Live Seascape YC (10/21-10/28): The one where we left the kid at home

[bhughey]

Hope day one was a success 🙂

in YC, is the internet package 2 devices per person? Thanks in advance for the info!

[Shocked91]

The internet is 2 device per person.

[kelly94942]

14 minutes ago, bhughey said:

in YC, is the internet package 2 devices per person? Thanks in advance for the info!

Yup!  Two per person are included with the basic, and then it’s $35/device/week to upgrade to the streaming package

[Stem to Stern]

7 minutes ago, kelly94942 said:

Yup!  Two per person are included with the basic, and then it’s $35/device/week to upgrade to the streaming package

Sorry, but I have another question or two.  I just want to make sure I have this straight.  Is it pretty easy to switch between devices?  When I charge my phone, I will want to switch over to my iPad.  I am used to this process on Celebrity.  Same hold true for the other person in my suite?  So, basic is included for two devices per person.  If one of us has a third device which we want to connect to the basic, what charge are we facing for that third device?

[kelly94942]

Back from Ocean Cay!  It was a beautiful private island - green flag conditions today and it was about 80 and partly cloudy.  Can’t get much better weather-wise.  We slept in this morning and went to breakfast at The One Pool breakfast buffet.  Afterwards we made our way out to Ocean Cay.  There were quite a few people waiting for a golf cart to take them to Ocean House, so we opted to walk.  It’s about a 15-20 minute stroll.  Ram (our butler) was on the island today and greeted us with waters and towels.  The water was absolutely perfect - a little chilly for a minute or two, then very refreshing.  It was rocky as expected, Geoff and I were both happy to have water shoes.  I could have probably spent all day out there snorkeling.  Not a ton to see, but there were some fish and I just love the water.  We went to lunch at the Ocean House restaurant around 12:30.  They were telling couples it would be about a 5-10 minute wait, but they asked us if we wanted to sit with another couple, which was fine by us.  We made some new friends from upstate New York.  The food was alright, I don’t think either of us were blown away by anything.  We tried the lobster roll, carne asada, and burger, and I think Geoff and I both liked the burger the best.  After lunch, we went back to our chairs on the beach for a few minutes and then decided to head in about ten to 2.  There was a serious backup for golf carts to head back to the ship, but we had a shady seat so we let folks go in front of us.  2 golf carts went (with 6 guests each in them) and we finally got on a third golf cart about 2:35, so about a 40 minute wait.  Even for that, we had to be fairly assertive in letting other passengers know that we had been waiting that long (there’s no clear queue).  In hindsight, I would recommend that if your mobility allows, to walk back to the ship.

 

A few more observations:

• I mentioned the magnetic walls yesterday, but today I realized that the wall inside the closet is magnetic.  I hung my beach tote bag there.
• This ship is incredibly stable.  I don’t know if it’s the size or just the water we’re sailing in, but I found the Apex in January far more rocky.
• I do really enjoy all of the different languages and cultures on the ship.
• All of the YC linens are great - the bedding is nice, the towels are very thick and soft (both in our bathroom and out on Ocean Cay).
• I saw on YouTube that the pump shampoo and body wash in the shower was pretty watered down, and I did find that to be the case.  Easily solved by using more than typical.

[kelly94942]

5 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

Sorry, but I have another question or two.  I just want to make sure I have this straight.  Is it pretty easy to switch between devices?  When I charge my phone, I will want to switch over to my iPad.  I am used to this process on Celebrity.  Same hold true for the other person in my suite?  So, basic is included for two devices per person.  If one of us has a third device which we want to connect to the basic, what charge are we facing for that third device?

Happy to answer questions 🙂. Geoff and I are both switching between iPhone and iPad as well, no issues at all.  If we were only downloading content (pictures, etc.) we probably wouldn’t have upgraded internet, but to be able to upload photos or send Snapchats, we needed to upgrade.  Our work has VPN installed on our phones and we had to disconnect that to get the internet to work (the VPN is new for us so I’m not sure if that’s common on other lines as well).  We also had to reconnect to the (free for everyone, I think) internet on Ocean Cay, which took a minute for my phone to find but then worked well.  It was seamless to reconnect once back on the ship (if anything, you have to go to a certain website and then press go or start to reconnect).

 

We looked and to add Browse and Stream (the upgraded internet) for a third device is $125.94 for the week (well, I guess the remaining 6 days at this point, so it’s probably a little more for the week)).  It may be less to just add Browse (basic internet) but we don’t see that option available on our phone since we’ve upgraded, though the concierge desk may be able to do it for you.

[raino144]

Hope you are having better weather than us here in Europe! 🙂

Edited October 23, 2023 by raino144

[StonePayload]

Ok, back at it.  Quick room tour first I think.

 

We are in cabin 19031 - a Yacht Club Deluxe Grand Suite.  This was the only one available at the time of booking, so only chosen because this was the room category that we wanted.  I believe the primary difference between this room and a Yacht Club Deluxe Suite is the walk in closet.  Originally, I would have not thought that worth the price difference. Ours was only $50 more per person for the week, so we went for it.  Holy cow do we love the walk in closet…

 

some room pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a brand new ship, i am quite disappointed in the power situation.  There are 6 outlets - 2 US, 2 European, 2 USB type A.  All of these are located to the left of the large mirror, opposite the bed.

 

 

 

There is one additional USB type A, on only one side of the bed.  In this case, it the bedside table closest to the balcony.  Does MSC think that only one of us will want to charge their phone at night?  Even more concerning - running my CPAP means i need to drape a cord across the room from one of the power outlets.  Hopefully I don’t trip in the dark in the middle of the night on my way to the bathroom.  

 

The bed is fairly firm and good for us.  No complaints there.  The pillows feel like they are half thickness though, so i am going to ask for a couple more to add additional support when I am asleep.  

 

The bathroom is quite large - easily the largest bathroom I have ever had on a cruise ship.  There is also lots of good storage in there.

 

The closet is huge and amazing, with some good drawers in there as well.  For some reason, our room doesn’t get the second wardrobe that some get closer to the balcony.  I suspect it has to do with the ability to add a fold out bed of some sort.  The other wardrobe (with the robes and slippers) has no drawers in it.

 

The TV is quite large.  I like that, because it makes it easier to see from the bed.  However, if you are in the bed position closer to the balcony, then part of it will get blocked.  TV channel selection is mediocre at best (Kelly says it’s way better than on Celebrity. I think she is off her rocker).  Also, I think they have only about 5-10 movies on demand, with each of them costing $10 to watch.  Kelly and I might try to plug in an iPad later and stream something.  We will see how successful we are.

 

Overall, I am incredibly happy with the room that we are in.  It is spacious and comfortable.  There is a lot of really good storage.  My only real disappointment is the power situation.

[mnpurple]

If you ask your Butler, they will tape down the cords for your CPAP. That solved any concerns regarding tripping.

 

That is a nice size TV. Larger than what we had on Seaview, although we never used it. Also larger than what we had on Divina, which had even been upgraded not long before our cruise. We had HGTV and Food Network, which was good enough for me.

 

I like that shower much better than the Divina, which was a tub/shower and the unfortunate wall of mirrors. 

[StonePayload]

Continuing from where we left off yesterday, we went back to the room to take all the pictures seen above for the room tour.  (If anyone wants a picture of anything specific, let me know.  I am happy to try.). Along the way, we also stopped to make reservations at Butcher’s Cut for dinner on day 2.  There is a specialty dining person stationed in the entryway to the yacht club on boarding day that is happy to book your reservations at the specialty restaurants, or sell you a dining package.  We decided no package, and got reservations for 7pm on night 2.

 

Upon making it to the room, we met our butler, Ram.  He gave us a quick room tour, and let us know that he would be there to help us through the week.  We informed him of the reservations we just made, and he made a quick note to himself to ensure that he would be there to escort us down to our reservation.

 

Just after he left, Kelly looks out of our window and yells “WE”RE MOVING!!!”  But in fact, we weren’t.  It was just the absolutely massive Carnival Celebration rolling by. 

 

 

Kelly wanted to ensure I got a close up of the roller coaster.  So, here you are…

 

There were a ton of people on the top deck, and the music made it sound like they were having a great time.  

 

Other ships that we were in port with were the Carnival Horizon, Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, TUI Mein Schiff 6, and Harmony of the Seas (this was the first Oasis Class I have seen in person.  Holy cow…).

 

 

 

At this point, we decided to head back to Top Sail for a little while, while we waited for muster.  There are some great views up there.  I found it particularly entertaining watching them unload the container ship across the way.

 

 

These two pictures are from the bridge wings. 

 

 

I have been on the top of the bridge on a Princess Grand class, and was amazed at how far out over the water they actually sit.  This effect is limited on the Seascape, because of how much of the deck is cantilevered over the water. This gives passengers a lot more outdoor space though, which is very nice.

 

Here are some pictures of Top Sail as well.

 

 

 

 

 

After watching the container cranes for a while longer, we went back to our room for muster. Two of our bags were waiting when we got back to the room.  Yay!

 

Muster was… An experience…

 

The internal alarm sounded (scaring us half to death), and then we watched the safety video.  I picked up the phone to dial the number, and somehow got the concierge instead(oops).  Upon redialing, I was able to get the message that said our response was recorded.  While waiting for the cue to head down to our muster station, we unpacked both of our bags.  Then the message to head down came over the loudspeaker.  We headed out of the room as quickly as we could. 

 

Then walked down 11 decks worth of stairs.  At the same time as everyone else on the ship.  

 

We got to the casino (our muster station) scanned in, and were set free.  

 

This was a lot of people, all crammed into the stairwells, and walking down stairs together.  I could see the risk for injury for a lot of people, and I have concerns for those that may not have been able to make it down those stairs. It is time consuming, hot, crowded, etc.

 

But - I also see the point of making people do this for the experience.  When doing a safety drill, it is important to do as close to the real thing as possible.  Now the crew knows exactly who can’t make it down the stairs in an emergency and can plan for it.  Now the rest of the passengers knows what it may feel like during an emergency, and may not be as prone to panic.  

 

Anyway, we scanned in, and then went to the shops to see if we could use the discount benefit that status gives us.  The shops were understandably closed (focus on the drill people!), and wouldn’t open up until much later. 

 

I did snap a quick picture of the crowds in the central gathering area.

 

 

As well as the other Carnival ship departing.  This is on the infinity bridge, port side.

 

 

Since the shops were closed, back up to Top Sail to watch sail away.

 

While waiting for that, I grabbed this absolutely incredible picture of a Lufthansa 747-800 leaving Miami.  Seriously, bow down to my amazing photography skills.

 

 

Yeah…

 

shortly after arrival, we cast off and were on our way!  It was fun to see the different cruise terminals located along the pier.  I bet MSC can’t wait to get theirs up and running.  Their current terminal leaves a lot to be desired. Especially when compared to NCL and RCI.

 

 

 

Still a lot of work to go on MSC:

 

 

 

While we were sailing out, a powered glider decided to buzz the ship.  I am sure that NO security people were nervous while this was happening.

 

 

 

 

 

After watching the buoys go by for a while, we headed back downstairs to see if the MSC logo shop was open.  It wasn’t at first, so we wandered over to Hola and grabbed a margarita.  Kelly got Strawberry, I got Lime.  The lime was VERY syrupy.  It was pretty fake lime…. Bright green and all.  Strawberry was definitely better. 

 

Once the shop opened, we purchased our wares (I think Kelly covered this earlier).  I tried to purchase the very large ship model that they have in the store.  Kelly didn’t think that was a good idea.  I guess she just doesn’t understand my artistic vision, and how we could better the decor in our house with a more nautical theme.  Oh well.

 

Back up to the room to get ready for dinner.  I am going to continue in another post, because I fear the behemoth that this is becoming.

[Keys Kathy]

53 minutes ago, mnpurple said:

If you ask your Butler, they will tape down the cords for your CPAP. That solved any concerns regarding tripping.

 

That is a nice size TV. Larger than what we had on Seaview, although we never used it. Also larger than what we had on Divina, which had even been upgraded not long before our cruise. We had HGTV and Food Network, which was good enough for me.

 

I like that shower much better than the Divina, which was a tub/shower and the unfortunate wall of mirrors. 

I agree about the mirrors. Doing your business with a mirror that shows how much weight you gained was a bit unnerving! My knee didn't like the tub; it was too high.

[StonePayload]

58 minutes ago, mnpurple said:

If you ask your Butler, they will tape down the cords for your CPAP. That solved any concerns regarding tripping.

 

That is a nice size TV. Larger than what we had on Seaview, although we never used it. Also larger than what we had on Divina, which had even been upgraded not long before our cruise. We had HGTV and Food Network, which was good enough for me.

 

I like that shower much better than the Divina, which was a tub/shower and the unfortunate wall of mirrors. 

 

 

Thank you for this!  I will definitely ask!  

 

We also have HGTV, Food Network, Discovery Channel, ESPN Caribbean.  These will do fine, especially if we can plug an iPad into the TV.   No ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox.

 

The shower is very nice.  Excellent water pressure, and it gets quite hot.  I love the rainfall head for hair and face washing.  

 

I don’t understand the need for so many mirrors.  I don’t need to look at myself that much…

[StonePayload]

Continuing on!

 

Getting ready for dinner was uneventful.  I don’t know what would make it eventful, and don’t really want to find out. 

 

We headed up for dinner at about 8pm.  The dining room was quite crowded, but they were able to seat us right away.  It appears that there is a 7pm or so rush, because most of the tables around us were finishing up their mains, or just getting their desserts.  The dining room definitely was clearing out as our meal went on.

 

Our waiter, Arthur, was very good.  Our relationship with him started off a bit odd, as he approached our table well into the time we had been sitting there, didn’t introduce himself, and just asked if we wanted to place our order for food.  The assistant waiter had already brought drinks out.  As the meal went on though, he got so much better.  Definitely helped us with dessert decisions, and gave me a little side eye when he thought my dessert order wasn’t good enough. He turned out to be one of the best waiters I have ever had.  I assume that at the start there was just a lot going on. 

 

Here is the menu for the night:

 

 

 

I had the fried vegetable dim sum dumplings.  These arrived VERY hot and crispy.  The sauce was the real star of the show for me.  

 

 

 

I also had the fire roasted tomato cream soup.  Unfortunately, soup just doesn’t photograph well.  

 

I did enjoy the little cheese bits that were in the soup.

 

 

My main was the veal chop.

 

 

This was tender and juicy, but was let down by a lack of Sage and Rosemary.  I also feel like the sides were a let down here.  Steamed carrots, and three potato wedges that aren’t seasoned doesn’t seem particularly inspired.  This didn’t stop me from eating it all though. 

 

For Dessert, I asked for cheesecake with strawberry topping.  Arthur decided I should have some ice cream as well.  He also added quite a bit of flourish with the strawberry topping. 

 

 

i enjoyed this.  The cheesecake was fairly light, and had a good tangy flavor.  I particularly enjoyed the ice cream.  It was very smooth, and had was very vanilla forward.

 

After dinner, we went down to the bar in Top Sail, and ordered a couple of after dinner drinks.  Kelly loves to get an espresso martini after dinner, so we got that for her.  I decided I was going to see if they could reproduce a cocktail I had in Nashville, TN.  This was the first attempt at a “Summer Breeze” from Maneet Chauhan’s Ale and Masala house.  

 

 

It was good, but not as good.  They don’t have all the ingredients, so oh well.  I enjoyed it enough to have another.

 

After a few more drinks, we headed back to our room.  I watched Sunday Night football for a while, and started to feel a little peckish.  This obviously means order 2 pizzas via room service.

 

 

 

Sorry for the vertical.  Just do what I do and turn your head sideways…

 

I thought the pizza was pretty good.  The crust is excellent.  Chewy, with excellent flavor.  Both of these pizzas, though, were very salty.  Like - run to get the blood pressure medicine salty.  I am hoping that is just a one off.

 

While eating, Sunday night football finished, and then we went to bed.

 

Day 2 coming up - Ocean Cay!

 

 

Edited October 23, 2023 by StonePayload

[lcpagejr]

You are fortunate to have Arthur!!  He is the creme de la creme whether it be Maitre 'D or Waiter. He is  well known on these boards and on MSC.... I believe this is his last cruise before taking a vacation. Enjoy him!!

[deseylou]

I was very excited to see pictures of your cabin as we have that exact room on Nov 4.

 

[Keys Kathy]

Do you find the air circulation good enough for sleeping, or should I bring my fan? Do you ever wear your neck fan to bed?

[go.without.you]

More details on the neck fan, please.

 

[StonePayload]

2 hours ago, Keys Kathy said:

Do you find the air circulation good enough for sleeping, or should I bring my fan? Do you ever wear your neck fan to bed?

 

We brought separate USB fans that we charge during the day, and sleep with during the night.  I forgot to turn it on last night, and slept OK.  My personal state is usually incredibly warm, so we have the room set to the coldest setting.  I still threw the covers off for quite a bit of the night.  If you are like me, and run warm, definitely bring a fan. 

 

I think the neck fan would be uncomfortable at night.  It is also louder, and would be more of an annoyance that way as well.

[StonePayload]

1 hour ago, go.without.you said:

More details on the neck fan, please.

 

 

We bought them from Amazon.

 

Here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/ASNUG-Bladeless-Rechargeable-Personal-Adjustable/dp/B0BL79N5RS/ref=cs_sr_dp_2?crid=3P8CI7HFVZRU5&keywords=Neck%2Bfan&qid=1698159117&sprefix=neck%2Bfand%2Caps%2C473&sr=8-7&th=1

 

(Please let me know if i am not supposed to put links in like this.  Happy to take it down.)

[Keys Kathy]

3 minutes ago, StonePayload said:

 

We bought them from Amazon.

 

Here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/ASNUG-Bladeless-Rechargeable-Personal-Adjustable/dp/B0BL79N5RS/ref=cs_sr_dp_2?crid=3P8CI7HFVZRU5&keywords=Neck%2Bfan&qid=1698159117&sprefix=neck%2Bfand%2Caps%2C473&sr=8-7&th=1

 

(Please let me know if i am not supposed to put links in like this.  Happy to take it down.)

I think Amazon links are OK. It is TA links that are not allowed. I bought one yesterday. We are running out of time for Amazon! Buy whatever you want/need TODAY! I have a USB fan sitting on my nightstand. Hubby gets cold. I get hot. Can't wait to hear about Butcher's Cut.

[kelly94942]

18 hours ago, StonePayload said:

I also had the fire roasted tomato cream soup.  Unfortunately, soup just doesn’t photograph well.

This may be a hot take, but I have to put it out there - this soup tasted to me exactly like Spaghetti-Os without the Os.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t at all what I expected.  I’d been looking forward to it from all of the reviews, and I was so surprised when I first tasted it!

[Keys Kathy]

50 minutes ago, kelly94942 said:

This may be a hot take, but I have to put it out there - this soup tasted to me exactly like Spaghetti-Os without the Os.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t at all what I expected.  I’d been looking forward to it from all of the reviews, and I was so surprised when I first tasted it!

So, not worth the stomach space?

 

[Stem to Stern]

2 hours ago, kelly94942 said:

soup tasted to me exactly like Spaghetti-Os without the Os

You have definitely unsold me on the fire roasted tomato cream soup.  Please let us know about any further dining choices not worthy of the stomach space as Kathy puts it.  I must note how nicely arranged the three carrots and three potatoes were fanned out on the dinner plate.  Excited to read more updates from you and the hubs.

[DisneyJen]

Thanks so much for taking us along!

 

Love your writing style and photos.

[CarolnLarry]

Does Ram also have suites 19039 and 19041 as his responsibility?  We have those cabins on the Dec 2 cruise.