smoothcruiser

The requirement to have the PCR test before departure seems to have disappeared unless I am missing the obvious!

New dates are on the website now. Theyare sailing from Liverpool, Newcastle, Southampton and Tilbury, but have changed the dates around.

We embarked QM2 at the Steinwarder cruise terminal a few days ago.

We had arrived early. Boarding commenced at 12 noon. They started to board the Priority line first.

We are Platinum members and joined the regular queue. At the front of the queue we were told that Platinum members are considered to be priority, and we were shuffled over to an immediate checkin. Then through security, and were on board by 12.15. The cabins were ready. 

They paid no attention to the boarding times that were printed on the cruise ticket.

Another vote here for Host Jazzbeaus original New York Cheesecake, which is the original type recipe.

The cheesecake served on msc, although very tasty and presented well, is not the true New York cheesecake.

My wife and I were  on Bellissima last week. We were also told by the concierge that any drinks up to the value of 10€, purchased outside of the YC were complimentary.

However, at the Champagne Bar we were able to consume a fair quantity of Laurent Perrier brut, priced at 13€ without any additional charge.

in addition, dining at Butchers Cut, we had a choice of wines all priced higher than 10€ and again including Laurent Perrier.

hope this helps.

My wife and I have just received our cruise tickets for our forthcoming cruise in YC on Bellissima next week.

We booked the voyage well over a year ago.

On Page 13 of the cruise ticket is the following paragraph:

SERVICE CHARGE

The per guest per night service charge is not included in the cruise fare and is to be paid on board at the end of the cruise or pre-paid at the time of booking. The service charge is Mandatory and will be added to the final shipboard invoice. It is free for children aged up to 2 years old at the time of the cruise departure date.

Reading the above thread, I was of the opinion that MSC had reversed their decision tom enforce the Mandatory charge. If this is the case, I fail to understand why this paragraph appears on my ticket, only just received.

confused.com

Guiseppe joined Preziosa in Genoa for the crossing in November and is there for 5 months.

Guiseppe is YC Maitre D on the Preziosa.

NOT SURE IF THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN POSTED, BUT WAS PUT ON ALL TABLES IN THE BARS LAST WEEK

Presently on Preziosa. Just nearing the end of the Atlantic crossing, which has been very comfortable with excellent sunny weather and a following wind.Barbados tomorrow. 

Reporting from the YC. No issues with the mini bar which is replenished twice daily. The on board currency is the euro, and all the menu prices are in euros and apparently that is the way it is going to stay while the vessel is in the caribean. It appears that YC guests visiting other bars can select any drink which has an individual price showing on the menus. There are no single or double asterisked items anymore.

Smoking is no longer permitted in the top sail lounge.

The service around the YC is up to scratch.

however, the really big bone of contention is the restaurant menus and food quality.

As we all tend to do on ships, is compare experiences, most people we have come into contact with have bad food experiences. The meat is very poor quality and even the maitre D (Pepe) is advising guests what to avoid. The lamb was inedible. What is also very strange is that when they have say lamb chops on the menu it comes with toast, and the steaks with a small salad garnish. So speaking on behalf of most brits, we have to request a type of potato and vegetable with every main course. From our own viewpoint after many YC cruises the food is a major disappointment. Even the YC director now tells guest to order off menu!

Hi. Beamafar

Very interesting comments from the Splendida YC. Particularly interested in your comments as we will be doing the reverse crossing from Shanghai to Dubai in November. Like you we have also been able to snag one of the precious square cabins. We are presently on Fantasia crossing from Barbados to Genoa. Our YC experience on this vessel has restored my faith in msc. The head butler is Danny, who never seems to sleep and is everywhere. His attention to detail is marvellous and he seems to have instilled his enthusiasm to all the other staff in YC. We have had no problem with being served champagne and interestingly, it has been served very freely in L'etoile restaurant. Funnily enough there is no sommelier in YC on this voyage. Also of interest, is that being black card members, we were issued with two vouchers for dinner of two in the speciality restaurant, when we arrived on board.

Enjoy the rest of your voyage.

Yes they do offer trips around Miami for departures after 4.45pm. From memory there was a choice of 3. One, sightseeing then Dolphin Mall 59$Two, sightseeing and Everglades $55, three, sightseeing.

The meeting time was 7am. After picking up luggage etc, the tourbus left at 8.45. Dropped us all off in a ridiculous place under the airport which meant a real hike to check in at around 1.45.

On Seaside it is possible for Black Card holders to experience any of the speciality restaurants. They each have Dinner experience menus with a good set of choices. On this vessel they confuse the issue slightly as they refer to them as 'Thematic', restaurants. In addition many of the foreign speaking staff members have great difficulty with that word and it comes out completely different leading to lots of confusion. Also included is the Bistrot which also has a dinner experience menu.

As a matter of interest the BIstrot was a desolate area, although very attractive, and we only ever saw a couple of tables in use - the main reason being it is situated in a walkway area similar to the M25 and of particular interest it is an area where the air conditioning works with vengeance. (The other area which was always very cold was the Theatre)

Initially they refused to accept any drinks packages in the Thematic restaurants, insisting that no drinks were included. This policy had changed by the second time we went in, and any drinks included on your package were served with your meal and available with no further hesitation.

The cabanas remained unused throughout the transatlantic crossing. They have a flimsy material roof which is not waterproof. The pool staff keep the sun-lounger cushions in the cabanas overnight. The weather for the final week was very hot and not windy and you could not sit out in the full sun during the afternoons. The whole YC top deck area was virtually empty between 2 to 4pm. The pool staff allowed the children of the Hotel Manager to play in a cabana most days. During the morning time, while the sun was somewhat lower, passengers hugged the glass panels at one side which provided a certain element of shade.

With direct overhead sun there is precious little shade.

During the first part of the crossing the lunchtime food offering, outside, was excellent including a turkey or roast beef carvery joint, a choice of freshly grilled to order seabass or steaks as well as freshly prepared pastas in addition to a choice of other buffet main courses. There were several chefs floating around and the area was very busy and well received. As the cruise progressed they stopped the carvery and the special grilled items and left the standard buffet choices of salads and main courses with the choice of a pasta, and left only one chef up there. The area became quite quiet as a result.

The Captain turned the ship around and headed back to port. A fast medical boat came out to the ship. The Captain turned the Seaside to allow for calm water for the medical boat and the patient was transferred.

We are now back on track for Antigua.

The msc Seaside, having just left port, is returning to Tenerife at this time. The Captain announced it was necessary due to a medical emergency

There are eight cabanas, all with a notice in stating the price. There doesn't seem to be any reserved either for the best suites or for spa purposes. Compared to the meraviglia there appears to be very little shade for when the sun is hot, although, in my opinion there was too much shade on the meraviglia. Certainly, though, there is good shade in the eating areas both port and starboard, (one side for smokers) with about eight tables well covered. At present it seems, that anybody can walk into the yo yacht club area, because 1) there is no signage and 2) the lock system does not work. When we approached Messina the other morning there was well in excess of 100 people in the area.

presently on maiden voyage on seaside from Trieste to Miami. Today in Majorca. In yacht club where the start up team is very similar to Meraviglia with Luigi and the same Head Butler. The suites are excellent, slightly smaller than meraviglia but better designed. Nice bathrooms and huge showers. YC restaurant has had very slow service but is now improving. Tables for two, although plentiful are very close and poorly spaced. Food has been good. Ship is nicely decorated for Christmas. staff are very friendly. Very few offers. YC outside grill has not opened yet, but the outside top deck is very generous in space with good outside eating spaces and good sized pool. Cabanas are expensive at 149$ a day at sea and 99$ in port. Very little shade. It has been too cold and windy up there up to now.

The cabanas are available on a first come first served basis. But, get your wallet out, they are 149$ per sea day and 99$ per port day.

Here's another observation.

MSC have spent a lot of money on this new ship. Wouldn't you have thought they would have avoided previous issues.

As I have previously mentioned all the sunbeds are located under that wretched glass panel roof, but when it comes to eating, there is no table

out of the sun to eat. So normally they still use those mobile msc tents for shade and cover. But today(seaday) because it was windy they were taken down. So if you wanted to eat outside you had to sit in full sun and hold on to your lettuce leaves!

And so, now because it's easier to go to the restaurant because of the proximity, it was overrun, because only a few hardy souls were holding on to their napkins outside!

And a couple more while I think about it.

Today is a sea day travelling from Malta to Barcelona. First time I have ever seen on msc yacht club, is every sun bed occupied and guests looking around hunting for somewhere to rest. I did a quick count of sunbeds, there are 90.

Also three cabanas on the starboard side, two reserved for the royal suite guests, and one normally being used for massages. I did notice today that a couple of 'special' guests were using the spa cabana.

Bar service on deck today very very patchy.

Another thing - no library.

A couple more thoughts -

Whilst having a shower last night, I happened to open the bathroom door to speak to the wife. Well, one of the smoke detectors is just outside the bathroom door, and as the door opened only a small amount of steam/condensation came out and set off the alarm. I thought, someone will come along soon. Time passed and I got dressed, so I thought I better ring reception just in case the sprinklers started. Couldn't get an answer from reception. Then a knock on the door from the room steward who asked about the issue and had anyone been to see us. After a good ten minutes, probably a bit longer, a fireman came along, whose first concern was had I been smoking. Satisfied himself it was steam and informed the bridge, and the alarm was turned off.

Another thing, no little tables to put your drinks on around the pool deck.

The safe in the room, in one of the wardrobes, is at thigh height. Would have been better positioned on the shelf above.

There is no laundry package a available. Previously there was a 20 or 30 piece option.

Finally,no dress code in the restaurant in the evenings. You may be sitting there in you best finery, and the people next to you are in shorts, tee shirts etc.

My wife and I are presently on board Meraviglia in a yacht club cabin. We have sailed several times previously on msc but always in yacht club. My notes be,ow are random jottings based mainly on comparisons with our previous voyages.

Embarked in Barcelona. Arrived at 1115 and on board by 1130. Perfect. Our suite is magnicent and is similar in size to the square cabins on the fantasia class vessels. The bathroom has a walk in shower and us far better. There are electronic buttons for do not disturb or make up my room. Butler service is a bit spotty, never any ice and very slow at refilling the mini fridge. The wife has remarked that the wardrobe space is tight with no walk in wardrobe.

Lifeboat drill in Barcelona, no lifejackets, just went to the theatre for instruction on how to don a life jacket. About 15 mins. Appeared to be around 500 people embarking. The main embarkation being Genoa.

The yc concierge desk is smaller and not so nice and no swarzoski

Staircase.

There is no afternoon tea served in the top sail lounge.

The top sail lounge appears to be more compact and the food area is not so nice.

Nicolas feuillte champagne is served in the yc lounge but doesn't appear on the menu.

Sun deck towels are now in your suite.

There appears to be yc priority lifts but calling them is hit and miss. However if you hit the button whilst inside the lift it does take you directly to where you want to go and overrides other people's requests.

There have been no public address announcements since we've been on board.

The ship always arrives well ahead of the scheduled times.

There is a YC director, a high ranking 3 ring officer in charge of all aspects of the yacht club. He is everywhere. He is totally responsible for the yacht club.

The yacht club is probably around 30% bigger but they really haven't got any extra staff and have to import waiters from time to time.

The YC restaurant is excellent, and is a.beautiful room with magnificent views. There are around 15 really nice front view tables, which are really spacious, the others are square and close to each other, and the difference is remarkable. The chairs are very comfy. The maitre'd is very accommodating.

There hasn't been any spa discounts.

The black card perks in the speciality restaurants offer a reduced menu choice.

We had prebooked the cirque de soliel dinner show, and on board told to reserve our choice of day and time on the screen. This caused a double charge. If you have prebooked the show then you must book your table with the concierge.

As far as the sun deck is concerned, the pool is nice and a lot bigger. The sunbeds are very comfortable with good comfy pads. Just not sure about the amount of glass covering the area. The glass panels are fixed and although offer a certain degree of shade, they do prevent real sun bathing.

All in all my wife and I prefer the fantasia class yc.

We boarded in Barcelona last week.

There is a YC tent just outside the main entrance where you are checked in by shoreside staff and you deposit your luggage. Then you are taken inside direct to a chained off reserved seating are for YC guests. Our tickets said boarding was at 1430 but we arrived at 11.15. We were asked if we would like a glass of prosecco, which we did, and then immediately escorted to the security desk at the top of the gangway, then passed over to a butler who then took us to the YC concierge. Our room was ready and we were in it by 1130. It appeared that the main embarkation didn't start until around noon.

My wife and I were also on this voyage, and travelled with close family friends. Our opinion is completely opposite to that of the poster.

We haven't cruised with Royal Caribean for several years, but friends invited us to travel with them on this voyage.

We arrived at the check in at around 11am and were on board by 11.15 - very simple, efficient and polite check in.

Rooms were ready at 1pm. Our cabin was clean and serviced very well by a very personable young man, who dealt with our simple requests without hesitation.

We were allocated second sitting traditional dining, and given a centrally positioned table for four. The service received by our two waiters was extremely professional, and we were never rushed or made to feel uncomfortable in any way. In fact, we were surprised with their professionalism and friendliness. Our wine waiter was equally efficient, wine always waiting for us and replenished regularly. We never had empty glasses. We would rate the service in the restaurant at the top of the list of the many cruises we have experienced. We have no complaints about the food. Always hot, and cooked to our specification. Every meal was checked for satisfaction by our waiters. Our travelling companions who, incidentally are Diamond plus, agreed that the service and food was outstanding but RC standards.

The food and service in the Windjammer was equally friendly and efficient. The staff clearing tables were plentiful and very helpful and friendly, always willing to fetch or refill drinks.

In fact. all the staff we encountered were very friendly.

Our companions received a 210 points block at the repeaters party. We considered the party was well organised, greeted by many officers, and the singing by the Captain an excellent experience.

The seas were very kind to us all week, and like the Captain said, it was like sailing on the Adriatic lake.

We found the young Czech man in the Diamond lounge to be very personable and knowledgeable.

We were invited to a Bridge tour. Again an excellent experience and we were surprised to see the Captain personally spend an hour explaining the Bridge operations to our group.

We attended two short shows in the centrum and again surprised and pleased to see the Captain taking part and leading his team. His singing gained rapturous applause.

We didn't stay for too long at the Beatles show, and didn't attend any other shows.

As I said the weather was superb and no problems with sun beds.

We would rate this cruise as extremely good value for money and with a ships Master who really cared about his passengers to the extent that he personally said goodbye to 2000 odd guests as they departed the ship!