dbrown84

I'm getting ready for my first MSC cruise next month. Looking forward to it. One thing I've noticed which is strange to me is that the ocean view cabins have been sold out for the last month, while there are still balconies and suites available. Is this normal, or just a one time quirk? Is there something nice about the OV cabins that make them more desirable? I'm booked into an ocean view guarantee which hasn't been assigned yet. I'm starting to wonder if I'll be upgraded if all the OV really are sold out

it does not require such an ID. And I was pointing out that you don't need an enhanced ID as you posted earlier. Especially since most folks can't even get an enhanced ID

this is not true. A government issued ID is all you need. You're the one putting out false information, which doesn't matter much at this point since the OP's cruise leaves today

it doesn't have to be an enhanced DL. Only 5 states give out enhanced driver's licenses

the trip in 22 was probably when Taino Bay was closed down from the Escape damage. At that time, NCL was docking at Amber cove when it could, or skipping the port all together

I'm also $25 per day, which generally translates to a minimum bid upgrade. I won a bid from inside to balcony one for a minimum bid ($150 total). After winning the bid, I began to have concerns that the cabin wouldn't be dark enough for me when I sleep. that actually was not much of an issue as they curtains blocked out the sun pretty good. But I think I stepped out on the balcony maybe three times the whole cruise.

you have to do it onboard. if you book before the cruise, the credit is removed from the price up front, so there is nothin to refund to your account

I see you can book wave runners at Ocean caye, but you only pick the day, not the time. I'm making the assumption you pick a time when you show up, which is cool. Anyone know the hours it's open? I'd be interested to know if it's open later when the ship is docked overnight.

Look for any available excursions that cost $50 or less, and book them once onboard. No need to actually go on the excursion. At the end of the night, you'll receive the excursion credit ($50 max), and it will be refundable. This is a way of "washing) your OBC. It works great for me, but I'm only converting the $100 shareholder credit, so I only have to find two or three excursions.

Are you sure the OBC from your ta is not already refundable?

Does MSC sell beer buckets, especially on the Seashore?

I 2nd this. I've never made reservations. I just walk up, and the longest time I've ever waited was 15 minutes, but it's usually less than 5 minutes. this is after 9 cruises

have you sailed since American Diner became complimentary? a lot more people go there now

so glad I found this post. It never occurred to me that I should let someone know if I'm not coming to dinner. But my upcoming MSC cruise will be my first with assigned dining. Although I'm going to have the same problem of not only not knowing tonight what I'm going to do tomorrow for dinner, I probably won't actually make the decision until the last minute. Freestyle dinning has spoiled me 🙂

yes

Hello. Has anyone here ever wire transferred money to MSC and having them wire it back to you at the end of the cruise? I don't see any reference to them accepting wire transfers on their website. Alternatively, is there a spot to visit customs agents on embarkation day so that I can properly declare cash that I'm carrying?

yes, "lovely" wasn't meant to refer to the servers look here. But let's not act like attractiveness doesn't play a part in tipping. I'm not saying whether it's right or wrong, but it is what it is.

well at least it looks like it's a full ship charter as NCL doesn't this sailing on it's website. Imagine the surprise if you boarded not knowing a good portion of the folks would be doing the full Monty

are you traveling solo? I ask because I've seen where they quote you 20%, but it really means 10% per passenger, assuming two passengers. So when you book solo, you only get 10%. Also, if you happen to be diamond with Caesars rewards, you get 20% (30% if 7 Stars)

group booking have specific rules to them, just as we've seen here. I saw one yesterday that made it mandatory to pre-pay the service charges. I've seen post about group bookings that don't offer FAS at all. so, whenever it's a group booking, the normal rules are thrown out the window.

fried rice station......that sounds interesting

Interesting. I'm taking my first MSC cruise in June. Maybe I'll get lucky and receive an upgrade. I'm currently booked in a Bella OV

You can either go to the bar and use their cutter, or borrow it, and a torch lighter, from the server working the lounge. And there will be plenty of others there. You can borrow cutters and lighters from others

Yes, you will. You may be several decks above or below the deck with the lounge if that matters to you

NCL may not be alone, but it's still a recent change and they could have done a much better job of letting people know. They are about the only line that I've heard that charges the admin fee for their bookings. And I agree she could have picked up the tab for the one drink as a courtesy. I've only ever sailed NCL (for 12 years) and the free drinks were a big draw. I now have a MSC cruise booked in June and I'm doing a Carnival in November. They both offer free drinks in the casino. MSC is really inviting because they're not charging port fees and taxes. Now, I'm not saying that I've given up on NCL just yet, but their decisions has at least open the door for the competition