Proseccoandsun

Thanks Dexx. For us, we're sticking with MSC for the foreseeable future. I was just curious since the OP thinks there won't be anything on Seaside for her daughter to do. I was wondering why NCL is better.

I heard the comedy club will be improv style.

I read about the comedy club too. Hope it's a reality, but there is live music at all the venues, plus the different theme nights on the pool deck.

The Cirque show is only on Meraviglia, unfortunately. The regular shows in the theater are free and at least two shows per night. There are theme nights, parties, and activities - all free. The entertainment pass is for bowling, F-1 simulators 4 or 5(!)-D theater if there's such a thing? Lol. But it's for those gues of extras that are unlimited and you can buy it per cabin. If you prefer, you can buy them individually.

I think this is referring to the special arcade area for entertainment and not the shows. On Seaside there will be special shows that are not free. Like Cirque de Solei (sp?)

Does NCL offer a lot of evening entertainment for kids?

Here's a bit more info on Seaside...my 11 year old can't wait!

https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Discover-MSC/Family-Cruises.aspx

Thank you for the info. While the shows won't make or break our cruise, I'm weighing my options to either stay with Seaside or switch to NCL Epic. Evening entertainment for an 11 year old is only one factor. I want to know what the ship has to offer an 11 year old in the evenings. (really, how many times can you go bowling??)

I've heard the family/cabin pass will be available per cabin and plan on purchasing one for our family of 4. We're on Seaside next month so will share what we find out onboard.

Thank you, Bea :-)

I agree with most of what has been said on here...don't let the shows make or break a cruise for you and at least give them a chance. If I were to take my family to a Broadway show, we'd spend well over $1,000 and not have visited a single island, or had a single frosty drink on deck of a beautiful ship, or eaten 4 meals in a day! Lol. The shows are a definite bonus and I'll be happy to see at least a couple on our Seaside cruise.

Very well said, P! For regular MSC cruisers, it can become a bit of a pain to see the same shows highlighting in the theatres time after time. Both Seaside and Meraviglia have given MSC and their passengers a chance to have something different to the usual fare.

 

Those who want to see the same shows, sail on Divina if they matter so much. I find it hard to believe that the shows onboard would make or break someone's enjoyment of a cruise. If that were the case, they should have ruined my time onboard on many occasions due to the same shows being constantly on.

We were on the same cruise as Dexx and LOVED MSC's YC! There's a definite Mediterranean flair in everything they do. We thought the service and meals were top-notch in the YC dining room. There's a lot of dedicated space for YC on the Divina - it never feels crowded anywhere - and there will be even more space and a better layout on their newest ship, Seaside. We're sailing on Seaside next month and know that YC will once again spoil us. Definitely look up some of the YC reviews on here and you'll get a lot of information. I highly recommend it!

Pretty much in awe of the design of the Seaside. Platinum level on Carnival so its cool I can carry over my status.

 

Have read some reviews about MSC..... I know they are trying hard and are trying to adapt to American cruising way of life. Hyundai and Kia have been successful lol so why not MSC??

 

I realize it will be a mix of of passengers and likely many more foreign passengers, And the food may have more of a European flair. We did cruise on Costa several times about 15-20 years ago and we enjoyed the experience....so I assume it would be similar except for the newer and improved ship amenities and layouts.

 

We are not hard to please.... Have also cruised RCL, Princess and NCL .....but mostly Carnival.

 

Your recent thoughts on the MSC experience stateside?? Thanks

I believe it's just the opposite...old bookings had payment due 60 days prior - that's when we paid our August cruise, in June. New bookings are due 90 days before sailing - that's how we got a December booking and had to pay in full in September, 90 days from sailing and within 48 hours of booking. They changed payment terms in the US this past summer.

Actually, they changed it a few months ago and it's now 60 days for new reservations. But if you booked before the change, it's still 90 days. Check your confirmation or ask your TA.

 

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I think it sounds like a great variety of shows for all ages and preferences. I'm sure my 11 and 15 year olds will enjoy several of them - Peter Punk, Wizard, Timeless, Latin Planet, and Deja Vu. What better way to expose them to different genres of theater than in 45 minute shows performed by great singers and dancers? I've seen the same shows on the Divina twice...as recently as August. I would be more than disappointed if they recycled the same shows for Seaside. I am really looking forward to the entertainment!

Yes, they're about the size of a regular balcony suite, but a bit nicer features and amenities. It's the extra space in YC that is the bonus - private pool, hot tubs, dining room, lounge...all wonderful!

But check back when the full payment is due for the cruise you want. Some suites will open up. That's how we booked for the inaugural sailing out of Miami for Seaside. Three months before sailing.

Probably not on longer cruises. But it also wasn't available on our 7 night Divina cruise in August as of about early June. The price doubled about 2 months out.

I just called about this package for our sailing in February on Divina. The agent couldn't find it at all. Is this only available for shorter cruises? Ours is a 12 day.

Do you happen to know if the package for 3 meals can be used at lunch? Will they offer a similar menu at lunch that they do at dinner? We're booked in YC and last time on the Divina I didn't want to eat anywhere other than the YC dining room for dinner. But I think we'll want to try at least one or two of the restaurants on Seaside so we're debating getting the 3 meal package...

Thank you.

Just got off the phone with MSC. The dining package is for three dinners one in each restaurant for a total of $69 per person. When I booked agent advised I had to pick dates for the dinners times for dinners will be made when you board via MSC app or calling to restaurant booking number or on your TV if you do not download their app. It is a three course dinner in each of the restaurants drinks are not included unless you have the beverage package which makes sense. You may need to check on which beverage package you have because as I read the description for classic which is what I received when I booked it states not accepted in specialty restaurant. I upgraded to premium package for $56 per person for the entire cruise which is good anywhere and is for premium brands, special cocktails, and different hopefully better wine selection. Sign into MSC and read over enhance your cruise you need to log in to get to that point. Thanks for making me aware of the deal a great buy for $69 as the steakhouse is $75 by itself. Any questions

Lol, the soup was tasty enough but not the real rich dark broth with a covering of cheese that you practically need a knife to get through. ;) It was more a small piece of bread with a little cheese on top. Even in Paris it was served the "American" way.

The dressing on the ceaser was a little bland for me but I only had it once. It could have been me or an off night. Nothing wrong with it, just plain to me. I haven't heard other complaints about it. There was always something else I wanted to try so never ordered it again. I could easily have spent two weeks onboard trying all the different food. We loved it!

Uh-oh. Caeser salad is a virtual staple in my diet because I have such a craving for it. What was wrong with it on the Divina, Proseccoandsun? And can anyone enlighten me as to why everyone says the French onion soup isn't like anything we Americans are used to?

I was on in August and don't recall either lamb or veal ever on the menu. Chicken, beef, duck, all types of seafood...I just looked back at 4-5 menus from our week, and didn't see it. But just about everything we had was delicious! (We didn't love their ceaser salad, French Onion soup, or timbale of polenta- that's it)

Leaving on Divina very soon --yacht club

curious if Rack of lamb and Veal chop are on the menu in Yacht Club, or do I need to ask for it or go to specialty rest. for it..?

Thank you - very good to know! I considered a SF cabin for next summer when we found out we didn't get a 2 bedroom suite on Seaside. But I thought it would be a better set up than what you described above. Thanks for sharing.

Depends what country the booking was made in. Some are non-refundable.

Deposits are refundable.

Definitely pre-purchase if you can. Prices onboard are much more than online - we paid about $120 for 4 photos onboard. We pre-purchased a package on Seaside for 100 photos for $98

Dress really varied in YC when we were onboard in August, but all that you mentioned will be just fine. We preferred to dress up a little more each evening, but that was because we wanted to not because we had to. I definitely wore my highest most sparkly heels to blend with the Swarovski staircases! :-) Some men did wear dressier shorts in the evenings with polo shirts - so it all really goes. Most wear pants and a collar shirt on casual nights. Country club casual is exactly right.

We thought the food in Le Muse was wonderful! I disagree with the above about the beef - it was top-notch quality. We live near some excellent steakhouses in the NY/NJ area and those served in Le Muse were better than any I've ever had. And the Italian food...risottos were excellent and creamy, pasta was authentic and delicious! Their desserts were also excellent. We never ate in a speciality restaurant during our week onboard, but did have the Eataly pizza at La Cantina di Bacco as a late night snack with friends. It's delicious!

Enjoy!!

We've brought drinks in as well, but I agree with what you said...hopefully people will continue to be responsible by carrying empty glasses out so it doesn't become a problem for everyone.

I did once see someone refused entry but I've brought drinks into the theatre without any problem, including as recent as earlier this month.

 

I imagine MSC is not keen on people bringing drinks in due to there not being bar service or tables to put drinks on; some people may leave empty glasses behind on the floor beside the seats which creates a hazard as there isn't any staff in the theatre to collect empty glasses. Just a thought!

I agree their website seems to have its share of glitches and is inconveniently down mostly on the weekends. But we've had nothing but excellent service onboard, top-notch cuisine - particularly in YC but also very good in MDR and buffet, and good customer service on the phone.

You know what they say about "You get what you pay for."

No, you weren't offensive but thank you for clarifying. I just had such a different experience on Divina I wanted you (and others) to know its not as bad as some have heard. I've also spent a lot of time in Europe, especially Italy where my family is from, and I love that part of MSC. Glad you have an open mind. Looking forward to hearing your impressions. Enjoy!

quote=Rec33;54405702]I wasn't trying to be offensive by that, but in the review, there were several times that it seemed that the crew thought they knew better than the passengers. Maybe poor word choice, but I live in Argentina (which is heavily influenced by Italy) and it depends on the person here.

I am actually really excited about this ship for basically everything else you mentioned. I've traveled to (Mediterranean) Europe and a large chunk of the Americas as well as working with companies(co-workers) from just about everywhere so I love the international feel, but the national stereotypes can sometimes be surprisingly accurate. For instance, the difference in American tipping culture and European style service is something I'm very much looking forward to although I know it can be hit or miss (depending on your expectations).

I heard everything is on track and should be completed with a few weeks to spare.

I just had to say I could not disagree more about the "snob" comment. The staff and crew could not have been nicer or more helpful in any way. Everyone we encountered (save 1 person at a bar) couldn't have done more for us and we ask for very little. But they WANTED to help and they were all incredibly friendly if you took a moment to say hello and ask a question. They are not as forward as most Americans are, they come from different cultures. But a hello and a smile go a long way.

We've been on the Divina twice and we'll be on Seaside in December. We LOVE the food. All of it! Lol. It really is a highlight of these gorgeous elegant ships. We are most meals in the dining rooms, but during the week we always made it a point to stop at the buffet for our favorites...the pastas and different sauces are delicious! Their pizza can't be beat. Their fries are great, love their salads, great variety of different foods such as curry, jerk, different Mexican foods, etc...But it's all a matter of taste and preference. I think you have to try it yourself, I hope you enjoy the Divina and congrats on your upcoming wedding and honeymoon! Happy Cruising! M

Thanks so much for this post! I thought it was very fair and you were very clear on your perspective. I think some of the customer service issues you had (read:slow) is definitely a European thing that Americans aren't used to. Otherwise, it sounded like MSC or their workers should step-up their game and lose the "snob" factor.

 

Since I'm cruising with them for my honeymoon next year this sounds like it might be ideal for us, but per your advice, I'll be picky about the buffet...

And here I thought it was the two of you misbehaving, lol ;)

You know where to find us!

Always glad to share a drink 🥃 with a friend! Maybe we’ll invite Tina & John if they promise to behave! [emoji23]

 

 

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You guys don't stop, do you? Lol

It's going to be a fun week!

That Drone footage was from April! What have you done for us lately! :eek::evilsmile:

We were on the Divina in August. I saw the $98 package in May/early June, but when I was about to purchase it, it went up to $198. But it was available early on. We ended up buying 4 individual photos for about $120. We traveled as a couple and figured we wouldn't want a ton of photos, but knew it was a good deal.

We're sailing on Seaside in December so I bought the $98 package right away. Since it's a Christmas cruise and my kids will be with us, I have no doubt we'll get our money's worth.

I'd definitely recommend pre-purchasing photos no matter the package. Prices on board are high.

Well that's interesting that you got a package on Seaside for 2018 at the $98 and Divina shows $199. We do like to have the photos taken on the ship, I just can't understand the reason for such different levels of pricing in the same market. Oh well, should have booked it sooner, I guess now I will end up paying more. Though the size of 12x14 photos is making me think twice.

 

 

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