NayRN

7 hours ago, penlanspice said:

Going by numerous posts online, ncl have lost many loyal customers, this will be detrimental to them in the long run. We certainly won't be cruising with them again.

Just so you know - the run-around I’m getting from MSC is a whole lot worse! My TA canceled my 9/2020 cruise way before final payment was even due. At the 70 day mark, he called to see where I was in the process...he was told that he completed the refund request incorrectly and had to re-request/resubmit. I trust him implicitly and I know he did the refund correctly, especially after reading on the MSC boards that more people than not are being told the same story. Not every TA completed the refund requests incorrectly - and even if they did, why didn’t MSC notify them of the error?? Because they are making up an excuse to buy them time!

I’ve booked a 9/2021 cruise on NCL and will never book with MSC again! 

55 minutes ago, dexddd said:

How can you do it wrong?  I filled out the simple form 96 days ago and still waiting.  Others reported they filled out form, got confirmation, called, then told wrong or not received.  

 

I know you are a loyal NCL cruiser like us who took leap of faith to unknown line in YC on MSC.  We've enjoyed our three past trips but this refund behavior is plain wrong.

This put a pretty sour taste in my mouth regarding MSC. I had heard great things about the YC on MSC and was looking forward to it! My TA is calling back on Monday - and I rebooked with NCL on the Joy! I guess I’ll stick with what I know best for the immediate future.

My TA called to inquire about my refund that was requested 71 days ago (prior to final payment being due on my 8/29/20 sailing). They told him that he “did it wrong and would have to wait another 60 days”! I trust my TA immensely and he’s not new to this rodeo! 

If nothing else, this did teach me to never pay in full BEFORE final payment is due! I’d only be out a deposit instead of abut $4K! 

18 hours ago, APDMOM said:

What date was embarkation supposed to be in April?  That may help to know if it has been 60 days. 

 

I certainly hope that sailing date has nothing to do with refund times! I canceled my 8/29/2020 cruise on 4/15/202 - prior to final payment being due. I will be super-angry if they plan on holding my $4K+ until 90 days after my original cruise date!

It’s now over 60 calendar days since I cancelled my 8/29/2020 cruise PRIOR to my final payment date....although I had already made my final payment. I hope and pray that my money comes in soon - I don’t want to fight with my CC company.

After finding suites on my third cruise....I always sail in a Haven suite or a regular suite if the ship doesn’t have a Haven. My favorite Haven suite is the Aft PH...and I don’t mind the walk. While I do spend a good amount of time in the Haven proper, I find I enjoy the solitude of the huge aft balcony more. I still get everything that those who sail in a suite connected to the courtyard, but I also get a better view, a larger balcony and a start on burning those Haven Restaurant calories by walking a little further for the Haven dining room! 

I travel with my sister and we do this all the time! We just tell them we would like mine ala carte and hers using SDP. No need to run to Guest Services....

11 hours ago, coin ops said:

Meanwhile, I was able to rebook our January 2022 cruise from Panama to NYC on the Jewel for the same price we had, but now with $600 OBC. 

Not all fares went up to offset the OBC offer.

I was also able to re-book my 9/2021 cruise to Bermuda for the same price plus the $600 OBC. All I lost was a specialty dinner - and I think the OBC does a good job at covering that!! 

9 hours ago, GreenValleyDogWalker said:

Thank you ! (What a HUGE project - updating that worksheet !!) 

 

I just checked - FYI for this cruise - the aft-facing suite on Deck 9 was a total of $200 more than the aft-facing suite on Deck 14

 

 

 

And it's worth the $200!! It's an amazing deck!!!!

I just paid $250 more for an aft Haven on the Joy! It's not as big as the Getaway (or so it looks from pictures) - but it's larger than the others on the same ship!

16 minutes ago, ggTexasGal said:

You might like the information available within link below (courtesy of bear3412  ...done May 2013)

Note: scroll down on that page for more information than just the spreadsheet!!!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10YW7fMQarer30UCHKqKJ_zLDmbyMTczCTtYf2XRflh8/pub?single=true&gid=0&output=html

I used this link frequently when I was first sailing on the Getaway. I wish someone would create another one for the newer ships! It’s a fantastic spreadsheet!

Deck 9! I’ve sailed in both the deck 9 Aft suites...largest balconies on the ship! Also - down the stairs to deck 8 is the Prime Meridian bar - so you don’t need to go all the way to the Haven bar for a late night cocktail on the balcony! 

1 minute ago, njhorseman said:

It's far too early to know what prices are going to be, but one idea would be to stay downtown in the Wall St. area, particularly if you might be interested in  the 9/11 Museum and Memorial or the Statue of Liberty. The area has become much more attractive for visitors in the last decade or so . 

Thanks! I know it's too early to even think about booking...but it's never to early to start planning.

I was looking at a couple hotels - the W, The New York Marriott and the Courtyard - all downtown and close to the 9/11 Memorial. As I am not familiar with the area, I didn't know if there was a better location to stay  vs being closer to the Financial District like the Hilton Garden Inn Financial Center or the Doubletree Downtown.....

I'll be sailing on 9/1/2021 from Manhattan and have stayed many times in the Times Square area. I want to spread my wings and see a little bit more. I'll be coming in on a Monday and sailing on Wednesday. For those of you who know Manhattan, what other areas are nice to stay in....walk-able but not too touristy but with enough to do so we won't be bored? Hoping to stay under $300/night...two 50+ adult sisters and NO kids.

5 minutes ago, hallux said:

The only words for @NayRN - real heroes wear scrubs.

 

One of my friends is an RN and is seriously considering traveling to NYC (only 3 hours from us) to help.  They are offering BIG BUCKS for nurses to come in from other areas.  I want very much to offer to be part of her support system on the phone but I just can't imagine what she's going to be going through down there and have no idea how I'd be able to help her.  I just hope she stays safe and comes home.

I will pray for her safety!  We lost an RN last night who only started showing symptoms three days ago..😢
 

The best thing you can do for your friend is to reach out via phone and offer a compassionate ear. We sometimes need to have what we refer to as “verbal diarrhea” to get everything off our chest - helps to lessen the stress and increase the ability to sleep.

I personally want to thank her for her support! I would be willing to travel except it’s not too great in the metro Detroit area and we’re crying out for more staff. 

10 minutes ago, NLH Arizona said:

Thank you for being a hero.

10 minutes ago, NLH Arizona said:

Thank you for being a hero.

Thank you....(cue more tears).

3 minutes ago, Lorey2007 said:

This puts everything in perspective.  I have 2 daughters one is a RN and one a health care professional at a nursing rehab facility.  They both are at home with covid-19.  I thank you for what you do.🙏 

Thank you for you kind words and please let both your daughters know I will add them to my prayers.

Totally off topic...

I helplessly watched patients die today....nothing we did could save them. I’ve never cried harder or more than I have in the last 17 days. 
I pray you all get your money back.

8 hours ago, phissy said:

I also noticed that the status match program changed . We are NCL Platinum Plus with 365  points. Not sure if MSC looks at point total.

Also, many who attained Black, over many years of cruising MSC ,were upset with the status match levels given out in 2018. Understandable. We are very happy with our experiences on MSC and looking forward to our next cruise in June to Iceland.

I'm just happy that MSC matched anything at all! My first sailing with MSC will be in August...and it just may not be my last! 

On 2/18/2020 at 8:10 AM, emmas gran said:

Sorry to make this point but friends only got Gold Member when joining Voyager Club even with Elite Plus on Celebrity. Diamond is not guaranteed 

I just matched NCL Platinum Plus with MSC....only Gold for me! I was told that they no longer match to Black/Diamond....I need to earn that last step.

2 hours ago, ger_77 said:

Sparky's Roadside Barbecue on 1st Street downtown Miami - a quirky looking little restaurant with amazing barbecue!  Hubby loves their ribs, while I'm practically salivating thinking of their brisket sandwich.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

I was just going to say that! I always hit Sparkey’s when I’m in Miami!

I posted on my sailings roll call over a month ago....and still not one reply!

I’m sailing solo had hoped that this would be way to get to know some of the others on this sailing. Ummmmmm, not so much. I’ve also checked out the “site that cannot be name on CC” and there was nothing started.....and I don’t know if it’s worth it to start one if nobody is even having any conversations on here. This will be my first MSC cruise and honestly, I’m not feeling the love.

Edit: just found a new group on another site! Maybe I can get them to come over here!

5 hours ago, nt199206 said:

Thank you Nay! Yea I have seen some crazy back and forth reviews.. I just love the idea of cruising in general and make the best of it. I think the biggest leap of faith was from Princess to NCL and I will be honest, NCL blew Princess away in the entertainment and food department... as well as staterooms. In August are you doing the Puerto Rico/St Thomas/Nassau/Ocean Cay voyage also? I will do a follow up post when we get back to let you know how it is!

I’ll  be sailing on  a Western Cruise w/ Ocho Rios, Grand Carmen, Cozumel and the private island. BTW, I’m booked on the Discovery Princess TA 11/2021! Sailing so long with NCL, I’m giving them all a shot now!

6 hours ago, nt199206 said:

Hello all!  Just booked the MSC Seaside (Carib) for July 2020.  I have seen so many mixed reviews regarding both MSC and the Seaside herself.  Who has sailed MSC before? This will be my first MSC voyage.  Previously I have sailed Princess and Norwegian.   How likely would you guys sail MSC again? 

Like you, I’ve booked my first MSC cruise (August, 2020). I am platinum plus with NCL and was honestly intrigued by the loyalty match as well as what I’ve read about MSC. I took the advice of a great TA that I met on one of my cruises and he convinced me to take the leap of faith. So, probably like you, I’ve been reading and reading and reading reviews and yes, some of them make me cringe. BUT I’ve also been reading posts from CC members like Two Wheels Only and sidari which honestly has helped me put my “fears” aside. 
 

I am really looking forward to my first venture away from NCL....my only worry is this is my second solo cruise and on a new cruise line. 😳 I knew a lot of frequent cruisers on NCL which made my first solo cruise last year easier. BUT, no matter what, I will have a fabulous time on the Seaside....unless they run out of pizza and gelato! 😉

My September sailing also shows 9:00 - 23:55.

On 12/21/2019 at 1:18 PM, qwerty11 said:

All,

 

I have attached some info you may find useful.

Note, we were unable to dock at Ocean Cay due to high winds. They revised and reissued a new daily planner for that day. Both are attached. 

 

Msc seaside daily planner - Dec 14 2019 - 9-24 PM.pdf 31.64 MB · 22 downloads

MSC Bar Menu - Dec 17 2019 - 9-56 PM.pdf 6.29 MB · 21 downloads

Thanks for these!