MsTabbyKats

We were in YC last April. At that time, we had 2 other cruises booked....one NCL and one Carnival. We were with the masses (nice cabins...but with the masses) on both and although we enjoyed both...neither compared to YC. Going forward....it's probably be strictly YC. Definitley strictly YC on MSC Not interested in Haven...YC offers so much more for so much less.

My whole life involves "non-Americans" (seriously...I'm the only "native" in my crowd)....but some groups come from countries where they don't know how to line up, or cutting in line is acceptable. As a New Yorker, I'm well versed in "the art of assertive walking"....but large groups shoving to get something from the buffet. No thanks....... It's not whether the people are American or Italian or Mexican...it's that they have manners. I've actually often said sailing on MSC is like going to Italy...but you don't have to fly there. I spent most of my life "booking Bella" and booking guarantees...inside guarantees actually. We saved alot...and now it's all about comfort and convenience!

When you get to be my age...and DH uses a cane...you'll gladly shell out the extra cash. We only tried YC because I needed a rest from being his butler! We were in with the masses on Carnival and NCL after our YC experience...and both were good cruises. But YC...was not "good"...it was "uber great"!

@Swin-2-winSorry...wanted to add we sailed on the Mera Oct 2019 with "the masses". Although I loved the cruise (big pizza eater here) the crowd seemed to be a lot of "foreign groups" with different cultural norms. I'm not xenophobic....and I'm a NYCer....so I'm used to "non Americans pushing" etc...but I can understand why a lot of people get turned off.

@Swin-2-winJust to let you know...the YC is a completely different experience, and well worth the price. Our first YC was the interior...it was an NCL balcony vs YC interior...for about the same price. Booking YC was a no brainer; I wouldn't go on MSC outside the YC. We were offered a free cruise...with the masses....and I passed on it.

Which day in Jan...we're on the Jan 12 sailing? April and Jan...on Mera...and maybe a Canadian cruise inbetween. If so...probably Carnival Venezia. We were on her last month...and were very pleasantly surprised.

@JamieLogicalMay I point out that May is not "good Bermuda weather". It's not beach weather. In addition....the ocean can be very rough. Worst cruise of my life was NCL Dawn to Bermuda in May (about 15 years ago, that is). The ship's movement was so bad I vowed I'd never go on a on a cruise again. If I had to choose Canada vs Bermuda in May....Canada would win. And or course...NCL vs MSC...no contest...it would be MSC for me!

I'm speechless..........I'm thinking what Lenny Bruce would have said....but I'll opt to remain speechless.

I agree about 16. If you check availability, 16 is always the first to go.

Tomato and lettuce with pastrami "just aint right".......but at lease it wasn't on white bread with mayo!

@DaKahunaSorry you're wife was disappointed with the Udon noodles...but if she's from Japan (or really any country other than Italy).....chefs will interpret ethnic food with their own slant. You should see what I've encountered with "bagels". Just because it's round, with a hold in the middle....no, that doesn't make it a bagel.

You don't need a balcony....(unless you want privacy) There is a dedicated small elevator that takes you right up to the pool deck. From cabin to pool deck it was about 1 minute!

DH was completely against butler service....always, but age caught up with him (and I don't like being THE butler) so we tried YC. He loved it. Ours never invaded our space. You can opt to not use the butler for certain things (accompany you to the theatre, carry your own food to the table in the buffet etc.) but they really come in handy! As far as "formal dress",,,not at all. Some people may....not us. I wear "whateve" I have on....most likely capris and a t-shirt. There was always plenty of seating everywhere....even in the whirlpool. I wouldn't sail on MSC out of the YC!

@jimbo5544I love terryaki chicken and I love pizza...but I dont' want a mixed marriage! 🙂

My rule...be neat, be clean...and dress like a grown-up.

People are going to say they tip this one and that one $100/day and more. We tipped, but not extravagently...because MSC "encourages one NOT to tip". In general, we are low maintenance, but DH is not what he used to be and he needed the help. We actually felt guilty because we were not very generous. On the upcoming April cruise, assuming the service is just as good....they'll be getting more. I can't but a $$$ on it....it's what it's worth to you.

MSC is the best when it comes to pizza. I'd never bother with pizza on another ship. I'm an old NYer....I remember when pizza was pizza. Ever since the "little old Italian guy" on my corner retired I've had to compromise and make due with what millenials consider pizza.

@DaKahunaWhere do you live in NOVA? My son lives in Rosslyn, Arlingon...and his running clinic somewhere in NOVA was canceled.

The one thing to keep in mind about the YC Inside....minimal storage space. DH and I take one carry-on each...it's sufficient. But if you change clothing multiple times a day, or bring a lot of shoes...try to cut back. For $3200...YC is well worth it!

My TA gives me approx 10% discount.

@morpheusoftheseaforgot a few things! Yacht Club includes spa access. Yacht Club has breakfast/lunch buffets poolside. Yacht Club has pizza delivery...imho....best pizza ever (pizza snob here). Wifi/drinks included...no extra charge. I've never been in the Haven...but when you look at "what you get".....you'll get a lot more bang for your buck in YC.

Our first cruise on MSC was the Davina, in 2015. I told people that it was "like being in Italy, without having to fly there".

Jointly #2 and #3. There are people who expect "champagne service for the cost of beer". And...they expect the crew to be their servants. Many years ago, I was on a Carnival cruise, inside cabin. The people across the hall from me were complaining about the quality of the steak (included) and that it wasn't as good as "Blah blah blah Steakhouse". My response was, a good meal at Blah Blah's is probably about $XX. Your cabin (it was a 4 day cruise) for the enire trip, probably didn't cost that much more. So what did you expect?

Are they having the breakfast/lunch buffets by the pool deck?

@DaKahunaYour picture clearly shows the tub/shower combo. Is there also a walk-in shower?