the last rider to clear the slide so that Gen Z was safe to launch, I smiled at the attendant and asked how he was doing today.  His face lit up and he said “oh! You are so kind! Nobody ever asks me this!” 

 

I felt so bad for the guy. I know tipping above the included gratuities can be a contentious topic, but it costs nothing to make a point to smile and be caring and gracious with one’s words and it seems like it’s greatly appreciated by the crew.

 

As Gen Z was riding her slides, I looked out past them at the Nassau bay and saw a gorgeous mega yacht cruising by. I couldn’t help but think of how THOSE passengers were spending their afternoon.  Likely sipping Perrier Jouet and snacking on caviar while lounging peacefully in the sun.  Meanwhile there I was looking like an over fed and drowned rat standing around holding flip flops and a Finding Nemo sunguard shirt onboard Six Flags of the Seas…I briefly regretted not following in the footsteps of some of my sorority sisters and skipping law school to marry for second, trophy wife money. 

 

After Gen Z slid herself silly, it was time to shower and dress for dinner at Butcher’s Cut with our Austrian friends.  

 

Charles was assigned to helping YC guests back onboard at our reservation time, so he arranged for another butler to escort us all down to the restaurant.

 

I think in terms of food quality, it may have been our best meal of the cruise.  The restaurant is a la carte and the steaks are a bit pricey, but our total check was about what I pay for cover charge for Gen Z and I for the Tuscan Grille steak specialty restaurant on Celebrity.

 

They also have a very reasonably priced kids menu.  Gen Z had an entree from said kids menu and also split my ribeye with me (no way could I take down 20 ounces of steak solo).  The steak came with one side and I ordered the smoked mashed potatoes that turned out to be heavenly.  We also started with a ceaesar salad and shrimp cocktail. It was hard paying $30 for starters I can get everyday for free on Celebrity but they were very good.

 

For dessert we both had an incredible warm, rich chocolate lava cake.  

 

The star of the meal though was that ribeye.   It put every steak I’ve ever eaten on Celebrity, and some I’ve had at steakhouses on land to shame.  Dry aged. Impeccable sear, cooked to medium rare perfection.  Melted in the mouth.

 

Our server Marvin was quick and attentive and never let our wine glasses get to empty.

 

After dinner the kids went to watch a movie in kids club and the adults went to check out some entertainment in the main ship. We started with champagne cocktails and live sax in the atrium and then headed back to le cabaret rouge.  The venue is NOT cover charge on this ship, but the Austrian parents told me that they have been on other MSC ships where there was a fee to enter but it came with a free cocktail of some type.  

 

The first act was a great band with a lead vocalist from Australia with a beautiful voice. They did a great mix of classic rock and soul.  

 

This was also the first time I experienced some of the more outrageous behavior by other passengers that I’ve occasionally read about in MSC reviews. It was about 9:45 at night, and a family including parents, teenagers and small children had decided to use an entire side of this lounge venue (which again was open, occupied and in the middle of a very nice live music performance) to play a running and screaming intensive game of tag and hide and seek.  To our shock, the adults were as actively engaged in running and screaming as the kids!  

 

It got to the point where it was distracting the band and the lead singer commented on how many “lively kids we seem to have in the audience tonight.”  I totally get the need for exertion and play for young kids, but there’s a time and place for everything and that was neither the time nor the place.

 

The band set was followed by a one-man juggling act that just didn’t seem big enough for the room, and lost our interest pretty quickly, so between that and being in the middle of that family’s self designated playground, we went back to the atrium for the jazz duo performance.

 

After the jazz performance ended we picked up the kids and made a stop by the Latin dance party until the humidity got us then headed back towards yacht club.

 

Who was standing at the door waiting to greet me? You guessed it, Charles.  I’m beginning to think that YC wristlet has some kind of technology that tells Charles where I am and my blood alcohol level at all times.  When I came through the door he tisked disapprovingly at my nearly empty champagne flute and insisted that Austrian mom and I each take his arm at each side so he could escort us to Top Sail for one last refill to take to bed.

 

We’ve just finished having some fruit and yogurt for breakfast and are about to head in to our cabana on Ocean Cay.  More to come later this afternoon as I slam aperol spritzes and take breaks from packing.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Cap_D]

23 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

I’m debating whether this incident is one worthy of reporting to someone. I don’t want to be a complainer but it just struck me as at worst unsafe and at best very unprofessional.

Yes.  Very disturbing.  

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

"This was also the first time I experienced some of the more outrageous behavior by other passengers that I’ve occasionally read about in MSC reviews. It was about 9:45 at night, and a family including parents, teenagers and small children had decided to use an entire side of this lounge venue (which again was open, occupied and in the middle of a very nice live music performance) to play a running and screaming intensive game of tag and hide and seek.  To our shock, the adults were as actively engaged in running and screaming as the kids!  

 

It got to the point where it was distracting the band and the lead singer commented on how many “lively kids we seem to have in the audience tonight.”  I totally get the need for exertion and play for young kids, but there’s a time and place for everything and that was neither the time nor the place."

 

And that would be why I rarely venture out of YC unless most of the rest of the ship is on shore.  Obnoxious parents and kids in the gen pop.  And far too many of them.

[jules815]

12 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

And that would be why I rarely venture out of YC unless most of the rest of the ship is on shore.  Obnoxious parents and kids in the gen pop.  And far too many of them.

 

This is why we only cruise now while school is in session. We're not anti-children, we've successfully raised two. I will say that when we have seen children on Celebrity in Luminae, or in the YC, they've all been very well behaved. Our preferred cruising time is September and October, or that sweet spot following spring break before schools get out for the summer.

[KKB]

46 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

"This was also the first time I experienced some of the more outrageous behavior by other passengers that I’ve occasionally read about in MSC reviews. It was about 9:45 at night, and a family including parents, teenagers and small children had decided to use an entire side of this lounge venue (which again was open, occupied and in the middle of a very nice live music performance) to play a running and screaming intensive game of tag and hide and seek.  To our shock, the adults were as actively engaged in running and screaming as the kids!  

 

It got to the point where it was distracting the band and the lead singer commented on how many “lively kids we seem to have in the audience tonight.”  I totally get the need for exertion and play for young kids, but there’s a time and place for everything and that was neither the time nor the place."

 

And that would be why I rarely venture out of YC unless most of the rest of the ship is on shore.  Obnoxious parents and kids in the gen pop.  And far too many of them.

THIS--this unfortunately is along the lines of behavior I saw on my MSC cruises (in steerage).

Far too many passengers with zero regard for their fellow passengers & common courtesy.

[lola2013]

2 minutes ago, KKB said:

THIS--this unfortunately is along the lines of behavior I saw on my MSC cruises (in steerage).

Far too many passengers with zero regard for their fellow passengers & common courtesy.

Steerage? 

[KKB]

2 minutes ago, lola2013 said:

Steerage? 

LOL--NOT YC!

[Two Wheels Only]

As a Yacht Club guest, I recommend making a stop at the Smiling Fish for some ice cream.

[abbydancer2003]

10 hours ago, perakcruiser said:

From my point of view this is totally wrong. It is like to take from a first class flyer report that econony or even business class should be avoided. The huge success of MSC is not based on the surely great YC product, it is based on what they offer for the other 95 percent on the ship. 

I'm sure it's not, and many people love the vibe.  My point is that we like Celebrity and Princess partly because of the opportunities to dance in a relatively uncrowded area, and the main MSC areas seem to be crowded.  Maybe I'm not understanding things. 

[Mark_T]

4 hours ago, GenerationX said:

The star of the meal though was that ribeye.   It put every steak I’ve ever eaten on Celebrity, and some I’ve had at steakhouses on land to shame.  Dry aged. Impeccable sear, cooked to medium rare perfection.  Melted in the mouth.

 

I'd have to concur, the steak we have had on MSC, both in the YC and in Butcher's Cut was superb.

 

Nothing in Luminae or Tuscan has ever come even remotely close.

[P2l]

4 hours ago, GenerationX said:

I know tipping above the included gratuities can be a contentious topic, but it costs nothing to make a point to smile and be caring and gracious with one’s words and it seems like it’s greatly appreciated by the crew.

❤️

[GenerationX]

11 hours ago, perakcruiser said:

From my point of view this is totally wrong. It is like to take from a first class flyer report that econony or even business class should be avoided. The huge success of MSC is not based on the surely great YC product, it is based on what they offer for the other 95 percent on the ship. 

Respectfully I think the choice may be more about individual vacation budgets and style taste, which can very greatly from person to person.

 

I think many who are following this review are others like me who are new to MSC but have been Celebrity Cruises regulars and I don’t think there is much question that the non-YC experience on MSC is very different from Celebrity, even in Celebrity’s lower priced cabin classes (which I’ve also sailed extensively).  Not to say there’s anything wrong with those differences, they just may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

 

For example, I don’t particularly enjoy clapping and sing at dinner every night, I’d rather not do the Macarena at the start of the evening show (though I did to be a good sport) and I prefer not to have to wait 15 minutes for an elevator or be crammed shoulder to shoulder with no open seats in sight when trying to watch the live music in many venues.

 

But there are many who aren’t bothered by and/or enjoy those things and yes, I agree, MSC’s non-YC product may be a great fit for those cruisers.

 

It’s just that those things aren’t part of the experience at any stateroom class on certain other cruise lines (e.g. Celebrity, or as I understand it, HAL and Princess) so my intent has only been to make clear for those accustomed to and who enjoy the atmosphere on those lines, MSC outside of YC may not be the best fit.

 

Or to use your air travel analogy, there’s significant differences between economy class on American Airlines and economy class on Southwest Airlines even though both can get you from St Louis to Miami safely, and there are travelers who avoid one or the other due to their particular tastes.  Just because the report on said economy differences happens to be given by a passenger flying in first class, doesn’t necessarily mean that those differences in the economy experience don’t exist.

 

In the same vein I probably wouldn’t recommend Yacht Club to someone who’s go to vacation is sailing on Silversea or Ritz-Carlton or chartering a private yacht. Just because YC is probably not going to be an enjoyable trip for those travelers (because they have very different preferences and expectations), doesn’t mean YC isn’t a great product.

 

It’s an interesting point you make though about the financial success of the line and what volume of that is attributable to premium vs. non-premium cabins. I’ve actually always been curious to see how those numbers actually shake out in terms of stateroom class and revenue/profit generation per cruise for the various ships/lines and if you have more info on it I’d be really interested to read about it!

 

I’ve kind of figured that these premium cabins must be a real golden goose in a way that the lower end cabins aren’t, because it seems like as all the mass lines are rolling out new ships, they’re adding more and more of the premium cabins and expanding and heavily marketing their “ship within a ship” concepts.

 

But sorry I’m starting to carry on. I just wanted to clarify that I certainly don’t mean to suggest that NO ONE should sail MSC outside of YC.  Just that it may not be to the taste of everyone.

 

[abbydancer2003]

2 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

Respectfully I think the choice may be more about individual vacation budgets and style taste, which can very greatly from person to person.

 

I think many who are following this review are others like me who are new to MSC but have been Celebrity Cruises regulars and I don’t think there is much question that the non-YC experience on MSC is very different from Celebrity, even in Celebrity’s lower priced cabin classes (which I’ve also sailed extensively).  Not to say there’s anything wrong with those differences, they just may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

 

For example, I don’t particularly enjoy clapping and sing at dinner every night, I’d rather not do the Macarena at the start of the evening show (though I did to be a good sport) and I prefer not to have to wait 15 minutes for an elevator or be crammed shoulder to shoulder with no open seats in sight when trying to watch the live music in many venues.

 

But there are many who aren’t bothered by and/or enjoy those things and yes, I agree, MSC’s non-YC product may be a great fit for those cruisers.

 

It’s just that those things aren’t part of the experience at any stateroom class on certain other cruise lines (e.g. Celebrity, or as I understand it, HAL and Princess) so my intent has only been to make clear for those accustomed to and who enjoy the atmosphere on those lines, MSC outside of YC may not be the best fit.

 

Or to use your air travel analogy, there’s significant differences between economy class on American Airlines and economy class on Southwest Airlines even though both can get you from St Louis to Miami safely, and there are travelers who avoid one or the other due to their particular tastes.  Just because the report on said economy differences happens to be given by a passenger flying in first class, doesn’t necessarily mean that those differences in the economy experience don’t exist.

 

In the same vein I probably wouldn’t recommend Yacht Club to someone who’s go to vacation is sailing on Silversea or Ritz-Carlton or chartering a private yacht. Just because YC is probably not going to be an enjoyable trip for those travelers (because they have very different preferences and expectations), doesn’t mean YC isn’t a great product.

 

It’s an interesting point you make though about the financial success of the line and what volume of that is attributable to premium vs. non-premium cabins. I’ve actually always been curious to see how those numbers actually shake out in terms of stateroom class and revenue/profit generation per cruise for the various ships/lines and if you have more info on it I’d be really interested to read about it!

 

I’ve kind of figured that these premium cabins must be a real golden goose in a way that the lower end cabins aren’t, because it seems like as all the mass lines are rolling out new ships, they’re adding more and more of the premium cabins and expanding and heavily marketing their “ship within a ship” concepts.

 

But sorry I’m starting to carry on. I just wanted to clarify that I certainly don’t mean to suggest that NO ONE should sail MSC outside of YC.  Just that it may not be to the taste of everyone.

 

Very well said.  I know that on X, I spend a lot of time at shows, and in lounges.  The MSC experience you describe has no appeal to me.  In the interests of full disclosure, we did book a Royal Caribbean cruise (suite in Oasis class) to back up with our next X cruise, so we'll see what I think about that.  It's short.

[GenerationX]

Well here I am, sat in Top Sail with a champagne cocktail in front of me and there is NOT a smile on my face.  You know what that means?  I’m being evicted from the Seascape tomorrow! 😭😭😭

 

On a positive note, I guess it’s a good thing that I’m this sad to leave, given that I came into this cruise a little worried about whether I’d be ready to commandeer a tender and drive myself back to Miami by midweek. 

 

I always tell Gen Z that trying new things can be scary and it probably won’t always work out the way you want, but it’s important to do because you may discover something you really enjoy.  I’m glad I took some of my own parenting to heart and made final payment on this cruise.

 

Gen Z is currently on the ship’s behind the scene tour which our Austrian friends offered to treat her to in exchange for me supervising their son on water slides for a while yesterday so they could have some couple’s time and inviting them to join us in our Ocean Cay cabana today.  I can’t wait to hear what she thinks of it.

 

Meanwhile, a little about our Ocean Cay day.  This was one of the places where I very much saw the impact of bigger ship/bigger YC vs. Divina.  After a butler escorted us down and off the ship about 10:30 (passengers were allowed off as early as 9:30), there was the same tent and lounge area for YC to wait for a golf cart to the YC portion of the island that we had on Divina.  The difference was that this time there was a line 30 people deep out from under said tent waiting for the cart.  There was only one dedicated YC cart going back and forth and whereas the wait for the cart on Divina was only a few minutes, this time it was 20-30.  The backup was so bad that the butler loading the YC cart was taking handfuls off passengers over to the general passenger golf cart area and filling them with YC passengers too (you can imagine how well that was going over with the poor non YC passengers who had been patiently waiting for their carts).

 

A similar backup happened on the way back to the ship (more on that in a minute).  Moral of the story, when these bigger ships are on the island, there probably needs to be more than one YC cart running.

 

When we got to Ocean House (the YC only beach and restaurant) I was sooo glad I’d booked that cabana.  There weren’t 2 open loungers together anywhere to be seen.  I took mental note: if I’m not booking a cabana, get to the YC beach first thing in the morning when sailing on a bigger ship.

 

One of the YC concierges got us settled in our cabana and pointed out our cooler of cold water and bottle of chilled Prosecco  then brought us a round of mimosas.  Right around the time my mimosa got near empty…yes, I know, the review is getting predictable, Charles appeared from behind a palm tree and asked what he could bring us for our next round.

 

We had a great time swimming in the ocean with Gen Z and her friends and even managed to see a few stingrays while snorkeling.  Between swims the cabana kept us in plenty of shade and Charles kept us in plenty of margaritas and Virgin daiquiris.

 

As many others have noted, the YC beach is pretty rocky and water shoes made it much more comfortable.

 

Lunch was served from noon till 2 and we originally planned to go to Ocean House for our lunch about 12:30, but there was a line for a table that went down the golf cart path from the restaurant (again not a thing on Divina) so we waited until a little after 1pm.  Even then the restaurant was still very busy but Arthur the awesome YC restaurant maitre d found us a shady table quickly.

 

I started with the octopus and then had the mahi mahi while Gen Z got the carne asada and split the lobster roll with her dear old mom.

 

The lobster roll was just as good as it was last time.  The mahi and carne asada this time were just ok, the mahi was a little overdone and dry but had a good sweet salsa with it.

 

The octopus was so incredible last time, but this time it tasted very fishy so I didn’t eat more than a couple of bites.

 

I think the food quality drop may also have been a result of the need to churn it out in greater volume in the same timing.  

 

One thing I can say was still right on par was the service at lunch which was still very quick and friendly. 

 

After lunch, I could tell Gen Z was showing signs of being very near her sensory limit. It was bound to happen given how much more stimuli there have been on this cruise, the increased volume of social interaction and day after day of more noise, lines and crowded elevators/golf carts. Honestly, even with me making intentional time for low sensory breaks every day,  I’m surprised we didn’t hit this point sooner.

 

As we were waiting for a golf cart back to the ship she started to stim (she wrings and flaps her hands, paces and pulls at her hair) and started to say she couldn’t take the heat anymore.  I thought about sending her into ocean house to the A/C to cool down, but I could already see people starting to crowd the cart boarding area like vultures around dying prey, and I knew if I sent her inside and had to run and get her when the cart came, I was definitely risking our spot in line.

 

I also briefly considered just walking us back to the ship as it’s really only 15-20 minutes tops for able bodied folks, but the sun was out and there wasn’t much shade and then I ran the risk of a full on sensory meltdown going down on the side of the road.

 

When a cart finally pulled up, after 20 minutes waiting, a group of YC guests were so eager to mob it I saw one lady who must’ve been in her 70’s try to grab and dive on the thing rear end first before it even came to a complete stop!  I guess risking a broken tailbone (or worse) was worth it to be sure she didn’t wait another 15 minutes to get back to the ship.

 

I wasn’t raised to throw elbows and shove elderly people out of my way, so when said folks mobbed the cart and I tried to set an example for her to not push and wait our turn, of course Gen Z and I were left standing with no seats left on the cart.  At that second, who comes to the rescue but…yep, you know what I’m gonna say, Charles!

 

He went a few rows back on the cart to a row of 3 people that could easily fit 4 if they put their beach bags on the floor rather than the seat and asked them to do so and slide together to make room for a child.

 

The Austrians, whose culture I’ve learned over the past couple of days doesn’t do midwest nice in the face of rudeness (I’m here for it!) had gotten past some of the aggressive cart rushers and promised that they’d stay with Gen Z and get her up to our room safely for me. I gave her instructions to stay with them and go straight to our room, lock the deadbolt and turn on the do not disturb light and lay on the couch in the dark with a stuffie to cool down and decompress before the ship tour, and I’d be along very shortly. Since I wasn’t going on the tour with them, I didn’t need to be back at the ship at a certain time, and my primary concern was getting Gen Z to a place to decompress ASAP.

 

After her cart left I started to just walk back to the ship, but Charles and Arthur assured me they were diverting another cart to come quickly and asked me to wait.

 

The cart did come fairly quickly, but when it dropped us off back by the ship there was no butler escort or dedicated yacht club entrance and without those, this much bigger ship had a much longer wait to get through security and then to get an elevator up to our room (that process alone took me about 30 minutes).  When I got back I found Gen Z safe and sound in the room and with a much needed recharge and excited to go on the tour of the ship.

 

Overall while I’d say Ocean Cay was still a really nice experience, it definitely wasn’t as relaxing or luxurious on a bigger ship.  I’ve heard there are plans to expand the YC area to accommodate the even bigger YC on the world class ships, but we shall see.  Gen Z still said once she’d had time to calm down that she loved the island and that it was one of her favorite parts of our cruise.

 

I’m going to finish my champagne then Gen Z should be back from her tour shortly and we’ll go to the room to shower and dress for one last YC restaurant dinner.  

 

I checked with the concierge and they said YC luggage doesn’t have to be in the hallway until midnight at latest, so I’ll take Gen Z to kids club and do most of our packing after dinner so at least one of us doesn’t have to be brought down by the preparations for our return to reality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mrs_Tiki]

Thank you for sharing your experiences on Seascape. When we sailed in YC in March, it was full-on spring break, and parents were nowhere nearly as considerate and attentive to their kids as you and you Austrian friends have been. I am sorry that Gen Z had challenges on your Ocean Cay day, but sounds as if your village handled it wonderfully. (But daggers to the elderly folks who supplanted your spot on the golf cart, let’s just say karma seems to prevail!) and yay Charles! 

[Best Cat Mom]

33 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

At that second, who comes to the rescue but…yep, you know what I’m gonna say, Charles!

Lots of people say that they don't need a butler and wouldn't know what to do with one. But you have identified the whole butler role -- it's all about what the butler does for you without you asking. So glad that you had a great butler who anticipated so many of your needs. 🙂

[Laurab23]

Did I miss a report on your cabin? Which cabin are you in?

 

Laura

[Stem to Stern]

1 hour ago, GenerationX said:

Gen Z and I were left standing with no seats left on the cart.  At that second, who comes to the rescue but…yep, you know what I’m gonna say, Charles!

 

He went a few rows back on the cart to a row of 3 people that could easily fit 4 if they put their beach bags on the floor rather than the seat and asked them to do so and slide together to make room for a child.

Charles In Charge 👍

[LMaxwell]

If they want to charge for kids under age 12 in Butchers Cut they should offer a smaller sized steak and seafood options, at least.  Paying for chicken fingers and fries is chintzy. I haven't seen any other line charge for what is considered "Kids Menu" in the dining room when offered in specialty but have for reduced size scale of the adult menu 

[gtaylor]

6 hours ago, GenerationX said:

 Even then the restaurant was still very busy but Arthur the awesome YC restaurant maitre d found us a shady table quickly.

Could this possibly be the world famous, renowned ARTHUR of days gone by?

 

gary

[KKB]

@GenerationX my heart goes out to you & Gen Z...

I so worried that a situation like this would happen.

Dan & I were just discussing our Retreat experience...and whether we should consider MSC YC.

For us, the answer is no.

Why?

Because we want more than an amazing room/restaurant/lounge/pool area.

We are active cruisers who want to play trivia, grab a coffee, hit the martini bar, partake in a game show...and all of those things are outside of YC/Retreat...so if we can book ship w/in a ship at a great rate...it's all about the rest of the ship for us. 

We don't care who is booked in which cabin (which I know you aren't as well)

But when we all show up at the martini bar, we all get the same show.

I love that.

[perakcruiser]

10 hours ago, abbydancer said:

My point is that we like Celebrity and Princess partly because of the opportunities to dance in a relatively uncrowded area, and the main MSC areas seem to be crowded.  Maybe I'm not understanding things. 

No, you are right, this you will not find on MSC anymore I guess. It disappeared with the newer ship generations as the full program with classical music disappeared and only a small fraction is left. If you ever consider a MSC cruise go for the classical ships like the Armonia (but no YC there). Uncrowded and relaxed cruising (OK, probably not in July and August), where only very high prices and full fare for kids can keep the crowds away😄

[skipsaur]

On 7/15/2023 at 7:32 AM, cml4958 said:

Snicker at the villagers comment; when we were in the 3 bedroom suite, the living room overlooked the pool deck, I believe.  We called it looking at the masses.

 

Cringe 

[perakcruiser]

9 hours ago, GenerationX said:

It’s an interesting point you make though about the financial success of the line and what volume of that is attributable to premium vs. non-premium cabins. I’ve actually always been curious to see how those numbers actually shake out in terms of stateroom class and revenue/profit generation per cruise for the various ships/lines and if you have more info on it I’d be really interested to read about it!

No, not have. I was making this point because of how much the market changed in the last 10 to 15 years. Before MSC was so small, not a relevant contender, Costa ruled the Med, on the US markets nobody expected that a foreigner can ever conquer a relevant share. Now MSC is not only number one in all European markets from Italy to Norway, but also in Asia, Africa, South America. And they build a terminal in Miami, set up Ocean Cay and so on. 

 

Anyway, I am looking forward to my first cruise with Celebrity since 2012, after that I jumped ship to MSC (and other European lines). By the way after my booking I was a little bit shocked about the MDR menu I saw in the app (that could not compete with MSC, certainly I expect X being a good step above MSC), but thankfully that has been changed meanwhile. 

 

By the way, I also don’t particularly enjoy clapping and sing at dinner every night, but with so many people on board there is always a table with a birthday "kid" 😉 But it is a 60 second thing and the big napkin waving is only happing one time with the Baked Alaska parade, just a tradition...

Edited July 16, 2023 by perakcruiser