MsTabbyKats

7 minutes ago, KforKitty said:

Their interpretation could be 1-5 days prior to embarkation day meaning that the day of embarkation is excluded (day 0).  This is what happened in KimPossible’s scenario.  You could notify them on day 0 but the positive test would need to have been between the day before embarkation or up to date 5 prior.

 

Catherine

 

Correct....according to my interpretation.

@DCGuy64 OP did not satisfy the terms...because the covid test was "day of"....not within 5 days prior.

@DCGuy64

The way I interpret:

You must test positive within 5 days prior to sailing....and inform them by noon of sailing:

I am sailing on 4/7.  I must have a positive test from 4/2 to 4/6.  I must inform them by noon of 4/7.

@Homosassa  From page 6 of T&C

To qualify for the future cruise credit or refund, you must notify the Company via telephone at 877-665-4655 within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the test result and no later than noon on the date of embarkation

I found something:

If you test positive for COVID-19 within five (5) days prior to embarkation, you may elect to cancel your Booking. In that event, you, and anyone else in your travelling party who cancels their Booking due to your positive COVID-19 test result, will be entitled to a refund or future cruise credit equal in value to the amount Passenger paid to the Carrier. 

This is on Page 6 of T&C.  It says test positive 5 days prior to embarkation.  The OPs sister tested positive the morning of embarkation, not within the 5 days prior period.

20 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

Wait, I don't even get this section!

 

We acknowledge that you followed the proper procedures and contacted us within the required timeframe due to your illness, and we appreciate your diligence in doing so.
Your request for a refund has been denied, we consider this case as closed.

 

How can they acknowledge that you followed the proper procedure, but still deny your claim?!?!?!?

I feel like you almost HAVE to take legal action now!

I don't get that either....but legal action is "time and money".  If she gets money from insurance, there's no legal action.  She'll "be made whole".

2 hours ago, Lupush said:

Seems to me that filing a claim with the insurance company is the easiest path.  Provided of course that COVID is covered under the policy you bought.  If you go the legal route it will take years and there's no guarantee you'll get your money back.

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?

4 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

It's a CA & NE sailing which is exactly why we were considering an OV versus our normal balcony.

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!

7 hours ago, Morgsmom said:

 

 

Yes, believe everything you read about not having enough storage space in a YC inside cabin. It’s half a closet and half as many shelves.  Very poorly designed.  (And, no, we didn’t overpack)  Unfortunately and much to my chagrin there were no Pringles, nor Toblerone, nor mixed nuts, nor anything in the cabin.  Ok, I think, it’s the first day, maybe they have not gotten their allotment yet….

 

 

 

It's also half the price!

16 minutes ago, dbrown84 said:

you're not allowed to drink at the shows on MSC?  Sorry if this is well known.  I'm planning my first MSC cruise

No drinks in the theatre.

2 hours ago, mvh said:

Respectfully couldn't disagree more, it's still just a cruise. So many better options than seeing the same boring things. Especially the Caribbean. You get what you pay for imho.

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

8 hours ago, Linda W. said:

I am in LOVE with the Yacht Club that now I would never book anything but the YC on MSC!!  Also having a problem thinking about any other cruise line that would offer anything close to this!  Simply the best!  It's like a four seasons resort only better!

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.

1 hour ago, shipgeeks said:

 

One of the things we liked The Most was the passenger makeup, with Americans in the minority; it just felt more like being away on vacation rather than close to home with people just like us.  So much easier than having to fly to Italy.

And we are probably older than you; both of us sometimes use canes....and we would still book Bella and cruise with the masses.

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!  

7 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Every single one of my MSC cruises has been outside the YC and I have still had great cruises and see no need to shell out the extra cash....

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.

32 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

We aren't beach people, so not being able to go to the beach or swim in the ocean isn't a concern for us. I did look up the average high in May for Bermuda and it is 73 degrees, so definitely not beach weather. Especially factoring in that we would be going in early May. Rough seas never bother me. I have taken non-drowsy Dramamine every morning of every cruise I have ever been on and I have been through some rough seas to/from Bermuda before. Honestly, I would be perfectly content to do the Meraviglia itinerary to CA & NE again, despite having just done it in September, but my husband doesn't love the ship as much as I do and we already have the Meraviglia booked for October and January, so asking him to do it in May is probably a bridge too far.

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!

39 minutes ago, George C said:

I believe it did have mayo

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.

1 hour ago, George C said:

I moved from New York City to Dallas in 1982 , it was impossible to find a real bagel , once ordered a pastrami on rye , it was cold and had tomato and lettuce on it . Luckily things have improved.

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.

On 2/20/2024 at 8:09 AM, Guest jbme203 said:

Thanks, I'm wondering if I should put in a bid for the cheapest interior yc but I'd give up a balcony so I'm not sure if it is worth it and the quieter pool area is a main draw.  

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!