Georgia_Peaches

2 hours ago, Asleep-In-The-Desert said:

I asked the rep what the OBC would be and she clearly stated $350.  I then got cut off.

I certainly understand the disappointment but am wondering could it be that the rep went on to explain that it could be $250 for a lower suite but you didn't hear that part because you got cut off?  I think it's a stretch to say they have wronged you in some way when you said yourself your call was cut off and therefore the remainder of the conversation lost forever.  I agree with you...it's too small of an amount to be upset about by either party.  JMO  

20 minutes ago, bobby3bobby said:

thank you! My granddaughters like to spend half the day on them and I don't think I would be able to afford that.

I would imagine that if they ever did go to a fee for access, it would be a one-time fee as opposed to a per slide fee.  But charging for access would be a very dumb business move on MSC's part.  Your granddaughters are going to have a ball!

No charge for water slides.  I just watched a video yesterday on WA and they showed the rates for everything at the water park.  No charge for anything except the swings.  I think the youtuber was mistaken.  What did they say the fee was?

24 minutes ago, cheeseheads4ever said:

 

Hello fellow cruisers!

We just booked our first MSC cruise on Seashore Feb 1, 2026 on a 4 night cruise.

I’ve read good and bad about MSC but as far as recent they have been better. We decided to do the cheaper cruise Bella and no drink package.

I have a list of questions I hope you more experienced MSC cruisers can help answer for me. If you would be so kind as to answer these individually I would appreciate it.

We did have a status match to celebrity so go into this cruise as MSC Gold status. We cruise mostly on Celebrity. We are 60+ and like to do stuff but relax too.

Questions!

1) Does MSC status match casino level on Celebrity too?

2) How do you know if premium drink pkg is on sale. When I go into manage cruise it just gives me a price of $280 per person. Someone made a post over the weekend that the package was currently on sale.  If it goes on sale does that price automatically go down or do I have to call and haggle for discount?  Sorry, you'll have to call.  

3) My DW doesn’t drink and I do so does she have to get the premium drink pkg even though she doesn’t drink? Does a doctors excuse help?  Again, you'll have to call.

4)Theme nights = Shine night, white night, any others? Just trying to pack accordingly.  We had a disco night, Hawaiian night, white night, gala night

5)We plan to book 2 specialty dining night one in the chop chop and one in steakhouse.  Not familiar with chop chop.

Do you have to pay extra for a 2nd entree in the specialty dining restaurants and MDR?  You can order as many apps/desserts in the MDR.  Extra entree is $5.00, I think.  In the specialty, you order from the fixed menu and get an app/ entree/dessert.  I can't remember how they up charge for additional entrees.

6) Any other tips and so on we should be aware of?  Use a travel agent!  If you booked directly, transfer your booking to a travel agent within 30 days.  You'll thank me later.  

7) Are there any extra perks being Gold status?  Did you get your 5% discount on your cruise fare?  This is the best perk at the gold level IMO.

Sorry for all the questions but never being on MSC just trying to learn about this cruise line.

 

OP, I've answered as many questions as I could in the text above.  I think you are starting off right by booking a 4 nighter to get your feet wet.  Seashore is a beautiful ship and there's lots to do.  MSC is different from other mass market lines...but we love them!...maybe because they are different.  A TA really is your friend when it comes to MSC...especially if you have to make calls to get things done...like price adjustments on a drinks package, for example.  You have plenty of time to plan!  Enjoy!

Thank you for the information. Yes, Celebrity check in is generally pretty quick regardless of category. And before the Retreat, upper suites definitely had some sort of curbside VIP area, on S class anyway. I think that went away with  the new terminal but since we aren’t using the new terminal, I wondered if it would be there. Not looking for different treatment, just want to make sure mother gets the full experience. 

2 hours ago, itsnotjustme said:

It's been what, 6 years

Imagine my surprise!  Lol. 

1 minute ago, KLM2000 said:

Did Preziosa and have her booked again next year.

Is this a sister ship to Meraviglia or Davina?

I'm taking my mother on Reflection a week from tomorrow and we received notice that our embarkation terminal has been changed from terminal 25 to terminal 18.  In the past when we've had an upper suite there was a VIP podium for curb check in outside the terminal.  Once you were checked off the list an escort appeared to take you into the terminal.  This was before terminal 25 opened.  I can't remember if I've ever checked in at terminal 18 and wanted to know if there's a VIP procedure for upper suites.  We are in a Signature suite and I just want her to get the full experience if it's available.  NBD if it's not available.  I think this is an RCl terminal.

@FamilyAtSea.travel I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the well thought out feedback and information you've provided in the review.  I have literally taken a few notes to share with DH...lol..

As we have no personal frame of reference yet, it's very helpful to know that you didn't feel as though you'd miss having a butler.  Our category is a penthouse so there are some perks but not the typical YC inclusions.  

I wanted to comment on a few of your points, not to counter them but just to add to the discussion.

1.  I am not a fan of the no main dining room on EJ for the reasons you described.  I think this is one thing I'm really struggling with and I was hoping I'd feel better about it but now, I just feel more validated than before.

2.  We find that clientele are different with every sailing.  I've been in YC with some snooties who as you say, were not my people and also in the Retreat with similar attitudes about money and wealth.  My mother has always said that those who have true wealth never feel as if they have to flaunt it.  It's a shame you encountered some shallow types on your sailing.  I would hate to think that your sample it representative of the greater pool of EJ travelers....because that isn't really our scene either.  I guess we will see.

3.  I think the biggest advantage to the smaller "luxury" ships is the itineraries they are able to offer because of their size.  All things being equal, I'd look not further than MSC and YC if their ships offered longer over seas itineraries that hit more off the beaten path locations such as some of the ones on your itin.  I feel like you almost have to seek out a smaller, more luxury line to get more interesting ports of call.  

Anyway, I am so grateful for your review and want to thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.

I sailed with my mom who was new to MSC while I was diamond.  We got one gift as I believe the gift was per cabin, not per person.  Not sure about the water as I've only sailed YC and water is included.

We booked an excursion to Atlantis via MSC and both start/end times were listed.  Beyond this example, we have only ever booked excursions with other companies...and the start/end times are always listed.  I wouldn't book otherwise as I like to know how long I can sleep in on the morning of the excursion.  Indeed, a strange practice by MSc not to list the times.

7 hours ago, itsnotjustme said:

So how was cabin 15100?

Great room!  Very quiet location. If I remember correctly, the thermal suite salt room is on the other side of that dead space at the end of the hall. We enjoyed the location very much!

Yours is not the first story I’ve heard where a customer booked one time/thing and it turned out to be something else…only to be told that they were not responsible. I’d say keep the refund and move on. The spa is not owned/operated by the cruise line and frankly, they just make Celebrity look bad sometimes. 
 

To @Brunzca’s point, I have a facial appt for my mom and me booked for 10am on a port day and I received an email confirmation. What does yours say?
 

Reservations are required but they can't be made before you board.  You can either check the app for when reservations open up or you can use any reservation kiosk (usually located near the elevators) by scanning you key card and selecting the show/time/people attending.  Some shows don't open up for reservations until 24 hours prior...this according to a recent youtuber's experience with getting reservations.  I won't be on WA until November so no first-hand experience yet.

I too am baffled as to why they would issue a refund to an agency you didn't even use for booking.  Have you reached out to the agency to confirm they have a refund in your name?  That would be my next step since you have already started a dispute with your CC company.  I would also request a written statement from EJ indicating the agency name and amount refunded and the date as well.  Surely the agency who received a refund for a client they don't have is equally mystified.  

I have not encountered anything remotely close to this but is seems very convaluted...as you said.  Please keep this thread posted on progress and results.  Good luck!

47 minutes ago, Moparfiend said:

Cruise time 🙂

 

World America Yacht Club Duplex suite this time and an interior.

 

Terminal- asked Malinia about the Terminal lounge, she said it's done but they are waiting on Flordia to sign off on the elevators and escalators before they can use it. No eta

 

First on the ship after the back to back folks, amazing ship. We visited the muster station and then went to top sail lounge. A nice old fashioned to start the vacation, made perfect and delicious. The rest of the family enjoyed some processo and fruit punch. Snacks at every table in the lounge.

Can't wait to read your thoughts on your cruise.  We are also booked in a YC duplex so VERY interested in your impressions of this category...especially as it relates to privacy.  We have a whirlpool on the balcony...

I hope you all have a fabulous time!!

At $40pp plus gratuity a party of two will pay $96 for sushi.  That seems like a lot to me.

I’d like to thank the mods for keeping this thread open to updates. 

Looks like they are not going to require proof of vax for foreign visitors but for children who are Honduran citizens who have traveled abroad. 
 

https://anthonyskey.com/honduras-entry-requirements

1 hour ago, sidari said:

New details have been released on the US and Honduras website.

And? What do they say?

5 minutes ago, soar222 said:

I am looking if they have deck 7 but I don’t think they have higher. Deck 6 is what I am on now and worried about noise from below 

I definitely wouldn't stay on deck 6.  Seven is better but you may still have some obstruction when looking down.  

We've been a MC suite on deck 9 (I prefer to be higher up) and we've also been in an S1 on Deck 10.  We liked the S1 for the placement of the bed facing the ocean but we enjoyed the MC for the size of the balcony.  They are equally great cabins IMO.  I'd go with the cheaper room.

5 minutes ago, Cruzinforpeace*** said:

Check your status first and wait to see if this is indeed an enforceable order.

This is the key right here.  My initial reaction was how the heck am I going to prove my vaccination status...my childhood vax record is long gone...  But then I remembered that a booster was required when I went to college.  I've requested those records from the state and they should be arriving in 7 to 10 days.  And to your point, I may not even need it.  Fortunately, DH has his military record because he keeps EVERYTHING.  Finally, he's pack-ratted something that I'm happy about...lol.

40 minutes ago, FamilyAtSea.travel said:

Let this be a reminder for everybody to have your status transferred!

I'm so glad you mentioned this.  I wasn't aware that EJ had their loyalty club up and running, much less matching MSC.

2 hours ago, Tropicale said:

MSC will likely cancel this port of call if this is needed. 

I hope that would be the case.  Otherwise, they stand to see a lot of cancelled cruises.  We will be on World America and I would love an additional sea day as it seems there's a lot to see and do.