Is Aurea worth it compared to Fantastica?

[CruisingFox27]

3 minutes ago, lcpagejr said:

Yes… but not necessarily on MSC. Ive cruised on most major lines out of N America and MSC is the most inconsistent and chaotic cruise line 

i have observed. You need alot of patience and a good sense of humor to survive a week on MSC , outside YC.  

It is perfectly possible to have an excellent cruise on an MSC ship when not in YC. I've done so, many times. 

 

It's a forum for people to post opinions and that's yours. However, it's an inaccurate assessment to say anything other than YC is "crap". Borne out by myself, others here who review and according to the many thousands who choose other categories to sail. 

 

Is YC wonderful, yes, it is. Is everything else, as you've described it "crap".  No, it most certainly isn't.

 

I find it quite a disrespectful attitude to those who've booked their trips outside of YC, to state their cruise will be terrible because they're not YC. People save and sacrifice to book cruises and to disregard their experience isn't kind or true. 

[ray98]

28 minutes ago, lcpagejr said:

You need alot of patience and a good sense of humor to survive a week on MSC , outside YC.  

I always wondered why MSC groups and boards were dominated by YC discussion, such as small portion of the passengers dominating the discussion.  You just don't see that in other brands who also do the 'ship in a ship' model.  Then I cruised MSC.  It was all clear after that.😂

[UPNYGuy]

27 minutes ago, lcpagejr said:

Yes… but not necessarily on MSC. Ive cruised on most major lines out of N America and MSC is the most inconsistent and chaotic cruise line 

i have observed. You need alot of patience and a good sense of humor to survive a week on MSC , outside YC.  

So have I . I have sailed on Carnival (Havana and non-Havana), Norwegian (Haven and Non-Haven), Royal Caribbean (one was in a the Royal suite on a Freedom class) HAL, MSC (Y/C and non Y/C), and Oceania (concierge level verendah), and roughly 50 cruises between them all.  Your experience imo is an anomaly and not comparable to mine.  

[UPNYGuy]

1 minute ago, ray98 said:

I always wondered why MSC groups and boards were dominated by YC discussion, such as small portion of the passengers dominating the discussion.  You just don't see that in other brands who also do the 'ship in a ship' model.  Then I cruised MSC.  It was all clear after that.😂

spend a week on a BA class NCL ship not being in the Haven. IMO no different experience than being on Meraviglia in a non Yacht Club cabin. The reason why this topic comes up frequently is people that cruise frequently tend to prefer the elevated guest experience of a smaller to midsize ship, but like the activities on a larger ship. That was why this concept came into existence. 

[MsTabbyKats]

6 minutes ago, UPNYGuy said:

spend a week on a BA class NCL ship not being in the Haven. IMO no different experience than being on Meraviglia in a non Yacht Club cabin. The reason why this topic comes up frequently is people that cruise frequently tend to prefer the elevated guest experience of a smaller to midsize ship, but like the activities on a larger ship. That was why this concept came into existence. 

Being outside the YC or Haven really kind of depends on your fellow travelers.  Are they rude, pushy...etc.  Cut into lines...yada yada yada

 

Bottom line is (for me anywy) the cost of an inside YC is barely more than a balcony on the BA class.

 

Being the "value shopper" I am...YC wins.   Even the small things, like soda in a can and bottled water included....are not included with the Haven....and certainly not included outside YC or Haven.

 

I'm not saying outside the YC is "a bad experience".  It's just so much better inside.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[lcpagejr]

46 minutes ago, UPNYGuy said:

So have I . I have sailed on Carnival (Havana and non-Havana), Norwegian (Haven and Non-Haven), Royal Caribbean (one was in a the Royal suite on a Freedom class) HAL, MSC (Y/C and non Y/C), and Oceania (concierge level verendah), and roughly 50 cruises between them all.  Your experience imo is an anomaly and not comparable to mine.  

I too have cruised on all the above lines including Havana on Carnival....Just not Haven on NCL or Oceania. If I could compare my observations from 25+ cruises....MSC (non YC) overall observations of service, passenger type/behavior, food, organization, etc  would come in at the bottom 5. Both times I cruised on MSC (YC) ...we brought our 8 and then 9 year old grandson. I did have the opportunity to observe and compare as I spent alot of time outsideYC so he could enjoy other parts of ship...  But we all have our own opinions so I will leave it at that.

[UPNYGuy]

5 minutes ago, lcpagejr said:

But we all have our own opinions so I will leave it at that.

100%. In fact, I just realized I was double booked in Feb (MSC Meraviglia  Y/C and Royal Caribbean the the same week). I switched it for Royal because the ship was half the size. 

[VernRDH]

7 hours ago, UPNYGuy said:

100%. In fact, I just realized I was double booked in Feb (MSC Meraviglia  Y/C and Royal Caribbean the the same week). I switched it for Royal because the ship was half the size. 

What cruise are you on in Feb? We are on Anthem 2/9 sailing. Regular balcony, nothing fancy.

Also hi 518 neighbor! 

[UPNYGuy]

2 minutes ago, VernRDH said:

What cruise are you on in Feb? We are on Anthem 2/9 sailing. Regular balcony, nothing fancy.

Also hi 518 neighbor! 

we were booked on Mereviglia on the 2/11 sailing. I forgot we were also booked on vision on 2/8 (thought I changed it). I kept the VOTS out of Baltimore and dumped the MSC booking. 

[VernRDH]

We have considered going out of Baltimore, just haven't yet. Want to get on vision before they scrap her, so may need to go sooner rather than later.

[UPNYGuy]

On 9/4/2023 at 4:55 PM, VernRDH said:

We have considered going out of Baltimore, just haven't yet. Want to get on vision before they scrap her, so may need to go sooner rather than later.

 

we really like the vision class ships. They (and the Radiance class) are the only midsize ships RC has left in the fleet. They (the visions) have a wide teak covered  outdoor promenade deck. The ships are very laid back and low-key. More akin to what you'd expect on Holland America than Royal Caribbean.

 

IMO the poor reviews on the visions are from people not knowing what they are getting, and thinking all RC ships are like Voyager/Freedom/Oasis/Anthem and have lots of activities. 

 

and you really should go down there some time. It is only a 6 hour drive, or 1 hour flight. Southwest goes nonstop from ALB to BWI, and you can catch a hotel in Linthicum Heights right by the airport for not a lot of $$$. We always take a Lyft to the pier and park at the hotel. 

 

YMMV, but we never advise going down the day of the sailing. you never know what will pop up and potentially make you miss the ship.

Edited September 7, 2023 by UPNYGuy
added content

[UPNYGuy]

On 9/3/2023 at 10:09 AM, MsTabbyKats said:

Being outside the YC or Haven really kind of depends on your fellow travelers.  Are they rude, pushy...etc.  Cut into lines...yada yada yada

 

Bottom line is (for me anywy) the cost of an inside YC is barely more than a balcony on the BA class.

 

Being the "value shopper" I am...YC wins.   Even the small things, like soda in a can and bottled water included....are not included with the Haven....and certainly not included outside YC or Haven.

 

I'm not saying outside the YC is "a bad experience".  It's just so much better inside.  

 

There is truth to this. We were in Haven on BA out of NYC, and a woman was making a point to harass guests that were in The Haven complex. She was making obscene comments to people as they entered the door. I told her to be thankful my Deluxe Owners Suite was subsidizing her inside cabin and making it less expensive to be on board 🤣.

[MsTabbyKats]

3 hours ago, UPNYGuy said:

 

There is truth to this. We were in Haven on BA out of NYC, and a woman was making a point to harass guests that were in The Haven complex. She was making obscene comments to people as they entered the door. I told her to be thankful my Deluxe Owners Suite was subsidizing her inside cabin and making it less expensive to be on board 🤣.

That's exactly how I felt when sailing in an inside sailaway.  I thanked those haven guests subsidizing my cheap cruise.

We are in n a regular balcony right now on the Escape.  It's fine.... better than expected.  So many of the crew have offered to help DH.  However ...I really prefer MSC YC. I had to stand on a hot line waiting for the tender back to the ship in Newport.  Being escorted to the front of the line (as the masses comment).... would have been great.  

 

To add ... passengers in this sailing are really nice.  Mostly retired folk.  No large groups.  Very few kids ..and the few on board are in the under 5 category.

Edited September 7, 2023 by MsTabbyKats

[UPNYGuy]

21 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

That's exactly how I felt when sailing in an inside sailaway.  I thanked those haven guests subsidizing my cheap cruise.

We are in n a regular balcony right now on the Escape.  It's fine.... better than expected.  So many of the crew have offered to help DH.  However ...I really prefer MSC YC. I had to stand on a hot line waiting for the tender back to the ship in Newport.  Being escorted to the front of the line (as the masses comment).... would have been great.  

 

To add ... passengers in this sailing are really nice.  Mostly retired folk.  No large groups.  Very few kids ..and the few on board are in the under 5 category.

DW and I prefer MSC all around to NCL. Our last experience on NCL was 6-7 years ago, and wasn’t a pleasurable one. We were on Getaway, and two private school groups had chartered out 3/4 of the cabins. One of the largest specialty restaurants was closed to cater to dietary restrictions, and it was never used. The children ran amuck through the ship, and I have never witnessed lines around the ship just to b!tch at guest services as much as on that cruise. 

[Nunagoras]

On 8/26/2023 at 12:19 AM, VernRDH said:

Looking at taking Meraviglia next October out of NYC. Would be our first time on MSC, we have only done Royal and 1 Celebrity cruise. With free drinks and wifi, and now OBC, I am wondering if the additional cost of Aurea is worthwhile. Just 2 of us, we do enjoy relaxing at the adults pool preferably in the shade on sea days, prefer early dining. Not party people, enjoy shows and the casino.

We usually get a balcony, but lately have been trying different room categories to see what else we might like.

Appreciate any insights offered. Thanks!

And yes we already did status match.

TBHH: At current package terms and conditions, I believe Aurea is a steal, a robbery or however you can call it a scandalously expensive outfit for what it is, unless you really want one of those larger suites, which are incredibly expensive by the way.

 

Boarding priority? Nice, but dependent on port's authorities to be worthwhile. Your time dining might not be as dreamy as it could be, so for one whom just wants early dining not a thing at all. I for me would to stick with Fantastica though. It's your classical cruise ticket. Yes, there is an extra pool bar, but that's it...

[CruisingFox27]

1 hour ago, Nunagoras said:

TBHH: At current package terms and conditions, I believe Aurea is a steal, a robbery or however you can call it a scandalously expensive outfit for what it is, unless you really want one of those larger suites, which are incredibly expensive by the way.

 

Boarding priority? Nice, but dependent on port's authorities to be worthwhile. Your time dining might not be as dreamy as it could be, so for one whom just wants early dining not a thing at all. I for me would to stick with Fantastica though. It's your classical cruise ticket. Yes, there is an extra pool bar, but that's it...

It's incredibly frustrating. The price difference between Aurea and Fantastica can be quite different but contains limited perks now compared to the previous benefits. And that is really dependent on your dining preference. We tried Fantastica on our last sailing, we were lucky to not have to share a table, but the fixed dining time just isn't for us. 

[MsTabbyKats]

3 hours ago, UPNYGuy said:

DW and I prefer MSC all around to NCL. Our last experience on NCL was 6-7 years ago, and wasn’t a pleasurable one. We were on Getaway, and two private school groups had chartered out 3/4 of the cabins. One of the largest specialty restaurants was closed to cater to dietary restrictions, and it was never used. The children ran amuck through the ship, and I have never witnessed lines around the ship just to b!tch at guest services as much as on that cruise. 

Was that the infamous "school break" in January cruise?  If so....I know all about it.

The entertainment on this cruise is almost ok....but both of us prefer the MSC style.

Anyway....I have a Carnival sailing in January....may cancel.  Then 2 yacht club sailings booked.  Although dh won't admit it....YC is much easier for him.  He really needs a butler .... that's become my unofficial job this week.  When I stood on the hot line for an hour ..he sat on a bench in the shade.

[thistimeplease]

We sailed Fantastica in July and would definitely upgrade to Aurea next time.  We hated dining with others (we knew we would and thought it would be good to try). Our table mates seemed nice enough but didn't speak English so our table ate in silence each night.  Would definitely have liked to try the Spa and the private lounge as well as eating when we wanted by ourselves.  Consider us one of those who definitely only cruise Aurea next time.

[JAGR]

3 hours ago, Nunagoras said:

TBHH:

Sorry.  I know what TBH is, but am unfamiliar with the extra H.  Does it mean 'To Be Hugely Honest'?

[Nunagoras]

1 minute ago, JAGR said:

Sorry.  I know what TBH is, but am unfamiliar with the extra H.  Does it mean 'To Be Hugely Honest'?

TBHH - To Be Humble and Honest!...

 

Ok, but congrats to the good moment because good humour is always great!...

 

Have a nice day!...

[JAGR]

2 minutes ago, Nunagoras said:

Have a nice day!...

You as well!😄

[UPNYGuy]

6 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

Was that the infamous "school break" in January cruise?  If so....I know all about it.

The entertainment on this cruise is almost ok....but both of us prefer the MSC style.

Anyway....I have a Carnival sailing in January....may cancel.  Then 2 yacht club sailings booked.  Although dh won't admit it....YC is much easier for him.  He really needs a butler .... that's become my unofficial job this week.  When I stood on the hot line for an hour ..he sat on a bench in the shade.

two private Jewish schools. One in Brooklyn, the other in Miami. Both were *very* poorly behaved, and many of the adults were abhorrent as well. 

Edited September 7, 2023 by UPNYGuy

[MsTabbyKats]

On 9/7/2023 at 7:42 PM, UPNYGuy said:

two private Jewish schools. One in Brooklyn, the other in Miami. Both were *very* poorly behaved, and many of the adults were abhorrent as well. 

Yeah, that group would ruin it for me too....and I'm of that group but of the secular persuasion.

[UPNYGuy]

9 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

Yeah, that group would ruin it for me too....and I'm of that group but of the secular persuasion.

that’s why I didn’t mention what the type of school was at first. I didn’t want to make it seem like I was singling them out just because they were a private religious school. To me, that part is irrelevant. The fact they were poorly behaved is the relevant part. 

[DrSea]

On 8/27/2023 at 7:46 AM, MsTabbyKats said:

YC "wasn't us either....until DH had health issues, and I decided that he needed the service.  You know how they say once you do a balcony, you can't go back.  I did balconies....and I went back to interiors without a problem,  With YC...as you suggest...it's hard to go back. 

 

When I compared NCL sailaway rates (you don't pick your cabin and nothing else is included)...and interior YC....the costs were about the same.  When I threw in the status discounts and TA discount (my TA gave me a 10%ish reduction)...it was a no brainer.

 

Also...there is no need for a YC balcony.  There is an elevator within the YC....for YC only....that takes you to an almost empty pool deck within a minute from your cabin.

Can I ask what health problems pushed you to go to YC? Just so that I know for my patients when I make recommendations.