Is MSC Seascape really THAT bad?

[nferr]

5 hours ago, MonsterJoe said:

There are indeed lines at the buffet - particularly at points like the omelet station during breakfast. I have witnessed plenty of people 'cutting' in line after the rope ends, but the line continues due to the station's popularity.

 

The omelet line is on every mainstream cruise ship. Something to be tolerated at best.

[mica178]

There are rude people everywhere, but if you don't go about looking to be offended, generally you'll be okay. My N on MSC is only 1 right now, but other than hearing a couple miffed comments as the butler whisked us past the lines of people waiting to disembark, I did not notice any problems when outside the YC. We went to the main pool with the kids daily, went to trivia daily, braved the main buffet a couple times when we missed lunch at the YC (in the summer, it's just too hot to eat at the YC buffet for lunch). We had no problems with any of our interactions.

 

Having known a lot of Italians in my life, I find them no worse than most Asians (not Asian-Americans, mainland Asians) and Latin Americans, who also generally look at lines as funny things that other people bother with. No one's meaning to offend. It's cultural. When I'm on vacation, I can laugh about it.

[Dakotastar]

On 6/6/2024 at 9:36 AM, Essiesmom said:

Yes, I remember.  We are on Seashore again June 23, and then a short one on Magnifica July 19.  After that cruises on Carnival Vista and Venezia.  I try not to plan too far ahead.  I was impressed with the quality of participants in karaoke on Seashore, hoping they are as good this time.  EM

Have fun on Seashore. I really enjoyed cruising that ship. Loved the extra karaoke on cruise departure day. That was really fun. Hope to see you on Seascape.

[Capricruiser]

Seascape is a party boat on her Caribbean itineraries.

[Greg8371]

It's tough when the reviews seem to be painting such a grim picture, especially when you've had decent experiences on other ships. But like you said, people often tend to focus on the negatives more than the positives.

[morpheusofthesea]

I just updated my list and it bears repeating.

A lot has to do with which ship in the MSC fleet one has chosen. Next is who the Hotel Director is, followed by Yacht Club Director, Head Butler, Maitre d' and Chef of the YC restaurant. Our latest cruise was in April 2024 on the Seascape and it was the best cruise we have had in 50 years of cruising. Never sailed on a MSC ship in a cabin outside the Yacht Club. We can list now all the things to look out for when booking any cruise ship.

#1 E muster drill is better. Seascape was take elevator, scan at 11:30, watch video, call#.

#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, all included.

#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. Group or personal escorts.

#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. Much depends on guest ($).

#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

#26 More options for nightly entertainment besides theatre show productions, Loft Cafe, Uptown Lounge, Le Cabaret Rouge, Atrium, Dueling Pianos Times Square, and Top Sail Lounge

Edited June 9 by morpheusofthesea

[CarolnLarry]

4 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

I just updated my list and it bears repeating.

A lot has to do with which ship in the MSC fleet one has chosen. Next is who the Hotel Director is, followed by Yacht Club Director, Head Butler, Maitre d' and Chef of the YC restaurant. Our latest cruise was in April 2024 on the Seascape and it was the best cruise we have had in 50 years of cruising. Never sailed on a MSC ship in a cabin outside the Yacht Club. We can list now all the things to look out for when booking any cruise ship.

#1 E muster drill is better. Seascape was take elevator, scan at 11:30, watch video, call#.

#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, all included.

#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. Group or personal escorts.

#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. Much depends on guest ($).

#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

#26 More options for nightly entertainment besides theatre show productions, Loft Cafe, Uptown Lounge, Le Cabaret Rouge, Atrium, Dueling Pianos Times Square, and Top Sail Lounge

 I have done 11 YC cruises and have done all of these and that is why I keep sailing with MSC. 4 cruises on the Divina, 4 cruises on the Seaside and 3 cruises on the Seascape. I wish everyone else would hate the YC so the price and availability would be better for me. 

[morpheusofthesea]

1 hour ago, CarolnLarry said:

 I have done 11 YC cruises and have done all of these and that is why I keep sailing with MSC. 4 cruises on the Divina, 4 cruises on the Seaside and 3 cruises on the Seascape. I wish everyone else would hate the YC so the price and availability would be better for me. 

We are just a couple of tattletales that cannot keep our mouths shut.

[no1talks]

6 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

"We can list now all the things to look out for when booking any cruise ship."

A very diverse list covering many aspects of a cruise. The question is: What item(s) would be deal breakers with regard to Yacht Club, Morpheus, if altered or eliminated?

Of course, some listed items are rather unlikely to change. For example, one would not expect MSC to replace the YC's walk-in showers with tubs during a ship's refit. But there are many items that could be changed due to cost savings.

[morpheusofthesea]

7 hours ago, no1talks said:

A very diverse list covering many aspects of a cruise. The question is: What item(s) would be deal breakers with regard to Yacht Club, Morpheus, if altered or eliminated?

Of course, some listed items are rather unlikely to change. For example, one would not expect MSC to replace the YC's walk-in showers with tubs during a ship's refit. But there are many items that could be changed due to cost savings.

I'm a kinda guy that "crosses every bridge when I come to it, not before. Besides, "People spend most their lives worrying about things that never happen." Moliere

[bobndee]

3 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

I'm a kinda guy that "crosses every bridge when I come to it, not before. Besides, "People spend most their lives worrying about things that never happen." Moliere

 

Or, as I say, "I'll burn that bridge when I come to it."

 

[morpheusofthesea]

13 minutes ago, bobndee said:

 

Or, as I say, "I'll burn that bridge when I come to it."

 

I have done that too.

P.S. But usually after I've crossed it.

Edited June 10 by morpheusofthesea
ps

[no1talks]

4 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Moliere

 

That guy landed in debtor's prison twice, so I'll forego his advice about "worrying too much." 😆

 

 

[morpheusofthesea]

1 hour ago, no1talks said:

 

That guy landed in debtor's prison twice, so I'll forego his advice about "worrying too much." 😆

 

 

"One of the main reasons people are not rich is that they worry too much about things that might never happen."

Robert Kiyosaki (net worth $100 million) 

Do you believe in reincarnation?

[CarolnLarry]

15 hours ago, no1talks said:

A very diverse list covering many aspects of a cruise. The question is: What item(s) would be deal breakers with regard to Yacht Club, Morpheus, if altered or eliminated?

Of course, some listed items are rather unlikely to change. For example, one would not expect MSC to replace the YC's walk-in showers with tubs during a ship's refit. But there are many items that could be changed due to cost savings.

I have seen some of the YC benefits disappear such as small liquor bottles, chocolate ships, seafood buffet and chocolate martinis. I am sure there are other things I forgot but the real deal breaker for me would be the loss of the butlers and concierge. They have provided the services I would expect in the YC.

[no1talks]

34 minutes ago, CarolnLarry said:

"...the real deal breaker for me would be the loss of the butlers and concierge."

 

These invaluable professionals have been very important to us as well. I am concerned the ever-growing Yacht Club passenger counts will leave butlers stretched particularly thin.

[no1talks]

3 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

"One of the main reasons people are not rich is that they worry too much about things that might never happen."

Robert Kiyosaki (net worth $100 million) 

Do you believe in reincarnation?

 

Yikes!

 

Robert Kiyosaki of Rich Dad, Poor Dad infamy? I wouldn't accept directions to the nearest KFC, let alone "life lessons" from that guy.

 

 

[sidari]

On 6/9/2024 at 7:31 PM, morpheusofthesea said:

I just updated my list and it bears repeating.

A lot has to do with which ship in the MSC fleet one has chosen. Next is who the Hotel Director is, followed by Yacht Club Director, Head Butler, Maitre d' and Chef of the YC restaurant. Our latest cruise was in April 2024 on the Seascape and it was the best cruise we have had in 50 years of cruising. Never sailed on a MSC ship in a cabin outside the Yacht Club. We can list now all the things to look out for when booking any cruise ship.

#1 E muster drill is better. Seascape was take elevator, scan at 11:30, watch video, call#.

#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, all included.

#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. Group or personal escorts.

#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. Much depends on guest ($).

#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

#26 More options for nightly entertainment besides theatre show productions, Loft Cafe, Uptown Lounge, Le Cabaret Rouge, Atrium, Dueling Pianos Times Square, and Top Sail Lounge

Diamond members do take up room in the YC ... 😂 Sorry Morph couldn't resist.

[morpheusofthesea]

2 hours ago, sidari said:

Diamond members do take up room in the YC ... 😂 Sorry Morph couldn't resist.

NON YC guests ?

[morpheusofthesea]

2 hours ago, no1talks said:

 

Yikes!

 

Robert Kiyosaki of Rich Dad, Poor Dad infamy? I wouldn't accept directions to the nearest KFC, let alone "life lessons" from that guy.

 

 

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."

Mark Twain

Give me more time. I'll 'dig up' someone you must respect.

[no1talks]

2 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."

Mark Twain

On that note...

"Plato is my friend, but the truth is a better friend."
- Aristotle 

[morpheusofthesea]

1 hour ago, no1talks said:

On that note...

The "note" was about the 'worry' losing one of my 25 reasons for sailing in the Yacht Club. 

 

"Present fears are less than horrible imaginings."

William Shakespeare

 

"Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen." 

Benjamin Franklin

[DaKahuna]

"***** happens"

Forest Gump 

 

[Corriegr]

On 6/10/2024 at 5:26 PM, morpheusofthesea said:

NON YC guests ?

On Seascape right now on a sea day and I can confirm I have not seen any non YC guests in YC. 
 

And with a nod back to original question this is best cruise we have ever been on and Mustafa really ensures the YC experience is the best . 

Edited June 12 by Corriegr

[markwfpb]

Mustafa is a unicorn.

He's the only person at that level (captain, department head, cruise director, etc.) that has ever made any impression on me and have sailed MSC four times plus Princess, HAL and NCL.