Just of the Meraviglia - a few thoughts

[MsTabbyKats]

1 hour ago, morpheusofthesea said:

A great observation. And it is just not out of NY......This is found on every low priced cruise line.

People say "out of NY"....however, NY is a major transportation hub.  They fly in/drive in from all over just to sail out of NY.  It doesn't mean they live here.

 

Maybe the people in YC that @GPPhillyis referring to got one of those "I booked a Bella and got a YC Deluxe" deals.........

 

 

[GPPhilly]

4 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

People say "out of NY"....however, NY is a major transportation hub.  They fly in/drive in from all over just to sail out of NY.  It doesn't mean they live here.

 

Maybe the people in YC that @GPPhillyis referring to got one of those "I booked a Bella and got a YC Deluxe" deals.........

 

 

They were because that is one of things they told anyone that could hear.  We bid and it won, we bid the minimum.  As a person from the Suburbs of Philly, I would agree there are definitely a lot of New Jersey people.  And some very stereotypical.  

[Mommapadraig]

Do you (or anyone else) know the lunch hours in the yacht club on the Meraviglia? Thanks

[KarenGretz]

Was High Tea served? Thanks!

[bluefish17]

1 hour ago, Mommapadraig said:

Do you (or anyone else) know the lunch hours in the yacht club on the Meraviglia? Thanks

12-1:30pm in Dining Room and 12-3pm One Pool buffet

[bluefish17]

Just now, KarenGretz said:

Was High Tea served? Thanks!

Only once and on the last sea day at 4pm.

[KarenGretz]

One more question, since you mentioned the Casino. Did you see any Double Point sessions? I've seen them recently on the Sea class ships in the Sport Bar machines, but haven't heard about any on the Mera. Thanks!

[GPPhilly]

22 minutes ago, KarenGretz said:

One more question, since you mentioned the Casino. Did you see any Double Point sessions? I've seen them recently on the Sea class ships in the Sport Bar machines, but haven't heard about any on the Mera. Thanks!

There were.  There was one the first Sea Day at 10 am to 11 am.  There was one I can't remember what day and it was 1 am - 2 am.  Someone said there was another on another Sea day 9am - 10 am but I never saw that one advertised.  

[GPPhilly]

28 minutes ago, KarenGretz said:

Was High Tea served? Thanks!

Yea as someone said the last Sea Day and it was at 4:30 on the invitation but they started serving around 3:45.  We much preferred it on our European sailing in April as it was everyday.  When they do it once a cruise it gets very crowded and noisy.  Also, they don't bring the cart to you but rather park the cart and do the tea and walking it to you.  

[Brighton Line]

23 hours ago, KarenGretz said:

Was High Tea served? Thanks!

My last sailing the YC was a max capacity so they split High Tea into two sessions on the last sea day, port and starboard "sittings". 75 minutes apart.

[Cruzinforpeace***]

On 9/10/2024 at 8:54 AM, JamieLogical said:

I don't think bad parenting and rude passengers are unique to MSC, the Meraviglia, or sailing out of NYC. On my recent 14-day Princess sailing out of FLL, there were roving bands of screaming,  unattended children late at night on the lido deck in and around the pool an buffet, crying babies in the shows and MDRs, and people bringing kids to bars and PG13 comedy shows. I saw people wearing swimwear in sit-down restaurants and walking around in carpeted, interior spaces with bare feet. On disembarkation day, I had a guy literally cuss me out at the elevator when all I did was object to another couple that had tried to jump onto an elevator when my husband and I and the guy who cussed me out and his wife/girlfriend had been waiting a long time for one. I might have understood if the couple I interjected with cussed me out, but no, it was a guy who had been waiting almost as long as I had and I was trying to advocate for!

Oh my gosh!  We had a similar “elevator battle” on Mera in August.  That last day people lose their minds I think.  We were like you, trying to help move things along and advocate for those that were too afraid to speak up.  Almost got into a fist fight with an elderly lady.  She was feisty!

[cruisebeachgirl703]

On 9/9/2024 at 1:28 PM, GPPhilly said:

We just got of the Meraviglia yesterday a 7 days to Port Canaveral, Ocean Cay and Nassau.  We were in the YC and loved it as always. 

 

Service -

We felt the service was good.  Our butler was good but we have been spoiled on our last 2 YC cruises as we had amazing butlers that seemed to always be anticipating and offering.  Our butler did exactly what was asked of him.  Our servers in the YC restaurant were great.  Jerome was the waiter and Putra was the assistant.  They were so attentive and friendly.  Jerome was excellent when he saw something we didn't care for without asking he would bring a replacement.  We were warmly greeted by our old friend Raj at the concierge desk.  He is a pleasure to see.  He makes you feel like an old friend.  The Top sail staff was excellent as well.  We did see a lady that was not happy about her butler and let everyone know about it.  There was one glaring miss in service that we had and that was with the sommelier.  We had him on a previous cruise and found him to be the same way.  We drink wine every night with dinner.  On other ships the sommelier would come by the first day or two and ask if we needed any suggestions or had any questions.  One both cruises we had with him he never came to our table.  Now we did not request him but as a person in the position you should see we have wine each night and stop and introduce yourself.  He only seemed to cater to a few tables.  Not a deal breaker but it was noticeable when the service in general was good. 

 

Ship-

The ship was sold out but the YC never felt crowded and only a few times in the rest of the ship did it seem full.  The ship is beautiful just showing its age in a few areas.  The steps in the YC from deck 15-16 definitely need to be replaced.  It is worn down.  

 

Food-

The YC food was good as usual.  It was nice to see a newer dish on the menu once in a while.  The food was always at a good temperature which was great.  

 

Casino-  The dealers were mostly friendly and fun.  The casino host was new to this ship.  It was her 2nd week.  She wasn't has attentive as most but after talking to her she is feeling her way and how the Casino Manager works.  I just wish that the casino was non smoking again because the smoke was strong throughout the casino even at the table area.  I know there was a non smoking area outside the main casino but that was just slots and it was so hot out there. 

 

Now to the more controversial topics.

 

We do not have kids but have no problem with well behaved kids.  We were lucky as this was the first week back to school for most districts.  We were told they had 75% less kids then the week before.   The problem is the parents, if you are going to bring babies or kids be considerate of other passengers.  If your baby is going to cry and scream for periods of time during dinner or shows, take them out.   The ship is not your baby sister.  We saw 2 boys probably 8 -10 yo.  They were running around the ship at 1 am and a guest stopped them and asked were their parents were.  The boy said my mom said I can stay out as late as I want.   

 

Other guests

It seems to be a different crowd that leaves from NYC.   I have not seen more rude guests then I saw on this cruise.  

 

I liked leaving from NY as it is just a train ride and uber to the port.  Left the ship at 8 am and was in my house around 11 am.  

Thanks for the review. Seems like things were mostly positive. It is hit or miss with the butler. Over the top vs. adequate vs. missing in action. Not exclusive to MSC. You mentioned new food items on YC menu. Would love to hear more. Raj the concierge is so nice. Very attentive. Do you recall who the sommelier was? It is nice when you do get the one on one sommelier service. Have always found YC sr and asst waiters to be good. Our cruise in April YC director was off the ship. We think it made a small negative difference. How were the YC snacks? 

[OnTopOfTheSeas]

On 9/9/2024 at 9:49 PM, MsTabbyKats said:

I'm interest too.  When I was on the ship in april...there were a lot on non-americans with different cultural norms 

I was on this same sailing and yes, you said it well.  What appeared to be the majority of people on this sailing, were large tour groups from other countries and although the behavior they were exhibiting is considered totally normal in their countries, it is rude loud and inconsiderate by American standards.  As others have stated, it definitely made a difference on this cruise in all of the dining areas, shows and public areas.   In over 50 cruises, I can say that our fellow cruisers on this ship/sailing were by far the most challenging.  

 

With that being said, I found that a lot of this could have been avoided if the crew would take control of some of these areas.  I have sailed on most major lines and this was my first MSC cruise.   The crew on this ship just didn't seem to manage or care when it came to stuff like this.  The best example is the main theater.  Every show I attended was the same.  The crew would scan cards to make sure everyone had a reservation but once the show started, it was a free-for-all.  Passengers just kept walking in, talking at full volume as they tried to find seats for their parties, standing in the aisles blocking the view of those seated and this went on for the entire show.  There were also kids sitting in the aisles and as kids do, they were not sitting quietly, enjoying the show.  Then there were the cellphones...they were on everywhere with people holding them up high in front of them recording and taking pictures.  

 

I have never seen a theater, on land or at sea, that was so chaotic and there was not a crew member to be seen anywhere. Needless to say, the shows were not very enjoyable.

[suometar]

On 9/10/2024 at 7:42 PM, MsTabbyKats said:

As a New Yorker....born and raised and will die here....I can tell you...those "rude people" are not New Yorkers...such as me, who live in the city.  I rarely meet other New Yorkers (I mean real NYers...from the city) on cruisers.  Lots of people from the "greater NY" area....NJ,  the outer boros and the surrounding counties.  Think "Jersey Shore"....not Big Apple.

 

As a "New Yorker" you must know that the "outer boros" are part of New York City and have been since 1898.

[MsTabbyKats]

6 minutes ago, suometar said:

 

As a "New Yorker" you must know that the "outer boros" are part of New York City and have been since 1898.

It's all relative. You may know....within the 5 boros....when someone says they live in "the city"...it means Manhattan. Otherwise...they name the boro! 

Non New Yorkers don't differentiate.

[PTC DAWG]

We Southerners have a name for y’all.  🙂
 

I’m sticking to FL ports, I have never had issues like this in my part of the woods.  
 

Be nice and cruise on. 

Edited yesterday at 02:40 AM by PTC DAWG

[Georgia_Peaches]

On 9/17/2024 at 8:29 PM, OnTopOfTheSeas said:

Every show I attended was the same.  The crew would scan cards to make sure everyone had a reservation but once the show started, it was a free-for-all.  Passengers just kept walking in, talking at full volume as they tried to find seats for their parties, standing in the aisles blocking the view of those seated and this went on for the entire show.  There were also kids sitting in the aisles and as kids do, they were not sitting quietly, enjoying the show.  Then there were the cellphones...they were on everywhere with people holding them up high in front of them recording and taking pictures.  

We experienced a similar situation on Meraviglia as well but we sailed out of Port Canaveral. I was amazed at the behavior. The show was a medley of song and dance from 80’s to now and the theater was mayhem. We were escorted to the YC section by our butler so no scanning for our reservation BUT they did insist I turn over my drink at the door bc they are not allowed in the theater. Too bad MSC aren’t as concerned with theater decorum as they are drinks at the show.
 

Now we opt for smaller, cocktail permitted venues. 

[OnTopOfTheSeas]

30 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

We experienced a similar situation on Meraviglia as well but we sailed out of Port Canaveral. I was amazed at the behavior. The show was a medley of song and dance from 80’s to now and the theater was mayhem. We were escorted to the YC section by our butler so no scanning for our reservation BUT they did insist I turn over my drink at the door bc they are not allowed in the theater. Too bad MSC aren’t as concerned with theater decorum as they are drinks at the show.
 

Now we opt for smaller, cocktail permitted venues. 

I found the drink situation interesting.  In 35 years of consistent cruising, this was my first MSC and also the first theater where I was told I could not take my drink inside.  After thinking this through, I am curious to see if other cruise lines start to do the same thing.  Since drink packages are pretty much the norm nowadays, we have seen all the major cruise lines making small changes over the years to cut their costs regarding drinks.  So I am sure by creating a No Drinks in the Theater rule, they are saving a ton of money when figuring in the staffing and how many drinks they don't have to serve over three shows a night.

[NYcruzzer]

10 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

We Southerners have a name for y’all.  🙂
 

I’m sticking to FL ports, I have never had issues like this in my part of the woods.  
 

Be nice and cruise on. 

I respectfully disagree. There are plenty of documented accounts of rude behavior on cruises that originated south of the Mason Dixon Line..Rude behavior knows no boundaries. 

[Essiesmom]

46 minutes ago, OnTopOfTheSeas said:

I found the drink situation interesting.  In 35 years of consistent cruising, this was my first MSC and also the first theater where I was told I could not take my drink inside.  After thinking this through, I am curious to see if other cruise lines start to do the same thing.  Since drink packages are pretty much the norm nowadays, we have seen all the major cruise lines making small changes over the years to cut their costs regarding drinks.  So I am sure by creating a No Drinks in the Theater rule, they are saving a ton of money when figuring in the staffing and how many drinks they don't have to serve over three shows a night.

I don’t think it has anything about cutting costs, unless you are thinking of the cleanup of spilled drinks, collecting the glasses/cans/bottles left among the seating.  In some of the theaters there is no place to set down a drink, except the floor…

[JamieLogical]

11 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

I don’t think it has anything about cutting costs, unless you are thinking of the cleanup of spilled drinks, collecting the glasses/cans/bottles left among the seating.  In some of the theaters there is no place to set down a drink, except the floor…

 

A lot of cruise lines that do allow drinks in the theater have no place to put them except on the floor. I was just on the Enchanted Princess and just like the theaters on every single Princess ship (except maybe the new Sun Princess?) there are no cupholders, tables, trays, etc. They are just BEGGING passengers to set empty glasses on the floor, forget about them, and kick them over or step on them on their way out at the end of the show!

[MonsterJoe]

I always find the 'no drinks in the theatre' talk interesting.

I definitely drink my package worth on a cruise, if not more, and it's never crossed my mind to want a drink during a show...same with the pool.  In fact, I appreciate the rule, because I don't trust people to not leave their stuff all around.  Probably one of the reasons MSC is consistently regarded as having beautiful and pristine ships, which is a reason we continue to cruise with them.
 

Edited 16 hours ago by MonsterJoe

[JamieLogical]

1 minute ago, MonsterJoe said:

I always find the 'no drinks in the theatre' talk interesting.

I definitely drink my package worth on a cruise, if not more, and it's never crossed my mind to want a drink during a show...same with the pool.  In fact, I appreciate the rule, because I don't trust people to not leave their stuff all around.  Probably one of the reasons MSC is consistently regarded as having beautiful and pristine ships, which is a reason we continue to cruise with them.
 

 

Many other cruise lines, especially on older ships, have bars in the theater and roaming bar servers.

[Georgia_Peaches]

54 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Many other cruise lines, especially on older ships, have bars in the theater and roaming bar servers.

Not to mention drink holders built into the armrest of the seats and in some cases, little cocktail tables between the seats...usually on the floor part of the stage.  

56 minutes ago, MonsterJoe said:

I definitely drink my package worth on a cruise, if not more, and it's never crossed my mind to want a drink during a show

I personally enjoy a glass of wine while I watch the show and it really has nothing to do with trying to maximize my drinks package.  I am not in the habit of ordering from a theater server though...seems like a hassle.  To your point about leaving glassware behind, I find that theaters that allow drinks during the show often have a stand set up to deposit used glassware on the way out.  I'm sure some people leave their glasses behind, which is totally rude...

Edited 15 hours ago by Georgia_Peaches

[MsTabbyKats]

20 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

We Southerners have a name for y’all.  🙂
 

I’m sticking to FL ports, I have never had issues like this in my part of the woods.  
 

Be nice and cruise on. 

And what would that word be that you call us'all?  🙂