Mark_T

That part sounds more like a charge from the TA then one from MSC...

The 63 days part is only relevant for cancellations, you can use your right to substitute a new holiday package for the original holiday package right up to 30 days before departure. The new package has to depart later than your original package and has to be within 90 days of the original departure date, if not then there is a £50 charge. Similarly, if the new package costs more than the original package then you have to pay the extra amount, but if it is lower then you don't get a reduction. All this is in the 'Standard Booking Terms' that you would have received when you made the reservation, if your TA did not pass them on to you then your argument is with the TA...

We didn't spot it on our first Divina cruise in June last year, only noticed it this time as we were on deck 16 and used the elevator to go up to the pool deck for breakfast. Never actually saw anyone smoking there, just noticed the ashtrays.

That can happen on any cruise, but we've only experienced that once on a different line and a call to security had the matter quickly resolved, as it is a fire hazard and usually taken seriously when reported.

Didn't actually notice cigarette smoke at any time while we were onboard Divina, despite the number of places where it is allowed.

In February at least, there was a small smoking area on the port side of the pool deck right outside the exit from the elevator that is within the YC enclave. Just a couple of tables and a couple of ashtrays, and it is very far away from anywhere anyone would usually want to sit.

It would be courteous to speak to the Maître 'd in advance and let him know what time you all wish to dine each day, as a single table of that size just arriving without warning can impact on either your service or the service of others. Similarly you may not want to all dine at the same time on some nights so keeping the staff in the loop, if plans change, would help a lot.

Start from the default position, which is there is no need to tip everyone as you are already doing that through the daily service charge. Beyond that, MSC policy is not to tip individually, but of course we know that isn't going to stop people, especially on a cruise out of a US port, so we focus on those that go above and beyond, which narrows the field somewhat. As explained above, the envelopes are readily available, and although not expected you will not find anyone actively refusing a tip 🙂

Only seen it reported from one ship so far, so a 'trial' I'd say, rather than a fleet change...

It is true for everyone now though, the Covid extensions will be no help to anyone matching now. Also important to realize the cut-off is the date the cruise completes, not the date it starts, so a subsequent cruise must end within 3 years of the end of the previous cruise to maintain status.

Go read one or two of the excellent 'Live' threads from @JamieLogical then set your expectations accordingly. You don't have to pay for Yacht Club to get a good cruise on MSC.

The web updates are up to the usual standard, they added the 'MSC for Me' badge to the image of the Divina, but didn't add her to the text description further down the page.

It works fine, it didn't in June last year but it has been added since then, and was working fine in February when we were onboard...

Certainly lemon when we got them on Divina in Feb.

So Pepe has moved on elsewhere?