Hello folks. I just thought I’d post a quick report on my Yacht Club boarding experience today on MSC Seashore in Miami.
I checked in at the white tent at 13:20 for my 13:30 scheduled boarding time. The area was cluttered with baggage and the shore staff were very inattentive, enjoying a group chat. When I finally interrupted their banter, the guy sitting behind the table checked my vaccination certificate and COVID test form. It was unclear to me what I was supposed to do next with my suitcase and myself. I had to ask several times what the process was. I finally approached a stevedore myself who took care of my bag. I gave him $5. There were about five of us waiting to be escorted into the terminal and after about 10 minutes, were finally lead past the long line by another shore employee to the security screening area. The shore guy then led us up the escalator and we went directly to the checkin agent, again bypassing another long line. The check-in itself was quick and efficient. As an FYI for any Canadians reading this, at no point was I asked to provide any proof of the insurance that I purchased for the cruise, as per the MSC website. There was no COVID test or temperature test administered at the terminal.
The next person I met was one of the YC butlers who intercepted me and asked that I wait in a small side lounge until another butler from the ship came to escort me on board. This didn’t take long and I was offered my choice of a non-chilled water, juice or soda.
After a few more YC passengers had assembled, we were escorted on board and directly to the Yacht Club. I got to my cabin at 13:45. From getting out of the Uber to my cabin took about 25 minutes. That is quite amazing - well done MSC. I will write the really poor first impression at the white tent off as an anomaly, as all my previous experiences there were good ones.
MSC Seashore is a beautiful ship! My cabin in the Yacht Club was spotless and my suitcase was bought into my room by my friendly butler about 30 minutes after I got there.
The Venchi gelato on MSC Seashore is no longer free for YC guests. Oh well, the pizza still is!