Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin

So happy to follow this S2S with you! We are doing S2S in May, MSC YC to NCL Suite (no Haven on the ship). I am curious about the move between the ships, as I am worried about that. I know that we can hop a cab, but we will have an infant with us and no car seat. I was thinking about walking, but have been unable to find how far it is between terminals. I think that MSC is Terminal J pending their new terminal completion---was that true for you? And did X come in at the RCL terminal or another one? Trying to get a feel for distance, since the new NCL terminal is next door to the RCL terminal at POM. Appreciate any insight. And enjoying your review!

Was planning on my first O cruise...had been pricing some. Based upon 20th anniversary "sale", the cruise I was wanting is available a month later, but the price has increased by the amount of SBC offered for the 20th anniversary. Huh. Go figure!

Can anyone tell me how accurate this web site is (posted in #15)? https://cruisedig.com/ports/great-stirrup-cay-bahamas/arrivals When I look at Cruisemapper, it does not match up with the site above. So, now, I have no clue where my ship is headed! (Not that I wouldn't be happy to just stay on board!) I'm an incessant planner, part of my "thrill" of cruising. 😉

I'm confused by the nomenclature, too. I booked the Ocean Villa. It was the same price as the Beach Villa; however, it says better for families and can hold up to 8, where the Beach Villa says 6 and geared more for couples. The video snippets seem to be off, as the Beach villa video is titled as Ocean Villa, and the Ocean Villa video is titled as Lagoon villa. We are travelling in May on the Sky (which doesn't have a Haven). Silver Cove was originally not showing on our shore excursions, just the regular cabanas. They didn't appear until just recently. Our Encore cruise in January had Silver Cove available after final payment (but, we are in Haven). Didn't know if they offer to Haven first, then open for anyone else?

We sailed the Med in the MSC YC on the Belissima. Fabulous trip. We have sailed almost exclusively in the Haven on NCL. I loved the experience on both. YC generally less expensive than Haven. Haven has gotten ridiculously high, but I notice that YC is trying to catch up. Loved the live music in the YC area in the evenings. I had asked at restaurant if they were going to serve a dish I like. They were not, but the Maitre 'd actually had it prepared specifically for us the next night. We were in the largest suite with a hot tub on the deck, so no issues with outside loungers, etc. (this was back when MSC was trying to break into the US market, so VERY reasonable price!) Something I have not seen mentioned (sorry if I missed it), those arm bands also give you priority on the elevators. We usually take stairs, but were spoiled by the rapid elevator to the YC. Downside was all announcements in multiple languages, so it took a while to get through them. And embarkation/disembarkation at every port, as opposed to everyone getting on/off at a single point. My overall thoughts were YC is certainly an experience that I enjoy. Not sure I would appreciate an MSC cruise outside of the YC. Have a cruise on Divinia coming up in May; YC. Then depart her to board NCL (suite, no haven on ship). So, both cruise lines offer an enjoyable experience! I'm hoping that when everyone has finally spent all the pandemic FCC, that prices will ease back down!

Thanks, SeaShark! We are on her end of January! So ready!!!!!

whew....if my credit card company said nothing had been attempted to be charged, I would be thinking FRAUD ALERT! This one makes me really nervous! I hope you can resolve successfully!

Regarding meds: for my prescription meds, I have a daily pill box that I use. For other meds, I have a first aid kit that I keep aspirin, ibuprofen, and all the usual "just in case" stuff (and believe me, I have learned the hard way to take lots of "just in case" items). These are in small envelopes (a bag would work the same) and there are about 11 different types! In lots of cruises with different cruise lines, I have never had any issues. My first aid kit is always in my checked luggage, so can't comment on airport security, but they have never said anything about my pill box dispenser, which is in my carry on. I am usually TSA pre-check, so don't know if that makes a difference.

As Stockjock alluded to: I have had more than one TA indicate that MSC is beyond frustrating to deal with....

When we did a transatlantic last year, they had bridge lessons and broke the group up depending on the player's experience level. So, yes, a total newbie would be accommodated.

Gary, have a fabulous cruise! Give your wife a kiss and hug before she starts her tourney! Best of luck to her! Win or lose, enjoy! See you on a future cruise! (I am interested to see how you like O....have been looking at them. Did a Regent's TA and loved it.)

Best of luck to your Wife, Gary! I hope you have a fabulous cruise, regardless of outcome of tourney and lack of baggage (er, I mean, family members)! But, I agree, it is usually much more fun with family/friends along. But, just think! If your wife wins the tourney, you can treat the cruise like a 2nd honeymoon! Best wishes!

How did you get the spa appointment? Do you have to wait until boarding? We already have a villa booked, but if I can get access to Silver Cove and amenities just by booking the spa, that would certainly be cheaper than renting the villa!

Ouch, I hate to hear this. We have a Med sailing next year and the casino is one of my favorite evening spots. On our 1st Splendor cruise, we could hear the band from across the hall playing while we were rolling the dice and it was quite nice. Was looking forward to doing the same again....

We are considering O for a cruise. I have to admit that spa pampering is part of our cruise experience. Does O run specials like NCL, where you can get 3 treatments for 10%/20%/30% off? Still high, but 3 is our usual pick on a 7 day cruise.

thank you for posting the video, @Robjame. We are considering an O cruise for next year and this got me excited! We did a cooking class on Regent's and really enjoyed it, but this looks like it goes a step further!

I always bring a first aid kit (after paying almost $200 for band aids and gauze in Canada!) that includes most OTC meds/seasickness bands/ace wraps. Converter plugs, extension cord, portable battery. Noise-cancelling headphones (for travel). I have a travel folio to hold all my travel documents so I can easily access them. A small flashlight, ziplock bags of various sizes ('cuz you never know!), and several books. And finally, a couple of decks of cards, just in case I run out of $$ for the casino!

I figured the reason they limited the check-in to 21 days was because of the Covid disruptions. So many cancelled cruises that I had already put in the bulk of the information! I, too, would prefer to get it out of the way early. Maybe the viewing of the muster drill has some time-line stipulation?

Thanks for the feedback. We are on Encore in January, and I have been debating whether to try out the simulator. Now I know that if I don't, it might not be a bad loss.

On our Boston to Bermuda in August, no special offered. Fortunately, we get free bag through Latitudes.

Just bought my spa pass for Encore January sailing today at $299/each. This is for a 7-day cruise. Made the mistake in the past of thinking if I had a treatment, I would have access to the spa. No. Buy before boarding and I think you still get it for $20 less that if you purchase once on board (if there are any spots left). (But don't hold me to the discount....not sure that is still in place!)

We've been on the Dawn a couple of times. I like the size of that ship, as the newer ones, while having all the bells and whistles, are just bigger than I am looking for. If you don't need go kart tracks, etc., you should find plenty to do....and hey, when you are taking that afternoon nap, it doesn't matter about the ship so much as the mattress! (And I always sleep well on cruises.. 😉) I tend to do things like the spa, eat, casino, eat, trivia, eat, shows, eat....hey, I'm seeing a pattern here! Not pool people. We do like to read in the cabin, and like the speedier check-in and out, though, so we usually sail HAVEN (DH doesn't like crowds.) And, we try to always take the stairs (helps to compensate for all that EATING!), so the smaller ship works! We have sailed on the SUMMIT, so felt that our Retreat experience was similar to HAVEN (although award goes to HAVEN for us.) Would certainly sail on X again. I would think Dawn would be a good size for the Scandinavian/Baltic itinerary! I'm jealous! I hope you have a GREAT time!

On our cruise in November, I had downloaded the app because DH is hard of hearing. However, the guides never used system. I am hoping on our next cruise it will be used!

Um, double check that couch-bed scenario.....when we had a 2 bedroom on the Jewel, the couch did NOT make a bed, except for one. Not a pull-out. That was several years ago, so things may have changed since then, but you certainly don't need an EXTRA surprise on your trip! Hope you have a GREAT time with ALL the family!

The above comments are all on point. But, you noted a reimbursement for insurance costs. If you claim insurance, you will not get that. I always look at insurance as a "sunk" cost. So, unless she moves her cruise to another one (and the insurance with it), I think you are out that, but check someone wiser than me!