MsTabbyKats

I believe that there was a sangria special on the Meraviglia 2 weeks ago in the buffet. It wasn't included with the beverage package.

Yes. When MSC first came to the USA...we sailed on the Divina (general pop) and the vast majority of passengers were European or South American. They had style...all day long. Not fancy...just knew how to dress and how to take care of their bodies.

I like that saying "below the salt" (never heard it before). Based on our "non-use" of many YC perks....our next MSC cruise may be "below the salt" too. Enjoy your cruise.......

Just want to comment on this: We were on this ship Jan 2024. DH uses a cane, so in the buffet I become his butler (he sits; I get the food). More than once, while I was gone, a buffet staff member brought him stuff...coffee, soup etc.

@amurray88Look at the title of your thread. You asked what could go wrong. We've told you.

You're asking people on a forum to condone your decision to break a rule, which could effect 4000 other people. If you don't want to hear the answers, then don't ask the question.

Our initial decision to try YC was the price...cost of NCL balcony (no drinks/no wifi) was just a few dollars less than the YC interior (DH was recovering from surgery and really needed the butler/pampering)....so it was a no brainer. The YC (at least in the Meraviglia) has a dedicated elevator; you can go from cabin to YC pool deck in about a minute....no need for a balcony. Prepared to be spoiled!

Our first YC sailing was an interior on the Meraviglia. Loved, loved, loved it. We just did the Deluxe Balcony and although the cabin was larger with more storage and a great bathroom/shower, if we do YC again, it will be with the interior. Once your in the YC, nobody cares what you paid....service was wonderful! Enjoy........

It would be my choice if DH didn't have a cane and walk like a snail. If the skies are clear, I wouldn't mind waiting at the pier. In bad weather, either way it's uncomfortable and in snow/ice...I can't imagine how the cars would get in there. This is actually a deciding factor of whether or not to sail MSC again.

My opinion is "extremely pro". We sailed Jan 2024. I had the bar set really low....based on the great deal and great cabin I had. What could I expect for "almost nothing"? As it turned out....it was a perfect cruise. Entertainment was good, brunch was very good.... Service was better than expected in the buffet (DH uses a cane so I generally am his butler....while I was running around for him, the staff was bringing him food). The food in general was ok...nothing to write home about, but nobody starved. Edited to add about the theatre: As someone else said, get there early. There was barely an inclination so if you're short, and not in the first row, you won't see much.

But you can put your carry on in your lap if in a wheel chair. DH does this all the time. However, the wheelchairs (in NYC anyway) are inside and upstairs in the terminal. You'd have to get to that point yourself, without assistance. I'd also suggest a backpack...so you'll be hands free if you decide to go.

@mscdivina2016Did they offer you a refund/cancellation? If so, why didn't you accept it?

Several years ago we didn't go on a cruise (bad weather). No insurance so we lost the fare and we didn't get the points either. The logic was that if you aren't spending $$$ on the ship, so they aren't getting additional revenue. Makes no sense to me....since they're getting the fare.

Yes....but OP is asking about the main buffet, not YC.

Born and raised...and will die....NYC. For the record, my TA is unable to give much of a discount with Carnival. But, then again, the price of a Carnival balcony is about 25% the cost of MSC YC.

@dbrown84My husband confirmed, no made to order omelet station on Mera last week. We were in YC, and I had my omelet up there at 7:30 am. He sleeps much later than me so his breakfast was in the main buffet (open "almost always") about 11 am...and he had the pre-made ones. Another point of interest pertaining to buffets; I don't know if you care...but MSC's does not have those cabinets full of desserts/pastries or 8 kinds of ice cream with toppings! MSC is very frugal with ice cream.

@ready2cruzagainI hope this was an "Epic Specific" buffet issue and not a fleet wide cutback.

Our butlet was Onil, and he was great. His asst was Vinz...also great! Our cabin number was 16022. We really didn't spend that much time in the YC...I never learned any of the other names. But everyone was helpful and friendly.

The NCL buffets (all 3 meals) have unlimited options.....never had a bad meal there. On MSC the buffets are "ok" but with limited choices...there were a few really "not good" things I tried. However, nobody beats MSC when it comes to pizza. There was a large bowl of sphagetti by the pizza; I didn't try it so I won't comment. IMHO...if you're cruising for the buffet, NCL is the way to go.

Hmmm...I sure there was an omelet station (last week) but I didn't have one, so maybe it was just a vat of pre-made ones.

Meraviglia had made to order omelets (I don't think every day....I could be wrong). Nothing else that I noticed was made to order. It in no way compares to the NCL buffet.

I don't either (I didn't think any wheelchairs could go on any tenders. How does a wheelchair manuveur that little ramp or couple of steps???)....but let's just say her port fee refund is classified under "good will"

I'd love to give him the business but cruise critic would ban me for life. I think it was closer to 15%...looking at my records, between the MSC 5% + 5%....it was about 25% off the original price. Did you ever try the site where agents compete for your business? I believe that's where I found him (he's on vacation this week).

LOL....our subways (NYC) are filled with roving musicians...that sound a lot better. Seriously, I'd expect a more subdued atmosphere in Butcher's Cut...let's say a violinist would have been nice.

Umm...I didn't witness this myself...but "on the social media" site, it was reported that there was chair hogging in YC on Mera last week. I'm not sure if the person meant "no loungers available" or just people left stuff on "prime loungers" for hours without being there. Maybe this is what happens when people from "gen pop" upgrade to YC!