Homosassa

The ship was chartered as a salsa cruise after he booked. Notification was sent out and options for rebooking and refunds given. He refused all options and insisted on a cabin. He was given one as shown above (still wasn't happy). All the information was slowly offered in posts over several threads, including information offered by others on the same sailing. By the way, how often does a cruise line get pushed to the point that a passenger is threatened with detention from law enforcement if they attempt to board the ship? I am sure the moderator will remove my posts and his.

Cringe worthy advice. Four hours at room temperature is the limit at which food should be thrown out. A half hour should safely bring the meat to room temperature.

We have never had any problems with our MSC bookings. The problems seem to occur when someone attempts to change the reservation and not being aware of the change and cancellation policy of MSC. And be aware of the story about being downgraded from Yacht Club. There is way more to the story and MSC was not at fault. Instead it was a passenger who did not want to follow instructions when the ship was chartered.

Read the MSC policy that you posted. You lose the deposit. No refund. Whether is just $199 or $597 depends on the MSC policy on when changes are considered are cancellation. You need to look at the terms and conditions for your specific booking.

I eat anything I want in moderation....

OP, there is a great deal more to this story than this rhetorical question and, in many of our opinions, is not MSC's fault.

As a result of misbehavior by those who considered the short cruises a booze cruise, MSC tighten restrictions several years ago. The restriction include not having drink packages available on certain itineraries from some ports on certain embarkation dates. There is also a MSC Code of Passenger Conduct and a section on alcohol use in their ticket contract on their website. MSC is not an alcohol centric line and many are surprised at some of the areas on the ship where alcohol is not permitted. As any crew member is empowered to deal with those who are overserving themselves, there can be subtle controls, or not so subtle controls, placed on the passenger of which the passenger may not be aware. Anyone who has posted a review in which they complain of the lack of or difficulty obtaining a drink has been managed by the crew.

The idea that it is going to be quite a while before cruising resumes from Baltimore is not a big surprise to those of us who know the area well and can understand the implications of the many official statements from those involved in the removal of the bridge wreckage and opening a channel for the more important cargo port.

Looks like Essiesmom and I were typing at the same time. In any case, no matter what fare churning game you may devise to receive $400 back, it isn't going to fly.

OP, you are confusing the actual cost of the first cabin ($1200 total for the double passenger occupancy rate plus the third "free" passenger) vs the equal division of the $1200 among three adults (may or may not be related). It appears the actual cost for the first two passengers was $1,100 with the third passenger added in for $100 to cover port fees and taxes. Unless the fare you booked actually stated the daily service charge was included, it probably isn't and all of you will be charged daily to your on board account. Remove the third passenger (doesn't matter if listed as number one, two or three) means the original fare is cancelled, and the cabin rate for a double occupancy cabin applies (no more "free" third passenger).

Read the MSC Guest Conduct Policy on MSC website. The guitar falls under one of the policy prohibitions.

I suggest you find and read the MSC Guest Conduct Policy on the MSC website. It will help you understand why your personal balcony furniture may be denied at security before boarding the ship.

For all of you who do not understand that what you want is not always available: The Captain of the ship determines what is a safety issue and what is not. That decision can vary from ship to ship or from embarkation date to embarkation date. Factors that may influence the decision is weather (i.e.; wind speed), sea conditions, the location of the cabin, and past experience. Even if loungers and other balcony furniture is provided in certain locations or category rooms, it may not be available for use depending on the factors listed above.

On many of the lines that I cruise on, the buffet opens a half hour after the start of the early fixed seating.

In the "You can't make this stuff up" category: I have a cousin from Kansas that spent two weeks touring various regions of Italy. Her main complaint was that she could find any good Italian food, especially pizza, that matched what she eats in Kansas (Lol - DeFazio's and Pizza Hut are her standards for excellence).