Homosassa

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).

Try and find the British breakfast section in the buffet. There will be excellent corned beef hash that matches that available at home in New England.

Coffee plantations in Costa Rica and Guatemala are also an education. One thing that will be learned is why the coffee growers snigger when labeling coffee beans as "organic."

Unfortunately, many confuse the well thought out price structure of MSC with its attendant control of the fare games so dear to so many passengers hearts with being "cheap" or "budget." Many also do not realize that it is not their favorite low end US cruise line and instead is an Italian line that serves an international clientele that expects a consistent on board experience no matter where the embarkation port. The bad reviews come from those who can not appreciate the quality of the food being served because of lack of exposure to Italian cuisine or other international menu offerings for the passenger groups on board or are unuse to receiving professional and courteous guest service in line with travel outside the US. A good indication of whether one will be happy on MSC is to judge one's travel sophistication as to being aware that standards often higher, but different than the lower tier US mass market lines (Carnival, NCL, Royal Caribbean) are being offered and the one's ability to learn from the experience.

What were the posted dinner hours for the buffet (easily available to find on the app, printed schedule in your cabin, or outside the buffet doors)? If the buffet was not scheduled to be open until 6 PM, then I am confused why one expect it to be open at 5PM?

LOL - I recently cancelled a cruise with Celebrity ten days before embarkation and received back every penny of the cruise fare, taxes, fees and purchased excursions. However, without the specific details of the situation, my experience is of no value to anyone unless the exact same conditions of the cancellation exist.