Live - MSC seascape from Miami 27 Jan

[Beamafar]

5 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Just saying, 'you get what you pay for'. Now if one were to pay high prices and not get something, then there is a real problem and concern for complaining. We pay several thousand now to get all the things listed here.

#1 E muster drill is better

#2 Two cabin cleanings per day

#3 No % charge for gambling if using credit card

#4 No extra charge for can sodas vs fountain drinks

#5 Reserved seating in the theatre for all shows

#6 Complimentary bottled water (not ship distilled with unsanitary reusable bottles)

#7 Reserved or ability to reserve pergola/cabanas on pool deck (avoiding chair hogs)

#8 'Cushioned' pool lounges

#9 Escorts on and off ship avoiding long lines

#10 First to use tenders off the ship at ports that tender

#11 Dedicated restaurant that is so good one need not book Specialty Restaurants

#12 Service that does not involve 2 hours to complete a meal

#13 An attentive butler not hard to find when needed

#14 Cabins ready upon embarkation/ key cards in hand at checkin

#15 Dedicated restaurant OPEN port days

#16 Dedicated buffet to only suite guests

#17 Dedicated pool and sun deck only for suite guests with ample lounges

# 18 All the advantages of a mega ship with the exclusivity of a gated community

#19 walk-in shower not low profile tub/shower combo

#20 No non-suite paying Pinnacle/Zenith/Diamond passengers taking up prime real estate in the Yacht Club

#21 Elevator over-ride key cards for suite guests

#22 Pristine out island with NO bugs crawling all over cabanas

#23 short distance between cabin and restaurant decks

#24 At least a 100 sq ft balcony accommodating a cushioned lounge chair

#25 A reserved table for 2 for all meals in a dedicated restaurant with the same waiters for 'most' every meal

Give it a rest and stop copying and pasting the same thing over and over.  The OP has asked for his thread to be not derailed.  I do hope you’ll extend him the courtesy that you wouldn’t to an OP on another review - even after being asked to desist. 

[morpheusofthesea]

Just now, Beamafar said:

Give it a rest and stop copying and pasting the same thing over and over.  The OP has asked for his thread to be not derailed.  I do hope you’ll extend him the courtesy that you wouldn’t to an OP on another review - even after being asked to desist. 

But it gives readers a false sense of MSC as a whole.

[Beamafar]

To the OP - my sincerest apologies. 

[Ryan82]

16 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

But it gives readers a false sense of MSC as a whole.

What have I said that gives any readers a "false sense"? Nothing in the experience I've shared is "false" its just me sharing my opinion?

[Beamafar]

2 minutes ago, Ryan82 said:

What have I said that gives any readers a "false sense"? Nothing in the experience I've shared is "false" its just me sharing my opinion?

Are you not familiar with this poster?  Rules on CC prevent me saying what I’d like to. 

Edited January 30 by Beamafar

[morpheusofthesea]

3 minutes ago, Ryan82 said:

What have I said that gives any readers a "false sense"? Nothing in the experience I've shared is "false" its just me sharing my opinion?

We all appreciate everyones opinions and experiences. Yours are very enlightening about outside the YC. You are confirming everything we have come to read about life outside the YC. That you are having a stellar experience outside the YC is encouraging to those wanting to give MSC a go. I have said nothing about anyones experience outside the YC as I have never been outside the YC as a guest. Just highlighting the differences. "Saying what one really thinks can be a serious error, since one risks being misunderstood." Oscar Wilde

[Ryan82]

Back on topic here's tonights menu

[Scottdalfonso]

1 hour ago, morpheusofthesea said:

We all appreciate everyones opinions and experiences. Yours are very enlightening about outside the YC. You are confirming everything we have come to read about life outside the YC. That you are having a stellar experience outside the YC is encouraging to those wanting to give MSC a go. I have said nothing about anyones experience outside the YC as I have never been outside the YC as a guest. Just highlighting the differences. "Saying what one really thinks can be a serious error, since one risks being misunderstood." Oscar Wilde

Some people actually like being with a majority of the passengers, not stowed away in an ivory tower. You enjoy it, that's great. We are sailing the exact same class, deck and room type as the OP and really enjoying the thorough review. And making me realize that I definitely don't need YC.  Thank you, @Ryan82I think the only difference in our room is that we are closer to the  middle of the ship on deck 10, between the lifts. 

[Ryan82]

Think this is 7...

Theatre shows...

 

Okay, I don't enjoy being critical but this is definitely thebweakest link. The dancers and the singers are good, but it just doesnt come together in an enetrtaining show. They only last 30 or so minutes but it's pretty bad. They're not MSC shows if that makes sense, its like MSC trying to be someone else. It's just lack lustre.

[Ryan82]

2 hours ago, Scottdalfonso said:

Some people actually like being with a majority of the passengers, not stowed away in an ivory tower. You enjoy it, that's great. We are sailing the exact same class, deck and room type as the OP and really enjoying the thorough review. And making me realize that I definitely don't need YC.  Thank you, @Ryan82I think the only difference in our room is that we are closer to the  middle of the ship on deck 10, between the lifts. 

Thanks mate. I actually started to wonder 'why am i bothering' but to be honest before i first took plumge and booked my first MSC cruise - and first cruise - these forums were invaluable and I just wanted to kinda give back.

[FamilyAtSea.travel]

12 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

We will not hold your youth and inexperience against you. We have done multiple sailings around the world when we were in 'steerage'. Now we are focusing on suites on the world's finest cruise ships and comparing. It is something we never afforded ourselves....luxury. For us it's the final frontier.

I've enjoyed your perspectives, but it's also okay to let folks enjoy their stays outside of YC without interjecting your thoughts on how it compares to YC.

 

"Well inYC..."

 

It just comes off as arrogant and I'm not sure if that's intentional or maybe you're unaware. 

 

I'm glad Ryan is enjoying his time.

 

I have a B2B coming up, one in YC and one not... I'm looking forward to having an objective look at how the two compare. 

[Beamafar]

31 minutes ago, CruisematicVA said:

I'm glad Ryan is enjoying his time.

 

I have a B2B coming up, one in YC and one not... I'm looking forward to having an objective look at how the two compare. 

We’re doing the same and am glad to read an experience from a non-YC perspective.  It’s especially good to hear that the OP is enjoying it.  

[morpheusofthesea]

1 hour ago, CruisematicVA said:

I have a B2B coming up, one in YC and one not... I'm looking forward to having an objective look at how the two compare. 

That will be most interesting.

[Ryan82]

8. Buffet - late night

I know on all ships the late night offering is rightky limited byt on Seascape its just burgers, hot dogs  pizza and desserts.. i missed the sandwiches they had on Preziosa, Opera and Virtuosa.

[At Sea At Peace]

9 hours ago, Ryan82 said:

Think this is 7...

Theatre shows...

 

Okay, I don't enjoy being critical but this is definitely thebweakest link. The dancers and the singers are good, but it just doesnt come together in an enetrtaining show. They only last 30 or so minutes but it's pretty bad. They're not MSC shows if that makes sense, its like MSC trying to be someone else. It's just lack lustre.

 

9 hours ago, Ryan82 said:

Thanks mate. I actually started to wonder 'why am i bothering' but to be honest before i first took plumge and booked my first MSC cruise - and first cruise - these forums were invaluable and I just wanted to kinda give back.

 

Glad you're having a good time.  From these forums we've learned, and espoused thereafter in agreement, that MSC sea ships in the states are designed, built and offered for two distinct demographic targets (for one) and are definitely known for a low comparative entertainment offering of the "show" classification (two).

 

First, the "non-Yacht Club" offers beautiful new ships with a pricing value objective of capturing the Carnival cruisers. 

 

Second, the Yacht Club offers one of the best "club-within-a-club" venues (superior space capture and seclusion design to begin with) as compared to the Haven on NCL and the Retreat on Celebrity (and others) with a pricing value objective of capturing the 'tiers below the competitors "club-within-a-club" offerings at a price competitive to a high end balcony and including full drinks, WIFI and the high end amenities mentioned above including private dining, incredible private lounge, private pool deck and pool bar and grill.

 

Re: Entertainment.  MSC, from not only this message forum, is actually known for its low relative (to other lines) rated entertainment; both in style, quality, performance and length.  So, with that well known expectation, a different experience might be achievable.  For ships with the best entertainment, there are numerous commentaries and ratings to look for.

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/8-best-cruise-lines-for-onboard-entertainment

 

 

 

[mcoler181]

11 hours ago, Ryan82 said:

Thanks mate. I actually started to wonder 'why am i bothering' but to be honest before i first took plumge and booked my first MSC cruise - and first cruise - these forums were invaluable and I just wanted to kinda give back.

Don't feel like that, I for one am following along keenly, this board is often feels YC heavy in topics considering YC makes up a small percentage of the total ship. Great if your in YC not so great if not as its not really relevant to the masses. 

[Ryan82]

Just arrived in Cozumel Mexico. Docked right next to Norwegian Prima and she is a mammoth. I won't have wifi for a few hours as off to Passion Island shortly. But if anyone has any questions I'll do my best to answer when I'm back. Have Ocean Cay restaurant booked for tonight. Tomorrow is a Sea Day and have Thermal Spa booked at 3pm.

 

[Beamafar]

Will be interested in hearing about your day as we’ll also visit Cozumel and can’t quite decide what to do.  Enjoy. 

[Ryan82]

Not wanting to start an argument but for the benefit of balance thought it was important to explore the benefits stated of YC and how its comparing to my experience to help people decide what experience level is right for them.

 

#1 E muster drill is better

RR: Can't comment but muster took about ten minutes.

 

#2 Two cabin cleanings per day

RR: my cabin is cleaned twice daily.

 

#3 No % charge for gambling if using credit card

RR: Don't see how this is a benefit when you can charge to cruise card.

 

#4 No extra charge for can sodas vs fountain drinks

RR: with my premium package I get canned sodas...

 

#5 Reserved seating in the theatre for all shows

RR: the theatre is massive and you can easily find a seat.

 

#6 Complimentary bottled water (not ship distilled with unsanitary reusable bottles)

RR: all guests from UK get complimentary water anyway...

 

#7 Reserved or ability to reserve pergola/cabanas on pool deck (avoiding chair hogs)

RR: I'd agree this is a benefit

 

#8 'Cushioned' pool lounges

RR: the loubges are cushioned on deck 8

 

#9 Escorts on and off ship avoiding long lines

RR: I have booked excursions so am escorted off

 

#10 First to use tenders off the ship at ports that tender

RR: same as above, I'm also Diamond so have priority access to Tender boats

 

#11 Dedicated restaurant that is so good one need not book Specialty Restaurants

RR: can't comment.

 

#12 Service that does not involve 2 hours to complete a meal

RR: we've enjoyed a leisurely meal that's never taken more than 80 or so minutes

 

#13 An attentive butler not hard to find when needed

RR: our room steward is lovely. Im not sure what a Butler would do

 

#14 Cabins ready upon embarkation/ key cards in hand at checkin

RR: agree this is a benefit

 

#15 Dedicated restaurant OPEN port days

RR: there is a main dinning room OPEN on port days

 

#16 Dedicated buffet to only suite guests

RR: agree this would be a benefit

 

#17 Dedicated pool and sun deck only for suite guests with ample lounges

RR: agree this would be a benefit

 

# 18 All the advantages of a mega ship with the exclusivity of a gated community

 

#19 walk-in shower not low profile tub/shower combo

 

#20 No non-suite paying Pinnacle/Zenith/Diamond passengers taking up prime real estate in the Yacht Club

RR: doesn't require comment

 

#21 Elevator over-ride key cards for suite guests

RR: agree would be benefit

 

#22 Pristine out island with NO bugs crawling all over cabanas

 

#23 short distance between cabin and restaurant decks

RR: walking won't kill you

 

#24 At least a 100 sq ft balcony accommodating a cushioned lounge chair

RR: im not 100% sure but I think the YC balconies are just 18 inches wider

 

#25 A reserved table for 2 for all meals in a dedicated restaurant with the same waiters for 'most' every meal

RR: I didnt ask, but i have a reserved table for 2 in an allocated restaurant and had the same attentive waiters for EVERY meal

 

[Beamafar]

I won’t go through all the points, but #11 is not necessarily true.  Just like the MDRs, food offerings in YC can be hit and miss.  As can service.  We’ve enjoyed cruises outside of YC and we’ve had less than stellar cruises when in YC.  In other words, we’ve had great to not so good both ‘upstairs’ and ‘down’. 
 

#13  On some of our sailings our butler was MIA.  We’ve had some amazing cabin stewards when ‘downstairs’. 
 

#16  Not all YC venues have this - only the newer ships - and they’re weather dependent due to being on the pool deck. 

Edited January 31 by Beamafar

[At Sea At Peace]

Not doing the laundry (list) but for us we cruise the YC for the following:

 

1.  The design (staterooms, lounge, restaurant, pool, hot tubs and pool deck bar and grille are all 'in the venue') and relative intimate choice of comforts afforded by each and such. 

 

The lounge is the best at sea (for us, NCL, Celebrity and RCCL); view, comfort, privacy, bar and tastings, light live entertainment and very social if chosen.  The restaurant is very good (and if experienced, customizable with proper notice), we like better than the Haven (experience with the same menu issues and service, purely subjective), and we cannot compare to the Retreat (however, the reviews and a look at the daily menus, plus Celebrity's food reputation, make it a tough call).  The pool deck has it all (seating, a cold pool and hot tubs) and the pool deck bar and grille simply is the best at sea (almost the best lunch option every day) and some really special days.

 

2.  The butler group (not our assigned) and the entire YC staff over-the-top service.

 

3.  Nothing else is very important to us at all.

 

*** Plus, we generally can B2B for the cost of the Haven for a 7N * * *

Edited January 31 by At Sea At Peace

[2bc cruisers]

Wow.  
OP, I’m enjoying your review.  Thank you for giving a glimpse of your vacation experiences.  We are trying msc for our first time in 2 weeks so I’ve been reading all I can to get a perspective. 

[karmamule]

OP, thanks so  much for taking some of your valuable cruise time to make these posts. We'll be on Seascape in less than two weeks and it's always fun to share a slice of someone else's cruise experience on the ship you'll be on soon. Hope the rest of your cruise goes well!

[Ryan82]

7 hours ago, Beamafar said:

Will be interested in hearing about your day as we’ll also visit Cozumel and can’t quite decide what to do.  Enjoy. 

Hey.. here you go...

 

Today's port is Cozumel and there's at least 4 ships in dock. 

 

We'd chosen again an MSC provided excursion which was a boat ride to Passion Island. Included with the excursion was lunch and open bar of Tequilla Sunrise, margueretta etc.

 

I'll provide a bit more detail on this one, as picking an excursion for Cozumel took a bit more thought than other ports.

 

I'm not a sit on sunbed kinda guy, so this was a bit of an odd choice... but let me explain how this excursion is a bit of everything....

 

Passion island itself is a tropical carribean paradise. Think huge palm trees, lying in a hammock, beautiful sea and white sandy beaches. Included in the excursion package was a buffet lunch and an open bar for Tequilla Sunrise, Marguerettas, soft drinks etc. The buffet lunch consisted of chicken and fish tacos, fries, rice, spaghetti, nachos, salsa and guacamole. It was pleasant. Included cocktails were good. You got about 4 hours there so perfect chance to relax, and the time passes really quickly.

 

Toilets are clean with bathroom attendants on duty. Shopping, massages, kayaks, mini inflatable obstacle course, in water hammocks, beach loungers, plus shaded tables available. 

 

Getting to and from Passion Island was a boat ride on Twister...

 

Was a hugely enjoyable part of the day. Think insane accelearatipn, high-speed maneuvers, water spilling into the speed boat, 360-degree turns and just all on exhilaration. Boat crew were friendly and made sure everyone got off Twister safely. Group consisted of 7 to 70+ and everyobe enjoyed it.

 

Top tip: if you want the combination of something exhilarating and then chance to relax book this excursion.

[Scottdalfonso]

Very cool, when we visited Cozumel exactly one year ago this week, actually, we did Mr Sanchos. You're place sounds like the same type of place, with buffet and drinks included, beach and inflatables... but sounds like a much more relaxing place, which I prefer these days. Sanchos was a bit more of a party atmosphere. So if we make it back there anytime soon, I'll definitely check into this place!