goldfish65

They never enforce rules, and if your daughter is quiet, and the solarium isn't so full that she'd be preventing anyone from having a spot, then what is the harm in her being there?

They will refund your cruise fare?

Deck 12 port aft, there is a little alcove with a few wooden deck chairs, shady and you can sit facing the ocean. Promenade deck 5 is also a quiet place to relax and read.

Recent cruise on Grandeur: 4/10. My first two cruises 2022 old menu: 8/10. I went in with an open mind, but in reality the food quality and variety was mostly mediocre. I can get lasagne in the employee cafeteria where I work...on a cruise I want something better. The MDR food and experience is an important part of the cruise for me. The service staff I had was quite attentive, but I found myself becoming less and less excited about going to the dining room. Escargot, shrimp cocktail, and fish were all good on Welcome Aboard menu, but meals went downhill after that. Bread was good. Breakfast in Chops was good overall except for cold pancakes. The Kummelveck Sandwiches in the Park Cafe were wonderful. Like magic, a chef appeared and took over for the young lady who was inexperienced in slicing the roast beef. Surf and Turf was disappointing. Something you pay extra for, should be good. Has anyone received a steak with a proper sear on it? (Even in Chops you could barely see the grill marks.) Another negative aspect is the menus being the same sequence on similar cruises. Upcoming cruise on Freedom, identical day-to-day to what I just had last week. Doing a Canal cruise on Carnival in March. Will be interesting to compare. Too bad they don't use tablecloths in their MDR. May try Celebrity after that.

A few photos

Four nights Tampa-Cozumel, fellow passengers were as one might expect. Every demographic was represented which was refreshing. It was a full sailing. I was on this ship back in January, this time I had a grand suite, which was extremely clean (I like to disinfect the cabin myself.) The stateroom attendant Crisanto had the demeanor where you instantly feel comfortable. I asked him to clean the windows, and I found out that it is impossible to keep windows on a ship clean, they get dirty again overnight. The a/c was cold, the way I like it. How did Cris know I like big chunks of ice in the ice bucket? A few reflections - I can see how some people would be put off by the age of the ship, the '90's decor, the rough chipped paint, the slight bilge-y smell, signs of wear on furniture, etc. I am just glad to have the experience you just can't get on the large ships. Especially looking out from the teak promenade. The ocean and sky are so beautiful and relaxing. The MDR food was just okay with the "new" menu, which was disappointing because the old menu I found to be good. Service was good, not too slow. I'm not crazy about the head waiter's overlong visits to the table. It struck me as comical how intent the staff was on making sure I set my clock ahead one hour...I'm on vacation, what does it matter, and besides, our phones do it automatically and I don't even know how to change the time. I told the assistant waiter "I'm giving you all 10's so no one needs to tell me about the survey." Lunch in Izumi was great. I stayed away from the 'jammer except to grab a cookie or smoothie, it was just too chaotic. The suite concierge was very helpful and the small lounge had good coffee and snacks, and heavy liquor pours. I really like the calm, expedited boarding and departure with the concierge escort. Tango Buenos Aires was really good, with a 7 piece band that sounded excellent. The violin and guitar were a couple called Entourage Duo, from Ukraine, they are incredible. This brings us to the main downfall of the cruise, the loud, drunken, poorly behaved people. You could be enjoying something magical, musicians who have worked so hard to be so good...but instead being obnoxiously disruptive ten feet away. Saying "we're sorry" but not making any effort to be quieter and show respect. Finally I got up and stood right next to them and just looked at them, and they quieted down. Otherwise, I just stayed away from the crowds. The egg-drop challenge was really exciting and fun to watch. And, I won the Disco Trivia game. Cozumel was hot.

I know I have read that the cabin steward will run tape around the door. I would be inclined to bring a roll of foam tape that’s made for that purpose and do it myself.

No one wants to read books when they are sloppy drunk or hungover. 🤪

It's the USA culture racing to the bottom. Being loud, trashy, and crass is seen as a virtue. Oblivious of how one's behavior affects others. Across all income brackets.

Not too bad, NYC this time of year and not paying for a hotel room!

I heard a rumor that it will have a higher-grade sand.

So envious that you are on Jewel and on that itinerary. The crew is so nice too. If you happen to notice the name of the artist of the paintings at the entrance to WJ, I would love to know.

Funny I cannot ever remember why I put a bid in on an OS when I am perfectly happy with the GS I have. Must be a psychological thing, the chance to "win" (pay more for!) a bit more floorspace and a bidet, while the balconies are the same size and the bed is farther away. So when I "lose" it will be a win. 🤣

Easy to jump to criticize when we don't know the details of how serious situations like this one are handled. Maybe some passengers wanted the chance to say prayers for the airlifted person's well-being.

Many of us live near beaches, and by a certain age have seen various Caribbean ports. And given the brief time in port, how much do you see anyway? Meanwhile the ship has lots to see, you are a few steps away from food and drink, it is air conditioned, and uncrowded.

Depends a lot on your attitude. For me it was bucket-list dream to know how it felt to people before air travel was an option. So I had a goal of sorts. Brought an assortment of books (only read one) and games (never played.) Enjoyed "overpacking" and having clothes for whatever mood or activity. There was a fantastic string duo playing sets at different venues and times. It's a very unusual luxury to never be in a hurry about anything for days, to lose track of what day it is. And ditch your phone. To find a spot where the only thing you can see and hear is the ocean. Look at the stars.

I know people are skeptical of reviews, but with YouTube videos you can see with your own eyes the chaos and long lines.

just a thought....there was public space that was converted to cabins at some point, maybe those are the ones that seem to be updated cabins. Our suite last November was decidedly un-updated, but nothing we found objectionable.

how will things be different in 2025?

I'd give up cruising before taking the chance on any MSC ship.

Still relevant and maybe it will help someone else.

You probably saved our cruise, thank you. I assumed this was a great cabin because I don't want sun. But the dark tinted balcony glass and the hum of the jacuzzi motor are deal breakers. Fortunately they were able to move our reservation to GS 1252, right next to forward elevators but I'll take it!

I believe you can get ice cream in the MDR at no extra charge.

Did the a/c work well enough that you weren't uncomfortable? Thank you.

We knew the sound from far away, “THE FOG MAN’S COMING!” Jumped on our bikes and rode happily in the dense fog. It was a sad day when they changed to an invisible spray. Somehow never got hookworm though mothers said we would, running around barefoot all the time.