MSC Bargains Thread

[sidari]

Bea ... If you class having to climb over the bed to get to the side of it as being alright then i guess the upgrade to Outside is ok, for a person who is not that mobile then it would be a total inconvenience.

 

I think the term "not enough room to swing a cat" was derived from those cabins .... :)

[Skier52]

I hadn't considered that, Tim, although that may be because Glittergal didn't mention if she'd booked a guarantee - I was going on the assumption that she didn't - hence my response. Even Mairi (Amomondo), with the number of points she's accumulated, has said she has yet to experience "Best Category Upgrade" in all the time she's been at Black Card level despite it being a "benefit" of that tier. I wonder if that will change with the new "Experiences" pricings eg if you book Bella would MSC upgrade you to Fantastica? I must check that out when I'm onboard Fantasia next month as I reckon I'll attain Black next March :D

I was upgraded from Bella to Fantastica. in an OV cabin, on my cruise from UK to Cape Town on Opera last month. This was directly as a result of being a Black card holder, I know because I phoned up and requested the upgrade after the booking had been made

 

This was the best available upgrade as there were no balcony cabins or aurea OV available. I booked 10 days before departure.

 

Pete

 

So it can happen

[Beamafar]

I was upgraded from Bella to Fantastica. in an OV cabin, on my cruise from UK to Cape Town on Opera last month. This was directly as a result of being a Black card holder, I know because I phoned up and requested the upgrade after the booking had been made

 

This was the best available upgrade as there were no balcony cabins or aurea OV available. I booked 10 days before departure.

 

Pete

 

So it can happen

 

Pete ......delighted to hear that - it's great to hear some first-hand experience of benefits being applied. As I said in an earlier post, I'd wondered if Bella would be upgraded to Fantastica for Black Card holders - I'll certainly be keeping your experience in mind for future reference. That was some deal you got - fair play to you for grabbing it. I've just recently got a terrific one on Fantasia for the Dec 4 sailing - €360 (incl 10% discount) for Fantastica Balcony for 11 nights :D

 

Tim ........I understand what you're saying about being upgraded to a higher category cabin but staying on the same "Experience" - that would make sense. In my case I have, until now, always booked a balcony cabin so wouldn't be expecting a cabin upgrade.

 

When I do get to Black from next March I'll definitely be checking out booking Bella balcony with a view to getting the upgrade to Fantastica. Although my next booking after March is Yacht Club on Divina so it'll be some time before I get to benefit from having the Black Card (apart from the 100% discount on dinner for two in a speciality restaurant - Galaxy for me :))

[Beamafar]

Pete............could you tell me what the daily charges were on your repo? I believe there's been an increase in prices - I'm wondering what they are now. Had they applied the increase on your sailing?

 

I managed to prebook the Allegrissimo @ €23 just before it increased to €26 :D

[Skier52]

Pete............could you tell me what the daily charges were on your repo? I believe there's been an increase in prices - I'm wondering what they are now. Had they applied the increase on your sailing?

 

I managed to prebook the Allegrissimo @ €23 just before it increased to €26 :D

We were charged €6pppn; the new charges are €8.5 pppn for Grand voyages to S Africa according to the virtual brochure on the UK web site

 

 

pete

Edited November 11, 2014 by Skier52

[Skier52]

When I do get to Black from next March I'll definitely be checking out booking Bella balcony with a view to getting the upgrade to Fantastica. Although my next booking after March is Yacht Club on Divina so it'll be some time before I get to benefit from having the Black Card (apart from the 100% discount on dinner for two in a speciality restaurant - Galaxy for me :))

You should get the bottle of champagne (we got 2 as we're both black card holders, and it was Moet and Chandon) with the chocolate strawberries.

 

Pete

[Beamafar]

Thanks, Pete. The prices aren't shown on the Ireland website - they don't even quote the drinks package prices unless you already have a booking and are preordering :mad:

 

We were comped a dinner in the Galaxy on last sailing - THE maitreD' (I learned there is 1 mD' on the ship.....ooooh) arrived to our table with a bottle of Moet - I intend to replicate the experience next September, hopefully, with the 100% discount in the Galaxy and bring along the M&C for good measure :D

The chocolate strawberries we got last time too being in Yacht Club so, like I say, we'll already have most of the Black Card benefits built into the "Experience". Dinner with the Captain (or his officers - having danced with some of them I don't know that I'd enjoy dining with them!) will be something to look forward to.......maybe?

Edited November 11, 2014 by Beamafar

[Skier52]

Somewhere in the depths of MSC booking conditions it does state that if you are upgraded to a better cabin, normally associated with a 'higher' 'experience', you still get the experience that you booked.

 

To me, the experiences and MSC Club benefits are now at cross-purposes and the number of dimensions to consider when booking with MSC has gone beyond human comprehension. I have made the study of 'how to confuse a cat (or person)' a lifetime's work and MSC currently excel in this regard.

 

As for "Best Category Upgrade", I cannot see this as a benefit. MSC arbitrarily categorises otherwise identical cabins on higher decks higher. In the old days of liners, the best cabins were low and mid-ships to minimise movement. As I have a preference for the longer repos, I am not sure I would take too kindly to being moved higher in the ship for a long ocean passage as an 'upgrade'. Inside to outside or even balcony is fine but these are not 'within category' and so the MSC Club perk would not apply. It is a highly dubious perk and it appears that it has quietly been dropped in practice.

Here is the wording from the T&Cs of the MSC club benefits

 

Best category upgrade

(subject to availability): Black Card members receive the

That's slightly different to my what happened in my case. I was upgraded to a better "experience" in the same cabin type.

Pete

best category upgrade available with respect to the cabin and experience booked.

(e.g. if a Black Card member books an inside cabin, he or she will receive, subject to

availability, the highest category cabin of the same type and experience). Category

upgrades can only be requested on board, by contacting the Guest Relations Manager.

YC suites are excluded.

Edited November 11, 2014 by Skier52

[Beamafar]

That's slightly different to my what happened in my case. I was upgraded to a better "experience" in the same cabin type

 

...........and, therein lies the problem with dealing with MSC - they say one thing and mean another :rolleyes:

[Skier52]

...........and, therein lies the problem with dealing with MSC - they say one thing and mean another :rolleyes:

It actually makes no sense as they only have 4 catorgaries of cabin now ( inside, OV, Balcony and suite) and they have sub catogaries based on the experience

 

Inside- Bella or Fantastica

OV- Bella or Fantastica

Balcony- Bella. Fantastica or Aurea

Suite- Aurea only.

 

So how can you upgrade to a higher catagory within the same type of cabin?

 

They only upgrades possible are higher experience in the same type of cabin or higher type of cabin

 

 

Pete

Edited November 11, 2014 by Skier52

[sidari]

Pete ... I think Higher upgrade grade term means Higher up the ship !

[Skier52]

Pete ... I think Higher upgrade grade term means Higher up the ship !

That's an interesting take on "higher catagory"

[AmoMondo]

You should get the bottle of champagne (we got 2 as we're both black card holders, and it was Moet and Chandon) with the chocolate strawberries.

 

Pete

 

Those are my second favourite perk, my first is 20% discount! Another great perk when you are embarking at the chaotic mess that is Venice, is preferential luggage drop and check in. You flash your card and ignore all the glares as you sweep past the massive queue to drop off luggage and then are escorted upstairs to go straight to a counter to be checked in. Takes about 10 minutes tops, instead of an hour or more.

 

As for the upgrades, my problem is that I don't want to book a cabin I don't want in the hope I'll get the best available upgrade. My eternal hope is that one of these days they will upgrade me to YC when I book my usual balcony. Maybe I need to follow your example Nd phone them and ask for the upgrade.

Edited November 11, 2014 by AmoMondo

[Skier52]

Those are my second favourite perk, my first is 20% discount! Another great perk when you are embarking at the chaotic mess that is Venice, is preferential luggage drop and check in. You flash your card and ignore all the glares as you sweep past the massive queue to drop off luggage and then are escorted upstairs to go straight to a counter to be checked in. Takes about 10 minutes tops, instead of an hour or more.

 

As for the upgrades, my problem is that I don't want to book a cabin I don't want in the hope I'll get the best available upgrade. My eternal hope is that one of these days they will upgrade me to YC when I book my usual balcony. Maybe I need to follow your example Nd phone them and ask for the upgrade.

It's got to be worth a try, It worked for me, but I had to insist on talking to a supervisor and not just a sales rep.

 

After that I always got the supervisor talking to me on subsequent calls

 

Pete

Edited November 11, 2014 by Skier52

[GrandyMandy]

You should get the bottle of champagne (we got 2 as we're both black card holders, and it was Moet and Chandon) with the chocolate strawberries.

 

Pete

 

We were on the same cruise and also received the above plus priority embarkation/disembarkation, BMC coffee morning, visit to the galley, lunch with an officer inclusive of sparkly and wine, a very nice block of chocolate in the shape of the ship, fruit, personal invitations to the various outlets inclusive of sparkly whilst looking, towelling robes/slippers and excellent attention with follow up from the customer relations officer. Couldn't fault it.

 

Mandy.

 

Trust that Bedford survived the flight home !

Edited November 12, 2014 by GrandyMandy

[Skier52]

We were on the same cruise and also received the above plus priority embarkation/disembarkation, BMC coffee morning, visit to the galley, lunch with an officer inclusive of sparkly and wine, a very nice block of chocolate in the shape of the ship, fruit, personal invitations to the various outlets inclusive of sparkly whilst looking, towelling robes/slippers and excellent attention with follow up from the customer relations officer. Couldn't fault it.

 

Mandy.

 

Trust that Bedford survived the flight home !

We got all of the above , except the chocolate ship (which we saw being made on the galley tour) and like couldn't faultit.

 

Bedford is happy here in S Wales and looking forward to his next cruise on Sinfonia in a little over 2 weeks time.

 

Here's a photo of Bedford on the galley tour

 

 

 

 

 

Pete

[glittergal1]

hi all I booked inside guarantee bella experience simply because it was the cheapest so if I get an upgrade I will be thrilled , I was happy with the price paid anyway

[Babyeddiedog]

hi all I booked inside guarantee bella experience simply because it was the cheapest so if I get an upgrade I will be thrilled , I was happy with the price paid anyway

 

Me too! I booked a Med cruise on Splendida today leaving in a month. I was going to book it on Sunday but didn't, was gutted on Monday morning as the insides were all sold....Hey presto this morning the offer reappeared and I got a Fantastica rate. Didn't put it off a second time. :)

 

MSC.it seem to have some really good deals at the moment, especially if anyone is looking for 7 nights in Dubai with flights from Rome or Milan. Just a bit too much of a stretch for me this time, but I'm chuffed with what I've got

[glittergal1]

yes I had a similar experience I checked Saturday night and yes inside Bella available but I didnt book then I was waiting to see if my friend was booking , then Sunday afternoon it showed online that the inside Bella cabins were sold out so I gave MSC a call and was told yes all sold out so I thought on no I was too late and I decided not to book at all .

Then Monday I had a change of heart and I thought oh well I will book an ocean view it was not much more expensive anyway so I looked on line and hey presto the insides were available again!!!!!!!!!! odd in itself but tonight it wont let you book any as a solo cruiser!!!!!!!! Does this type of thing happen a lot with MSC? (Oh just to add I would have loved a balcony they were great value as was the outside but ive already got 2 holidays booked for next year so I needed the cheapest cabin option)

[AmoMondo]

yes I had a similar experience I checked Saturday night and yes inside Bella available but I didnt book then I was waiting to see if my friend was booking , then Sunday afternoon it showed online that the inside Bella cabins were sold out so I gave MSC a call and was told yes all sold out so I thought on no I was too late and I decided not to book at all .

Then Monday I had a change of heart and I thought oh well I will book an ocean view it was not much more expensive anyway so I looked on line and hey presto the insides were available again!!!!!!!!!! odd in itself but tonight it wont let you book any as a solo cruiser!!!!!!!! Does this type of thing happen a lot with MSC? (Oh just to add I would have loved a balcony they were great value as was the outside but ive already got 2 holidays booked for next year so I needed the cheapest cabin option)

 

This sort of thing is typical from MSC. It's not like booking an airline seat where anyone from any country can book what is left. Instead MSC apparently carve the cabins up and give allocations to different countries, so what may be sold out or not ven yet on sale in the UK is available elsewhere and vice versa. Then add the complication of being solo to the mix. It used to not matter. If a cabin were available, a solo could book and depending on popularity of said cruise, they would charge (or not) a solo supplement. Now they also appear to ration number of solo bookings they will accept (Costa have been doing this in the UK for years).

 

It seems that as a solo, if you see something you like at a proce you like and it's available, book it! Then again you cN gamble, particularly if time off is fairly flexible, as the position may well change again!

 

You'd go mad trying to work out the formula they Pply (assuming of course there is some formula being logically applied!)

[Thompsolonian]

If you are in the military, there are lower rates available.

 

They are not posted on their site, but my TA was able to get me a REALLY nice fare on the Balcony of the Divina. All i had to do was supply some documentation through my TA who then worked out a deal with MSC.

 

It is worth trying. If you are setting it up yourself, it may take calling them to book under the military rates.

 

Hope this helps! I got a really good Bargain with that!

Edited November 13, 2014 by Thompsolonian

[anniegb]

Hi All

 

Received an email from an on-line UK TA for above cruise.

 

Price for solo cabin(no category listed) including flights £399. (BA ex LHR or Jet2 ex MAN)

 

Annie

Edited November 19, 2014 by anniegb

[Beamafar]

Hi All

 

Received an email from an on-line UK TA for above cruise.

 

Price for solo cabin(no category listed) including flights £399. (BA ex LHR or Jet2 ex MAN)

 

Annie

 

They seem to be having a hard time selling this itinerary for the winter months. There are some great offers over a number of different sailings on Armonia for December and January.

[anniegb]

They seem to be having a hard time selling this itinerary for the winter months. There are some great offers over a number of different sailings on Armonia for December and January.

 

Agreed. It will be interesting to see if price drops further but it is such a boring itinerary - JMO.

 

Annie

[maryann2]

They seem to be having a hard time selling this itinerary for the winter months. There are some great offers over a number of different sailings on Armonia for December and January.

Early December is a slow season for all the cruise lines but surprised still low for January.