MsTabbyKats

Perhaps I have a comprehension problem...but in the original post the OP said she had insurance and would be putting in a claim. I do understand her frustration....but if she's getting an insurance claim, what's the problem?

Yes...balcony is a waste of money. We've done that route almost annually for "a long long time"....and unless the price was very close and the cabin in a better location....OV is the way to go. I think you're going in May (?); if so, chances are you'll never use it.

I like low deck OV cabins....great view of the "angry ocean" in bad weather. Where are you going? I find that there is no need for a balcony if you're going to Canada or Bermuda....the sea day weather is not condusive for "sitting outdoors".

@elapel01Are you aware that those tubs have high sides....not easy to get in/out if your short, elderly or have mobility issues. I was all excited when I booked a "mini-suite" on the Gem because there was a tub. Never again..........

A few years ago I did (pre-pandemic or during the pandemic). It wasn't a smooth process. I don't remember the specifics but I recall forms to fill out and the cruise was ultimatey canceled...so that TA put in a lot of time for $0. The TA I use now won't do a transfer...much easier for him to book direct. There are travel agents who don't want to deal with MSC. However, there are some (like mine) who offer generous discounts or obc.

Something nobody mentions....even @morpheusofthesea (at least I never noticed it) is fresh squeezed oj in the morning. Maybe not a big deal for Floridians....but for us in the northeast, a real treat!

It's also half the price!

No drinks in the theatre.

Yes...and we are willing to pay more for YC!

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.